Middlesbrough Friendly (2pm kick off)

[Campsall rover]

Should be a really good game next week at Rotherham.

Expect our 1st league game starting 11 to play most of the match subject to injuries.

My predicted starting team v Rotherham & Accrington.

Sherman- Lowe
Sterry
Olowu
Wood
Maxwell
Bailey
Broadbent
Hurst
Molyneux
Ironside
Gibson

Subs:
Lawlor
Nixon
McGrath
Flint
Sbarra
Miller
Sharp

Subject to Anderson, Clifton, Close& Westbrooke are all not fit.

Probably about right. My only disappointment today was Gibson who didn't seem to apply himself when he came on. Seemed to stroll a bit and was a bit sloppy. Other than that, they all put the effort in and we have genuine competition for places.

Difficult to know how competitive Richard Woods testimonial will be and in the last game before kick off, are both sides going to risk injury? However, will local rivalry supercede that with both teams wanting to send their fans home happy?

I really hope we show a bit of class on the day.

Noticed when Gibson & Hurst came on today they reversed roles from Tuesday v Hull.
I think they looked much better v Hull with Gibson out wide & Hurst in the hole behind the Striker.
Both looked very ineffective today imo.

[Campsall rover]

I think Campsall’s team is what I’d go with and also what I’d expect, although I’d want Yeboah on the bench (for Flint).

With Westbrooke, Close, Anderson & Clifton still to come back it does show just how much competition we have for places - 4 or 5 senior players are going to miss out each week with a fully fit squad. Obviously it’s rare that will happen during the season but hopefully we have a bit more luck than previously on that front and it’s still a headache as to who makes the squad.

Without Flint we have no cover in centre midfield hence my inclusion of him over Yeboah.
When Close, Westbrooke or Clifton become available then i expect one of them would be on the bench or possibly Clifton will get a starting place.
Anyway we will always, I expect have some injuries, so the luxury of a completely full squad to choose from is not very probable at any time during the season.
Thankfully we have a very good squad in numbers and decent quality right through so 4/5 injuries and we should cope ok as long as they are not all defenders, midfielders or forwards out at the same time.

[DonnyBazR0ver]

Should be a really good game next week at Rotherham.

Expect our 1st league game starting 11 to play most of the match subject to injuries.

My predicted starting team v Rotherham & Accrington.

Sherman- Lowe
Sterry
Olowu
Wood
Maxwell
Bailey
Broadbent
Hurst
Molyneux
Ironside
Gibson

Subs:
Lawlor
Nixon
McGrath
Flint
Sbarra
Miller
Sharp

Subject to Anderson, Clifton, Close& Westbrooke are all not fit.

Probably about right. My only disappointment today was Gibson who didn't seem to apply himself when he came on. Seemed to stroll a bit and was a bit sloppy. Other than that, they all put the effort in and we have genuine competition for places.

Difficult to know how competitive Richard Woods testimonial will be and in the last game before kick off, are both sides going to risk injury? However, will local rivalry supercede that with both teams wanting to send their fans home happy?

I really hope we show a bit of class on the day.

Noticed when Gibson & Hurst came on today they reversed roles from Tuesday v Hull.
I think they looked much better v Hull with Gibson out wide & Hurst in the hole behind the Striker.
Both looked very ineffective today imo.

Yes, a good observation that. Hurst wasn't really able to get on the ball too much, perhaps more preoccupied with defence rather than offence, which is an area he's improved.

Sbarra also found it difficult to make his mark but I expect he'll contribute much more over the season then Billy Walters for example.

Another learning curve was how Middlesbrough stuck to their game plan, not allowing conceding to knock them off. They kept up their slick passing and running most of the game. We have to aspire to replicate that.

[ForsolongaRover]

That was definately more interesting than the Hull game. Much, much harder test and showed there’s room for improvement. Boro’s speed of passing and moving was a joy to watch and had us in all kinds of trouble.

I agree with the questions over TSL, as he thought he was at fault for a couple of the goals. At times, from corners, he looked like he got lost a time or two and he didn’t instill confidence, but he’s the best we have.

