My Concerns

[2plus2]

(1) Wrong formation / ineffective use of the squad.

---------------------------------------------- Steele/Leutwiler/Ripley ----------------------------------------------
-------------- Hoyte/Parnaby ----- Williams/Hines ----- Woodgate/Bikey/McManus ----- Friend/Halliday ---------------
------------------------ Thommo/Leadbitter ----- Bailey/Smallwood ----- McEachran/Arca ---------------------------
---------- Emnes/Williams/Zman/Haroun ------------------------------------- Carayol/Reach/Ledesma/Park ----------
------------------------------------------ Jutkiewicz/Main/McDonald/Miller ------------------------------------------

Ok, positionally it may not be quite as black and white as that, but in terms of 'blocks' (ie. 3 from 6 of those CMs) that is exactly how I'd like our team selections to be approached. The 8 ATMs/SSs all thrive from playing just behind the main striker and taking the ball forward into goal scoring positions, either for themselves or for assists, or even drifting wide when need be, so use them that way (interchangeably). And continue to do so when we have first choice injuries as we have a variety of fringe players that are perfectly capable of fulfilling these roles. Use two of them because Jutkiewicz, in particular, thrives from winning the ball in the air, knocking it down for others, getting on the end of deliveries and, ultimately, sticking it in the back of the net! On top of that the CMs are all ball-playing players who are often effective in and out of possession; have faith in their ability to do that with 3 players ahead of them in advanced positions. All that starting 4 CMs does is invite opposition players to attack because you yourselves lack creativity so they have little to fear, ultimately allowing yourselves to be put under a lot of pressure with or without the ball! Unlike some I am totally in favour of a rotation policy, especially with the long list of injury-prone players we have. But, although on rare occasions different opponents require a different set-up, there does still have to be a certain amount of consistency in the formation and football philosophy as much as possible. All this chopping and changing is counterproductive.

(2) McDonald.

The whole fiasco is a joke. I'm glad it has been partially resolved now, but let's be honest; it was a forced truce brought about purely through injuries. It's fair for some to say that we might now have better offensive players at our disposal then McDonald, but the fact of the matter is that in our current injury crisis we need him, and just because it was ideal to offload our high-earning out of favour striker in the summer, failure to do so doesn't mean it makes sense to lock him in a cupboard, throw away the key and forget he ever existed. Get him fit, quickly. And use him when we need him. However that should have been done earlier. And, that said, he's by no means the messiah.

(3) Injury-prone players.

There's a price to be paid when you sign quality players that have fitness problems. That's clear for all to see right now. And I actually think it was a risk worth taking, especially since Mogga managed to bring these players in with little to no money. Credit where credit is due. But in their absence there must be a Plan B. You cannot just assume or hope they will be fit again soon. It never works out like that. And, as far as I'm concerned, the current Plan B is pathetic. Stick to a 4-3-3 (or at least a regular formation) and use the fringe players correctly. Don't just name 11 random players that you think are best as individuals and mould them into an inefficient one-dimensional unit. Unfortunately, that is exactly what has happened recently. Mogga's recent tactics have a lot to be desired and, as much as I hate to say it, we have looked 'Strachan-esque' lately.

(4) Lack of composure when ahead.

It's a difficult one to address, but it must be dealt with. Hitting the panic button from a winning position is not good enough and it's costing us far too many points. Don't get me wrong; it's hard to maintain the initiative after a goal because naturally the opposition are forced into gambling. But I for one am never confident that we'll hold onto a lead like the vast majority of the stronger teams in this division would generally do. And this has been a problem for a long long time.


Usually I'm very optimistic, and I would generally go as far to say that I'm part of the 'Mogga can do no wrong' brigade!! But, despite all the quite frankly fantastic work that has so far been done during Mogga's reign, if things don't change our tactics have the making of a mid-table finish this season unless we are incredibly lucky with injuries. Yet when I look at our squad as a whole I think it would be a massive failure to not finish in the top 6. This is the most frustrating thing of all, and these blatant mistakes (or so I perceive them) are in my opinion costing us a golden opportunity. Rant over.

[McTom123]

Spot on post, and I agree entirely. It was mentioned on another thread that haven't tended to play 4-3-3 this season, and I agree, and think it's wrong. Yes, there's a lot of injuries in the squad, but we had the players tonight to put 4-3-3 out, which would (in theory, a wonderful thing) have been incisive and attacking, and still (again in theory) given protection to the back four. Going with 4 CMs in the middle again shows Mogga's reluctance to use that formation at this time, which could (perhaps is, but again theory) costing us points.

