Barney pops in with an article about our weakest area of the team
Thanks, Barney for this article. Hope you all enjoy…
Over the last few seasons, we have heard lots of opinions about the defensive capabilities (or not) of the Wanderers football team and the fact that it hasn`t secured as many wins as it should.
Some people have railed against the defence, to explain all the lost points. Others have longed for a competent striker to ‘out-score` the defenders` errors. Most of us have merely prayed for a modicum of talent, at both ends of the pitch, to give us a realistic chance of success. The question is, has the defence now got a more solid feel about it?
It may be churlish to argue that Coyle should never have sold Al Habsi to Wigan, but with hindsight, it`s probably true. Bogdan, the present incumbent at the Reebok, has so far had a chequered career between the sticks.
For me, the big question-mark concerns his ability to command his six-yard box, and come out for crosses and corners. I`m sure it would give his immediate defenders a real boost to see him improve this aspect of his game.
Having said that, confidence (or is it ‘nerves`) seems to be his ‘Achilles heel`. As a shot-stopper, he can be relied upon to perform. No question. In fact, the manager himself has recently gone on record, to praise his heroics so far this term. Again, one presumes that he can only improve with age and experience, as well as adequate guidance from the coaches. Fingers crossed, he is going to be okay. He may even become a great goalkeeper, one day… And sometime soon, he may even save a penalty!
Our two centre-backs have come in for a lot of criticism recently; some of it justifiable, some of it (perhaps) a little harsh. They are both big lads, and sometimes have a problem with speed, both on the turn, being ‘run at` and with opposing forwards nipping between them. However, in the air, they are more than competent, with Knight being exceptional on occasions. But, I have been surprised to see Wheater beaten in that area in the last few matches. I don`t believe he is up to speed yet after his horrendous injury. The more they play together, the more chance there is of them hitting it off, both fitness-wise and from a dove-tailing point of view.
We have to be more than happy with our two new full-backs. Both of them have made a very commendable start. Baptiste has proved to be a quick and efficient defender, who doggedly sticks to his winger and rarely gets beaten by pace or trickery. Maybe he could get forward a bit more at times, but overall, a great buy, Dougie!
Tierney is another tenacious player; a good tackler, with a sweet left foot. He supports his winger really well and is looking to cross the ball whenever possible. His centre for Pratley`s goal against Reading was just sublime. He`ll do for me! And considering that both were free, what good pieces of business!
I cannot resist writing a few words about Craig Dawson, even though he isn`t part of our defence (yet). Naively perhaps, I still cling to the belief that he will end up at Bolton, preferably before this dead-line, on a year`s loan. If it happens and considering his contribution last year, then we can possibly expect to reach the play-offs, at least.
Overall, it has to be said, the defence is now stronger than it was at this time last season. Admittedly, we haven`t kept a clean sheet so far, but from memory, we would have struggled previously to secure the points we have, against such opposition. There appears to be more composure at the back now. Remember, both Burnley and Reading have won their other games with ease. All things being equal, this should give the team far greater stability.
If we do start with four draws against tough opponents, we shouldn`t press the panic button. Hopefully, it can only get easier. Our first-half performance against Reading should fill everyone with confidence. ‘God-willing`, and perhaps even more significantly ‘referee-willing`, this defence will be the rock upon which a promotion push can be built.