Comments on: Positives from the negatives

By: Wayne

Wayne — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 22:49:20 +0000

I have to disagree with you boys. The game was set up on Saturday for Nix, not Topp. We had just had a defender sent off. Daley isn’t known for his defensive duties, so why not bring on Nix who can put a foot in?

Personally, I would have left OB off and continued with the same formation of 3-4-2. However, I would have replaced Colbeck with Nix and switched Daley across to the right.

This weekend we travel to the Hollands Pies stand at the Fraser Eagle Stadium (I hope the pies warrant being the sponsors). I think McCall will stick with the 4-4-2 formation, with OB replacing Heckingbottom. I can see Arnison coming straight back into the team at right back. In midfield, I can see him going with Nix, McLaren, Furman and Colbeck, with Boulding and Thorne up front. SUBS - McLaughlin, Conlon, Topp, Moncur & R Boulding (or Sharry).

p.s. I read this week that Wetherall still has a playing contract for us. Has Ricketts still got a registration to play for us too? Both are named in our players list but without squad numbers.

By: Jason Mckeown

Jason Mckeown — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 16:22:47 +0000

Aaron I must say you make a fantastic point that did not cross my mind on Saturday. I agree with you about Topp not having enough of a chance and find it ridiculous that some of our supporters have suddenly turned on him and written him off (though dare I say I’m not surprised?). I thought he did well pre-season on the wing and like you saw him in the reserves the other week when he did well.

I think it’s a good suggestion about playing Topp outwide against Accrington too. Like other City fans I like Nix but I don’t think he’s great on the wing (no pace), so maybe Topp will be in Stuart’s thoughts.

By: Arran

Arran — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 15:54:12 +0000

Jason - a well rounded argument. However I have to disagree that bringing Topp on would have been a bad move. I’d not have replaced Boulding though but rather Colbeck. I’ve seen Topp in the last two reserve games - and although he still looks a little rusty - there is definately something different about him. He is a totally different player to Colbeck (who was ineffective against Luton) and bringing Topp on with 20mins left might have been a spark and something a little different to open them up. Luton were not attacking down our right hand side at all and Ainge was quite assured in his defensive duties so Topp wouldn’t even have had to help his full back out that much on the defensive side and could have contrentrated on opening them up.

Why have players like Topp if they never get a chance?

Daley is out of the game with Accrington - and although I like Nix as a player I’d really be tempted to switch Colbeck to the left and start with Topp.

By: Alan Storton

Alan Storton — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 20:15:44 +0000

Jason, sensible comments as ever.The problem with any team playing with ten men, which scores near end of a match, is mental.The natural reaction is to defend deeper to protect that lead, bringing added pressure and reducing options to pass further upfield.
I’m sure Stuart will revitalise the squad for the Accrington game.