Callum Doyle (54 Viewers)

[shmmeee]

I do think Lampards system is set up to create goals for the 9 and 10 and not much else TBH. Maybe the odd winger sneaking in back post but mostly he wants them out wide.

 

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[Lamps]

What?

For a 1 striker formation if you told me our 9 would get 20 goals and our backup 7 id snap your hand off

If one played nearly every game and the other didn't yes. But you're making up a scenario to suit yet again. Just like last night when you knew Rushworth never got anywhere near the ball until screenshot were put up.

 

[Lamps]

Outside of Rudoni and Wright, there wasn’t much goals in the team.

What would we do if Rudoni got injured? He played a role in 33% of all our goals in the league last year. Which is mental.

People moan about BTA and Simms but we put in our best run of form playing them upfront together last season. Those two players are v clearly serviceable at this level. We don’t want to be in a position where we’re forced into tactical/formation changes because players in undermanned positions get injured. Specifically, Sakamoto, EMC and Rudoni. Any of those players get an injury, we either need to change formation or play another player out of position.

Best run of form was with Dovin in goal. The time we were not leaking goals.

We saw with last night's game the difference with a good GK. We would have lost with Wilson or Collins in goal. But for the stats Simms and BTA played and we got a draw against a very good side.

During the game we made lots of subs. The only time we seemed to weaken our side was swapping Simms for BTA. The rest of the time we competed with a side who's last competitive game was a European final against Chelsea. They were no mugs.

Of course we wouldn't be the same if Rudoni got injured. We would have to replace his goals, assists and energy. We're lucky to have such a great player. Simms has a role to play but isn't a prolific striker. BTA has the pace but lack of awareness. He will shoot when we have an unmarked player, pass when a shot would be better and runs around like a headless chicken. Look at his shot last night that was closer to the corner flag than goal. He just isn't good enough.

Top priority has to be a striker otherwise we go into the season with Simms and BTA. We don't know how long we will be without Wright for.

 

[Balli001]

Best run of form was with Dovin in goal. The time we were not leaking goals.

We saw with last night's game the difference with a good GK. We would have lost with Wilson or Collins in goal. But for the stats Simms and BTA played and we got a draw against a very good side.

During the game we made lots of subs. The only time we seemed to weaken our side was swapping Simms for BTA. The rest of the time we competed with a side who's last competitive game was a European final against Chelsea. They were no mugs.

Of course we wouldn't be the same if Rudoni got injured. We would have to replace his goals, assists and energy. We're lucky to have such a great player. Simms has a role to play but isn't a prolific striker. BTA has the pace but lack of awareness. He will shoot when we have an unmarked player, pass when a shot would be better and runs around like a headless chicken. Look at his shot last night that was closer to the corner flag than goal. He just isn't good enough.

Top priority has to be a striker otherwise we go into the season with Simms and BTA. We don't know how long we will be without Wright for.

Wright is back training. Lampard said last night

 

[Lamps]

Wright is back training. Lampard said last night

Yes back in training but nowhere near fit enough. And if he has a setback like he did last time?

We're just over a week before we go again. Our weakest position is up front. The young lads last night gave us a right boost. If they're good enough they're old enough. They didn't look out of place at all against a quality side.

 

[skyblue_55]

An enjoyable evening, but as people watching it saw , our rather toothless attack , hold up play or aimless crosses into the box , have to be addressed

 

[TomRad85]

Yes back in training but nowhere near fit enough. And if he has a setback like he did last time?

We're just over a week before we go again. Our weakest position is up front. The young lads last night gave us a right boost. If they're good enough they're old enough. They didn't look out of place at all against a quality side.

Who was good off the bench last night? I turned off at about 65 mins.

 

[Lamps]

Who was good off the bench last night? I turned off at about 65 mins.

Nobody was out of place other than BTA. Andrews and Perry surprised me. We should keep them this season and slowly bring them in but if injuries/suspensions come along they look like they could play their part.

Looks like we've done some good work on the training pitch.

