The unofficial AFC Rushden & Diamonds messageboard

One thing I've noticed on a few occasions this season, none more so than the last 2 games, is that we lack any real physical presence, especially now Howe has gone. Luton and the scum both had several big, strong, powerful players in their team who we struggled to compete with, regardless of whether they were actually any good or not.

Looking through our squad, Miller, Smith, Johnson and now Gash are the only outfield players who are taller than 6' and none of them are particularly strong or quick (apart from Sam but he never seems to use his pace). Osano is the only player at the club who is strong enough to really dominate an opponent, and he is in his worst run of form since signing for us. In almost every game he played for us, Howe would find himself in situations where he was up against 2 or 3 opponents and still managed to come away with the ball due to his physical attributes. I don't see anyone in our squad now who is capable of doing that.

I'm not saying we should go out an sign a team of giant thugs, a lá Histon prior to this season, but having a spine of big, powerful players who you would back to win the majority of 50-50 balls, either on the ground or in the air, would make a massive difference. If we're talking about former players, then one who I would love to see back at the club is Manny Panther. He ticks all of the boxes above (he's actually 'only' 6'0" but is still very good in the air) and before anyone comments on his discipline, the two red cards he picked up while playing for us are still the only red cards of his entire career (and I still maintain that they were both very harsh)! He also has incredible stamina, something which our midfield is lacking in at the moment.

I'd say a goalkeeper. I like Joe and he's clearly shown he's got potential in shot stopping but I think he's a bit young to to be our first choice goalie as I'd say he need some work yet. Also someone with some quality in midfield or up front, we aren't going to get another Tomlin but someone with a bit of quality at least and another player for defensive cover of course would be useful.

Don't know why people are questioning Gash after 2 games though. I admit he hasn't particularly impressed me so far apart from being decent in the air but we should give a few games til we start criticising him.

OsanoIsKing wrote: I'd like to see Day and Robinson as a left side combination just to see how well it goes.

I agree totally with this, Jamie Day is quality going forward and i think Kurt is solid at left back, with Gash in the side i think 4-4-2 is the way to go, playing the ball out wide.
Secondly, where is all the dislike for Joe Day coming from? He hasn't done anything wrong since he's mad the starting eleven, a new goalkeeper would be nice but i think a new centre back/a holding midfilder are the priorities.

I think it would be very harsh to get a replacement GK, Day has done nothing wrong and so what if he is young he is only going to get better gain experience and learn from his mistakes.. put it this way we could have kett*rings no.1, he is a great shot stopper and he has repeatedly proved this, even in the scum match he made some fantastic saves, maybe got a bit lucky with one particular decision but he has greatly improved since coming into the side and maybe with a stronger defene his job would be a lot easier.
In the Luton game our defense was cut apart far too easily for their goals including the one that was judged to be offside played straight through the middle for that one, Osano also failed to track back for another, but there has to be more support from the midfield when defending.

I would also say it would be very harsh to judge Gash after 2 games, especially with one of them being against Luton, i think he needs more time to build a good relationship with o'connor who maybe had other things on his mind against kett*ring

I don't think there's been any dislike for Joe Day, just some concern that it could be too much too soon for him and perhaps we need another goalie just to lift any pressure that might build up after a run of poor results and Dale's death. Seems to me to be genuine concern, not dislike - personally I think he's got an awesome future in front of him if he sticks at it and learns quickly.
Jamie Day could be a great left-back, but he must stop diving into tackles recklessly. What he really needs is to watch a few videos of Unders in his prime, we must have some kicking around. The whole team could learn something from watching some of our great sides, team set-ups, passing moves, making runs, movement, forward and wing play. We have the knowledge at the club, USE IT !

Two of Diamonds wrote: The whole team could learn something from watching some of our great sides, team set-ups, passing moves, making runs, movement, forward and wing play.

You've missed out the most important aspect IMHO i.e. hitting the back of the net.

Once again, we witnessed on Monday afternoon a total lack of composure when presented with a decent goal scoring opportunity. The only thing that really matters in the end of the day.