WHUFC.com
Sam Allardyce says Saturday's visit of the Seagulls is a make-or-break
fixture
12.04.2012
West Ham United manager Sam Allardyce has said his side are prepared for
their biggest game of the season so far when Gus Poyet brings his Brighton
and Hove Albion teamto Boleyn Ground on Saturday. Speaking at his pre-match
press conference, Big Sam made it clear that his side need four wins out of
four in order to keep the pressure on the top two. Allardyce explained that
the players are ready to put in the effort in order to keep up their
challenge for automatic promotion. With Southampton and Reading facing each
other on Friday evening, West Ham could have the opportunity to close the
gap on the top two when they face Brighton on Saturday afternoon.
With regards to Brighton they are still chasing a play-off place, what sort
of game are you expecting on Saturday with both teams having so much to play
for?
SA - I expect different tactics from Gus's team from those Birmingham
showed. Brighton will want to come and express themselves more than
Birmingham did so I think we will have to use a different method and
different tactics to make sure that we don't allow them to get in their flow
and then we must pick off their weaknesses which we know they have. We need
to exploit their weaknesses and make sure we win the game. What matters is
what happens in both penalty areas; we need to make sure they don't get in
our box and when we get in theirs we must make sure we take our chances and
win the game on Saturday.
Looking ahead to the next few weeks do you think there could be a major
twist in the Championship before the end of the season?
SA - There could be yes. All we can do is make sure we win all our games and
see what happens. We have slipped up enough in recent weeks by drawing too
many matches and that has to stop now. We are more than capable of winning
four games on the trot and it has to start with winning the most important
game of the season so far on Saturday against Brighton. Otherwise we risk
throwing a fantastic season down the drain.
I have no doubt that there will be slip ups between the top three before the
end of the season but they can afford to drop points whereas we no longer
have that luxury.We just need to make sure we win our four games starting
with Brighton.
There could be a chance you could get automatic promotion then?
SA - If we win our four games we get 88 points. Last season 88 points won
the championship so if we win them we will be very close to achieving
automatic promotion. The players still believe that too. If anything in
recent weeks the players have tried too hard to put things right. Sometimes
when you try to hard you start to make more mistakes and I think that is
what happened. At the end of the day we haven't been losing but the run of
five home draws was our Achilles heel.
Do you think this season's title race has been one of the most exciting in
recent years?
SA - Last year was pretty good with Norwich coming from where Reading have
this season and they actually won the title. Reading have done it much
earlier than Norwich did. We have to continue living with the pressure that
West Ham brings and deliver the performances that will put West Ham where we
need to be.
The team scored goals seven in two games over Easter. It is important that
they have started scoring again isn't it?
SA - It is very important yes. We scored two goals against Reading, four
goals against Barnsley and three goals against Birmingham. Prior to Reading
you would never have imagined this West Ham team conceding three or four
goals which makes it even more frustrating. After our run of five draws we
thought we had cracked it by scoring more. But as soon as our front men
started putting the ball in the back of the net our defensive side went
under and that surprised me a great deal that we allowed ourselves to let
that happen.
We got ourselves in some fantastic positions during those games - especially
Reading - but then to lose that game was shocking because our defensive game
was so poor. Then, for the same thing to happen against Birmingham was just
crazy. We have to be as good in possession and as good out of possession. If
either part doesn't work then you won't win a game of football. The best
teams in the country are the best teams at keeping the football; no-one ever
talks about it because it always seems to be about attacking. But to attack
you need the ball and that's why these teams are the best.
In the second half against Birmingham the team came out fighting. Could that
be a catalyst for the final games in turning one point into three?
SA - Hopefully yes. I'm concerned that the fact we haven't won at home will
still play on the minds of the players. But all we can do is continue to do
the right things for the whole 90 minutes on Saturday and make sure we take
our chances. If we do that we will win the game and if we don't Brighton
know that if we start making those errors again then they can capitalise on
it. They've watched videos of us when we have performed well at home and not
won because we have made too many mistakes.
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Happy Birthday Bobby
WHUFC.com
West Ham United and England great Bobby Moore OBE would have celebrated his
71st birthday today
12.04.2012
West Ham United and England legend Bobby Moore OBE would have celebrated his
71st birthday today. Moore, who lifted the FA Cup in 1964 and European Cup
Winners' Cup 1965, rose to football immortality when he became England's
World Cup winning captain in 1966, receiving the Jules Rimet Trophy after
Hammers team-mates Geoff Hurst and Martin Peters had scored the goals that
led their country to a 4-2 win over West Germany at Wembley. A year later,
Moore was made an OBE.