I thought GM could have tried to match them up a bit more in midfield, as we were constantly under manned.

By comparison, we were slow in possession and looked to take the easy option and pass backwards, which only served to give them the ball back in the end. When we got our act together, we looked good and a threat and we will not play that level of team in L2.

I still think we lack a bit of quality in midfield and I hope we’ll have a re-think on that.

As a close observer of goalkeepers (with opinions which are not always shared) I did see it suggested by someone else that our GK coach, Letheren’s credentials, might be questioned. He must have a good deal of influence over how our GKs perform. (I suspect that TLT just went his own way). This Chelsea loanee is supposedly an International and it difficult to believe that he naturally shares all the faults we see in Jones. I wonder if McCann has considered Letheren’s role in this.

[Campsall rover]

Should be a really good game next week at Rotherham.

Expect our 1st league game starting 11 to play most of the match subject to injuries.

My predicted starting team v Rotherham & Accrington.

Sherman- Lowe
Sterry
Olowu
Wood
Maxwell
Bailey
Broadbent
Hurst
Molyneux
Ironside
Gibson

Subs:
Lawlor
Nixon
McGrath
Flint
Sbarra
Miller
Sharp

Subject to Anderson, Clifton, Close& Westbrooke are all not fit.

Probably about right. My only disappointment today was Gibson who didn't seem to apply himself when he came on. Seemed to stroll a bit and was a bit sloppy. Other than that, they all put the effort in and we have genuine competition for places.

Difficult to know how competitive Richard Woods testimonial will be and in the last game before kick off, are both sides going to risk injury? However, will local rivalry supercede that with both teams wanting to send their fans home happy?

I really hope we show a bit of class on the day.

Think it will be very competitive. Last game before the big KO. Sure GM will want a proper game to set the tone for what’s to come.
We need to hit the ground running this season and I expect us to be in the top 3 all season. Well after the 1st game which we never ( rarely ) win at home 

[Iberian Red]

Really enjoyed that. Game played with intensity from both sides. On that showing, Middlesbrough won't concede 3 goals many times this season, but I wouldn't be surprised if they score 5 a fee times. Excellent play from them from back to front.

We competed very well, causing them

 Was he a bit slow to get down for a couple of those goals into the corners? A mistake obviously spilling the cross leaving their player to smash it home however, let's look at prevention rather than cure.

I'm sure McCann got what he wanted and will be able to use that to refine a few things but I still feel we look a strong outfit, ready to get going.

If I had an itchy one,I'd prefer cure rather than prevention!

[ravenrover]

I think Campsall’s team is what I’d go with and also what I’d expect, although I’d want Yeboah on the bench (for Flint).

With Westbrooke, Close, Anderson & Clifton still to come back it does show just how much competition we have for places - 4 or 5 senior players are going to miss out each week with a fully fit squad. Obviously it’s rare that will happen during the season but hopefully we have a bit more luck than previously on that front and it’s still a headache as to who makes the squad.

I thpught we had to have a homegrown on the bench Flint would be a good choice. Only one of the youngsters I've seen, including Faulkener, who might do well

[ncRover]

I think Campsall’s team is what I’d go with and also what I’d expect, although I’d want Yeboah on the bench (for Flint).

With Westbrooke, Close, Anderson & Clifton still to come back it does show just how much competition we have for places - 4 or 5 senior players are going to miss out each week with a fully fit squad. Obviously it’s rare that will happen during the season but hopefully we have a bit more luck than previously on that front and it’s still a headache as to who makes the squad.

I thpught we had to have a homegrown on the bench Flint would be a good choice. Only one of the youngsters I've seen, including Faulkener, who might do well

McGrath

[mushRTID]

I think Campsall’s team is what I’d go with and also what I’d expect, although I’d want Yeboah on the bench (for Flint).

With Westbrooke, Close, Anderson & Clifton still to come back it does show just how much competition we have for places - 4 or 5 senior players are going to miss out each week with a fully fit squad. Obviously it’s rare that will happen during the season but hopefully we have a bit more luck than previously on that front and it’s still a headache as to who makes the squad.

