' HOW DOES SLADE DO IT ? '

How does Russell Slade create a promotion winning team ?

Terry Phillips takes a look at Slade's likely line-up for the season opener with Fulham and what's in store for the many who will miss out.

Walesonline

Thursday June 25th


Cardiff City manager Russell Slade has been told by the club hierarchy that a big Premier League promotion push is essential in the season to come.

He has come through four meetings with Bluebirds owner Vincent Tan and one intense four-hour showdown with chairman Mehmet Dalman.

The message has been made clear; Cardiff must challenge near the top.

But how close is Slade really to formulating a promotion-winning side as he looks to bed down his starting X1 for the season opener against Fulham.

He’s already got a large squad at his disposal, but definitely wants a new wide-man and central midfielder.... and they could feature against Fulham.

But who will be the centre-backs? Will Peter Whittingham, almost a permanent fixture in the side, be left out?

Which two will link up together up front, with Slade having a glut of strikers to choose from?

WalesOnline football writer Terry Phillips predicts how Slade’s team may look against Fulham on Saturday, August 8... and what’s in store for the players omitted.

Cardiff City manager Russell Slade must ensure his side gives the club's supporters something to shout about.


Goalkeeper: David Marshall

The Bluebirds’ and Scotland keeper is the number one name on the team-sheet, literally and metaphorically speaking. No bids have come in, but Marshall is settled in Cardiff anyway. Proud to be captain, but it’s a difficult role for a goalkeeper and that could well be changed.



Right-back: Lee Peltier (capt)

The only natural right-back in City’s squad, a leader who has been captain at Leeds and Huddersfield. Slade likes his leadership qualities and Peltier could wear the armband against Fulham.



Centre-back: Bruno Manga

Slade is spoilt for choice in this area, with Ben Turner, Sean Morrison and Matt Connolly also in the mix. But Manga was layer of the year in 2014-15 and will be even better after adapting to the physical challenges of Championship football.



Centre-back: Ben Turner

City need leaders and Big Ben fits the bill. Missed virtually the whole second half of last season with an injury, but played 90 minutes in the final match. He’s fit and ready and should get the nod ahead of Morrison and Connolly.



Left-back: Scott Malone

Who is City’s best left-sided defender? Fabio is a fans favourite even though he is right-footed, while Welshman Declan John will be a big contender. Malone will get the nod - Slade reckons he’s a solid defender whose crossing stats going forward were pretty good.



Wide midfield: New signing

Slade is keen to bring in a winger with genuine pace who can deliver into the right areas. They are hard to find, but this is a priority. It was a definite weakness in Cardiff’s game last season.

Centre midfield: Aron Gunnarsson

Has committed to Cardiff until 2018 and will play a big part. His tenacious qualities bring bit to the midfield and he’s likely to get the nod ahead of the more silky Peter Whittingham.



Centre midfield: New signing

City need leaders and badly need an experienced player who can take a grip in midfield and put the side more on the front foot. Slade stuck with the Whittingham/Gunnarsson combination last season, but it didn’t work and Cardiff were bossed far too often in the midfield. Surely he’ll try something new.

Wide midfield: Craig Noone

Matchwinner at his best, but struggled to find any sort of consistency last season and did not deliver often enough in the final third. Hot competition from Matt Kennedy and Anthony Pilkington, but Noone will get the nod.



Support striker: Joe Mason

Ideal for the number 10 role, dropping slightly deeper to find space and cause problems for centre-backs. Mason is suited to the role - that’s why Slade has been adamant in making it clear to Wolves that Mason is not for sale.



Centre-forward: Kenwyne Jones

Top scorer with 14 goals even though he finished last season on loan at Bournemouth. Experienced, effective target man who can help bring the best out of Mason. Again Slade has a glut of strikers to choose from, but Jones and Mason it may well be.



Substitutes

Simon Moore (gk): Made 15 first team appearances in 2014-15 and proved a capable deputy.

Fabio: Able to fill in on either side of defence or wide midfield.

Matt Connolly: Versatility may give Connolly the edge ahead of Sean Morrison. He can switch to full-back.

Peter Whittingham: Will still play his part, but may not be an automatic first choice any more.

