Let's talk about the Shrewsbury Town game

[selby]

  Always tough opposition to play against, with a knack of mostly without spending lots of money building very competitive teams. over the last few seasons they have appeared at Wembley on a couple of occasions in cup and play off finals, and again have a game on Saturday v Bristol City after reaching the third round once again.
  Rickets their manager has revitalised  their side after it was plundered by more attractive sides a couple of seasons ago, and like ourselves, and  quite a number of sides, are in a position where a good run between now and the end of the season could see them once again in a play off position, while once again being underestimated  by many supporters of other clubs.
  Our dogged display yesterday, the great win at Peterborough, and although losing to an on song Sunderland side, I thought we were not that poor, gives me hope that we are getting somewhere near to our best.
  Certainly I would stick  to the same team as yesterday injury allowing of course, while also hoping that if by Tuesday, if we have not signed anyone, there is the likelihood of us doing so and improving our squad quality and depth.
  Taylor maybe a worry, Hopefully not. Thomas coming in and Ennis moving wide could be an option, or giving Watters a full debut.
   The attendance after a holiday period could will be interesting, travelling mid week in January not helpful to away fans either.
   Lot's to discuss about this game, please have your say.

[Jonathan]

I feel like a broken record, but Thomas coming in for Ennis cannot be an option. Hopefully Ennis benefits from the free weekend and is ready to go again on Tuesday, perhaps with a new addition to compete with him.

A number of players looked to be battling through wear and tear yesterday. Taylor, Coppinger, Whiteman and Sadlier all appeared to be feeling strains at different times. It’s a demanding schedule.

Hopefully we can go again with the same eleven on Tuesday.

[NickDRFC]

It would only be worth making a change if Moore feels one of yesterday’s starters isn’t up to playing 60+ minutes. We got a great win yesterday and our best chance of continuing with that momentum is to play our strongest side.

If we sign anyone over the next couple of days you could make a case for their inclusion but even then I’d be tempted to use them from the bench given they’d have had at best 2-3 training sessions.

[adamtherover]

  Always tough opposition to play against, with a knack of mostly without spending lots of money building very competitive teams. over the last few seasons they have appeared at Wembley on a couple of occasions in cup and play off finals, and again have a game on Saturday v Bristol City after reaching the third round once again.
  Rickets their manager has revitalised  their side after it was plundered by more attractive sides a couple of seasons ago, and like ourselves, and  quite a number of sides, are in a position where a good run between now and the end of the season could see them once again in a play off position, while once again being underestimated  by many supporters of other clubs.
  Our dogged display yesterday, the great win at Peterborough, and although losing to an on song Sunderland side, I thought we were not that poor, gives me hope that we are getting somewhere near to our best.
  Certainly I would stick  to the same team as yesterday injury allowing of course, while also hoping that if by Tuesday, if we have not signed anyone, there is the likelihood of us doing so and improving our squad quality and depth.
  Taylor maybe a worry, Hopefully not. Thomas coming in and Ennis moving wide could be an option, or giving Watters a full debut.
   The attendance after a holiday period could will be interesting, travelling mid week in January not helpful to away fans either.
   Lot's to discuss about this game, please have your say.

watter for thomas every day of the week, he looked lively and actually bothered about receiving the ball.  I just hope DM used the game as a reason for thomas to say his goodbyes.....

[Alan Southstand]

No more Thomas, please. We need a new striker in for next Tuesday and then we can move Ennis, but not before. Further, I hope Bingham has already left the building, in my opinion, both are woefully short of the standard of front player we so desperately need.

Without anymore incomings, it’s to be hoped that the players are in good enough shape to continue, by next Tuesday, otherwise it’ll be a struggle.

Shrewsbury do not concede many goals - they don’t score many either, so it’s anybody’s guess what could happen.

[IDM]

Unless players are injured, 6 days is a decent rest period..

[NickDRFC]

Just had a look and Shrewsbury's away record is pretty reasonable - only 3 defeats in 11 games (although only 3 wins). As Alan says, they don't score or concede many goals - 7 scored and 9 conceded.

[MachoMadness]

I can tolerate Thomas who at least looks like putting effort in and has some sort of physical presence up front. I agree he isn't really good enough though and we need better if we're looking at the playoffs though, so we should be getting rid and upgrading. I'd feel more confident with my wheelie bin up front than Bingham though, dear me.

[NickDRFC]

I can tolerate Thomas who at least looks like putting effort in and has some sort of physical presence up front. I agree he isn't really good enough though and we need better if we're looking at the playoffs though, so we should be getting rid and upgrading. I'd feel more confident with my wheelie bin up front than Bingham though, dear me.

For his size, I think Thomas' physical presence is really poor. He does at least put a bit of effort in running, though, unlike Bingham.

[Retdon1]

When are Thomas and Binghams contracts up ?

