Loan bid made for a striker

[Alan Southstand]

It’s nice to see the pennies dropping for quite a few on here. I’m sure GM brought Kelly in to fill that gap, but, to date, he hasn’t come near to filling the boots left by Craig. This is the first puzzle that needs sorting, before the third striker imo.

With Gibson also struggling and Molyneux continually being doubled up on, we need a much more dynamic wide man to fill the slot that’s potentially going to be left by the departing Yeboah.


Then, what to do with Kelly? Stick or twist?

[Bills view]

To me, it feels like he wants players breaking beyond the front man which Adelakun did well. He's trying different players none are as effective.

We are competitive every game but not free flowing and dominant which is how we ended last season.

[DonnyBazR0ver]

It’s nice to see the pennies dropping for quite a few on here. I’m sure GM brought Kelly in to fill that gap, but, to date, he hasn’t come near to filling the boots left by Craig. This is the first puzzle that needs sorting, before the third striker imo.

With Gibson also struggling and Molyneux continually being doubled up on, we need a much more dynamic wide man to fill the slot that’s potentially going to be left by the departing Yeboah.


Then, what to do with Kelly? Stick or twist?

I'm not going to suggest your wrong but I'm going to put forward an alternative view.

We've seen many different combinations in midfield, sometimes more pleasing on the eye, sometimes more workmanlike, sometimes, particularly away from home, we almost bypass midfield by being quick on the break from back to front.

That all said, with those 'Touches in the box stats' more often than not, we're having double if not triple that of our opposition. It was the same again on Tuesday. We often reflect we're not converting enough of our chances without even seeing those stats. Now, we just need to convert a slightly higher percentage generally. Nobody was complaining at Fleetwood, Bradford etc.
This might be due to better deliveries, final balls and general decision making.

Now on his own, I don't think Matthew Craig will make the difference to those stats.

My take on the Cheltenham game on reflection, is with the back four, we didn't push forward far enough with our full backs not pushing up enough, allowing too  big a gap between back and front. Now, I don't know who dictates where I back line pushes up to and when, but we seem to get a bit lazy or more fearful of conceding at home.  When we play with a back 3, it's easier for the wingbacks to push up, so much so, we didn't miss Moly or Gibson at Fleetwood one bit.

I realky don't think our midfield and a Matthew Craig clone would make that much difference.

[Move DRFC]

Crazy seeing people write off Gibson when you look at Moly in his first season. Plenty of time for the coaching staff to improve his game, sure it will come even if it's next season.

The striker position is a strange one. Sharp is a great goalscorer but obviously his game is limited (age), Ironside's has not looked like a player who would get anywhere near 15 goals in L2 this season. You'd say neither would be good enough for L1 if we made the step up. Maybe as impact players.

Every forward player in the second half of last season looked like they wouldn't be out of place in L1. Grant will be looking for an upgrade and regular starter in that ST for me. And yes someone to replace Yeboah and seriously compete with Gibson and Hurst (hopefully of an Adelakun ilk).

Either way if GM's loan signings are even 50% as good as his January loan signings last year, we will win the league. See you in League One.

[coventryrover]

When people are commenting on Ironside please consider the system we play and the service he gets.

He's often on his own.  Dealing with central defenders.  The ball is often played to him with his back towards to opposition goal.   We seem to play high balls.   He's reliant on support.

So many things contributing to him not scoring.   I really lime h8m and he has immense value.

[DonnyBazR0ver]

Crazy seeing people write off Gibson when you look at Moly in his first season. Plenty of time for the coaching staff to improve his game, sure it will come even if it's next season.

The striker position is a strange one. Sharp is a great goalscorer but obviously his game is limited (age), Ironside's has not looked like a player who would get anywhere near 15 goals in L2 this season. You'd say neither would be good enough for L1 if we made the step up. Maybe as impact players.

Every forward player in the second half of last season looked like they wouldn't be out of place in L1. Grant will be looking for an upgrade and regular starter in that ST for me. And yes someone to replace Yeboah and seriously compete with Gibson and Hurst (hopefully of an Adelakun ilk).

Either way if GM's loan signings are even 50% as good as his January loan signings last year, we will win the league. See you in League One.