 

[TomRad85]

Nobody was out of place other than BTA. Andrews and Perry surprised me. We should keep them this season and slowly bring them in but if injuries/suspensions come along they look like they could play their part.

Looks like we've done some good work on the training pitch.

Yeh Andrews especially could have an interesting season. Not ideal that a striker that cost £3.5 million is the one looking out of place though is it.

 

[Lamps]

Yeh Andrews especially could have an interesting season. Not ideal that a striker that cost £3.5 million is the one looking out of place though is it.

We must all have thought the same when his shot was closer to the corner flag than goal.

You can't fault his effort. But if we're going to challenge this season we need better.

 

[Terry_dactyl]

Up to 10 million, that worked out well for Luton.

And for Cardiff.

 

[Mucca Mad Boys]

Best run of form was with Dovin in goal. The time we were not leaking goals.

We saw with last night's game the difference with a good GK. We would have lost with Wilson or Collins in goal. But for the stats Simms and BTA played and we got a draw against a very good side.

During the game we made lots of subs. The only time we seemed to weaken our side was swapping Simms for BTA. The rest of the time we competed with a side who's last competitive game was a European final against Chelsea. They were no mugs.

Of course we wouldn't be the same if Rudoni got injured. We would have to replace his goals, assists and energy. We're lucky to have such a great player. Simms has a role to play but isn't a prolific striker. BTA has the pace but lack of awareness. He will shoot when we have an unmarked player, pass when a shot would be better and runs around like a headless chicken. Look at his shot last night that was closer to the corner flag than goal. He just isn't good enough.

Top priority has to be a striker otherwise we go into the season with Simms and BTA. We don't know how long we will be without Wright for.

Dovin was in fine form between Jan and Feb and a big contributor. However, goals win matches and in that same period, BTA and Simms scored 7 goals v Bristol, Blackburn, Swansea and Sheff W.

Without those goals and results, we don’t get a look in at the playoffs and people have forgotten that.

With Haji back in training and 2 capable Championship strikers, that position is not a ‘top priority’. For example, If we had an injury to Rudoni or Sakamoto, we don’t have proven cover. We’d all be pleasantly surprised if Rapha has a breakout year but what’s the likelihood?

The clue is also with who we’re linked with, we’ve been linked with a lot more winger than strikers and the only vague linked to a forward is Bertaccini who’s played slightly more games at ST than at RW/LW.

 

[rob9872]

Why do people keep regurgitating the goals we scored against conceded? We can all see the numbers, but we're set up to attack, not defend like many in this league. A number of those using the stat also gave Wilson no credit when we kept 23 clean sheets because of the 5 at the back system. You can't have it both ways. We missed more xG than almost the entire league and if anyone thinks Ellis did enough last season, let alone the woeful goals to games ratio, then I watch a different game to you.

 

[mmttww]

Who was good off the bench last night?

Torp seemed to be organising more than anyone, a lot of talking to Perry and orchestrating the press.

Perry seemed composed and assertive. Made some decent interceptions, carried it well, won his headers.

 

[fatso]

Who was good off the bench last night? I turned off at about 65 mins.

Torp and Dasilva impressed, Perry did well and Allen slotted straight in as he always does.

We still have some work to do upfront.

 

[Hincha]

Dovin was in fine form between Jan and Feb and a big contributor. However, goals win matches and in that same period, BTA and Simms scored 7 goals v Bristol, Blackburn, Swansea and Sheff W.

Without those goals and results, we don’t get a look in at the playoffs and people have forgotten that.

With Haji back in training and 2 capable Championship strikers, that position is not a ‘top priority’. For example, If we had an injury to Rudoni or Sakamoto, we don’t have proven cover. We’d all be pleasantly surprised if Rapha has a breakout year but what’s the likelihood?

The clue is also with who we’re linked with, we’ve been linked with a lot more winger than strikers and the only vague linked to a forward is Bertaccini who’s played slightly more games at ST than at RW/LW.

