Does he change

Chesssington · **Joined:** Fri Oct 31, 2014 6:36 pm **Posts:** 900

A side unbeaten in 6

He keeps hinting that he will and i certainly think Josh Laurent needs to be played at some point.

The Bishop · **Posted:** Fri Apr 01, 2016 9:16 pm

Its a difficult one really. On one hand you don't want to change a winning team, but on the other now safety seems secure, Hignett may want to see some of his squad in action!

Chesssington · **Joined:** Fri Oct 31, 2014 6:36 pm **Posts:** 900

I know we're not mathematically safe but surely now would be a good time to make a few changes.

poolieinnottingham · **Posted:** Fri Apr 01, 2016 9:25 pm

Don't change it, but give the subs a bit more of a run out. This starting 11 might be the nucleus of a promotion side next season, so the more of an understanding they get the better.

Look at Spain - that side that lifted the silverwear was settled for a long time, even when players weren't on top form (ie Torres) they still all had their tried and trusted roles and had played together so many times it was second nature to know what each other were doing.

Chesssington · **Joined:** Fri Oct 31, 2014 6:36 pm **Posts:** 900

What changes are likely then when he does make them, Oates in for James perhaps?

Not even sure where Josh Lauren plays.

Should rob Jones play to see if he's worth a contract next year

poolieinnottingham · **Posted:** Fri Apr 01, 2016 9:27 pm

He looked fit enough at Barnet, I think he's got at least a season left in him.

Chesssington · **Joined:** Fri Oct 31, 2014 6:36 pm **Posts:** 900

poolieinnottingham wrote:

Don't change it, but give the subs a bit more of a run out. This starting 11 might be the nucleus of a promotion side next season, so the more of an understanding they get the better.

Look at Spain - that side that lifted the silverwear was settled for a long time, even when players weren't on top form (ie Torres) they still all had their tried and trusted roles and had played together so many times it was second nature to know what each other were doing.

Totally get with all that but I just think we could be onto a good thing here but I'm not naive enough to not think we are still a few quality players short of getting into a play off chasing side.

Chesssington · **Joined:** Fri Oct 31, 2014 6:36 pm **Posts:** 900

poolieinnottingham wrote:

He looked fit enough at Barnet, I think he's got at least a season left in him.

I agree on what I saw at Barnet but if Jackson isn't going to be here next year, should we not be looking ahead now. That assumes bates is here as well of course.

The Bishop · **Posted:** Fri Apr 01, 2016 9:36 pm

Sorry chaps and chapesses but I am firmly sitting on the fence for this one. I can see the pro's and cons for keeping the same team/making changes. I know its the Bunker and I should have a firm opinion and stick to it, but sorry on this occasion I can't! :confusion-confused:

Montpoolier · **Posted:** Fri Apr 01, 2016 9:38 pm

poolieinnottingham wrote:

even when players weren't on top form (ie Torres) they still all had their tried and trusted roles

Torres was on top form. That's as good as he gets.

poolieinnottingham · **Posted:** Fri Apr 01, 2016 9:45 pm

I think it was the last time they won the Euros, he was wank but still finished top scorer because of the team play.

poolieinnottingham · **Posted:** Fri Apr 01, 2016 9:48 pm

Chesssington wrote:

poolieinnottingham wrote:

Don't change it, but give the subs a bit more of a run out. This starting 11 might be the nucleus of a promotion side next season, so the more of an understanding they get the better.

Look at Spain - that side that lifted the silverwear was settled for a long time, even when players weren't on top form (ie Torres) they still all had their tried and trusted roles and had played together so many times it was second nature to know what each other were doing.

Totally get with all that but I just think we could be onto a good thing here but I'm not naive enough to not think we are still a few quality players short of getting into a play off chasing side.

Add 3 or 4 more to the squad and we can seriously bother the top 3. If we've got a consistent backbone it'll go a long way to doing this. Look at last time we won promotion, and how many of them had played regularly together for years.

Chesssington · **Joined:** Fri Oct 31, 2014 6:36 pm **Posts:** 900

Didn't Leicester go on an unbeaten run of 10 games that ensured survival last season and look what they are on the verge of now

alibarthez · **Joined:** Tue Nov 25, 2014 10:06 pm **Posts:** 1072

The higher we finish the higher the pay cheque. If we are looking to improve the squad it's a no brainer for me.

unohoo · **Joined:** Fri Aug 29, 2008 8:51 pm **Posts:** 656

1. We're not yet mathematically safe
2. The higher we finish the better the pay cheque from the Football League
3. Players can be assessed in training and reserve games
4 Higgy's been watching Pools games all season.

Same 11 for me.

PJPoolie · **Joined:** Wed Mar 06, 2013 6:28 pm **Posts:** 15342

Chesssington wrote:

Didn't Leicester go on an unbeaten run of 10 games that ensured survival last season and look what they are on the verge of now

I'm not going again if we don't win the Premier League next season.

poolieinnottingham · **Posted:** Fri Apr 01, 2016 10:14 pm

unohoo wrote:

1. We're not yet mathematically safe
2. The higher we finish the better the pay cheque from the Football League
3. Players can be assessed in training and reserve games
4 Higgy's been watching Pools games all season.

