Striker who can hold the ball

[Father Ted]

I believe that we have been struggling simply because we haven't got a striker who can win the ball.

Howard tries his best but simply can only win headers and give the opposing defenders a good battle, when the balls at his feet, he is limited.

Look at our time under O'Neill, we had: Claridge, Marshall, Heskey, Collymore, even Cottee. All were strikers who could bring the ball down, run forwards with the ball, hold it up and run the channels.

This is our problem, as soon as we kick the ball up, it comes straight back, so the team is constantly on the back foot.

This is why we need Heskey-esque. player!

[lildave3]

Are you taking the piss?

I mean seriously, get out.

[Wymsey]

I always thought M.De Vries was good at holding the ball.

some of the threads created are getting out of hand

[J.Lisemore]

Waghorn isn't bad at holding the ball up sometimes, if hes played in the right position that is.

[Jimothy]

It's the movement. If you look last night at the difference between Kitson and Howard. They are both useful to hit with a long ball and can win it in the air, but Kitson was so much more mobile and pulled our defence all over the place. Howard was very static and the Pompey defence just kept picking off the passes.

Heskey is a good example, because he will run the line as well as challenge in the air and hold the ball up in more central areas. Sort of wishing we'd signed someone like Jason Scotland in the window who would have been useful at this level in Howards role.

[dandannieldanok]

Fryatt can hold the ball up no problem.

This is why we need Heskey-esque. player!

The answer to all our goalscoring problems!! :w00t:

[Edmund]

The answer to all our goalscoring problems!! :w00t:

Or are defensive problems

[Father Ted]

It's the movement. If you look last night at the difference between Kitson and Howard. They are both useful to hit with a long ball and can win it in the air, but Kitson was so much more mobile and pulled our defence all over the place. Howard was very static and the Pompey defence just kept picking off the passes.

Heskey is a good example, because he will run the line as well as challenge in the air and hold the ball up in more central areas. Sort of wishing we'd signed someone like Jason Scotland in the window who would have been useful at this level in Howards role.

Exactly, you've summed up what I tried to say perfectly!

[Chrysalis]

you mean fryatt and waghorn? both can hold the ball, problem is managerial tactics and training.

[caz05]

you mean fryatt and waghorn? both can hold the ball, problem is managerial tactics and training.

[Maybes]

:laugh: Steve Howard holds the ball up perfectly. Wins his headers and plays simple passes to bring other players in.

Not sure quite what else you expect. We are in the championship....not sure if you've noticed but there aren't exactly many Dimitar Berbatovs strutting their stuff at this level!

[Thai Bride]

I'm very good at holding balls up, I can even do 4!!!

[Jackirius]

YES! You have answered it, something like 23 goals conceded in 8 games, a holding striker would solve all our problems.