Born in Barking on 12 April 1941, Moore played 108 times for his country and
made 646 appearances for West Ham. During his career, the elegant central
defender earned a reputation for being one of the finest players in the
world. An enduring image of Moore is that of him embracing the great
Brazilian forward Pele following the 1970 World Cup match in Guadalajara,
Mexico, which Brazil won 1-0. Tragically, Moore died from bowel cancer on 24
February 1993 at the age of 51. After his death, his widow, Stephanie Moore
MBE, set up the Bobby Moore Fund as part of Cancer Research UK, to raise
money for research in his memory. Since the charity's formation, the fund
has raised well over £10m in the fight against a disease that claims
thousands of lives in the UK every year. The Bobby Moore Fund raises vital
funds for research into bowel cancer and works to increase public awareness
of the disease
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Soccer Sight
WHUFC.com
West Ham United are doing their best for supporters with visual impairments
11.04.2012
Many of the 300,000 people registered blind or partially-sighted across
England are football fans. With that in mind, West Ham United are one of an
increasing number of clubs to provide dedicated matchday commentary for
supporters with vision impairments. Working in partnership with Soccer Sight
- an Action for Blind People project aimed at providing quality football
commentary to blind and partially sighted people at stadia across the
country - the Hammers are leading the way. West Ham fan James Datson
(pictured) is one of the country's leading commentators for blind and
partially-sighted fans, providing the service at both the Boleyn Ground and
at Wembley, where he commentates on England internationals and major cup and
Play-Off finals. The 37-year-old, whose brother Matthew is blind, is rightly
proud of the service he provides. "I've been working for West Ham and Soccer
Sight for nine seasons providing a 90-minute commentary for the
visually-impaired and blind supporters of both clubs," said Datson. "It
opens up an opportunity for them to come and feel part of the atmosphere,
rather than sit at home and listen to the game on the radio."
Datson explained that his commentary differs from that provided by a radio
or television commentator as he is required to describe everything that is
happening both on and off the pitch. "It's slightly different from a radio
commentary because the people listening to me are sat in the stadium and
they can hear the sounds from the crowd or elsewhere. "It may not have come
from something to do with the action, so while I'm commentating on the
match, I've got to let them know what is going on in the stands, the
dugouts, players warming-up or how the players and managers have reacted to
particular situation. "That way, they can join in and be part of the
atmosphere and I think that's what West Ham do well. We are one of the few
clubs to offer this service and it is tailored specifically towards the
needs of supporters so they feel part of things."
Datson explained that around 25 supporters utilise the Soccer Sight service
at every home match. "Working with the club's disability liaison officer
Julie Pidgeon and her team, we provide headsets to fans the 25 we have are
always taken up - either season ticket holders who are regular users or
supporters using the service on a one-off visit. "We would like to get more
headsets, but it is a question of funding. That's also why there are not
many other clubs who provide them."
Datson, who works as a learning mentor with youngsters at The Palmer
Catholic Academy in Seven Kings as his day-job, is also helping other
aspiring commentators to acquire the skills needed to provide the service
at other clubs. "I am a trainer and hold sessions to try to get other people
involved. Most games this season, I have had another person sitting with me
learning about how to commentate. The more people we can train the better.
"I have a deep-rooted love of sport through my job and I am also a big West
Ham fan, so I thoroughly enjoy what I do. I hope the fans enjoy what I do,
too!"
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More OS details? Don't hold your breath
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 12th April 2012
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United have written to the London Legacy Development Corporation
requesting that the board be able to reveal further details of their plans
for the Olympic Stadium. According to the club, the LLDC - who have taken
over from the Olympic Park Legacy Company (OPLC) with regards to overseeing
the use of the stadium post-Olympic Games - have thus far refused to
sanction the release of specific details pertaining to West Ham's bid. But
in the wake of criticism from opponents of the board's plans to move West
Ham United to Stratford, it has been confirmed that the club have contacted
the LLDC asking if they may reveal further details of their blueprint for
the stadium. "The club remains aware of the desire of supporters to hold a
poll regarding the proposed move," a statement posted on whufc.com read. "As
a result, West Ham United has once more contacted the LLDC requesting the
ability to release further information. "No response has yet been received,
but any response is expected to be consistent with previous requests that
restate the constraints of the confidentiality agreement."
