Exactly.
Also Looking at the creativity in the team, I can’t see that Hutch has any serious competition.
100% need a RWB, think that stands out as a place we need to cover. We have massive depth and different types of midfielders though, Hutch, Tierney, Comley, Stirk, Mcentee, Maher and Riley. Knowles could even cover in a CAM role if needed. 7/8 players for 3 positions is enough.
I think tierney is the one to push Hutch.
I am still very uneasy about the StirEntee midfield. It doesn’t strike me as any different to Comsella in its make up
Stirk is better at getting the ball and using it quickly than Comley, but having a defensive minded ‘no.8’ in McEntee (as Kinsella was last season) doesn’t strike me as that progressive, and that much different to last season if I am honest.
I really don’t understand the move to 3 at the back (again). But is it me just not liking this formation because it’s been the most boring football we have witnessed over the last 4 years… or does it represent the continuation from Flynn? Or is just general pessimism?
I get that, but I agree with Mazza’s point in that it’s quantity over quality I think. We are crying out for a decent number 8 in my opinion.
We are missing a RWB - that’s obvious, too.
I also don’t think we should have signed DJT and Oteh if I am honest. What’s the point? I’d rather have spent the wages put into them on just one DJ-level type of signing in the forward areas.
Yeah I think DJT might be out in Loan by Jan. I think there is a player in Oteh you know, he did well in a terrible last last year.
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yeah 2021 was a really rubbish year.
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I think that should read ‘assistance’ rather than competition.
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Surely it’s McEntirk?
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As long as it’s not Comentee.
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Depends on what you mean by “defensive minded”.
I made a comment before about Kinsella (plus Bates and Perry) always turning away from goal to take possession of the ball since some time during DC’s reign. That might protect possession more than potentially turning into an opponent trying to stop you, but it also usually narrows down your options to a pass sideways or back. I’ve not seen McEntee habitually do that.
He also appears to be playing further up the pitch than Stirk and looking to play in or support our more attacking players and not just sit back to cover the back 3.
Or are you saying that since he played mostly as a defender (RB as well as right sided CB) during his early career then he has a fixed mindset that prevents him from being effective in the midfield?
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In the 8 role - yes.
Happy to be wrong.
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McEntee was given the number 8 shirt, and he starts the season as the player Sadler prefers in that position, and will no doubt start the first few matches.
I really cannot see it myself, since I don’t think he has a good game for us in that position, but I hope that Sadler is right.
On the other hand, Stirk has looked good in each of the friendlies - he has been assured on the ball, and quick to get involved and win tackles and loose balls.
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Just over 1200 tickets sold for this one so far . Could be closer to 1500 by Saturday .
Great support. Should be a great away day atmosphere.
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We have sold 1⃣2⃣0⃣3⃣ tickets for Saturday's @SkyBetLeagueTwo opener against @MorecambeFC 👏
— Walsall FC Official (@WFCOfficial) July 31, 2023
🎟️ Tickets are still available to purchase here 👉 https://t.co/7s2APeArE6 pic.twitter.com/1U2ek07S1b
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McEntee is wearing 4. Hutch has 8.
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Thanks for the correction. I think of Hutch as a 10, and in the friendlies McEntee has had a more attacking role than a typical number 4.
Still not had my tickets through the post for this and the Blackburn game, ordered them last Monday. Anyone else the same?