Give Oswell a fair chance

[fulwoodshrimp]

We continue to struggle to score goals even against modest teams like Halifax and yet we persist in playing a non-scoring striker who lacks composure in front of goal and miskicks more than he connects properly. So okay he holds the ball up well on occasions and lays the ball off but that is not good enough from a team's main striker. What I don't understand is why the management were prepared to loan him out in the transfer window to Wrexham if they really believe he is the answer to our goal scoring problems. It is surely time to give Oswell an extended run in the team to see if he is the answer and if not we need to look around to find the answer- it's a pity that we couldn't beat Halifax as the money gained would have gone a long way to bringing an effective striker into the club. I wonder how the owners feel this morning seeing us fritter away a big pay day by persisting with a line up that doesn't create enough chances and that really has been flattered by a couple of recent league results? Something needs to change and that begins with the selection of Oswell in my opinion.

[KenH]

Have to agree. It's insanity to do the same thing repeatedly and expecting a different result. Oliver has had more than his fair chance to come good - it hasn't worked, so it must be time to make a change.

If Jim doesn't think Oswell has it in him, then he needs to put Kev up front where he's most effective - he's not a midfielder anymore as he can't defend. We've had the same scenario in past seasons where Jim has finally put Kev in a front 2 with Redshaw and then Mullen and the goals started to come from both.

As it is neither Oliver nor AJ are getting the goals they should be getting. Something has to change and very soon. They can't keep going on like this hoping to win occasionally by scoring the odd lucky goal.

[BoroRedShrimp]

We just play good and bad in matches. Their is no consistancy. Yesterday was a big disappointment especially with a windfall of just over 100k. Unless we get a good cup run we are never going to attract or be able to buy quality players.

[RedRampage]

Why would Jim play a 30+ goal forward , when we have the great Vadaine Oliver? He's about as much use a a inflatable dartboard!

[BerlinWaller]

The front two we need is Mandy and Aj. Unfortunately Jim is obsessed with the non scoring target man.

[Slanester]

[quote="BerlinWaller"]The front two we need is Mandy and Aj.

Spot on BW.

[P/T Indie]

Also do we still have Piggot? What was the point in bringing him in on loan he has never played

[KenH]

Also do we still have Piggot? What was the point in bringing him in on loan he has never played

Not quite, he's been brought on as a late sub a couple of times in the usual "throw all the strikers" routine for the last 10 minutes or so. Never been given any real game time in a proper formation. Have to agree, though, what's the point of bringing people in on loan and then ignoring them - surely Jim/Ken have seen prospective players before they're signed up?

[Shrimpy]

Oswell should be given a 10 or so game run in the side now. I don't buy into this "he needs time to adapt to full time football" rubbish. He's been here 4 months now, if he's not up to speed by this point then he never will be. There are countless examples of players who are brought into League clubs from part time football and are playing regular first team football from the start of the season.

We know what Oliver gives us, a presence up front but he doesn't contribute any goals and results during this time don't justify carrying a striker who doesn't score. It's not like he's bringing everyone else into play and creating chances for them which we're scoring with ease.

What do we have to lose by playing Oswell? He might be crap and not score a single goal, even if that's the case we are no worse off than with Oliver playing!

[BerlinWaller]

Oswell should be given a 10 or so game run in the side now. I don't buy into this "he needs time to adapt to full time football" rubbish. He's been here 4 months now, if he's not up to speed by this point then he never will be. There are countless examples of players who are brought into League clubs from part time football and are playing regular first team football from the start of the season.

We know what Oliver gives us, a presence up front but he doesn't contribute any goals and results during this time don't justify carrying a striker who doesn't score. It's not like he's bringing everyone else into play and creating chances for them which we're scoring with ease.

What do we have to lose by playing Oswell? He might be crap and not score a single goal, even if that's the case we are no worse off than with Oliver playing!

Come to Morecambe Jason, we have seen your qualities and your record is really good at that level. Come and be a professional footballer.

You need time to adapt Jason, we don't think you are ready to play at this level despite some bright performances. We are bringing big V back in to the team, you should watch and learn from this lad.

