The Hotel End

As JFH is so stubborn and will NOT look in a mirror for the problem with the team then I feel we should pick the team for Tuesday, with reasons!!!

O'Donnell

Facey- Man of the match performances before his injury and is a class above a steady Moloney (who I believe is affected by a knee injury)

Taylor

Turnbull

Buchanan - a defensive left back who would do a job for the next 9 games and add character to the team

McWilliams (or Foley) - to play as an anchor midfielder to shield the back four, as this is their best combative position

Ariyibi - has the ability to beat a full back and create chances (remember that phrase 'create chances'!)

O'Toole - linking the defence and supporting the strikers, his best position

Grimes - undoubted ability BUT not as a defensive midfielder, let him create!

Long - Hasn't had the help or chances created to see his best

Van Veen - played ALONGSIDE Long to give the team a chance of scoring more than one (or nil) goal!


Stubborn JFH's formation invites teams onto us, even at home!!
30% possesion and 55 minutes before our first shot on target is unacceptable.
Austin and Pemberton should grow some balls and stand up to Jimmy and get him to change formation AND INTENT!!!

I WON'T HOLD MY BREATH !! but will still be there Tuesday to cheer my team on!

                                 O'Donnell

Facey            Taylor                 Turnbull              Buchanan

                               McWilliams (or Foley)

             Ariyibi              O'Toole                Grimes

                                Long            Van Veen


Play footballers in their BEST positions and set up with intent to keep a clean sheet (remember them 1 in 17 games!) and score goals!!!

COME ON YOU COBBLERS!!!!

If JFH changes formation or personnel (Buchs for Bunney, play McWilliams etc) now it means that what he was previously doing was wrong and he stuffed it up. Rob Pages ego wouldn’t allow him to do it, Justin Edinburghs ego wouldn’t allow him to do it. Please tell me we don’t have yet another megalomaniac on our hands? Keep it the same away from home, but at home 2 up top, Bunney out, Buchs in, McWilliams in, players playing in their natural positions, a high line, and start pressing and playing for the badge. If you can’t play for the badge then do it for professional pride and the poor sods turning up week in week out bank rolling this sh1t.

He has to take the handbrake off - if we set up and sit back against Shrewsbury like we have against nearly every opponent this season at home it will a question of how many we will lose by. It sounded in his interview as if he is open to the possibility of the 2 kevs up top but I wouldn’t be at all surprised to see van veen replacing luckasson as the lone striker which won’t resolve anything as he’d be feeding off scraps. As others have said jjot, foley or McWilliams has to line up beside grimes who will start as default. Facey has to come back in - I really like moloney but facey is the better player. Finally he has to address the left side defensively but I have absolutely no confidence he will.

I like the team Village Idiot has suggested and it's what I would go with.

I think we are kidding ourselves if we think anything dramatic will change though. Buchanan clearly isn't going to play. He seems obsessed with Grimes as quarter back. It's all a load of nonsense.

See you Tuesday.

Back to basics. Two wingers, two up front, everyone in a position that's natural to them.

O'Donnell

Facey / Taylor / Turnbull / Buchanan

Pereira / O'Toole / McWilliams / Ariyibi

Long (Van Veen if Long still injured) / Luckasson


Similarly to most, I like Moloney, but our record with Facey in the team was good and at the moment he's the better choice.

Grimes is our most gifted footballer, but for whatever reason it's not working for him at the moment and his set pieces are not cutting the mustard. I want a central midfield that will get in the opposition's faces. O'Toole and McWilliams I think is our toughest centre-midfield pairing, but they can also play a bit.

Two wingers out wide. Hoskins is not performing in that role, and Powell is too hit and miss.

Two forwards up front. At the moment would prefer a little large combination in Long and Luckassen as Van Veen is still coming back from injury, but we need to play two up front in home games for sure. I also think we need to start considering Hoskins as a viable option as part of a front two, to bring off the bench. He will offer more than Mathis and played as a centre forward in his first season with us.

Once Poole is back, I might be tempted to bring him back in at centre-back and shift Turnbull to left back.