The wish amongst supporters to be consulted over a potential move was
highlighted last weekend when campaign group WHU's View? handed out several
thousand polling leaflets ahead of the Birmingham City match. That was
followed by the appearance of WHU's View? representatives on the BBC's local
news programmes yesterday, which also carried a statement from the club
confirming that supporters WILL be consulted - but only AFTER the May 21st
tenancy decision has been announced.
POLL LOTTA LOVE: The WHU's View? team get to work
* Vice-chair Karren Brady - whose hotly-disputed claim that supporters privy
to the club's detailed proposals for the Olympic Stadium had unanimously
backed the board's plans - was "misquoted" by the Daily Telegraph, according
to West Ham United's Marketing Director Tara Warren.
Warren told supporters attending a WHU's View? meeting that journalist
Jacquelin Magnay had taken Brady's actual comments out of context and stated
that at no point did Brady suggest that there was "100 per cent support"
from those members of the Supporters' Advisory Board who had voted on the
club's proposals.
However a further claim by the club - as posted on whufc.com - that, "a
straw poll was conducted and no supporters voted against the proposed move"
was somewhat disingenuous given that the ONLY show of hands requested at the
meeting in question was for those IN FAVOUR of the move.
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Right state of mind
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 12th April 2012
By: Paul Walker
OK, so it's not absolutely certain yet, but it looks like we are going down
the dreaded play-off route if we want to get back into the top flight. And I
have already broken my new rule for such a situation, by using the word
dreaded. We must banish such attitudes from our minds, not just the manager
and players but all of us too!
All season we have dismissed the play-off avenue with near contempt. Of
course we were going to go back up automatically, we are West Ham United, we
are too good for this rubbish division. Actually, no we are not, otherwise
we would be about to celebrate the title.
But now, we must have the right mind -set for the play-offs. We must not
treat it like a chore, or an insult to be there. And we must not allow
ourselves to be dragged into a damaging blame - game because we have not
gone up the way we wanted.
Yes, if Southampton beat Reading on Friday, and we beat Brighton the day
after, then win at Bristol City on Tuesday, there is still a fleeting
chance. And I will keep believing until it is mathematically impossible.
But we spend so much time thinking and wishing for other results to help us,
and they never do. We all wanted Brighton to beat Reading on Tuesday, they
didn't and even missed a penalty. So let's stop worrying about everyone
else, that was so, so, damaging last season also.
If it's the play-offs then we much be totally united, there's no point now
moaning on about Big Sam. We all, I believe, came to that conclusion in the
second-half against Birmingham on Monday when yet again, we were in a
shocking hole of our own making.
The support for players, some flawed, some scared it seems, some not even
thinking right in the first period, was immense. A great roaring atmosphere
when the chips were really down.
Now that has to be the way from here on in, otherwise we will all get the
blame for the disaster that could follow. I've only just got round to
watching the recording of the Birmingham match and Sky's build-up was
totally about us and the horror - their word - that it is for our lovely
lads to play at the Boleyn when everyone is against them.
So we must make sure right now that the plays-offs are not like that. If we
lump it, so what, if we give away daft goals, OK, accept it and keep on
roaring them on. Anything else will just add to the believe that this is all
our fault.
We all have bitter/sweet memories of the play-offs. The 2004 horror show in
Cardiff when a Neil Shipperley goal gave Crystal Palace victory and we
emptied out of the Millennium Stadium long before the south Londoners had
even got their hands on the trophy. The mass of West Ham fans that day,
silent, suffering and shuffling towards the station said it all.
That season we had finished fourth, lost the semi-final final first-leg 1-0
at Ipswich, Darren Bent scoring, but won a tremendous second-leg 2-0 at the
Boleyn thanks to Matthew Etherington and Christian Dailly strikes. I recall
I listen to that one in a Lake District hotel bedroom, on my own, while the
missus had dinner on her own downstairs in the restaurant. She has had to
put up with so much because of my obsession with the Irons.
Sunderland finished third that season, and didn't get to the final. That
must not happen to us.
And there is not one player who was on the field that day in Cardiff against
Palace who is still with the club. My one real memory from that final was
seeing Michael Carrick tripped in the box, with referee Graham Poll
admitting afterwards that he hadn't given the penalty because we didn't
appeal!
The following season, after some really dreadful stuff under Alan Pardew -
yes, that Pardew, the one we all see preening himself up in Geordieland. We
got to Cardiff again. He did well for us for a long time, but there wasn't
much complaining when he did get the hook.
