Attacking options
Attacking options
With Dan Maguire secured for next season, what an array of options AA has now. Campbell, Donowa, Charman, Rivers, Maguire and a fit again Jamie Holmes. Be interesting how he accommodates them all, maybe he goes all Ossie Ardlies and play a front five or six! Should be a few goals in this team that’s for sure next year.
Re: Attacking options
I think all six will receive ample game time. Technically we have gained three new players in Holmes, Charman and Maguire, however we also lost Thompson who played quite a few games last season.
Last season, at times, we could probably have done with a couple more options going forward. We were too over reliant on Campbell, and between him, Rivers, and Donawa, they could probably have done with a rest at certain points.
It wouldn’t surprise me if AA goes more attacking in certain games than last season too and plays more of a 4-2-3-1 with four of those six being the forward players, rather than the more conventional 4-3-3 with three out-and-out central midfielders.
Last season, at times, we could probably have done with a couple more options going forward. We were too over reliant on Campbell, and between him, Rivers, and Donawa, they could probably have done with a rest at certain points.
It wouldn’t surprise me if AA goes more attacking in certain games than last season too and plays more of a 4-2-3-1 with four of those six being the forward players, rather than the more conventional 4-3-3 with three out-and-out central midfielders.
Re: Attacking options
It'll be interesting for sure- you'd expect Wheatley and Hatfield to be the two if he does go that way. Guessing Holness wont be part of the squad next season. Still talk of Jack Lambert too.
Despite AA not being a fan of it, maybe being able to make five subs might be of benefit to us with the strength in depth we have up top.
Despite AA not being a fan of it, maybe being able to make five subs might be of benefit to us with the strength in depth we have up top.
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Attacking options
I’d expect to see a lot of rotation next season. One of the big things is we’ve got the flexibility to change things up.
We can go with a 4-3-3 (my guess is Campbell, Maguire, then one of Rivers/Holmes/Donawa will be 1st choice). There’s 4–2-3-1 which is similar but with a slight difference.
But we can play with two up front (any of Campbell/Maguire/Charman) if necessary, with Rivers/Holmes/Donawa playing out wide.
Having that strength in depth will be crucial, particularly if we get a packed season. We’re already trying to pack the same number of games into a condensed season (starting two months late, but finishing only one month later than usual).
Add in cup runs and postponements and then you get a fixture backlog, so having options and the ability to rotate could make the difference.
We can go with a 4-3-3 (my guess is Campbell, Maguire, then one of Rivers/Holmes/Donawa will be 1st choice). There’s 4–2-3-1 which is similar but with a slight difference.
But we can play with two up front (any of Campbell/Maguire/Charman) if necessary, with Rivers/Holmes/Donawa playing out wide.
Having that strength in depth will be crucial, particularly if we get a packed season. We’re already trying to pack the same number of games into a condensed season (starting two months late, but finishing only one month later than usual).
Add in cup runs and postponements and then you get a fixture backlog, so having options and the ability to rotate could make the difference.
Re: Attacking options
No excuses if we don't score goals next season! Maguire, if he can stay fit, should be a great signing. He can score goals but also lead the line - which will allow Campbell to drop off a bit and run from deep, which I think is where he's at his best too. I would like to see a midfielder with a bit of creativity coming in if budget allows - Wheatly and Hatfield are superb, but we could possibly do with someone a bit like Jack Lambert who can create from a more central position. Possibly getting a bit greedy as I'm not sure how we are going to keep all these players happy as it is
Re: Attacking options
I imagine the starting combo is going to be Campbell and Maguire up front together with Donawa left wing and Rivers right wing. Holmes and Charman will be frequently used subs to start with and will probably need to fight their way into the team but I don't see any of them being disillusioned with a lack of game time.
Hatfield and Wheatley is the obvious central midfield and it seems reasonable to assume from Alun's interviews we'll be starting out at the back with Liddle and Atkinson at fullback, Storey and Hunt at centre back, leaving Charman, Holmes, Reid, Hedley, Watson and Laing (assuming Holness is leaving) as back up, which gives us solid players to cover in every position. We just need to address the goalkeeper situation now and we're all set and looking good for next season!
