[lindave]

DIFH, on 30 July 2022 - 07:42 PM, said:

Enjoy your updates, they won’t have us unless the league programme ain’t got a game.

Not listened to radio deedahs since we went down.

[dtp]

johnd51, on 31 July 2022 - 12:56 AM, said:

Not sure I share your excitement. My first game at a smart new ground. Excellent playing surface and superb bar. (Trust take note).
Boston provided decent, physical opposition but had limited goal threat although Grimes and, particularly Williams, played well.
The midfield worried me with Asante looking unsure of his role and only sporadic creativity from Dobra and Mandeville although both worked hard to track back if they lost the ball or misplaced a pass. Liam was also instrumental in the move which forced the corner from which we scored the first.
Jury also out for me on the 2 sitting ponytails with Ollie's tendency to showboat still a potential weakness and Oldaker looked a bit one paced though he was a steadying influence and came more into the game in the second half.
Both full backs were good going forward and were rarely tested defensively.
The main worry is still Quigley who has improved massively but is still nowhere good enough to be the main striker of a promotion outfit.
Difficult to assess the subs in the time available but Cooper looked the best of the bunch.
Goes without saying we need Danny, Jack and Kabs to stand out from the crowd and have a real chance of the title.

I understand a level of caution and am not fully with the thread which suggests we will finish top before a ball is kicked. It's as if one has ventured onto stagsnet.

However, I am very hopeful that we will have an enjoyable season. Apart from watching highlights I have seen nothing else of our pre-season games. It's too early to judge but if we are to trust our manager he seems reasonably happy and settled with the squad he has now built. This is now his squad and when Quigley's been fit he has played him both last season and during this pre-season. Joe has been praised for his efforts so far and I think it's time fans encouraged the lad rather than getting on his back. He's taken his goals well and his bullet header shows he can be an aerial threat if the quality of cross is good.

So, moving onto crosses, it seems young Horton is quite good in this respect and should balance out the supply with King from the other side. This was an issue last season and it seems it has been addressed and improved upon. I'll reserve judgement on your thoughts regarding Banks & Oldaker but they do appear to be able to pass a ball and a major part of Cook's game is the retention of possession.

Naturally, there is a level of unknown capability about what appears to be our back-up players but suggesting that we need Danny, Jack & Kabs in the team is a little early at this point. Tshimanga might be the first one we see and, obviously, will be most welcome. However, it seems Rowe has not really had a pre-season and Clarke is struggling to have one. As such, I suspect Cook has built his squad with this knowledge and time will only tell if Rowe can return to full fitness and if Clarke can fulfil what potential he has hinted at. The longer the season goes on without then the more difficult it might be for either to become first choices.

The season starts next week. I'm quietly confident but I am not letting expectations run away with themselves. Let's get the first 40 games out of the way first.

[Westbars Spireite]

DIFH, on 31 July 2022 - 09:27 AM, said:

Give over Tim they are set up to maximise income, something very important at their level of support. The place is a lovely venue to be used more than twice a fortnight for football only. All the pitches adjacent were fully occupied with paying customers etc,

It sounds as though we should go back to Saltergate and ignore all the income streams and comfort a new stadium affords.

It looks like it’s been built from a kit over a weekend and they’ve not even bothered with one end.

[DIFH]

Westbars Spireite, on 31 July 2022 - 04:16 PM, said:

It looks like it’s been built from a kit over a weekend and they’ve not even bothered with one end.

You should have gone, there are footings in there for expansion . The bar area was lovely. Food fresh and good value. The main stand is quite a good setup and a good commercial area.

[Cum on u blues]

Gyasi has to start next week ahead of Asante in my opinion. What composure ! Most players would have blasted the chance first time and had it blocked. Class

[DIFH]

Cum on u blues, on 31 July 2022 - 06:52 PM, said:

Gyasi has to start next week ahead of Asante in my opinion. What composure ! Most players would have blasted the chance first time and had it blocked. Class

Nah save him for second half, we might need extra attacker.

[LondonBlue]

Cum on u blues, on 31 July 2022 - 06:52 PM, said:

Gyasi has to start next week ahead of Asante in my opinion. What composure ! Most players would have blasted the chance first time and had it blocked. Class

The control and finish was Tshimanga-esque

[dim view]

Cum on u blues, on 31 July 2022 - 06:52 PM, said:

Gyasi has to start next week ahead of Asante in my opinion. What composure ! Most players would have blasted the chance first time and had it blocked. Class

Early days and I think Gyasi has real potential, but I don't think he'll start ahead of Asante yet. Asante looks like a new signing and he could easily have had 2 goals at Boston so I think Cook will give him an opportunity. Gyasi's presence also puts pressure on Quigley.

So, of the 3 transfer listed, I think the fickle finger of fate will benefit Asante but could well signal the end for Maguire and Miller, who I don't think will make the bench - a rather ominous portent.

The brief highlights also provided an insight into the fun and games we are going to have with our new goalie. Bring it on.

[metallilad]

dim view, on 01 August 2022 - 05:35 PM, said:

The brief highlights also provided an insight into the fun and games we are going to have with our new goalie. Bring it on.

Scares the living daylights out of me when I see him up by the center circle.