Do we have issues?

[Super_Danny_Allsopp]

I often look at opposition forums after we play teams. What is worrying is that a lot of teams list us as 'one of the worse/the worse team we've seen this season.' Initially, when we were beating teams, it wasn't so much of an issue as we could put it down to bitterness. However, now we are losing (even 4-0), teams are still saying this about us.

It seems to be a common conscientious, we are a poor team.

Shaun Derry says a lot about 'consistency' in the club, however a lot of his signings are for the short term. Far too many are the wrong side of 30, they may not even last another season, beyond that, we are knackered. Discounting those the wrong side of 30, our side looks like this:

Speiss
Dumbuya - Hollis - McKenzie - Adams
Thompson-Noble- Wroe - ???????
Murray - Bishop/Spencer(if fit)

That's a team that is destined for League 2. McKenzie is pretty much untried, Speiss the same, Hollis isn't earning much praise this season.

We desperately need to sign players of quality, who may be here 2-3 years. At the moment we have stop-gaps, and although they may be good, they won't last. Loan signings are only an answer short term. 

[liampie]

should we not discuss this with a shrink?

i think its a combination of poor defending and playing good sides, the fixtures the past 7 or so games have been hard. notts have been riding a wave but that should have been maintained by derry, a few squad additions and we will be fine. we just need to sign better than we have and forget about the signings of the likes of jake cassidy.

have you read this @Super_Danny_Allsopp http://prideofnottingham.co.uk/community/topic/2436-bristol-city-a-aftermath/

[Chris Website URL Visit Site 𝕏 fmcj10 Instagram fmcj10]

I wouldn't say we're a poor team as such, however we are currently very limited.

This will be down to how Derry responds but it's quite clear that we require 'training' in key departments. This would be defending because we're now very shocking, completely at the other end of the spectrum compared to the start of the season. I am wondering if this is down to the players not believing (after reading comments by players).

We can't continue to defend how we have been, yes we have had a difficult run of fixtures but at the start of the season we would have coped better.

The second focus is how we play 'attacking' football, quit hoofing it. We can play teams at the passing game, we just desperately lack pace and legs in order to move it forward and we are limited with creating chances.

I'd say we are average and within a poor spell.

[CliftonMagpie]

We are limited, that is the truth of the matter.

The loan signings gave us a lift, which i think opposition sides had figured out and we tend to attack most games in the same manner. I would not class this as issues but more concerns.

[PTID1862]

The defense is certainly suffering a crisis of confidence (IMO) and we dont have a fit striker worthy of being called it...

[Chris Website URL Visit Site 𝕏 fmcj10 Instagram fmcj10]

Attacking really is the best way to defend.

If you're good at attacking, you can rely less on defenders, just like Bristol City do. hehe

[lambleypie]

Something has to change, perhaps reconsideration by derry with his choice of tactics.

Mid table is our destination, hard work it could be higher but without that worst could come. the form we are in now is the opposite to that we started with. You dont go into games like yesterday when you our attacks will be limited and park the bus.

[BromPie]

We desperately need to sign players of quality, who may be here 2-3 years. At the moment we have stop-gaps, and although they may be good, they won't last. Loan signings are only an answer short term. 

Best time to sign quality is the start of the season, those released mid season are usually questionable.

I do not expect permanent signings, just loan arrivals.

[PTID1862]

@BromPie and if they are decent, they are over-priced!

[Feral Fox]

In answer to the post, yes we have issues.

Major ones imo. We are past the point of reflecting on last season now and these players stand and fall on their own. The defence is weak. Hollis and Adams are not good enough. Cranston looks capable and with a new mid twenties cb that will help. Edwards is a coach, not a player.

The middle is shocking. Alan Smith has turned into a total dud and a waste of wages on the pitch. Off the pitch the time is now for it to show through and it doesn't seem to be working.

Jones is a good player, but can't do it all at his age. No balance to the middle with no width at all.

Up front. OH dear...

[super_ram]

After saving Notts from relegation SD was faced with the problem of replacing wantaway  and disinterested players. Virtually a completely new side had to be assembled.This was always going to be a difficult job given the budget he has to work with.You could say he cobbled a side together but I think he did this to get a bit of breathing space,This season is about surviving and building.The last few games have been. difficult and with the results have come criticism.A run of good results and fans will be expecting promotion again and the recent results/performances forgotten.It is important for Notts to get some better results or criticism will increase.Mid table would IMO be about right .

[Pies4u]

In answer to the post, yes we have issues.

