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Super_Danny_Allsopp

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Everything posted by Super_Danny_Allsopp

  1. The off-season is a special time for many football fans. The first week is a novelty, but many of us begin wondering what exactly we do with our Saturdays now the Euros have finished. Such boredom drives inevitable speculation; who's off-contract, who's sought after, who are we linked with. In the era of social media and the internet, there are vast swathes of people demanding that the players who bedazzled in the league last year be signed up instantly, the galacticos of the non-league, if you will. The thirst for these type of signings are encouraged by the endless stream of anonymous, 'in-the-know', accounts, largely on Twitter these days, who mainly throw enough mud that eventually one will stick; cue the many incorrect predictions being quickly tidied up. For those football manager fans, my personal approach was to go heavy on the scouting, sign the best players, regardless of position, knowing they'll be good enough, or decent enough, even if not entirely in the position they like best. Reality is somewhat different. 'Philosophy' or 'club culture' are the latest buzz-words for a rather simple thing - how does the club prefer to play football. It's relatively new for us here at Notts, as our style used to change in synchronisation with our manager - roughly every 6 months (or less). More than most clubs, the Notts pendulum used to swing from one side to the other, without so much as a pause to think about exactly what we are doing and where we are going. Derry: defensive, rigid, direct - to Moniz: attacking, fluid, reckless. Without diving down the rabbit hole of why and how this all happened, the inevitability is that with such drastic and instantaneous changes in style, you will find yourself with players that simply don't suite the new one. It seems that tide has turned, however. A change of manager has brought in a change of tactics and play, but the style is largely similar. There're no players that were well-suited to the previous manager that couldn't have done a similar job with the new one. This brings in a new factor to consider for our transfer policy - do we target players that are the best we can attract, or do we target the best players in the positions and roles that we need? Sonny Carey. Brilliant player. Ripped us apart when we played KL. If you ignore the fact he has gone higher up the leagues, the next question is, where would we play him, or more importantly, who would you drop to play him? If we are sticking with 3-5-2, there are two striking positions and three central midfield positions. Assuming one of those strikers will be Wootton, who plays close to him? Roberts? Rodrigues? If they're both playing, one of them (probably Rodrigues) will be the advanced man in that central 3. You'd be very exposed if 2 of your central 3 were pretty much attacking midfielders, should you incorporate a Carey, or Carey-like player. Another name that came up regularly was Rhys Oates; primarily a winger. We've made 3 signings so far, and they all convey to me the same message - we know the type of player we wanted, and we've got what we think will be a good fit. A summary of what we were missing, prior to these signings: A Michael Doyle. Left-footed, central midfielder who can dictate the game through his passing ability. Capable of the killer ball. A left-sided CB, ideally left-footed, who can step out and play with the ball at his feet. A left wing back who can attack. Chicksen is solid and technically gifted, but not a winger type. We needed a more attacking LWB to replace Miller. The three players we've signed, so far, seem to be role and positionally ideal (at least theoretically). The next question that naturally springs to mind is then what to expect from the further signings? For that, it's best to analyse what we have: Noticeable is the scope for interpretation. Does 3 at the back mean this is how we line-up? Certainly not, but I've gone with more or less how we featured at the end of last season. Secondly is just how attacking or defensive this formation varies hugely with personnel, start JOB instead of Rodrigues, Chicksen at LWB, and we all of a sudden look quite solid. Change that up and have Rodrigues, Roberts and Wootton as a quasi-front 3 with Taylor running from the wings, then we start looking dangerous, albeit a bit open. It can be assumed, I think, that those positions and players can be flexible depending on opposition or scoreline. For the future signings, I'm not expecting any attacking midfielders or wingers. My personal thoughts are: Defensive-minded, or tenacious central midfielder who can still play. Neal Bishop type would be perfect. All-round central midfielder. No special leanings one way or the other. Reeves loosely could be pigeon-holed in this category. A striker to compete and at times partner Wootton. Doesn't necessarily have to be the same type as Wootton. A RWB that attacks. Brindley and DKE are solid at this level, but neither are ones to unlock defences. A backup centre back. While Brindley and Chicksen performed amicably last season, playing a back 3 with only 3 established CB's is a big risk. Head over to the Pride of Nottingham forum to discuss this feature written by Super_Danny_Allsopp, with the community. Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? 