Let's talk about the Stockport county EFL cup game

[big fat yorkshire pudding]

Disappointing way to concede, really poor. First half was woeful though it should have been over by half time.

Lots of effort second half but we never really troubled them and they could just sit in.

I think it's obvious that we just need a bit more quality added to some of the good players we have.  Tonight for me Close, Nixon, Broadbent, Robinson, Middleton were very disappointing.  It's also sad to see the end of Billy's career, his head has it but his body just lacks that sharpness now.

[bpoolrover]

The problem is having such a big squad, in games like this he plays the 2nd 11 against one of the best teams in the league, let’s just hope we get something on sat now

[big fat yorkshire pudding]

I am surprised he didn't go with a stronger side, we had nothing to lose.

[GazDRFC]

Sorry, Pearson and McGrath no where near the quality required for this league

Or Gibson, embarrassing effort from him at times tonight

[jmt23]

It was poor, they were allowing us the ball in the second half, knowing Grant will throw the kitchen sink at it, and hoping to catch us on the break.
It nearly worked for them, but for Zander.

We created nothing at all.

[GazLaz]

Disappointing we put out a weakened team. The game was there to win and we lessened the chances of that happening with the starting XI.

[In the box]

The problem is having such a big squad, in games like this he plays the 2nd 11 against one of the best teams in the league, let’s just hope we get something on sat now

A-Big Squad of what? over the hill players & L2 standard. Stockport didn’t break sweat . Good luck to them but we need yet another rebuild with players who can compete in L1 ., it’s not a lot to ask in my opinion !!

[Goole Rover]

The problem is having such a big squad, in games like this he plays the 2nd 11 against one of the best teams in the league, let’s just hope we get something on sat now

You are correct, we have a large squad with the exception of two or three that are average. Wouldn’t it be better that the budget was spent on a smaller squad with six or seven better players.

[dickos1]

On the contrary I was impressed with how hard Stockport worked in the second half.
But for an unbelievable last ditch tackle molyneux taps that home and we go to pens

[Alan Southstand]

We had 2 shots on target all night, 3 if you count Close blocked effort. Very, very poor from us, made worse by putting out the second team, most of whom are clearly not up to the level.

[hoolahoop]

We had 2 shots on target all night, 3 if you count Close blocked effort. Very, very poor from us, made worse by putting out the second team, most of whom are clearly not up to the level.

We obviously need to do far better than this if we are to stay up.
What was McCann thinking of putting out a 2nd team in a semi- final - the players & supporters need something positive to work for. Now we just have our league position  to stabilise....!

[SydneyRover]

I think the answer is in your comment hoola, McCann had one eye on the league and wasn't going to risk them being a bit leggy for Saturday.

[drfchound]

Excellent performance in the second half,
The ref was a disgrace

The ref bottledit big time in the first minute of the second half when Sharp turned his marker and was clearly tripped a foot or so inside the box.
I could hear the sound of boot on boot and it was a foul, and a penalty.

[donnievic]

Stockport think also went strong because they don’t have a game on Saturday or next Tuesday unlike us,must of also been a factor

[Ian Nimmo]

Disappointing way to concede, really poor. First half was woeful though it should have been over by half time.

Lots of effort second half but we never really troubled them and they could just sit in.

I think it's obvious that we just need a bit more quality added to some of the good players we have.  Tonight for me Close, Nixon, Broadbent, Robinson, Middleton were very disappointing.  It's also sad to see the end of Billy's career, his head has it but his body just lacks that sharpness now.

Well I must have been watching a different game because I thought Close played very well in a very poor midfield.

[Petche]

Disappointing way to concede, really poor. First half was woeful though it should have been over by half time.

Lots of effort second half but we never really troubled them and they could just sit in.

I think it's obvious that we just need a bit more quality added to some of the good players we have.  Tonight for me Close, Nixon, Broadbent, Robinson, Middleton were very disappointing.  It's also sad to see the end of Billy's career, his head has it but his body just lacks that sharpness now.

Well I must have been watching a different game because I thought Close played very well in a very poor midfield.

Close isn't good enough and I hope we don't renew his contract in the summer. He maybe looks comfortable on the ball but most of his passes don't hurt the opposition. One incident typified him last night - he picked up the ball around the half way line and ahead of him opened up, instead of driving forward he dinked a hopeless pass which was easily headed away, so frustrating!!
We need better.

