The Forwards Conundrum (3 Viewers)

[SkyblueTexan]

Whittaker had a loan spell and did return. It was always going to happen. He didn't want to go back to Swansea when they recalled him from his loan spell.

I get that. What I meant is there’s exceptions to your example as well.

 

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[SkyblueDad]

The solution for Wright was persevering and giving him a constant game time and a run of games which Simms hasnt had, I’ve been impressed with Simms number 9 work some of the dirty work that he does goes unnoticed and its a real shame

Where are his goals ? that’s what he was bought for

 

[Deleted member 9744]

The solution for Wright was persevering and giving him a constant game time and a run of games which Simms hasnt had, I’ve been impressed with Simms number 9 work some of the dirty work that he does goes unnoticed and its a real shame

Early on Simms was playing much more than Wright, and Wright was scoring and setting up chances from the start.

 

[PUSB-We_are_going_up]

Where are his goals ? that’s what he was bought for

Do you remember what we used to say about Vik, that he was undroppable even if he wasnt scoring because of his off the ball work and hold up play, well I think Simms has been exactly that other than at times his off the ball work rate which has often been called out but its been stated numerous times that its what they’ve been instructed to do, if it was against a team that isnt possession based like Leeds he would be told to press and work them like he did, and against Swansea let them hold the ball and press when it comes closer to our midfield so we stay compact and it stays away from danger

 

[Tommo1993]

Simms will come good. Believed it from day one and still do.

If we are to progress as a club, we’ll see McFadzean, Kelly and Godden frozen out. Allen too.

 

[SkyblueTexan]

Where are his goals ? that’s what he was bought for

Exactly. If he scored 7 in 17 for Sunderland, he has it in his locker. C’mon produce the goods damn it. We’ve figured out how to get Wright to be productive. Now we need to figure out how to get Simms to do what he did last season. Consistent game time is one thing, but what else is needed?

 

[Cally Fedora]

Given we’ve spent the money we have to give Simms time. But we also have to win games. The solution is to get a young prem loan for the season. Simms gets the season to make an impact or otherwise and we get some breathing space until the summer to weigh up whether we stick or twist.

 

[Sick Boy]

At this point I’d just plays Simms as much as possible and use Godden when needed as an impact sub.

 

[PUSB-We_are_going_up]

This year is a transition year where all the players get to know eachother and their strengths, next year we should theoretically be firing on all cylinders, and I believe Simms will step it up a couple of levels, he’s a young lad and sometimes moving across the country at a young age permanently can be a tough thing and take time to settle, loan spells are a less permanent thing that you dont really need to do the whole bedding in process as you know you’re going back you just need to be selfish and impress at your loan club, which is what Simms has had and done. I think he will come good just give him time my biggest concern is Godden, I love the bloke but he’s looked finished for a couple of weeks now I thank him for his efforts and service but we need to move on now methinks, sign a 25-27 year old Striker with experience, someone like Riis or Dykes who can do the dirty work and pop up with the odd goal, as we dont have the pressure of needing a 20 goal a season striker which would be nice but we have goals coming from more than 1 or 2 places this year which is nice to have

 

[no_loyalty]

I would take a risk to try and sign Macaulay Langstaff, has been prolific for the last three seasons now albeit in the lower divisions.

 

[PUSB-We_are_going_up]

I would take a risk to try and sign Macaulay Langstaff, has been prolific for the last three seasons now albeit in the lower divisions.

He almost has 20 goals and its only January so it could pay off as he may even be too good for League 1 let alone League 2

 

[Blind-Faith]

I would take a risk to try and sign Macaulay Langstaff, has been prolific for the last three seasons now albeit in the lower divisions.

But would he score in the system we play? You can score as many as you like, but if you don’t suit the style of football we play, he will turn into a dud.

Connor Chaplin is the prime example, didn’t do a lot here as didn’t suit how we played. Goes to Ipswich and starts scoring, as they play to his strengths.

 

[Mucca Mad Boys]

Where are his goals ? that’s what he was bought for

How many chances has he missed? If a striker isn't scoring but missing plenty of chances, that's one thing. If they have not many goals and not many chances, isn't that indicative the team around them could be doing better?

