Hartlepool Post Match Thread

[Munzie]

Howard - Terrible. Why is he still getting in our team? He's got a head like a Sheriff's badge!

Dyer - Quality, Can take players on, runs all day & gives 100%

Tunchev - Good strong centre half, who reads the game well! Him and Kisnorbo at the back will be solid!

That's the exact sort of thinking that rattles me.

What do you want him to do? Take on three defenders, hit it on the half-volley and scream it into the back of the net from 40 yards?

When he's doing that, who will be winning the areial challenges, providing the neat little flick-ons and creating chances for their team-mates?

Or maybe you're right. A team full of Robinho's is the way to go! Go take it up with Nigel Pearson!

[smokey]

That's the exact sort of thinking that rattles me.

What do you want him to do? Take on three defenders, hit it on the half-volley and scream it into the back of the net from 40 yards?

When he's doing that, who will be winning the areial challenges, providing the neat little flick-ons and creating chances for their team-mates?

Or maybe you're right. A team full of Robinho's is the way to go! Go take it up with Nigel Pearson!

With you on this one munzie hence my rant about demon slagging Fryatt off!

Pearson is rewarding people who peformed best in pre-season, simple as that and rightly so!

So far it as been succesful so why are people still slagging off Howard, Fryatt and Andy King??

I just dont get it, Pearson is using the squad perfectly in the Leauge and cup games and we are winning football matches, END OF!!

[Thracian]

Some mixed views on here in the post-mortem...I expect nothing less.

I think yesterdays match was excellent to watch. Two teams wanting to play football. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy a 4-0 thrashing as much as the next man but that's not going to happen that often. Hats off to Hartlepool for coming here and giving it a go.

It was good to see that we didn't sit back after our early breakthrough and went in search of more. That made for an open and entertaining game. As already posted, I think our defence look solid, our wingers looked very threatening and our centre midfielders are constantly improving.

I would also add that it's about time that some of our fans get off Howard's back. He has proved this season that he is a key player in Pearson's set-up/tactics. He is being used really effectively as a target man who can provide a way through for his striking partners. He is winning most balls in the air and looking to put through Fryatt wherever possible. Yesterday (as he was against Millwall & Orient) he was constantly being pulled back by their defence, the referee apparently oblivious to this going on until later in the game. It seems as if they can get away with it half a dozen times before the referee starts to take notice.

Yet again, Howard managed to find the back of the net only to be ruled against in a 50-50 situation. How many times has that happened so far this season?

The reason we have DJ, Dickov and co is because they offer another alternative to our game-plan should our opposition out play us. At the moment, the only time that has happened was the visit of Millwall. Other than that, playing Howard and Fryatt has proved very effective. Long may it continue.

Difficult to argue with a word of that. And if Howard's been ill as well it's no wonder he looked cream crackered before the end. Indeed it makes what he did do even more commendable.

Given the circumstances and MM's demands I reckon Pearson has adopted an entirely commendable basic approach to the job of trying to secure promotion.

He's been as attacking as he dare, even away from home, without being foolhardy and has a group of people in the principal roles who he clearly feels he can trust to do what he asks of them.

We're scoring goals and not conceding many so it's clearly working and Howard seems to be playing his part just as well and just as enthusiastically as the others. In fact he could easily have had as many goals as Fryatt given how many have been, sometimes dubiously, disallowed.

As you say, options are there if need be but, while it may be frustrating for those on the sidelines, I'd far rather have someone like Pearson - who doesn't seem to make changes for changes sake nor does he make them to stupidly waste time - than others in our recent past whose endless changes often seemed to have no sensible purpose whatsoever.

[Corky]

Dyer was my man-of-the-match again. Love the way he looks so confident on the ball and runs hard at defenders. Adams looked strong and Howard, despite his illness, held the ball up quite well.

Not the best performance in the first half, but improved in the second half. Fryatt was a bit selfish in the first half, too many shots when he could have passed, but on the whole, a decent performance.

[Munzie]

Difficult to argue with a word of that. And if Howard's been ill as well it's no wonder he looked cream crackered before the end. Indeed it makes what he did do even more commendable.

Given the circumstances and MM's demands I reckon Pearson has adopted an entirely commendable basic approach to the job of trying to secure promotion.

He's been as attacking as he dare, even away from home, without being foolhardy and has a group of people in the principal roles who he clearly feels he can trust to do what he asks of them.

We're scoring goals and not conceding many so it's clearly working and Howard seems to be playing his part just as well and just as enthusiastically as the others. In fact he could easily have had as many goals as Fryatt given how many have been, sometimes dubiously, disallowed.