Joe Ralls: Aggressive, versatile and solid midfieler. A good pre-season will earn him a place on the bench.

Eoin Doyle: A natural goalscorer who fired 30 last season, five of them for City. Has had time to adapt to the Championship and will look to step things up.

Alex Revell: High energy, committed forward. Jones is more effective, but if a change is needed Revell will give it everything.



What about the others?

Goalkeepers

Joe Lewis: On loan with Blackpool for most of last season and needs first team football. Likely to be going out again.

Ben Wilson: Highly promising 22-year-old former Sunderland professional. Should be City’s third choice keeper.

Full-backs

Declan John: It’s still not clear whether he’s a winger or a left-back. Went on loan to Barnsley last season and played either position. Big year ahead for the man from Merthyr Tydfil.

David Tutonda: Teenager who is leading the youth change for first team recognition. Impressed on loan with Newport last season.



Central defenders

Semi Ajayi: City’s only new signing so far for 2015-16. Free from Arsenal. Aged 21 and one for the future.

Sean Morrison: Big, experienced centre-back who will play his part. Could yet be on the bench ahead of Connolly.

Ben Nugent: City have a lot of experienced defenders and the 22-year-old set to well go out on loan again.

Adedeji Oshilaja: Did well on loan at AFC Wimbledon earlier this year. Highly rated, but will need another spell out to play first team football.



Midfield

Tom Adeyemi: Made 23 first team appearances, but didn’t make the impression he would have hoped for. Signed by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, but jury out for Slade.

Kagisho Dikgacoi: On his way back to full fitness, although maybe a touch behind where City wanted him. Has made good progress and at 100 per cent he will be a major force.

Filip Kiss: Will be among the six or seven players to be sold, released or loaned.

Stuart O’Keefe: Impressed at the end of last season and needs to start well. Has to make an impact when his chance comes.

Kadeem Harris: City need pace and Harris has that. Unfortunately, he’s raw and not quite ready to play week in, week out.

Anthony Pilkington: An injury-free season would make Pilkington a key player in City’s squad. Too many setbacks during 2014-15.

Matt Kennedy: Skilful 20-year-old winger. Will play his part and likely to be highly influential over the season, but not at the start.



Strikers

Javi Guerra: Heading back to Spain, probably Malaga. City will hope to get a transfer fee.

Adam Le Fondre: Keen on a move back to the north of England and Cardiff won’t stand in his way.

Federico Macheda: Talented, but frustratingly inconsistent striker. Fired eight goals in 15 starts, but didn’t do enough at times. The Italian has to make more of a mark.

Etien Velikonja: Will be among the six or seven players to be sold, released or loaned.

What Slade needs to do is to make Turner,Gunnarson or Peltier captain and I agree with pretty much what Philips said a pacy winger and possibly a midfield enforcer but I would like to see Ralls or Dikacoi given a chance other that I think we have still got a quality squad to challenge in my opinion.

First thing he needs to realise is he dosent have the personnel to play 4-4-2. Against opposition utilising 3 central midfielders he needs strong pacey players in the middle of the park. He also needs them to pass accurate creating brake downs. We have players with some of these qualities, but not all of them unfortunately. Our main wingers also have the habit of cutting inside. Usually with Noone shooting 120 feet over the bar, or Pilkington loosing the ball. Either way, the box get crowded and there is not enough space to create play. Probably why we have seen a lot of rush decision from our players. Slade also rid of any talent at the club capable of playing the number 10 role. He used Noone in that position after getting rith of Ravel and Daehli, and it was all to embarresing to watch. Suddenly he found himself in a relegation scrap loosing point rapidly to the worst teams in the devision. Looking at our squad, and the fact that he only is looking to sign 3 players, he need to settle on a formation suited for the squad. IMO that is either 4-1-4-1 or 4-5-1. Again rumour has it Slade is looking to rid the best option at the club playing lone striker, naming Guerra. He still has options, but not with the quality of movement he represent. So my money is on another season of hoofballs. Poor Revell chasing shadows and city scoring goals from corners and free kicks. Maybe Morrison will be top scorer this season? In Slade we trust

What Slade needs to do is to make Turner,Gunnarson or Peltier captain and I agree with pretty much what General withd a pacy winger and possibly a midfield enforcer but I would like to see Ralls or Dikacoi given a chance other that I think we have still got a quality squad to challenge in my opinion.

