It is a fairly significant change when you consider that we'd lose the element that has been key to our open play attacking threat so far: that narrow triangle of Vokes +2. Gaz himself has said that he won't necessarily always play this system - and there will be the odd situation that calls for something else, as we saw in the second half against Wigan - but changing formations regularly isn't exactly conducive to consistency, especially when it's still such a new system.
It's the same system we got promoted with and played a predominant amount with last season, it's hardly a significant change. It was extremely successful over a few seasons.
I agree that 3-4-3 gives us more attacking threat, certainly in the Championship, with the higher quality of defences. However, this season I'm not sure we need to rigidly stick to it if injuries mean we have too many square pegs in round holes.
Let's face it Fred was only selected at left wing back as a last resort as Obita and Tafazolli were injured, meaning JJ moved to LCB. Fred was then brilliant, I suspect beyond everyone's expectations. I just don't see the same happening with Kaikai.
If McCarthy/Freeman are out for any length of time and Wheeler isn't given a run there, I'd much rather play 4-3-3 with Kaikai and out and out attacking force.
But then if Grimmer or JJ gets injured, that system falls down - far more easily than the current one.
Whilst it might seem a bit reckless if we don't have faith in any of the development players to come in and cover for a couple of games what's the point? Mehmeti was a wild card from last season, Burley has the potential to be a breakthrough this season too, and and ...
All young players get into the game by being given a chance sometime. Usually because of injury. If a Sam Lavelle (for example) is going to exceed our valuation in terms of wage or transfer I would rather give a kid a go.
@Otter87 said: I'm fairly certain that the Lavelle transfer was very close to being completed however I think the goalposts were moved at the last minute which caused the parties to go separate ways. I would like to think that Wakely is young enough to be converted into a wingback and that he gets an opportunity as he's a local lad!
@TheAndyGrahamFanClub said:
Whilst it might seem a bit reckless if we don't have faith in any of the development players to come in and cover for a couple of games what's the point? Mehmeti was a wild card from last season, Burley has the potential to be a breakthrough this season too, and and ...
All young players get into the game by being given a chance sometime. Usually because of injury. If a Sam Lavelle (for example) is going to exceed our valuation in terms of wage or transfer I would rather give a kid a go.
Do we have any wingbacks in the development squad though?
It's the CB that's the one disappointment if we are relying on the development squad. From all sources it seemed we were in for Lavelle so it's a sour one to lose out to Charlton possibly because of his agent penny punching, and not having anyone else lined up.
Grimmer/JJ/Stewart/Tafa can play in that back 3 but you really want another CB option.
Disappointed we couldn’t get another couple over the line in this transfer window especially one in the centre back position. Hopefully some good free agents out there to fill all the permitted squad places. Clearly we are banking on the Development squad can produce players ready for the first team . Let’s hope it’s a plan that works.
The Oxford game is now a massive game for us. Win or draw and we can use that as a stepping stone to push on. Lose that game and we could be well off the pace. Let’s hope we have Stewart and Taff both fit for that game.
That’s a kick in the nuts…..I’m not buying all the hype about this being a great transfer window so far. We have lost some very good players and will have to wait and see what the new guys can do. As the poster above said Oxford is a real test of how far we have come in the last 12 months.
Would be great to get a decent loan signing in from the premier league. As ever I think we are lacking a goal scoring creative midfielder. Portsmouth just got Azeez from Arsenal so we know there is quality out there.
@drcongo said:
I wonder how long he was camped outside their ground
Are you not thinking of Peter Odemwingie?
Wasn't it Berahino that just rocked up at QPR when Rednapp was manager at 11.55 on transfer deadline day expecting to sign. He didn't/t mention it to West Brom his at the time employers?
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But then if Grimmer or JJ gets injured, that system falls down - far more easily than the current one.
Only 5 from a possible 7 subs named
Whilst it might seem a bit reckless if we don't have faith in any of the development players to come in and cover for a couple of games what's the point? Mehmeti was a wild card from last season, Burley has the potential to be a breakthrough this season too, and and ...
All young players get into the game by being given a chance sometime. Usually because of injury. If a Sam Lavelle (for example) is going to exceed our valuation in terms of wage or transfer I would rather give a kid a go.
This is exactly how I heard it too.
Do we have any wingbacks in the development squad though?
Parsons.
James Clark too
Lavelle undergoing a medical at Charlton
Wish him well. Clearly not to be with us for whatever reason and glad the club drew their lines and didn’t cross them.
The free agent talk and release of Kashket / Samuel makes me wonder if we are close to a free agent forward, Biamou perhaps
We need cover at centre back, Ram and Forino look a long way off 1st team level on tonight's showing.
Crazy, Berahino signs for Wednesday. Wasn’t he linked to Spurs just a few years ago?
I wonder how long he was camped outside their ground
So to be a free agent I assume the player has to be released today.
It's the CB that's the one disappointment if we are relying on the development squad. From all sources it seemed we were in for Lavelle so it's a sour one to lose out to Charlton possibly because of his agent penny punching, and not having anyone else lined up.
Grimmer/JJ/Stewart/Tafa can play in that back 3 but you really want another CB option.
Are you not thinking of Peter Odemwingie?
Possibly
Promotion or bust at Hillsboro. Literally.
Or both
Disappointed we couldn’t get another couple over the line in this transfer window especially one in the centre back position. Hopefully some good free agents out there to fill all the permitted squad places. Clearly we are banking on the Development squad can produce players ready for the first team . Let’s hope it’s a plan that works.
After watching the game tonight I totally agree with @ChasHarps, the development lads on show in the CB positions are a way off first team level.
The Oxford game is now a massive game for us. Win or draw and we can use that as a stepping stone to push on. Lose that game and we could be well off the pace. Let’s hope we have Stewart and Taff both fit for that game.
Reports that Lavelle is going to Charlton for 200k. Not sure how I would feel about paying that amount. That’s a Sean Devine in my eyes
If that £200K improved our promotion hopes then it may well have been money well spent.
agreed 200k would.of.been an investment, we are light on specialised center backs....one gets injured and we are in trouble
There it is. We don’t have to wait long to see him either as we play Charlton at home after Oxford… Wonder how he deals with Vokes
That’s a kick in the nuts…..I’m not buying all the hype about this being a great transfer window so far. We have lost some very good players and will have to wait and see what the new guys can do. As the poster above said Oxford is a real test of how far we have come in the last 12 months.
Would be great to get a decent loan signing in from the premier league. As ever I think we are lacking a goal scoring creative midfielder. Portsmouth just got Azeez from Arsenal so we know there is quality out there.
Would be more than great to get anyone in on loan considering the deadline passed nearly an hour ago!
Wasn't it Berahino that just rocked up at QPR when Rednapp was manager at 11.55 on transfer deadline day expecting to sign. He didn't/t mention it to West Brom his at the time employers?