Thoughts on last night

Half time was a bit downbeat. At full time a lot more positive but still have some concerns. Think last night showed clearly that:

1. Brown should start ahead of Dave Striker. He looked better in Holland as well.

2. A midfield of Fozzy and Russell is not good enough. West Ham had so much time on the ball in the first half it was untrue. Brellier will hopefully make a difference but if we are losing Saf another midfielder must be brought in as we cannot afford to go with those two as first choice other than in emergencies.

3. We still need that centre back. The Doc is not good enough. Centre back has become the new right wing! Although in my view it was partly down to lack of midfield shielding, the number of times we were completly opened up by the most simple of through balls in the first half was alarming. To the teams credit though it did not happen after the break.

4. I cannot believe that even with the number of changes there have been in the squad and the number of players that have come in the manager still manages to put out a team with Andy Hughes in it. Unbelievable and hopefully the last time this season.

5. Drury was once again woeful following on from his form for much of last season. Why we gave him a 4 year contract I do not know!

On the plus side Croft made a difference when he came on, Semi looked very good (although better going forward than defending) and Marshall is already showing why he may be the most important signing of the last few years. Add Hucks and Brellier and/or Saf to that midfield and it will make a big difference. Also West Ham are (although it pains me to say it) a good side and we will not encounter teams of that quality in the league this season.

Posted By: Jim, Aug 1, 09:11:27