Pretty much agree with you and Terry Phillips appears to be writing more sense than he did last season. Although a Midfield General with creative ability is a must there should be a place for Ralls in the midfield triumvirate with Gunnar. As much as I have time for KJ he may suit us better as a sub and I might be inclined to partner Doyle with Mason. I would pick Fabio over Malone every time. Apart from that Terry Phillip's team selection looks more promising than it did last season.

What Slade needs to do is to make Turner,Gunnarson or Peltier captain and I agree with pretty much what General withd a pacy winger and possibly a midfield enforcer but I would like to see Ralls or Dikacoi given a chance other that I think we have still got a quality squad to challenge in my opinion.

Pretty much agree with you and Terry Phillips appears to be writing more sense than he did last season. Although a Midfield General with creative ability is a must there should be a place for Ralls in the midfield triumvirate with Gunnar. As much as I have time for KJ he may suit us better as a sub and I might be inclined to partner Doyle with Mason. I would pick Fabio over Malone every time. Apart from that Terry Phillip's team selection looks more promising than it did last season.

Yes Doyle and Mason should be the strike force next season and I think this season is where it give Ralls the chance to shine.

What Slade needs to do is to make Turner,Gunnarson or Peltier captain and I agree with pretty much what General withd a pacy winger and possibly a midfield enforcer but I would like to see Ralls or Dikacoi given a chance other that I think we have still got a quality squad to challenge in my opinion.

Pretty much agree with you and Terry Phillips appears to be writing more sense than he did last season. Although a Midfield General with creative ability is a must there should be a place for Ralls in the midfield triumvirate with Gunnar. As much as I have time for KJ he may suit us better as a sub and I might be inclined to partner Doyle with Mason. I would pick Fabio over Malone every time. Apart from that Terry Phillip's team selection looks more promising than it did last season.

Yes Doyle and Mason should be the strike force next season and I think this season is where it give Ralls the chance to shine.

Agree 100%

First thing he needs to realise is he dosent have the personnel to play 4-4-2.

THIS ^

For me this is why Whitts looked a lot poorer than usual.

As well as 451, the only way Slade is going to get us up is by appointing Alberto Salazar as club doctor.

What Slade needs to do is to make Turner,Gunnarson or Peltier captain and I agree with pretty much what General withd a pacy winger and possibly a midfield enforcer but I would like to see Ralls or Dikacoi given a chance other that I think we have still got a quality squad to challenge in my opinion.

Pretty much agree with you and Terry Phillips appears to be writing more sense than he did last season. Although a Midfield General with creative ability is a must there should be a place for Ralls in the midfield triumvirate with Gunnar. As much as I have time for KJ he may suit us better as a sub and I might be inclined to partner Doyle with Mason. I would pick Fabio over Malone every time. Apart from that Terry Phillip's team selection looks more promising than it did last season.

Yes Doyle and Mason should be the strike force next season and I think this season is where it give Ralls the chance to shine.

That's a pair weighing in at 180 pounds and 6 foot tall combined. Just the same size as Kenwayne, and probably the same combined wage. So if you pair them strikers, who likes to go wide, with wingers liking to cut inside, with Gunnarsson who can't pass, Whittingam who can't run or tackle. How do you go about creating any rythm in our attacking play?

What Slade needs to do is to make Turner,Gunnarson or Peltier captain and I agree with pretty much what General withd a pacy winger and possibly a midfield enforcer but I would like to see Ralls or Dikacoi given a chance other that I think we have still got a quality squad to challenge in my opinion.

Pretty much agree with you and Terry Phillips appears to be writing more sense than he did last season. Although a Midfield General with creative ability is a must there should be a place for Ralls in the midfield triumvirate with Gunnar. As much as I have time for KJ he may suit us better as a sub and I might be inclined to partner Doyle with Mason. I would pick Fabio over Malone every time. Apart from that Terry Phillip's team selection looks more promising than it did last season.

Yes Doyle and Mason should be the strike force next season and I think this season is where it give Ralls the chance to shine.

