We didn't lose 5-0 to Oxford with our full first team and only 5 subs, so could always be worse 😄

3 minutes ago, Brunners said:

We didn't lose 5-0 to Oxford with our full first team and only 5 subs, so could always be worse 😄

Either friendlies don't matter or they do.  They can't matter for some teams but not others.  Our pre-season has been fairly poor if you choose to believe it matters.  If you don't then it's been a useful exercise in gaining fitness but disappointing having lost players due to injury, and not being able to get minutes into others at all.  Either way I think it could be said to be a less than ideal few weeks.

Just now, Changing Times said:

Either friendlies don't matter or they do.  They can't matter for some teams but not others.  Our pre-season has been fairly poor if you choose to believe it matters.  If you don't then it's been a useful exercise in gaining fitness but disappointing having lost players due to injury, and not being able to get minutes into others at all.  Either way I think it could be said to be a less than ideal few weeks.

What's that got to do with anything I said?

Just now, Brunners said:

What's that got to do with anything I said?

You're trying to make out that because another team lost badly that things haven't been that bad for us.  The two things have absolutely no connection whatsoever.

Just now, Changing Times said:

You're trying to make out that because another team lost badly that things haven't been that bad for us.  The two things have absolutely no connection whatsoever.

Or, now this might be really mad, had you considered that I was just poking fun at QPR?

Just now, Brunners said:

Or, now this might be really mad, had you considered that I was just poking fun at QPR?

On a Boro pre-season friendly thread, with the wording you used?  Come on mate.  You know what you were doing, and I understand why but we've had a tricky pre-season, and it really doesn't matter what has happened elsewhere.

Just now, Changing Times said:

On a Boro pre-season friendly thread, with the wording you used?  Come on mate.  You know what you were doing, and I understand why but we've had a tricky pre-season, and it really doesn't matter what has happened elsewhere.

Sorry sir, I didn't realise I couldn't post a bit of fun at another team in the same league as us.

I'll make sure I check in with you before I post in future.

Just back from the match. Few bits I took away…

Dieng looks like he will have no worries replacing Steffen in terms of playing out from the back. Extremely composed. 

Coulson imo was average. The lad gives it 100%, but lacks in quality on the ball and is indecisive in some of his decision making. 

McNair and Forss especially in the first half were poor/didn’t get in the game. Forss came into it slightly more 2nd half. 

Hackney and Barlaser did well and played some nice stuff. Obvious Barlaser mistake which lead to their goal. 

Crooks was probably worst player for us. Just isn’t good enough to be starting for us in the no.10 position. Slow and very untechnical and just doesn’t have the skills to link up the play. Akpom can’t come back soon enough. 

I thought Rogers although he got a goal at the end was very poor. Seemed to hold onto it when he should release, and try and pass it off when he should hold it. Reminds me a lot of Ashley Fletcher lol. Hopefully the goal helps his confidence. 

Silvera and Jones looked sharp and definitely added more energy and aggressiveness to our attacking. I think Silvera has done more than enough to start against Milwall, but can’t see Carrick starting him ahead of Riley.

It's interesting how without Giles we are playing our left-back more infield and allowing the left sided attacker sit out wide. It was less the case with Coulson in there but it happened on a couple of occasions (think back to Silvera's first preseason goal).

That's why we were still essentially operating as a back 3 with McNair when on the ball. McGree was definitely left back when our defensive shape was tighter but in possession, McGree would often be sat infield so that Silvera could stretch the team out wide. Pretty much how the second goal came about too.

I absolutely cannot wait to see the first goal back though. I still can't understand what happened. Hackney had a shot, it looped up and under the bar even though the keeper seemed to react like it was going over and he had it covered if not.

3 minutes ago, wilsoncgp said:

I absolutely cannot wait to see the first goal back though. I still can't understand what happened. Hackney had a shot, it looped up and under the bar even though the keeper seemed to react like it was going over and he had it covered if not.

Even the French Ultras were clapping it in bemusement. 

When McGree joined there was some thought about whether he would be used as a wing-back. He had, apparently, played that role a few times. I don't know what Carrick will have taken from that 45 minutes but, especially if Coulson has a knock, I could see him sticking with it. Silvera has certainly played himself into contention (I reckon) so it's a way of getting him and McGree into the same team.

Defensively, McGree probably won't be far off where Giles was when Carrick took over. He also has a great engine. With all our right backs injured it might make sense to recreate the Giles role with McGree.

Missed the greatest comeback since Wednesday night because I was watching Barbie and it was bloody ****!

If we’re relying on McGree as wing back our recruitment has failed, simple as that.

Coulson has again picked up a knock and as a back up, that’s a worry long term, regardless of how he plays. 

I know we have time left and it’s not panic stations, but it’s concerning and pre season results are suggesting we’re struggling too on the pitch. 
 

 

3 minutes ago, "KM" said:

Missed the greatest comeback since Wednesday night because I was watching Barbie and it was bloody ****!

Of all the daft things you've ever said on here this might be the daftest of them all.

5 minutes ago, "KM" said:

Missed the greatest comeback since Wednesday night because I was watching Barbie and it was bloody ****!

Mate don’t get the hype, Oppenheimer much better!