Simms/BTA we’re serviceable in a front 2 but can’t play as a lone striker - using their stint when they played in a 2 isn’t helpful as we’re going to play 1 up top… which they struggle with

Having said that if we can’t shift them then I agree a RW is the priority. I like Sakamoto but it’s the only position where we could improve, as he is inconsistent away from home, and we lack depth

 

[Domo]

really think andrews will stay with us this season and we'll see more of him

 

[Lamps]

Dovin was in fine form between Jan and Feb and a big contributor. However, goals win matches and in that same period, BTA and Simms scored 7 goals v Bristol, Blackburn, Swansea and Sheff W.

As our players would say yes 100%

Yes goals win games. GK mistakes lose games. Yes they scored them goals in them games. But how did the rest of the season go for them. It's also easy to pick a run of games where they didn't score.

Simms is a confidence player who is lacking confidence. You will not find anywhere that I have said we need to sell him like many others have. BTA is a different matter. His performance yesterday wasn't unusual. It just isn't good enough if we're going to have a serious go at promotion. If we got an offer of our money back for BTA I'd drive him there myself.

 

[Major Tom]

A high percentage of chances including last season are crosses coming from the wings which I think isn't the best solution for Simms. he needs balls through the defensive line or a change to run at defenders. It's no surprise that we scored the most headers in the leagues but it cannot be our only source of goal changes.
I feel we look a bit predictable.. close Saka and EMC down and we struggle.

 

[procdoc]

So was Doyle at the game?

 

[Ian1779]

I don’t know why Man City wouldn’t let him go for about £5m - could easily add a clause if we gain promotion of a couple more mil.
Everyone’s a potential winner.

 

[AJB1983]

Sai

So was Doyle at the game?

Said this before - the person I thought was him and did bear a striking likeness I think was more likely Isaac Moore from the u21s based on hair and neck and build etc.

 

[Skyblue Bangkok]

I don’t know why Man City wouldn’t let him go for about £5m - could easily add a clause if we gain promotion of a couple more mil.
Everyone’s a potential winner.

Because Man City do what they think is right for their club not ours or anyone else.

 

[Offhegoes]

Simms/BTA we’re serviceable in a front 2 but can’t play as a lone striker - using their stint when they played in a 2 isn’t helpful as we’re going to play 1 up top… which they struggle with

Having said that if we can’t shift them then I agree a RW is the priority. I like Sakamoto but it’s the only position where we could improve, as he is inconsistent away from home, and we lack depth

Simms scored all his goals in the 23/24 season as the lone striker, with Haji on the left. I thought he did OK last night. Little service. All our crosses were poor, and Betis played a deep line so there was no space behind. BTA was worse when he came on

 

[Gibbo]

City turned down a bid of £6.5 million from Hoffenhiem a few weeks ago for Doyle.

sounds about the right price - maybe a million more

 

[KenilworthSkyBlue]

Nobody was out of place other than BTA. Andrews and Perry surprised me. We should keep them this season and slowly bring them in but if injuries/suspensions come along they look like they could play their part.

Looks like we've done some good work on the training pitch.

We need to be mindful that a) they're very young, and b) they've only been playing in friendlies. They're not likely to get much in terms of game time this season here and the Championship is a huge jump from what they're used to.

But it's still important that they get that experience somewhere so they can develop and mature as players. So, I think a loan is probably the best option for both this season.

 

[Gibbo]

Sai

Said this before - the person I thought was him and did bear a striking likeness I think was more likely Isaac Moore from the u21s based on hair and neck and build etc.

You could not see the physical feature that would tell you whether it was Doyle or not - he has pro rata one of the biggest arses in football. In late middle age he's going to be enormous

 

[Ian1779]

Because Man City do what they think is right for their club not ours or anyone else.

No I get that, but I think that’s a deal that works for them too. Gets him off the wage bill, they get some cash that helps with PSR, and potentially some more if they think he’s as good as their valuation indicates.