Very much agree. On Gibson who I agree needs more time, I checked back and his last assist was on 7 September (the header back across goal for Billy) and he scored two v Grimsby in October.

A 'winger' with so few assists is not a winger is he? We have full backs with more assists.  He can't be surprised being left out on that evidence, so he should know he needs to improve.

It's maybe that bit extra quality who unlocks the door with assists and goals. Is it the no 10 position where we need an alternative to Hurst who can make things happen rather than an out and out wideman?

Let's remember this squad is doing better than this time last season.

[Campsall rover]

We have very good players for this level all over the park.
It’s fine margins that win draw or lose matches. Yes another striker as back up definitely required and possibly another ball winning midfielder who can pass a ball. But I think we are capable of operating successfully without another midfielder.

It’s just a few tweaks here and there that will turn us into a winning machine imo.
As I keep saying we are 3rd in the league and haven’t hit the straps in probably 14 of our 19 games so far.
Surely that’s a massive positive.
GM needs to do those tweaks, we need to be less predictable.
Swap Molly and Gibbo over for at leat 50% of their time on the pitch is the No 1 tweak I would make.
Give Joe Ironside the service he needs and we will be motoring. Same goes for Billy Sharp.
We have probably 2 of the best 4/5 strikers in this league imo.
But they need quality service. We simply have to be much more dynamic in the last 3rd. Quicker in thought, less touches on the ball.
Get more balls in from the byline. Get balls into the box much quicker before defenders are set.
If we can get this right and we have the players capable then we will win this league.

27 games to play 57 points possibly needed to win the league maybe only 54
May sound a lot but this squad are more than capable of 2+points per game from here onwards.
They really are.
Come on Grant over to you and the coaching staff to sort out those tweaks.

[McCammon egg n chips]

When people are commenting on Ironside please consider the system we play and the service he gets.

He's often on his own.  Dealing with central defenders.  The ball is often played to him with his back towards to opposition goal.   We seem to play high balls.   He's reliant on support.

So many things contributing to him not scoring.   I really lime h8m and he has immense value.

I don't think you can blame other players for his back being turned to goal at every opportunity. He's been very frustrating to watch this season.

But I must concede that our service to him has been sketchy. 90% of the time we play out to the wings, and don't put an adequate cross in. There were many times on Tuesday night that it looked like he was making a good run, only for the ball to go to the wings again. We need to mix it up. 

[Chris Black come back]

Did Adelakun get a two year contract at Salford ? If so I bet he puts in some really good performances from January 2026 onwards .

12 month deal.

[Alan Southstand]

DBR:

Now on his own, I don't think Matthew Craig will make the difference to those stats.

I agree entirely, DBR, which is why, on other threads I’ve suggested we need a minimum of 3 signings in January!

1. Partner for Bailey
2. Better winger / Yeboah replacement
3. Third striker option

Reading what Grant is going for, it would appear he’s trying to get 1 player who can fulfil both 2 and 3 above.

But - if we don’t get 1 (cm), we’ll still have a problem!

As for Gibson needing more time, we’ve only got a few months left of the season and I’ve never suggested getting rid of him.

[ncRover]

DBR:

Now on his own, I don't think Matthew Craig will make the difference to those stats.

I agree entirely, DBR, which is why, on other threads I’ve suggested we need a minimum of 3 signings in January!

1. Partner for Bailey
2. Better winger / Yeboah replacement
3. Third striker option

Reading what Grant is going for, it would appear he’s trying to get 1 player who can fulfil both 2 and 3 above.

But - if we don’t get 1 (cm), we’ll still have a problem!

As for Gibson needing more time, we’ve only got a few months left of the season and I’ve never suggested getting rid of him.

If an exciting premier league loanee came in a month ago and performed like Broadbent has you’d be really happy with that.

[Alan Southstand]

Broadbent has not played in a team that has won 20 odd games on the trott!

If a player becomes available, that we know exactly what he can give to the team, why the hell would we NOT be interested in trying to get him back?

[drfchound]

When people are commenting on Ironside please consider the system we play and the service he gets.

He's often on his own.  Dealing with central defenders.  The ball is often played to him with his back towards to opposition goal.   We seem to play high balls.   He's reliant on support.

So many things contributing to him not scoring.   I really lime h8m and he has immense value.

