Life Without Alex Scott

[And Its Smith]

I think today showed quite clearly how it will be harder for us without Alex Scott.  His bravery on the ball was hugely missed directly and indirectly as his courage rubs off on others as well.  His defensive side of the game is arguably as strong as his offensive side and I think with him in that side today we don’t get dominated quite so much in the periods where Preston had joy. 

Scott is one player who rarely kicks it anywhere and gives the ball straight back to the opposition, which we did all too often today. 

Yes it’s one game but one game can be enough sometimes to show what needs to be improved. Can we play better than that without him?  Yes we can. But life will be a lot easier if we manage to hold onto him, 

When Brownhill left us, a lot of fans didn’t realise how much he was going to be missed.  I don’t think there is anyone who will feel the same when Scott goes. 

Edited August 5, 2023 by And Its Smith

[Garland-sweden]

He was missing today. He can hold the ball, make one man and a good pass.

[Dr Balls]

8 minutes ago, And Its Smith said:

I think today showed quite clearly how it will be harder for us with Alex Scott.  His bravery on the ball was hugely missed directly and indirectly as his courage rubs off on others as well.  His defensive side of the game is arguably as strong as his offensive side and I think with him in that side today we don’t get dominated quite so much in the periods where Preston had joy. 

Scott is one player who rarely kicks it anywhere and gives the ball straight back to the opposition, which we did all too often today. 

Yes it’s one game but one game can be enough sometimes to show what needs to be improved. Can we play better than that without him?  Yes we can. But life will be a lot easier if we manage to hold onto him, 

When Brownhill left us, a lot of fans didn’t realise how much he was going to be missed.  I don’t think there is anyone who will feel the same when Scott goes. 

Sorry mate I think you meant without Alex Scott. But otherwise agree that without him we have no one in midfield willing to take the ball from the defence and drive it forward.

[ashton_fan]

It would have been better if Naismith had been   playing too as he's another who can make time for himself before passing. The team today treated the ball as a hot potato getting  rid of it ASAP, Preston's press was quite effective on us

[Super]

I thought they ran the midfield. I would worry going ahead with James Williams and Knight.

[BUTOR]

In possession of Scott or not, we still need a better alternative than Weimann. His best performances and spells for us have come as a striker. He is perhaps even preferable as a right winger before a CAM. 

[The Nest Egg]

5 minutes ago, Super said:

I thought they ran the midfield. I would worry going ahead with James Williams and Knight.

Today's midfield felt a bit like this!

Edited August 5, 2023 by An Outstanding Human

[David Brent]

The game was crying out for him. I was too. 

[BCFCGav]

Until Knight is up to speed, no Naismith or Scott in the team is gonna hurt us. 3 shots today, imo because the team weren’t springing any attacks. Long balls to monstrous centre-halves were always a long shot. 

[Lack of Action Man]

28 minutes ago, An Outstanding Human said:

Today's midfield felt a bit like this!

This post wins the forum for today.

[ralphindevon]

Perhaps Lansdown was watching and thinking - sod that, Alex Scott is going nowhere just yet! 

[Slippin cider]

What’s up with him ffs …just had a couple of months off!! 

[joe jordans teeth]

2 hours ago, And Its Smith said:

I think today showed quite clearly how it will be harder for us without Alex Scott.  His bravery on the ball was hugely missed directly and indirectly as his courage rubs off on others as well.  His defensive side of the game is arguably as strong as his offensive side and I think with him in that side today we don’t get dominated quite so much in the periods where Preston had joy. 

Scott is one player who rarely kicks it anywhere and gives the ball straight back to the opposition, which we did all too often today. 

Yes it’s one game but one game can be enough sometimes to show what needs to be improved. Can we play better than that without him?  Yes we can. But life will be a lot easier if we manage to hold onto him, 

When Brownhill left us, a lot of fans didn’t realise how much he was going to be missed.  I don’t think there is anyone who will feel the same when Scott goes. 

