Complete agree

Mowatt's pace will limit him, really can't run at all.

That was my thoughts on Bellushi, looks a nutter, not sure on his heading or tackling ability but he's got some pace on him.

Supposed to signing Brian Montenegro.....who favours playing on the wing....or so they say...

we need 2 though, dont know much about montenegro so cant really comment

think we need a winger in the aaron lennon type winger to stretch teams, cook and bianchi's range of passing could get a pacey winger in behind defences

West Stand,

I think what we're seeing in regards to new signings is, they're settling in more, starting to feel more comfortable in front of our fans and are getting better with every game.

The nerves are shrinking and the overall confidence is growing. I'm sure they'll have the odd mediocre or bad game occasionally, but all players do.

Silvestri had a great game, certainly came into his own with those Beckford saves, nicked MOM from Cook who also played a great game.

Once these new players settle properly, and we've ousted last seasons has beens, then I foresee us slowly marching up the table.

I do have a slight worry that if Adryan, aka Zico, aka Kaka produces the flair that's said about him, then he may be targeted and we'll lose him for a few games with injury................fingers crossed he stays injury free.

Things are starting to slowly come together, we can actually start to see the picture taking shape in the jigsaw puzzle.

i agree with the new signings maybe need more time to settle, just saying how I see it

the problem I see is there's no back up plan, were signing the same type of players to fit into a diamond, thats not always going to work (rarely imo) so we need plan b, currently there isnt one

Understood West Stand,

wasn't having a go at you, just replying.

didnt think you were

Mowatt will really struggle with pace.

But quick players can counter that. Plenty of good players - like Gareth Barry - who can play in centre of midfield with faster players around them.

West Stand,

Totally agree about the diamond formation, it's not always going to work, and at the moment, including last season, it doesn't work to well for us. That may change with the additional players we have/are bringing in, but even then, it wouldn't be fail safe.

When 2 opposing teams play the diamond formation, it's basically a head on clash with the better midfield team dividing and conquering the middle to the penalty box; we've read many times on here, and heard commentators say we're weak/lacking in midfield.

If our coaches are doing their homework on opposing team line ups and frequent formations, then they should be able to see what opposite formations can break down their defences, this obviously is where plan B and C's come in, which, as you said we don't have a variety of.

If an opposing team plays a diamond formation, then we need an opposing formation that can counter act the diamond formation.

We also need our mids to take longer shots from edge of penalty area, this increases the chances of a deflection, a keeper fumble, a blind keeper and winning corners, plus, it keeps a keeper and defence in some state of confusion as to whether we're going to shoot long or pass it short.

There are many formations that can counter act a diamond formation, other teams, especially last season seemed to be able to find it, not forgetting of course our midfield was the best either.

Me personally, and I like experimenting, would try the old 5-3-2-1 pyramid formation. This would catch the opposing team on the hop and force their mids further back to support their defence.

I wouldn't do it every game, but would work if we new the opposing teams proposed formation.

If you look at War, a battle these days is won by having opposing tactics, as opposed to fighting head on.

Some may say that war is not football and visa versa, but when two teams oppose each other in any sport, then it is a battle, and a battle of tactics.

that should read "our midfield was not the best"

Diamond formation is awful. 4-4-2 please ASAP.

Holy s h 1 t

I always find you can get carried away with formations, and then end up fielding more players than allowed.

SKB

Yep, 5:3:2:1 does seem a tad overpopulated. Must include the goalkeeper!

Aye, he must be part of the 5, sweeper role

Luvr talks a lot of sense. I too think that not enough shots are attempted which is the one reason I used to like Austin, he wasn't frightened to take a pop, he just couldn't get anywhere near the target very often. Constantly shooting is what breaks the other team, even if you don't score and it does lead to fumbles and rebounds.
All it takes is a bit of guts and the realization that this is what you get bloody paid for.

Is that the Luvr that comments on player performances that heard from radio snippets and comparing football formations to war?

Yeah, he sure talks sense

Austin shoots likes there's no tomorrow, trouble is that they go everywhere but the target.