Poya style

We're entering into silly season for results where top teams get twitchy and bottom ones are desperate so results get hard to predict. Hopefully we can stay in touch with safety and enjoy the ride.

 

I think this is a good shout, although I wouldn't want Styles to be out of the team for long but we could play around with it. Besides his goals, I was impressed with Mitrovic on Saturday for playing with his back to goal and dropping so deep (I was also impressed with Helik for completely nullifying him!). But it's something i could see Woodrow doing - we know he likes to drop deep, and i could see him with his back to goal holding the call up and Bassi, Quina and Morris playing off him. He could also take pot shots from 25 yards, but they don't always come off do they!

 

I think it's very very difficult. I do think we need another attacking body, but then that takes us back to a weakened midfield again. I suspect what we would get is Woodrow and Morris sharing time as the focal point of attack in the existing formation, and I'm not sure it naturally suits their games, despite them giving their all.

I think what Vita, Bassi and Quina give us most are the asset of being ball carriers, something we've badly lacked. And of course Wolfe has just been solid in the midfield. Adding calmness and a bit of height and presence while being able to pass nicely. I hope we can keep him.

Given Morris has been limping a lot in recent games especially, our other quality forward returning for even a couple of games would be a nice boost.

 

He's a different type of player, but if he's up for it like he seemed to be earlier in the season, I think Leya Iseka would thrive with some of the play we're currently producing. Maybe he can get a run out on Saturday.

 

The thing about Woodrow. Is his work rate. I wouldn't be scared to bring him on up front or midfield. Not scared to put a foot in and tactically has enough nouse to do the professional foul stuff when necessary. I think Wolfe has that in his locker knowing when to impede a player shall we say.

 

He's a frustrating one Leya Iseka. He's produced some moments of genuine quality and at other times has absolutely vanished. Each of his 3 finishes were technically impressive and I think there is a player in there and I do think he's a better option than Cole on what I've seen to date.

 

Agree. Plus you've got his ability to strike the ball and his build up play has improved massively. Though we've undoubtedly missed him, I wonder if a bit of time out of the firing line as the team struggled might actually have helped him when he gets back fit.

 

I noticed that about Gomes (misplaced passing) last night too, but i think he had a good game overall.

It was nice to beat Bristol for a change, especially as, as you say, we tend to play well at their place and come away empty-handed. My girlfriend asked me after last night's game if I'm going to text my old boss (a City fan) - I said sometimes it's better not to say anything

 

I like it - bomb alley and the fox-in-the-box!

 

I get the feeling with Gomes he's just a bit too eager with his passing and therefore misplaces them often. He's certainly technically very good so there is no reason for him to give it away so much. Hopefully as he gets more experienced he gets a bit more serenity to that side of his game and it improves. Quite a nice balance with Gomes and Wolfe side by side.

As for your old boss.... surely it would be rude to not say hello and have a catch up!!!

 

Agree. But I just don't think he'll be able start any games before the season ends, after having knee surgery in January.

 

Yes that's my feeling too, his energy is good to see but then he also makes unforced errors because of it. A bit like me when bombing forward at 5-a-side from my usual centre half position, i get a bit carried away And yeh, him and Wolfe work well together!

We have been meaning to meet and catch up soon, so I really should drop him a text!!

edit: just checked, my old boss' message from 14th Feb: 'How are you keeping? I think Barnsley may be doomed?'

 

I think we all agreed with him at the time!

 

Certainly did!

 

We'll enjoy the ride only if we reach the desired destination.

 

Next stop championship
Lads certainly look like their up for the battle and teams won't relish playing us, just need to keep playing on the front foot and I can see us doing it.

 

Yes that’s what I’m getting at. The previous manager had it incredibly tough with the players he had available

 

Did he not? From what I saw the big issues were lack of quality & fitness. The hammerings & games where we had no organisation came immediately after he was sacked. The majority of the time we were in games at half time & faded second half.

Was fitness his fault? From my memory we lost all the back room staff & several of the new signings were signed late in the transfer window & were woefully short of fitness. The only lads that looked fit were players like Brittain, Helik, Styles, Woodrow & Frieser who had been here the previous season.

After trying to play a back 4 for a spell & us getting worse Poya quickly realised that the back 3 was the best system for us pre-January. It was only after he got new signings in January & players back for that the back 4 has worked.