I don't think you can blame other players for his back being turned to goal at every opportunity. He's been very frustrating to watch this season.

But I must concede that our service to him has been sketchy. 90% of the time we play out to the wings, and don't put an adequate cross in. There were many times on Tuesday night that it looked like he was making a good run, only for the ball to go to the wings again. We need to mix it up.

Most centre forwards play the majority of a match with their back to goal, irrespective of how many crosses get put into the opponents box.

[Alan Southstand]

Neither has anybody else Alan!

Cheers

BobG

You mean other than the other 10 (or so) lads who were in the team last season?

[scawsby steve]

Neither has anybody else Alan!

Cheers

BobG

You mean other than the other 10 (or so) lads who were in the team last season?

Sorry, Alan, Bob's right. We won 10 on the trot, not 20 odd.

[BobG]

Thank you SS!!

Cheers

BobG

[Alan Southstand]

Oh bloody hell - getting old is wonderful, isn’t it. or my ‘slight’ exaggeration Bob!

[BobG]

Lol Alan. I am finding these days that either I forget something entirely, or when I remember it, I remember it wrong. It's happening out here in Colombia as well as at home. Only 10 minutes, ago my friend pointed out that I had done something thing 2 weeks back. I had completely forgotten.....

Useless!

BobG

[drfchound]

Oh bloody hell - getting old is wonderful, isn’t it. or my ‘slight’ exaggeration Bob!

Alan, as I often say, getting old is good as the alternative isn’t good at all.

[Bentley Bullet]

Nobody is inflammable, whatever age they are. Everyone makes miskates.

[graingrover]

it”s the only way to live a long life guys!

[ravenrover]

I noticed GM called one of Wimbledons experienced out of contract signings "lad" ?

[Dutch Uncle]

Nobody is inflammable, whatever age they are. Everyone makes miskates.

Usually when their brain is fried

Edit: have you ever tried asking someone 'what is the opposite of flammable' and see what answer you get 

[Nudga]

Crazy seeing people write off Gibson when you look at Moly in his first season. Plenty of time for the coaching staff to improve his game, sure it will come even if it's next season.

The striker position is a strange one. Sharp is a great goalscorer but obviously his game is limited (age), Ironside's has not looked like a player who would get anywhere near 15 goals in L2 this season. You'd say neither would be good enough for L1 if we made the step up. Maybe as impact players.

Every forward player in the second half of last season looked like they wouldn't be out of place in L1. Grant will be looking for an upgrade and regular starter in that ST for me. And yes someone to replace Yeboah and seriously compete with Gibson and Hurst (hopefully of an Adelakun ilk).

Either way if GM's loan signings are even 50% as good as his January loan signings last year, we will win the league. See you in League One.

Difference is Gibson is 26 so should be at his absolute prime.
Molly was 24 when he signed for us so is hitting his prime now.
I doubt that we have time to wait for Gibon to come good as GM is wanting not just promotion but the title as well.
If we go up, can you actually see Gibson being any good in lge1?
I can't.

[big fat yorkshire pudding]

Crazy seeing people write off Gibson when you look at Moly in his first season. Plenty of time for the coaching staff to improve his game, sure it will come even if it's next season.

The striker position is a strange one. Sharp is a great goalscorer but obviously his game is limited (age), Ironside's has not looked like a player who would get anywhere near 15 goals in L2 this season. You'd say neither would be good enough for L1 if we made the step up. Maybe as impact players.

Every forward player in the second half of last season looked like they wouldn't be out of place in L1. Grant will be looking for an upgrade and regular starter in that ST for me. And yes someone to replace Yeboah and seriously compete with Gibson and Hurst (hopefully of an Adelakun ilk).

Either way if GM's loan signings are even 50% as good as his January loan signings last year, we will win the league. See you in League One.

Difference is Gibson is 26 so should be at his absolute prime.
Molly was 24 when he signed for us so is hitting his prime now.
I doubt that we have time to wait for Gibon to come good as GM is wanting not just promotion but the title as well.
If we go up, can you actually see Gibson being any good in lge1?
I can't.

McCann has probably got a thought that he can make him better and we have to look to do that.

