Viking Supporters Co-operative
Viking Chat => Viking Chat => Topic started by: TheDoncasterRover on July 15, 2025, 11:04:29 pm
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Who do we think will be the starting XI at the start of the season? There’s a lot of competition for places.
I think the below looks good, what does everyone else think?
TLT
Maxwell
McGrath
Pearson
Sterry
Bailey
Broadbent
Clifton
Middleton
Hanlan
Mols
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Think it's going to be very difficult for any of us to pick a starting 11.
The team above looks good but then you think about the players left out.
At the minute only three players are probably guaranteed a start for me that's, TLT, Bailey and Mols.
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Surely won't be McGrath, Grant says he's a bit behind the rest due to recovering from injury.
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When you start considering the starting 11, on the face of it we have a good squad.
Would expect jay wont start first game, but still 2/3 weeks away so lots of things could happen before then.
Just wonder if all the centre backs perform well, at Grant will consider playing a three at the back given how good sterry and maxwell are when they get more involved in midfield and going forward.
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TLT
Maxwell
Grehan
O’Riordan
Sterry
Bailey
Broadbent
Gotts
Ajayi
Hanlan
Mols
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Surely won't be McGrath, Grant says he's a bit behind the rest due to recovering from injury.
However, if you listen to McGrath’s interview, he’s ahead of schedule and hopes to get minutes in pre-season. (Only 2 games left for that to happen.)
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Who do we think will be the starting XI at the start of the season? There’s a lot of competition for places.
I think the below looks good, what does everyone else think?
TLT
Maxwell
McGrath
Pearson
Sterry
Bailey
Broadbent
Clifton
Middleton
Hanlan
Mols
That midfield struggled for large parts of last season and looks the weakest area for me, I’m sure that Gotts will come in though. I’d agree with the rest of the team other than possibly the centre halves, could be any permutation really.
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Difficult at this stage to fathom which areas our attacking new boys will fit in.
I thought Middleton was a left sided attacker and would challenge Gibson for his spot? Not sure now as he mainly appeared to be right side v Gatedhead? I really think he'll add alot of value to our set pieces and could be a better finisher.
Ajayi mainly right side, but can he play the no 10 role? Again looks a decent finisher but competition from Clifton and Sbarra. Clifton was very effective in that more advanced midfield role, leading the press and contributing some vital goals.
Gotts. Not sure what his strengths are but is he a more workmanlike player similar to Clifton or Bailey?
Hanlan, likely to be our starting no 9?
Looks like we've got some exciting options so I guess, similar to last season, it might take sometime before we find the right blends.
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Pretty clear he is going to pick the follow XI for Exeter. Assume if Grehan isn’t absolutely nailing it then McGrath comes back in when he is back fit.
TLT
Maxwell
Grehan
Pearson
Sterry
Bailey
Broadbent
Gotts
Gibson
Hanlan
Molyneux
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Think it's going to be very difficult for any of us to pick a starting 11.
The team above looks good but then you think about the players left out.
At the minute only three players are probably guaranteed a start for me that's, TLT, Bailey and Mols.
Isn't Sterry more or less guaranteed a spot
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Think it's going to be very difficult for any of us to pick a starting 11.
The team above looks good but then you think about the players left out.
At the minute only three players are probably guaranteed a start for me that's, TLT, Bailey and Mols.
Isn't Sterry more or less guaranteed a spot
Definitely
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Pretty clear he is going to pick the follow XI for Exeter. Assume if Grehan isn’t absolutely nailing it then McGrath comes back in when he is back fit.
TLT
Maxwell
Grehan
Pearson
Sterry
Bailey
Broadbent
Gotts
Gibson
Hanlan
Molyneux
That looks a likely line up for me too CB.
5 ‘newbies’ in with a strong 6 from last season.
Gibbo is having a good close season to date, so I feel Middleton may have to wait for a place in the starting line up, but what a strong bench we’ll have to ‘mix things up’ if & when necessary.
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Do you have Hanlan or Ajayi up front? Or both? The young lad seems to be ready for a start.
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I have only seen a few clips of Ajayi playing but I have a feeling that he will be sensational in L1.