If we continue to play cornick I feel you are right,our midfield are good enough to play but with him we continue to look for long balls which was more than evident than ever today,he simply isn’t good enough 

[Charlie BCFC]

2 hours ago, And Its Smith said:

I think today showed quite clearly how it will be harder for us without Alex Scott.  His bravery on the ball was hugely missed directly and indirectly as his courage rubs off on others as well.  His defensive side of the game is arguably as strong as his offensive side and I think with him in that side today we don’t get dominated quite so much in the periods where Preston had joy. 

Scott is one player who rarely kicks it anywhere and gives the ball straight back to the opposition, which we did all too often today. 

Yes it’s one game but one game can be enough sometimes to show what needs to be improved. Can we play better than that without him?  Yes we can. But life will be a lot easier if we manage to hold onto him, 

When Brownhill left us, a lot of fans didn’t realise how much he was going to be missed.  I don’t think there is anyone who will feel the same when Scott goes. 

Against those sort of teams we do need someone like him yes. More to the point Kal Naismith is missed more than Scott today imo, someone who can break lines with passes at centre back or in midfield. Hopefully with him back in training he’s back soon, and hopefully it’s in midfield 

[Charlie BCFC]

2 hours ago, An Outstanding Human said:

Today's midfield felt a bit like this!

In what way? I’d say they all have very different playing styles, if that’s the point you’re getting at?

[Rocking Red Cyril]

50 minutes ago, Charlie BCFC said:

Against those sort of teams we do need someone like him yes. More to the point Kal Naismith is missed more than Scott today imo, someone who can break lines with passes at centre back or in midfield. Hopefully with him back in training he’s back soon, and hopefully it’s in midfield 

What is expectation for a fit Naismith?

[joe jordans teeth]

18 minutes ago, Rocking Red Cyril said:

What is expectation for a fit Naismith?

As Charlie said it has to be midfield,he gives me a heart attack when centre back 

[Rocking Red Cyril]

1 hour ago, joe jordans teeth said:

As Charlie said it has to be midfield,he gives me a heart attack when centre back 

Sorry meant expectation of when he will be fit 

[joe jordans teeth]

19 minutes ago, Rocking Red Cyril said:

Sorry meant expectation of when he will be fit 

He’s a defensive midfielder in my eyes and could be a fine one but age and injuries are against him

[Rocking Red Cyril]

12 minutes ago, joe jordans teeth said:

He’s a defensive midfielder in my eyes and could be a fine one but age and injuries are against him

But is that not McCrories best position too. When ever he is fit. So we pick of two capable DM's, which I think we need to play in front of the defence, although defence covered them selves quite well today other than Pring. So this injury problem surely not allowing NP to pick the best side for a bit. Bloody injuries. Again 

COYR

Edited August 5, 2023 by Rocking Red Cyril

[Cityboy1954]

7 hours ago, Super said:

I thought they ran the midfield. I would worry going ahead with James Williams and Knight.

Williams and jales not good enough mate wrak as kittens .

Just now, Cityboy1954 said:

Williams and james not good enough mate weak as kittens .

 

[W-S-M Seagull]

12 hours ago, BUTOR said:

In possession of Scott or not, we still need a better alternative than Weimann. His best performances and spells for us have come as a striker. He is perhaps even preferable as a right winger before a CAM. 

I just don't see what Weimann brings to the team as a CAM.

[Loosey Boy]

7 hours ago, Rocking Red Cyril said:

Sorry meant expectation of when he will be fit 

Think he will play against Oxford on Weds as he’s training again

[Grey Fox]

14 hours ago, And Its Smith said:

I think today showed quite clearly how it will be harder for us without Alex Scott.  His bravery on the ball was hugely missed directly and indirectly as his courage rubs off on others as well.  His defensive side of the game is arguably as strong as his offensive side and I think with him in that side today we don’t get dominated quite so much in the periods where Preston had joy. 

Scott is one player who rarely kicks it anywhere and gives the ball straight back to the opposition, which we did all too often today. 