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  2. The transfers to and from clubs at this level has quickened the past week or so, with the play-off final having been played and contract renewals well under way. Some of the transfers are quite interesting and relevant for us too. In no particular order: Torquay A number of their fans well and truly throwing their toys out of the pram because we signed Cameron, which is probably a good indicator for us. Some strange delusions of grandeur in that fan base, probably because they reached the play-off final and are most likely hurting after throwing the league and then losing the playoff final thanks to a couple of dodgy refereeing decisions. They look set to lose Ben Whitfield (Central midfielder/left winger) as his contract is up and he's yet to sign. To whom though is unknown. There has been those on social media trying to say he will sign for us. That'd send Torquay fans into complete meltdown I'd imagine, but more likely to go to the league I think (Bradford rumoured). Ben Wynter has re-signed (RB), as has Dean Moxley (LB with the long throw), Asa Hall (CB and captain) and Danny Wright. Wynter is only young (23), but the rest, despite having great seasons, are all well into their 30s. They'll be hoping Aaron Nemane signs a new contract (injured winger). Joe Lewis and Connor Lemonheigh-Evans are still contracted, both young and quality players at this level. Not sure on Torquay's financial situation, but those two would require a fee of some sort. Lucas Covolan Cavagnari, the keeper who scored and did the antics in the penalty shootout in the play-off final, has joined Port Vale (midtable L2 last season). A number of signings for them to make, but they haven't made any thus far. Not a complete rebuild, but I imagine they were hoping to keep their entire squad together but as we found out the season before, that just doesn't happen.
  3. I was expecting more from Torquay (for them to come out and play) but thought they were poor and conservative, and I know I'm saying that after they've put 4 past us. Chesterfield and Torquay essentially did the same thing - set pieces, counter attack, else defend. Torquay at least had a bit more class and weren't cheating/wasting time from minute 1 like Chesterfield. I expect the winner of Stockport/Hartlepool to go up.
  4. I'll save real reaction until the emotions have calmed down a bit. However, what I will say is this: Depth. If you take off Enzio Boldewijn, Callum Miller, Jake Reeves and bring on Jimmy Knowles, Jordan Barnett and Regan Griffiths, you will have problems.... and boy did we have problems. The frustrating part of that game is we have nobody to blame but ourselves. Torquay were clinical, but we threw that game.
  5. Personally I would probably go for Brindley at RCB and DKE to RWB. Really rate Rawlinson as a player, but he has never looked comfortable as the right part of a back 3 and he hasn't been in the best of form. JOB to come in for Enzio if he's fit.
  6. I don't know exactly what to expect from Chesterfield, but I'm glad we're not playing Bromley. They are a tough side to face.
  7. Because he is already on a yellow, had still been giving fouls away and then flies into a challenge where he's unlikely to get the ball. You could see it coming an absolute mile off.
  8. Barnet's form has been a bit up and down recently, but they can play without restriction or fear as their season is over. All depends on which Notts team decides to turn up. Been let down too many times to think that after a good result and performance we are likely to build on it and progress from there, usually the opposite happens. I'd go for the lineup below, though I know we'll most likely stick with 5 at the back. The below doesn't offer much width, but you'd expect that with Knight allowed to travel wide and Rodrigues floating, that's where the width would come.
  9. Not a bad first half. Sutton have some very good players up front and Beautyman too. Wootton hasn't really got involved and Knowles is useless as per. I'd bring Enzio on shortly for Knowles.
  10. I fear that those who think the situation with Maurice Ross will somehow 'galvanise' the players or unify them, are going to be very, very disappointed. This team has absolutely no fight in them, as they've repeatedly shown throughout the season.
  11. We'll lose. 3-0 Sutton. Not one forward pass made by Reeves. Wootton shoots and goes out for a throw-in. One long shot that should be saved. One set piece. One counter attack in dying minutes.
  12. That'll be the last time I pay for a stream. You can say what you like about lack of quality, but the thing that has pissed me off most is the complete lack of urgency. You're drawing against Altrincham, you need to win.... and Notts take their time with the throws ins and pass sideways and backwards. They don't give a ****, and neither do I. Stuff the lot of them.
  13. 4-3-3 for me. ---------------Steele----------------- -Brindley--Rawlinson--Lacey--DKE- ------Reeves----Doyle---Griffiths--- ---Knight------Wootton-----Enzio--
  14. Another ****, negative half. Ben Turner will be sent off soon as he tries to bring down anybody that turns him, which isn't difficult. Wootton terrible. Knowles can finish and nothing else. Reeves passing is ******* dire, he is dropping back into the back 3 (!!!) to pick the ball up and play on top of Turner. Neither Reeves nor Turner can pass, so the result is the same. Doyle on, Reeves off. Enzio on, Knowles off. Turner off, Ellis on. Please.
