Saint Garrett Posted 8 July, 2011 Share Posted 8 July, 2011 Was spoke about briefly on the transfer speculation thread but I'm interested to see what other people's thoughts are on this. With us signing Cork (super signing) whats going to happen with our centre midfield?? We have Schneiderlin (france u21) and Cork (england u21) Hammond (captain) and Chaplow (NPC & Prem experience) Who would your choice be ? I believe Hammond does enough to warrant his place and I think a lot of his breaking up play goes unoticed. He had a superb second half of the season and is clearly well liked in the team. Schneiderlin is absolute class IMO and could play in the prem. His distribution is superb and also has began to get tackles in and reads the game very well picking up a lot of loose balls. Chaplow - yes wreckless at times but he was brought in to do that job. He gave us something extra when he came in last year and some of his performances were superb last year (special mentions to Brighton away & Man Utd home). Form slumped a bit once he signed permanently but deserved his place in the team. Cork.....???? Superb for us in our 'dark days' and played in the NPC for a good few years now. A very talented player (although admitably I've not seen too much of him in the last few seasons. Seemed to be playing a bit more of an advanced role to what I remember him playing for us. Good options for us, and a nice problem for Adkins to have to deal with no doubt, though i'm sure it will be a very tough game to choose who is going to start on 6th August against Leeds. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mitch01 Posted 8 July, 2011 Share Posted 8 July, 2011 Schneiderlin and Cork have the most ability. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saint Garrett Posted 8 July, 2011 Author Share Posted 8 July, 2011 But do they compliment eachother well enough to have a good partnership. Sometimes the best players wont be the best option. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
barney_b64 Posted 8 July, 2011 Share Posted 8 July, 2011 I think we may start playing 3 in the middle more in the championship, especially away from home, with the better quality teams we will be playing. In which case I would envisage whichever 3 are fit/in best form playing with Lallana/AOC/Guly in hole behind strikers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saint Garrett Posted 8 July, 2011 Author Share Posted 8 July, 2011 I certainly could see .........Morgan...Cork............ Ox...........Guly...........Lallana ...........Lambert............... Just think may lack pace like that, maybe Lambert in the hole and new quick striker? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saint Charlie Posted 8 July, 2011 Share Posted 8 July, 2011 It's a squad game, we will probably see all four play important roles within the first 10 games. Guly would be effective as an attacking central midfielder in a 3 I think. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SaintAndy14 Posted 8 July, 2011 Share Posted 8 July, 2011 This excites me a lot to see 4 very impressive CMs and gives big Nige a superb problem to have! If Hammond continues as captain then I would imagine he would be a starter, and Cork will surely be a first team player. Agree with barney above that we may opt to play 3 of them across the midfield on occasions. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saint_lambden Posted 8 July, 2011 Share Posted 8 July, 2011 I think most agree that it should be a Schneiderlin-Cork but it's more a case of will Adkins drop Deano with him being captain? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
S-Clarke Posted 8 July, 2011 Share Posted 8 July, 2011 I think most agree that it should be a Schneiderlin-Cork but it's more a case of will Adkins drop Deano with him being captain? They will all be used in some way or another, just as they were last year. I expect we'll go 4-5-1 in some games, 4-4-2 in others etc Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saint Garrett Posted 8 July, 2011 Author Share Posted 8 July, 2011 My choice would be Hammond +1. Though I believe that Cork and Schneiderlin are good enough to be first choice. It will probably differ depending on the opposition. Difficult decisions...maybe he's hoping one of them is injured Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SuperMikey Posted 8 July, 2011 Share Posted 8 July, 2011 Cork + Schneiderlin. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whizzpop Posted 8 July, 2011 Share Posted 8 July, 2011 It's certainly the best midfield since I can remember...perhaps for 10 years or so when we had Anders Svensson, Oakley, and Delap. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saintpat Posted 8 July, 2011 Share Posted 8 July, 2011 If Jack plays rb, then this discussion doesn't matter much! I favour a 4-2-3-1 line up, I think that gives us the best chance of utilizing the current squad. Adkins is always talking about the whole squad winning games and there will be games where Hammond and Schneiderlin will be more effective than my first choice of Schneiderlin and Cork. I think the 1st game against Leeds may well be one of those. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dellman Posted 8 July, 2011 Share Posted 8 July, 2011 No one seems to think of Oxo giving pace down the middle, playing off Lambert, I'd like to see it given a go, reckon Oxo would get a hatful Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saint Garrett Posted 8 July, 2011 Author Share Posted 8 July, 2011 But if he played there, who would play RM and where/how would Guly/Lambert/Barnard/Lallana fit in ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Glasgow_Saint Posted 8 July, 2011 Share Posted 8 July, 2011 Stick with Schneiderlin and Hammond and play Cork at CB with Fonte? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SuperMikey Posted 8 July, 2011 Share Posted 8 July, 2011 Why would Cork join us to play out of position? He is a CM, and he almost certainly would have had other offers had he waited a week or so to play at CM for another club. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cabrone Posted 8 July, 2011 Share Posted 8 July, 2011 Chaplow + Cork for me. If Cork does the defensive duty it should allow Chaplow to go forwards a lot more. Hammond and Schneiderlin kept as backup. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andy_Porter Posted 8 July, 2011 Share Posted 8 July, 2011 Cork and Schneiderlin in a 4-4-2 at home, add Hammond into the mix for away games and play with five in midfield. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dronskisaint Posted 8 July, 2011 Share Posted 8 July, 2011 I certainly could see .........Morgan...Cork............ Ox...........Guly...........Lallana ...........Lambert............... Just think may lack pace like that, maybe Lambert in the hole and new quick striker? Stop now...I'm drooling! I want the season to start tomorrow:nod: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Avenue Saint Posted 8 July, 2011 Share Posted 8 July, 2011 Morgan and cork. No competition. Hammond not rated Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rebel Posted 8 July, 2011 Share Posted 8 July, 2011 I have a feeling he's going to play Cork at centreback Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aintforever Posted 8 July, 2011 Share Posted 8 July, 2011 Hammond and Cork. I don't get the Schneiderlin love in, I thought we played our best football last year when he was sat on the treatment table. After he got injured in the walsall game our stats were played 15, won 13, draw 1, lost 1. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
L1Minus10 Posted 8 July, 2011 Share Posted 8 July, 2011 Hammond and Cork. I don't get the Schneiderlin love in, I thought we played our best football last year when he was sat on the treatment table. After he got injured in the walsall game our stats were played 15, won 13, draw 1, lost 1. Totally agree. Schneiderlin has most ability and is also the least effective. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saint Charlie Posted 8 July, 2011 Share Posted 8 July, 2011 I have a feeling he's going to play Cork at centreback On Saints Player Adkins definetly talking about Cork as a midfielder. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matthew Le God Posted 8 July, 2011 Share Posted 8 July, 2011 Hammond and Cork. I don't get the Schneiderlin love in Because technically he is a better player than Chaplow and Hammond. Passing, control, vision, etc even tackling! After he got injured in the walsall game our stats were played 15, won 13, draw 1, lost 1. That doesn't mean it is solely down to him playing or not playing. Your stats are also wrong, as he played against Walsall at St Mary's and against Plymouth at Home Park. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
itchen_dan Posted 8 July, 2011 Share Posted 8 July, 2011 On Saints Player Adkins definetly talking about Cork as a midfielder. Yep, said he was his number 1 midfield target. Would be a waste of talent at CB or RB unless we had injuries there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matthew Le God Posted 8 July, 2011 Share Posted 8 July, 2011 I have a feeling he's going to play Cork at centreback If he wanted a centre back - he would buy a centre back, not buy a good midfielder and shoe horn him into being a centre back (even if he has played there briefly in the past). In any case I don't think Cork would make a great centre back, he doesn't have enough physical presence and if you have Fonte in the team you need a ball winning partner alongside him in the Jaidi mould. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joesaint Posted 8 July, 2011 Share Posted 8 July, 2011 I certainly could see .........Morgan...Cork............ Ox...........Guly...........Lallana ...........Lambert............... Just think may lack pace like that, maybe Lambert in the hole and new quick striker? Wow, that looks great, pace is on the wings, with Guly and Lambert running to the box! Nice I actullay feel we are going to play 4 3 3 alot more. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ulstersaint Posted 8 July, 2011 Share Posted 8 July, 2011 Just very pleased that Gobern has been replaced by Cork - a genuine improvement to our midfield options. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charlie Wayman Posted 8 July, 2011 Share Posted 8 July, 2011 I certainly could see .........Morgan...Cork............ Ox...........Guly...........Lallana ...........Lambert............... Just think may lack pace like that, maybe Lambert in the hole and new quick striker? My choice too - Guly IS the fast man Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aintforever Posted 8 July, 2011 Share Posted 8 July, 2011 Because technically he is a better player than Chaplow and Hammond. Passing, control, vision, etc even tackling! That doesn't mean it is solely down to him playing or not playing. Your stats are also wrong, as he played against Walsall at St Mary's and against Plymouth at Home Park. He's technically a good player but is a bit of a show pony for me. He's no threat going forward, he's not the battling ball winning type. I thought Hammond and Chaplow formed a much more effective partnership. Schneiderlin will improve though he's still young. Stats were not wrong, I just gave the results after the Walsall game. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Channon's Sideburns Posted 8 July, 2011 Share Posted 8 July, 2011 It's certainly the best midfield since I can remember...perhaps for 10 years or so when we had Anders Svensson, Oakley, and Delap. There are many occasions such as this when I'm glad I grew up watching Stevie Williams, Bally, Jimmy Case, Cockerill, Townsend, Holmes et all. When the three names above are mentioned in that context it makes me realise how lucky we once were. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Avenue Saint Posted 8 July, 2011 Share Posted 8 July, 2011 For me, there are 4 players that the next few seasons the team has to be built around. These are fonte, Morgan, lallana and lambert. If ox stays massive bonus but above four are crucial. To those who undervalue, schneiderlin, in a league of thumpers and bruisers, Hammond maybe able to do a job but the champ and prem are different places where quality will be the fundamental factor. Lallana and Morgan are the two single most talented players in the league. Am gratefull for hammonds gutsy performances towards end of last season but don't tell me he brings more to the team than Morgan. Not in the champ. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roger Posted 8 July, 2011 Share Posted 8 July, 2011 He's technically a good player but is a bit of a show pony for me. He's no threat going forward, he's not the battling ball winning type. I thought Hammond and Chaplow formed a much more effective partnership. Schneiderlin will improve though he's still young. Stats were not wrong, I just gave the results after the Walsall game. I thought we won those game sinspite of hammond and chaplow not becuase of. Morgan was mom in the last game he is class and should be first choice imo. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chez Posted 8 July, 2011 Share Posted 8 July, 2011 I certainly could see .........Morgan...Cork............ Ox...........Guly...........Lallana ...........Lambert............... Just think may lack pace like that, maybe Lambert in the hole and new quick striker? the problem is tha both Lmabert and Guly play the same game - dropping into the hole. They eat each others space, don't turn defedners and don't make full backs work for a living. They don't work together. Lambert needs someone in front of him running on the shoulder of the last defender. Someone else suggested Cork and Chaplow. Can't see tha myself. Chaplow is a free runner and that requires a crab behind him. That role is not one Cork wants to play. He likes to get up and down. If Chaplow plays then Morgan or Hammond must be the other partner. As for playing Chamberlain up front, I've no problem with that, but filling that right midfield berth is tough. Guly is not the answer, especially defensively as he ball watches and struggles positionally. Unless we sign a winger then Chamberlain should be left to learn his trade out there as he does a fantastic job. I don't understand anyone that doesn't see what Morgan offers. He still has to prove he can do it at NPC level, but questioning what he did last season is madness. He was a class above any central midfielder in league 1. We were fortunate to have such good players to make up for losing him to injury, but on his return he was the stand out player immediately. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimbojones10 Posted 8 July, 2011 Share Posted 8 July, 2011 cork + morgan easily Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DrunkenSaint Posted 8 July, 2011 Share Posted 8 July, 2011 -------morgan----- cork------ hammond----- --------------oxo--------lallana----- ----------------lambert------------- oxo and lallana can go wide when they feel letting 2 midfielders come into box late. Morgan for me is class, easily better than hammond and cork is a better version of hammond does all the same things but better but since he is captain ( i think fonte should be ) he'll be in the team so this is formation has our 3 best midfielders in it and AL in a more attacking role which is his best role. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aintforever Posted 8 July, 2011 Share Posted 8 July, 2011 I thought we won those game sinspite of hammond and chaplow not becuase of. Morgan was mom in the last game he is class and should be first choice imo. You must be joking, I thought Chaplow was a breath of fresh air when he came in. At last a midfielder who actually makes forward runs. Him and Hammond dove-tailed really well. Schneiderlin has ability, but 1 goal in about 100 apps tells the story. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
krissyboy31 Posted 8 July, 2011 Share Posted 8 July, 2011 I don't think there will be a first choice pairing. I can see plenty of rotation between the four of them depending on opposition, formation and if playing home and away. The 1 or 2 that doesn't play will be on the bench and all 4 will probably end up with something like 35 appearances each. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chez Posted 8 July, 2011 Share Posted 8 July, 2011 (edited) You must be joking, I thought Chaplow was a breath of fresh air when he came in. At last a midfielder who actually makes forward runs. Him and Hammond dove-tailed really well. Schneiderlin has ability, but 1 goal in about 100 apps tells the story. Chaplow certainly was refreshing, but his form dropped massively in the second half of the season. This 1 goal in however many games means ****. Makalele was first choice midfielder for Real Madrid, Chelsea and France and he didn't score goals. So long as the side is scoring it doesn't matter who gets them. I wonder of our goals per game average is lower (over the last 2 seasons) with Morgan playing? Somehow I doubt it. Can I ask whether you went to up to Franchise when Ricky got his hatrick? I don't think I've seen a more dominant CM performance for Saints than on that day Edited 9 July, 