That's a pair weighing in at 180 pounds and 6 foot tall combined. Just the same size as Kenwayne, and probably the same combined wage. So if you pair them strikers, who likes to go wide, with wingers liking to cut inside, with Gunnarsson who can't pass, Whittingam who can't run or tackle. How do you go about creating any rythm in our attacking play?

Joe Mason linking up with midfield or spread out to the wingers and put low crosses into the box.

Last edited by Rydogsccfc on Thu Jun 25, 2015 10:01 pm, edited 1 time in total.

What Slade needs to do is to make Turner,Gunnarson or Peltier captain and I agree with pretty much what General withd a pacy winger and possibly a midfield enforcer but I would like to see Ralls or Dikacoi given a chance other that I think we have still got a quality squad to challenge in my opinion.

Pretty much agree with you and Terry Phillips appears to be writing more sense than he did last season. Although a Midfield General with creative ability is a must there should be a place for Ralls in the midfield triumvirate with Gunnar. As much as I have time for KJ he may suit us better as a sub and I might be inclined to partner Doyle with Mason. I would pick Fabio over Malone every time. Apart from that Terry Phillip's team selection looks more promising than it did last season.

Yes Doyle and Mason should be the strike force next season and I think this season is where it give Ralls the chance to shine.

That's a pair weighing in at 180 pounds and 6 foot tall combined. Just the same size as Kenwayne, and probably the same combined wage. So if you pair them strikers, who likes to go wide, with wingers liking to cut inside, with Gunnarsson who can't pass, Whittingam who can't run or tackle. How do you go about creating any rythm in our attacking play?

Joe Mason linking up with midfield.

Mason dropping down to a false 9, Doyle making clever runs and the winger creating overlaps?

What Slade needs to do is to make Turner,Gunnarson or Peltier captain and I agree with pretty much what General withd a pacy winger and possibly a midfield enforcer but I would like to see Ralls or Dikacoi given a chance other that I think we have still got a quality squad to challenge in my opinion.

Pretty much agree with you and Terry Phillips appears to be writing more sense than he did last season. Although a Midfield General with creative ability is a must there should be a place for Ralls in the midfield triumvirate with Gunnar. As much as I have time for KJ he may suit us better as a sub and I might be inclined to partner Doyle with Mason. I would pick Fabio over Malone every time. Apart from that Terry Phillip's team selection looks more promising than it did last season.

Yes Doyle and Mason should be the strike force next season and I think this season is where it give Ralls the chance to shine.

That's a pair weighing in at 180 pounds and 6 foot tall combined. Just the same size as Kenwayne, and probably the same combined wage. So if you pair them strikers, who likes to go wide, with wingers liking to cut inside, with Gunnarsson who can't pass, Whittingam who can't run or tackle. How do you go about creating any rythm in our attacking play?

Joe Mason linking up with midfield.

Mason dropping down to a false 9, Doyle making clever runs and the winger creating overlaps?

Yes.

What Slade needs to do is to make Turner,Gunnarson or Peltier captain and I agree with pretty much what General withd a pacy winger and possibly a midfield enforcer but I would like to see Ralls or Dikacoi given a chance other that I think we have still got a quality squad to challenge in my opinion.

Pretty much agree with you and Terry Phillips appears to be writing more sense than he did last season. Although a Midfield General with creative ability is a must there should be a place for Ralls in the midfield triumvirate with Gunnar. As much as I have time for KJ he may suit us better as a sub and I might be inclined to partner Doyle with Mason. I would pick Fabio over Malone every time. Apart from that Terry Phillip's team selection looks more promising than it did last season.

Yes Doyle and Mason should be the strike force next season and I think this season is where it give Ralls the chance to shine.

That's a pair weighing in at 180 pounds and 6 foot tall combined. Just the same size as Kenwayne, and probably the same combined wage. So if you pair them strikers, who likes to go wide, with wingers liking to cut inside, with Gunnarsson who can't pass, Whittingam who can't run or tackle. How do you go about creating any rythm in our attacking play?

Joe Mason linking up with midfield.

Mason dropping down to a false 9, Doyle making clever runs and the winger creating overlaps?

Yes.