Simms contributed nothing yet scored with his only touch of the match...

 

[PUSB-We_are_going_up]

Langstaff’s stats look impressive and he seems the sort of player that would fit as Whoscored has him down as a player that holds the ball up and is good in the air, although he has a shot conversion rate of 22% which is very good especially considering the amount of shots he’s had (69) to put it into perspective Haji has 16% from 39, Godden has 18% from 33. And other top strikers in the Championship have :
Sammie Szmodics (15G) - 24% from 58
Jack Clark (12G) - 22% from 69
Morgan Whittaker (12G) - 21% from 57
Adam Armstrong (12G) - 27% from 44
Summerville (11G) - 28% from 40

 

[Cally Fedora]

For me it’s not about the goals. He just hasn’t found any rhythm - hasn’t shown much evidence of being a natural player. It’s entirely possible it’s a confidence thing and we’re just waiting for the click - we’ll see.

 

[Adge]

But would he score in the system we play? You can score as many as you like, but if you don’t suit the style of football we play, he will turn into a dud.

Connor Chaplin is the prime example, didn’t do a lot here as didn’t suit how we played. Goes to Ipswich and starts scoring, as they play to his strengths.

To be fair to Robins he stated recently that we probably had Chaplin a year too early.

 

[stevefloyd]

It’s about time Simms was given a proper run of games, Godden is infuriating he has to play beyond the defence now as the last bit of pace has gone he is touching the ball rarely he is a passenger.

He is offside more than shots at goal now

 

[SkyblueDad]

Do you remember what we used to say about Vik, that he was undroppable even if he wasnt scoring because of his off the ball work and hold up play, well I think Simms has been exactly that other than at times his off the ball work rate which has often been called out but its been stated numerous times that its what they’ve been instructed to do, if it was against a team that isnt possession based like Leeds he would be told to press and work them like he did, and against Swansea let them hold the ball and press when it comes closer to our midfield so we stay compact and it stays away from danger

But you are forgeting Simms isn’t Vic and Vic scored goals Simms ain’t.

 

[skybluecam]

Just play Simms. At the very least he’s about 6 inches taller than Godden plus quicker and stronger. He’ll occupy defenders more and leave space for the wingers.

When neither striker is particularly performing I’d rather give the minutes to the promising 22 year old with far better physical attributes.

 

[Astute]

McNally had a loan spell and didn’t return, JCS had a loan spell and a relationship with Adi and didn’t return. Things change and people change their minds sometimes as well. Sure there’s examples of people staying where they are as well. Oh well.

It isn't the choice of the players where they go on loan. The club decides what they think is best.

 

[Astute]

But you are forgeting Simms isn’t Vic and Vic scored goals Simms ain’t.

How many goals did Gyokeres get when he joined us on loan? Didn’t have a good start when we signed him permanently either.

 

[Astute]

Early on Simms was playing much more than Wright, and Wright was scoring and setting up chances from the start.

2 goals in the 1st 14 games for Wright.

 

[CCFCSteve]

At this point he offers nothing to the team.

Even his poaching abilities have disappeared, wright played a fantastic ball across the 6 yard box and he was nowhere near it.

I was going to mention this and surprised nobody else has. I was at the other end but looked a great ball across and they’re the chances I expect Godden to be on the end of. If he’s not then it’s got to be simms leading the line and Godden coming on last 25 or so

 

[TomRad85]

I was going to mention this and surprised nobody else has. I was at the other end but looked a great ball across and they’re the chances I expect Godden to be on the end of. If he’s not then it’s got to be simms leading the line and Godden coming on last 25 or so

He often looked like he was hiding last night.

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[rob9872]

FARROWS is the best I have, but need another letter for a conundrum as only 8 letters given.

 

[Johhny Blue]

Wright and Sakamoto have both improved immensely. It's just finding the right number 9 now.

He’s right under our noses. With potential to be an old fashioned “centre forward”
Bobby Thomas. Has the height, aggression, ball control everything. Especially now we’re starting to see decent crosses on a regular basis.