That’s the thing though, as far as I’m aware Poole is available and has been for the last couple of months - for whatever reason jimmy has dropped him completely from the squads.

Believe he's on international duty this week, hence my phrasing. He has been available for the last few weeks, and it's absolutely bizarre that he's not in the squad, let alone the starting 11.

Village Idiot I like your team selection and formation.

We need to have a go at the opposition. Attack and if we lose to a better team but have had a right go then that’s different.

We were set up for a draw yesterday right from the start.

Buchanan and Facey must play.  Simple as that.

These team selections are too sensible for JFH to make. His boss KT should be telling him though or sack him for breach of contract if he doesn't follow a reasonable request laid down by his boss (that's in my work contract). That won't happen of course. He will make changes to the team but will still persist with Grimes, probably one up top and at least one of the ineffective Powell and Hoskins as well as Bunney of course.

Can't see Jimmy just bringing back Buchs from the cold.

Is JFH going to be here on Tuesday?

For the players sake, JFH must take Bunney out of the firing line if we are playing a back 4. Talk in the pub last night was that if something worked OK, like our defensive line up at Blackburn, Jimmy changes it the next game. If something is clearly not working, like  Bunney at left back, he sticks with it  ??? ???

Like I’ve said before if he does change it he’ll bring Barnett back in and put Turnbull at left back - hardly inspiring as Barnett is a pretty ordinary central defender.

I'd much rather that option than brining Buchanan back into the 11. Though the obvious choice is Poole for all games that he is available for selection.

I'm wondering that myself.

For once nearly all supporters are singing from the same hymn sheet............................only one problem, JFH thinks we are a stonger team with Hoskins, Bunney, Powell and one up front in the team!

Has he taken in the last 4 home matches?

            O'Donnell

Facey Ash Barnett (think Poole is away) Turnbull

Berto McWilliams JJOT Ariyibi

         Lucky
                   Van Veen

Don't think there is any chance of this happening, unless Jimmy tries it and we get thumped and he can say he told us all so.

Would happily play Berto in behind a striker just to get him further up the field, he showed some neat touches and broke quickly at times from deep yesterday but was too far back from our one man up top to make a difference. I don't think Buchs is the answer at LB, but Bunney needs to be out of the firing line.

4-4-2 keep it solid and grid out a draw.

player wise i would again go back to basics and play the players in there 'Natural' positions.

he is killing himself with the poor tactics and team selection.

but i guaranty none of this will happen.  

Yesterday's poor performance was on the cards from the start, coz JFH got it wrong.

Maloney is a really good player, and I like him. Perhaps Facey is a better player. I find this a difficult one to call, so it needs to be the better defender. I think i would go with Facey with Maloney on the bench.

Bunney is not a left back! His confidence is not good and he should be rested. Buchs is the only real left back, but it looks as though he has been sidelined by JFH and is likely not to get picked.

Perrera should never have played in a deep central role yesterday. Anyway, he is always getting involved with the ref and needs to butt out. Too much like Ishmael Demontagnac - an undoubted talent who is more likely to let you down soon after he has stunned you with a piece of magic. Subs bench for him!

Hoskins I have always liked but he hasn't picked up from where he left off earlier last season when he got that awful knee injury. Players back from serious knee injuries are not as good as they were before!

Grimes - too erratic and I am not convinced. Well done Exeter for getting £1.75m for him!

Powell is not a winger. He is not built like a winger anc does not know how to position himself like a winger. If he isn't given the ball quickly, instead of moving left or right to create space for him to move into, he COMES BACK TOWARDS THE PLAYER WITH THE BALL AND MAKES HIMSELF INEFFECTIVE! He not only did this several times yesterday...he does it in every game!

Battling players is what we need...they will make a team! Foley and McWilliams will give you more commitment. AND WE HAVE TO PLAY 2 MEN UP FRONT JFH! We have Van Veen and Luckasen who may be able to play together or with Long - who may not be available on Tuesday if he has a back problem.

                    O'Donnell

     Facey   Taylor   Barnett   Turnbull

     Foley   McWilliams   O'Toole   Ariyibi

             Luckassen   Van Veen

I have assumed that Buchannan wont get picked and Long will remain injured

To save me trawling back through old threads ...How many of you guys wanting Buchs back in the team were saying he was past it/not up to league 1 standard before the January window? ??? ???

