People say the Table does not lie. The Table is a bunch of statistics. In the Form Table Gillingham are bottom of the Home stats and 3 places below us in the overall ones. However we are solidly bottom of the away one, Gillingham having picked up most of their points in early away matches. They could be classed as declining.
I do not quote these numbers because I believe them to be a guide to the likely outcome, but because when the team with the worst away record meets the one with the worst at home, it is noteworthy. In fact Gillingham have accumulated 5 more points in their 6 games from 6 goals compared with Rovers 0 in their 6, having scored twice.
Gillingham’s home defeats have been against good teams and although they have got points away to stay just above the relegation zone, their fans cannot be happy, so we have that in common, but there is a general justifiable lack of faith in the resilience of DRFC, and expecting anything but a very hard test for our rather feeble team would be unrealistic.
Quite apart from relegation in the long term, the faith in the manager of even the hard core fans is now splitting against him and the majority of his recruits with particular emphasis on the disorganisation and the lack of spirit. Why is there none of the kind of spirit that we saw in Wellens as a player. Why did he sign so many apparent lightweights?
So the question is are Gillingham bad enough for us to beat them? I cannot imagine that their supporters will be very happy with them and it has to be as much a “must win" for them as it is for us. So, if we could get an early goal, who knows?
If we don’t avoid defeat, the future looks bleak.
I feel I have a duty not to forecast another loss because there is a case, albeit a thin one, to say we perhaps we might not. So I’m going to say a 2-1 win, Rowe scoring.
DPL v Gillingham
posted on 20/10/21
The test of whether the performance was “very good” or not will be reflected in the numbers of people turning up to watch the next home match. People who are attracted to football like to see their team successful and winning. When this stops completely even the more fair-minded of them may no longer wish to subject themselves to the ignominy.
The first half “performance” was characterised by the effort which a team with only a scattering of recognisable talent put into it. Although the finishing might have been laughable in another context, it simply defined the limitations of the skill and footballing intelligence of so many of these players.
Wellens’ own judgement seems to operate on a rather lower plane than that of all his successful predecessors and that does not bode well in the long term… should he manage to remain in his position.
Perhaps a more competent coach could bring out something extra in Wellens’ recruits, but I am note sure that there is a great deal of undeveloped ability.
I wonder how Tommy Rowe and Tom Anderson feel, having to play alongside these people? They must be making a note of the location of the lifeboats.
Come January, Dahlberg will probably want to go somewhere else too and who could blame him? His reputation will eventually be at risk for his association with such an unsuccessful club. If Jones were the goalkeeper - Wellens’ nominated Number 1 - he would be a better match for the majority of the team.
posted on 20/10/21
You would think the board would have to consider his position prior to the January window. If he stays there is the likely result of relegation and, on what we've experienced, not being safe in League 2. Miracles have been known to happen but statistics say if we're bottom and adrift of safety in December we will go down. A talismatic midfield signing in January isn't likely, nor will it solve the issues. I only hope the board don't get swayed by him on this.
posted on 20/10/21
I had not thought of Dahlberg departing in January. However, look at Aaron Ramsdale who now starts for Arsenal after all the practice he got at Sheffield United!
Last night I thought Dahlberg seemed a little unsure of himself. I know I would if I had that team in front of me.
posted on 20/10/21
6 goals from 12 games😐
posted on 21/10/21
Mooligan, while we have had some terrible defence, 6 goals with 4 scored by full-backs, as you say, is our real problem. At Gillingham we should have been at least 2-0 up from the chances created by half-time, and it could have been 4-0.
How many are going to show up to see Alfie May or Andy Williams, or Matty Blair score against us?
I was a fan of Matty, but disappointed in Andy, and Alfie was good in League 2, hopefully no good in League 1 on Saturday.
posted on 21/10/21
We could do with Matty Blair back at right back. Agree re Alfie. You couldn't fault his work rate but his scoring ratio was poor. My analysis is too much pressure on defence and poor goal scoring is usually the fault of a very poor midfield.
posted on 21/10/21
Comment Deleted by Article Creator
posted on 21/10/21
(I pressed “send” accidentally!)
Everything about Wellens and his team is failing and there is no evidence that he is capable of turning it around. If you add to this the fact that he seems to think that some of the performances are OK, you can only conclude that he is incapable of recognising inadequacies, meaning that he will not know what needs fixing.
No one could make a worse job of it, but there could be some manager out there who might be able to salvage something from this season.
posted on 21/10/21
After his lottery win pay out Steve Bruce could do it for free!
posted on 21/10/21
I'd also take Nigel Adkins. I see RW is taking my advice and considering Tommy Rowe in Midfield!