28 Apr 2024 04:23:37
So, safe with 3 matches left. What were we worried about?

First of all, a big thank you to Sean Dyche and the team for making us safe in, what has not been a stellar season for us. Add on the points though, that were taken from us, and we'd be mid tablish

Dyche has his faults. He doesn't seem (to me) to make substitutions as quick or as effectively as most of us would like. He has not brought any youth through with the exception of the excellent Branthwaite but he even seemed reluctant at first to bring him into the first team

People say he is negative in his team set up and tactics. Defensively minded and "hoof ball". I'd agree but would say what is he supposed to do with the squad he's been given?

We are a team lacking in pace. Go through the team and who's got real pace? I'd argue that only Godfrey has it and even he isn't the same player as he was before his injuries. Coleman, Gomes, McNeil, Gueye, Young, Beto frankly don't have it

We're still not buying well. Beto and Chermiti? Did they really justify their fees/ wages? Were they really better than keeping Simms and/ or Cannon and spending the money on other positions. The same could be said of Danjuma and Harrison on loan. We've still not solved our problems at right back (possibly even both flanks as neither side offers much offensively) . I wish him (Deli) well but why did we buy Deli with his wages? Onana - we might actually make some money if we sell him but he's not been a success in my opinion - a poor mans Pogba with all the hype

One answer as to why we bought Deli possibly could be the lack of creativity in midfield. There is no one with good figures on assists or build up play. I think we must be the worst in the division

With all of the above Dyche had to, in my opinion, be pragmatic. He made us difficult to score against, The fact we are second to Arsenal in clean sheets is a testament to that and to the excellence on Pickford, Tarkovsky and Branthwaite in particular. The lack of pace in midfield forced him play 2 DM's in the majority of games. The lack of creativity meant we had to rely on set pieces, 2nd balls. The football hasn't been attractive but it's been very effective and we're staying up

Next season people are calling for a new manager with an attacking philosophy, bringing in new, younger, players. All very good but all very dangerous if not done right

Whatever we do I hope we recognise the job Dyche has done for us under very difficult conditions.

1.) 28 Apr 2024
28 Apr 2024 07:05:17
I think the answers to some of your questions could be" thelwell"

2.) 28 Apr 2024
28 Apr 2024 08:31:56
You might we'll be right Skylark.

Bad signings and lack of youth coming through point more to Director of Football weaknesses.

3.) 28 Apr 2024
28 Apr 2024 08:44:44
Excellent post BW. ?.

4.) 28 Apr 2024
28 Apr 2024 09:37:26
Disagree Thelwell is a big reason behind the push to level up the Club. The incompetence at the Club has been headed by Moshri/ A. N. Other and 'trusted' advisors (who now that the Inn of plenty has dried up, have cut and run) . Add to that the determination of Richard Masters to ward off the incoming Independent Regulator by the attempted destruction of a historic founding Member of the very League he leads. In my view Dyche has done a fantastic job. I believe Masters has dug a hole so deep that it has now awoken some very powerful people.

5.) 28 Apr 2024
28 Apr 2024 09:57:54
BW, the only point about Godfrey I would add is look where he is playing (and still doing a good job) . The lad is primarily left sided. With the whole Squad fit and well he would be in his natural position. Young in my view has played better the last couple of games because he has green in his natural left side position.

6.) 28 Apr 2024
28 Apr 2024 13:05:38
Think if we do sell Branthwaite then Godfrey might find himself back in the middle.

7.) 28 Apr 2024
28 Apr 2024 13:15:15
The only thing I said about Godfrey is that he hasn't shown the same pace as regularly as he did before his fairly serious injury and the bout of C.V. he had.

Personally I'm surprised Garner hasn't been played at right back more this season because he looked good there last season and even got into the England squad in that position. I can only put it down to Dyche not being happy with Gueye and Onana as the 2 DM's.

8.) 28 Apr 2024
28 Apr 2024 13:23:22
It is strange about Garner. As for Gueye in particular, confidence is a wonderful thing, looks like the original.