I guess quite a few...but when he's replaced by someone who isn't up to league 2 standard is it not allowed to call for Buchs back?

That wasn't intended to be my point....Just a case of be careful what you wish for...

Absolutely agree with you. And that's why putting Turnbull at left back and Poole next to Taylor makes perfect sense. As it worked damn well at Bradford two months ago.

The truth is it hasn't worked out so Buchs needs to be reinstated to the first team. playing a winger at left back who cant tackle and has no defensive positional play is suicidal.

But Bunny does possess a bit of pace and a solid left foot so he should be played to his strengths. i feel sorry for him in many ways.  

I'm one who always wanted Buchs in the team. What do you want from your full backs? I want them to be able to defend and get forward second. Facey looks good at doing both aspects but Bunney doesn't. Still happy for Bunney to play but in a left midfield role playing just in front of Buchanan.

Last season I wanted us to get a replacement for Buchs, coz I felt he was a bit off the pace. But we haven’t found a replacement. I understand that he and JFH are poles apart and it is therefore unlikely that he will get a recall. So Turnbull at left back is the more likely option. In front of him you WILL need a left winger...not Powell.

Just had to google him, but yep, Kasim is still with us.

O'Donnell
Facey Taylor Poole Buchs
Ariyibi  Kasim McWilliams Foley
O'Toole Van Veen (Long if fit)

And before you say Kasim is rubbish, let's be fair, he has hardly played, Swindon fans thought highly of him when they got the league one play offs, and it can't be half as bad having him in there than the non existent ones we have now. McWilliams will give us some bite, And although Foley isn't an obvious winger he could just be a wide midfielder. I also think its not a coincidence our form at Christmas/ New year improved with him in the team.

Poole is away with Wales! Kasim needs to stay locked in the cupboard!

Why does he? Kasim can't be worse than Grimes in centre mid.

He isn’t as good as Grimes and he brought nothing to the team when he did play. The only reason we’ve still got him is that nobody else wants him!...including Swindon!

Grimes...our set piece specialist....has scored one goal from open play this season. I was critical of Taylor last season but at least he scored goals.....I just don’t see what Grimes brings to the party.

The only problem with bringing back these players is they are going to need two or three games to get back up to speed and match fitness.It needs doing now before it's too late which it might already be to save us.COYC

Totally agree should be the first one dropped.As many people have said his set pieces have in general been awful.

I base this on only two games... But I am adament Turnbull is our best left back. Looked class away to Bradford and Blackburn.

No idea what team we'll see on Tuesday, but like a few others, I'd want a 2 man strikeforce for a change. Not sure if Van Veen is up to playing at the moment though. Did anyone else think he looked injured on Saturday?

Also, Hilda starting is an absolute must in my opinion. Would love to see him and Ariyibi on opposite wings.

Not with Crooks out!

Which pub?



 :D

Definitely two up front and why no Poole - is he not available?

Utter despair yesterday, but do agree (and largely unmentioned) thought Pereira had a good game. Trying to take the game by the scruffs, tearing through their midfield. Must be hated by opposition fans and team...on the ref's back at every opportunity.
We do need that urgency and commitment in contrast to Crooks seeming attitude...though we need him too!

I don't know why people are demanding we play two up front for this game. Our midfield struggles enough as it is against decent opposition and taking one out from there is hardly going to help.

I agree.

We should be playing with 3 up top (one of which is an out and winger).  The modern game assumes that the midfield protects the central defence.  So, the opposition wont dare let their midfield go forward.  Thus, just by lining up that way, we gain territorial advantage, and give our midfield the chance to move 20 yards further forward and be creative.  (And maybe, just maybe, we might get a shot on goal in the first half).

As I said earlier, we’ll done Exeter for getting £1.75m for him. Just not consistent enough.

Poole is with Wales this week.

We need wins. Two up front, two wingers at home. Keep it the same away because it's working.

