Would you play Archie Mair in the next game?

[JonnyJonnyRowe 1,036]

Mair or Long?

Barden not an option, he's out on loan, so is Reyes.

[Mr Tea 140]

I'd just trust The Hoff as he can see whats happening on the training ground.

[JonnyJonnyRowe 1,036]

3 minutes ago, Mr Tea said:

I'd just trust The Hoff as he can see whats happening on the training ground.

So Long looks like prime Buffoon at Colney, that's why he's allowed to play with the grown ups on a Saturday? 

I used to look passable at right back for my Saturday league side in front of 50 people and a couple of dogs. Should imagine I'd have had an absolutely mare feeling the pressure of 1000 pairs of eyes and a camera or two on me for Youtube highlights, yet alone 25,000 of them and the Sky red button, I'd argue that there are probably a lot of players who look bloody brilliant in training but can't handle the pressure of a game situation.

Edited November 7, 2024 by JonnyJonnyRowe

[GodlyOtsemobor 2,832]

I'd play the u-16's keeper if it meant long doesn't play anymore. 

[cambridgeshire canary 7,910]

So many are going to be disappointed when Long starts.

[Google Bot 3,993]

He has to change, Long will get pelters at home if he makes another howler and our defence are put under strain with him goal.

I found it interesting to see TNC reaction when Jose gave away the freekick that lead to the second goal, I appreciate that they're not everyones cup of tea but Jack called it well:

 

[Grando 342]

29 minutes ago, cambridgeshire canary said:

So many are going to be disappointed when Long starts.

I think you’re right - I’d be amazed if he drops Long on Saturday. I guess his hope will be to somehow get through the next game with Long and then pray that Gunn is back after the break.

[TheGunnShow 7,459]

I think changing the keeper the match before the international break might cause even more mental problems than it solves. Long's looked a bit nervous and I can see the argument for taking him out of the firing line. However, you're then going to have a really psyched-up new keeper coming in and the defence will still be nervous as they'll have to get used to the new man in a match situation.

Long started nervously with that rash charge against Preston. As I said back then, that was the classic move of a pumped-up replacement who was too eager but counter to better judgement. If you put a youngster like Mair in, who is untested at this level, you risk the same problem yet again. If you're going to go for that change, I'd do it for the first game after an international break and get the first team defence and the new goalie playing together a bit. It's not a replacement for match practice, but it could help them get somewhat accustomed to how the newbie works.

Not to mention for goalies, the only proper cure for the yips - is positive experience during matches. And you don't get that when out of the firing line. At that point the question becomes "should it be in the reserves instead?"

[Google Bot 3,993]

Just now, TheGunnShow said:

I think changing the keeper the match before the international break might cause even more mental problems than it solves.

Depends what mental problems you're concerned about, is it Long's all the group as a whole?   I don't think many of that backline would complain if he was dropped based on performance.  And Long knows the deal as a professional.

I appreciate that doing this earlier has such connotations, but not now.  Not after seeing visibly pissed off team-mates.

[TheGunnShow 7,459]

6 minutes ago, Google Bot said:

Depends what mental problems you're concerned about, is it Long's all the group as a whole?   I don't think many of that backline would complain if he was dropped based on performance.  And Long knows the deal as a professional.

I appreciate that doing this earlier has such connotations, but not now.  Not after seeing visibly pissed off team-mates.

The whole group incl. Long. The outfielders might be irritated at his performance, but if you replace him with a new keeper immediately, you can likewise unsettle a defence as they then have to get used to how the new goalkeeper likes to work. That's why I think if they're going to go for Mair, give him the international break so he can work with some of the defenders at least.

Sure, it's not the same as match practice, but some time getting used to each other might help them gain that extra split-second that makes the difference between successfully defending an attack or not.

Edited November 7, 2024 by TheGunnShow

[Europe_93 51]

By giving Long a new contract recently, I think the decision has already been made.  To drop Long for Mair would mean he is now 3rd choice keeper.  Pretty sure Long will play and witch doctors an all sorts will be brought in to heal Angus before we play again.  Long will get the cup game in Jan, but it is a long way back for him now to restorre his confidence, his team mates, his managers let alone the fanbase.