[steve@dcfd]

I believe near to the end of January let’s hope we can bring in permanent strikers before their contracts are up. Unless we go with 8 loanees instead

[Campsall rover]

To follow up my bit on the Oxford match thread about Shrewsbury.

I am pretty sure they will play a similar way as Accrington, MK Dons & Burton did.
Basically they will play 9 outfielders behind the ball. High press if we look to play our short game out from the back. They will look to stifle our 3 in the middle by closing down the space.
We need to be wise to this tactic now and need to be a bit more direct. We will need to play the ball behind their full backs and press them high up the pitch.
Let them make mistakes by putting them under pressure in areas of the pitch they don’t want to be in possession.
There are times we can’t always play pretty football and we have to be smarter to other teams tactics.
 
With a fit Ennis and with 5 days rest hopefully he can do the running up front that we need to put defenders under pressure. He was excellent at Peterborough but 2nd half ran out of steam against Sunderland and was amazed he stayed on so long yesterday.
Of course we may have a new front man for Tuesday and if so and Taylor is a doubt play Ennis on the left.

This will be a another battle and with the right tactics and mentality we will come out on top.
The first goal will be massive as it often is, but very much so against the Shrews who are very miserly at both ends of the pitch.
Not expecting 4-3 in this one.
So that’s nailed on 5-4 then.

[Colemans Left Hook]

  ......................
  Rickets their manager has revitalised  their side after it was plundered by more attractive sides a couple of seasons ago, and like

when they got 90 points with Hurst in charge they were "stuffed with quality loanees"  they really hit the jackpot there shows what can be done with loanees if you strike it lucky  (big "if" though)

[DonnyBazR0ver]

Hopefully, all our squad will be refreshed and we could see a different game altogether.

We need our full backs to be able to push on and feed them with accurate first time balls. As we saw v Oxford, both are capable of causing problems in and around the box but we must get in good positions to support them.

Likewise we need Taylor and Sadlier to be prepared to go at their defence and take em on. Just playing as a unit 5 or 10 yards further up the pitch would help.

Without the ball we need to get closer to the opposition and be stronger in the tackle, even if it means leaving a foot in early on, as less likely to get a booking.

[Campsall rover]

Hopefully, all our squad will be refreshed and we could see a different game altogether.

We need our full backs to be able to push on and feed them with accurate first time balls. As we saw v Oxford, both are capable of causing problems in and around the box but we must get in good positions to support them.

Likewise we need Taylor and Sadlier to be prepared to go at their defence and take em on. Just playing as a unit 5 or 10 yards further up the pitch would help.

Without the ball we need to get closer to the opposition and be stronger in the tackle, even if it means leaving a foot in early on, as less likely to get a booking.

What we need to do is use a bit of Nous. We look a good side when we are all at it together as a team.
When we play a pressing game on the opposition which we have done well at times this season.
We have better footballers than most teams in this league have as a first choice 1-11  Yes we have imo.
But that alone doesn’t win you football matches. Look at Sunderland as the best example.
When we play with a high intensity for a full 90+ mins and press teams, move the ball quickly from right to left and visa versa there isn’t a better team in this league apart from that missing man at the top end to finish it all off.
Believe me when we get this squad up to its full compliment of numbers with the RIGHT players (hence DM not rushing in getting the wrong ones) we will make that 2012/13 team look almost ordinary.

A combination of Players with a Winning mentality, Leaders all over the pitch, Grit & determination, Flair, Pace, 4/5 players who are able to score 8/10 goals including 1/2 capable of 15/20 coupled with a fantastic team spirit and you have a team which i honestly see DM building over the next 12 months.

Yes getting ahead of myself maybe, but i can see the vision that the Board and manager will have for this team moving forward.
We don’t need to spend millions that’s the biggest myth there is in football below the top league and even up to a point in the 2nd tier.
I am sure i am not the only person who can see what the club are building. Yes it’s one or two blocks at a time as it should be.

We have looked at the model Burnley have and are following their strategy. Let’s remember they were a lower league club for 30+ years up to the beginning of the previous decade. Yes I know their previous  history and status is stronger than ours. But history is past not future. Why can’t this great club of ours with a 300.000 catchment support build its own history.
Answer it can. It will take time. It will take a lot of patience and it will take many downs on the way to achieving the ups.

Before i get completely carried away talking about following Burnley what we need to do is establish the club as a solid Championship side over a period of 5yrs + and build from there.
If this board want to really achieve that goal & I believe they do then it certainly can be achieved.
Good Managers can do this without spending silly money on fees. Wages are always going to be the biggest outlay.

When we next get into the 2nd tier the whole infrastructure of the club will be stronger than previously.
Our gates this season have increased on last season which is a big positive and the whole club is geared to creating the sustainability it has set out to do.
Having 3/4 or even 5 loan players is one of the most sensible ways of bringing in a higher quality player on sensible wages. Nothing wrong in that.

