The Tactician
Well-known member
- Feb 18, 2013
- 1,062
1. Kayal and Stephens are bloody brilliant, Norwood may be just as good we will have to see, but he's certainly decent. Sidwell has vast experience and also is a tidy player who gives us a lot when he plays.
2. Suspensions. Last season with the superb Kayal and Stephens, despite them being prone to the occasional yellow you got the sense tightropes were being walked when they neared a certain amount of yellows, and when they were suspended we missed them dearly. Now, not only do we have that cover when they are out, it removes that tentative careful nature that quells their games slightly when you know you must not be sent off or the team will be in severe trouble without you. "Into the dying seconds here at Carrow Road, Albion still lead 1-0. Wait here's Jerome running through! Stephens goes in-thats must be a free-kick on the edge of the box! It os, Jerome had to be stopped, but Stephens takes a second yellow, and he's off for the last kick of the game. Pritchard to take...ohhhhh dearrr, blazed over the bar, what a shit player."
3 HUGE points in that scenario, with Norwood/Sidwell to deputise at home to Bristol City. Perfectly adequate replacements.
3. Burnley at home last season. A win would have had as promoted, but sitting back going 4-3-3 lost us the 2 points. Sidwell was brought on to sure up the midfield with Kayal and Stephens like the rest of the team shattered. It didn't work, and we conceded. But now, our midfield could be revitalised with just a straight swap, as Sidwell and Norwood give us valid option in fresh legs, without sacrificing the two up front to keep the ball at the other end and stretch the play.
It is this flexibillity and depth which over a gruelling long season, goes so far towards the end result. Even with 'just' Hemed Murray and Baldock to choose from up front, with our midfield and wing options they will get enough chances, and goals will be scored. Oh, and March is yet to come back
2. Suspensions. Last season with the superb Kayal and Stephens, despite them being prone to the occasional yellow you got the sense tightropes were being walked when they neared a certain amount of yellows, and when they were suspended we missed them dearly. Now, not only do we have that cover when they are out, it removes that tentative careful nature that quells their games slightly when you know you must not be sent off or the team will be in severe trouble without you. "Into the dying seconds here at Carrow Road, Albion still lead 1-0. Wait here's Jerome running through! Stephens goes in-thats must be a free-kick on the edge of the box! It os, Jerome had to be stopped, but Stephens takes a second yellow, and he's off for the last kick of the game. Pritchard to take...ohhhhh dearrr, blazed over the bar, what a shit player."
3 HUGE points in that scenario, with Norwood/Sidwell to deputise at home to Bristol City. Perfectly adequate replacements. 3. Burnley at home last season. A win would have had as promoted, but sitting back going 4-3-3 lost us the 2 points. Sidwell was brought on to sure up the midfield with Kayal and Stephens like the rest of the team shattered. It didn't work, and we conceded. But now, our midfield could be revitalised with just a straight swap, as Sidwell and Norwood give us valid option in fresh legs, without sacrificing the two up front to keep the ball at the other end and stretch the play.
It is this flexibillity and depth which over a gruelling long season, goes so far towards the end result. Even with 'just' Hemed Murray and Baldock to choose from up front, with our midfield and wing options they will get enough chances, and goals will be scored. Oh, and March is yet to come back