Same 11 for me.

Agree with all of that, although really we are as safe as houses. I'm not a gambling man but I would wager at least £20 that neither of the 2 teams going down will get 40 points.

The Bishop · **Posted:** Fri Apr 01, 2016 10:23 pm

poolieinnottingham wrote:

unohoo wrote:

1. We're not yet mathematically safe
2. The higher we finish the better the pay cheque from the Football League
3. Players can be assessed in training and reserve games
4 Higgy's been watching Pools games all season.

Same 11 for me.

Agree with all of that, although really we are as safe as houses. I'm not a gambling man but I would wager at least £20 that neither of the 2 teams going down will get 40 points.

I con cur mr PIN. Also apologies Mr Unohoo as I disagree with your last 2 points. Training and reserve games are nothing like a "proper" league game to judge players. Hignett may have been watching Pools all season, but under a different manager, with a different style of play, and different confidence levels.

tREE_wiTH_hAMStER · **Joined:** Sat May 19, 2007 11:00 am **Posts:** 20758

The defence and keeper will be loving being part of the string of clean sheets so you can't drop any of them. Thomas won't be dropped, I don't think we can play without Paynter, Featherstone has to start if Hignett wants to play possession football. So that leaves maybe changing Hawkins, James or Gray?

Personally I'd change no one till we at least concede or get beat.

Chesssington · **Joined:** Fri Oct 31, 2014 6:36 pm **Posts:** 900

Chip Fireball wrote:

If Boro get promoted I can see Jackson being back here next season, either on loan or as a permanent signing. Will certainly be a test of how good Hignetts links are with Boro.

Bates sure to get another year, and wouldn't be shocked to see Jones play on for another season.

Not sure where that leaves the likes of Harrison, Worley, and Dan Jones. Scott Harrisons career seems to be on a rapid downward trajectory, rewind 12 months and he was one of the first names on the team sheet.

Of course if they are all under contract it's academic but I'd keep Jones out of the 3 just as he's more versatile and probably on a lot less money than the other 2.

What has happened to Harrison, lack of effort / bad attitude or simply lacking in confidence

Chesssington · **Joined:** Fri Oct 31, 2014 6:36 pm **Posts:** 900

Maybe a stint on loan then to to try and get his confidence back. I'm sure there is a good enough player in there somewhere but fook knows where currently.

Chesssington · **Joined:** Fri Oct 31, 2014 6:36 pm **Posts:** 900

Take gray, Jackson and James out of the side leaves a huge void based on the last 7 games and as you point out, I'm not convinced the fringe players can step up.

Surely cloughie can enlighten us as to who is out of contract

TheMonk · **Joined:** Fri Mar 04, 2016 11:25 pm **Posts:** 40

Chesssington wrote:

Take gray, Jackson and James out of the side leaves a huge void based on the last 7 games and as you point out, I'm not convinced the fringe players can step up.

Surely cloughie can enlighten us as to who is out of contract

Take Gray and James out of the dude and it leaves a huge void, have we been watching the same players?

I think Gray gives the team very little, if he doesn't score and James has been a disappointment to me since his loan move. I think they are both far from irreplaceable. But they are part of a winning team, so why should we change it.

PJPoolie · **Joined:** Wed Mar 06, 2013 6:28 pm **Posts:** 15342

I thought James was superb yesterday all is missing is a goal.

tREE_wiTH_hAMStER · **Joined:** Sat May 19, 2007 11:00 am **Posts:** 20758

I like Gray but he has looked tired recently which is understandable. I'd probably tell him to go visit his family and mates (down south?) for a couple of days and report back on Wednesday or something. A game off will do him good and put Woods in for Tuesday's match.

Be nice to give Ducky some time soon an all and be nice to see Laurent.

PJPoolie · **Joined:** Wed Mar 06, 2013 6:28 pm **Posts:** 15342

Yeah Gray has looked a bit leggy lately but he's done very well for us all told. Hawkins played well yesterday as well especially first half.

TheMonk · **Joined:** Fri Mar 04, 2016 11:25 pm **Posts:** 40

Chip Fireball wrote:

Gray is only young and has probably played too many games recently given his size and the clatterings he gets. He's a proper footballer though, he can beat a man, he works hard, and he gives us one thing we haven't had for a while, goals from central midfield.

To be honest his work rate probably goes un-noticed by a lot of people, both him and Hawkins cover a lot of ground tracking back and closing people down.

James is another that works his nuts off, he is also a great out ball as he demonstrated a few times yesterday when he killed balls stone dead first touch that a lot of our players would take 4 or 5 touches to get under control.

The key to the improved results, especially away from home, is that we have players in midfield, including Gray and James, that are quick enough and fit enough to get around the pitch and close teams down. A far cry from the games under Moore when we were playing 4 in midfield, often with Walker a passenger, and teams were just strolling through us at will.

I disagree almost entirely...I do agree that Gray is a young player, so is learning his trade and offers more than Walker, who although ok, on the ball can't get around the pitch. I just don't think Gray is effective enough and offers very little unless he scores. He doesn't tackle, cut off passing angles or wins second balls so offers very little off the ball.

Overall Gray has been a good loan signing, but he's not irreplaceable.

Does he change

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