Post-Match Thread and Ratings Southend United 1 - 2 Fleetwood Town

[RobM]

Can't wait for the DVD of the first half to come out. What a treat it'll be to re-live those 45 minutes.

Wabo looked lively at least.

Chips from the Fish House were excellent as usual.

I have nothing more to add.

That's nothing! Mince pies at Northampton Sainsbury were only 10p!

 

[RobM]

"The knocking of long balls to Cox never seems to change. Has nobody worked out that he thrives on low balls into the box from players out wide who have run into a channel? Bolger has never had an easier afternoon, heading everything powerfully back from whence it came."

But that happens every week. If it's obvious to us it doesn't work, why can't the team try something else?

 

[Somerset Ex-TTB]

"The knocking of long balls to Cox never seems to change. Has nobody worked out that he thrives on low balls into the box from players out wide who have run into a channel? Bolger has never had an easier afternoon, heading everything powerfully back from whence it came."

But that happens every week. If it's obvious to us it doesn't work, why can't the team try something else?

Because there is no movement, no confidence, nobody wanting the ball, nobody moving into space looking for it. This is all down to a lack of confidence in the pitch, and a fear factor that you will be outed by the manager for making mistakes, whether you are a senior pro or a youngster.

A lot of sport is in the head. Our players are scared of making mistakes, and thus try the easy option 9 times out of 10, by hitting it long.

 

[Medway Blue]

Because there is no movement, no confidence, nobody wanting the ball, nobody moving into space looking for it. This is all down to a lack of confidence in the pitch, and a fear factor that you will be outed by the manager for making mistakes, whether you are a senior pro or a youngster.

A lot of sport is in the head. Our players are scared of making mistakes, and thus try the easy option 9 times out of 10, by hitting it long.

The lack of off-the-ball movement into space or penetrating runs in behind defences, etc. under Brown is nothing new though. It's something I noticed even in his very first season and even during some of our better runs of performances and results over the seasons. Despite often having the players to do it. We've always looked static and like lack inventiveness going forward. I don't think that kind of football fits in with Brown's rigid setups and desire for positional discipline, and I suspect that positive off-the-ball movement and pass-and-move and really things that are strongly encouraged during training.