[jack bauer]

really good to see these 2 back in the starting line up and how it has worked, whilst we have had selection issues we have been it seems searching for something that works, well i think the solution is in keeping these 2 in the side now, mandy stole the show last night but both have contributed in the last 2 games to us finding our identity again, both great in possession and their link up play with each other comes from a long standing understanding of each others games, we look better balanced with them in the team as part of that front 4.

[LondonBlue]

Banks is so good in the 10.

[60s 70s Spireite]

Mandy is now filling the role that Markanday made his own.

[lindave]

60s 70s Spireite, on 12 March 2025 - 10:18 AM, said:

Mandy is now filling the role that Markanday made his own.

He was back to his very best last night.

[Zigsuk]

Both very good footballers for this level. Thought Banks controlled the game first half. Pity he doesn’t always play like that. Whilst Mandy had an excellent game although arguably could have scored a couple more. Would rather see these two in the starting line up than Oldaker any day.

[Osborne again]

LondonBlue, on 12 March 2025 - 08:37 AM, said:

Banks is so good in the 10.

I know he prefers to play a deeper role but the way we set up he's a much better playing further forward and especially in the number 10 position. Banks is probably the most technically gifted player we have. He needs to be where he can hurt the opposition, not just in front of our defence where he's wasted. He reminds me of a league two version of Hoddle, Currie or Redknapp two name three. When Ollie's on form Chesterfield FC ticks.

[Blue5]

jack bauer, on 12 March 2025 - 08:36 AM, said:

really good to see these 2 back in the starting line up and how it has worked, whilst we have had selection issues we have been it seems searching for something that works, well i think the solution is in keeping these 2 in the side now, mandy stole the show last night but both have contributed in the last 2 games to us finding our identity again, both great in possession and their link up play with each other comes from a long standing understanding of each others games, we look better balanced with them in the team as part of that front 4.

For most of the season we've struggled for consistency and a settled starting 11, and as a result we've lost our identity at times. It's been obvious to me that when you're up against it and we have been this season, you call on the players who you can generally trust not to let you down. Some people talk about the National League squad like it has had its day and served its purpose, yet some of us were hoping we would go back to a starting 11 that resembled the previous seasons in an attempt to find a bit of form.

Was it the Tranmere game up here in early December when our midfield of Banksy, Mandy, Dobs, Coco & Dilan ran the show? This board was full of compliments after that game and it's taken us another three months to remember what Banksy & Mandy add to the starting 11.

It's good to see Tom Naylor back in midfield and back to his best. It also pleases me to see Jenson getting a bit of recognition for his contribution because regardless of some of the criticism aimed at him, he's a nice player.

[Blue5]

I'm still undecided if Phil Kirk's news has been the catalyst for our improved performances or whether it's coincidental. One things for sure, we are playing with a lot more intensity and all of the players are now playing like it's their last game. In the same way, our fans can now sense that teams are there for the taking instead of wanting a victory handed to them on a plate.

From a tactical perspective, midfield has been a big issue for me this season and I've made no secret that DJ is the one player who I would sacrifice from my starting 11. Yesterday was the second game running where DJ didn't make the starting 11 and Banksy, Mandy and Jenson have started alongside Tom Naylor and Dobs resulting in us picking up a maximum of 6 points.

We might have left it a bit late, but with some consistency in the starting 11 and growing momentum there's no reason why we shouldn't give it a good go.

More of the same, please.

[HaslandBlue58]

 Blue5, on 16 March 2025 - 03:02 PM, said:

I'm still undecided if Phil Kirk's news has been the catalyst for our improved performances or whether it's coincidental. One things for sure, we are playing with a lot more intensity and all of the players are now playing like it's their last game. In the same way, our fans can now sense that teams are there for the taking instead of wanting a victory handed to them on a plate.

From a tactical perspective, midfield has been a big issue for me this season and I've made no secret that DJ is the one player who I would sacrifice from my starting 11. Yesterday was the second game running where DJ didn't make the starting 11 and Banksy, Mandy and Jenson have started alongside Tom Naylor and Dobs resulting in us picking up a maximum of 6 points.

We might have left it a bit late, but with some consistency in the starting 11 and growing momentum there's no reason why we shouldn't give it a good go.

More of the same, please.

Your opening sentence has been going through my mind for a while too.Conversely I would hope the squad did not need that sort of news to play their best for the club but ....

[Osborne again]

 Blue5, on 16 March 2025 - 03:02 PM, said:

I'm still undecided if Phil Kirk's news has been the catalyst for our improved performances or whether it's coincidental. One things for sure, we are playing with a lot more intensity and all of the players are now playing like it's their last game. In the same way, our fans can now sense that teams are there for the taking instead of wanting a victory handed to them on a plate.

From a tactical perspective, midfield has been a big issue for me this season and I've made no secret that DJ is the one player who I would sacrifice from my starting 11. Yesterday was the second game running where DJ didn't make the starting 11 and Banksy, Mandy and Jenson have started alongside Tom Naylor and Dobs resulting in us picking up a maximum of 6 points.