Major ones imo. We are past the point of reflecting on last season now and these players stand and fall on their own. The defence is weak. Hollis and Adams are not good enough. Cranston looks capable and with a new mid twenties cb that will help. Edwards is a coach, not a player.

The middle is shocking. Alan Smith has turned into a total dud and a waste of wages on the pitch. Off the pitch the time is now for it to show through and it doesn't seem to be working.

Jones is a good player, but can't do it all at his age. No balance to the middle with no width at all.

Up front. OH dear...

+ 1

Absolutely spot on - 100% correct.

[Canadian]

We need some kind of Creative midfielder who can Run, From Defence to Attack and bring people into play. 

 

Perhaps them instead of Hoof-Hollis, we might get back to the form agt the begginng of the season

[Chris Website URL Visit Site 𝕏 fmcj10 Instagram fmcj10]

We need some kind of Creative midfielder who can Run, From Defence to Attack and bring people into play. 

 

Perhaps them instead of Hoof-Hollis, we might get back to the form agt the begginng of the season

I'd love to see us sign someone with great vision of passing, that can hold onto the ball and defend. A good DM would be highlight beneficial towards what we lack, good DM players know how to do the basics but can offer a lot more going forward than some think.

It might help Derry reconsider going defensive in games where by our best means is to actually attack.

We panic way too much when teams hit us.

[BromPie]

@BromPie and if they are decent, they are over-priced!

Well the market suites players and agents at this point because clubs seeking free agents are usually those who do not have money to spend, often enough sides buy players on reduced fees otherwise.

[allardyces tash]

To shave or not to shave, that is the question?

Issues? Its no identinity crisis, we just have limited options and a lack of direction right now. It will come good.

[Northants Pie]

Teams now know where our limitations lie, we are very disjointed all over the pitch and just giving 100% wont cover these shortfalls anymore, we defend like a conference north team, our midfield is severely lacking in all but Liam Noble and upfront, can't really comment as don't see that we have had a forward line for a long time

[DangerousSausage]

Obviously I bow to the wisdom of those of you who go every week, but we seem to spend every single match under the kosh. Have we actually dominated any match this season? It's depressing to listen to, never mind watch.

 

I also don't want to hear "We have X more points than at this stage last season" any more. This time last season we were almost certain to be relegated! It's not a good yardstick!

 

I just hope the loanees give us a lift and a bit of creativity and take the pressure off, otherwise we'll find ourselves within touching distance of the relegation zone in a couple of weeks.

[Chris Website URL Visit Site 𝕏 fmcj10 Instagram fmcj10]

@DangerousSausage We dominated Barnsley once we go our foot in the door and overcame the 2-0 head start we gave them.

Apart from that I think I fail to recall any other games where it wasn't either end to end or we were under the kosh. To be honest I didn't think we would at the start of the season, so I haven't really expected that but it would be nice if we could do this to one of the struggling sides. However, just like Yeovil did I am sure the majority will take the game to us. We generally beat the games around mid/upper table.

It's quite interesting how we manage to achieve some great results, yet fail to beat the teams considered underdogs.

Isn't that football though?

[allardyces tash]

If we signed a couple more, would anyone be feeling more confident? If the new lads proved their worth?

I am hoping for two more additional full time players.

[Feral Fox]

If we signed a couple more, would anyone be feeling more confident? If the new lads proved their worth?

I am hoping for two more additional full time players.

Let's be honest. Only today's signing will likely to bear fruit. Hope I'm wrong, but the Derby boys are a definite unknown quantity who may well prosper in a winning team. We aren't that so I agree, we need 2 or 3 more mid 20 aged players that are here for the duration.

Strong centre back to replace hoof it Hollis, centre mid to run and create and a goal scorer.

Not much really then. Oh another winger would be good too!

[allardyces tash]

Let's be honest. Only today's signing will likely to bear fruit. Hope I'm wrong, but the Derby boys are a definite unknown quantity who may well prosper in a winning team. We aren't that so I agree, we need 2 or 3 more mid 20 aged players that are here for the duration.

Strong centre back to replace hoof it Hollis, centre mid to run and create and a goal scorer.

Not much really then. Oh another winger would be good too!

Thomas did well. Hayhurst looks to be a great capture and signing for us.

I still hope for a couple more additions because there is room for improvement.

[Feral Fox]

Thomas did well. Hayhurst looks to be a great capture and signing for us.

I still hope for a couple more additions because there is room for improvement.

Agreed