9 Comments

I thought we would make play offs , maybe I am a optimist who believes in the manager and squad. I thought Marriott was missing piece but it doesn't quite work with him and Cheek that's a area we could improve on a few 1-1 draws turned in to 2-1 wins and we would be there .

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Well put Mash, you've made a good case for the playing staff. Although I would disagree about Alabi and Coulson. The "Goals For" column was indeed too light. But it was far exceeded by the "assists". However, my concern surrounds the rigid style and method adopted. Only once last season did I see a tactical style change and not a one-for-one substitution. That was in the FA Trophy semi, when York City was tearing us to bits. I for one don't believe our style of playing and apparent lack of flexibilkity will serve us....but I have yet to see us play in the new season.

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I had a look at the assists to be honest Coulson was poor in that regard as well. Alabi was a good impact sub but if we're honest no more than that.

We needed more goals this season.

I hear you re: the tactical inflexibility but its the same tactics that got us 7th 2 seasons ago and then to win the FA Trophy the following season.

So I guess it depends on what the expectations are going forward.

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Good piece Mash, but I'm still not convinced. Strong XI I feel but lack of depth if there are too many injuries, can those that have come in not fade away like last season?

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Injury free will be key just like when Sutton won the league. Only way for us to compete.

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Yes the Sutton style which got them up was all about being super fit, playing hard for the possible 97 minutes and substituting like for like players whenever they ran out of steam. They also used Omar Bugiel not so much as a front line striker as was his traditional role but not productive enough but in a more pivotal role “in the hole” behind the front men and his job was to collect the ball from midfielders and cycle it through either by headed deft touch ( very good at that) or hold it up and play it wide or forward creating more opportunities with accurate delivery high up the pitch. Most clubs us included tend to rely on a long hopeful punt with a low success rate or fiddle about in triangles which often end up in reverse. A blueprint worth looking at.?

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Sutton are indeed the template but we must acknowledge they did that in the covid season of uncertainty.

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Logical thinking here Mach. I am looking for high intensity from the off with plenty of ball coming out to the wings / decent crosses from Forster and Hamman to turn defences and bingo we now have two proven strikers and a rejuvenated Whiteley to take advantage . But it needs to be done at pace and high up the pitch. I wish.

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I agree with all that. Lets hope we see it on Saturday.

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