Yes it’s one game but one game can be enough sometimes to show what needs to be improved. Can we play better than that without him?  Yes we can. But life will be a lot easier if we manage to hold onto him, 

When Brownhill left us, a lot of fans didn’t realise how much he was going to be missed.  I don’t think there is anyone who will feel the same when Scott goes. 

Wonder who else has been thinking this

It is only one game, but if that was an advert for “ non Scott” football, it’s going to be a tedious, dare I say , mediocre, season.

If our club have any true ambition, keep him one more year before considering selling.

COYRs️️️

 

[johnbytheriver]

Starting line-up a joke! sykes and conway should have started.Can anyone tell me why we boughr cornick?,although his long throw led to a goal.We need to give mehmeti more of a chance,we are nothing but hype,hype,hype,and already cursed by injuries and bad referees which is not our fault of course.Sorry Nigel after all those pre-season so called friendlies your starting line-up was the conclusion you came to!?.Conway looks bigger,fitter and faster,and more hungry than last year,and sykes is far more effective than cornick and also has an eye for goal. .I'm not wild about Harry.Must do better Nigel 3 out of 10. 

Edited August 6, 2023 by johnbytheriver
omitted a letter

[mozo]

20 minutes ago, johnbytheriver said:

Starting line-up a joke! sykes and conway should have started.Can anyone tell me why we boughr cornick?,although his long throw led to a goal.We need to give mehmeti more of a chance,we are nothing but hype,hype,hype,and already cursed by injuries and bad referees which is not our fault of course.Sorry Nigel after all those pre-season so called friendlies your starting line-up was the conclusion you came to!?.Conway looks bigger,fitter and faster,and more hungry than last year,and sykes is far more effective than cornick and also has an eye for goal. .I'm not wild about Harry.Must do better Nigel 3 out of 10. 

I think we've got to give all the 2023 signings more time to impress, but Cornick definitely hasn't had an immediate impact.

[Charlie BCFC]

8 hours ago, Rocking Red Cyril said:

But is that not McCrories best position too. When ever he is fit. So we pick of two capable DM's, which I think we need to play in front of the defence, although defence covered them selves quite well today other than Pring. So this injury problem surely not allowing NP to pick the best side for a bit. Bloody injuries. Again 

COYR

McCrorie bought in as a right back, seems like with the way we’re looking at getting Kalas back we think we’re a centre back short so I think Naismith would be used in midfield 

[Shuffle]

38 minutes ago, johnbytheriver said:

Starting line-up a joke! sykes and conway should have started.Can anyone tell me why we boughr cornick?,although his long throw led to a goal.We need to give mehmeti more of a chance,we are nothing but hype,hype,hype,and already cursed by injuries and bad referees which is not our fault of course.Sorry Nigel after all those pre-season so called friendlies your starting line-up was the conclusion you came to!?.Conway looks bigger,fitter and faster,and more hungry than last year,and sykes is far more effective than cornick and also has an eye for goal. .I'm not wild about Harry.Must do better Nigel 3 out of 10. 

I was surprised that Conway didn’t start but have to say that personally thought Wells was decent yesterday. As for Cornick, I so want him to succeed but he’s showing very little at this stage and Sykes for me every time. 

[cidercity1987]

3 hours ago, W-S-M Seagull said:

I just don't see what Weimann brings to the team as a CAM.

I'm a supporter of Weimann but with him and Cornick in the team it's one too many players that cannot control a ball 

[Slippin cider]

Anyone any idea how long AS is likely to be out for? 

[tin]

1 hour ago, mozo said:

I think we've got to give all the 2023 signings more time to impress, but Cornick definitely hasn't had an immediate impact.

I agree although I hoped Cornick would’ve improved with a full pre-season behind him and have reserved judgement until now and while I won’t write him off based on one game, he has to offer more than a long throw. Sykes should’ve started yesterday.

