Up until recently, I was worried about both the attack and defense. However, this month we have scored 2-1-1-2 goals in the past four games, so I think we may be turning a corner here. That said, we need to spread the goals around and not rely solely on Cauley. Unfortunately, in the past four games we have conceded 2-5-1-2 goals, so this is where I believe we need to concentrate the improvement. If we can tighten up at the back and the attack carries on as is, we should win some games. Interestingly, since AM came in, we have stopped playing every ball out of the back. We kick long more often now. We lose the ball either way, but with the new approach, at least it is further from our goal.
Didn't stop Cavare and Diaby over playing in what lead to the spell of pressure that resulted in the corner and subsequent own goal. Defence starts at the front and Woodrow went missing on the left, Chaplin was isolated in the middle and Wilks held the ball up like a chocolate fireguard.
I think it’s clear, the lads have had it drilled into them - if in doubt, blast it out. If we had adopted this approach earlier in the season, I reckon we’d be 4 or 5 points better off. When confidence is low, and you’re shipping goals, you have to concentrate on the basics and take the pressure off the back 4. That’s what Murray has done. Cut out the fancy stuff at the back and play it forward. Stendel didn’t do this, and ultimately perhaps why he went. Maybe he wanted to persevere with his pressing game, or make a point by continuing to highlight the squad’s inability. Who knows...... I’m also not saying that Murray is the answer going forward, but if the result/performance against Hudds is good, then he has to be a serious contender. If only till the end of the season.
I think Murray will get a run of games, if we we OK it will be his up to Christmas, as little can be done before the window signings wise. If things go pear shaped I think they will have a rethink. Murray didn't seem mad keen on the job in his interviews, it is something of a poisoned chalice in the long term & he may fancy the safe job as Under 18s coach in the long run.
I have noticed we are getting more crosses into the box too, quicker. Certainly did against Swansea and although I didn’t watch last night we scored that way and assume we played in a similar fashion
He would have been underplaying it. He realises it’s a difficult task, but one where if he fails, he doesn’t really carry the can for it. Any young coach worth his salt would take it - doesn’t come around often. It’d be quite likely that he could agree to do it, on the proviso he could always step back into the Academy if so. Essentially he knows he could be up against some bigger names, so is just keeping his head down, like they always do - Hecky did same.