2011 by Chez Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aintforever Posted 9 July, 2011 Share Posted 9 July, 2011 I wonder of our goals per game average is lower (over the last 2 seasons) with Morgan playing? Somehow I doubt it. Last season with Schneiderlin starting: Played 27, Won 12, Draw 5, Lost 10 Last season without Schneiderlin starting: Played 26, Won 21, Draw 3, Lost 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saint Thomas Posted 9 July, 2011 Share Posted 9 July, 2011 I don't think there will be a first choice pairing. I can see plenty of rotation between the four of them depending on opposition, formation and if playing home and away. The 1 or 2 that doesn't play will be on the bench and all 4 will probably end up with something like 35 appearances each. This for me - I mean, who is first choice CM pairing for Man U? It depends on the oppositions, fitness, how they've performed in training, etc - they'll all get game time, and which two work best together will probably emerge throughout the season, rather than being immediately obvious. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SaintBobby Posted 9 July, 2011 Share Posted 9 July, 2011 Schneiderlin sometimes flatters to deceive. But has incredible innate talent. I hope next year really can be his breakthrough season. Hammond is okay, but is now 3rd or even 4th as my CM choices. I think we need a new captain. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eelpie Posted 9 July, 2011 Share Posted 9 July, 2011 I always felt that we did best when Dean played a blinder, and we were worst when he was off form. Just an observation, but if so, it says that Hammond is and has been a massive player for us, had a great end to the season, but he's not always consistent. So the Cork/Hammond competition is going to be fascinating to watch. I'm sure Hammond will up his game. Of course they may not necessary be competing for the same place. It will depend on tactics. I can't wait for the season. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Miltonroadboy Posted 9 July, 2011 Share Posted 9 July, 2011 No one has mentioned Holmes yet - surely not another injury waiting to happen before writing off another season? Or has he moved on - if so missed that. Have got to say though when he did play those couple of games last year he did look as if he has something to offer - can cross well and good going forward. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NickG Posted 9 July, 2011 Share Posted 9 July, 2011 I really hope Holmes gets fit again and has decent career. Anyone who saw his reaction on the pitch after the last injury could see he doesn't want to hide on treatment table. I saw him at one of the kids community things. He was in a lot of pain standing. Spent a lot of time talking and posing for pics with the kids - only when they were not around did he let pain show and have a quiet whinge. Decent guy and talented but still not delivering. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clifford Nelson Posted 9 July, 2011 Share Posted 9 July, 2011 Eveybody who thinks that Hammond will play a bit part this season will be surprised. It's not for nothing his has played all games he has been fit for with the captains armband. The fight is amongst the other three, whether you like it or not. I also hope to see Holmes back, but he will warm the bench. Whoever it was who thought that he would be RM if we sold OXO needs to understand that Holmes is a left footed player. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sammysaint Posted 10 July, 2011 Share Posted 10 July, 2011 I think NA has done something very smart its all down to who we play and form etc are midfield looks at the moment with AOC still here the best in this league for depth im going to blab a bit so excuse any spelling and grammar but il try and get my point across. I think NAs plan is this being a coach this is what i would do is play players depending on there match up if you know were playing a slow but decent LB you have to use AOC and Lallana on the wings if were playing a team where Lamberts going to win most the balls in there air you have to have Holmes and Lallana as there crossing is better then AOC. if were playing a top team in form and NA feels we need to counter attack he would go for MS and Cork Midfield, if we playing a team we need to attack i reckon Hammond and Chaplow will play. If we play a team with a BIG CF whos slightly slow we would have RJ partner Fonte where as if we have a quicker striker playing us, Fonte would have Seabourne or Martin same as LB AND RB, playing teams we need to attack were have Frazer and Harding teams we need to defend against Butterfield and Dickson will probs play I think our squad is looking very good our bench players would get in the bottom 4/5 teams of this league and our best players could start for one of the poor prem teams. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cabrone Posted 10 July, 2011 Share Posted 10 July, 2011 Last season with Schneiderlin starting: Played 27, Won 12, Draw 5, Lost 10 Last season without Schneiderlin starting: Played 26, Won 21, Draw 3, Lost 2 Yes, he's distinctly average and would be my 4th choice out of the 4 of them. That said he is young so he may yet develop into a decent player but to do that I'd would like to see him pick up the ball from defence, bring it up and distribute it into dangerous areas far more often than he does. Sorry but easy square passes in the middle of the park don't do it for me. Nothing against the lad, just saying what I see and I'd just like to add that I really hope Morgan does become the player a lot on here think he already is. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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