What is the main problem with our side?

[Jimmy Grimble]

Aside from whether you are for or against Adams, it is clear the players haven’t been performing in the League but for half a game against Leicester and 90 minutes in howling conditions against a Millwall side that didn’t look like they wanted to be within a 100 mile radius of Withdean. But why? Fundamentally what is wrong with the side?

Several reasons can be broadcasted from separate games and individual players, yet I can’t help but feel the core reason we are struggling is the lack of shape and direction from each department. The defence are not working together as a coherent unit, if one starts to sit deeper than the rest, he doesn’t get a bollocking and told to push up, he is joined by the other three. No command or unity between them. None have formed partnerships with each other; they appear to look a tad uncomfortable alongside one and other, defending as individuals rather than a team. I struggle to recall one game this season where I have come away thinking the defence has performed well as a group, rather than well individually.

Then the midfield, where there seems to be a distinct lack of direction, movement and rhythm. The only player that has made the midfield really click is Thornton, and again, that's down to what he does individually with the ball - forcing others to move and giving them the confidence to play the ball, not the midfield performing well as a unit.

 

[Icy Gull]

The manager, he's never been a very good tactician and his teams no longer compete for every ball and run through walls for him. Football has moved on, especially at this level, but he hasn't and he made his name with combative never say die players, who he doesn't seem able to find at the moment. I don't actually believe he even he knows his best formation or team.

 

[Jimmy Grimble]

Yes, the manager, but what are the team doing wrong as a result of Adams?

 

[beorhthelm]

Yes, the manager, but what are the team doing wrong as a result of Adams?

er, everything highlighted in the first post?

if we have the raw talent (which i think most believe we do) but team is struggling in multiple areas and players are ineffective or inconsistant, then the fault has to lie in the training and tactics imposed by the manager. I really hope its a blip and its wil come good, but its mid novemeber now, its a big blip.

 

[Herr Tubthumper]

Good point about the defence. It is bizarre that the regular back-four have played quite a few games together now....but look as though they only met the night before. And that meeting was probably in a pub.

 

[BensGrandad]

We desperately need a Guy Butters/Simon Morgan type player who is old and experienced to guide the defence and tell them when to play it out and when to hit row z.

Hawkins is older but due to injuries has not played the games that you would expect for a man of his age.

 

[gullshark]

We are missing a decent coach, imo.

 

[BensGrandad]

We have been saying that for some years now. Must be a connection here somewhere, Boooker, White?

 

[Freddie Goodwin.]

Totally agree with 1st post. We need somebody on the pitch to command the back 4. Hopefully one of the curent guys on the books will take on that mantle or else we'll need to go and buy another experinced defender just for his ability to read & lead.

As for the midfield, Thornton is the difference.

 

[SICKASAGULL]

The problem is although we have a large squad they are all very average players so swap the team around as much as you like and the end result is very similar.

 

[turienzo's lovechild]

the fact that el-abd is in it is a slight problem

 

[One True BHA]

Our squad is too big and is full of too many players that most people wouldn't want to see in the starting line up.

Our wingers our outstandingly inconsistent. Mcleod is unfit. Cox doesn't know how to be a winger. Anyinsah is not good enough.

Our central midfielders don't know their roles. Thomson is being used regularly but not often in the same role. Thornton is moved about and in or out of the team every week. Livermore quite simply hasn't been given a chance.

Our strikers are class, but we only have two that are good enough.

Our defence doesn't have a leader. Hawkins is hugely error prone. Richards has never put a tackle in in his career. Whing can't distribute it forwards and is desperately unfit. Because Elphick is so often outstanding, he is relied upon too heavily and is too young to be the leader that we need.

Kuipers is either wonderful, or a loser.

Virgo has been played in his real position once since he re signed I believe, and came off injured. He needs to play in defence.



Other than that, playoffs here we come

 

[bhadeb]

coaching wasn't really a problem last season - with regards to the defence apart from Joel being in Nottingham the defence is the same and they played well last season - perhaps it is the coaching they are missing from Wilkins and Chapman

 

[BensGrandad]

coaching wasn't really a problem last season - with regards to the defence apart from Joel being in Nottingham the defence is the same and they played well last season - perhaps it is the coaching they are missing from Wilkins and Chapman

What team did you watch last season our defence was generally poor. except for when Butters played and organised it, How many clean sheets did we keep, which is an indication of a good defence.

 

[turienzo's lovechild]

actual problems=

1. lack of organisation in defence........especially with the full backs who seem to have no idea what to do

2. easily overrun in midfield- livermore is tidy but not particularly HARD

3. wingers who can't cross- apart from mcleod no-one seems capable of providing AMMO to our excellent front 2, there is also a problem with the wingers providing support for the full backs

 

[One True BHA]

I'm in full agreement with this marvellous post, although Michel - loser? Are you sure?

To be brutally honest, at times, he lets himself down.

 

[One True BHA]

Yeah true, don't get me wrong I love Kuipers, he is just frustrating sometimes.

I agree with your additional points, that has been blatantly obvious in almost every game I've attended this season.

And, yes, Elphick was average at the beginning of the season. Maybe due to the fact he is young and was previously used to playing alongside Butters or Lynch, and did not know Hawkins' game. Although if that were true I would raise questions over the coaching. He is playing much better now though.