[Rupee92ONLY]

Disappointing way to concede, really poor. First half was woeful though it should have been over by half time.

Lots of effort second half but we never really troubled them and they could just sit in.

I think it's obvious that we just need a bit more quality added to some of the good players we have.  Tonight for me Close, Nixon, Broadbent, Robinson, Middleton were very disappointing.  It's also sad to see the end of Billy's career, his head has it but his body just lacks that sharpness now.

Well I must have been watching a different game because I thought Close played very well in a very poor midfield.

Close isn't good enough and I hope we don't renew his contract in the summer. He maybe looks comfortable on the ball but most of his passes don't hurt the opposition. One incident typified him last night - he picked up the ball around the half way line and ahead of him opened up, instead of driving forward he dinked a hopeless pass which was easily headed away, so frustrating!!
We need better.

That riled us, it was a pathetic ‘nothing’ move from a player who plenty would have you believe is intelligent and tries to make things happen. Rubbish.

Norwood showed us last night what a quality midfielder at this level is about. Close is not it. Miles apart in class.

[BessieBlue]

Disappointing way to concede, really poor. First half was woeful though it should have been over by half time.

Lots of effort second half but we never really troubled them and they could just sit in.

I think it's obvious that we just need a bit more quality added to some of the good players we have.  Tonight for me Close, Nixon, Broadbent, Robinson, Middleton were very disappointing.  It's also sad to see the end of Billy's career, his head has it but his body just lacks that sharpness now.

Well I must have been watching a different game because I thought Close played very well in a very poor midfield.

Completely agree - Close is a very cultured player who creates time for himself when on the ball. His positioning is good and if he could stay fit then i would be happy with taking up the option on his contract. Fitness of course is a key element and not always easy to justify but if we want to compete with the likes of Cardiff we will need players of Close's ilk!

[Bills view]

I don’t want to be mean to Close but we simply don’t win enough games when he plays.

For me Gotts has to play the position he played last night and as others have said let’s stop playing midfielders in roles they are not great in like Broadbent further forward.

Robinson looks like he needs a loan and time and that’s being kind.

[selby]

  Flint was very good in  two earlier rounds is a physical specimen and technically very good, and is better than Grehan and Robinson plus covers more than one position, as does Faulkner who is miles a better player.
 We have brought in these  players and given them decent length contracts and chances they have failed to impress in and we couldn't wait to get Flint and Faulkner out of the door, the only two other clubs wanted. Penny wise and pounds foolish.
 

[Usher wide.]

  Flint was very good in  two earlier rounds is a physical specimen and technically very good, and is better than Grehan and Robinson plus covers more than one position, as does Faulkner who is miles a better player.
 We have brought in these  players and given them decent length contracts and chances they have failed to impress in and we couldn't wait to get Flint and Faulkner out of the door, the only two other clubs wanted. Penny wise and pounds foolish.
 

Put on another record now selby, you have folk ‘leaving your dance hall’.

[Ryaldinhio]

Close had me pulling my hair out yesterday. While his 'stats' may be great I was watching the game and for me he was part of our downfall. Its easy to be in possession in the first third, its easy to make 'successful forward pass' when the only player further back than you is the keeper.

Gotts would have given us a lot more
Clifton would have given us a lot more
Bailey.......you get the drift.

Close looks a tidy player at times but can see him dropping out of EFL once he leaves us as so many others have.

That said, I dont think Robinson or George gave him much help in the middle.

[Nudga]

You've just mentioned three players who's game about graft and not craft.

Close is a victim of not having enough quality around him. Someone above mentioned how class Norwood is but he's got quality all around him in properly coached team.

I saw Close make space and time for himself with a quick shift of direction and you could see him scanning a certain area of the pitch to play into but no one saw the space and didnt make the run.

Yes he gave the ball away, twice I remember. He doesn't give the ball away as much as Molls, Sterry or Bailey.

It's quite telling that the most comfortable technical player is dropping deeper to collect the ball from the centre halves and keeper.

Imagine Close in a Sean O'Driscoll side, shame he's playing alongside beach donkeys.