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TLT
Sterry O’Riordan Declan. Maxwell
Broadbent
Bailey Ayjai
Molyneux Hanlan Gibson
Subs L , MP, HC, GM , BS , JS
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TLT
Sterry O’Riordan Declan. Maxwell
Broadbent
Bailey Ayjai
Molyneux Hanlan Gibson
Subs L , MP, HC, GM , BS , JS
Declan, Brian? Do you mean Grehan?
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I'm going to stick my neck out and go with the following, as I think it'll be touch and go for McGrath.
TLT
Sterry
O'Riordon
Bailey
Maxwell
Broadbent
Gotts
Clifton
Molyneux
Hanlan
Middleton
Our strong North East right flank, to be balanced by our Flying Scotsmen left flank.
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Anyone else noticed on the Gateshead video how tall O'Riordan is could be a threat from corners
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Thanks Rob .. Grehan yes !
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Read something from Spurs earlier about Ajayi and how they expect big things from him.
There was a quote that said, not verbatim, the loan was selected as he is expected to start all or most games.
I think it may be him and Middleton as front runners at the minute given Molys lack of pre season minutes and Gibsons Gibson-isms.
That said - look at last preseason, Hurst ripped it up, then didn't seem to get the chance to carry it on, starting 1 league game from memory then dropped?
I'm a bit worried over Moly and Sterrys minutes (more so sterry) so hopefully they will get out next couple friendlies.
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TLT
Sterry Pearson Grehan Maxwell
Bailey Broadbent
Molyneux Ajayi Gibson
Hamlin
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TLT
Sterry Pearson Grehan Maxwell
Bailey Broadbent
Molyneux Ajayi Gibson
Hamlin
*Hanlan
That’s something like the team I would start.
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Am I right in thinking that Ajayi has shone when playing on the right? I know Grant says he can play across the front but is he as impactive? I think the 10 will likely be one of Clifton, Gotts or Sbarra. Moly and Damola sharing the right and Gibson and Middleton battling out for the left.
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Am I right in thinking that Ajayi has shone when playing on the right? I know Grant says he can play across the front but is he as impactive? I think the 10 will likely be one of Clifton, Gotts or Sbarra. Moly and Damola sharing the right and Gibson and Middleton battling out for the left.
Yes, I'm thinking the same, Ajayi seems predominantly right sided and also wondered whether the no 10 role would suit him. He's not an out and out striker but difficult to assess his full range this early. I remember being quite excited about Yeboah this time last pre season.
On Middleton, he looks like he can cross and finish equally well with left or right foot as well as set piece delivery, which I think will give him the nod over Gibson. Either that, or yet another contender for No 10
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I just think we'll see a less technical player as the 10. Hounding players down and pressing, arriving late into the box. If we have 4 good wingers as well the opposition doesn't get any rest.
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Am I right in thinking that Ajayi has shone when playing on the right? I know Grant says he can play across the front but is he as impactive? I think the 10 will likely be one of Clifton, Gotts or Sbarra. Moly and Damola sharing the right and Gibson and Middleton battling out for the left.
Yes, I'm thinking the same, Ajayi seems predominantly right sided and also wondered whether the no 10 role would suit him. He's not an out and out striker but difficult to assess his full range this early. I remember being quite excited about Yeboah this time last pre season.
On Middleton, he looks like he can cross and finish equally well with left or right foot as well as set piece delivery, which I think will give him the nod over Gibson. Either that, or yet another contender for No 10
Grant prefers a grafter in that advanced midfield role doesn’t he, realistically Clifton likely to play there but I would say, a lot of the young Prem attacking players are very good at pressing. Maybe Ajayi could offer that pressing intensity and add more quality in that area. He is really a right winger though.
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Am I right in thinking that Ajayi has shone when playing on the right? I know Grant says he can play across the front but is he as impactive? I think the 10 will likely be one of Clifton, Gotts or Sbarra. Moly and Damola sharing the right and Gibson and Middleton battling out for the left.
if we’re reduced to starting Clifton or Sbarra in League 1 then we’re in bother from the off. Nowhere near good enough.
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TLT
Sterry Pearson Grehan Maxwell
Bailey Broadbent
Molyneux Ajayi Gibson
Hamlin
This is 11 is not strong enough in the middle, either Ajayi or Gibson will not be in there.