I thpught we had to have a homegrown on the bench Flint would be a good choice. Only one of the youngsters I've seen, including Faulkener, who might do well

McGrath

McGrath was terrible today. I know he was up against good players but he got dragged out of position many times including one almost on the half way line, got turned and they broke.

Has to improve a lot. CB is of my concerns if Anderson can’t stay fit, the last thing we want is Bailey getting put back there if we end up short.

[Ryaldinhio]

I think Campsall’s team is what I’d go with and also what I’d expect, although I’d want Yeboah on the bench (for Flint).

With Westbrooke, Close, Anderson & Clifton still to come back it does show just how much competition we have for places - 4 or 5 senior players are going to miss out each week with a fully fit squad. Obviously it’s rare that will happen during the season but hopefully we have a bit more luck than previously on that front and it’s still a headache as to who makes the squad.

I thpught we had to have a homegrown on the bench Flint would be a good choice. Only one of the youngsters I've seen, including Faulkener, who might do well

McGrath

McGrath was terrible today. I know he was up against good players but he got dragged out of position many times including one almost on the half way line, got turned and they broke.

Has to improve a lot. CB is of my concerns if Anderson can’t stay fit, the last thing we want is Bailey getting put back there if we end up short.

100% agree, said this weeks ago and got shot with sh*t 

[Ryaldinhio]

Just watched highlights. Keeper needs to find his feet pretty quick.

Always a gamble going for a young lad with no league experience but it turned out well with TLT so don't give up hope.

Chelsea obviously think we'll of him and England youth.

He will be dissapointed with goals 1,2 and 4 there I think and will be kicking himself tonight no doubt. Let's support the kid and hope he comes good

[Goole Rover]

A terrible post. How do you think the lad reacts to that, have you ever kicked a ball ? I thought he did very well on Tuesday. Hopefully the players don't read the garbage that's posted on here. A reply to the previous.

[ravenrover]

I think Campsall’s team is what I’d go with and also what I’d expect, although I’d want Yeboah on the bench (for Flint).

With Westbrooke, Close, Anderson & Clifton still to come back it does show just how much competition we have for places - 4 or 5 senior players are going to miss out each week with a fully fit squad. Obviously it’s rare that will happen during the season but hopefully we have a bit more luck than previously on that front and it’s still a headache as to who makes the squad.

I thpught we had to have a homegrown on the bench Flint would be a good choice. Only one of the youngsters I've seen, including Faulkener, who might do well

McGrath

Is he home grown?

[Ryaldinhio]

A terrible post. How do you think the lad reacts to that, have you ever kicked a ball ? I thought he did very well on Tuesday. Hopefully the players don't read the garbage that's posted on here. A reply to the previous.

A reply to mine GR?

[ncRover]

I think Campsall’s team is what I’d go with and also what I’d expect, although I’d want Yeboah on the bench (for Flint).

With Westbrooke, Close, Anderson & Clifton still to come back it does show just how much competition we have for places - 4 or 5 senior players are going to miss out each week with a fully fit squad. Obviously it’s rare that will happen during the season but hopefully we have a bit more luck than previously on that front and it’s still a headache as to who makes the squad.

I thpught we had to have a homegrown on the bench Flint would be a good choice. Only one of the youngsters I've seen, including Faulkener, who might do well

McGrath

Is he home grown?

https://www.drfc-vsc.co.uk/index.php?topic=291774.msg1331087#msg1331087

And I agree with Goole Rover. He was very good on Tuesday. As I said yesterday, no poor getting on player’s backs after coming up against top championship opposition. It is a huge gulf in class and physicality.

[ravenrover]

A terrible post. How do you think the lad reacts to that, have you ever kicked a ball ? I thought he did very well on Tuesday. Hopefully the players don't read the garbage that's posted on here. A reply to the previous.

He didn't face a shot or cross under pressure as far as I remember on Tuesday.
He came out in the 1st half with no chance of winning the ball  also lost the flight of the ball from a cross to far post 1st half. Beaten from distance twice fumbled a straightforward shot second half he's not  TLT for sure. Only thing in his favour at the moment is he came for and caught a cross in the 1st half which is more than Jones or Lawlor does.  Good distribution apart from the 2nd half suicide pass to Flint
For.me the jury is definitely out

Modify was the post quoted about McGrath or TSL?

