Blyth Spartans at home

[Mallard]

After a good three points on the road last Saturday we have got to fancy our chances of turning Blyth over on Saturday.   

Opening day home defeat for them followed by the Manager getting sacked must see them arrive after a long journey somewhat deflated.

If Tommy has his boys well up for it can see a few goals to welcome in the new season at the Walks.

I’m going for 4-0 win in front of 1150 fans.

[TonyM]

So, does Tommy stick with the starting XI from last week or swap things round to find a spot for Barrett?  Personally against the better sides in the league I don't think we are strong enough to play any of a) only two centre halves, b) two in midfield or c) just one up top but maybe given Blyth's managerial situation (strange decision after losing by the odd goal to one of the favourites to go up) TW could play Barrett and bench one of the centre halves / midfielders and go for it a bit more.

I am not sure what to expect on or off the pitch so would just be happy with a win and anything approaching 1000 in the stands

[Mallard]

Just listened to TW pre match interview.  Seems all 16 are fit that played last Saturday,  plus young Knowles is back with the squad.   No mention of McFadden or Charles but Tommy did say we will have another signing in by the weekend.

Have I missed it but did Tommy not do a post match interview after The BPA game ?   Maybe no one from the media travelled 

[Blue_and_Gold]

Tommy did say we will have another signing in by the weekend.

Hopefully be able to say G'day mate to the new player very soon.   

Maybe that's why that's why the Club still haven't updated the team picture from last season....................waiting for the Squad to be fully assembled.

[TonyM]

Current squad of 19 with Hudson's move to Wisbech which I would have thought was about right, McFadden & Charles currently injured but TW says Knowles in contention for a place in the matchday squad and with a new lad coming in that means we have two who will miss out.  I guess a slightly bigger squad gives TW options, particularly if we have a midweek game but we haven't taken anyone on loan as yet so that is still an option should the right player come up.  Squad is much more balanced than at the start of pre-season but I would still like to see the addition of a more physical presence in midfield, not a 'thug' before Dilly wakes up but all our midfielders are on the small size

[AXV]

So, does Tommy stick with the starting XI from last week or swap things round to find a spot for Barrett?  Personally against the better sides in the league I don't think we are strong enough to play any of a) only two centre halves, b) two in midfield or c) just one up top but maybe given Blyth's managerial situation (strange decision after losing by the odd goal to one of the favourites to go up) TW could play Barrett and bench one of the centre halves / midfielders and go for it a bit more.

I am not sure what to expect on or off the pitch so would just be happy with a win and anything approaching 1000 in the stands

I think for consistency sake Tommy will go for the same 11 again. Perhaps if Blyth don't offer much get the wingbacks forward more and bring Barrett off the bench. Also with Denton on the left side of the back 3, he could drift into left back position in theory and Barrett could play left wing.
I think we have alot more options for this season

[Ap]

but I would still like to see the addition of a more physical presence in midfield, not a 'thug' before Dilly wakes up but all our midfielders are on the small size

And usually popular with the fans that type of player; Paul Raynor, Steve Mclaughlin, Darrin Wolfy Clarke!

[Mallard]

Quigley ‘Bingo’ was popular with the fans.

Think TW will hope the game is over as a contest ASAP then he can get subs on to get rest into legs ready for Tuesday night.

The Temperature in Kings Lynn for Saturday is showing 32 degrees.  Could be a few water breaks and players might well be struggling in that kind of heat.

Is there any chance that games will get called off due to these kind of temperatures?

[Anton]

Agree with Mallard here. Pretty sure we will get the thee points. We started well and the 1st game at home should be to our advantage. We need to win these type of games when other teams have a few isues! 

[Saddlerlinnet]

Hopefully the pitch has been well watered before the game otherwise it Will be like playing on concrete!
Hoping for a convincing win in the sunshine, back in the Midlands for a few days where it is also very hot and dry. my other club Walsall are allowing fans to enter the match here with their own plastic bottles of water (tops removed ) and free refills around the Stadium.
Nice gesture in view of the high temperatures and doesn't really cost them.anything ,would be good to see this at The Walks -bit of re engagement with the fans!

