So, that was the window that was. Not exactly a final flourish, but with Ramsay brought in and McGrandles exiting left there was a certain symmetry, with eight in and eight out. Do we emerge materially stronger? I’d say potentially, but that depends on whether those coming in really shape up. There’s been no statement signing, we have arguably lost more as an attacking force than we have gained, but we hope – and expect – that from the changes will emerge a tougher defence, in particular a properly functioning and coordinated central three and wing-backs playing that role to good effect, assuming of course that the new manager – who heavens be praised it seems will not be Warnock – sticks with 3-5-2.
Of those leaving, of course we didn’t want to lose Blackett-Taylor. If he wasn’t before, he became this season one of the divisions outstanding players. There aren’t many who force the opposition to change the way they play to try to contain someone. He did. And the hairs rose on the back of your neck when he received the ball in space with only one between him and the goal. Of course the end-result often could have been better, but if it was he wouldn’t be moving to Derby but playing in the Premier League. Can you imagine how it would have been this season if we’d had May and Rak-Sakyi along with him as a front three? Good luck to him (although of course I hope he has the decency to have a mare on Saturday if he features).
And for me to all the rest. I seldom think ‘good riddance’ when someone who hasn’t worked out moves on, more disappointment that we haven’t managed to get the best out of them. Kirk (who it appears has returned to Crewe) may have disappointed too often, but he was the best crosser of the ball we had, scored a brace when playing as a No.10, and is still a decent footballer. Equally Fraser has failed to spark this season, but when played in his best position (No.10) and on song he could find that pass and take chances. I thought Campbell(C) had quality but for some reason was not played wide-right in a front three. I even thought Tedic merited more chances playing as a central forward – he leaves and we switch to a front two! Of course we trust that Ladapo will prove a better alternative.
Of the others, McGrandles will always be remembered for that late headed equaliser at Portsmouth. Walker will struggle to get into a Charlton history book, but that really wasn’t his fault. And Abankwah returns to Udinese after one of the strangest and least successful loan period of recent years, but with his career still ahead of him. Good luck to all of them.
Taking each unit of the team as it now is, three goalkeepers means we are well covered, will be up to the new manager and form whether Maynard-Brewer remains first choice through the rest of the season.
Assuming we stick with three central defenders, it’s a choice out of Ness, Jones, Gilleshey, Thomas and Edmunds-Green, with Hector to return at some point. I don’t know what combination is best, of course there will be injuries and suspensions in this area, but most important is that a unit is chosen and gets used (asap) to playing together, develops an understanding, and has a leader, one who coordinates with the keeper and sets the tone.
For the wing-backs seems we now have a fresh choice on the right side at least. Edun appears unchallenged, in that if he is not available either someone switches sides or a central defender fills in, although perhaps Chin will come into the picture. I’ve no idea how well/badly he is progressing, but wing-back at least suits him. With Ramsay there is the choice between him, Watson(T), and Asiimwe. Incumbent Watson does have his moments (including scoring recently), but too often it appears that he doesn’t move too far from the halfway line, not in the frame when we are caught out and not providing the attacking threat we need from the system. Asiimwe has looked rusty when called on of late. I’d add that for me if you play wing-backs you really need a back-up one on the bench. It’s a demanding role physically and if you want to keep the same shape but need fresh legs surely you keep a like-for-like option among the subs.
Central midfield and really the big news of the window was that Dobson is still with us; whether or not he will be off in the summer I have no idea. So the current first picks are him, Coventry and Bakinson, with Watson(L) and Anderson as the only real straight alternatives, assuming that using Edmonds-Green in midfield at Blackpool was a one-off and that Taylor will be eased into things returning from injury (and quite frankly none of us knows yet what he is capable of). That leaves Campbell(T) and Fiorini, plus Camara as and when fit, but they are really for a different formation during a game (other than in extremis, such as asking the former to play wing-back). For now it has to be assumed they will be on the bench.
Up front of course it’s Ladapo and May with Kanu as the third option/back-up. I don’t know how close/far Aneke is from a return, but safe to say we went into the window light in this area and come out of it light. We seemed to have lined up the extra option with Ikpeazu, who in the game against us had given a passing impression of Chuks, but that one mysteriously failed to happen after Ladapo was brought in. With Aneke available, at least for a period of a game, all should be OK, but we all know that’s a big ‘if’ – and an injury to Ladapo or May – even to Kanu as he has to be available at least as a sub - and we are once more seriously stretched. Casey and Mbick could be called on but they really should be developing on loan.
It would appear that the choices are going to be down to Nathan Jones, now it seems 1/12 on to take over. If Richard Crawley indicates its done bar dotting the ‘i’s and crossing the ‘t’s that’s fair enough. He can expect universal backing from the fan base, even from us atheists, given that none of us are ready to contemplate what failure for him would look like. We just desperately need a win, to put a stop to all the negative statistics. Sure, we also just need to play consistently better, but confidence needs that shot in the arm. Whether or not Jones will be installed in time to take charge on Saturday or the responsibility will stay with Fleming and Pearce remains to be seen. Sure it’s going to be a tough ask to beat Derby, but they’re not worldbeaters and the winless run has to stop.
No comments:
Post a Comment