Mehmeti also should’ve had more than three minutes, otherwise what’s the point in signing a “maverick” if that’s all the time he gets in a game like yesterday that was crying out for a bit of magic? 

[Grey Fox]

Cornick is what you get when you sell , Semenyo, can’t wait to see who the club come up with to replace Scott.

 

With both Semenyo and Scott, we would have been a much better side than what we saw yesterday, a side that could challenge the top end of this league.

[johnbytheriver]

26 minutes ago, Slippin cider said:

Anyone any idea how long AS is likely to be out for? 

until Monday when he signs for Bournemouth.

[Son of Fred]

2 minutes ago, johnbytheriver said:

until Monday when he signs for Bournemouth.

Nigel looked like a six year old, caught with his hand in the cookie jar when asked about Alex's injury status -

Won't be risked midweek but should be ok for next weekend

[ORANGE500]

5 minutes ago, Grey Fox said:

Cornick is what you get when you sell , Semenyo, can’t wait to see who the club come up with to replace Scott.

 

With both Semenyo and Scott, we would have been a much better side than what we saw yesterday, a side that could challenge the top end of this league.

There were plenty of performances with both Semenyo and Scott in the team that were less than brilliant and those two  did absolutely nothing and the usual people on here slated the team and manager and suggested "it's gonna be a long hard seaon", perhaps one day you guys won't overreact  so much on one performance certainly not the first game of the season but that's probably a forlorn hope. QPR and Port Vale should forfeit the rest of their league fixtures because they're relegated already according to the OTIB forum or maybe there's not a team in the history of football who have  been outstanding in evey game they've played and most of us know that they'll be some bad performances this season like every other.

[Son of Fred]

18 minutes ago, Grey Fox said:

Cornick is what you get when you sell , Semenyo, can’t wait to see who the club come up with to replace Scott.

 

I'm far from convinced by supposed improvement of our scouting/recruitment set up....

[M.D]

19 minutes ago, Grey Fox said:

Cornick is what you get when you sell , Semenyo, can’t wait to see who the club come up with to replace Scott.

 

With both Semenyo and Scott, we would have been a much better side than what we saw yesterday, a side that could challenge the top end of this league.

Yes and possibly facing a points deduction for failing FFP rules.

The money from Semenyo has helped us get over FFP and allowed us to reinvest in the squad, what about this you just don't can't seem to acknowledge?

[Charlie BCFC]

23 minutes ago, Grey Fox said:

Cornick is what you get when you sell , Semenyo, can’t wait to see who the club come up with to replace Scott.

 

With both Semenyo and Scott, we would have been a much better side than what we saw yesterday, a side that could challenge the top end of this league.

Mehmeti more of a Semenyo replacement no? Think we’re yet to see the best of him but I do think the competition has stepped Bell up a bit

[johnbytheriver]

2 minutes ago, ORANGE500 said:

There were plenty of performances with both Semenyo and Scott in the team that were less than brilliant and those two  did absolutely nothing and the usual people on here slated the team and manager and suggested "it's gonna be a long hard seaon", perhaps one day you guys won't overreact  so much on one performance certainly not the first game of the season but that's probably a forlorn hope. QPR and Port Vale should forfeit the rest of their league fixtures because they're relegated already according to the OTIB forum or maybe there's not a team in the history of football who have  been outstanding in evey game they've played and most of us know that they'll be some bad performances this season like every other.

My eyes don't decieve me! Cornick can't even trap a ball! He is never going to come good!

[Slippin cider]

Great! Sell your best players and then wonder why you can’t compete for the top six ….I predict a mid table finish again this season ….

[Mr Popodopolous]

Cornick is an interesting one, his Luton record suggests there is a player there but his best position is harder to pin-point.

Thought v Middlesbrough over Easter he was very decent but one swallow etc even if it was against one of the top sides in the division.

What is a bit of a puzzle for me is, the final third of last season really showed a progression in intent and playing style..this was a bit of a step back.

