Some might argue that its still early, that some teams are late bloomers with regards to settling down. John Sheridan is still clearly learning about his squad, which players are consistent etc.

For me, I don't think the issue is down to the fact that the players are still learning about each other.

Nor do I feel its down to effort as such, I think some are just struggling for consistency and failing to take in the tactics. I think if the midfield and defence played up to standard, there would be no question that our strikers could get goals. Audel for me isn't a right back, he plays better elsewhere and I would like to see someone else establish that position as their own.

Centre back wise - I can see this improving easily with the midfield doing their part.

I agree with calls for the return of Stanley Aborah, we need his creativity and hold up play - yes I do think his performance have been inconsistent but many other players have been dire far more than him. We need better movement on the flanks, do we have any wingers who can run directly at the opposition? If so, why don't see this??? Dickinson would probably perform better if those around him did, yet he needs to focus on trying to win the ball and defend - I hate seeing him whine and argue. For such a well built player, he doesn't half act like prima donna.

So, how can Notts improve for you? What would be your solution to the weak and absent midfield? Discuss.....

Notts have conceded first so often this season that you could probably make good money betting on it (if the odds haven't been reduced to near-certainty). Then their heads drop - "for f***'s sake, not again". And then they're chasing the game which disrupts their plans. They need to tighten up at the back, be organised and maybe try to get to half time without conceding. The midfield, meanwhile, need to take their time and hold up play, making sure there are options in front of them, and see what happens. I'd take a couple of 0-0s and the odd 1-0 over 2-0 defeats, 2-2, and a 3-2 win. We need to be conservative, boring, and painful to watch, but getting results.

i have no idea. really no idea.

what i do not get is how we can show character to get a point against grimsby but then the following game we surrender. we are easily beaten, its pathetic. teams score for fun against notts, we have a keeper who barely warrants the place, defenders who lose positioning and a midfield that just does not bother.

i hate to say it but i think its the fact we dont have that extra quality, just a group of average players.

Well its keeping @Fozzy and @Elite_pie silent as of now, really do wonder what folk think the solution would be.

A better defence, would take the pressure off midfield and a better moving mid would take the pressure off the defence - even allow the strikers to get more chances. Its certainly not a fine margin issue, but hopefully Sheridan can settle a consistent 11 down.

1 hour ago, notts-joe said:

Well its keeping @Fozzy and @Elite_pie silent as of now, really do wonder what folk think the solution would be.

That's because the initial question is so difficult it would leave Einstein scratching his head!  It's hard to know where to start, but step one for me would be to sign a battling midfielder who does the 'ugly' stuff well.  I've been saying it ever since Moniz was sacked, but we are just too easy to play against, especially at meadow Lane.  We always seem to give opposing midfielders time and space to pick a pass, whereas our midfield are harried the second they get the ball (the Accy game was a perfect example), which is why we go sideways and backwards so often.  Maybe Curtis Thompson will give us a bit more energy in the middle, I hope so as we desperately need it.

For me we are definitely a work in progress , more time is needed I think , agree with a good measure of the above to be honest , more energy in midfield would help , finding the combination which is balanced and progressive going forward and tight when defending is key , but elusive thus far , I think a 5 man midfield would help to steady us a little , not 100% sure of the personnel to do this tho to be honest . There ya go sorted , clear as mud .

We may have to go 352 or 451 for a while. With a 352, we could push Dickinson to centre half and drop Milsom (while he is fit at least) to left back. That would enable us to play O'Connor, Stanley and Smith (until Skirtz is fit) in the middle of the park. As Elite says we are desperate for a midfield terrier, but I would also say that we are missing a ball carrier, someone who can pick the ball up in our half and drive forward with it, plus we are also missing pace all over the park. We have a large pitch at Notts, so you would think assembling a squad with pace to cover it would have been a bit of a priority.

As I put in another post though, it will probably take Sheridan 2 seasons to get the team he wants because of the players still in the squad from last season. 

Like what you say@Fozzy as regards midfield that sounds a good option to me , there is some quality in there just need to the correct mix and consistency , takes time tho . 

I believe Sheriden is a good manager at this level. I know we all suffered badly against Accy Stan but the way to solve this is time. WE have enough good players (now that Pickle is gone) and suddenly it will all gel.

Time and patience needed - not taht i claim to be any good at the latter!!

6 minutes ago, ivansneck said:

I believe Sheriden is a good manager at this level. I know we all suffered badly against Accy Stan but the way to solve this is time. WE have enough good players (now that Pickle is gone) and suddenly it will all gel.

Time and patience needed - not taht i claim to be any good at the latter!!

If you have any patience to spare, @ivansneck,please send some to some of the home fans at Pride Park(yes, I know-it's officially the iPro stadium)

I definitely think its worth giving Snijders a chance out wide, on his day he can be a cracking winger, he has pace and skill when he uses it and if we play Oliver then snijders is more than able to put in a good cross, but no manager seems to like him.

I also think its worth bringing the general Alan smith back for this game, he lacks the pace but you know he will give 100% and battle in the middle of the park, its hard when we have so many players to pick the ones that will work together and win

You do raise a good point @ohstanleyaborah, there are still too many players on the books and it might have clouded Sheridan's judgement during pre season, whereas a lot of sides in this division seem to operate with a squad of around 20-22 players. How many players to we have, 29 registered players? Way,way too many even though some are young lads currently out on loan and three are coaches (although 1 is still actively involved), that leaves a squad of 24 senior players so I would still like to see another 3, or 4 gone.

I'm sure Sheridan will get there in the end, but it just won't be this season.

 

 

Send them all back to basics, play two strikers and try to form a decent partnership.

Play more spread out in midfield, making sure that they want the ball and move into space. This would make it a lot more easier for paceless wingers that John Sheridan seems to prefer! Keep the left and right back deeper, remind them that they are their to defend and not just attack.

Notts move the ball around like we have no idea what the point of it is.