As you say, options are there if need be but, while it may be frustrating for those on the sidelines, I'd far rather have someone like Pearson - who doesn't seem to make changes for changes sake nor does he make them to stupidly waste time - than others in our recent past whose endless changes often seemed to have no sensible purpose whatsoever.

You're right. I too applaud Pearson's tactics and team selection. So far, the changes he has made seem to be because they are needed - normally injury related.

He clearly has a preferred style of play and gets the team to carry out their duties very well. That said, Millwall's strategy had the desired effect. My main criticism was that he didn't try to change his approach to that game. With the different personnel we have on the bench, surely we have the ability to switch to a plan 'b' or even 'c' in order to counter such a situation. We have been fortunate that the majority of teams we have faced in the current campaign want to play football, including Hartlepool. This seems to suit Pearson's approach and tactics.

We will get more games like the one Millwall gave us (what I see as a proper league 1 scrap). Let's hope our team have learnt a lesson and can adapt accordingly.

[Ash]

That's the exact sort of thinking that rattles me.

What do you want him to do? Take on three defenders, hit it on the half-volley and scream it into the back of the net from 40 yards?

When he's doing that, who will be winning the areial challenges, providing the neat little flick-ons and creating chances for their team-mates?

Or maybe you're right. A team full of Robinho's is the way to go! Go take it up with Nigel Pearson!

Im not expecting him to be like Robinho, But your saying 'Winning aerial challenges' yes he did, but he put them no where!No direction on them at all, he just relys on Fryatt to runs he's bollox of to get them!! He's flicks on were sh*t! I dont have a striker in my team just to win flick ons! He chases nothing down, Isnt good on the ball!

You'd honestly saying you'd prefer to have Howard in the team than DJ or Dickov?

[Munzie]

Im not expecting him to be like Robinho, But your saying 'Winning aerial challenges' yes he did, but he put them no where!No direction on them at all, he just relys on Fryatt to runs he's bollox of to get them!! He's flicks on were sh*t! I dont have a striker in my team just to win flick ons! He chases nothing down, Isnt good on the ball!

You'd honestly saying you'd prefer to have Howard in the team than DJ or Dickov?

Howard's link up play with Fryatt is very effective, as is his ability to win balls in the air.

At this moment in time, DJ's confidence is shot to bits. As I've always stated in previous posts, I like the guy. I really want him to suceed here at Leicester. But at this moment in time, he is not anywhere near good enough to start ahead of our current pairing. I would love to see DJ get a run in the paint pot cup. With limited reserve games this year, he needs match time to try and recover the reason we spent all that money getting him here.

Dickov has had limited time since his return. I'm not sure why he has been playing on the right wing but this hasn't suited him. Again, I don't think he should start ahead of Fryatt & Howard. Given his age, he will be more effective as an impact player, coming on with 20 or so minutes to go.

What I would like is to see us try 4-3-3, or even 4-3-1-2, with Howard doing what he is doing now. Winning the ball and providing outlets for our advancing attackers.

[Number 6]

I really don't understand the Adams praise. Seems to have weighted boots to me as he over hit everything.

[Ultra]

Both strikers under performed yesterday, the biggest culprit yet again was your beloved crappy Fryatt.

He missed at least 3 clear cut chances on Tuesday against Lincoln and yesterday he had at least another 3 clear cut chances that he failed to put away.

As for the seven goals, 2 penalties, 3 simple tap ins, 2 good strikes.

Sorry but for being our supposedly star striker he is simply not good enough.

Would rather see Dickov upfront he is a proven striker.

Alternatively would be interesting to see DJ have a spell upfront for 5 or 6 games to see if he can bag a few.

I feel that unless our strike force get their act together we could well miss out on automatic promotion.

Good post.

The more intelligent managers in this division are starting to suss out that we have two of the least mobile strikers in the league.

Howard can make up for this with his aerial strength and general physical presence in defence as well as attack.

Fryatt may have a few more goals under his belt, but that's only because he's getting so many chances laid on for him. In recent weeks he's looked disturbingly like the waster he was for most of last season.

I wouldn't be surprised to see Pearson start with Dickov or a loanee before the end of next month.

[Guest]

I really don't understand the Adams praise. Seems to have weighted boots to me as he over hit everything.

I agree that some of his crosses left a bit to be desired but he didn't half win a lot of the challenges he was involved in, took players on and played some nice little touches when he kept it on the floor.

I honestly think he's a good player who will only get better with a bit of work on some aspects of his game

[Munzie]

Good post.

The more intelligent managers in this division are starting to suss out that we have two of the least mobile strikers in the league.

Howard can make up for this with his aerial strength and general physical presence in defence as well as attack.

