Pre season observations

[redrobo]

More than delighted with the performances in pre season to date despite yesterday's reversal which will probably have done the squad and JB good in terms of their preparation for next Saturday's opening fixture at Crewe. To go through pre season totally victorious can sometimes raise expectations too high for when the real business starts. The selection of who to play pre season was ideal with each game providing an increased level in the quality of the opposition. Obviously there are areas of play that still need to be worked on, in particular our lack of marking the wide areas resulting in at least 3 of the pre season goals against us coming from wide areas where a cross resulted in headed goals. Going forward we need to develop our own crossing into the box to provide the ammunition for the heading ability of Oswell to bring its rewards. Often the butt of some negativity from me, Fleming has looked like the player of old and here's hoping he continues in a similar vein in the coming months. With the return of Sam and the outstanding talent of Gomes and Jagne, plus the creativity of Mandeville and the enthusiasm of both Cranston and Mills plus the usual reliability of Mr Roche, it's quite possible that we could have a season of more highs than lows. Nobody wants a repeat of last season, least of all JB and KMc. Best of luck guys. COYS.

[RedRampage]

With the players we have now, we should be achieving mid table. Big Season for Jim.

[BerlinWaller]

My concern is Jim will try and mould these new lads in to the poor tactics of the past rather than try a new approach.

[shrimperteer]

My concern is Jim will try and mould these new lads in to the poor tactics of the past rather than try a new approach.

There's a surprise

[black morse]

I used to think Jim's tactics were confined by who he had in the squad. This year in particular we have half a squad of new players so a good test as to whether different (more ambitious) tactics will be used.

[shrimperteer]

With the players we have now, we should be achieving mid table. Big Season for Jim.

What's that based on? Have we now got about the 12/13th ish biggest budget in the league?

[RedRampage]

What's that based on? Have we now got about the 12/13th ish biggest budget in the league?

It's not based on anything, I personally think he has brought in some good players, and the squad looks a hell of a lot stronger than it did last season.

If Jim plays to their strengths, then I think we should be in a comfortable position come the end of the season, but if he sticks to his hoof ball game plan, then it doesn't matter what players you have, we will struggle. I for one hope that Jim does try something different. As much as I like Jim, his tactics are baffling.

[BerlinWaller]

My concern is Jim will try and mould these new lads in to the poor tactics of the past rather than try a new approach.

There's a surprise

Sorry Jim

[BerlinWaller]

With the players we have now, we should be achieving mid table. Big Season for Jim.

What's that based on? Have we now got about the 12/13th ish biggest budget in the league?

This argument about budgets dictating your end position is flawed. I know we have flogged the Acci story to death but that is one example that makes a mockery of your statement.

Anybody who watched a Morecambe game last season will tell you the tactics were garbage and need to be different this season. Sorry if that upsets you chaps

[redrobo]

My concern is Jim will try and mould these new lads in to the poor tactics of the past rather than try a new approach.

I suspect that that will be the concern of many. I just hope that he and KMck have had a look at last season's tactics and come to the conclusion that a major change in approach and thinking is required. However unless they do change then it could well be another season of struggle which the new owners may not accept which could have serious ramifications.

[NPL Daze]

Love how we've not kicked a ball yet in competitive action and the negativity has kicked in....

[BerlinWaller]

Love how we've not kicked a ball yet in competitive action and the negativity has kicked in....

The title of thread may help you there. I am very positive, got my season ticket and kitted out my family in the kits.

[redrobo]

Love how we've not kicked a ball yet in competitive action and the negativity has kicked in....

Suggest you read and attempt to digest my opening post on this subject. It isn't being negative to suggest that this is a crucial season for JB or that a change in tactics is needed. After all last season did raise questions about tactics by a good number of posters on this forum. Unless there is a change in tactics and style of play then a repeat of last season and all that that brought is possible which nobody wants to see. JB has gathered together a squad that in pre season looked good. If that has been as a result of extra finance all well and good but with it brings even more pressure on JB and Co to deliver. I would suggest that that is being realistic not negative. An increase in Season Ticket sales suggests that fans are being more positive about this season than for a good number of previous seasons. Long may that continue but not at the expense of realism.

[shrimperteer]

With the players we have now, we should be achieving mid table. Big Season for Jim.

What's that based on? Have we now got about the 12/13th ish biggest budget in the league?

This argument about budgets dictating your end position is flawed. I know we have flogged the Acci story to death but that is one example that makes a mockery of your statement.

Anybody who watched a Morecambe game last season will tell you the tactics were garbage and need to be different this season. Sorry if that upsets you chaps

Thought you'd at least wait until the season started before your usual ill informed poison came out.