The boy must be fuming

[black morse]

I think he'll start this weekend. We need him to score . Who will they leave out though

[fulwoodshrimp]

They must drop the non-striking striker We desperately need a number 9 who scores goals!!

[BigRedOne]

What's the point in playing Mandy, in my opinion he s had more bad games than good.

[P/T Indie]

Agreed BigRedOne I don't getthe Mandy thing everytime I have seen him I think he has been poor.

[Slanester]

What's the point in playing Mandy, in my opinion he s had more bad games than good.

Agreed BigRedOne I don't getthe Mandy thing everytime I have seen him I think he has been poor.

Everyone has their opinions about football, rightly so, but I must be watching different games to you lads. For me, we are a lesser team without him.

[Andy D]

I agree Oswell needs a chance, he's had long enough now training with the rest if the Lad's and must be fitter than at anytime he was at Stockport, he just needs minutes on the pitch now.

[Little Shrimp]

I understand calls for Oswell and wouldn't mind him getting a run in the side, but I think you a lot of you are missing the point with Oliver. Obviously, the more goals the better but if he's contributing in other ways that are helping his team mates score then it doesn't matter as much. From seeing highlights of the games, he has played a part in his team mate's scoring - he occupies defenders, creates space and has a nice weight of pass about him.

Take Giroud in France's World Cup team as an example. He didn't have a single shot on target (and consequently, zero goals) in the whole tournament but he was an essential part of making the French team click. He provided a valuable out-ball for a tight side, holding the ball up and being able to play in his quicker/more technical strike partners Griezmann and Mbappe.

Obviously, I'm not drawing a direct comparison with us and France but I think it backs up my point. It can be a bit short sighted to just use goals as a singular metric for all strikers, especially with how the game is played currently.

Fair enough if you think his hold up play isn't hacking it, his touch has been poor etc but please, let's understand his role in the side instead of just using the 'goals' argument. It's pretty shallow analysis.

[Andy D]

I understand calls for Oswell and wouldn't mind him getting a run in the side, but I think you a lot of you are missing the point with Oliver. Obviously, the more goals the better but if he's contributing in other ways that are helping his team mates score then it doesn't matter as much. From seeing highlights of the games, he has played a part in his team mate's scoring - he occupies defenders, creates space and has a nice weight of pass about him.

Take Giroud in France's World Cup team as an example. He didn't have a single shot on target (and consequently, zero goals) in the whole tournament but he was an essential part of making the French team click. He provided a valuable out-ball for a tight side, holding the ball up and being able to play in his quicker/more technical strike partners Griezmann and Mbappe.

Obviously, I'm not drawing a direct comparison with us and France but I think it backs up my point. It can be a bit short sighted to just use goals as a singular metric for all strikers, especially with how the game is played currently.

Fair enough if you think his hold up play isn't hacking it, his touch has been poor etc but please, let's understand his role in the side instead of just using the 'goals' argument. It's pretty shallow analysis.

i dont mind Oliver and see your point.

But Oswell is also a target man type player, 6.2ft??? difference being he looks hungry and has an impressive goal record all be it at a lower level, Jim beat a lot of clubs for his signature, so lets see what he's made of.

[KenH]

I understand calls for Oswell and wouldn't mind him getting a run in the side, but I think you a lot of you are missing the point with Oliver. Obviously, the more goals the better but if he's contributing in other ways that are helping his team mates score then it doesn't matter as much. From seeing highlights of the games, he has played a part in his team mate's scoring - he occupies defenders, creates space and has a nice weight of pass about him.

No, we're not missing the point at all - we know all of what you're saying. The thing is that when he does get the opportunities, he doesn't take them, i.e. constantly being a split second too late to tap/head in crosses. And his team mates aren't scoring either whilst he's occupying the defence. So for both reasons, it's failing. May not be his "fault" as such, but as a team, the philosophy isn't a success. Change is needed.

[P/T Indie]

I agree Ken H with both I think a better striker would time his runs a bit better and maybe to get the odd half chance.

Also if we haven't scored past Halifax in 180mins he can't be occupying their defenders to much.