Hatfield and Wheatley is the obvious central midfield and it seems reasonable to assume from Alun's interviews we'll be starting out at the back with Liddle and Atkinson at fullback, Storey and Hunt at centre back, leaving Charman, Holmes, Reid, Hedley, Watson and Laing (assuming Holness is leaving) as back up, which gives us solid players to cover in every position. We just need to address the goalkeeper situation now and we're all set and looking good for next season!
Re: Attacking options
Could be useful to have a large bench of subs full of potential gamechangers rather than the limited one we had at times last season.
Re: Attacking options
We have options for sure. We might see 4-3-3 in some games.
He could even opt for a 4-4-2 / 4-2-4 of sorts. Donowa, Campbell, Rivers and Holmes can all play as the wide options in that set up. Charman and Maguire are the more conventional frontmen... you'd assume they've also been told they'll play regularly.
We could be in for some exciting and attacking football next season, whenever it happens
He could even opt for a 4-4-2 / 4-2-4 of sorts. Donowa, Campbell, Rivers and Holmes can all play as the wide options in that set up. Charman and Maguire are the more conventional frontmen... you'd assume they've also been told they'll play regularly.
We could be in for some exciting and attacking football next season, whenever it happens
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Agree with the positive comments about the squad but don’t forget we currently only have 16 players on the books. Add a keeper and another outfield player still only gives us a maximum of 18. If 5 subs are allowed that would mean all bar 2 players could play a part so I would not worry about keeping everyone happy. Remember last season when 2 players were injured in the second game and never played again. We will be operating with a very small squad but fortunately in Reid Atkinson and Hedley we have players who are versatile enough to play in different positions. They will be valuable as the season progresses. Hope we can get started in October as planned.
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I think versatility is the key word with the squad this season,there are four/five players that can interchange which is crucial for a club like us who really have to be prudent, I believe alun has done a remarkable job assembling the squad we have, I will be happier once the goalkeeper situation is sorted, i can't see us going into next season without a recognised keeper . Hopefully this is sorted soon. A real possibility of top 6 Finnish this year i think .
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Re: Attacking options
AA mentioned in his interview he has had quite a few keepers on the phone who are keen to come and still has his Boro contacts so no problems at all.onewayup wrote:I think versatility is the key word with the squad this season,there are four/five players that can interchange which is crucial for a club like us who really have to be prudent, I believe alun has done a remarkable job assembling the squad we have, I will be happier once the goalkeeper situation is sorted, i can't see us going into next season without a recognised keeper . Hopefully this is sorted soon. A real possibility of top 6 Finnish this year i think .
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Re: Attacking options
It just shows what can be achieved, Altrincham, finished 5th in the league and promotedonewayup wrote: ↑Mon Aug 03, 2020 10:38 amI think versatility is the key word with the squad this season,there are four/five players that can interchange which is crucial for a club like us who really have to be prudent, I believe alun has done a remarkable job assembling the squad we have, I will be happier once the goalkeeper situation is sorted, i can't see us going into next season without a recognised keeper . Hopefully this is sorted soon. A real possibility of top 6 Finnish this year i think .
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Re: Attacking options
If Altrincham can get promoted then why not us.Just shows that you don't have to be bankrolled like York, Brackley and The Pride to get out of this league and this gives a boost to all clubs like ourselves who are sustainable and don't rely on wealthy benefactors and their vanity projects.Darlopartisan wrote:It just shows what can be achieved, Altrincham, finished 5th in the league and promotedonewayup wrote: ↑Mon Aug 03, 2020 10:38 amI think versatility is the key word with the squad this season,there are four/five players that can interchange which is crucial for a club like us who really have to be prudent, I believe alun has done a remarkable job assembling the squad we have, I will be happier once the goalkeeper situation is sorted, i can't see us going into next season without a recognised keeper . Hopefully this is sorted soon. A real possibility of top 6 Finnish this year i think .
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Re: Attacking options
Are we allowed 7 on the bench and allowed to use a maximum of 5? Is this definite?