O'Donnell

Facey-Taylor-Turnbull-Buchanan

Pereira-O'Toole-Foley-Ariyibi

Luckassen-Long or Van Veen

Subs, Cornell, Moloney, Bunney, Grimes, Powell, Mathis or Van Veen, McWilliams

Poole is on International duty, so not available. Two grafters in midfield. If JJOT  isn't fit enough to play in midfield give him 60/70 mins then replace him with McWilliams.

Why?He didn't do anything yesterday or in many games when Crooks have been playing, I know he is playing to deep to be effective.I just don't think he has shown anything special for us

Our current midfield struggles, but it all depends on who you are playing in there.

AND why are there so many suggested teams with Foley on left or right side midfield? You’re as bad as Jimmy. He’s a central midfield player FFS, although I guess I might forgive for you not realising this as it is the one position he has not been selected in all season.

The same team for me although I would like to see McWilliams play in place of Foley.When Poole is available play him centre back and replace Buchanan with Turnbull.

Granted he is no Ricky Holmes out wide, but for some reason I think it kinds of work having him there. Like I said before he was playing there december / January, when our form was alright. I don't think he is strong enough for the middle but out wide playing as a left midfielder rathrr than a natural winger he can let Buchs or Bunney overlap.

I wouldn't have Luckassen in the team. He didn't do much for me yesterday albeit with no service. With him on the pitch there will just be a tendency to hoof it long to him in the hope he wins it.

My team would be

O'Donnell

Facey   Taylor   Barnett    Turnbull

Aryibi   McWilliams  O'Toole   Bunney

Van Veen     Long or Luckassen

Subs

Cornell   Foley  Moloney  Pereira  Luckassen (if Long unfit Mathis) Grimes  Buchanan

We need to be tight at the back and aggressive in midfield. I would expect us to be under pressure for a lot of the game and think that we cannot afford the luxury of a lightweight like Grimes. Playing Bunney wide on the left would provide us with options as well as some extra defensive cover. A point is the minimum requirement but against a top side like Shrewsbury we cannot afford to play an expansive game and go all guns blazing for the win because we would undoubtedly get caught out and lose.
Unfortunately JFH doesn't have a clue and I fear the worst. Having followed the club since 1957-58 season I will not renew my season ticket if we go down or if JFH remains in charge. For me he ranks alongside Terry Fenwick as one of the worst managers we have had and over those years there have been some truly awful ones.

Foley has more experience than Shaun, that is the only reason for my selection. It is a time for experience, particularly in the centre of midfield/defence.

Jimmy said yesterday that we need to WIN our four remaining home games. Therefore, it will be interesting to see his approach to the game - will he finally go more attacking?

McWilliams is a far better all round player than Foley. That's why he should be in the team.

I'd reverse Moloney for Facey, play Hilderberto instead of Bunney who I'd drop altogether and put Hoskins on the bench.  I'd also drop Grimes altogether and have Powell on the bench

So do you advocate that all strikers should be 5’6” or less?

No? Where do you get that from? Luckassen is a big strong unit and probably there to win headers and hold up play, so like I say we would see a repeat of yesterday of him not winning anything. If we had Van veen, who is taller than 5'6, or Long we might have a better chance with us playing it through the midfield and setting them on a run.

I can't see why anyone would want Hoskins in the team. He is conference quality at best. Facey should be in ahead of Moloney as he offers more pace now and is slightly better defensively.
With team morale as low as it is the priorities must be to keep the game very tight, to get the players to be quicker into the tackle and to close down more aggressively, and endeavour to keep a clean sheet. Shrewsbury will come at us and our best bet is to hit them on the break. I don't advocate defending the edge of the penalty area but we mustn't leave space in behind. The emphasis has to be to get in their faces for the whole 90 minutes and not stand off the way we have done in successive home matches under JFH.

He's a big unit but that's about it. You do need deceptively good ball skills to operate on your own at the top and be able to bring others into the attack. Bayo is a great example of how it's done, Luckassen unfortunately isn't.

A certain Michael Smith, I think, also has those attributes.....  certainly some slick skills on Saturday with the ball at his feet. 

I think it's a bit soon to write off Luckassen. He's played about 90 minutes of football this season, and his home debut was against one of the best teams in the division.

