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Johnson lost it a lot though and didn't do much with it. My dad came tonight - he hasn't been for years, and Tomlin wasn't even a starter when he last saw us. He said there was only 2 players that deserve to stay. Porter and Robinson. (And Farrell he liked when he came on)

Roberts
Osano New CB Stuart Robinson
Porter New CM Day
O'Connor Tomlin
New CF

we desperately lack 'voices' in the side. other than Stuart, we have no leaders. a few 30+ year old players right throught the spine of the team is what we need IMO, to compliment our blend of youth.

Very dull game and we didn't look like ever scoring but we really shouldn't worry over friendlies like this, we all know they count for very little when it comes to the start of the season and I don't think either side looked that interested really. Would be interesting to know what game JE was at though, hopefully he's found that 20 goal a season striker that we need!

Edit: JE was apparantly ill tonight.

Last week in devon we saw far better performances against Shrewsbury and Ilfracombe so I'm I don't think there's much cause for concern. Tonight, however, was truly dire, there was no urgency, no creativity and no quality on display at all, but it was only a friendly so i'm not too bothered.

There were some positives though. I thought Roberts was, once again, solid when called upon and Johnson continues to impress with his work rate and determination. However Smith was poor in my opinion and failed to hold the ball up effectively which meant we were under a lot pressure. The defence at times was awful and some of our marking was suicidal, but i'd rather we played like this now rather than once the season's started.

Agreed with most of the comments on the thread, we lacked any drive and urgency from the midfield and gave the ball away much too cheaply. Having said that I doubt we'll be playing teams with as much pace as Southend in the Conference. The lack of a proper right back is frustrating and the front 3 were not cohesive, poor old Sam looked like he was the lone striker surrounded by 3 opponents. Defensively I thought we did ok, most of their chances were created from a midfield position. We MUST begin to see the starting line-up with OConnor, Farrell, Power and Miller or the team will not bed-in before the season starts.

Despite what people are saying about Smith, i still think he did well last night. Like ToD said, he was basically upfront on his own because Tomlin and Charles were all over the place.

On Charles, i think he seems like a strange signing. He's not the kind of player we'd associate with Edinburgh. He's not necessarily a bad player, he's pacy and has a reasonable delivery, but he doesn't fit into our current system whatsoever and i think the way he plays isn't conducive to a good passing game.

The defence as a whole was completely awful fast half, but was considerably better in the second.

If the season were to start tomorrow, i'd play the following team.

Roberts

Corcoran Osano Stuart Day

Johnson Power Porter

O'Connor Farrell Tomlin.


I don't think Robinson has done anything wrong, but we can't have a player like Day on the bench.

BartonRaz wrote:I don't think Robinson has done anything wrong, but we can't have a player like Day on the bench.

Didn't go last night, but on the Robinon-Day thing.... Day just looks a cut above, simple. Maybe JE's idea is that with injuries etc. we'll often end up with them both in the side, but it must be a little disheartening for young Kurt, especially when he did so well for us last season.

We're certainly a lot more balanced on the left this year anyway, with Day and Spence both being natural lefties as well as Robinson and Stuart.

BartonRaz wrote:I don't think Robinson has done anything wrong, but we can't have a player like Day on the bench.

I agree Robinson is a good player but could look suspect if anyone with real talent or height came up against him.. Oxford targeted him as a weak point in our defence for the play off games.
I think JE was right to sign Day he looks like a stronger all round player. He Played on the right last night but im not going to rate him on that performance as i can only remember him having to do anything twice.. i can remember him covering balls through the centre of our defence to make sure they got through to roberts and was impressed by this work effort.

I think Robinson had a good game last night, and a very good season last year. (I think he was feeling the effects of a very long season by the time we got to the play-offs).

Day looks very useful from the little I have seen of him and I wonder if he might slot into a left sided midfield position.

Generally, last night, I thought we looked very disjointed. Swapping so many players/positions in these friendlies makes it difficult to get understanding through the team and I hope that on Saturday we will see a starting eleven that is more like the probable League starting eleven (injuries permitting) so that that understanding can be developed prior to the proper stuff starting.

Tbh, I think the teams we've played in games so far won't be what we field against Fleetwood and at the moment it really is about getting minutes.

On the Day - Robinson issue. I don't see a problem and think Day may be used as a winger in the end. It also means Tommo's got competition on the left as well and we could see him on the right. But then that's Azza's postion....

It's a great problem to have as a manager. I think Robinson played well last night overall as others have said. Quite simply we've got quite a few players on their toes because we got someone in the wing waiting to pounce if they don't do well.

Reading what is being said about service, I don't entirely agree. Sam didn't put himself about enough and gave up far too easily which meant that we didn't have an outlet until Faz came one. Whilst it didn't always come off, he immediately provided some form of man up front and was always working hard.

I think Sam had a great first season with us, but I don't think he's followed that up. We can talk all about lack of minutes, etc, but it never happened when given the chance. They weren't impressed at Corby during his loan spell. I think if we get somebody else in, a loan spell will do him the world of good if he grasps it with both hands.