[M.D]

8 minutes ago, M.D said:

Yes and possibly facing a points deduction for failing FFP rules.

The money from Semenyo has helped us get over FFP and allowed us to reinvest in the squad, what about this you just don't or can't seem to acknowledge?

 

[Bazooka Joe]

3 minutes ago, johnbytheriver said:

My eyes don't decieve me! Cornick can't even trap a ball! He is never going to come good!

Is it just me?

Oftentimes, I get the impression Cornick doesn't want the ball delivered to him, but as soon as does get to him, he is eager just ot get rid of it.

Partly explains why Tanner struggled a bit in the first half yesterday. Cornick was not offering himself or looking to move into space where the ball could be delivere

[Grey Fox]

9 minutes ago, Charlie BCFC said:

Mehmeti more of a Semenyo replacement no? Think we’re yet to see the best of him but I do think the competition has stepped Bell up a bit

You make a good point, but the principle is the same. Based on two players per position, Mehmeti competes with Bell on the left ( Cornick / Sykes on the right), Mehmeti is a young player from L1 , looking to make it at Championship level, Semenyo is looking to make it at the other end. So how has that made us better?

Sell Scott, we become mediocre, Uncle Steve gets a year off bailing us out, and we can all discuss who to flog off to the mighty Bournemouth & Boscombe next year.

[ORANGE500]

6 minutes ago, Mr Popodopolous said:

Cornick is an interesting one, his Luton record suggests there is a player there but his best position is harder to pin-point.

Thought v Middlesbrough over Easter he was very decent but one swallow etc even if it was against one of the top sides in the division.

What is a bit of a puzzle for me is, the final third of last season really showed a progression in intent and playing style..this was a bit of a step back.

It's one game the first game of the season,If they win at Millwall next Saturday will that be a step forward. you cannot make a judgement over 1 or 2 games certainly at the start unless of course you're a Bristol City fan.

[petehinton]

Very surprised to not see Tanner mentioned at all. He absolutely killed us yesterday. Cornick made a number of good runs, first half especially, and Tanner either wouldn’t pass at the right time, or at all, and just cut back and passed backwards. Both full backs were very poor but Tanner in particular looked like he never knew what to do which is off for him. 

[And Its Smith]

13 minutes ago, Grey Fox said:

You make a good point, but the principle is the same. Based on two players per position, Mehmeti competes with Bell on the left ( Cornick / Sykes on the right), Mehmeti is a young player from L1 , looking to make it at Championship level, Semenyo is looking to make it at the other end. So how has that made us better?

Sell Scott, we become mediocre, Uncle Steve gets a year off bailing us out, and we can all discuss who to flog off to the mighty Bournemouth & Boscombe next year.

You are expecting us to sell our best players and improve?  If we have to sell our best players because of financial fair play that is a big restriction that cannot just be ignored.  I’m not exactly sure what you are expecting we do without ignoring FFP

[Sir Geoff]

13 minutes ago, petehinton said:

Very surprised to not see Tanner mentioned at all. He absolutely killed us yesterday. Cornick made a number of good runs, first half especially, and Tanner either wouldn’t pass at the right time, or at all, and just cut back and passed backwards. Both full backs were very poor but Tanner in particular looked like he never knew what to do which is off for him. 

Agree, thought he was very poor.

[Leveller]

2 minutes ago, And Its Smith said:

You are expecting us to sell our best players and improve?  If we have to sell our best players because of financial fair play that is a big restriction that cannot just be ignored.  I’m not exactly sure what you are expecting we do without ignoring FFP

Basically Grey Fox does want us to ignore FFP. 

[johnbytheriver]

16 minutes ago, petehinton said:

Very surprised to not see Tanner mentioned at all. He absolutely killed us yesterday. Cornick made a number of good runs, first half especially, and Tanner either wouldn’t pass at the right time, or at all, and just cut back and passed backwards. Both full backs were very poor but Tanner in particular looked like he never knew what to do which is off for him. 

