Guly Up Front

[Son of Bob]

From what I've seen in the last few games I think it's time to give Guly a run of games up front. Connolly has been largely ineffective of late and De Ridder looks good enough to be given a start on the wing.

 

I thought he looked great playing slightly deeper behind Lambert and given time to settle in that role he could score for fun. I reckon he'd thrive on those quick one-two's we seem to like playing so much.

[Jack]

Worth dropping Nigel an email IMO

[carljack]

From what I've seen in the last few games I think it's time to give Guly a run of games up front. Connolly has been largely ineffective of late and De Ridder looks good enough to be given a start on the wing.

 

I thought he looked great playing slightly deeper behind Lambert and given time to settle in that role he could score for fun. I reckon he'd thrive on those quick one-two's we seem to like playing so much.

 

Good shout,I was lucky enough to witness Guly Rip Huddersfield to shreds from the "Hole" position at St Marys last season, even though he runs like an inspector gadget Carlton Palmer Hybrid.Alongside Adam Llana he is our most creative player who can unpick a tight defence with one flick or pass,he is quality but a little frustrating at times.

[jamesb]

I would like to see this combo on Saturday too. Round pegs in round holes and all that!

[The Kraken]

I think the return of Barnard would be a better option, myself.

[Son of Bob]

I think the return of Barnard would be a better option, myself.

 

I'm not convinced. I don't think he'll be fully match fit for a while and in any case, given the chance, I think Guly has a genuine shout at being first choice up front alongside Ricky. He's certainly not a natural winger that's for sure.

[Saint_clark]

He was in his best form for us last season whilst playing up front.

[shurlock]

With DC's current form, have thought for a while Guly should be playing upfront with Lambert and its worth remembering he did against Watford.

 

Guess the question is what you do with the right -stick SDR there? Assuming Lallana returns, move Chaplow over? Or something else? SDR did himself no favours yesterday but with Boro [robably looking to stifle us, SDR is still a genuine threat to take the game to them. But its a risk -and maybe NA will play it safe with Guly and DC (who hasn't become a bad player overnight and is probably better suited for home games where the opposition plays a bit deeper).

Edited 26 October, 2011 by shurlock

[The Kraken]

I'm not convinced. I don't think he'll be fully match fit for a while and in any case, given the chance, I think Guly has a genuine shout at being first choice up front alongside Ricky. He's certainly not a natural winger that's for sure.

 

I'm hopeful that Barnard can't be too far away from match fitness; he seemed to get through his 20 minutes on the pitch last night ok. And given that Connolly seems incapable of playing for any longer than 60 minutes at a time, I don't think Barnard can be too far away from giving us at least that.

 

I'm really not a fan of Guly up front, I think he plays his best when running on to the ball and much less so when back to goal and holding the ball up.

[itchen_dan]

We were playing our free flowing best last season when Guly was playing just off of Lambert and linking the play between the lines. His touches and flicks are much more useful when up top ie. his flick v Reading was top quality and with De Ridder on the right making the same kind of runs we would have plenty of flair going forward.

[Raging Bull]

From what I've seen in the last few games I think it's time to give Guly a run of games up front. Connolly has been largely ineffective of late and De Ridder looks good enough to be given a start on the wing.

 

I thought he looked great playing slightly deeper behind Lambert and given time to settle in that role he could score for fun. I reckon he'd thrive on those quick one-two's we seem to like playing so much.

 

I've been hoping for this for the last few matches with a midfield of AL DH MS & RC.

[damers]

He was in his best form for us last season whilst playing up front.

 

This

[david in sweden]

From what I've seen in the last few games I think it's time to give Guly a run of games up front. Connolly has been largely ineffective of late and De Ridder looks good enough to be given a start on the wing.

 

I thought he looked great playing slightly deeper behind Lambert and given time to settle in that role he could score for fun. I reckon he'd thrive on those quick one-two's we seem to like playing so much.

 

ABSOLUTELY !