 

[Mucca Mad Boys]

Simms/BTA we’re serviceable in a front 2 but can’t play as a lone striker - using their stint when they played in a 2 isn’t helpful as we’re going to play 1 up top… which they struggle with

Having said that if we can’t shift them then I agree a RW is the priority. I like Sakamoto but it’s the only position where we could improve, as he is inconsistent away from home, and we lack depth

In 23/24, both Simms and BTA hit double figures playing predominantly upfront on their own in a 4-2-3-1. This narrative they can only play in a front 2 is false. They both had bad seasons last year and the coaching staff need to understand how to get 2 players back to their form previously. If there's no improvement, then next season you'd think they'll be offloaded. Either way, neither of them are first choice so putting more investment into a 2nd/3rd string player doesn't make sense.

There's a lot to like about Sakamoto, but there are just far too many games where he is a complete non-factor as an attacker. He has the hallmarks to be a great role player but not a top player in his position. Again, Thomas had significantly more shots and and xG than a winger.

You're right, looking at the starting 11, Sakamoto and CB is where you'd look to improve right off the bat. In ideal world, I'd like to have 4 quality wingers who can spread the workload and chip in with 6-8 goal contributions each as a minimum and the starters hitting 12-15. EMC's suggest he's capable of hitting 12-15 goal contributions, the numbers suggest Sakamoto couldn't.

 

[Lamps]

We need to be mindful that a) they're very young, and b) they've only been playing in friendlies. They're not likely to get much in terms of game time this season here and the Championship is a huge jump from what they're used to.

But it's still important that they get that experience somewhere so they can develop and mature as players. So, I think a loan is probably the best option for both this season.

But you need to put this against continuing to work with Lampard and his staff. Lampard said about how much they'd come on in the last 4 weeks with them. The quality of the training staff in a lower down club wouldn't be anywhere near what we have.

It's Lampard's choice and it wouldn't surprise me if we kept them for this season. They both played well last night especially with the quality of our opponents.

 

[Mucca Mad Boys]

As our players would say yes 100%

Yes goals win games. GK mistakes lose games. Yes they scored them goals in them games. But how did the rest of the season go for them. It's also easy to pick a run of games where they didn't score.

Simms is a confidence player who is lacking confidence. You will not find anywhere that I have said we need to sell him like many others have. BTA is a different matter. His performance yesterday wasn't unusual. It just isn't good enough if we're going to have a serious go at promotion. If we got an offer of our money back for BTA I'd drive him there myself.

When you define 'top priority' and positional needs, you're looking at starting players, right? Hence why we signed a highly rated GK because starting Wilson/Collins for 2-4 months on the season was a significant risk.

10 goals from sub strikers isn't a terrible return. The top 3 who play 1 striker upfront didn't have a sub striker who scored more than 5 goals, Simms scored 6 and BTA scored 4.

Ultimately, the people who believe striker is a 'top priority' are the people who believe Wright should be playing LW. Which makes sense until someone looks at the numbers and finds Haji's best position has been striker minus a 2 month period between Nov-Jan in 23/24. Before and after that period, it's not even close. In fact, last season EMC's limited numbers were stronger at LW than Haji.

Right now, the forward line is Saka-Haji-EMC and the clear weak link is Sakamoto. The issue we have is that we don't have viable alternatives for Sakamoto nor EMC without changing formation of playing people out of position unless Rapha turns out to be ringer.

 

[KenilworthSkyBlue]

But you need to put this against continuing to work with Lampard and his staff. Lampard said about how much they'd come on in the last 4 weeks with them. The quality of the training staff in a lower down club wouldn't be anywhere near what we have.

It's Lampard's choice and it wouldn't surprise me if we kept them for this season. They both played well last night especially with the quality of our opponents.

Lampard isn't a fairy godmother than can suddenly turn youth players into stars overnight.

Fundamentally young players learn by playing games and gaining experience. The fine tuning, which is where Lampard and his coaching staff can build on the experiences and lessons which said players have learned while out on loan, comes later.

But they need a foundation to work off first.