Agree with elements of this post but you can't be seriously trying to say that the 2nd half performance is typical for the likes of Randell, Mumba and Houghton etc. They have all played much, much better in other games this season. Randell, Whittaker and Hardi were particularly below par today.q
We can compete with this quality of player but they need to all be on 7/10 at least, or we need tactical alternatives to change the game our way (Schuey smashed this last season). But we don't have those options in the squad right now.
Mr Hallett talks about 'outsmarting' other teams, the key to that is finding 'wee nuggets', finding a way to keep players fit and in decent form as well as having the players to transition tactically to a plan B, or maybe even a C when we are under the cosh.
None of that is unachievable in my eyes. Extremely difficult, yes absolutely. But if we give up on that ideology, that direction, that dream... then what's the point in being an Argyle fan?
OK, before today l would of said l would have a good argument for Randell being the type of player at this level who isn't your first choice midfielder, but can come off the bench (or when rotating within the squad) & would be fine within your championship squad. He isnt consistent enough to play week in, week out, at this level & be our best midfielder. And that is what he is, but only due to Forshaw being so injury prone & Houghton not being good enough. I didn't rate Houghton last year & would love to know what it is people think he does. He doesn't score goals or assist. He doesn't protect the defence. Have a look at Stoke's first goal today & watch the player burst clear of him before passing the ball.
Mumba, l honestly don't know he is. Unlike others l see a player there but can you remember too many games where Mumba shone in the wing back role in a real attacking sense. I just don't think he is this. So he hasn't proven himself at this level.
Stoke were dreadful. There was so much space to run at their back four. And look at how we used it after they scored. It was like them scoring just killed us. It was horrible to watch the lack of simply any ideas & the team shape just looked all over the place,
The fact is the chances are this is the best it gets as an Argyle fan. Fightening at the bottom of the championship. We get a good manager, the liklihood is we lose him. Have a decent player like Galloway, chances are he will move on a free. The point of being an Argyle fan is yes to keep dreaming but unless you embrace our financial situstion, then reality of what we saw today is put down to a bad day at the office. Calling players bottle jobs, when actually they just weren't good enough. Once again.
We need to survive. We need more money. We need much more to turn the dream anywhere near reality.