The future is extremely bright the future is DRFC
Not be long before many other clubs start following the Doncaster Rovers model. That’s if they haven’t already of course.

 

[Campsall rover]

Just to add to my above post.

The youth set up is much stronger now and is beginning to show it’s worth.
We have several players who are on the fringes of the 1st team who have come through our youth set up.
Jones, Horton, Prior, Hasani, Greaves & Boocock are all highly rated, & some are getting experience of 1st team football further down the pyramid.

Players we have brought in from elsewhere at age 17-19 years old like Blaney, Amos, Watton, are progressing really well and are all players with some 1st team experience now and are all regular substitutes in our current squad.

The current U16 side is possibly our best since the late 80’s Steve Beaglehole era. That team in ‘86’ went on to be U18’s Youth Cup Runners up in 1988.

So once again to repeat the above post.
The future is BRIGHT ITS DRFC.

[Alan Southstand]

Just to add to that, Campsall, the current u18’s are a bit inconsistent this season, unlike last season’s crop (with Boocock, Greaves, etc). But having said that, one or two of them are showing promise.

[Chris Black come back]

Their away record in League One is good. Last 10 have delivered 3 wins, 5 draws and 2 defeats.

[NickDRFC]

Just had a look and Shrewsbury's away record is pretty reasonable - only 3 defeats in 11 games (although only 3 wins). As Alan says, they don't score or concede many goals - 7 scored and 9 conceded.

Their away record in League One is good. Last 10 have delivered 3 wins, 5 draws and 2 defeats.

Is that an echo? 

[selby]

  Shrewsbury were the better side for long periods in their cup game at Bristol City with Sean Goss pulling the strings in mid field, and were unlucky not to win the tie when Laurent hit the post with an audacious chip from the edge of the box.
 So another hard game in prospect on Tuesday, Their manager Sam Rickets building a good side without splashing the cash, and has them sitting one place above us in the table.
   Hopefully Taylor will be fit and no other major injuries will disrupt us, and we can start to see some more form improvement, and show some much needed consistency result wise.
  This game could well be one of those that we have to slug it out again, show the character we did against Oxford, and if we can add a little bit of the flair we know our team is capable of, there is no reason we can't get a decent result again.
  After the blank weekend I am looking forward to this game, and hoping for a good result.

[Campsall rover]

  Shrewsbury were the better side for long periods in their cup game at Bristol City with Sean Goss pulling the strings in mid field, and were unlucky not to win the tie when Laurent hit the post with an audacious chip from the edge of the box.
 So another hard game in prospect on Tuesday, Their manager Sam Rickets building a good side without splashing the cash, and has them sitting one place above us in the table.
   Hopefully Taylor will be fit and no other major injuries will disrupt us, and we can start to see some more form improvement, and show some much needed consistency result wise.
  This game could well be one of those that we have to slug it out again, show the character we did against Oxford, and if we can add a little bit of the flair we know our team is capable of, there is no reason we can't get a decent result again.
  After the blank weekend I am looking forward to this game, and hoping for a good result.

As I said in my post Brian, this will be a battle. Need to score 1st or it’s going to be very tough.
Get the tactics right and set the tone and we will prevail.

[dickos1]

We need the same starting 11 as the Oxford game,
Any missing and I think it’s going to be a struggle

[jackthelad]

Really do need to kick on from the Oxford game, let’s win this one and get a bit of momentum!

One game at a time and let’s see where it takes us.

[DonnyBazR0ver]

The players should be refreshed after the Christmas programme. Even without any additions,we have a fair chance of getting 3 points.

It will help our cause if Ennis is 100% fit and the front players show the same desire and commitment the defence showed v Oxford we should be OK.

I have a feeling we'll be on this and come out with a well earned win

The 3 points with still 2 games in hand will make the task look less daunting.

[DonnyBazR0ver]

One or two injury niggles that might not be risked according to DM's prematch interview. Quite coy as you would expect on that plus any incomings they are still working hard to get done. Other alternatives to Idah.

I think tomorrow is a very important game for us. Not a must win as such but as good as if we want to close the gap and be well placed to make a tilt at the top six.

[Alan Southstand]

It’s to be hoped that a few niggles doesn’t turn into a few not playing. There’s only bits and bobs left!

[dickos1]

One or two niggles that might not be risked.

We’ve nobody to come in, if only we had a capable attacking player and an experienced centre midfielder within our ranks.

Ooh wait a minute

[NickDRFC]

One or two niggles that might not be risked.

We’ve nobody to come in, if only we had a capable attacking player and an experienced centre midfielder within our ranks.

Ooh wait a minute

I agree with some of what you’ve said recently but not much point getting upset about something that’s not even happened yet.

[dickos1]

Yep
Fair point

[Campsall rover]

Just been drawn at home to Liverpool assuming they beat Bristol City.

Hope it diverts their minds a little tomorrow eve.