 

[clint van damme]

He’s right under our noses. With potential to be an old fashioned “centre forward”
Bobby Thomas. Has the height, aggression, ball control everything. Especially now we’re starting to see decent crosses on a regular basis.

Been on the moose juice?!

 

[StrettoBoy]

He’s right under our noses. With potential to be an old fashioned “centre forward”
Bobby Thomas. Has the height, aggression, ball control everything. Especially now we’re starting to see decent crosses on a regular basis.

It's not the worst suggestion I have ever heard. I remember when Dion Dublin switched to centre back towards the end of his career and he was excellent in that role.

It came about because we used him as an additional centre back in the final minutes of a game when we needed to hold on to a slender lead.

We could perhaps try the same with Thomas and push him forwards for the last ten or fifteen minutes when we need a goal.

It may not work but we won't know unless we try it.

 

[Chris1987]

Simms needs an extended run in the side. Godden is a waste of a starting spot imo and offers very little nowadays. I do think that Simms presence does provide extra space for the rest of the attacking unit. As has been seen previously with Vik patience can pay big dividends

 

[fernandopartridge]

Perhaps Robins’ pursuit of Billy Sharp wasn’t so bonkers after all. Would have been a decent signing for the rest of the season.

To be fair though he'd not score many in this formation

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[fernandopartridge]

I prefer Simms but was fuming about his lack of willingness to run the channel late on, there was a ball out from Saka prior to the Swansea equaliser which he needed to be running on to in order to protect the ball and our lead. It might just be a tactical mix up rather than the player per se for why he didn't.

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[blunted]

How many times over the years have I seen the same critical type post about every player who has ever pulled on a sky blue shirt since the days of Gary Mabbut's Knee. Sometimes (but not very often) they are right, but usually they are premature in writing off players. Can't think of any of the new or existing players that haven't been criticised for not being good enough. Even Vik and Gus got the same treatment. Has Godden lost it and will be on his way? Maybe on the evidence of the last two games, but that is all it is two games not a season. Since the early games he has appeared off the pace, but I would not write off one of our best goal scorers of recent years just yet. Simms is taking a long time to settle in but he is only 22. To say he is not trying is unfair. If he is not doing the business after a season and a half, then I would say time for a change. Patience is a virtue that does not apply to football fans but sometimes it is necessary.

 

[SkyblueTexan]

I prefer Simms but was fuming about his lack of willingness to run the channel late on, there was a ball out from Saka prior to the Swansea equaliser which he needed to be running on to in order to protect the ball and our lead. It might just be a tactical mix up rather than the player per se for why he didn't.

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I remember that hoofed clearance and was wondering why we simply gave the ball back to them. If Simms or someone had busy a lung to get onto it and just held the ball up near the corner flag that might have just been enough.

 

[Deleted member 5849]

How many times over the years have I seen the same critical type post about every player who has ever pulled on a sky blue shirt since the days of Gary Mabbut's Knee. Sometimes (but not very often) they are right

tbf, in the days of Trevor Benjamin, Andy Impey, Steve Walsh(!), Sebastian OlsZar, Fabian Debec, Freddie Eastwood, Gary Deegan.... people were right more often than not(!)

 

[rob9872]

How many times over the years have I seen the same critical type post about every player who has ever pulled on a sky blue shirt since the days of Gary Mabbut's Knee. Sometimes (but not very often) they are right, but usually they are premature in writing off players. Can't think of any of the new or existing players that haven't been criticised for not being good enough. Even Vik and Gus got the same treatment. Has Godden lost it and will be on his way? Maybe on the evidence of the last two games, but that is all it is two games not a season. Since the early games he has appeared off the pace, but I would not write off one of our best goal scorers of recent years just yet. Simms is taking a long time to settle in but he is only 22. To say he is not trying is unfair. If he is not doing the business after a season and a half, then I would say time for a change. Patience is a virtue that does not apply to football fans but sometimes it is necessary.

Dong forget fans loved players like Robbie Simpson or Andy Morrell because they ran around like headless chickens. Neither were up to the level, Simms clearly is imo which is why in some ways it's even more frustrating.