[BoroYorkshireFan]

I have the uttermost confidence, and for one reason. This is a absolute trek of league with more games than you could shake a stick at, as long as we're in and about the play offs come new year, ill be happy. As then, if I'm correct, we will have main, carayol, Williams and other long term absentees back, which will give us a massive boost, and I can also see us wheeling and dealing in the January transfer window and strengthening with a winger or 2 perhaps, and then the 2nd half of the season we will be a lot more consistent and Atleast making the play offs. My thoughts over.

[CurtisFleming]

(03-10-2012 10:28 PM)2plus2 Wrote:  (1) Wrong formation / ineffective use of the squad.

---------------------------------------------- Steele/Leutwiler/Ripley ----------------------------------------------
-------------- Hoyte/Parnaby ----- Williams/Hines ----- Woodgate/Bikey/McManus ----- Friend/Halliday ---------------
------------------------ Thommo/Leadbitter ----- Bailey/Smallwood ----- McEachran/Arca ---------------------------
---------- Emnes/Williams/Zman/Haroun ------------------------------------- Carayol/Reach/Ledesma/Park ----------
------------------------------------------ Jutkiewicz/Main/McDonald/Miller ------------------------------------------

Ok, positionally it may not be quite as black and white as that, but in terms of 'blocks' (ie. 3 from 6 of those CMs) that is exactly how I'd like our team selections to be approached. The 8 ATMs/SSs all thrive from playing just behind the main striker and taking the ball forward into goal scoring positions, either for themselves or for assists, or even drifting wide when need be, so use them that way (interchangeably). And continue to do so when we have first choice injuries as we have a variety of fringe players that are perfectly capable of fulfilling these roles. Use two of them because Jutkiewicz, in particular, thrives from winning the ball in the air, knocking it down for others, getting on the end of deliveries and, ultimately, sticking it in the back of the net! On top of that the CMs are all ball-playing players who are often effective in and out of possession; have faith in their ability to do that with 3 players ahead of them in advanced positions. All that starting 4 CMs does is invite opposition players to attack because you yourselves lack creativity so they have little to fear, ultimately allowing yourselves to be put under a lot of pressure with or without the ball! Unlike some I am totally in favour of a rotation policy, especially with the long list of injury-prone players we have. But, although on rare occasions different opponents require a different set-up, there does still have to be a certain amount of consistency in the formation and football philosophy as much as possible. All this chopping and changing is counterproductive.

(2) McDonald.

The whole fiasco is a joke. I'm glad it has been partially resolved now, but let's be honest; it was a forced truce brought about purely through injuries. It's fair for some to say that we might now have better offensive players at our disposal then McDonald, but the fact of the matter is that in our current injury crisis we need him, and just because it was ideal to offload our high-earning out of favour striker in the summer, failure to do so doesn't mean it makes sense to lock him in a cupboard, throw away the key and forget he ever existed. Get him fit, quickly. And use him when we need him. However that should have been done earlier. And, that said, he's by no means the messiah.

(3) Injury-prone players.

There's a price to be paid when you sign quality players that have fitness problems. That's clear for all to see right now. And I actually think it was a risk worth taking, especially since Mogga managed to bring these players in with little to no money. Credit where credit is due. But in their absence there must be a Plan B. You cannot just assume or hope they will be fit again soon. It never works out like that. And, as far as I'm concerned, the current Plan B is pathetic. Stick to a 4-4-3 (or at least a regular formation) and use the fringe players correctly. Don't just name 11 random players that you think are best as individuals and mould them into an inefficient one-dimensional unit. Unfortunately, that is exactly what has happened recently. Mogga's recent tactics have a lot to be desired and, as much as I hate to say it, we have looked 'Strachan-esque' lately.

(4) Lack of composure when ahead.

It's a difficult one to address, but it must be dealt with. Hitting the panic button from a winning position is not good enough and it's costing us far too many points. Don't get me wrong; it's hard to maintain the initiative after a goal because naturally the opposition are forced into gambling. But I for one am never confident that we'll hold onto a lead like the vast majority of the stronger teams in this division would generally do. And this has been a problem for a long long time.


Usually I'm very optimistic, and I would generally go as far to say that I'm part of the 'Mogga can do no wrong' brigade!! But, despite all the quite frankly fantastic work that has so far been done during Mogga's reign, if things don't change our tactics have the making of a mid-table finish this season unless we are incredibly lucky with injuries. Yet when I look at our squad as a whole I think it would be a massive failure to not finish in the top 6. This is the most frustrating thing of all, and these blatant mistakes (or so I perceive them) are in my opinion costing us a golden opportunity. Rant over.

[2plus2]

(03-10-2012 10:34 PM)McTom123 Wrote:  Yes, there's a lot of injuries in the squad, but we had the players tonight to put 4-3-3 out, which would (in theory, a wonderful thing) have been incisive and attacking, and still (again in theory) given protection to the back four. Going with 4 CMs in the middle again shows Mogga's reluctance to use that formation at this time, which could (perhaps is, but again theory) costing us points.