[Ian Nimmo]

I couldn’t agree more Nudga.
Some are criticising and mentioning one pass that went wrong, but how many passes did he make that many others could not make.
In terms of losing the ball, therefore their centre are many who lose the ball more multiple times, Gibson & Hanlan being prolific at this, then you have Jay who even if he has a reasonable game, makes terrible passes, just look at how many he made in that game.

[Draytonian III]

  Flint was very good in  two earlier rounds is a physical specimen and technically very good, and is better than Grehan and Robinson plus covers more than one position, as does Faulkner who is miles a better player.
 We have brought in these  players and given them decent length contracts and chances they have failed to impress in and we couldn't wait to get Flint and Faulkner out of the door, the only two other clubs wanted. Penny wise and pounds foolish.
 

Flint is playing 3 levels lower than Rovers , and Bobby Maldini Faulkner is getting a few minutes here and there for a team that’s in the bottom few places in League Two

[Fal]

  Flint was very good in  two earlier rounds is a physical specimen and technically very good, and is better than Grehan and Robinson plus covers more than one position, as does Faulkner who is miles a better player.
 We have brought in these  players and given them decent length contracts and chances they have failed to impress in and we couldn't wait to get Flint and Faulkner out of the door, the only two other clubs wanted. Penny wise and pounds foolish.
 

I'm convinced you have lost the plot Selby.

[GazLaz]

You've just mentioned three players who's game about graft and not craft.

Close is a victim of not having enough quality around him. Someone above mentioned how class Norwood is but he's got quality all around him in properly coached team.

I saw Close make space and time for himself with a quick shift of direction and you could see him scanning a certain area of the pitch to play into but no one saw the space and didnt make the run.

Yes he gave the ball away, twice I remember. He doesn't give the ball away as much as Molls, Sterry or Bailey.

It's quite telling that the most comfortable technical player is dropping deeper to collect the ball from the centre halves and keeper.

Imagine Close in a Sean O'Driscoll side, shame he's playing alongside beach donkeys.

The thing is, you can’t just have one player in the team that wants to get the ball down and play. It just won’t work. You need players that are on the same wavelength. That’s how you build a coherent team. You need to recruit certain profiles consistently. That’s the only way to create a team beyond the sum of its parts.

[Nudga]

You've just mentioned three players who's game about graft and not craft.

Close is a victim of not having enough quality around him. Someone above mentioned how class Norwood is but he's got quality all around him in properly coached team.

I saw Close make space and time for himself with a quick shift of direction and you could see him scanning a certain area of the pitch to play into but no one saw the space and didnt make the run.

Yes he gave the ball away, twice I remember. He doesn't give the ball away as much as Molls, Sterry or Bailey.

It's quite telling that the most comfortable technical player is dropping deeper to collect the ball from the centre halves and keeper.

Imagine Close in a Sean O'Driscoll side, shame he's playing alongside beach donkeys.

The thing is, you can’t just have one player in the team that wants to get the ball down and play. It just won’t work. You need players that are on the same wavelength. That’s how you build a coherent team. You need to recruit certain profiles consistently. That’s the only way to create a team beyond the sum of its parts.

True, and GM never says anything about controlling the tempo of the game, only mentions running and working hard.

Problem is when your only plan is to work the ball wide and see what happens you're going to struggle against well organised teams.
You need ball carrying and technically better passing midfielders to go through the middle.
We very rarely open teams up by going through the middle of the pitch.

[selby]

  I haven't you have on two levels, if you think those players were good enough at the start of the season when everything was fantastic and I told you they were not your lacking football knowledge and reality.
  And if you think now they are good enough for division 1 football playing regular you are lacking more knowledge than I thought you had.
  Over last season and this we have had good periods and bad ones, check the teams when we have been bad and shipped goals, then come back and tell me they are good enough.
 

[Fal]

  I haven't you have on two levels, if you think those players were good enough at the start of the season when everything was fantastic and I told you they were not your lacking football knowledge and reality.
  And if you think now they are good enough for division 1 football playing regular you are lacking more knowledge than I thought you had.
  Over last season and this we have had good periods and bad ones, check the teams when we have been bad and shipped goals, then come back and tell me they are good enough.
 

I'm lacking football knowledge? I take it you don't read your own posts...Pot calling kettle black...