Fryatt may have a few more goals under his belt, but that's only because he's getting so many chances laid on for him. In recent weeks he's looked disturbingly like the waster he was for most of last season.

I wouldn't be surprised to see Pearson start with Dickov or a loanee before the end of next month.

Not too sure I agree with that as I've yet to see them closed out of a game. In any case, if one of our next opponents want to employ such tactics and mark Fryatt & Howard out of the game, with the likes of Gradel, Dyer & co having the ability to scare defences sh*tless, bring it on!

You have a good point in Howard's strength & physical presence. This serves it's purpose in wearing down opposition defence and making the job of an incoming impact sub (such as Dickov) at little easier.

There's nothing worse than trying to stay with a pair of fresh, quick legs when you've spent the first 70 minutes of a game dealing with a big brute of a forward!

In relation to Fryatt, he has started the season well - no doubt. Whilst I don't share the same feelings about some of the negative comments towards him, he did seem a little selfish in his display on Saturday. He seemed a little too hasty in his search for his next goal at times.

[lildave3]

Both strikers under performed yesterday, the biggest culprit yet again was your beloved crappy Fryatt.

He missed at least 3 clear cut chances on Tuesday against Lincoln and yesterday he had at least another 3 clear cut chances that he failed to put away.

As for the seven goals, 2 penalties, 3 simple tap ins, 2 good strikes.

Sorry but for being our supposedly star striker he is simply not good enough.

Would rather see Dickov upfront he is a proven striker.

Alternatively would be interesting to see DJ have a spell upfront for 5 or 6 games to see if he can bag a few.

I feel that unless our strike force get their act together we could well miss out on automatic promotion.

Good post.

The more intelligent managers in this division are starting to suss out that we have two of the least mobile strikers in the league.

Howard can make up for this with his aerial strength and general physical presence in defence as well as attack.

Fryatt may have a few more goals under his belt, but that's only because he's getting so many chances laid on for him. In recent weeks he's looked disturbingly like the waster he was for most of last season.

I wouldn't be surprised to see Pearson start with Dickov or a loanee before the end of next month.

Not too people I usually agree with, but I do on this occasion.

[Joe.]

I really don't understand the Adams praise. Seems to have weighted boots to me as he over hit everything.

I agree with this.

His final ball was awful, and it was exactly the same story vs Lincoln too. We've got to improve this in the team or we'll find our goalscoring opportunities limited.

[Ultra]

Not too sure I agree with that as I've yet to see them closed out of a game. In any case, if one of our next opponents want to employ such tactics and mark Fryatt & Howard out of the game, with the likes of Gradel, Dyer & co having the ability to scare defences sh*tless, bring it on!

Like Millwall did, when both Dyer and Gradel were on the pitch?

[demon_dog]

Good post.

The more intelligent managers in this division are starting to suss out that we have two of the least mobile strikers in the league.

Howard can make up for this with his aerial strength and general physical presence in defence as well as attack.

Fryatt may have a few more goals under his belt, but that's only because he's getting so many chances laid on for him. In recent weeks he's looked disturbingly like the waster he was for most of last season.

I wouldn't be surprised to see Pearson start with Dickov or a loanee before the end of next month.

Nice to see someone on the same wavelength as me!

[Ric Flair]

I thoroughly enjoyed the game, even if it was frustrating at times. We could and should have ripped Hartlepool apart with the amount of space they gave our wingers. Lloyd Dyer was absolutely superb and every time he got the ball he went past players and had them panicking all over the place. His crossing isn't that precise, but the amount of times he causes defenders to literally shit themselves means we'll always be a threat when he's on form.

Adams I thought was dreadful for the first 20 minutes, but as the game wore on, he got a lot lot better. His crossing again isn't overly reliable and his corners were pretty poor in my opinion, but he's got the potential and ability to do well for us. Gradel would have had a field day on Saturday in terms of running at their defence, but he's another with a very erratic cross. But it's a problem that i'm sure can be worked on and at least we have wingers prepared to run at defenders.

Tunchev is playing 2 leagues below where he probably should be, it's a stroll for the lad. He was coolness personified all game and I love him.

Fryatt and Howard didn't have the best of games, but i'm fairly sure Hartlepool won't be in a hurry to volunteer to play against them again. On another day, both of them could of had at least two goals each. But when either or both don't play well, we do lack ideas and make things a lot harder for ourselves.

Oakley and King both did very well in the 2nd half, first half I thought at times they went missing. But 2nd half they did their jobs and King never wasted a single pass from my recollection. I admit, as a pairing i've often been frustrated with them, but if they perform like they did together in the 2nd half then we're laughing.

Chris Powell was as solid as a heavily burnt pizza as well.