  15. I don't see many reasons for changing what has won us the last two games. Given the current injury/fitness status, this formation makes sense. Wootton comes straight in for Sam (obviously). Knowles starts due to Knight fitness status and hattrick last game. I'm assuming here that Cal Roberts isn't fit to start - otherwise you change everything to fit him in. Hartlepool will be a tough game. We can't play like we did against Woking otherwise we'll be beaten comprehensively. A massive step up needed and it does feel like this game is pivotal for our season; win and we can crack on and see where the season takes us, lose and in reality we'll be trying to stay in the play-off places and hope for a bit of luck/magic in the playoff games.
  16. It wasn't the most convincing win we'll ever see, but important nonetheless. We were terrified for the first 10, 15 minutes. However, once we'd settled, it was quite even. Barring those initial minutes, we were quite solid at the back. I also saw a lot of improvement in the middle; Griffiths offered us much more balance there and combined well with Reeves. Sure, he was a bit naiive at times, but after being thrown in last minute, it was really a good performance. He made runs forward and tried to begin attacks by passing forward and moving into promising positions. Even without the result, that was a positive for me. Where we were breaking down, however, was a static forward line. Wootton you expect that, it's not his role to be making runs in behind. Knowles, however, was always on his heels and was second best for almost the entirety he was on the pitch. Our real impetus came with the introduction of Knight. He was unpredictable and started to give their defence another body to worry about, freeing Wootton. Combine that with the genius that is the Geordie Messi, and you get the lead up to our goal. The ref was terrible. Wootton never deserved being sent, and that was amongst their better decisions. We really aren't getting the better of the decisions. When Tom Daley appeared in our box for the second game in a row, you really did expect it to go one way. Luckily, it was one of the few decisions they got correct. As for the common 'tators.... they were wearing red jerseys I'm sure, whether it be the red of Wrexham or those across the river, is up for debate. Biased rammle from the both of them. If Knight can continue and improve on that performance, combined with Roberts being fit and Griffiths being that extra link in the middle, we could really kick on and cement a place in the play-offs. A reason to be hopeful, in the midst of recent gloom....
  17. Lineup is confusing. 3 at the back, with wingbacks? No Turner even in the squad, injured again? I fear the worse if Barnett is filling in at CB. Bench looks good though! 3-0 Wrexham.
  18. Game 29 - The Shots (H) Team: Aldershot Town Date: 30/03/2021 Where: Meadow Lane Anyone tuning in, via radio or stream? I was going to stream it, but not sure I want to see another repeat performance from recent weeks. I'll probably wait until I see the lineup, I have a sneaky feeling a certain Ben Turner will be playing and if that's the case, I will not bother streaming. I'd sooner play Jimmy Knowles at CB.
  19. I tuned in because I thought we might see something different under a new manager. We didn't. I'm not fussed one bit about this trophy and it seems neither were the players. Woeful performance.
  20. 1-0 down HT. It's been pretty scrappy and both sides have had their chances. We're losing this in the middle of the park. The chuckle brothers and Rodrigues are second best to almost everything. The worst thing Ardley could do in my opinion is bring on Knowles (way too physical for him) and take Rodrigues off for O'Brien. I'm not adverse to O'Brien coming on, but it should be for Reeves or Doyle.
  21. Interesting lineup with Enzio at RWB. Chuckle brothers reunited in the middle. They've scored already.
  22. That was a disgusting first half performance. They were all terrible. Especially **** are that new right back, Barnett, Reeves, Rodrigues, Enzio and Knowles. My patience is wearing thin.
  23. Maybe not, but let's take our last 3 results: 0-0 to Stockport - lucky to draw 0-1 to Chesterfield - correct result (they didn't create anything else and neither did we) 0-1 to us v Kings Lynn - lucky to get anything, never mind a win. That's 4 points in 3 games, but in reality without a large slice of lady luck, it should have been only 1 point or maybe 0. In all 3 games we have created next to nothing. The only goal we scored was out of nowhere from Jake Reeves and he won't be producing them very often. The only reason our defence stats look good is because we got lucky v Stockport and KL.

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