So pretty much the same tactic witch get us overrun and murdered every time we try it. The tactic that gets us into ugly figures every time we try it? Trouble was, is and will be.. Balance in the midfield. That's why teams walk through us. Or is there a rabbit in Slades hat? Or do we rely on the positional skills of Turner, the speed of Manga. The brain of Peltier or the finesse of Malone to stop them 4 to 6 players coming at us? Or the almighty Marshall? I don't see it

Resign

Resign

Amen!

I'd like to see dikgachoi and ralls start together through pre season

What Slade needs to do is to make Turner,Gunnarson or Peltier captain and I agree with pretty much what General withd a pacy winger and possibly a midfield enforcer but I would like to see Ralls or Dikacoi given a chance other that I think we have still got a quality squad to challenge in my opinion.

Pretty much agree with you and Terry Phillips appears to be writing more sense than he did last season. Although a Midfield General with creative ability is a must there should be a place for Ralls in the midfield triumvirate with Gunnar. As much as I have time for KJ he may suit us better as a sub and I might be inclined to partner Doyle with Mason. I would pick Fabio over Malone every time. Apart from that Terry Phillip's team selection looks more promising than it did last season.

Yes Doyle and Mason should be the strike force next season and I think this season is where it give Ralls the chance to shine.

That's a pair weighing in at 180 pounds and 6 foot tall combined. Just the same size as Kenwayne, and probably the same combined wage. So if you pair them strikers, who likes to go wide, with wingers liking to cut inside, with Gunnarsson who can't pass, Whittingam who can't run or tackle. How do you go about creating any rythm in our attacking play?

Joe Mason linking up with midfield.

Mason dropping down to a false 9, Doyle making clever runs and the winger creating overlaps?

Yes.

So pretty much the same tactic witch get us overrun and murdered every time we try it. The tactic that gets us into ugly figures every time we try it? Trouble was, is and will be.. Balance in the midfield. That's why teams walk through us. Or is there a rabbit in Slades hat? Or do we rely on the positional skills of Turner, the speed of Manga. The brain of Peltier or the finesse of Malone to stop them 4 to 6 players coming at us? Or the almighty Marshall? I don't see it

I thought the team at Forest on the last day was balanced with Kennedy Gunnarson O keefe Ralls linking up with Mason and Doyle played that way I think and we didn't get overrun.

What Slade needs to do is to make Turner,Gunnarson or Peltier captain and I agree with pretty much what General withd a pacy winger and possibly a midfield enforcer but I would like to see Ralls or Dikacoi given a chance other that I think we have still got a quality squad to challenge in my opinion.

Pretty much agree with you and Terry Phillips appears to be writing more sense than he did last season. Although a Midfield General with creative ability is a must there should be a place for Ralls in the midfield triumvirate with Gunnar. As much as I have time for KJ he may suit us better as a sub and I might be inclined to partner Doyle with Mason. I would pick Fabio over Malone every time. Apart from that Terry Phillip's team selection looks more promising than it did last season.

Yes Doyle and Mason should be the strike force next season and I think this season is where it give Ralls the chance to shine.

Not enough pace in that pairing to be honest. I think we need a new striker assuming ALF, Guerra and KJ will move on we should be able to buy someone

What Slade needs to do is to make Turner,Gunnarson or Peltier captain and I agree with pretty much what General withd a pacy winger and possibly a midfield enforcer but I would like to see Ralls or Dikacoi given a chance other that I think we have still got a quality squad to challenge in my opinion.

Pretty much agree with you and Terry Phillips appears to be writing more sense than he did last season. Although a Midfield General with creative ability is a must there should be a place for Ralls in the midfield triumvirate with Gunnar. As much as I have time for KJ he may suit us better as a sub and I might be inclined to partner Doyle with Mason. I would pick Fabio over Malone every time. Apart from that Terry Phillip's team selection looks more promising than it did last season.

Yes Doyle and Mason should be the strike force next season and I think this season is where it give Ralls the chance to shine.

That's a pair weighing in at 180 pounds and 6 foot tall combined. Just the same size as Kenwayne, and probably the same combined wage. So if you pair them strikers, who likes to go wide, with wingers liking to cut inside, with Gunnarsson who can't pass, Whittingam who can't run or tackle. How do you go about creating any rythm in our attacking play?

Joe Mason linking up with midfield.

Mason dropping down to a false 9, Doyle making clever runs and the winger creating overlaps?