[mushRTID]

A terrible post. How do you think the lad reacts to that, have you ever kicked a ball ? I thought he did very well on Tuesday. Hopefully the players don't read the garbage that's posted on here. A reply to the previous.

If this is aimed at my thoughts on McGraths performance TODAY then blimey, chill out. Just saying he had a bad game, I’m allowed to give my opinion on a football forum.

I agree on Tuesday he looked good but with the step up in opponents I thought he struggled.

What’s me kicking a ball got to do with it?

[Nudga]

A terrible post. How do you think the lad reacts to that, have you ever kicked a ball ? I thought he did very well on Tuesday. Hopefully the players don't read the garbage that's posted on here. A reply to the previous.

Give over, this is the place for us to discuss all things Rovers.
I thought the keeper was awful today but I didn't get on his back at the match.
If we can't discuss team and individual performances on here then this forum just becomes the Tory/Labour echo chamber.

[DonnyBazR0ver]

I think Campsall’s team is what I’d go with and also what I’d expect, although I’d want Yeboah on the bench (for Flint).

With Westbrooke, Close, Anderson & Clifton still to come back it does show just how much competition we have for places - 4 or 5 senior players are going to miss out each week with a fully fit squad. Obviously it’s rare that will happen during the season but hopefully we have a bit more luck than previously on that front and it’s still a headache as to who makes the squad.

I thpught we had to have a homegrown on the bench Flint would be a good choice. Only one of the youngsters I've seen, including Faulkener, who might do well

McGrath

McGrath was terrible today. I know he was up against good players but he got dragged out of position many times including one almost on the half way line, got turned and they broke.

Has to improve a lot. CB is of my concerns if Anderson can’t stay fit, the last thing we want is Bailey getting put back there if we end up short.

100% agree, said this weeks ago and got shot with sh*t 

Bit of perspective here. McGrath came on at 70 mins, along with Kasper Williams. Playing with a young keeper, you've got a quite inexperienced combination there playing against a top class Championship team.

That aint going to happen during the League Two season.

You previously said you think we need another centre half, and others said, we're unlikely to get one and we will manage with what we have. (At least until January) You weren't shot to sh*t.

[Ryaldinhio]

I think Campsall’s team is what I’d go with and also what I’d expect, although I’d want Yeboah on the bench (for Flint).

With Westbrooke, Close, Anderson & Clifton still to come back it does show just how much competition we have for places - 4 or 5 senior players are going to miss out each week with a fully fit squad. Obviously it’s rare that will happen during the season but hopefully we have a bit more luck than previously on that front and it’s still a headache as to who makes the squad.

I thpught we had to have a homegrown on the bench Flint would be a good choice. Only one of the youngsters I've seen, including Faulkener, who might do well

McGrath

McGrath was terrible today. I know he was up against good players but he got dragged out of position many times including one almost on the half way line, got turned and they broke.

Has to improve a lot. CB is of my concerns if Anderson can’t stay fit, the last thing we want is Bailey getting put back there if we end up short.

100% agree, said this weeks ago and got shot with sh*t 

Bit of perspective here. McGrath came on at 70 mins, along with Kasper Williams. Playing with a young keeper, you've got a quite inexperienced combination there playing against a top class Championship team.

That aint going to happen during the League Two season.

You previously said you think we need another centre half, and others said, we're unlikely to get one and we will manage with what we have. (At least until January) You weren't shot to sh*t.

I actually rate McGrath, and Olowu. My concern is if Tom and Woods are BOTH out which at some point is probably guna happen.

We do have Senior aswell in there so understand it is unlikely we will get anyone else.

We have the squad to be up there this yr. Really impressed with the fitness and sharpness in the lads.

My biggest concern is GK, and it is a key role.

Hopefully the way we are playing and scoring it won't matter!!!!

[Padge_DRFC]

TLT won us a lot of points last season. I just hope we're not in the same position again of wishing for a better keeper.

