Stuck up for him alot but connell and Russell will get alot of the stick but he could have come sat with me today and had the same impact on the game.
We completely lack composure under pressure' it happens all the time' when the opposition sits back and lets us play we look great but as soon as they find their feet and start to play we absolutely s##t ourselves' yesterday was a prime example' we went from looking good to literally looking like an under 10's team in the park' slicing clearances' kicking it anywhere' Jalos assist for their last goal being a prime example. Yesterdays capitulation was really embarrassing to watch.
we lack pace ( and sometimes willingness ) to close opposition down on the break, the players seem unable to sort out the basics like marking and I think mentally some aren't up to it, the body language when the fight back started yesterday was appalling, looking at them it was like they were thinking 'oh **** they are going to roll us over' rather than 'bugger it we aren't having this'
I think we'll try and sign an experienced keeper in the summer,Pines and McCarthy will be swapped out for Shepherd and Lopata.As others have said we need a Gwynn Thomas/Josh scowen type of battling midfielder,two new full backs and keep Jalo and Humphreys on the wings.A absolute must is a proven target man to replace Cosgrove and a fox in the box. Lewis, Rodriguez,Marsh can also go.
“We need to be braver,” Hourihane said. “I want us to play aggressively but when it became scrappy, I really didn’t like what I saw. We need some fresh new faces around the place for next season.” Hopefully these conversations took place before being appointed and he’ll get backed. I’m hoping so and sort of confident, mainly as I don’t think he would have took it on otherwise
I was going to say an Alan Little type earlier then thought he’d probably spend a lot of time suspended these days! But yep that battling mentality in midfield definitely
Add Daz Norman Sheridan to that list as well, and possibly even Ray McHale. Its a position in the team that often gets over looked, but we clearly have nobody like that at the moment.
Interesting reading the mdt at the game I wasn't sure who was to blame looked like the keeper should have done better. Watching it back it's Humphrys who played so well with the ball in the 1st half who doesn't go with the runner who eventually scores. Not surprised Russell takes the blame but I'd watch the 1st goal back.
