Fan's View - Gillingham
- Thread starter Paul B
- Start date
Level: Callum O'Dowda
Maurice Earp
Level: John Aldridge
(141 Apps, 90 Gls)
- Year of First Game
- 1969
Excellent
Manorlounger
Level: Phil Whitehead
(238 Apps)
As always a good read Paul however, I would take issue with you regarding Brannagan. I thought he showed some good touches and underscored why playing Moushino in front of the back 4 works. Brannagan scampered around the midfield putting pressure on the opposition and winning the ball a number times before making the odd run forward. Unfortunately, as is often the case of late, our players hang on far too long before passing or shooting. Given the right support and movement off the ball we should see a few more goals come out of this set up.
Rob Dickie is slowly winning me over. Taking care of Eaves was a real task and he must have learnt a lot about how to get away with the "dark arts"! Previously I thought he looked clumsy, yesterday he gave a very good "Who me?" appearance and got the ref on his side! Apparently Eaves was deemed too expensive for us pre-season.
The ref? Just another lower league official who will never see Premiership action. On the subject of the ref, should he have cautioned the keeper for the penalty incident?
Rob Dickie is slowly winning me over. Taking care of Eaves was a real task and he must have learnt a lot about how to get away with the "dark arts"! Previously I thought he looked clumsy, yesterday he gave a very good "Who me?" appearance and got the ref on his side! Apparently Eaves was deemed too expensive for us pre-season.
The ref? Just another lower league official who will never see Premiership action. On the subject of the ref, should he have cautioned the keeper for the penalty incident?
greatunclekip
Level: Steve Basham
(189 Apps, 51 Gls)
Its clearly a "if we dont say anything for long enough itll go away" thing. Like the stadium move. Like the "wow" signings.
TailsWeWin
Level: Dave Roberts
(176 Apps, 8 Gls)
Yup: agree on the Brannagan thoughts, Lounger. Otherwise spot-on, Paul.
Paul B
Level: Callum O'Dowda
(106 Apps, 14 Gls)
But there was no sub to bring on, we'd used them all, so fair play to him.
Paul B
Level: Callum O'Dowda
(106 Apps, 14 Gls)
Excellent comments. I take what you are saying about Brannagan. It's just that I think he could be something quite special and when he has (just) a pretty decent game I probably overlook it.
Manorman
Level: Jamie Brooks
(53 Apps, 13 Gls)
Pretty much agree with that summary Paul, particularly your comments on Bradbury. If anything Hanson had more of an impact. Much has been made elsewhere of Holmes departure and whether or not he was annoyed. If he was, I suspect it was more frustration at the limitations his injury is putting on his game time and also the fact that it must restrict his ability on the pitch. Whatever it was he didn’t have the best of games and possibly won’t make Tuesday.
NottsYellow
Level: Callum O'Dowda
(106 Apps, 14 Gls)
Great report as usual, Paul. I think I am moving into the "cautiously optimistic" camp, as you call it.
For me I am interested to see what Robbo can do in the January transfer window. We need two good solid, quality additions that will be long term strengthening of the squad. In MApp's first Jan transfer window he signed MacDonald, Baldock & Roofe. Can Robbo identify and sign these type of players?
For me I am interested to see what Robbo can do in the January transfer window. We need two good solid, quality additions that will be long term strengthening of the squad. In MApp's first Jan transfer window he signed MacDonald, Baldock & Roofe. Can Robbo identify and sign these type of players?
Foley
Level: Colin Harrington
(260 Apps, 30 Gls)
Excellent as usual Paul.
And I have to agree with most of what you say.
I do think that Branaghan was one of our better players. Agree that Dickie was immense.
Bradford and Rochdale are huge games. Win those and we could be a way from the bottom 4.
And I have to agree with most of what you say.
I do think that Branaghan was one of our better players. Agree that Dickie was immense.
Bradford and Rochdale are huge games. Win those and we could be a way from the bottom 4.
iambungle
Level: Jamie Brooks
(53 Apps, 13 Gls)
I thought KR gave his best (or least embarrassing in any case) post match interview. Praised all and sundry and was spot on in his assessment of Bradbury Jr. - clearly still very raw but the fact that he got stuck in to both central defenders and when there was a bit of a melee, was straight in amongst it, is promising in my book. Also what KR said about 'untidy' players struck a chord with me.....Beano couldn't trap a bag of cement and Danny Hylton was all elbows and shins....two strikers in our most recent past that have gained 'hero' status. If Bradbury can get anywhere near them, then he will do for me.