 

I wrote the same thought on one thread a few days ago.

Guly looks to be a real handful, maybe a bit clumsy but has good ball skills and is highly unpredictable. It's a great chance to let him lead the line and show his talents.

 

Connolly still has a place in the squad IMO and ought to do his " impact sub. role" coming on with 20 mins. left and scoring the winning goal.

[Silvercherry Saint]

From what I've seen in the last few games I think it's time to give Guly a run of games up front. Connolly has been largely ineffective of late and De Ridder looks good enough to be given a start on the wing.

 

I thought he looked great playing slightly deeper behind Lambert and given time to settle in that role he could score for fun. I reckon he'd thrive on those quick one-two's we seem to like playing so much.

 

I agree with most of what you said.

 

I think we've got to give Guly a bit of credit. He has been played in a fair few different positions and not kicked up a fuss. Also in his time with us, he has managed to stay fit and has hardly been injured. I believe he has done a pretty good job on the right. I agree he was quite frustrating against Reading and doesn't always look naturally at home on the right, but he has done a good job for the team. I'm sure when he was given a run last season, just behind lambert he chipped in with quite a run of goals.

[Clifford Nelson]

With Guly you will get somebody who genuinely plays in the hole and who keeps everybody constantly involved with one-touches and through balls. You don't get that when he plays on the right, when his natural game, with plenty of involvement on the ball, is stifled. But with him partnering RL, you don't get two strikers up front. There is a choice to be made regarding type of play, and NA seems to prefer two genuine out-and-out strikers.

 

You can't compare him with either Connolly or Barnard, who are both playing a completely different, and in some ways a much simpler, game.

[shurlock]

With Guly you will get somebody who genuinely plays in the hole and who keeps everybody constantly involved with one-touches and through balls. You don't get that when he plays on the right, when his natural game, with plenty of involvement on the ball, is stifled. But with him partnering RL, you don't get two strikers up front. There is a choice to be made regarding type of play, and NA seems to prefer two genuine out-and-out strikers.

 

You can't compare him with either Connolly or Barnard, who are both playing a completely different, and in some ways a much simpler, game.

 

Problem is that whenever Guly has played with Lambert, he goes further forward and is expected to trouble defenses with his pace or movement. There is only one place for someone in the hole making things tick and that goes to Lambert. Not saying Guly and Lambert can't play together as last season's stats showed but they are quite similar and with Guly, its again a case of fitting a square peg into a round hole.

[david in sweden]

Most of us seem to agree, it's worth a try..we need some different formula to crack the 'Boro defence.

[Deano6]

Ok, it seems we're all agreed. Who's going to break it to Nigel?

[Clifford Nelson]

Problem is that whenever Guly has played with Lambert, he goes further forward and is expected to trouble defenses with his pace or movement. There is only one place for someone in the hole making things tick and that goes to Lambert. Not saying Guly and Lambert can't play together as last season's stats showed but they are quite similar and with Guly, its again a case of fitting a square peg into a round hole.

 

We've obviously been watching different games.

[shurlock]

We've obviously been watching different games.

 

Guly likes playing in the hole and its his natural position; but alongside Lambert, I dont think he's genuinely been given the chance.

[Pancake]

Guly likes playing in the hole.

 

Titter....

[up and away]

Problem is that whenever Guly has played with Lambert, he goes further forward and is expected to trouble defenses with his pace or movement. There is only one place for someone in the hole making things tick and that goes to Lambert. Not saying Guly and Lambert can't play together as last season's stats showed but they are quite similar and with Guly, its again a case of fitting a square peg into a round hole.

 

The square peg is the problem, both Lambert and Guly will play well in the hole. The problem we have is the absence of a striker with pace to compliment them. Without doubt Guly's best position is in the hole and he easily gets the nod over Lambert for me in that position, but Lambert will just drop back and reverse the whole thing. I know that's Guly's best position, but you cannot argue with the results Adkins has had playing 442 with Guly on the wing. I know we are not playing at our best at the moment, but I can see no reason to change until the second half, should it demand.