Completely agree, including your insistence of referring to it as a non-full-proof theory!

Certainly my opinions are just that, an opinion. I could very well be wrong. But right now to me everything points to exactly this ^

Also, you seem to have hinted that a full strength Mogga team would be put together as a 4-3-3. I think you're right and as much as I think his 'Plan B' is completely wrong, I suspect his 'Plan A' is spot on.

[Air Resistance]

(03-10-2012 10:37 PM)BoroYorkshireFan Wrote:  I have the uttermost confidence, and for one reason. This is a absolute trek of league with more games than you could shake a stick at, as long as we're in and about the play offs come new year, ill be happy. As then, if I'm correct, we will have main, carayol, Williams and other long term absentees back, which will give us a massive boost, and I can also see us wheeling and dealing in the January transfer window and strengthening with a winger or 2 perhaps, and then the 2nd half of the season we will be a lot more consistent and Atleast making the play offs. My thoughts over.

Well done this man, this league is a slightly that really comes down to the last 10 games. If we can stay around play offs till late in the season and pick up form then, then we'll stand a great chance. I'm not too worried about a couple of hit and miss results, I'm just enjoying watching the boro.

[Pally's Scooter]

(04-10-2012 09:31 AM)Air Resistance Wrote:  

(03-10-2012 10:37 PM)BoroYorkshireFan Wrote:  I have the uttermost confidence, and for one reason. This is a absolute trek of league with more games than you could shake a stick at, as long as we're in and about the play offs come new year, ill be happy. As then, if I'm correct, we will have main, carayol, Williams and other long term absentees back, which will give us a massive boost, and I can also see us wheeling and dealing in the January transfer window and strengthening with a winger or 2 perhaps, and then the 2nd half of the season we will be a lot more consistent and Atleast making the play offs. My thoughts over.

Well done this man, this league is a slightly that really comes down to the last 10 games. If we can stay around play offs till late in the season and pick up form then, then we'll stand a great chance. I'm not too worried about a couple of hit and miss results, I'm just enjoying watching the boro.

Agree with these two wholeheartedly. REALISM, PEOPLE!

[borofranky]

I agree that 4-3-3 is what we should be looking to play. Even with the injuries we could of put together a team last night that would of been good in possesion and tight at the back. In both home matches at times Jukes been isolated due to having too many MD on the pitch. A front 3 of ledesma-Juke-Williams would of been interesting from start. I believe in mogga but think we need 2 start putting our stamp on matches rather than suit other ppls

[ballyclover]

Can I ask if I dare and I quote?

"Usually I'm very optimistic, and I would generally go as far to say that I'm part of the 'Mogga can do no wrong' brigade!! But, despite all the quite frankly fantastic work that has so far been done during Mogga's reign"

What fantastic work? Cutting the squad wage bill wasn’t something Mogga decided to do himself, it was forced upon him as it would have been any manager at any club in a situation like ours.

The team and I am sorry to say do not play good, exciting attacking football. We are at best mediocre with the occasional stunning display that has us believing this is it and we have turned the mystical corner, but we never do.

The crowds have dropped to an all time low, this can be a reflection on midweek matches, shortage of money but most likely due to the above comments.

We achieved nothing last season, finishing just short of the play offs means nothing, you can argue the lower finishing teams achieved more by avoiding relegation. I got one number of the euro draw, does that mean I was close to being a millionaire, no

I do not understand where the optimism comes from, why are we a bigger club than say Derby or Forest, why will we finish in the play off places?

I love Tony Mowbray, I think he initially brought a sense of pride back to the club and we were maybe guilty of ignoring the real situation, but I honestly cannot see how he can take this club any further forward than he has already. If we are happy to continue in the same vein then alls good, if we want to progress we need change. I do not think Mogga is a bad manager, i just think he is where he is.

This is not silly reaction to a few losses, I have felt this way for sometime and I know a lot of the fans i go to the matches with are beginning to question the wisdom of Mogga.

Just throwing it out there

[Magooder]

While all hasn't been plain sailing over the past 8 months for us, I can safely say I'm still fully behind Mowbray and I'm willing to give him as much time as he needs to get us where he wants us to be.. the Premier League.

I'm not sticking up for his strange team and tactical choices that are occurring far too often but I can safely say he's played a massive part in bringing my pride back as a Middlesbrough supporter and making me feel far more in touch with the team as a supporter than under previous management regimes.

If we get promoted on a shoe string budget with a local legend at the helm of our club I will be one very proud Boro supporter. There's no other realistic manager I'd rather have in charge of our club. Everyone's entitled to their opinion, and that's mine.

I firmly believe that if we can remain within touching distance of the playoffs come January time when we will start getting back key players and the transfer window re-opens that there is still a great season to be had out of this one.