by paddy20 » 27 Feb 2017 09:08
by Ian Royal » 27 Feb 2017 10:22
by Norfolk Royal » 27 Feb 2017 10:56
by Gunny Fishcake » 27 Feb 2017 11:04
by LoyalRoyal22 » 27 Feb 2017 11:45
by SCIAG » 27 Feb 2017 12:28
paddy20 Clearly Stam has made big changes from last season.
I feel we only have about half a team that can take it forward.
Such players need to be comfortable on the ball, patient, spot openings early and have a change of pace.
I think the following players are the only ones that suit this system;
Moore, McShane, Blackett, Kelly, McCleary, Berens, Evans, Watson and Swift when he regains his form. That leaves a lot of new signings to make.
by ILoveMoonPig » 27 Feb 2017 13:04
by Ian Royal » 27 Feb 2017 14:05
ILoveMoonPig I would argue that what we need is just one solid, strong high-stamina defensive midfielder. Williams can play that role, but often gets sucked too far forwards and when Evans plays it, he gets sucked too far back into defence. I can't help but get the feeling that with more off-the-ball movement in midfield/defensive midfield, we wouldn't be left passing it across the back line for 50 minutes each game, waiting for some space to open up. We just need someone in front of the back 4 who can pretty much continuously battle to create space for us to move forwards.
by CountryRoyal » 27 Feb 2017 14:58
ILoveMoonPig I would argue that what we need is just one solid, strong high-stamina defensive midfielder. Williams can play that role, but often gets sucked too far forwards and when Evans plays it, he gets sucked too far back into defence. I can't help but get the feeling that with more off-the-ball movement in midfield/defensive midfield, we wouldn't be left passing it across the back line for 50 minutes each game, waiting for some space to open up. We just need someone in front of the back 4 who can pretty much continuously battle to create space for us to move forwards.
by paddy20 » 27 Feb 2017 16:14
Gunny Fishcake Don't disagree with the principal , but I think Jaap won't be here long enough to see through a long term plan . I'd be amazed if he's our manager all next season. I'd add that's not through a sacking , just on his way up to where ever he's going.
by Sutekh » 27 Feb 2017 16:17
CountryRoyalILoveMoonPig I would argue that what we need is just one solid, strong high-stamina defensive midfielder. Williams can play that role, but often gets sucked too far forwards and when Evans plays it, he gets sucked too far back into defence. I can't help but get the feeling that with more off-the-ball movement in midfield/defensive midfield, we wouldn't be left passing it across the back line for 50 minutes each game, waiting for some space to open up. We just need someone in front of the back 4 who can pretty much continuously battle to create space for us to move forwards.
That South African guy at Ajax was one of Stam's first targets mooted and he definitely would have fit the bill. Perhaps it's an area he will make a priority in the summer? Think GK is probably the first, don't get me wrong, I like Al-Habsi, but he's just not cut out for our style of play and his ability on the ball or lack thereof puts the the whole team under pressure.
by paddy20 » 27 Feb 2017 16:21
SCIAGpaddy20 Clearly Stam has made big changes from last season.
Is it that clear? I think the main difference is that Stam's tried a back three on occasion, but stylistically we've broadly played the same way since we got relegated.I feel we only have about half a team that can take it forward.
Such players need to be comfortable on the ball, patient, spot openings early and have a change of pace.
I think the following players are the only ones that suit this system;
Moore, McShane, Blackett, Kelly, McCleary, Berens, Evans, Watson and Swift when he regains his form. That leaves a lot of new signings to make.
Well for starters, you just listed nine players, which is a lot more than half a team!
I find it strange that you'd include McShane in that list. The three "weak points", at least in terms of style, are Al-Habsi, McShane, and Williams. They bring other qualities which balance that out to an extent (we'll struggle to get a better goalkeeper than Al-Habsi), but they're fairly uncomfortable on the ball and don't have much vision. All the other senior players are either fine or unknowns (the new signings). Guess you could argue that Gunter's only "good enough" but meh, he's not holding us back from promotion. While the likes of Obita and Joey might not be good enough players, they'e completely suited to our style of play.
Our academy has been using this sort of set up for the best part of a decade so they should almost all be comfortable with it.
If we narrowly miss out on promotion, then this summer's priorities should be a long-term replacement for Kermorgant, an upgrade on Williams, and a better footballing version of McShane. Could also maybe do with signing an excellent left back if one becomes available, and maybe a third striker. We certainly don't need yet another summer in which we sign a whole new team, unless we get promoted.
by paddy20 » 27 Feb 2017 16:23
by Forbury Lion » 27 Feb 2017 16:54
paddy20 He obviously feels that the correct way forward is to put the system first and then get the players to fit it. Other managers work on the premise that you look at your players and play a system that best suits them.
by paddy20 » 27 Feb 2017 17:48
Forbury Lionpaddy20 He obviously feels that the correct way forward is to put the system first and then get the players to fit it. Other managers work on the premise that you look at your players and play a system that best suits them.
Most Reading managers have had little cash to play with so have had to find a system that fits the players, those who have tried to change the system to something along the lines of what Stam has done without the financial backing have failed because they were unable to get it to work and sign the right players. Brendan Rogers and Nigel Adkins being the two that spring to mind.
by Hound » 27 Feb 2017 18:14
by Ian Royal » 27 Feb 2017 18:39
by Top Flight » 27 Feb 2017 19:47
by Hound » 27 Feb 2017 20:16
by Lower West » 27 Feb 2017 21:46
paddy20 I think Stam is probably in need of a wealthy club to use his formula.
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