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Re: Attacking options
If we've offered Holness terms but He's put them on hold and in the meantime we sign a replacement for him but he comes back and accepts, what is the situation there?
Re: Attacking options
Tough fkn s***Vodka_Vic wrote:If we've offered Holness terms but He's put them on hold and in the meantime we sign a replacement for him but he comes back and accepts, what is the situation there?
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Re: Attacking options
Nope.
IFAB have just effectively said that a configuration of subs whereby five are used is allowed in competitive games, as long as only used during no more than three stoppages. It is still for competitions to determine the configuration for their competition which usually means a vote of clubs.
Usually the clubs will just vote for adoption of the standardised rules for the National League System though...slight issue is the FA have yet to release these for the new playing season.
Last edited by lo36789 on Tue Aug 04, 2020 7:15 am, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: Attacking options
Cannot see AA waiting much longer to see if Omar is offered a deal from another club.He will have his targets and could possibly withdraw the contract offer the club have made.Vodka_Vic wrote:If we've offered Holness terms but He's put them on hold and in the meantime we sign a replacement for him but he comes back and accepts, what is the situation there?
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Re: Attacking options
With Holness, I find it interesting because AA has always said he only wants players here who want to play for the club.
Now while none of us would begrudge Holness an attempt at playing higher up (in fact all power to him for doing so), evidently he’s not that fussed about being at Darlington.
That’s not to say Holness would have a bad attitude or be disruptive if he ended up returning. I’m sure he’d be a professional and would give his all for the squad.
But the wider question is to what extent does he want to be here, and does that meet AA’s requirements regarding desire to play for the club?
My opinion right now is it would be best for all parties if he’s successful in finding a club higher up the system
Now while none of us would begrudge Holness an attempt at playing higher up (in fact all power to him for doing so), evidently he’s not that fussed about being at Darlington.
That’s not to say Holness would have a bad attitude or be disruptive if he ended up returning. I’m sure he’d be a professional and would give his all for the squad.
But the wider question is to what extent does he want to be here, and does that meet AA’s requirements regarding desire to play for the club?
My opinion right now is it would be best for all parties if he’s successful in finding a club higher up the system
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Re: Attacking options
Agree Gramps, really cannot see him being here next season, like you say he does not really fit into the criteria AA is looking for.Darlogramps wrote:With Holness, I find it interesting because AA has always said he only wants players here who want to play for the club.
Now while none of us would begrudge Holness an attempt at playing higher up (in fact all power to him for doing so), evidently he’s not that fussed about being at Darlington.
That’s not to say Holness would have a bad attitude or be disruptive if he ended up returning. I’m sure he’d be a professional and would give his all for the squad.
But the wider question is to what extent does he want to be here, and does that meet AA’s requirements regarding desire to play for the club?
My opinion right now is it would be best for all parties if he’s successful in finding a club higher up the system
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Re: Attacking options
Personally I would be surprised to see Holness back in a Darlo shirt. Don’t blame the lad for wanting to break into full time football and I assume he was wanting to use us as a vehicle to do that. It didn’t work out that way so he has decided to look for a new club by obtaining trials and doing it that way. Even if he fails to land a club in this country he could presumably return to the USA and pursue his career their. I seem to remember that at some point last season he went back to USA to renew his green card.
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It’s a shame for Omar, he seems like a nice lad and I like him as a footballer. I think he is capable of playing full time football but he’s not quite played regularly enough for us to have gotten clubs further up interested.
I have to say though, this seems a very odd time to try and gamble in the way he has. Many smaller pro-clubs will be nervous about spending money right now. You never know, he might land somewhere in Europe in a smaller league.
I’d happily have him back for next season and he would definitely fit a 4-3-3 nicely in particular... but he will be running out of time on that option. If we sign someone else then clearly the offer will expire. Luckily for him we haven’t done that... yet.
I have to say though, this seems a very odd time to try and gamble in the way he has. Many smaller pro-clubs will be nervous about spending money right now. You never know, he might land somewhere in Europe in a smaller league.
I’d happily have him back for next season and he would definitely fit a 4-3-3 nicely in particular... but he will be running out of time on that option. If we sign someone else then clearly the offer will expire. Luckily for him we haven’t done that... yet.
