Some of you may remember the statistics from last seasons table. Most notably 169 goals conceded. How things have changed. Whilst we are still prone the odd howling error, as I pointed out after the game, these mistakes are made by every team at this level, as our goal proved today with the Toton keeper failing to catch an easy cross and Noddy scoring the header. As their 2nd goal proved with no-one bossing the area and the ball bouncing in off a players back. These things happen in this league but where we have improved drastically, and looked particularly strong today, was defending from open play. We covered each other much better, tracked back and got in good defensive positions (with the exception of the 1st goal) and looking back at some of the recent games we can safely say that we've tightened up a lot having only lost by the odd goal to St.Georges, Barton, Mickleover 95 Utd and today at Toton. We didn't lose these games because of poor defending, we lost them because we have failed to score enough goals, and this is the true reason behind our league position.
Despite the drills and combinations we work on in training, the beautiful passing moves we put together at Fairfields, as soon as we step onto the pitch we resort to lumping the ball up field and the imigination that I know we possess seems to vanish. We know we can do it, we've seen it on a few occasions this season but not enough. A little more thought, a little more communication and the confidence to play the right way will go a long long way. Today for example we were missing Alex so we lose that pace in behind the defenders, but that is no excuse. We had a big centre forward in John who has an excellent touch, will hold the ball up and link play for us but we didn't play to his strengths. There is no point lobbing balls over the top for John to chase, that's not his game, but give him the ball to feet and if you get in a good position he'll bring you into play again or combine to create something. I made John a centre forward this year because he possesses these qualities along with being an excellent finisher. If we get to playing the way we should then John will have 15-20 goals next season. We had many gifted players on the pitch today who underused there abilities and underused the strength of their team mates also. We're a tight squad who know each other well, so lets use that knowledge.
As I said today also, the effort was 100%, can't question the desire. A few of you stood out though, such as Mike, Adam, Rob and Noddy. Mike was solid at right back and read the game really well, he used the ball well and always tried to do something positive in possession. Adam had one of his best games today and both myself and Ed are immensely proud of the progress he has made this season. Rob, making his debut in defence was also outstanding and I really feel that he can become one of our strongest outfield players and form a solid partnership with Adam or Jabed. Noddy, man of the match, was outstanding despite carrying an injury and his desire and reading of the game were great, he got stuck in and never gave in. Deserved his goal and was as normal, in the right place at the right time.
Special mention also to Woody who did excellently on his debut in goal. Some really positive things to take from this game for Woody and with experience and practice he'll surely become Emmanuel's number 1. You'll have a nicer top next week mate.
So, to finish I just wanna make sure I don't leave myself out of things. This season has been a great learning experience for me and I've enjoyed every minute of it. I'm always thinking about how we can improve stuff, trying to make training fun and functional. Sometimes I've got it right, sometimes not, but I've got plenty of ideas based on what we've leant about ourselves this season so I'm 100% motivated to make us better and better. If you guys still want me that is.
I'm looking forward to next week, new kit, home match and end the season with a win.
COME ON EMMANUEL!!!
Toby of the match: Noddy (Libya's greatest ever player)
Goals : Noddy (The only Libyan player I know of)
Forgot the camera so here's an amusing random picture...
7 comments:
ive already posted a comment on the squad list(luke gee might to read it! but again very well done great game to watch despite the result, lots of pace and team spirit, great communication today. Very proud of you all.
Luke, there's no point fishing for compliments with statements like 'If you guys still want me that is', cos we all know you and Ed are what keeps the team going!
Here's looking forward to next season and an unbeaten run starting NOW!!
Oh and as regards the photo, that's how I wear my shorts!!!
Want me to show you anyone?
well as the press are coming next week perhaps you would like to model the shorts wearing then!!!!
In truth Paul it doesn't matter if they don't want me, I'm not going anywhere, hahaha! But you best ask John Schad, I might get the sack following our recent string of bad results and missing out on europe.
Apparently I'm a bad fisherman, no-one has said anything nice yet, lol.
Thanks,
The Special One
ah poor luke no one has begged him to stay and his beloved man u lost too. come on people sickly sweet begging notes needed fast to get the worlds best trainer to stay at emmanuel, (creep creep)!
NO seriously we do all appreciate what both you and Ed do, It takes up lots of hours in planning etc and the results of your hard work are evident, so thanks. Also thanks to Ellie and Bev for putting up with the moods that must follow from u both when we have lost, equipment littering the house and all the hours you put in. The team spirit starts before the lads get on the pitch.
Thanks, but I wasn't fishing honest and there's no possibility of me not coaching this team, it's the best non paid, unprofessional job in the country! LOL
Well that was like xmas come early....ive not seen so many excited people in one place at any one time!
You look wicked lads, the bees knees....the dogs nadgies!
Cant wait till saturday!
Post a Comment