Generally, you would want your first choice option playing, and a younger player ready to step in.  Perhaps goalkeeper is seen as such a key position that experience is thought necessary... but the case with Long is at odds with our policy to create a pathway for youth.

[GRB2 104]

I think after the last game you probably have to drop Long. I think the backline lost trust in him and I personally thought Cordoba was avoiding every opportunity to pass it back to him against SW. 

[Google Bot 3,993]

53 minutes ago, Europe_93 said:

By giving Long a new contract recently, I think the decision has already been made.  To drop Long for Mair would mean he is now 3rd choice keeper. 

It would if this was done earlier, but for a one-off match before the national break following a poor goal that he let in is simply a decision made on performance isn't it?

[S_81 1,134]

3 hours ago, Mr Tea said:

I'd just trust The Hoff as he can see whats happening on the training ground.

Well that would truly be damning re Mair - given what’s obviously happening on the pitch to Long. 
 

Took Thorup longer than needed to realise Hanley and Duffy don’t work together as a pairing, but he should know by now Long needs to be benched 

[Ulfotto 828]

Is the Pope Catholic?

[JonnyJonnyRowe 1,036]

3 hours ago, Google Bot said:

He has to change, Long will get pelters at home if he makes another howler and our defence are put under strain with him goal.

I found it interesting to see TNC reaction when Jose gave away the freekick that lead to the second goal, I appreciate that they're not everyones cup of tea but Jack called it well:

 

Would it be acceptable for us to run a sweepstake on the date of Chris's eventual trip to Turkey for a hair transplant, if the proceeds of the said sweepstake went to the Big C charity?

[Capt. Pants 5,144]

I can't see Mair coming in for one game.

Ultimately it's Hoff's decision. Goalie's aren't often dropped and I would be very surprised if he does that whilst we have a host of injury problems and suspension to senior players,  and bring in a rooky.

If we play like we did on Tuesday we'll lose anyway even with Gunn in. 

Edited November 7, 2024 by Capt. Pants

[Google Bot 3,993]

5 minutes ago, Capt. Pants said:

Ultimately it's Hoff's decision. Goalie's aren't often dropped and I would be very surprised if he does that whilst we have a host of injury problems

"We heard you cough this morning, George. You feeling ok?"

"Yes boss, drink went down the wrong way that's all"

"Well, just looking out for you, that's all... You look very pale, are you sure you're ok?"

[Jim Smith 2,641]

2 hours ago, TheGunnShow said:

I think changing the keeper the match before the international break might cause even more mental problems than it solves. Long's looked a bit nervous and I can see the argument for taking him out of the firing line. However, you're then going to have a really psyched-up new keeper coming in and the defence will still be nervous as they'll have to get used to the new man in a match situation.

Long started nervously with that rash charge against Preston. As I said back then, that was the classic move of a pumped-up replacement who was too eager but counter to better judgement. If you put a youngster like Mair in, who is untested at this level, you risk the same problem yet again. If you're going to go for that change, I'd do it for the first game after an international break and get the first team defence and the new goalie playing together a bit. It's not a replacement for match practice, but it could help them get somewhat accustomed to how the newbie works.

Not to mention for goalies, the only proper cure for the yips - is positive experience during matches. And you don't get that when out of the firing line. At that point the question becomes "should it be in the reserves instead?"

He has not looked “a bit nervous” he is a complete liability who is costing us around two goals per game. It’s also unsettling the defence who clearly have no faith in him. 

This should not even be a debate, we cannot afford not to drop him in my view as we won’t win a game with him in goal.

I don’t care about getting him out of the yips as it’s not like he’s proven previously that he’s a great keeper and is just going through a bad patch. He was rubbish last season, Millwall fans told us he is rubbish. He’s just a rubbish keeper who is not remotely good enough to play for us, even as number two. 

 

[Google Bot 3,993]

"Swindon lot just called George, some HR nonsense about squad rotations.. "

[NewNestCarrow 303]

Today's Presser has some interesting words from the Head Coach, in particular the principle of collective responsibility and why finger-pointing & blame & emotions do not drive his decision-making.

Folk who think they know footballers better than those inside the game won't listen, or care, or even imagine that they might be wrong, but others might.

You're welcome.

[Walcombe canary 82]

Why not start Mair ? Maybe Long himself needs the break / to be dropped.. A good game or bad game for Mair, and there is a 2 week break to make the next decision / re-assess

What if Mair is excellent ? When or How do we find out ?