We might have left it a bit late, but with some consistency in the starting 11 and growing momentum there's no reason why we shouldn't give it a good go.

More of the same, please.

Oldaker is a bit of a conundrum, in my opinion. Loads of talent, but, he's sometimes a little bit too casual, especially when teams press high. Even at league two level, he has to move the ball quicker. I think it's something he can work on, and I'm pretty sure he'll be here next season.

[Wooden Spoon]

 LondonBlue, on 12 March 2025 - 08:37 AM, said:

Banks is so good in the 10.

Always been his best position IMO


Great performance and result yesterday

[Westbars Spireite]

 Blue5, on 16 March 2025 - 03:02 PM, said:

I'm still undecided if Phil Kirk's news has been the catalyst for our improved performances or whether it's coincidental. One things for sure, we are playing with a lot more intensity and all of the players are now playing like it's their last game. In the same way, our fans can now sense that teams are there for the taking instead of wanting a victory handed to them on a plate.

From a tactical perspective, midfield has been a big issue for me this season and I've made no secret that DJ is the one player who I would sacrifice from my starting 11. Yesterday was the second game running where DJ didn't make the starting 11 and Banksy, Mandy and Jenson have started alongside Tom Naylor and Dobs resulting in us picking up a maximum of 6 points.

We might have left it a bit late, but with some consistency in the starting 11 and growing momentum there's no reason why we shouldn't give it a good go.

More of the same, please.

Not just the starting XI, Oldaker hasn't even made the bench with Fleck the preferred CM option. A decision has clearly been made there.

[Wooden Spoon]

 Westbars Spireite, on 16 March 2025 - 04:59 PM, said:

Not just the starting XI, Oldaker hasn't even made the bench with Fleck the preferred CM option. A decision has clearly been made there.

If fleck can show some consistency in his fitness for the rest of the season I think he’d be worth another season. Lower wage but higher appearance money perhaps

[Westbars Spireite]

 Wooden Spoon, on 16 March 2025 - 05:01 PM, said:

If fleck can show some consistency in his fitness for the rest of the season I think he’d be worth another season. Lower wage but higher appearance money perhaps

Assuming he wants to continue his career, he's unlikely to get a better option in terms of the club/convenience. I'd have liked to have seen him start by now but given the stakes have no been re-raised and a new partnership starting to bloom, it'll have to wait.

[Lincs Spireite]

 Osborne again, on 16 March 2025 - 03:59 PM, said:

Oldaker is a bit of a conundrum, in my opinion. Loads of talent, but, he's sometimes a little bit too casual, especially when teams press high. Even at league two level, he has to move the ball quicker. I think it's something he can work on, and I'm pretty sure he'll be here next season.

DJ slows the game down. By the time we pass sideways or back the opposition have got organised. At least with young Metcalf his first thought is bomb forward and catch them on the hop. We need pace and to move quicker and now it's paying off. I would keep midfield as it is for the rest of the season.

[Tha Knows...]

 HaslandBlue58, on 16 March 2025 - 03:52 PM, said:

Your opening sentence has been going through my mind for a while too.Conversely I would hope the squad did not need that sort of news to play their best for the club but ....

I don't think so.

[rodney]

 Lincs Spireite, on 16 March 2025 - 07:19 PM, said:

DJ slows the game down. By the time we pass sideways or back the opposition have got organised. At least with young Metcalf his first thought is bomb forward and catch them on the hop. We need pace and to move quicker and now it's paying off. I would keep midfield as it is for the rest of the season.

Totally agree. We’ve been crying out for a bit of pace , aggression and forward passes for a while. Whilst Metcalfe is still young he gets us on the front foot

[danblue]

 Osborne again, on 16 March 2025 - 03:59 PM, said:

Oldaker is a bit of a conundrum, in my opinion. Loads of talent, but, he's sometimes a little bit too casual, especially when teams press high. Even at league two level, he has to move the ball quicker. I think it's something he can work on, and I'm pretty sure he'll be here next season.

For me, the most frustrating player we have

[Osborne again]

 Lincs Spireite, on 16 March 2025 - 07:19 PM, said:

DJ slows the game down. By the time we pass sideways or back the opposition have got organised. At least with young Metcalf his first thought is bomb forward and catch them on the hop. We need pace and to move quicker and now it's paying off. I would keep midfield as it is for the rest of the season.

Metcalf has been much improved since he came back from injury, and DJ needed to be out of the firing line for a fee games. Oldaker is like Ray "the crab" Wilkins, a great midfielder if you want to stroke the ball around the halfway line. The couple of cameos that Fleck has played, has produced more forward passes than DJ has made in the whole season. He has to learn to pass forward with more intensity, or move forward with the ball. It's something he can add to his game I'm sure.

[hilly81]

 rodney, on 16 March 2025 - 07:36 PM, said:

Totally agree. We’ve been crying out for a bit of pace , aggression and forward passes for a while. Whilst Metcalfe is still young he gets us on the front foot

I like Metcalfe. Sometimes makes mistakes but he’s still a kid. Another I wouldn’t be against being here next season.