 

It's the midfield again that will determine the result, get control and we should be ok with the normal set up. If Middlesbrough effectively push up their back four as we have seen teams do away from home against us, we will need to try something different then. Even if it means bringing on De Ridder, someone I would use as impact in the second half.

[Window Cleaner]

I would like to see him play there tomorrow with Chappy out on the right,gives us a bit more oomph when we're on the defensive as well.

 

Couldn't say what the side will actually be though because NA doesn't seem to appreciate that system, we don't know if Adam is fit and of course there's the imponderable CM situation.

 

My team for tomorrow would be (assuming AL is fit to start)

 

 

Davis

Richardson

Fonte

Jos

Fox

Any 2 of Morgan/Hammond/Cork

Chappy

AL

Guly

Rickie.

[shurlock]

The square peg is the problem, both Lambert and Guly will play well in the hole. The problem we have is the absence of a striker with pace to compliment them. Without doubt Guly's best position is in the hole and he easily gets the nod over Lambert for me in that position, but Lambert will just drop back and reverse the whole thing. I know that's Guly's best position, but you cannot argue with the results Adkins has had playing 442 with Guly on the wing. I know we are not playing at our best at the moment, but I can see no reason to change until the second half, should it demand.

 

It's the midfield again that will determine the result, get control and we should be ok with the normal set up. If Middlesbrough effectively push up their back four as we have seen teams do away from home against us, we will need to try something different then. Even if it means bringing on De Ridder, someone I would use as impact in the second half.

 

Agree- I don't think playing Guly on the right is a massive problem at home, especially as he already gets license to cut inside (he's not a winger). Teams don't come to St.Marys looking to push up, so while pace is important, its possibly not as important as in away games. For me, the issue is not where Guly plays but whether you gamble with SDR or stick with DC. At home, its a close one; away, SDR possibly has more to offer in absence of pace elsewhere in the side.

[fanimal]

This would be a no brainer if Alex was still in the team wouldnt it? Time to get SDR on from the start, especially against teams that you know will park the proverbial bus!

[SNSUN]

Connolly had his rest in midweek, I think NA will start with him as usual, but yes, I would like to see De Ridder be given a run on the wing to see what he can do. (Which would mean pushing Gools up front.)

 

Incidentally, hypothetically, could you imagine a central midfield of Guly and Chaplow? If both were to take their proper positions, I feel we'd ship goals.

[Window Cleaner]

Connolly had his rest in midweek, I think NA will start with him as usual, but yes, I would like to see De Ridder be given a run on the wing to see what he can do. (Which would mean pushing Gools up front.)

 

Incidentally, hypothetically, could you imagine a central midfield of Guly and Chaplow? If both were to take their proper positions, I feel we'd ship goals.

 

Too true, in my opinion Chaplow is very limited defensively,we're far better off with him operating further forward.

[david in sweden]

Guly likes playing in the hole and its his natural position; but alongside Lambert, I dont think he's genuinely been given the chance.

 

surely NA would say that's what a " squad game " is all about. When you have players, injured, suspended or " off-form " you need to try alternatives.

 

If Guly has learnt what the offside rule means in Engalnd, then he'll be OK but the 'Boro defence is the best in this league and Mowbray is no mug , so we need some sort of a change around to crack their defence..at least for this game, and it may need more than a Ricky Lambert spot kick to seal a win.

[derry]

Looks like Guly is up front today (thevman)

[Jonnyboy]

From what I've seen in the last few games I think it's time to give Guly a run of games up front. Connolly has been largely ineffective of late and De Ridder looks good enough to be given a start on the wing.

 

I thought he looked great playing slightly deeper behind Lambert and given time to settle in that role he could score for fun. I reckon he'd thrive on those quick one-two's we seem to like playing so much.

 

*doffs cap*

[Lighthouse]

Sh*t idea. Will never work.