 

[Capt. Pants 5,144]

4 hours ago, cambridgeshire canary said:

So many are going to be disappointed when Long starts.

You might be right there. I hope it doesn't impact atmosphere in the stadium. Our 'boys' need all the support they can get.

Same applies to Crnac.

[shefcanary 3,061]

10 minutes ago, Walcombe canary said:

What if Mair is excellent ? When or How do we find out ?

I think this is where we are, unfortunately for Long! 

How good is Mair in a match game setting? Seemed okay last season when out on loan. Long doesn't look anywhere near okay currently. Or ever, it seems, talking to my Blades friends who say they did somersaults of joy when he was sold to 'ull.

[rock bus 1,098]

Whilst I can sort of understand the point of not changing for one last game (presuming Gunn is definitely going to be back)

 what message does that send to the rest of the squad? Can’t believe any other player would keep his place after such disastrous mistakes.

Up to this point I’ve admired JHTs strong approach when faced with difficult decisions eg dropping Hanley, playing fisher, subbing two players at half time etc.

 But if he allows long to continue (or even remain as our number two) then it’s a sign of weak management which may get picked up on by members of the squad. That’s a slippery slope for a young and relatively inexperienced manager.

[Jim Smith 2,641]

46 minutes ago, NewNestCarrow said:

Today's Presser has some interesting words from the Head Coach, in particular the principle of collective responsibility and why finger-pointing & blame & emotions do not drive his decision-making.

Folk who think they know footballers better than those inside the game won't listen, or care, or even imagine that they might be wrong, but others might.

You're welcome.

I hope that is not how JHT is viewing it because in the case of a goalkeeper making repeated errors it is nothing to do with collective responsibility. Yes I know some of our defending has left a bit to be desired but you cannot realistically stop the opposition having any shots. 

[Samwam27 608]

To me its a no brainer. Long hasn't inspired confidence for several games now, he is at fault for goals each game and the back line are showing they don't have confidence in him.

To play him again feels nails on we'll lose as that low confidence will continue throughout the team. He'll be naturally nervous and thus more likley to make more mistakes.

It's one game before the break. Give an up and coming goalie the chance as you can say its a free hot for him whether he plays well or badly. That takes the pressure of Mair, and at least gives the other players a bit more confidence.

Give Mair a chance I say

[sgncfc 1,345]

These guys are professionals. Long will know his place is at risk and won't be surprised to be dropped. I doubt he'll lose any sleep over it, he'll just work extra hard to get back in. Likewise Mair will be hoping to get a game - if he doesn't start one of the next two he'll probably be thinking he'll never get a game and will move on; with Reyes and Barden in the wings the chances are at least one of them will be ahead of him next year.

Gunn's contract position is interesting - if we let him go, do we think we have next year's number one on staff already?

[lake district canary 4,875]

It's a conundrum. We've been lucky with goalies in recent years Gunn, Ruddy, Rudd, Krul and also Mcgovern who proved ok as an understudy. 

Barden is the interesting one for me. He looked totally at home when he had a run in the first team, I don't think we lost with him in goal. Would like to see him back from loan and be in the frame for the first team. 

I suspect Long will play on Saturday, but if he struggles again, he may not get another game for a while. Hopefully Gunn will be back soon and also hopefully, Mair will be given the chance if Gunn is out again at any stage, but for this game, it has to be Long. 

 

[Jim Smith 2,641]

2 hours ago, lake district canary said:

It's a conundrum. We've been lucky with goalies in recent years Gunn, Ruddy, Rudd, Krul and also Mcgovern who proved ok as an understudy. 

Barden is the interesting one for me. He looked totally at home when he had a run in the first team, I don't think we lost with him in goal. Would like to see him back from loan and be in the frame for the first team. 

I suspect Long will play on Saturday, but if he struggles again, he may not get another game for a while. Hopefully Gunn will be back soon and also hopefully, Mair will be given the chance if Gunn is out again at any stage, but for this game, it has to be Long. 

 

It doesn’t have to be Long and it will be stupid if it is. What waste another game. It’s a bit like when we all know the manager needs to go but everyone keeps saying “if he doesn’t win the next game.”