Still a couple of weeks away, so still too early to predict who will have come through preseason well, but would think Gotts, Middleton, Clifton would be the options with Gotts being favoured.
*Hanlan
That’s something like the team I would start.
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Five new players in that team that have only been watched playing against non league sides who play two, three, and four levels below the level we are at this season.
The next two games starting with todays match should give a better idea of where we are at, and if the new lads are all that.
When you look at Peterborough's result at Peterborough Sport compared with ours it's not good optics to get carried away with.
We have lost Street, Anderson, Olowu, and a keeper who were four of our stand out players over last season plus Crew who finished the season well, only time will tell if we are as strong as we were at the end of last season which is the standard we will have to match to be even safe at this higher standard.
Only in the last period of last season did some of the players we signed last season such as Sbarra and Gibson start to become the players we hoped they were when we signed them, the same with the keeper who improved dramatically and Crew who took time to settle in.
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Surely we cant be considering Gibson for a start?
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Five new players in that team that have only been watched playing against non league sides who play two, three, and four levels below the level we are at this season.
The next two games starting with todays match should give a better idea of where we are at, and if the new lads are all that.
When you look at Peterborough's result at Peterborough Sport compared with ours it's not good optics to get carried away with.
We have lost Street, Anderson, Olowu, and a keeper who were four of our stand out players over last season plus Crew who finished the season well, only time will tell if we are as strong as we were at the end of last season which is the standard we will have to match to be even safe at this higher standard.
Only in the last period of last season did some of the players we signed last season such as Sbarra and Gibson start to become the players we hoped they were when we signed them, the same with the keeper who improved dramatically and Crew who took time to settle in.
Agree. I think the big question marks are with the central defense and how they operate as a back 5 including keeper. How well they play whoever is selected will play a big part in how Sterry and Maxwell can trust them and get forward.
By the looks, we've got options in midfield which makes me think Bailey will play CB to set the standard in that first game at least. We finished strongly because he held things together well at the back, giving us the platform for the attacking players to do their stuff. Possibly Grehan might fulfill that role as he settles in, alongside McGrath or Pearson or O'Riordon providing the aerial defense. Then of course it's managing the transitions, converting defense into attack which has been our main strength. McCann will want us to be relentless, which we'll need to be against teams who play a similar high tempo.
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Surely we cant be considering Gibson for a start?
Fairly sure he will surprise some people this season. He was good last season.
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He’ll surprise me if he starts!
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Leave it to GM. He knows more than any of us.
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Thing is, it's good competition. Even if he doesn't start, not a bad option to bring on from the bench.
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After this weeks results from the squadGM will have some difficult decisions to make against first Blackpool preseason game then Exeter.
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https://youtu.be/uIF97VNo17Q?si=kEo5qWgHr0nzAl_-
Good indication in today's post match what he wants to see next week v Blackpool. It should be competitive as it was v Middlesbrough last pre season.
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Anyone want to change their minds after seeing the Blackpool game?
I had Bailey at the back with Gotts in midfield but as McGrath now looks fit, I would definitely but Bailey back into midfield. Still not sure on the best CB combo and I'd be happy with O'Riordom but I'll put McGrath alongside Pearson.
TLT.
Sterry, Pearson, McGrath, Maxwell
Broadbent, Bailey, Clifton
Moly, Hanlan, Middleton.
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I’d go with that with just a slight concern over McGrath being rushed back. On that basis, O’Riordan may just have the edge.
Midfield is still a problem, imho, but right now I think you’ve selected the most ‘in form’ lads.
Strange that Ironside didn’t get any minutes, as GM’s style requires someone like a Hanlan/Ironside man down the middle (ideally Street, of course).
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Pretty clear he is going to pick the follow XI for Exeter. Assume if Grehan isn’t absolutely nailing it then McGrath comes back in when he is back fit.
TLT
Maxwell
Grehan
Pearson
Sterry
Bailey
Broadbent
Gotts
Gibson
Hanlan
Molyneux
That looks a likely line up for me too CB.
5 ‘newbies’ in with a strong 6 from last season.
