Tonight we play the pox in the paint pot cup. There is already talk of fixture congestion, so do we need this game? If it hadn't been the pox, I would normally have said "no". Not only the players having so many games, but what about the supporters? You must be comfortably off to go to all these games, and have the time to do it.
But, this time we have a load of new players signed less than a week ago. Training is OK, but there is nothing like a competetive game to prove a player's worth. And, for most of our fans, it doesn't come much more competetive than this one.
We were doing OK until the aberration at Preston. We know that we can field a good team from the 1st few matches, but do we put that side into this game? If they lose, not only will they be tired, but confidence will go.
IMO, we should put as many of the new guys in as we can, & if it doesn't work, too bad.
But, it's the pox!
Any thoughts?
Also, has anyone else than me had problems getting commentary?
Is this a game we need?
posted on 5/9/12
Red,
Simple answer is I dunno if we need this game. My standpoint has always been the league MUST take priority.
All the naff stuff about "we always win at Wembley" etc seems to have thankfully gone from the boards.
If Wray is as serious as he says about promotion, and money, decent money at that, has been spent on some decent players to do just that. However PDC seems to have his own agenda about this cup as realistically being our only path to Wembley. I thought after last seasons debacle he would have learned his lesson, apparently not.
There are many very good teams in this league, extra fixtures we need not, but fully fit, injury free players must be the priority to play these bigger clubs.
The Pox ? if we stuff them tonight and go out of both cups in the next round then ok, we can concentrate on this league and get an auto place. Plays offs for me are a turn off, and just a cash generator for the League etc.
I watched a few PDC clips after the PNE game and what a Prima Donna he has turned to, another game, another rant, it will end in tears sadly, but soon.
posted on 5/9/12
SF, Do we want to go to Wembley? The last two games there were disappointing & cost me a fortune. But, I have been to all our Wembley games. If they get there again I'll be there.
If it hadn't been the pox, I would say get the new guys in & risk losing. Even so, I still think the same. We have to know what these new guys can do.
posted on 5/9/12
Red, I think the pedigree of the new lads speaks for itself and they will deliver ok. We have to see who plays with who better, although I think we will see a lot of squad rotation, keeping guys fit and hungry for a game.
posted on 5/9/12
SF, my point. Use this game to see who works with who best. If if it wasn't the pox, where fan's pride is at stake.
posted on 5/9/12
Red,
He has re3ad your thoughts, the line up is,
SWINDON TOWN v Oxford United: Wes Foderingham; Joe Devera, Alan McCormack, Darren Ward, Federico Bessone; Adam Rooney, Simon Ferry, Giles Coke, Raffa De Vita; Paul Benson, Andy Williams
Hows that ? Just hope we give them a total strappin' tonight.
posted on 5/9/12
I see that Dave "Budgie" Burns is there tonight. He does scouting for Birmingham City among others, wouldn't be surprised to see Ferry moving up country to be back with Caddis. That would certainly free up some wages.
posted on 5/9/12
Sorry it's spelt Byrne, and he has a hand shake like a vice grip.
posted on 5/9/12
Well, there you go Red, we played all the rookies and lost, and has Williams scored yet in any game of importance ? We wasted loads of chances at the Kassam again. Very hurtful that they should be able to maintain bragging rights, and all of that after PDC said "No more charity cases" and then hands it to them fielding a team who don't know each other, total plonker.
posted on 6/9/12
Well SF,
If it had been Exeter & not the pox, I wouldn't have been too bothered. I went to the final & it cost me a fortune to take my daughter down to Wembley by train. I had to go because I have been to all our Wembley games, but it was carp.
So now we know that more work has to be done to integrate the new guys, so not all wasted. Go back to our original selection for Orient - don't mend it if it ain't broke - & put the newcomers on the bench & introduce them one by one.
posted on 6/9/12
I think you have it about right RED. Bringing them in one at a time sounds good to me, less haste, more speed in bringing them to the boil as it were.
I still think that despite his, No more Charity cases, remark PDC needs to accept the blame for the defeat yet again to the Pox. His selection, his team, his mistake. Williams totally toothless, against their defence, and without doubt should have brought on Bostock, the best player in the game, a lot earlier.
Still, we move on, Saturday beckons, I dunno whether to go, or to continue my holiday, I don't have an appetite for lack lustre games right now.