Well, ahead of today’s game with Fleetwood - at least the pitch is fit!

Hopefully, some of our returning players will soon get an opportunity to get in some game time. I go along with MP, having the likes of Ness & Robertson back plus Jatta returning from suspension is similar to acquiring “new” signings.

COYP

Edited September 6Sep 6 by YoopEyes

I agree it’s great to see players returning from injuries, let’s hope we can keep a fit squad MP needs all his preferred first team players to be fit and on top form plus the fringe players need to be ready to step up when needed.

3-5-2 today?

8 minutes ago, Mapperley Pie said:

3-5-2 today?

I don't think MP will want to change his shape. If so that could mean Dennis back to an inside forward slot. We'll soon see

2 hours ago, Mapperley Pie said:

3-5-2 today?

You were correct

Thanks @theAnticlough . Maybe I'll put forward for the Technical Board 🙃

The training sessions seem to be making a real difference now. The midfield looks more settled, and the movement off the ball is starting to improve. It’s still an area we need to keep working on, especially when we’re trying to break teams down. Scott Robertson coming back is a big boost, he’s looked sharp and seems to have added a bit of muscle too, which should help him hold his own in the middle.

I was told sand was put down to help get the game on; I thought it might have impacted the performance or made the pitch difficult to play on, but it seemed to have no effect. The pitch didn't look great, with it, but at least it allowed the game to be played.

I am not really a fan of seeing the starting XI warm up in the absence of the bench, and even uninvolved players.

But the fitness levels do appear to be improving, and more of the squad are benefiting from this as it isn't taking their focus when they tire out. They kept going against Fleetwood, and I think Ollie Norburn has benefited from this. With him returning to a higher level of fitness, I believe he will start to make more of an impact, and I loved seeing him go in with his tackles more confidently.