Yes.

So pretty much the same tactic witch get us overrun and murdered every time we try it. The tactic that gets us into ugly figures every time we try it? Trouble was, is and will be.. Balance in the midfield. That's why teams walk through us. Or is there a rabbit in Slades hat? Or do we rely on the positional skills of Turner, the speed of Manga. The brain of Peltier or the finesse of Malone to stop them 4 to 6 players coming at us? Or the almighty Marshall? I don't see it

I thought the team at Forest on the last day was balanced with Kennedy Gunnarson O keefe Ralls linking up with Mason and Doyle played that way I think and we didn't get overrun.

Although that was a like a pre season friendly with nothing on the line, and Forest was absolutely shit. I think you have three players there who are the closest to creating that missing balance. But then you are down to a pass accuracy of 66% of thereabouts. Not exactly a intimidating line up? All the opposition has to do is battle it out. So we are back to the hoofballs and accational game in our favour aren't we? Ohh, and like moonboots say. Not much pace there!

What Slade needs to do is to make Turner,Gunnarson or Peltier captain and I agree with pretty much what General withd a pacy winger and possibly a midfield enforcer but I would like to see Ralls or Dikacoi given a chance other that I think we have still got a quality squad to challenge in my opinion.

Pretty much agree with you and Terry Phillips appears to be writing more sense than he did last season. Although a Midfield General with creative ability is a must there should be a place for Ralls in the midfield triumvirate with Gunnar. As much as I have time for KJ he may suit us better as a sub and I might be inclined to partner Doyle with Mason. I would pick Fabio over Malone every time. Apart from that Terry Phillip's team selection looks more promising than it did last season.

Yes Doyle and Mason should be the strike force next season and I think this season is where it give Ralls the chance to shine.

That's a pair weighing in at 180 pounds and 6 foot tall combined. Just the same size as Kenwayne, and probably the same combined wage. So if you pair them strikers, who likes to go wide, with wingers liking to cut inside, with Gunnarsson who can't pass, Whittingam who can't run or tackle. How do you go about creating any rythm in our attacking play?

Joe Mason linking up with midfield.

Mason dropping down to a false 9, Doyle making clever runs and the winger creating overlaps?

Yes.

So pretty much the same tactic witch get us overrun and murdered every time we try it. The tactic that gets us into ugly figures every time we try it? Trouble was, is and will be.. Balance in the midfield. That's why teams walk through us. Or is there a rabbit in Slades hat? Or do we rely on the positional skills of Turner, the speed of Manga. The brain of Peltier or the finesse of Malone to stop them 4 to 6 players coming at us? Or the almighty Marshall? I don't see it

I thought the team at Forest on the last day was balanced with Kennedy Gunnarson O keefe Ralls linking up with Mason and Doyle played that way I think and we didn't get overrun.

Although that was a like a pre season friendly with nothing on the line, and Forest was absolutely shit. I think you have three players there who are the closest to creating that missing balance. But then you are down to a pass accuracy of 66% of thereabouts. Not exactly a intimidating line up? All the opposition has to do is battle it out. So we are back to the hoofballs and accational game in our favour aren't we? Ohh, and like moonboots say. Not much pace there!

In the summer I think the pace issue will be resolved and tbh I don't care if we revert to the long ball route or I think Slades style is really give the ball to the winger and put in as many crosses as you can high or low and the more times you put the ball into the box the more chance you are to score or have Gunnarson or O Keefe/Dikacoi and link it up with Mason and Doyle with Kennedy or Ralls/Noone running down the flanks and at times as well Malone because he has got a hell of a cross on him.

[/quote]In the summer I think the pace issue will be resolved and tbh I don't care if we revert to the long ball route or I think Slades style is really give the ball to the winger and put in as many crosses as you can high or low and the more times you put the ball into the box the more chance you are to score or have Gunnarson or O Keefe/Dikacoi and link it up with Mason and Doyle with Kennedy or Ralls/Noone running down the flanks and at times as well Malone because he has got a hell of a cross on him.[/quote]

And with that tactic you want Doyle and Mason winning the headers and duels from the crosses? (Witch wont come, be-course Noone decided to cut inside and shoot again.. ) Wouldn't it be better to have a lone striker then? Or even a small/big guy partnership?