And there were plenty of off-field situations around that time involving
Pardew, I believe, that never really came to light - particularly after the
Cup Final - that contributed to his exit. Much to do with how much he seems
to love himself!
But we crawled into the play-offs that season and were just mightily
relieved to be there at all. That meant we had the right mind-set as fans as
well as players. We had been given a reprieve and the delight carried on
right through to a great day out in Cardiff, this time.
It was Ipswich again in those semi-finals, and a home cock-up in the
first-leg. We were 2-0 up through Marlon Harewood and Bobby Zamora, but
managed to let them claim a 2-2 draw in the second period.
But Zamora's double at Portman Road secured a 2-0 win in the second-leg,
another game I watched from a hotel room. Yes, another holiday - the things
we have to do sometimes - and another evening my good lady tolerated my
absence and the West Ham shirt I insisted on wearing all day.
The day out in Cardiff was special. My late brother was there, not too well
at the time, having confided in me that he did not believe he would ever see
West Ham back in the top flight. Well, he did, my son sat with him and
somehow I found them at the final whistle to celebrate. It makes me cry even
now recalling that day. (Yes, I know, there seems to be a lot of tears from
me over the Irons)
It was Zamora again with the winner to cap a special day. I still have the
memory of Mark Noble - substitute in all three games - overjoyed at the end,
as was Elliott Ward, whose introduction into defence after a shocking defeat
at Reading had a lot to do with our eventual success. It's nice to see the
lad in the Premier League now with Norwich.
We finished sixth that season, 12 points behind third placed Ipswich. We
must not allow that to happen to us.
The big difference between that season and this is that we had Teddy
Sheringham scoring 21 goals that term, Harewood with 22 and Zamora with 13,
four in the play-offs. How we could do with that quality of strikers now.
Being stuck at home these days in semi-retirement, there's a lot of time to
watch TV and I have just turned on Sky to see one of their Premier League
Years, the 2006-07 season, to see the non-goal at Blackburn that started the
recovery. That is only five years ago, but it seems so much longer.
|It was the season when Carlos Tevez scored seven in 26 appearance for us,
and that was considered by that dreaded independent tribunal to be the only
reason we stayed up.
Only Robert Green , Noble and George McCartney are here now from that day -
and of course Hayden Mullins was in the side who looks as if he could be
going back up now he is at Reading. Why didn't we try to sign him from
Portsmouth when we were struggling because of Papa Bouba Diop's injury?
And why, when we were struggling for goals, did we not go in for Jason
Roberts? Or is it that Blackburn won't deal with Sam? Who knows. The things
that could have changed this season.
On that 2007 season, I was working elsewhere on the day that we won at
Manchester United to stay up, refusing to even listen to updates because I
would never have been able to do my job properly if I had.
And I have still not watched the Great Escape DVD. I didn't even celebrate
avoiding the drop, because I just knew that was only the beginning of a
seriously nasty situation. Sheffield United, their tame MPs and former
Sports Ministers made sure of that. I still also can't get over being
lectured on morality by a womanising, playboy film star. But that's another
story.
Yes, I've rambled on a bit, but what has happened to the club in five years,
causes that. To me, it all means that somehow we must all pull together with
the right attitude and common belief to get West Ham back in the Premier
League so the rebuilding of our club can start in earnest. And if it must be
through the play-offs, so be it.
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Barnsley secure Nouble stay
West Ham striker to remain at Oakwell for remainder of season
Last Updated: April 12, 2012 10:39am
SSN
Barnsley boss Keith Hill has persuaded West Ham striker Frank Nouble to stay
until the end of the season but has told two players they can leave.
Nouble's original deal ended on Monday but with the goal-shy Tykes still
looking over their shoulder at the drop zone, Hill made his move. But the
manager's plans for next season are already taking shape, with defender Jay
McEveley and midfielder Alastair Taylor set to leave. McEveley is on loan
with League Two Swindon Town until the end of the season, while former
academy player of the year Taylor has not started a first-team game this
season. "Jay's at Swindon and knows the situation and it's unlikely we'll
keep Alastair as well because there's lot of competition for places in
midfield," Hill told The Star. "He's a good young player, but might be
better looking to play somewhere else."
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As We Stand Amidst the Apparent Ruins ........