Gibbo is having a good close season to date, so I feel Middleton may have to wait for a place in the starting line up, but what a strong bench we’ll have to ‘mix things up’ if & when necessary.
I’d now swap Grehan for McGrath, Gotts for Clifton & perhaps Middleton for Gibson although I wouldn’t be disappointed if we started with Gibbo.
I like TLT but I feel we’re going to miss TSL’s distribution this season to give us that option from playing it out from the back.
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I’d go with that with just a slight concern over McGrath being rushed back. On that basis, O’Riordan may just have the edge.
Midfield is still a problem, imho, but right now I think you’ve selected the most ‘in form’ lads.
Strange that Ironside didn’t get any minutes, as GM’s style requires someone like a Hanlan/Ironside man down the middle (ideally Street, of course).
Agree. The general movement in midfield wasn't up to scratch. They all should be constantly moving to find space and anticipating but too much ball watching. After those first 20 mins, Broadbent , the centre half's and full backs were having to play 30 yard passes, instead of 20 which of course, leaves us vulnerable to interceptions. Not particularly different to last season when it takes time to build up that understanding and best combinations. A bit of an improvement second half though so we've just got to be patient.
Yes, wonder if we'll see some movement this week with Ironside and Westbrooke not being given any minutes?
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Connor O’Riordon gave a good account of himself too against a big physical team that Blackpool are.
He’ll be pressing hard for a starting berth on his first half showing.
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Whilst we concern ourselves with the best eleven Grant concerns himself with the squad and squad togetherness .
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Whilst we concern ourselves with the best eleven Grant concerns himself with the squad and squad togetherness .
Isn’t it a natural thing for supporters to do, pick who they’d like to see?
It doesn’t mean we’re saying we know better than the manager, it’s ‘idling the time away’ until kick off is all.
If Grant started with Bailey in the back four, a midfield of Close, Clifton & Broadbent, Molyneaux on the left & Gibson on the right with Joe Ironside up front my first thought as they lined up would be “Well, this’ll be interesting”, not “GM’s lost the plot here”.
He manages the squad yes, obviously.
He also chooses the starting XI & deploys the tactics to win games….that we don’t do, thank gawd.
Nothing wrong with the OP. It’s not a sleight on the manager just a topic for discussion is all.
Breathe deeper & slower.
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Anyone want to change their minds after seeing the Blackpool game?
I had Bailey at the back with Gotts in midfield but as McGrath now looks fit, I would definitely but Bailey back into midfield. Still not sure on the best CB combo and I'd be happy with O'Riordom but I'll put McGrath alongside Pearson.
TLT.
Sterry, Pearson, McGrath, Maxwell
Broadbent, Bailey, Clifton
Moly, Hanlan, Middleton.
I thought the game passed Gotts by yesterday.
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Maybe trying too hard to impress? Clifton looked better after he came on, but he’s had a full season with us.
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I was watching Gotts & he didn’t impress on that showing I’m disappointed to say.
It’s ok saying he’ll need time to understand his role but Middleton didn’t seem to when he came on.
There’s no hiding place out there on that pitch. What you see is what you get….usually.
It’s one pre-season game so let’s see if Grant picks him again to start, after all he sees him everyday in training. We don’t have that ‘luxury’.
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A bit controversial maybe but I would go with:
Ronaldo (TLT)
Back 3 of Pearson, Bailey and Mc'Grath with Sterry and Maxwell as fullbacks
Midfield of Moly, Broadbent and Middleton
Hanlon and Ajayi up front.
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A bit controversial maybe but I would go with:
Ronaldo (TLT)
Back 3 of Pearson, Bailey and Mc'Grath with Sterry and Maxwell as fullbacks
Midfield of Moly, Broadbent and Middleton
Hanlon and Ajayi up front.
One midfielder?
Wow.
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A bit controversial maybe but I would go with:
Ronaldo (TLT)
Back 3 of Pearson, Bailey and Mc'Grath with Sterry and Maxwell as fullbacks
Midfield of Moly, Broadbent and Middleton
Hanlon and Ajayi up front.
I was thinking on Saturday that a change in system may be what ends up happening pretty quickly after the start of the season.
I just don’t like what happens in midfield for us. I didn’t like it last season and I don’t see where we improve in that area this season. A change in shape may force that.