[Son of Bob]

Do I get paid a consultancy fee!

[dubai_phil]

From what I've seen in the last few games I think it's time to give Guly a run of games up front. Connolly has been largely ineffective of late and De Ridder looks good enough to be given a start on the wing.

 

I thought he looked great playing slightly deeper behind Lambert and given time to settle in that role he could score for fun. I reckon he'd thrive on those quick one-two's we seem to like playing so much.

 

 

We are not worthy

[saints-cris]

He was so **** upfront he came off after 55 mins. Pffft

[alpine_saint]

Hang on, Connolly p*ssed in your pool a little though, didnt he ?

 

Maybe Connolly should be used as an impact sub; a double-change with SDR at the same time when we need a little boost.

[Deano6]

Ok, it seems we're all agreed. Who's going to break it to Nigel?

 

I did it in the end chaps. He said he was surprised he hadn't thought of it before, makes perfect sense.

 

I'd appreciate it if someone else could take over the mantle in coming weeks though.

[Son of Bob]

I've just has a call from St Marys. They want me to be Assistant Manager or something? What should I do?

[shurlock]

I've just has a call from St Marys. They want me to be Assistant Manager or something? What should I do?

 

Join the queue behind all the others who were calling for something similar well before you.

[Son of Bob]

Join the queue behind all the others who were calling for something similar well before you.

 

Oh dear. You need to take yourself a little less seriously my friend.

[Jonnyboy]

Join the queue behind all the others who were calling for something similar well before you.

 

oooooohhh! handbags!

[up and away]

Originally Posted by Son of Bob

I've just has a call from St Marys. They want me to be Assistant Manager or something? What should I do?

 

Join the queue behind all the others who were calling for something similar well before you.

 

It just worked like a dream. i don't know what Boro expected, but they just could not understand or get to grip with it. In my defence I never expected Lallana to be playing but am not so sure this was pivotal, though I hang onto that crumb.

 

Have always thought this is the way we should set up away from home, but this may be a one off to Mowbrays 352. Not going to put my head in the lions mouth arguing tactics with Adkins, what ever he does in the near future.

[david in sweden]

...suppose I must be in the queue , too

I was closer to the mark with my contribition on #13

 

Good call Nigel, hard luck Guly, we're going to slim down the goalposts for the next home game

[AussieDog]

I agree with most of what you said.

 

I think we've got to give Guly a bit of credit. He has been played in a fair few different positions and not kicked up a fuss. Also in his time with us, he has managed to stay fit and has hardly been injured. I believe he has done a pretty good job on the right. I agree he was quite frustrating against Reading and doesn't always look naturally at home on the right, but he has done a good job for the team. I'm sure when he was given a run last season, just behind lambert he chipped in with quite a run of goals.

 

 

Almost spot on! - it wasn't the winner but it was the goal of the game!

[david in sweden]

Almost spot on! - it wasn't the winner but it was the goal of the game!

 

TNX, no big deal but it seemed only common sense to me.

he must be the tallest / one of the tallest front men we have...and he can score goals.

If we use Ricky as a CF /target man he'll get marked out of the game. His roving role creates far more problems than if he played at the top.

 

Guly CAN score goals, and is so inspirational / unpredictable that even his best moves are sometimes lost on others who are expecting " standard " patterns of play. With him (Guly), Lallana and Connolly we have skill in abundance and hopefully much more to come.

 

I'd also include Schneiderlin with that trio - just a shame he doesn't score more often, because he has a great first touch and lots of vision.

Edited 1 November, 2011 by david in sweden

[SNSUN]

Nearly two hattricks in that game too, Guly and Fonte!

 

I think he's won his right to start in the front two, but I think even if he hadn't, that's where he'd have found himself, based IMO on Chaplow's form and the return of Lallana. Chapper HAS to be in the starting XI, and with Lallana reclaiming his position in the left, and Cork/Hammond/ Morgan favoured in the centre, the only spot remaining is on the right.