If he changes his name to Bob,he will be worth 3 times more than what he is worth now! But there is only a 1 in 6 chance of that happening!

Edited August 6, 2023 by johnbytheriver
omitted a letter

[Leveller]

Just now, johnbytheriver said:

If he changes his name to Bob,he will be worth 3 times more than what he is worth now!

To be pedantic, twice.

[And Its Smith]

6 minutes ago, Leveller said:

Basically Grey Fox does want us to ignore FFP. 

If some of our fans had control of the purse strings we’d end up like like Wigan, Reading etc 

[Charlie BCFC]

26 minutes ago, Grey Fox said:

You make a good point, but the principle is the same. Based on two players per position, Mehmeti competes with Bell on the left ( Cornick / Sykes on the right), Mehmeti is a young player from L1 , looking to make it at Championship level, Semenyo is looking to make it at the other end. So how has that made us better?

Sell Scott, we become mediocre, Uncle Steve gets a year off bailing us out, and we can all discuss who to flog off to the mighty Bournemouth & Boscombe next year.

We had a better second half of the season which was without Semenyo? Very easy to forget he was a mile off it first half of the season until a few games before he left. Obviously we lose something with him but funny how no one has mentioned his “loss” till now

[ProfitInMyPocket]

Batter Cornick all you like but there were worse performers than him yesterday. 

Tanner, Pring (second half) and Knight all had worse games then our resident flak taker. 

Hope we haven't paid 2m for another Kilkenny, thought Knight was really off it. Couldn't control the ball, lots of endeavour but really little quality. 

If Scott does magically stay my midfield three is still Naismith, Scott and James, none of the others come close to what these three can do together.

[Street red]

46 minutes ago, ORANGE500 said:

It's one game the first game of the season,If they win at Millwall next Saturday will that be a step forward. you cannot make a judgement over 1 or 2 games certainly at the start unless of course you're a Bristol City fan.

I'd rather start off like we have instead of a flying start top of the league everyones expectations through the roof then we cock it up by Christmas. Iron out a few issues get the side settled then build momentum let's give it chance to tick.

[BS3City]

To me there just seemed to be no links between both full backs and the players in front of them yesterday. No lung busting runs from Pring (that I can remember), and very poor interaction between Tanner and Cornick. I'm not gonna bash Cornick, (and trust Nige that he starts for reasons he knows best) but on the basis of what I've seen so far (since Jan) Sykes seems the better option.

Getting wide, with balls into the box was a big part of what we were good at last season. Didn't see much of that yesterday, but only one game gone. Still time to see the best of everyone yet...

[Davefevs]

3 hours ago, Charlie BCFC said:

McCrorie bought in as a right back, seems like with the way we’re looking at getting Kalas back we think we’re a centre back short so I think Naismith would be used in midfield 

If we get the McCrorie at RB that I saw (fairly briefly) at Aberdeen, he likes to travel with the ball.  Tanner was our “outlet” yesterday, because Preston blocked off our left side.  He was very poor on the ball yesterday.  He starved Cornick.  But it will of course be all Cornick’s fault.  Was Cornick good?  No, but he wasn’t particularly bad either.

3 hours ago, Shuffle said:

I was surprised that Conway didn’t start but have to say that personally thought Wells was decent yesterday. As for Cornick, I so want him to succeed but he’s showing very little at this stage and Sykes for me every time. 

Out of interest, for all the Cornick bashing, I thought Sykes offered nigh on bugger-all when he came on.  One little exchange with Conway was about it.

1 hour ago, petehinton said:

Very surprised to not see Tanner mentioned at all. He absolutely killed us yesterday. Cornick made a number of good runs, first half especially, and Tanner either wouldn’t pass at the right time, or at all, and just cut back and passed backwards. Both full backs were very poor but Tanner in particular looked like he never knew what to do which is off for him. 

See above.

Pring was blocked off by Browne and Potts but was poor yesterday, looked heavy on his touch.  Often exposed by Bell though, who left him 1v1 / 2v1 far too often.