By S J Chandos 1 day ago
West Ham Till I Die
As we stand amidst the apparent ruins of our automatic promotion campaign,
fans will be rightly mystified how a club with West Ham's squad has
seemingly failed to secure one of the two automatic promotion spots. The
autopsy of our season will be thorough, putting aside external relevant
factors, such as the Saints consistency and Reading's outstanding run of
form since January. Some will inevitably stress the alleged negativity of
the manager's tactics, that have worked so well away from Upton Park, but
have equally failed to deliver enough points at home. Indeed, our automatic
promotion ambitions have effectively been wrecked by that that succession of
home draws against the likes of Crystal Palace, Watford and Doncaster, games
which should have undoubtedly been three points on each occasion. Central to
this is discussion of Allardyce's use of a 4-3-3 formation, which most
maintain is effectively a 4-5-1, with Cole playing as the lone striker.
Yet, the factor that is never discussed is the negativity of our opponents
and the extra 10% of effort and commitment that many display at Upton Park.
Sam Alladyce's West Ham are undoubtedly viewed as a major scalp in this
league and team's play that much above themselves when they pit themselves
against us at Upton Park. Collateral to that is the tendency of those teams
to play 5 in the middle of the park. Allardyce has had to contend with this
all season, he has had to mindful of the extra man in midfield that gives
opposition a numerical advantage and how to best match them or face losing
the midfield battle. Whatever your view on Sam Allardyce's 4-3-3 (come
4-5-1) the fact is that this formation ideally requires width provided by
the full-backs and a midfield anchor to shield the defence and give the
forwards the confidence to push forward. In that respect, the absence
through injury of Diop has been a real factor in our failure to deliver at
Upton Park. The big midfielder gives West Ham a solidarity and assurance
that they have clearly lacked in his absence. Sam Allardyce has sought to
compensate this by moving James Tomkins in to the midfield holding role,
with varying degrees of success. However, as many have stated, while this
(along with his ability to play as an auxillary right-back) shows Tomkins'
utility value, is it the best use of our No 1 central defender? I still feel
that the Manager could have experimented with Joey O'Brien in that role, as
long as it did not mean inflicting Faubert upon us at right-back!
Another factor has been the injury absence of other key players this season,
such as Demel and O'Brien at right-back, Reid at centre-back and Taylor on
the left flank. While a debate will rage on the productivity of our
strikers. Carlton Cole is an enigma to many, a big strong centre forward who
should be a cut above this division. Yet a strike rate just in double
figures is seen universally as an adequate return in the second tier. Many,
including myself, felt that he would easily score 15-20 goals at this level.
Yet, the question must be asked, has the 4-3-3/4-5-1 militated against the
England International making the maximum goal scoring impact this season.
Game after game he has toiled bravely up front, battling two defenders,
would he have been more prolific in a 4-4-2? Other have questioned the use
of Baldock and Maynard. Baldock, prior to being injured, earlier in the
season, had got in a rich vein of goal scoring form. Yet, when he returned,
he was invariably consigned to the substitutes bench and one wonders if this
has undermined the striker's confidence in front of goal in the latter part
of the season? While Maynard has laboured out wide in a front three, a
position that arguably does not deploy him to maximum effect. Maynard showed
us all his best deployment is as a central striker, in that stunning 0-4
away win against Barnsley. As for John Carew, this experienced striker
should have offered much more this season and there is no doubt that his
lack of impact and goals has been disappointing. Although injury has not
helped, but Carew should have offered another effective goal scoring option.
Nolan is a genuine asset as a goal scoring midfielder. His double figures
return demonstrates that amply. Yet some fans bemoan that the 4-3-3/4-5-1 is
actually deployed to accommodate Nolan, which may or may not be correct.
Some even point to his absence through suspension, earlier this season, to
suggest that there are other selection options that could have been more
effectively deployed. Yet, I feel that there has been a lot of unfair
criticism of Nolan this season. His on-field leadership has been excellent,
he has scored vital goals and his overall contribution has markedly improved
in recent games. However, one feels that Noan is best utrilised in a system
that allows him to play in close support to the centre forward, using his
extraordinary ability in the final third. Noble has been absolutely
outstanding this season, but some also question the compatiability of Noble
and Nolan in the same midfield. Others rightly question why a player of
Lansbury's ability has only figured as a bit player in recent matches? As
shown against Birmingham, Lansbury can be a very effective player if given
the opportunity and shold have figured more. The same applies, to a lesser
extent, to Ravel Morrison, who has only figured in one short cameo
appearance as a substitute against Leeds Utd at Elland Road. While one
appreciates that the club are coaxing Morrison along, surely he should have
had more midfield exposure so far this season. Were not deadlocked matches,
like those against Watford and Doncaster, not crying out for the
introduction of his natural technical ability and creativity on the ball?
