[Zigsuk]

It is now obvious how important this man is to the team - probably along with Mandy the most essential player in the squad. He was immense in the second half. However it’s obvious he isn’t going to play every game at his age and of course that’s without risk of injury too. So what does Cook do?
It’s obvious neither Banks nor Oldaker can perform the same role anywhere near as well so how can Jones be managed? Perhaps it is hoped we get so far clear he can be rested, or does Cook only play him in certain crucial games? Or does he continue picking him every game whilst he is performing as he is? I would go for the latter but there will come a time when a decision will have to be made.

[Chesterfield247]

Probably have to balance risk and reward a bit, and rest him for games that we ought to be winning comfortably. Not to disrespect the oppo but I think we'll have to rotate and to do so in the appropriate games. In the long run I think that's the prudent approach.

[monte]

Chesterfield247, on 11 September 2023 - 12:44 PM, said:

Probably have to balance risk and reward a bit, and rest him for games that we ought to be winning comfortably. Not to disrespect the oppo but I think we'll have to rotate and to do so in the appropriate games. In the long run I think that's the prudent approach.

Might be worth trying Mandy there (he can play everywhere), else perhaps get Jones to train with Palmer, he might get some of his earlier confidence back. I feel bad for him cos he's been blamed when the whole back four have not been working as a unit.

DJ is another that could be molded into that role

[dart in the crossbar]

On Saturday their boy had the ball on their left heading towards our goal in the first half. One of ours (can't remember who) was struggling to manage to close him down. Just about catching their boy.

They had another lad catching up and pulling away level with their lad on the ball.

They got into our penno box. The obvious ball was across and into the box in front of their second lad.

Jones had some how got on the scene. He could have come across to put more pressure on their boy with the ball. But he didn't. Jones left the lad on the ball as we had just about got to him (and he was on the corner of our box). Jones decided to cover their other lad who was running towards the penno spot instead.

Their boy with the ball looked to square the ball to their other lad but realised that Jones had blocked that pass.

So their boy carried on, shot and missed.

Instinctive decision making and superb effort by Jones. Saved us a goal.

There's been endless examples of conceding goals due to bad decisions in situations just like that one. Jones is outstanding at making the right decision under pressure

[Nickycw]

He looks like he’s on a one man mission to get us promoted. Think we’ll just have to be savvy for the Saturday/Tuesday/Saturday weeks and pick him for the hardest two of the three

[Zeus]

He made a big impact when he came in to arrest our first losing streak last season, but honestly a year on and when he's been introduced to address our mini winless streak this time, he looks even better, fitter and more progressive than last season without losing any of the defensive qualities he brings. Very impressive at his age to affect a talented team like he is doing.

[Westbars Spireite]

What I really liked, especially early in the game at the weekend was seeing him drop in on the right when Mandeville was in an advanced position.

[Osborne again]

Mike Jones plays like he's 10yrs younger than he is. He does the stuff that goes unnoticed, so he must be doing it very very well to get this many plaudits. He makes himself available for the ball, he sniffs out danger like a human bloodhound, and he's organising those around him all the time. Great player, who has to be managed, and sign him up for another year.

[Wooden Spoon]

Zigsuk, on 11 September 2023 - 12:39 PM, said:

It is now obvious how important this man is to the team - probably along with Mandy the most essential player in the squad. He was immense in the second half. However it’s obvious he isn’t going to play every game at his age and of course that’s without risk of injury too. So what does Cook do?
It’s obvious neither Banks nor Oldaker can perform the same role anywhere near as well so how can Jones be managed? Perhaps it is hoped we get so far clear he can be rested, or does Cook only play him in certain crucial games? Or does he continue picking him every game whilst he is performing as he is? I would go for the latter but there will come a time when a decision will have to be made.

I’d seriously look at using manderville in the role


We’ve enough attacking quality to release him from the right hand side and we saw on Saturday he has the defensive awareness

[DIFH]

Zigsuk, on 11 September 2023 - 12:39 PM, said:

It is now obvious how important this man is to the team - probably along with Mandy the most essential player in the squad. He was immense in the second half. However it’s obvious he isn’t going to play every game at his age and of course that’s without risk of injury too. So what does Cook do?
It’s obvious neither Banks nor Oldaker can perform the same role anywhere near as well so how can Jones be managed? Perhaps it is hoped we get so far clear he can be rested, or does Cook only play him in certain crucial games? Or does he continue picking him every game whilst he is performing as he is? I would go for the latter but there will come a time when a decision will have to be made.