[mushRTID]

I think Campsall’s team is what I’d go with and also what I’d expect, although I’d want Yeboah on the bench (for Flint).

With Westbrooke, Close, Anderson & Clifton still to come back it does show just how much competition we have for places - 4 or 5 senior players are going to miss out each week with a fully fit squad. Obviously it’s rare that will happen during the season but hopefully we have a bit more luck than previously on that front and it’s still a headache as to who makes the squad.

I thpught we had to have a homegrown on the bench Flint would be a good choice. Only one of the youngsters I've seen, including Faulkener, who might do well

McGrath

McGrath was terrible today. I know he was up against good players but he got dragged out of position many times including one almost on the half way line, got turned and they broke.

Has to improve a lot. CB is of my concerns if Anderson can’t stay fit, the last thing we want is Bailey getting put back there if we end up short.

100% agree, said this weeks ago and got shot with sh*t 

Bit of perspective here. McGrath came on at 70 mins, along with Kasper Williams. Playing with a young keeper, you've got a quite inexperienced combination there playing against a top class Championship team.

That aint going to happen during the League Two season.

You previously said you think we need another centre half, and others said, we're unlikely to get one and we will manage with what we have. (At least until January) You weren't shot to sh*t.

These are fair comments about who McGrath was on the pitch with, accept that.

It just didn’t look great him getting pulled all over the place. I do actually think he’s got potential too, certainly a step up from the likes of Younger and Long.
But it’s clear he’s got a lot to learn and my concern is if we (a team targeting the title) need to play him week in, week out at this stage of his career….is he ready for that?

We need Wood and Anderson to stay fit.

[grayx]

TLT won us a lot of points last season. I just hope we're not in the same position again of wishing for a better keeper.

My thoughts exactly.

[roversdude]

Granted it was against lower opposition but McGrath has been excellent all preseason doing the basics right. Still learning and maybe just needs that bit of guidance from his peers.
Just want to comment on Ironsides goal - what a run, from winning the ball and playing it out to Miller to getting on the end of the cross …..brilliant

[DonnyBazR0ver]

I think Campsall’s team is what I’d go with and also what I’d expect, although I’d want Yeboah on the bench (for Flint).

With Westbrooke, Close, Anderson & Clifton still to come back it does show just how much competition we have for places - 4 or 5 senior players are going to miss out each week with a fully fit squad. Obviously it’s rare that will happen during the season but hopefully we have a bit more luck than previously on that front and it’s still a headache as to who makes the squad.

I thpught we had to have a homegrown on the bench Flint would be a good choice. Only one of the youngsters I've seen, including Faulkener, who might do well

McGrath

McGrath was terrible today. I know he was up against good players but he got dragged out of position many times including one almost on the half way line, got turned and they broke.

Has to improve a lot. CB is of my concerns if Anderson can’t stay fit, the last thing we want is Bailey getting put back there if we end up short.

100% agree, said this weeks ago and got shot with sh*t 

Bit of perspective here. McGrath came on at 70 mins, along with Kasper Williams. Playing with a young keeper, you've got a quite inexperienced combination there playing against a top class Championship team.

That aint going to happen during the League Two season.

You previously said you think we need another centre half, and others said, we're unlikely to get one and we will manage with what we have. (At least until January) You weren't shot to sh*t.

These are fair comments about who McGrath was on the pitch with, accept that.

It just didn’t look great him getting pulled all over the place. I do actually think he’s got potential too, certainly a step up from the likes of Younger and Long.
But it’s clear he’s got a lot to learn and my concern is if we (a team targeting the title) need to play him week in, week out at this stage of his career….is he ready for that?

We need Wood and Anderson to stay fit.

That's always going to be the preference to have both fit and playing, failing that we need one or the other with Olowu then McGrath to play alongside.

Obviously, the additional concern is the GK, who I suspect might have a few threads of his own in the next few weeks.

We all know there's many aspects to a GKs portfolio of skills but quite rightly, a few questions were asked of TSL yesterday. Having seen the highlights a fee times now, it confirms his reaction time wasn't good. Even the incidents that didn't result in a goal, there seems to be a lag between his brain and his feet to get close enough to those shots into the corners or down at his feet.