[Cramby10]

A lot of talk on Gibson here. Having watched the Port Vale game on the telly box the other day, I thought his general build up play was decent but then when faced with the decision as to what to do with the final ball he was found lacking. Big time. He just looked like he had no idea what to do. Cut inside and blaze it into row z or go outside on his particularly weak left foot seem to be his only outcomes. To play this player on the wrong side nonsense you have to be a lot more canny. Maybe he’s not bright enough to do it?
This now brings me to my usual bee in my bonnet. Why not makes things easy for him? Put him on the right with one instruction. Get to the byline and whip in bloody good crosses with your very good right peg. Why do we have to make things more complicated than they need to be? Just because it’s football fashion? I don’t know. But it ain’t working for him.

[GazLaz]

A lot of talk on Gibson here. Having watched the Port Vale game on the telly box the other day, I thought his general build up play was decent but then when faced with the decision as to what to do with the final ball he was found lacking. Big time. He just looked like he had no idea what to do. Cut inside and blaze it into row z or go outside on his particularly weak left foot seem to be his only outcomes. To play this player on the wrong side nonsense you have to be a lot more canny. Maybe he’s not bright enough to do it?
This now brings me to my usual bee in my bonnet. Why not makes things easy for him? Put him on the right with one instruction. Get to the byline and whip in bloody good crosses with your very good right peg. Why do we have to make things more complicated than they need to be? Just because it’s football fashion? I don’t know. But it ain’t working for him.

He’s a strange one. His ability and general play is brilliant at times. If he did have an end product that was consistent with what he is capable of he’d be a good championship player.

I think it is a mental issue with him though. Think he struggles to translate his ability to match day consistently. Possibly has come across previously as a “bad attitude” situation but I’m not sure it is. Some players just get limited by anxiety, wouldn’t be surprised if it was linked to that.

[Alan Southstand]

Back to the title of the thread for a moment, the longer the wait goes on, the less likely it is we’ll get the lad in question.

[andyst79]

A lot of talk on Gibson here. Having watched the Port Vale game on the telly box the other day, I thought his general build up play was decent but then when faced with the decision as to what to do with the final ball he was found lacking. Big time. He just looked like he had no idea what to do. Cut inside and blaze it into row z or go outside on his particularly weak left foot seem to be his only outcomes. To play this player on the wrong side nonsense you have to be a lot more canny. Maybe he’s not bright enough to do it?
This now brings me to my usual bee in my bonnet. Why not makes things easy for him? Put him on the right with one instruction. Get to the byline and whip in bloody good crosses with your very good right peg. Why do we have to make things more complicated than they need to be? Just because it’s football fashion? I don’t know. But it ain’t working for him.

He’s a strange one. His ability and general play is brilliant at times. If he did have an end product that was consistent with what he is capable of he’d be a good championship player.

I think it is a mental issue with him though. Think he struggles to translate his ability to match day consistently. Possibly has come across previously as a “bad attitude” situation but I’m not sure it is. Some players just get limited by anxiety, wouldn’t be surprised if it was linked to that.

Once Maxwell is back up to speed , Gibson will benefit from having him overlapping, wingers generally tend to be inconsistent especially at this level.

[drfchound]

A lot of talk on Gibson here. Having watched the Port Vale game on the telly box the other day, I thought his general build up play was decent but then when faced with the decision as to what to do with the final ball he was found lacking. Big time. He just looked like he had no idea what to do. Cut inside and blaze it into row z or go outside on his particularly weak left foot seem to be his only outcomes. To play this player on the wrong side nonsense you have to be a lot more canny. Maybe he’s not bright enough to do it?
This now brings me to my usual bee in my bonnet. Why not makes things easy for him? Put him on the right with one instruction. Get to the byline and whip in bloody good crosses with your very good right peg. Why do we have to make things more complicated than they need to be? Just because it’s football fashion? I don’t know. But it ain’t working for him.

He’s a strange one. His ability and general play is brilliant at times. If he did have an end product that was consistent with what he is capable of he’d be a good championship player.

I think it is a mental issue with him though. Think he struggles to translate his ability to match day consistently. Possibly has come across previously as a “bad attitude” situation but I’m not sure it is. Some players just get limited by anxiety, wouldn’t be surprised if it was linked to that.

Agreed, I posted a few days back that Gibson is probably low on confidence right now.