[Red-Robbo]

7 minutes ago, Davefevs said:

.  But it will of course be all Cornick’s fault.  Was Cornick good?  No, but he wasn’t particularly bad either.

 

The trouble with Cornick isn't that he's particularly bad - but just that he's rarely notably good. He's had one excellent game for us in the seven months he's been here. Others range from 'OK, I suppose' to 'bang average' to poor. 

It isn't really fair either to compare Sykes's performance yesterday to him. Sykes got considerably less than half the time on the pitch that HC got and came into the game at a time when Preston were pressing hard for a goal and we could hardly move the ball out of our final third. 

[Jose]

Yesterdays subs were just like for like. Slightly surprised we didn’t change shape at all. It was pretty obvious from early on it wasn’t working and we managed to just get worse second half. I guess being in the lead made it difficult to do that. 
 

Do I rate Cornick? Not overly but was far from the worst yesterday. I do think McCorie will be straight in at right back. Offer us more height in the team. Can’t say I know to much about him going forward but he can’t be any worse than George was yesterday. 
 

Scott staying ( not going to happen I know)or a replacement is imperative as I think along with the full backs the midfield was the biggest issue. I thought James lacked his usual composure and we just didn’t have anyone to make something happen.

Just need to remind ourselves it’s still early days. See similar over the next few games then It will be time to ask some serious questions. 

[Davefevs]

1 minute ago, Red-Robbo said:

 

The trouble with Cornick isn't that he's particularly bad - but just that he's rarely notably good. He's had one excellent game for us in the seven months he's been here. Others range from 'OK, I suppose' to 'bang average' to poor. 

It isn't really fair either to compare Sykes's performance yesterday to him. Sykes got considerably less than half the time on the pitch that HC got and came into the game at a time when Preston were pressing hard for a goal and we could hardly move the ball out of our final third. 

I wasn’t comparing, just asking for opinion on his contribution.  We can judge him better when he starts.  But “we” often use one player to beat a stick against the other.

We (Tanner) need to play more quickly when Cornick is in front of him…or even drive into the space that Cornick creates.

[Davefevs]

2 minutes ago, Jose said:

Yesterdays subs were just like for like. Slightly surprised we didn’t change shape at all. It was pretty obvious from early on it wasn’t working and we managed to just get worse second half. I guess being in the lead made it difficult to do that. 
 

Do I rate Cornick? Not overly but was far from the worst yesterday. I do think McCorie will be straight in at right back. Offer us more height in the team. Can’t say I know to much about him going forward but he can’t be any worse than George was yesterday. 
 

Scott staying ( not going to happen I know)or a replacement is imperative as I think along with the full backs the midfield was the biggest issue. I thought James lacked his usual composure and we just didn’t have anyone to make something happen.

Just need to remind ourselves it’s still early days. See similar over the next few games then It will be time to ask some serious questions. 

They sat Frokjaer on James yesterday….he got away once all game.

from a clever reverse pass from Dickie.  I think James needed to drag Frokjaer out if the centre to create space for Dickie and Vyner, and then ultimately Pring.  We didn’t get crisp passes into Weimann (Williams) or Knight on the half-turn like we did pre-season.

[Jose]

4 minutes ago, Davefevs said:

I wasn’t comparing, just asking for opinion on his contribution.  We can judge him better when he starts.  But “we” often use one player to beat a stick against the other.

We (Tanner) need to play more quickly when Cornick is in front of him…or even drive into the space that Cornick creates.

I’d imagine you’ve seen more of him than I have Dave but is that something McCorie can do? 

Edited August 6, 2023 by Jose

[Davefevs]

2 minutes ago, Jose said:

I’d imagine you’ve seen more of him than I have Dave but is that something McCorie can do? 

He likes to drive forward with the ball.  He’s not an expansive RB nor dribbler per se, but I think he will offer a bit more.  Fingers crossed.