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A bit controversial maybe but I would go with:
Ronaldo (TLT)
Back 3 of Pearson, Bailey and Mc'Grath with Sterry and Maxwell as fullbacks
Midfield of Moly, Broadbent and Middleton
Hanlon and Ajayi up front.
One midfielder?
Wow.
4 strikers?
Wow.
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I think GM will go with this…
TLT
Sterry
O’Riordan
Pearson
Maxwell
Bailey
Broadbent
Clifton
Mols
Middleton
Hanlon
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I think GM will go with this…
TLT
Sterry
O’Riordan
Pearson
Maxwell
Bailey
Broadbent
Clifton
Mols
Middleton
Hanlon
Agree with this.
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What’s everyone’s thoughts on Pearson? For me he looks quite a way behind the other 3. I think the pairing we will end up with long term is McGrath and Grehan.
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What’s everyone’s thoughts on Pearson? For me he looks quite a way behind the other 3. I think the pairing we will end up with long term is McGrath and Grehan.
He’s a box defender isn’t he. Saw him in the Championship and he was ok but looks like he’s a couple of yards slower now. Didn’t do Woody any harm not being able to run. Hopefully he can still do a job. I’d start him and Grehan.
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Grehan?
Not on yesterdays performance
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What’s everyone’s thoughts on Pearson? For me he looks quite a way behind the other 3. I think the pairing we will end up with long term is McGrath and Grehan.
He’s a box defender isn’t he. Saw him in the Championship and he was ok but looks like he’s a couple of yards slower now. Didn’t do Woody any harm not being able to run. Hopefully he can still do a job. I’d start him and Grehan.
Grehan was wearing #27 against Blackpool? Are we talking about the same player I saw in that number?
On Saturday’s performance I would play O’Riordan in place of #27.
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What’s everyone’s thoughts on Pearson? For me he looks quite a way behind the other 3. I think the pairing we will end up with long term is McGrath and Grehan.
He’s a box defender isn’t he. Saw him in the Championship and he was ok but looks like he’s a couple of yards slower now. Didn’t do Woody any harm not being able to run. Hopefully he can still do a job. I’d start him and Grehan.
Grehan was wearing #27 against Blackpool? Are we talking about the same player I saw in that number?
On Saturday’s performance I would play O’Riordan in place of #27.
Did you watch him in the MK game when he was superb?
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What’s everyone’s thoughts on Pearson? For me he looks quite a way behind the other 3. I think the pairing we will end up with long term is McGrath and Grehan.
He’s a box defender isn’t he. Saw him in the Championship and he was ok but looks like he’s a couple of yards slower now. Didn’t do Woody any harm not being able to run. Hopefully he can still do a job. I’d start him and Grehan.
Grehan was wearing #27 against Blackpool? Are we talking about the same player I saw in that number?
On Saturday’s performance I would play O’Riordan in place of #27.
Did you watch him in the MK game when he was superb?
Nope.
We played two MK Dons sides that day, was he playing against the MK Dons XI that will kick off their season in league 2?
How did Gotts do?
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What’s everyone’s thoughts on Pearson? For me he looks quite a way behind the other 3. I think the pairing we will end up with long term is McGrath and Grehan.
He’s a box defender isn’t he. Saw him in the Championship and he was ok but looks like he’s a couple of yards slower now. Didn’t do Woody any harm not being able to run. Hopefully he can still do a job. I’d start him and Grehan.
Grehan was wearing #27 against Blackpool? Are we talking about the same player I saw in that number?
On Saturday’s performance I would play O’Riordan in place of #27.
Did you watch him in the MK game when he was superb?
I didn't go to MKD, but he certainly wasn't superb on Saturday.
What did you think of his prrformance against Blackpool?
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What’s everyone’s thoughts on Pearson? For me he looks quite a way behind the other 3. I think the pairing we will end up with long term is McGrath and Grehan.
He’s a box defender isn’t he. Saw him in the Championship and he was ok but looks like he’s a couple of yards slower now. Didn’t do Woody any harm not being able to run. Hopefully he can still do a job. I’d start him and Grehan.
Yeah, odd McCanns interview made him sound more aggressive than what he is.