Paul B
Level: Callum O'Dowda
(106 Apps, 14 Gls)
They also scored goals, which was nice.
I'm sure Bradbury will too after a few more minutes than 30.
I agree with most of your view of the game, except your view that Bradbury wasn't mobile or quick...I thought he was both of those and most definitely mobile.
uptheus
Level: Paul Moody
(197 Apps, 75 Gls)
His anger was about coming off not his injury issue.
Deleted member 222
Guest
You really do want to push this theory don’t you. For what reason?
I noticed it and thought it was to receive treatment. Even if Holmes was annoyed it was the right thing to do by Robinson.
Foley
Level: Colin Harrington
(260 Apps, 30 Gls)
uptheus
Level: Paul Moody
(197 Apps, 75 Gls)
Holmes is one of so few in our squad who is capable of taking players on and scoring goals/setting up others. He looked no different to me yesterday than he normally does e.g. battling through an injury which Holmes is fully aware of. So I think he was determined to play on, and I personally felt if he felt he was okay to carry on then he should have been allowed to for the reasons I given above.
In addition to the above, others have said that he was taken off because he was injured (no s**t Sherlock, we all know he’s playing through an injury), and alluded as this was the reason that he was pissed off. So what I’m saying and how I read the situation is, he was pissed off with Robinson for taking him off when he clearly wanted to continue. He was about to remonstrate with Robinson, but for his and the who situations best interest decided against it. Call it professionalism!
So to summerise, I thought Robinson took him off too early, and it wasn’t for him to receive treatment, especially as he probably receives this after every game anyway.
It’s all irrespective now as we managed to get the right result, but if we hadn’t I could see that many supporters calling Rad Ox etc making comments along the lines of ‘why did we take off one of our potential game changers’ etc..
So my initial responses to others comments on this subject was to challenge the reason as to why Holmes appeared pissed off which others suggested that this was because Holmes was frustrated by his injury, whereas, I believe he was pissed off with Robinson for taking him off so early into the second half when the game could still have gone either way.
Question, do I think that Holmes should have substituted at that stage of the game? My answer is, NO, not at that stage of the game, especially if an influential player such as Holmes who knows his own abilities, what his capabilities are, the game in general and he knew this game was on a knife edge which he probably felt he could have had an impact on, if he’d stayed on, hence his frustration. He’s a senior pro which I would have thought that Robinson would have respected.
Paul B
Level: Callum O'Dowda
(106 Apps, 14 Gls)
I thought Holmes was holding his back quite early on. Perhaps that is no different to normal though. I'll admit to thinking it was slightly early to make the change.
Will KR pick him for the FGR replay? Could that have been the reason for taking him off when he did.
Will KR pick him for the FGR replay? Could that have been the reason for taking him off when he did.
spmox
Level: Jamie Brooks
(53 Apps, 13 Gls)
And I agree with you.
Bradbury was aggressive, but in terms of winning headers or getting the ball under control and bringing others into play - no different to Smith. But of course he needs time and encouragement to help with his development.
I admit to being a bit nerdy about tactics and formations, but it is completely bizarre to me that the Oxford Mail say we played 433.
It was definitely 4141. Holmes and Browne were alongside Branagan and Henry, not Smith. So Smith (and Mackie and Bradbury) are very isolated with usually no one within 30 yards of them when they receive (or more accurately battle for) the ball. Mackie definitely makes the best of this difficult situation.
I know a lot of people don't like 4231, but at least it enables the central player in the 3 to play closer to the 1 up top. And possibly the the two wide players can as well.
But 4141 is certainly making us stronger defensively.
I also get the feeling that Browne and Holmes have no confidence in Smith to receive and then do something with the ball and so try to do it all themselves. Or maybe that's under instruction from KR.
Re. Harvey Bradbury
It’s amazing what fans want to see from a promoted youth teamer. I recall Callum O’Dowda’s full debut against Charlton (I can’t remember if was in the FA Cup or League Cup … ?). He was reasonable and steady on the ball but clearly didn’t have the confidence or nous to beat his marker and played with a fear of losing the ball so he kept things very safe. Not a bad debut by any means but nothing more than a 6/10.