A couple times he impressed me with how easy he rolled the opposing centre back, but needs more natural wingers/Long playing closer to him. Him and O'Toole reminded me of when Wilder used to try Rico and O'Toole.

Luckassen would be more than adequate up front with a partner. Not on his own though.

Numerous times on Saturday he tried to lay it off but nobody was there.

Agreed. 7 days prior, Luckassen was outstanding at Bristol Rovers. Sure enough that was due to him playing with a partner.

I think part of the problem this season is a lack of legs, we need younger more athletic players with pace. Therefore, can we go into next season with at least three players in their mid thirties? Can we keep the old men - no I don't think so.

The Old Swan in Earls Barton

This. If we play this and lose 4-0 to the Shrews then at least we'll have tried something different in a game that we would have lost anyway.

Grimes definitely needs dropping. As Drilling said, he hasn't put a challenge in since he went on to 9 cards. Not the kind of loan player to rely on in a relegation scrap. 

Alton's not writing him off...just advocating two up front!  ;D

I've got a funny feeling that he'll do something completely random like drop jjot - that would go down well despite him being off form. Also about 30 seconds after he came on ariyibi got clattered by their left back and was noticeably hobbling for the rest of the game - I wouldn't be surprised if there has been some kind of soreness/reaction to that.

If he picks that team ( which looks fairly good) that would be admitting he was wrong with previous selections. Will he really go that far and admit 2 up front at home is the way to go ??

"He's a big unit but that's about it."

It was this part I felt was particularly harsh. When I think of "He's a big unit but that's about it", I'd think of the Clive Platt's of the world. A head on a stick type player.

Agreed, I'd play this as a 'free hit' type game as well. I dread to think what the atmosphere would be like on the back of a 0-4 loss though  ;D

So, here's my line-up (realising that what looks good when formatted on a PC is s***e when viewed on a mobile phone):

G:   O'Donnell

RB:  Facey
CB:  Taylor
CB:  Barnett
LB:  Buchanan

RM:  McWilliams
CM:  O'Toole
LM:   Foley

RF:  vV
LF:  Lucky Me
LW:  Ariybi


Yes, I would drop Turnbull...... as the Coventry fans alluded to, he doesn't get behind the ball with enough power when he really needs to.  We need ugly football at the back - and Barnett will do that.  Less need to have our midfield prtect our back-line (ie, they can step 10 yards further forward).

Buchanan is a total defensive player, who doesn't need to worry about getting forward on the Left Wing.  Just stop any wide Right from getting the ball.  Ariyibi will play behind their full-back - ie, as soon as the full-back steps forward, Ariybi makes himself available as the outlet behind him.

Facey can get up and down the pitch, so, he can double as RW when needed - else Moloney, if fit and given the free-reign.

The midfield play tight, choking the opposition when they have the ball, but, each have the running to support in the right way..... Foley can get in left, McW in Right, and O'Toole marauding through the Centre...... But, all can pull in tight and get a tackle in when needed.

Forward line speaks for itself.  All are hard-working, and our Double-Dutch will scare the s***e out any CB pairing in this Division.  Why do they need to play off scraps on their own.....?  our CMx3 are more than capable of picking up the pieces after our forwards have battered the opposition into submission.

Ariybi then plays to his strengths..... trickery and delivery from the left - and always an outlet when their RB steps forward.

Line-up with 3 up front, and even if the opposition have kick-off, the front 3 run forward (not try to mark) to "pressurise" the opposing back-line.  Within 30 secs, their Midfield will be back protecting their CBs, allowing our midfield a chance to do their worst (I mean "best"), ie, get forward on the front foot.

Loads more, but, this isn't a job interview......

Subs:

Any old s*** that's left fit to play

I rest my case.

I for one haven't written of Lucky................find it hard to understand those who after 90 mins(if that) decide he is NG for us!

I'm in a more positive frame of mind about this game.

Going with my full support for the team.

Until we are 3 down after 18 minutes and I will throw pies at JFH.

How many pies are you planning on buying?   :)

I've not thought this through.

s***.