Lets hope that he figures more in the final four matches, from the
substitutes bench.
The autopsy will cover these and many other issues. As for the manager, you
can be critical of him tactically, but the 'northern' and other petty abuse
aimed at him is out of order. We fans can criticise without stooping to
those levels of personal abuse, it is not clever and it shows us in a bad
light. Admittedly, some of his recently attributed comments about the fans
are very ill-advised, if true, but I think that he realises that now and has
since gone out of his way to praise our supporters. It is notable that the
media have taken Allardyce's side in the recent criticism of the fans of his
team's playing style and results. We are commonly portrayed as 'deluded' and
suffering 'West Ham Way' pretensions. Indeed, it seems that some
commentators seem to be blaming the fans for the results at Upton Park,
because of our negativity and the pressure that we are putting on the
players. Is that fair? Well, I support the criticism of the booing at home
matches, it is counter-productive and does not show some sections of the
crowd in a very good light. Yet, it is a case of 'chicken or egg,' what
comes first the disappointing home performances or the crowd's negativity?
As was shown in matches such as the brave 10 man victory against Mlillwall
or the fight back against Brum, the crowd respond if the team give them
something to cheer!
Disregard the media tarts, with their deliberately proivocative views
designed to generate controversy, the fans have an unalienable right to
defend what they see as the club's playing heritage. I have been largely
supportive of Sam Allardyce's efforts this season, with some notable
caveats, but I respect the concern that fans express regarding our
reputation and playing style. There is a 'West Ham Way' and it is all abut a
flowing, one touch, passing game. Bobby Could, in a recent TalkSport
interview, recently said as much and offered to come down to Chadwell Heath
and enlighten Sam Allardyce as to its style and content. Yet, although we
have been direct in our play for much of the season, we have also played
some good passing footbal n occasions this season. Look at the recent
Barnsley victory, that was an excellent display of passing football.
Personally, I have some sympathy for the need to mix it up and combine
Barnsley type passing wih Brum style diagonal ball bombardments, as the
tactical situation necessitates. As the latter match proves, the intelligent
'diagonal ball in to a crowded box can be quite exciting for spectators,
especially when played with passion, commitment and lots of bodies in the
penaly area!
As to the rest of this season, we should be realistic, but we should not
strike our colours just yet. We must approach the last four fixtures as if
we still have a god chance of automatic promotion, which we still do, if
Reading lose against Saints and Brum. If that happens and we take the
maximum 12 points (I know it is a big if!) then it could come down to goal
difference. If not then we need to build up a strong momentum to carry us
through to victory in the play-offs. We do not want any hanger overs and
tame defeats to sides that will finish 8-10 points behind us in the final
Championship table.
We need to keep the same approach away, if it ain't broke don not fix it, I
say! At home, we need to attack and score the goals that will build our plus
goal difference, in case the unlikely should actually happen. Against
Brighton I would open with a Barnsley type team and keep Cole on the bench
in case we need to go direct, a la the Birmngham City match. Controversally,
I would rest Noble and start with Lansbury alongside Nolan, with Diop
covering, with Mark figuring later in the match from the bench. I am
assuming that Demel, Diop and McCartney are fit enough to start and that
Collison and O'Brien are currently unavailable). I have also sacrificed
O'Neill's graft and workrate in midfield, for Lansbury's greater flair. I
would go for a 4-1-2-3 line up as follows:
Green, Demel, McCartney, Diop, Tomkins, Reid, Lansbury, Nolan, Vaz Te,
Mynard, Taylor
Subs - Henderson, Faye/Collins, Noble, Baldock/O'Neill, Cole
This formation has the solidarity provided by Diop, width through the
full-backs and Taylor/Vaz Te and Nicky Maynard playing in a central striking
role. While Maynard has ample support, in the final third, in the shape of
Nolan, Vaz Te and Taylor. Lets try to play it on the ground, but if it is
not working, bring on Coile and go direct.
The probability is that we are now facing the play-offs, but lets go for it,
in the final four matches, and hope that lady fortuna finally smiles upon us
and frowns on Reading FC. The worst that can happen is that we build up a
good head of steam (and confidence/form) for the play-offs.
COYI!
SJ. Chandos.
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