[Mr Popodopolous]

12 minutes ago, Davefevs said:

They sat Frokjaer on James yesterday….he got away once all game.

from a clever reverse pass from Dickie.  I think James needed to drag Frokjaer out if the centre to create space for Dickie and Vyner, and then ultimately Pring.  We didn’t get crisp passes into Weimann (Williams) or Knight on the half-turn like we did pre-season.

Do you think Naismith would make a difference with this Dave or is he more of a distributor than someone to drag out of position?

In my mind pre season I was weighing up pros and cons of Naismith-Scott-Knight vs James-Scott-Knight. I remember how bereft we were in some creative senses when he went off injured at home v Coventry last sesson from then onwards in some games. Then again James can offer great stability and is sound technically.

Edited August 6, 2023 by Mr Popodopolous

[Red-Robbo]

8 minutes ago, Davefevs said:

I wasn’t comparing, just asking for opinion on his contribution.  We can judge him better when he starts.  But “we” often use one player to beat a stick against the other.

We (Tanner) need to play more quickly when Cornick is in front of him…or even drive into the space that Cornick creates.

 Unfortunately, Harry's close control let him down more than once yesterday - although I'd agree the quality of the passes he received were likewise sub-standard. He (understandably) doesn't have the pace of Bell and Wells, so got caught by defenders more easily.  He gets his usually 6/10 from me, but I still can't say he's really clicked at City, despite the ample game time he's been afforded. Overall, he's been a disappointment, but then perhaps my expectations were unrealistically high.

But I'll take your point that there was a lot more going wrong for City yesterday than Harry Cornick's presence for 73 minutes. 

[Shuffle]

31 minutes ago, Davefevs said:

Out of interest, for all the Cornick bashing, I thought Sykes offered nigh on bugger-all when he came on.  One little exchange with Conway was about it.

Agree in that he didn’t offer much & thought Williams aside all the subs were disappointing. 

[steviestevieneville]

2 hours ago, Mr Popodopolous said:

Cornick is an interesting one, his Luton record suggests there is a player there but his best position is harder to pin-point.

Thought v Middlesbrough over Easter he was very decent but one swallow etc even if it was against one of the top sides in the division.

What is a bit of a puzzle for me is, the final third of last season really showed a progression in intent and playing style..this was a bit of a step back.

He doesn’t add pace to the front line. As I’ve sad on another thread. I don’t judge players early, they need time , but he was really poor yesterday . Bloke in front of me shouted at Tanner for going backwards in the first half but cornick made a terrible run blocking off any pass to him . I just don’t see what nige does with him tbh . 

[mozo]

Regards the signings, I said on here at the end of last season that the big question mark for me is: is our squad made up of top young Championship players, or do we have young players with the potential to be top Championship players?

Are Knight and Mehmeti ready to be top players in this league now, or will they need a season to bed in? And do we therefore need to be patient with our expectations of pushing for top six?

In contrast, Dickie is a signing that should add immediate quality, and I think he does.

[Mr Popodopolous]

20 minutes ago, steviestevieneville said:

He doesn’t add pace to the front line. As I’ve sad on another thread. I don’t judge players early, they need time , but he was really poor yesterday . Bloke in front of me shouted at Tanner for going backwards in the first half but cornick made a terrible run blocking off any pass to him . I just don’t see what nige does with him tbh . 

Yes that's true. Wasn't he used at Luton more in the middle?

I would balance concerns aside wonder if Bell-Conway-Mehmeti could provide some pace.

[GBF]

2 hours ago, ProfitInMyPocket said:

Batter Cornick all you like but there were worse performers than him yesterday. 

Tanner, Pring (second half) and Knight all had worse games then our resident flak taker. 

Hope we haven't paid 2m for another Kilkenny, thought Knight was really off it. Couldn't control the ball, lots of endeavour but really little quality. 

If Scott does magically stay my midfield three is still Naismith, Scott and James, none of the others come close to what these three can do together.

Agree the most disappointing if not the worst performance was Knight