I think Hobson has been brought in for when Jones finally finishes playing. It’s rumoured he plays with injuries and cannot play all games when 2 games per week kick in..

Totally agree he is immense in our set up.

[CFC91]

DIFH, on 11 September 2023 - 02:42 PM, said:

I think Hobson has been brought in for when Jones finally finishes playing. It’s rumoured he plays with injuries and cannot play all games when 2 games per week kick in..

Totally agree he is immense in our set up.

Hobson and Jones are two totally different players

[Sammy Spireite]

Zigsuk, on 11 September 2023 - 12:39 PM, said:

It is now obvious how important this man is to the team - probably along with Mandy the most essential player in the squad. He was immense in the second half. However it’s obvious he isn’t going to play every game at his age and of course that’s without risk of injury too. So what does Cook do?
It’s obvious neither Banks nor Oldaker can perform the same role anywhere near as well so how can Jones be managed? Perhaps it is hoped we get so far clear he can be rested, or does Cook only play him in certain crucial games? Or does he continue picking him every game whilst he is performing as he is? I would go for the latter but there will come a time when a decision will have to be made.

I would hope the currently plan is to be 2 or 3 goals up by the 60/70 minute mark and we can then afford the luxury of taking him off!

Once were in that position (we haven't been yet since he came in to the squad) then we'll see him subbed for Banks or Oldaker I'm sure.

I doubt he'll play in the FA Cup/Trophy games when they come round, too.

[JonB]

DIFH, on 11 September 2023 - 02:42 PM, said:

I think Hobson has been brought in for when Jones finally finishes playing.

I dont think he has as they are two totally different types of player, Hobson played further forward as an attacking midfielder for Alfreton.

[Alice Cooper]

Mike Jones, Liam Mandeville, Ryan Colclough, Armando Dobra et al. Thank you Cookie for spoiling us. I for one am loving it!

[twistedspire]

dart in the crossbar, on 11 September 2023 - 01:23 PM, said:

On Saturday their boy had the ball on their left heading towards our goal in the first half. One of ours (can't remember who) was struggling to manage to close him down. Just about catching their boy.

They had another lad catching up and pulling away level with their lad on the ball.

They got into our penno box. The obvious ball was across and into the box in front of their second lad.

Jones had some how got on the scene. He could have come across to put more pressure on their boy with the ball. But he didn't. Jones left the lad on the ball as we had just about got to him (and he was on the corner of our box). Jones decided to cover their other lad who was running towards the penno spot instead.

Their boy with the ball looked to square the ball to their other lad but realised that Jones had blocked that pass.

So their boy carried on, shot and missed.

Instinctive decision making and superb effort by Jones. Saved us a goal.

There's been endless examples of conceding goals due to bad decisions in situations just like that one. Jones is outstanding at making the right decision under pressure

Its usually the defenders not realising that the most dangerous person on the pitch is the player with the ball. Instead of closing them down, the stay with "their man" and hope someone else gets back to close the ball. Over the last 2 games the defenders seem to have realised that they should close the player with the ball if its a 2 on 1 situation.

[lindave]

Chesterfield247, on 11 September 2023 - 12:44 PM, said:

Probably have to balance risk and reward a bit, and rest him for games that we ought to be winning comfortably. Not to disrespect the oppo but I think we'll have to rotate and to do so in the appropriate games. In the long run I think that's the prudent approach.

Jones looks the fittest man on the pitch.

[Half Full]

Jones is a very good player at this level. Combination of him and Naylor is excellent. Having two players who read the game so well is a great advantage. I don’t think Naylor gets the plaudits he deserves but he has been consistently impressive this season.

[trickytrevsfanclub]

He’s 36 not 76.

[Bonnyman]

Play him away from home more than at home

[Ernie Ernie Ernie]

[quote name='DIFH' timestamp='1694443326' post='1770478']
I think Hobson has been brought in for when Jones finally finishes playing. It’s rumoured he plays with injuries and cannot play all games when 2 games per week kick in..



Davee what ya drinking 😂