LOL & LOL (What's the one about leeking in one's underpants whilst laughing?

I recommend a visit to the nearest cash-point & Pie Shop before attending.  (Mrs.Miggins is very good, I hear.   :)

Fair comment. However, while I don’t want to be too critical of the lad, given his current form that’s a bit like saying who would you have in goal, Buchanan, or no goalkeeper at all? Most seem to think he is the main focus for the opposition at Sixfields? If Jimmy keeps the same system and the same back four at home we are done for. Away from home it’s a case of “if it ain’t broke don’t fix it”, well at home it clearly is broke so FFS fix it.

I don't usually get home until 1ish for midweek games, relying on public transport back to Sutton Coldfield. And with the terrible season we're having, it's far easier to dodge this midweek game we're almost certainly going to lose. And probably lose heavily.

Yet here I am looking forward to the game. Might need to buy some pies myself.

Cold Suttonfield..... I know it well.

A bit up-market for this forum, aren't you?  Very, very Royal.  And where's your accented speech. so that we know where you are from?

(Really, really jesting.....honest)

My east Northants accent has me sounding a lot more upmarket than the Brummie locals I work with...  ;D

LOL 'til I pissed myself.  It has always been a problem for me taking that accent seriously.  In a different world, I had a neighbour who was a submariner technology warfare expert (ie, he worked in a sub in the Falklands Conflict doing stuff that is still classified).  Whenever he talked serious tech stuff, I had real problems absorbing what he said, if you know what I mean.....?????  :)

Good on you for keeping it real.

Does this mean you a regular at the Fellows Park/Banks/Bescot?RAC Stadium away days?

If he travels down from SC for most home games its a well done. Wolvo and I don't always see eye to eye but after that link he posted on CW you kinda of warm to the guy.

Do you chat football when you’re having a kipper tie?

Excited at the prospect of staying in League One if Birmingham get relegated. Coventry, Walsall, Burton, Birmingham would be a decent year of football my end  :P

We started this season at Shrewsbury. Club, manager, team and supporters need to put this season behind us. We can start a mini season on Tuesday night and do well...if the manager gives us a chance!

Picking the team is only half the job - sending them out with the right mentality is just as important.

That being said:

O'Donnell - no doubts, has been a solid performer

Facey - Reinstate ... was a stand out signing and needs to be back in
Taylor - No need to replace
Turnbull - As above
Buchanan - One of the more important replacements - get him back now

Aryibi - Needlessly dropped on Saturday, pace and creativity
JJOT - Get him scrapping in the middle of the park
McWilliams - Another vital one ... no idea why he's been left out constantly
Foley - Big presence and will put himself about

KvV - No brainer after a brief cameo at the weekend. Needs to start if fit
Long - In theory should work well with a big partner

Whether he should be sacked or not, if Jimmy rolls out disappointing selections in the same formation he’ll be asking for it? If he does and we get thumped I think expressions of opinion from the stands will get a lot more volatile from this point on? Will be character building this if nothing else?

You really want to queue that long?

Hopefully they will not give out the line up until kick off, I can see plenty of people not turning up if they see a similarly random team sheet to the one on Saturday.

Although it will be difficult to judge where those listed will be playing, think everyone though Berto would be playing in an advanced role and how wrong we were!

wouldnt argue against this line up - at least we might go down without a whimper

I might not look at my phone until I get to the game. I know Grimes, Hoskins, Bunney & 1 up front will get picked and I don't want to watch that again.

I would go with this also apart from Hilderberto in for Foley. Good suggestion.

That is an excellent plan, I'll try the same.  ;D

I'm also one of those fans craving to see Hilda and Ariyibi on opposite flanks. I really think they could be potent playing together.

Facey and Turnbull fullbacks pretty please.

O'Donnell

Facey-Taylor-Turnbull-Buchanan

Pereira-O'Toole-Foley-Ariyibi

Luckassen-Long or Van Veen

Subs, Cornell, Moloney, Grimes, Powell, Mathis or Van Veen, McWilliams

Tea Duty- Bunney

Ovaltine?

Good line-up Larry. Can't see it happening though.