In the summer I think the pace issue will be resolved and tbh I don't care if we revert to the long ball route or I think Slades style is really give the ball to the winger and put in as many crosses as you can high or low and the more times you put the ball into the box the more chance you are to score or have Gunnarson or O Keefe/Dikacoi and link it up with Mason and Doyle with Kennedy or Ralls/Noone running down the flanks and at times as well Malone because he has got a hell of a cross on him.[/quote]

And with that tactic you want Doyle and Mason winning the headers and duels from the crosses? (Witch wont come, be-course Noone decided to cut inside and shoot gain.. ) Wouldn't it be better to have a lone striker then? Or even a small/big guy partnership?[/quote]

Doyle can get on to high cross from Malone at Ipswich but yeah I agree they are not tall enough but wingers like Kennedy he will find little pockets and put in a low cross for Mason or doyle but if I had to change the partnership then it would be Doyle and Revell because I don't think or hope Jones will be here next season.

Two things sadden me. One, we have manager who is totally inept to create any balance with that play. Like Ole, he is to stubborn and naive to let Whittingham and Gunnar go. And they need to go if we are not playing 5 across the midfield! Even stats will show that is a dead end. The other is, we have a fantastic player in Guerra who is just not given a chance. If anyone have watched him play lone striker the past two years they know what im talking about. Lets say Slade preference is down channels and wide with crosses, we have no better than Guerra up front! What does that say about our manager to ignore such a thing? We just have to agree to disagree once more Rhydo! The way teams are setting up, he will be gone on October mate..

Two things sadden me. One, we have manager who is totally inept to create any balance with that play. Like Ole, he is to stubborn and naive to let Whittingham and Gunnar go. And they need to go if we are not playing 5 across the midfield! Even stats will show that is a dead end. The other is, we have a fantastic player in Guerra who is just not given a chance. If anyone have watched him play lone striker the past two years they know what im talking about. Lets say Slade preference is down channels and wide with crosses, we have no better than Guerra up front! What does that say about our manager to ignore such a thing? We just have to agree to disagree once more Rhydo! The way teams are setting up, he will be gone on October mate..

We shall see mate and about the Guerra issue I wouldn't be surprised that its Tan that wont let Slade play him and Young has played an influence.

Make Terry Philips manager !

GK Marshall

LB Peltier
CB Turner
CB Manga
RB Connolly

LM Kennedy
CM Ralls
CM Whittingham
CM Gunnarsson
RM Pilkington

ST Doyle/Mason/Revell

A solid back 4 who don't need to attack as we have the creativity of Whittingham, Ralls, Kennedy and Pilkington. Gunnarsson is our enforcer, Ralls is our legs and Whittingham is our creator. Kennedy and Pilkington are our best wingers who have the end product Noone lacks.

We need a good striker, Doyle might not consistently deliver and Mason may find it tough playing a lone striker role, but Revell can lead the line on his own and we can at least rely on Revell to never hide and consistently put a shift in. I would take 46 games from Revell ahead of 46 games from Jones and this is what we need this coming season, consistency from a squad of players who may not be the best individuals, but are the most consistent performers who can pinch those scrappy 1-0 wins on a cold winter Tuesday night.

If we get a good striker to lead the line for this team, I think this line up will be more than good enough for the playoffs.

slade needs to replace slade for someone who has a clue

Slade will not have a clue which players to put in his first 11.

He didn't last season and I have not seen anything different to say he will this.

The team will be out fought out thought and out played until someone realises he is out of his depth.

Another wasted season for everyone concerned in my opinion ( I really hope not).

The stench of failure still lurks over the club, still no signings and the players are already back training. Anyone we do get will be behind all the other players in pre season, if they get one!

Could we play a 3-5-2 with wing backs? We have plenty of centre halves, after all!

GK - Marshall

RWB - Fabio
LWB - Declan John

CB - Manga
CB - Turner
CB - Morrison (or Connolly)

LM - Pilkington/Ralls
CM - Whittingham/Dikacoi
RM - Gunnarsson/Noone

ST - Mason/Doyle
ST - Jones/Revell/Macheda

I've tried it on Football Manager and it works very well!!!

I don't think we're that daring, but you never know!