TEAM SHAPE AND DISCIPLINE

Too often yesterday the ball was not held up at the top of the field.
Bamba constantly allowed players to come inside exactly what they wanted to do.
We may need to play Hoilett in midfield to try to keep more possession.
Murphy looks good with the ball and,makes very intelligent runs.However he and Reid need to do more when,we haven't got the ball.
Real Bettis were prepared as soon as they regained possession to pass quickly short and long,also breaking from deep .This caused us too many problems .
The forwards "must" defened from the front.When you have the ball you must attack and when you don't you "must" defend and keep shape .
The answer initially may be to "pack" the midfield.

Too often yesterday the ball was not held up at the top of the field.
Bamba constantly allowed players to come inside exactly what they wanted to do.
We may need to play Hoilett in midfield to try to keep more possession.
Murphy looks good with the ball and,makes very intelligent runs.However he and Reid need to do more when,we haven't got the ball.
Real Bettis were prepared as soon as they regained possession to pass quickly short and long,also breaking from deep .This caused us too many problems .
The forwards "must" defened from the front.When you have the ball you must attack and when you don't you "must" defend and keep shape .
The answer initially may be to "pack" the midfield.

Don't think I would read too much into the game yesterday. It was a typical pre-season friendly to me. Both sets of players having time on the ball because opposing players were not busting a gut to get it back, and were never going to be diving into tackles etc. I thought we played some neat football against quality opposition, especially in the second half, but agree with those who think we need a bit more strength in the middle of the park. A lot will depend on Warnock's power of persuasion now, and lets hope he can convince a decent midfielder that this is the club to be at.

No long throws from Patterson either.
Always feel his throw us better at finding Morrison in the box than gunners.