He's already said he's backing Bugs so we're f***ed. He will just get skinned the whole game like usual.

We need men in the team that want to win .
McWilliams , Buchanan , Van Veen all need to start .
Get rid of the lightweights that flatter to deceive .
Powell and Bunney have to go .
Start practicing dark arts to win a game - be nasty and leave your foot in . Elbow off the ball and go in a few seconds late over the ankle .

He would be better backing Bunney by dropping him, take him out of the firing line and let him rebuild his confidence. He plays at Left Back and gets skinned he will get slaughtered first mistake he makes.

We have had enough red cards this season thank you. Agree on McWilliams and van Veen though. Grimes looses us as many points as Bunney. I am sure we can find a better corner/free kick taker.

You don’t get caught if you are clever .
You see my point though -we need to have an edge to win through this .
We are powder puff currently

Yes, shockingly we agree on some things  ;D

The main thing is whoever gets picked that we all support them.

Not quite the nasty side, but the dark arts you speak of. If we had Marc Richards on the pitch as captain last Saturday, I guarantee we'd have finished the game against a 10 man Rotherham. When their player on a booking cynically took our player out, we had no one in the refs ear influencing decisions. And  Rico was an absolute master at talking refs through games.

Would it have changed the result? Doubtful. But we need to be grabbing every advantage we can get.

We have Hilderberto to do that now but not always with a positive outcome for us. Two Rotherham players should have gone but the young inexperienced referee bottled it and the linesman who was a few feet away from the second didn't step up and do his job , a tackle from behind no less. Even the Rotherham bench knew he should have gone and promptly subbed him .We may have stood a chance against 9.

I would be happy with players playing in their best suited position.

Except Hilda and his histrionics

If he picks a team with two battling in CM (preferably with two CM in CM too) two up top and a change at left back he’ll have the majority of the crowd onside straight away. If they have a bit of a go and compete I think you can see the atmosphere massively shifting very quickly and then he actually will get everyone pulling together. If they get a bit of a kicking most will give him credit for trying a different approach anyway and put it down to the quality of Shrewsbury.

Or he can pick a very similar team and formation, adopt the same drab defensive approach and probably get hammered even if he manages to nick a point.

If they are comfortably beaten in the second scenario, especially if they lose by three or more, it will get unpleasant and I can see him being relieved of his position.

From reading the Chron article on Bunney, JFH is backing him so he is going to select him again. Unless he changes to a wing-back system or plays him as a wide midfielder the fans support is going to be severely tested. One more time stake is all it will take for it to turn toxic.
I just cannot get my head around his selections, which was the same with JED and Page to a degree. JFH has a much stronger and better squad than his two predecessors but is just getting it so wrong and so out of kilter with the vast majority of fans and media opinions. We can't all be wrong? We should be so much better than we are. Tomorrow could be really alter our destiny in a big big week for our survival hopes.

Hilda was constantly 'in the ref's ear'!

The ref will be Andy Davies for this game. He usually referees in the championship and the last time he officiated a game involving us was the defeat at Stourbridge.  :'(

We need to be cynical, like Rotherham were, several times they pulled people down or tripped them to stop a break away. Shrewsbury last season were using all the tricks going, remember their winger, Whalley, going down like a sack of spuds when Buchs hadn't touched him, as soon as the excuse for a ref sent Buchs off, he was straight up and running around like a 2 year old.

Shaun Whalley will be up against Bunney if JFH keeps things the same  :o

He's not really going to keep Bunney as a left back tomorrow is he ? If he does, that is really unfair on Bunney, he needs to be taken out of the firing line OR played as a wing back

Hilda does it differently somehow. Hilda is a player who'll get booked once every two games for talking to the ref.

Rico had it mastered where he'd be in the ref's for 90 minutes a game every game and never even see a yellow card (usually after throwing a rogue elbow into the weakest looking opposition defender..)  ;D

For us out of Towners, apparently we are the featured match on Talksport2 tonight.

Buchs didn't fare particularly well against him either, and fell for his tricks in getting himself sent off when we played them at home last. In his interview yesterday Jimmy said he was sticking with Bunney, so he needs to put someone that side who will help him out defensively.

