1 minute ago, TheJew said:

I think you're a little confused tonight and perhaps on an even bigger downer than me.

Can I just ask, is defeat inevitable?

I am with that comment, not sure what you mean or what you are trying to get at.

But hey, life's like a hen house ladder, too short and sh1ty to argue about something out of our control. 

6 minutes ago, LinoJo3 said:

McNair is so weird imo like he will disappear for ages making you think the manager doesn’t fancy him and maybe ‘somethings gone on’. Then a player will get an injury and he’ll come in and play like he’s never been out, get a run for a few months then disappear again.

I think this formation does suit his ‘not quite a defender, not quite a midfielder’ talent he has. If we plan on going back to 4 at the back next season I don’t see a point keeping him.

I've never understood the conspiracy theories about him.

He was dropped for a handful of games at the start of the season, came back in to the team and played well, but he was out injured for months with a publicly disclosed foot issue after that, we all saw him go off with the injury, we then took time bringing him back from it to avoid a recurrence, that clearly carried over to his time with Australia too as they used him sparingly despite being a key player.

As soon as he was fully fit again, he's started every single match he's been available for.

Edited March 12, 20242 yr by TeaCider24

3 minutes ago, TheJew said:

Is defeat inevitable though?

Defeat is not always inevitable. While it's true that setbacks and challenges are part of life, the outcome often depends on various factors such as determination, resilience, strategic planning, adaptability, and sometimes luck.

 

However, it's essential to acknowledge that not all situations can be controlled, and sometimes defeat may occur despite one's best efforts. The key is to maintain a positive mindset, learn from mistakes, and keep striving towards goals despite obstacles.

 

2 minutes ago, Norman_Conquest said:

Defeat is not always inevitable. While it's true that setbacks and challenges are part of life, the outcome often depends on various factors such as determination, resilience, strategic planning, adaptability, and sometimes luck.

 

However, it's essential to acknowledge that not all situations can be controlled, and sometimes defeat may occur despite one's best efforts. The key is to maintain a positive mindset, learn from mistakes, and keep striving towards goals despite obstacles.

 

ChatGPT has joined the forum?

Edited March 12, 20242 yr by LBP

15 minutes ago, TheJew said:

Happy Birthday 🎂 

Thank you mate

13 minutes ago, Norman_Conquest said:

First of all, happy Birthday.

You only have to look at the formation against Chelsea to answer that, Carrick choose Engel ahead of him.

Thanks bud.

I think Engel works better as a LB in a 4 than a LCB in a 3, I think Clarke is better suited in that spot.

As McNair is leaving, Clarke Fry VdB and Lenihan leaves us with 4 defenders, so I wouldnt be letting any of them go to be honest especially after seeing how injuries have affected this season, 2 for every spot is necessary. Even without injuries, playing twice a week to a top level is damaging over a sustained period, look at how knackered some of our players this season when they had to play as the alternatives were injured. 

If we switch to a back 3 permanently I'd say theres an argument for getting another CB in too as we would need at least 5 in the squad (unfortunately for McNair unless he takes a massive payout I don't see him staying as he is meant to be on a bomb).

2 minutes ago, TheJew said:

Defeat is always inevitable. Apart from tonight, and maybe the 2 previous matches. Possibly.

Have I done something to upset you?

10 minutes ago, TeaCider24 said:

I've never understood the conspiracy theories about him.

He was dropped for a handful of games at the start of the season, came back in to the team and played well, but he was out injured for months with a publicly disclosed foot issue after that, we all saw him go off with the injury, we then took time bringing him back from it to avoid a recurrence, that clearly carried over to his time with Australia too as they used him sparingly despite being a key player.

As soon as he was fully fit again, he's started every single match he's been available for.

If all CBs were available and we were playing 2 at the back do you really think he’d be starting every game? 

1 minute ago, LinoJo3 said:

If all CBs were available and we were playing 2 at the back do you really think he’d be starting every game? 

Woops, I thought you said McGree 😂

Edited March 12, 20242 yr by TeaCider24

1 minute ago, LinoJo3 said:

If all CBs were available and we were playing 2 at the back do you really think he’d be starting every game? 

I’d probably choose VDB and Lenihan if all are fit. Be interested what other posters think our first choice pairing will be next year (presuming they all are still here).

2 minutes ago, TeaCider24 said:

Woops, I thought you said McGree 😂

😂 fair 

I did check McNairs stats after u said that though and he does get a good amount of starts, so maybe it applies to him aswell anyway.

1 minute ago, OldManGravz said:

Thank you mate

Thanks bud.

I think Engel works better as a LB in a 4 than a LCB in a 3, I think Clarke is better suited in that spot.

As McNair is leaving, Clarke Fry VdB and Lenihan leaves us with 4 defenders, so I wouldnt be letting any of them go to be honest especially after seeing how injuries have affected this season, 2 for every spot is necessary. Even without injuries, playing twice a week to a top level is damaging over a sustained period, look at how knackered some of our players this season when they had to play as the alternatives were injured. 

If we switch to a back 3 permanently I'd say theres an argument for getting another CB in too as we would need at least 5 in the squad (unfortunately for McNair unless he takes a massive payout I don't see him staying as he is meant to be on a bomb).

I agree that Clarke is suited better to the LCB than Engel but would like to think we could improve on that position if we are to compete for a promotion spot next season .  I don't feel that Carrick likes the back three, it took him long enough to change our playing style to end our losing streak.

 

 

2 hours ago, LBP said:

Need another

Without a doubt

17 minutes ago, BoroSmoggie said:

I’d probably choose VDB and Lenihan if all are fit. Be interested what other posters think our first choice pairing will be next year (presuming they all are still here).

Probably the same too, though absence often makes the mind grow fonder of players.

Fry hasn't been outright bad by any means but I don't think there's much between him, Lenihan or Clarke as defenders and I prefer Lenihan on the ball over the other 2.

Just now, TheJew said:

Sooner we improve with forward positions and try and replace the likes of Ramsey, Akpom and Archer. Albeit with poundshop versions, granted.

To do what you suggest we need to move bodies out.  I can't see Greenwood being here next season and I also fear there might be some truth in the McGree rumours.  Paddy will go and there is also talk of Hackney being off (I hope that is wrong), I'm not sure of Djksteel's contract or if he figures in Carrick's plans and we also need to sort Howson's contract out.  I would like to think we could offer O'Brien a contract but I'm still out on Ayling being offered a permanent contract.  

It sounds like its going to be a busy summer.  

21 minutes ago, TheJew said:

Agree. Although I actually don't think we have actually replaced any of them yet.

I can't see us keeping Ayling and Smith.

Greenwood surely won't stay.

It'll be interesting to see what happens with VDB and Hackney. They could raise 30m+?

I think Hackney is more likely to go than VDB purely because he’s more developed, but I’ve changed my opinion on it about 5 times this season lol. I can’t see them both leaving tho.