Young Midfield

It occured to me early in the FA Cup game (probably just after County had gone 2-0 up) that we were seeing the future midfield for County.  Not necessarily in personnel, because Miley and K Evans are on loan, but in the energy and the pressing aspect of play.  And it looked good, until inexplicably they lost their shape, stopped doing what had been successful and sat back and allowed Posh to attack us.

Without Wildig and Morris there seemed to be a youthful exuberance among the four starters, with a particular desire to play forward balls.  I'm not sure whether they just wore themselves out or whether there was information from the bench to sit back at 2-0 up.  I'm sure any instructions given were not for the two playing on the flanks to come inside and expose our full-backs to Posh's very good wingers, which they unfortunately did.

I think Whitmore needs to be the first name on the midfield list, for his attacking intent, ability to sometimes work his way through tight positions and his 'bite' in tackling.  I think Glennon is the best crosser of the ball, but I am frustrated by him not staying out wide and stretching the opposition (K Evans does similar).  If both are playing then they need to sort out between them a system so both aren't coming inside at the same time, because I understand if you're playing a midfield four then those on the flanks do need to come inside to bolster the midfield, but both simultaneously doing so just makes it so easy for the opposition to attack down the flanks.  I'd like to see Spellman given a start, but I guess the problem is whom misses out if he were to start.

I'd like to see County give Wildig and Morris another rest v Tranmere (possibly until they're over their niggles) and build on the early performance of a young midfield last week...

What annoyed me about that cup defeat was the manner of our play when we’re 2 up.. as soon as they began to really take control we left nobody up so the ball once cleared was bound to come straight back. Really stupid Alamo tactics imo

lowandhard wrote:What annoyed me about that cup defeat was the manner of our play when we’re 2 up.. as soon as they began to really take control we left nobody up so the ball once cleared was bound to come straight back. Really stupid Alamo tactics imo

Reading your comment made me realise something about Jardim. He’s no Edinburgh or Flynny, he’s not even a Cocko. But thankfully, I don’t think he’s quite another Hudson, Rowberry or Feeney. And he’s certainly not a Westley or Butcher.

If things continue, we’ll be frustratingly mediocre this season, and maybe that’s okay. We’ve just got to hang on tight and hope the wheels don’t fall off.

Looking ahead, December/January have traditionally been difficult months for us. If we’re able to invest in the transfer window and increase the size and quality of the squad, maybe he can pull off a Holdsworth-style awakening in the second half of the season.

Yes, I see that but I think Huw Jenkins’ strategy is to make money not spend it so I really see much happening at what is anyway a difficult time to make thrifty signings. Just my opinion

lowandhard wrote:Yes, I see that but I think Huw Jenkins’ strategy is to make money not spend it so I really see much happening at what is anyway a difficult time to make thrifty signings. Just my opinion

I agree with you unfortunately. Everything we know about him says that this will likely be the case.

Owain Glyndwr wrote:

lowandhard wrote:Yes, I see that but I think Huw Jenkins’ strategy is to make money not spend it so I really see much happening at what is anyway a difficult time to make thrifty signings. Just my opinion

I agree with you unfortunately. Everything we know about him says that this will likely be the case.

glad you read that correctly, I meant to say “ I don’t see much happening “

lowandhard wrote:Yes, I see that but I think Huw Jenkins’ strategy is to make money not spend it so I really see much happening at what is anyway a difficult time to make thrifty signings. Just my opinion

An opinion backed up by HJ in an interview on BBC Radio Wales prior to a match recently where he effectively said he wouldn't be signing players in January. While I don't believe we will have a completely blank transfer window, I can't see him making the level of changes that would be necessary for us to compete at the top end of the table by then.

Makes me wonder what’s in this for Jardim. Most managers/head coaches are highly ambitious folk who often enjoy being the focal point for the club and get frustrated when their hands tied.
Not wishing to be unfair to him but perhaps he stands apart as someone who’s just happy being a cog in HJ’s machine. An interesting setup that’s admittedly still taking some getting used to.

Amberexile wrote:

lowandhard wrote:Yes, I see that but I think Huw Jenkins’ strategy is to make money not spend it so I really see much happening at what is anyway a difficult time to make thrifty signings. Just my opinion

An opinion backed up by HJ in an interview on BBC Radio Wales prior to a match recently where he effectively said he wouldn't be signing players in January. While I don't believe we will have a completely blank transfer window, I can't see him making the level of changes that would be necessary for us to compete at the top end of the table by then.

It's a transition season. Like last season I think most fans would accept accruing more points than the previous season. That would be progress (and with a squad with a reduced average age). And perhaps less 'clearing out' in the summer...

I do wonder if Jardim had started with the same midfield played v Posh (Evans, Miley, Whitmore, Glennon) and with the attacking intent displayed until the two goal lead, whether the outcome v Tranmere would have been different. By half time in the FA Cup game most people around me were suggesting bringing on an old head (or two). Perhaps that should be an option - start with young and exuberance, get ahead then get the old men on to lock the game out...

Amberexile "necessary for us to compete at the top end of the table by then." No but at least to stay up?