When I saw comments about him on the boards, you would have thought Ronaldo Mrk II had played. His debut was mythicised into one that was ‘fantastic’ by one poster. I had to remind them it really wasn’t. Generally, the OTT comments tend to come from players we’ve developed ourselves.
This is not to write Bradbury off – his size, scope and playing style make him sound like a real asset for the future – but it may go some way to explaining that some fans see what they want to see from a YTS player.
It’s amazing what fans want to see from a promoted youth teamer. I recall Callum O’Dowda’s full debut against Charlton (I can’t remember if was in the FA Cup or League Cup … ?). He was reasonable and steady on the ball but clearly didn’t have the confidence or nous to beat his marker and played with a fear of losing the ball so he kept things very safe. Not a bad debut by any means but nothing more than a 6/10.
When I saw comments about him on the boards, you would have thought Ronaldo Mrk II had played. His debut was mythicised into one that was ‘fantastic’ by one poster. I had to remind them it really wasn’t. Generally, the OTT comments tend to come from players we’ve developed ourselves.
This is not to write Bradbury off – his size, scope and playing style make him sound like a real asset for the future – but it may go some way to explaining that some fans see what they want to see from a YTS player.
This. Is definitely a 4141. I *think* the idea is that the midfielders close the gap to frontman by carrying the ball more than usual at this level. We have talent in that midfield so makes sense. Unfortunately, totally agree that they seem to have little confidence in Smith and end up on a road to nowhere more often than not. There were a couple of times in the first half v Gills where Holmes couldn't hide his frustration with Smith and gave him an earful - nothing changed. Contrast with Sam Long who also got a bit of 'guidance' on where and when to run and reacted immediately. Credit to Smith for so obviously trying to adapt his game and working hard but he just doesn't look like a good fit for that lone role.
Paul B
Level: Callum O'Dowda
(106 Apps, 14 Gls)
I'm fully with you on this. We've often heard how great our youth players are and here outrage from some fans when they don't get thrown straight into the first team. Aaron Woodley. Alex Fisher. Tyronne Marsh. There's probably a lot more if I take the time to think about it.
Re. COD - I remember writing in the FV at the time that I didn't see him as being the answer to our problems (we always have problems of one kind or another). I know I wasn’t the only one and about four years ago I wrote – “when my mate suggested that he would be playing in the Jersey League in five years time, that was probably quite a bit OTT, but I wouldn’t put money on him having a lengthy Football League career.”
I know one poster on here kept having a go at me for these views. A relation with a vested interest perhaps and if I’d been in those shoes I would probably have done exactly the same.
But some youngster develop where as others don’t. More than once having spotted a young ‘un after the summer break there’s been comments such as “bloody ‘ell he’s bulked out” or “he’s turned into a man”.
I’ve also written this a few times before but COD turned into a very good player for us. I think the quantum leap was when he began playing with his head up and became much more aware of what was around him. But I’m not a coach who spots what’s what in training day in day out and knows which players have genuine ability that can be developed and those that have not.
Fair play to the lad, he’s making a very good living at Bristol City and is a full international.
I also remember Michael Duberry writing in the Oxford Mail when he wrote a small weekly column that he thought COD would end up in the Premiership. Not quite there yet but a lot closer to the Etihad than King’s Sutton.
And in no way have I written Bradbury off. Of course I haven't but as someone sat just in front of me on Saturday said, this is a steep learning curve for him.
A good read.
I like that we have gone back to steady basics at the back, protected by Mousinho. Mousinho is comfortable on the ball, but his defensive positioning is so good a lot of attacks are stopped before getting on to the back 4.
Brannagan is the guy we should be building around. He has a lot more forward impetus of late with the addition of Mousinho. Brannagan started to run the game once Hanson was on. Away from home I would be pretty happy to see Hanson/Mousinho in front of the back four with Brannagan pushed up to behind the striker.
I made a point of watching Smith on Saturday as I was thinking it was his time to step up. He closed down and made blocks, but im not sure we should be applauding that from our striker. I have to say, in the second half especially he was making some intelligent runs across the defenders, constantly on the move looking for the ball. Until Brannagan pushed up noone was finding him. He was just starting to strike up some understanding before being subbed.
Bradbury - pretty raw and clearly knew he couldn't compete against the Gillingham CBs so went down the early jump route. He didn't have the ball at his feet (from what I recall) and his role appeared to be more one of unsettling the defence making space for others. Not a bad option to have on the bench and would assume he is picking up plenty from Mackie.
