Interesting to read comments. Most posters seem broadly to agree . Joanna's lifted offload is a bit harsh on some but inarguably to the point.
I am glad that posters are beginning to pick up on the Coyleishness of NL's selections,decisions and utterances. Personally, as I was with Coyle and Freedman I want to reserve judgment unti a pre season has passed and also next season . And the pressure of injuries and the budget has been harsh.
NL is not like with DF. He rotates the team capriciously and to a fault but he does what he says in the run up, DF never did what he said he would and didn't change the team tactically or in personnel ahead of anything. But he does have blind spots. No way should Feeney have been selected after the improvement without him at Ipswich. And if Le Fondre was on Saturday frankly terrible it didn't make Heskey good. Yes he won the ball sometimes and yes he laid it off sometimes..but to Feeney- what's the point in that? And he is so slow. He presents no threat of scoring whatever and is only valuable in short bursts
Eidur on the other hand is very willing and can link up play well if he has support. But NL burnt him out on Tuesday. OK that was the more winnable game in my view and in hindsight but too much was asked of and given by our one experienced class player.
NL to his great credit is not afraid to go with youth. Walker has done well and was OK on Saturday too. Clough,Vela and by the end of the season perhaps others of our young players too?thers and the best have had consecutive chances. He has rewarded Amos's form( He's seriously good!) And if that is a bit impulsive it's commendable . And drawing a key relegation scrap away on a terrible pitch horrible to watch though it was is not the worst game played under NL. And with Ipswich in the locker more promise is apparent. Rochina adds something
I as posters know thought Trotter adequate on Saturday. In some unattractive ways I thought he had his best game, certainly his most committed. But that said I will not be devastated if he and Feeney are omitted from now on and if Bannan plays like that again ditto- he was insignificant throughout .
NL is not the Messiah. He must accept responsibility for these late goals - even if only spotting three down to Feeney, two (one with Feeney) Hall and two Ream - with Trotter and/orBannan wall. Was it necessary to ship Spearing out in Jan ? Long term maybe but his battling qualities are badly missed. And he needs to realise the glaring defensive weaknesses of Mills and Ream plus the attacking potential of Ream.In my opinion NL is mixing up mistakes with moments of inspiration. His passion is obvious and he's honest and fairly open. If he stays a bright future could beckon. But it's not guaranteed!