[shrimperteer]

Love how we've not kicked a ball yet in competitive action and the negativity has kicked in....

Suggest you read and attempt to digest my opening post on this subject. It isn't being negative to suggest that this is a crucial season for JB or that a change in tactics is needed. After all last season did raise questions about tactics by a good number of posters on this forum. Unless there is a change in tactics and style of play then a repeat of last season and all that that brought is possible which nobody wants to see. JB has gathered together a squad that in pre season looked good. If that has been as a result of extra finance all well and good but with it brings even more pressure on JB and Co to deliver. I would suggest that that is being realistic not negative. An increase in Season Ticket sales suggests that fans are being more positive about this season than for a good number of previous seasons. Long may that continue but not at the expense of realism.

A vocal minority who can't post without having a backhanded dig at the manager. Frankly it's toxic.

I see a leopard doesn't change its spots. With any luck you'll go and cry off again.

[BerlinWaller]

May i ask which bit is ill informed or toxic? I don't get why you have to get so upset when somebody says something slightly critical of Jim. Simmer down

[BerlinWaller]

I think CC isn't the only one with an alter ego.

[Ntini]

I think that Jagne & Gomes offer us something different this season and I sincerely hope we use them from the off.

At the recent players' panel I asked which was tougher to face, height and physicality or raw pace. The overwhelming answer was pace, as it puts you on the back foot and can be so unpredictable. Whereas with strong tall players, you knew it would be a tough battle but at least you knew what was coming. As such, I'd love us to play with the pace that we now have in the team (I'm also super excited to see what Cranston can offer on that front).

[marky No.1]

I'd love us to play with the pace that we now have in the team (I'm also super excited to see what Cranston can offer on that front).

Yep, Cranston flying up the left, winning long throws and crossing the ball 10 yards from the corner flag for Oswells head. Meanwhile Jagne or Gomez (hope at least 1 if not both start, but doubt it) can be causing havoc left, right and centre - go for it!
Crewe/Moose will know all about Kev and Oliver, so will be prepared for it.

[RedRampage]

A vocal minority who can't post without having a backhanded dig at the manager. Frankly it's toxic.

I see a leopard doesn't change its spots. With any luck you'll go and cry off again.

Who is having a back hand dig at Jim? Who is being negative? This is a debate, a debate on Pre Season observations. Stop getting on your high horse and calm down.

P.S the "vocal minority" is much bigger than you think.

[BerlinWaller]

A vocal minority who can't post without having a backhanded dig at the manager. Frankly it's toxic.

I see a leopard doesn't change its spots. With any luck you'll go and cry off again.

Who is having a back hand dig at Jim? Who is being negative? This is a debate, a debate on Pre Season observations. Stop getting on your high horse and calm down.

P.S the "vocal minority" is much bigger than you think.

This guy

[redrobo]

I'd love us to play with the pace that we now have in the team (I'm also super excited to see what Cranston can offer on that front).

Yep, Cranston flying up the left, winning long throws and crossing the ball 10 yards from the corner flag for Oswells head. Meanwhile Jagne or Gomez (hope at least 1 if not both start, but doubt it) can be causing havoc left, right and centre - go for it!
Crewe/Moose will know all about Kev and Oliver, so will be prepared for it.

Fortune favours the brave. Would prefer us to give Gomes and Jagne their first team debuts along with Cranston and Oswell than to play it safe by selecting Kev and Oliver.

[Gone_Shrimping]

I'd love us to play with the pace that we now have in the team (I'm also super excited to see what Cranston can offer on that front).

Yep, Cranston flying up the left, winning long throws and crossing the ball 10 yards from the corner flag for Oswells head. Meanwhile Jagne or Gomez (hope at least 1 if not both start, but doubt it) can be causing havoc left, right and centre - go for it!
Crewe/Moose will know all about Kev and Oliver, so will be prepared for it.

I hope your right about both Jagne and Gomez starting as they give us some "X Factor" that no other League 2 team will have. My fear is that Jim will use them from the bench to chase a game where we are losing rather than to start them and try and win by scoring some goals.

[BerlinWaller]

Before the unofficial spokesman for every Morecambe fan/ Jim's media mogul started gobbing off, I was trying to say the same. I hope he makes use of the new attackers rather than shoe horn them in to last seasons ineffective and horrible to watch system.

[Little Shrimp]

I've been able to catch much pre-season action, but gathering from the highlights and reaction on here etc, would this be a positive line up?

Roche
Mills Lavelle Old Cranston
Tutte/Fleming Jagne
Mendes-Gomes Wildig Mandeville
Oswell