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Re: Attacking options
AA had no issues in Atkinson leaving to go and play in Iceland when he was at Blyth.
The difference is, I guess, that Atkinson had a solid offer and Omar is taking his chance.
Harsh to say 'he's not that fussed about being at Darlington'.
Omar wants to try for full-time football and obviously we cannot offer him that. That's different from saying he's not fussed about being with us.
The difference is, I guess, that Atkinson had a solid offer and Omar is taking his chance.
Harsh to say 'he's not that fussed about being at Darlington'.
Omar wants to try for full-time football and obviously we cannot offer him that. That's different from saying he's not fussed about being with us.
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Attacking options
I disagree, I think that’s exactly the same.darlo2001uk wrote:AA had no issues in Atkinson leaving to go and play in Iceland when he was at Blyth.
The difference is, I guess, that Atkinson had a solid offer and Omar is taking his chance.
Harsh to say 'he's not that fussed about being at Darlington'.
Omar wants to try for full-time football and obviously we cannot offer him that. That's different from saying he's not fussed about being with us.
There’s an obvious disconnect between what he wants and what we can offer. Therefore why would he care about playing for us? And if he does play for us, it’s because he’s been unsuccessful about getting a full-time gig.
We always were just a stepping stone for Omar, so let’s not kid ourselves that he’s that bothered about playing for us next season. I’d imagine a couple of years ago he wasn’t aware we existed!
And I don’t have any problem with that either. I like the fact he’s ambitious and wants to better himself. I don’t know, maybe I’m just cynical. But I genuinely hope it works out for him in getting a full time deal.
Re: Attacking options
There's probably a middle-ground. If he has to remain part-time he'd prefer to do it with us rather than another similar club.Darlogramps wrote:I disagree, I think that’s exactly the same.darlo2001uk wrote:AA had no issues in Atkinson leaving to go and play in Iceland when he was at Blyth.
The difference is, I guess, that Atkinson had a solid offer and Omar is taking his chance.
Harsh to say 'he's not that fussed about being at Darlington'.
Omar wants to try for full-time football and obviously we cannot offer him that. That's different from saying he's not fussed about being with us.
There’s an obvious disconnect between what he wants and what we can offer. Therefore why would he care about playing for us? And if he does play for us, it’s because he’s been unsuccessful about getting a full-time gig.
We always were just a stepping stone for Omar, so let’s not kid ourselves that he’s that bothered about playing for us next season. I’d imagine a couple of years ago he wasn’t aware we existed!
And I don’t have any problem with that either. I like the fact he’s ambitious and wants to better himself. I don’t know, maybe I’m just cynical. But I genuinely hope it works out for him in getting a full time deal.
Not that I'm saying that's the case either. Could be though. I'm here all night.
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Re: Attacking options
You are Indecisive Dave and I claim my prizeSpyman wrote: ↑Tue Aug 04, 2020 10:01 pmThere's probably a middle-ground. If he has to remain part-time he'd prefer to do it with us rather than another similar club.Darlogramps wrote:I disagree, I think that’s exactly the same.darlo2001uk wrote:AA had no issues in Atkinson leaving to go and play in Iceland when he was at Blyth.
The difference is, I guess, that Atkinson had a solid offer and Omar is taking his chance.
Harsh to say 'he's not that fussed about being at Darlington'.
Omar wants to try for full-time football and obviously we cannot offer him that. That's different from saying he's not fussed about being with us.
There’s an obvious disconnect between what he wants and what we can offer. Therefore why would he care about playing for us? And if he does play for us, it’s because he’s been unsuccessful about getting a full-time gig.
We always were just a stepping stone for Omar, so let’s not kid ourselves that he’s that bothered about playing for us next season. I’d imagine a couple of years ago he wasn’t aware we existed!
And I don’t have any problem with that either. I like the fact he’s ambitious and wants to better himself. I don’t know, maybe I’m just cynical. But I genuinely hope it works out for him in getting a full time deal.
Not that I'm saying that's the case either. Could be though. I'm here all night.
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