[dillydilly]

Evening all, and good luck in the new season.  Have to take issue with TonyM already !  It doesn’t matter what level, as it’s the same in all.  How many of Barca, Bayern, Real, L’pool, Man C etc have “physical” players in midfield or attack ?  That’s all have clever mobile players going forward.  They love to come across a lunk “just sitting” to dance round !  And why so much conjecture about Barrett .  I can’t say I’ve seen any of the current players, but I can read, and it looks obvious to me that Barrett is the most talented player on the books.  Talented players nearly always beat untalenrted ones, or “triers”, and “Get stuck in merchants”!  They were the players we lost to every week last season.  We need to be too good for teams, not “keep ‘em out’ merchants.  Let’s have a cracking season.  Dilly is always here to help - or get on your tillies….

[Gordon Chilvers]

but I would still like to see the addition of a more physical presence in midfield, not a 'thug' before Dilly wakes up but all our midfielders are on the small size

And usually popular with the fans that type of player; Paul Raynor, Steve Mclaughlin, Darrin Wolfy Clarke!

Steve Mcloughlin. Double G Clothings first venture into sponsorship at KLTFC. Followed by the likes of Chuck Martini, Biff Bloodworth, Charlie Defty. Etc

[TonyM]

Evening all, and good luck in the new season.  Have to take issue with TonyM already !  It doesn’t matter what level, as it’s the same in all.  How many of Barca, Bayern, Real, L’pool, Man C etc have “physical” players in midfield or attack ?  That’s all have clever mobile players going forward.  They love to come across a lunk “just sitting” to dance round !  And why so much conjecture about Barrett .  I can’t say I’ve seen any of the current players, but I can read, and it looks obvious to me that Barrett is the most talented player on the books.  Talented players nearly always beat untalenrted ones, or “triers”, and “Get stuck in merchants”!  They were the players we lost to every week last season.  We need to be too good for teams, not “keep ‘em out’ merchants.  Let’s have a cracking season.  Dilly is always here to help - or get on your tillies….

Dilly, thought that might get a response although given you haven't seen many of the current crop in the flesh I will take your comments with a pinch of salt.  As for Barrett, he is, in one respect, the 'most talented player on the books' but there are reasons why he is plying his trade at step 2 of non-league and in many games last season, particularly against the better teams, he failed to make any impression not because their players were more talented but they had better all round games with fitness and effort to make the most of what talent they have.  You often cite Man City etc but there are many differences when you get down to our level (quality of pitches, fitness, awareness etc) so to a degree it is a different game and if you had watched many games the last time we were at this level you will have seen the likes of Chester, Alfreton etc come and provide some great, entertaining games even though you could make the case that we were 'technically better' and Kiddesminster completely run us off the pitch as the season was drawning to an early close

[dillydilly]

TonyM  - I don’t quote Man C out of any fandom.  I’ve simply spotted that the likes of Guardiola and Koop, and others abroad, win consistently only because they treat football as a simple game, which it is, and put technical players throughout their teams to give them more mobility, fluidity, and speed, (particularly over short distances).  You seldom see those kind of teams have “holding players”, even physical players selected.  I admit I’m intrigued that they have both replaced central attackers this year for the first time ever with more traditional type CFs, but it’s a risk, because they haven’t done that before.  I mean it’s a risk in the big one, not in the EPL, where they’ll win anyway.  I believe that usual system of theirs works at all levels, as it’s the same simple game .    No doubt we’ll talk again !!!

[Mallard]

One size doesn’t fit all Dillmiester.  You talk about Man City and Liverpool who spend fast sums of money to bring in the best players in the world with the aim of two of the best coaches in the World to improve them. In doing so these players are receiving what 300-400k a week.   

Then you have the ‘lesser’ clubs who are not in that ball game but still have to find a way to compete.  Now those clubs are not going to just back and be cannon fodder for the big spenders and will look to find some way of competing on the pitch for 90 minutes.   Some have done just that over the years.

How many of these ‘Giants’ of the game fancied a Trip to the like of Stoke, under Pullis on a wet Tuesday night ?   Norwich playing Farkeball have been ripped apart time and time again playing that way against the Premiership big boys.

As Tony said there are many factors to be considered at our level when deciding how a team will set up. 

Even Southgate got to the Euro final by playing two ‘sitting’ midfield players letting the speedy Nipsters to go and do their work.

Over to you.