Howard's away - good or bad?

[Nod.E]

Yes, he's handy, but I think he is easily replaceble.

See how right I am on Saturday I suppose.

Yeah, you may be right.

If Hayles can play like how he did when he came on for Howard the other week, we'll be okay.

I'd like to see DJ, but I'm not sure Fryatt and DJ would be a good duo.

[Tilley]

Yeah, you may be right.

If Hayles can play like how he did when he came on for Howard the other week, we'll be okay.

I'd like to see DJ, but I'm not sure Fryatt and DJ would be a good duo.

Yeah, I know what you mean.

How often have they played together? Not that many times that I can think of.

Just want DJ to get a proper chance, & if he cocks up, then sell him, but until then I'll keep calling for him to be played.

[marbelladave]

What concerns me the most, about this change in line-up and/or tactics, is that Pearson has had it forced upon him.

He's shown very little tactical changes to date, preferring to stick to 'old faithful' 4-4-2, with just about the sames faces week in week out (barring the odd injury). As we know, this was sussed by other teams a while back.

During our time in the cup matches, he's been overly cautious in changing his chosen eleven, and even in matches that we've been looking comfortable for the win, we've seen very little evidence of our fringe players getting much more than a few minutes playing time.

He appears to be adopting a reactionary style of management to the team (unless he has little faith in our reserve squad). Adjusting the team only when an injury or suspension gets in the way is high risk in my opinion. How do we know that the incoming player will have the desired effect without any proper match time under their belt?

Reading through the posts, we are all guessing on who will replace Howard. Normally, as more comments are posted, a common name will crop up. This time DJ, Dickov and Hayles are all in the frame. Injuries aside, none of them have had any real time out on the pitch given the lack of changes Pearson makes. No doubt this very same debate is rumbling through Pearson's mind. I feel that had he employed some sort of rotation system early on, the decision would have been easier.

As succinct a description of NP's management style as I have read.

His only change to combat our faltering form has been to bring in a defensive player for an admittedly faltering winger and this can not be considered a success after saturday.

There have been suggestions in this thread that we should try playing Fryatt as the front man, with support from behind from our pacier players, an idea the I (among others) have been floating for weeks if not months. This of course would require us to set up somewhat differently from our regular 4-4-2 and I am not at all confident that we are prepared to do that.

We have a difficult game on saturday and I can not see NP changing much, I think it will be more of the same with Fryatt partnered with Dickov if fit, or Hayles if not.

[Kilworthfox]

BAD, Howard's work goes unoticed by most LCFC fans.

I think the disparit that the fans have between Howard & Fraytt is amazing especially if you watch them play the game. One scores one does not, by how I watch them play, One knows what he is doing the other does not! Fryatt's effort can not be doubted in recent weeks however.

[Munzie]

As succinct a description of NP's management style as I have read.

His only change to combat our faltering form has been to bring in a defensive player for an admittedly faltering winger and this can not be considered a success after saturday.

There have been suggestions in this thread that we should try playing Fryatt as the front man, with support from behind from our pacier players, an idea the I (among others) have been floating for weeks if not months. This of course would require us to set up somewhat differently from our regular 4-4-2 and I am not at all confident that we are prepared to do that.

We have a difficult game on saturday and I can not see NP changing much, I think it will be more of the same with Fryatt partnered with Dickov if fit, or Hayles if not.

I think you're right on this point.

Although I didn't think it would involve S****horpe at the start of the season, this is one of our bigger games. In such a game, we need to have a proven, effective system and personnel. A carefully crafted plan 'A' or 'B' that involved a tested formation.

To date with have managed to collate a fairly successful plan 'A' that has now been put to the sword by several teams. Plan 'B' or even 'C' doesn't exist. Until they do, I fear inconsistent results.

This potential problem will be magnified the longer the season progresses. By Christmas, the table will reflect the front runners and those that pose a threat. We need to be ready with interchangeable game plans and players who will sucessfully execute the tactics regardless of injuries, suspensions or whatever else is thrown at us. Unless we start to try different styles of play and involve other players, our opposition will continue to benefit.

If Pearson feels that he can't rely on our current bunch of reserves, a carefully chosen shopping list for January will be vital.

[marbelladave]

Munzie

Sadly I think we have to change to move forward and I do not think it will happen anytime soon.

This is the nightmare scenario! The cautious approach will prevail, each game, in turn, will become too important to make 'risky' changes and we will continue to play the same players in the same style as we slowly slip off the pace and fall out of the promotion race.

This need not happen, we need to be bold and make some changes now, if some things do not work we still have time to try something else, we are barely one third of the way into the season, there is time!

[Munzie]

Munzie

Sadly I think we have to change to move forward and I do not think it will happen anytime soon.

This is the nightmare scenario! The cautious approach will prevail, each game, in turn, will become too important to make 'risky' changes and we will continue to play the same players in the same style as we slowly slip off the pace and fall out of the promotion race.

This need not happen, we need to be bold and make some changes now, if some things do not work we still have time to try something else, we are barely one third of the way into the season, there is time!

There is time as you say. Acting now must be priority. We have some lesser fancied teams cropping up on the fixture list soon. Also, we'll find out tomorrow who we face in the next round of the FA Cup. Without being detrimental to whoever we line up against, these are prime oppertunities to introduce change. Let's hope that they are not overlooked.

[Fox92]

Think we'll miss his ariel pressence - however it is spelt

[marbelladave]

There is time as you say. Acting now must be priority. We have some lesser fancied teams cropping up on the fixture list soon. Also, we'll find out tomorrow who we face in the next round of the FA Cup. Without being detrimental to whoever we line up against, these are prime oppertunities to introduce change. Let's hope that they are not overlooked.

I very much hope so too!

[clazkel]

No, he won't.

Even I realise he should be playing, Pearson isn't a retard.

I don't think he is either, and i think Fryatt will start, it just annoys me that he tends to play Fryatt alongside Howard, and if he makes a sub and brings on DJ or Dickov he takes off Fryatt. When Howard was subbed and Fryatt played up front with Hayles they looked sharper and more of a threat up front, then next game its Howard and Fryatt up front again.

[carterfox90]

it's a good thing he's away give someone else a chance to play for the badge

[Joe.]

http://www.foxes-online.co.uk/site/modules...r=0&thold=0

If anybody's bored and fancies a read....

[Craig]

BAD, Howard's work goes unoticed by most LCFC fans.

I think the disparit that the fans have between Howard & Fraytt is amazing especially if you watch them play the game. One scores one does not, by how I watch them play, One knows what he is doing the other does not! Fryatt's effort can not be doubted in recent weeks however.

Spot on. :thumbup:

[jayyd08]

i think howard works hard but isnt good enough, like to see dj or dickov given a chance???