--- On Sat, 17/9/11, Richard Walker <[email protected]> wrotethe defending is almost as bad as McCallister days and that got him the sack. I really think Grayson needs to sort this out sharpish.
I totally agree Rich - we just cannot defend and it is costing us now and will continue to cost us (and probably Grayson) in the future.Like you say it is getting to the same stage we were at with McAllister - in some ways it is actually worse. Under Macca we could not defend corners and free kicks and this spread to any cross into the box, but was reasonably easy to fix - we brought in a big strong commanding centre half (Naylor was first one iirc) and it was problem solved. Under SG we are prone to individual errors and collective mistakes whenever we defend- whether it be set pieces, quick breaks or decent slow build up play.The lad who sits in front of me was bemoaning our defending and asked why 'does Grayson not address the problem?'I pointed out that he had tried to address it - the whole back 5 yesterday was totally different to the back 5 who played last season. SG has brought in a much better keeper than last year - got rid of the past it Naylor and the no good Collins, has dropped Connolly and Bruce (bit harsh on both in my opinion) let McCartney go, and brought in O'Dea on loan and youngsters Lees and White (both possibly out of position). He has brought back Kisnorbo and juggled with Bromby !! So he has certainly 'addressed the problem' ,its just that he has not solved it! Once again, Dom Matteo has called it right - firstly (last season) that we were letting players make the same mistakes week after week, and (this season) we are being poorly coached and need to bring in a different, better defensive coach. I wish Dom would take the job.Yesterday was a case in point - we are totally in control and then the midfield let Kilkenny get the ball under no pressure and in loads of space and allow him to pass it into the net (OK when he played for us rather than against us, he would probably have just passed it sideways), then an awful kick by the keeper meant that the defence were up against it and Paddy was forced to either concede or give away the penalty. Last week v Palace we conceded to a straight forward free kick into the box that Lees misjudged, and then a quick breakaway. All different types of goals etc. Is Pugh the answer (assuming he is coming) - I don't know - with him at left back and White at left midfield we should be solid down that side, perhaps bring back Connolly at right back (he has been poor this season but was a regular 7 out of 10 player last season) and move Lees to centre half with either O'Dea / Paddy or Bromby to attack the ball and let Lees do the stuff on the floor and play the football - a very poor mans Charlton and Hunter anyone?With Lonergan solid behind them and Clayton and either Howson / Brown (if match fit) / new Finn in centre midfield protecting the back four, and put a rocket up Snoddys arse and who knows we may be OK at the back. Up front we have no problems with Becchio and Forsell ready to step in if Keogh continues his goal drought and / or McCormack hits a dry patch. Sam and Nunez can come on as subs or step in when needed and hopefully it is job done Dave _______________________________________________ Leedslist mailing list Info and options: http://mailman.greennet.org.uk/mailman/listinfo/leedslist To unsubscribe, email [email protected] MARCHING ON TOGETHER (There's it)