On the positive side, yes he's decent kicking and came to gether a couple of crosses. Time will tell whether he can communicate well enough with Anderson and Wood, so they don't have to be over protective of him, and get dragged nearer to goal.

We know Seny Dieng and their centre half are top players, but they couldn't stop Ironside scoring a better of a header from a cross, so let's not be too hasty onTSL.

[DonnyOsmond]

I think Campsall’s team is what I’d go with and also what I’d expect, although I’d want Yeboah on the bench (for Flint).

With Westbrooke, Close, Anderson & Clifton still to come back it does show just how much competition we have for places - 4 or 5 senior players are going to miss out each week with a fully fit squad. Obviously it’s rare that will happen during the season but hopefully we have a bit more luck than previously on that front and it’s still a headache as to who makes the squad.

I thpught we had to have a homegrown on the bench Flint would be a good choice. Only one of the youngsters I've seen, including Faulkener, who might do well

McGrath

Is he home grown?

https://www.drfc-vsc.co.uk/index.php?topic=291774.msg1331087#msg1331087

And I agree with Goole Rover. He was very good on Tuesday. As I said yesterday, no poor getting on player’s backs after coming up against top championship opposition. It is a huge gulf in class and physicality.

Was it long enough to be considered as homegrown though?

[The Beast]

Most league 2 defenders will struggle against Championship attackers, I’ve seen our defenders being humiliated by league 2 attackers on numerous occasions. If he did well against Hull’s youth/reserves and struggled against Latte Lath etc, he might just be there or there abouts, I’m sure McCann is learning about him and telling him where he needs to improve, at least we have options for the first time in a while.

[Cramby10]

I think Campsall’s team is what I’d go with and also what I’d expect, although I’d want Yeboah on the bench (for Flint).

With Westbrooke, Close, Anderson & Clifton still to come back it does show just how much competition we have for places - 4 or 5 senior players are going to miss out each week with a fully fit squad. Obviously it’s rare that will happen during the season but hopefully we have a bit more luck than previously on that front and it’s still a headache as to who makes the squad.

I thpught we had to have a homegrown on the bench Flint would be a good choice. Only one of the youngsters I've seen, including Faulkener, who might do well

McGrath

McGrath was terrible today. I know he was up against good players but he got dragged out of position many times including one almost on the half way line, got turned and they broke.

Has to improve a lot. CB is of my concerns if Anderson can’t stay fit, the last thing we want is Bailey getting put back there if we end up short.

100% agree, said this weeks ago and got shot with sh*t 

Bit of perspective here. McGrath came on at 70 mins, along with Kasper Williams. Playing with a young keeper, you've got a quite inexperienced combination there playing against a top class Championship team.

That aint going to happen during the League Two season.

You previously said you think we need another centre half, and others said, we're unlikely to get one and we will manage with what we have. (At least until January) You weren't shot to sh*t.

These are fair comments about who McGrath was on the pitch with, accept that.

It just didn’t look great him getting pulled all over the place. I do actually think he’s got potential too, certainly a step up from the likes of Younger and Long.
But it’s clear he’s got a lot to learn and my concern is if we (a team targeting the title) need to play him week in, week out at this stage of his career….is he ready for that?

We need Wood and Anderson to stay fit.

what’s happened to Younger by the way?

[roversdude]

The squad as a whole is strong and exciting. Think back to last season on a number of occasions (Stockport away as a prime example) - we held our own until it was time for subs and we had a bench full of kids where the opponents had quality

[selby]

  Defenders need to be able to defend, being easy on the eye is secondary'
  All the best I have seen and in my time, I have watched the best can dish it out, are strong, physical, and don't mess about trying to be Ronaldo.
  Think Argentina, think Brazil, think Italy, think Uruguay, thnik Germany how many know their wonderful central defenders by name  they have had. and can roll them off the tongue.
  You might know one or two, you will not know most and all them sides have had players who are household names, but their central defenders would kick their granny, and were indispensable  to great sides, and were feared by strikers and star men of other teams, most not that easy on the eye, just great defenders.