Maybe we'll see Foley play that side in front of Bunney?

Just had a look at their form.....the Shrews have won their last 5 away from home, have a Wembley date to look forward to and will go top of the league with s win tonight!
I’m sorry, I can’t see any other result than......a 1-0 backs to the wall win for us!!
Here’s hoping!!

That’s not a bad shout to be honest - it sounds like the kind of cautious thing that jimmy would do where he tries to anticipate what the opposition are going to do rather than take the handbrake off and try to cause them problems.  Having said that can you imagine the carnage if we were to go with bunney at left back and say berto at left wing!

I thought Boris looked quite sharp in his brief appearance, I'd be tempted to go 4-3-3.

                     O'Donnell

Facey      Poole     Taylor    Turnbull

                    O'Toole
        McWilliams        Foley

      
      Van Veen  Luckassen    Mathis

I'm really hoping the players surprise us and put in a shift tonight as I fear the crowd have just about lost all patience. It won't take much for the atmosphere to turn toxic but coincidentally it won't take much for the crowd to be on the players sides either.

Over to the players.

Morning...welcome to Poet's corner, midweek special...

Here we go again, it’s another Tuesday night
Praying for a miracle, for some kind of fight
Rotherham came, they saw and took the points with ease
And Town fans once again ended up far from pleased

Early exits from the stands and more boos at the end
It seems like it’s driving young Jimmy round the bend
But it’s his job to put right, his job to fix
What’s he got left in his bag of tricks?

The Shrews come to town with their eyes on promotion
But if they come and take the points there’ll be one heck of a commotion
Unless the Town show us some kind of life
And show that they can take us out of this strife

All we ask is for some sort of proper formation
With players in their right places, in their correct station
And not one of us will even find it the slightest but funny
If Jimmy persists on the left side with poor Bunney

What’s left in the tank? Have we got it inside?
To summon up the strength to show some kind of pride?
To those in the stands, let’s sing and stand tall
Let’s be with the Town with every kick of the ball

There’s still time to turn it, still time to ensure
That League One is our fate, that hope is our cure
So come in your droves, let’s alter the course
And show Jimmy Floyd that we can still be a force

Would go 4-4-2 with Grimes or Bunney at LM
Just vV and Lucky up front. There is no winger? Thought that Poole unavailable?

Thanks for that.

Unfortunately he didn't have his interpreter with him

Whatever the line up I'm going for a scrappy 1-0 win with JJoT scoring from a Grimes set piece.

O'Donnell

Facey      Taylor      Turnbull   Buchs

            Grimms     McWilliams

Aryibi       JJOT     Foley    Bunney

                            VvV

This might be an odd selection but I just have a feeling that Bunney playing left wing infront of Buchs might just be a very good thing. Also prefer Facey to Maloney and Ariybi ahead of berto, he has been very dangerous and a threat of late. The team could easily be changed to 4-4-2 by subbing Foley/McWilliams for Lucky/Mathis/Long.

You'd play 12 players?

That's why it's odd!  ;D

I would go for the following team:

                     O'Donnell

         Barnett - Taylor - Turnbull
Facey                                       Bunney

          Pereira - JJOT - McWilliams

            van Veen - Luckasson

I suspect JFH will play something familar:

                  O'Donnell

 Facey - Taylor - Turnbull - Bunney

 Pereira - Foley - Grimes - Ariyibi

                      JJOT

                  Luckasson

Either team will probably get beat but I think the first one stands a better chance

Bunney has to be rested and I've no faith in Powell. He may have made a couple of decent runs against Rotherham but generally his off the ball movement and defensive abilities are crap.
I like Moloney but Facey is a better defender and we can't afford to give Shrewsbury anything.
Time to recall Poole and push Turnbull to left back where he has performed adequately.

We need someone who can tackle in midfield, hence McWilliams and JJ, pushing Grimes into a more advanced playmaker role.
Then play our most experienced and hopefully most effective 3 up front.

With Lucky, Long and Hoskins on the bench to freshen things up for the last 20-30 minutes.

So I would play

                  O'Donnell
Facey    Poole     Taylor    Turnbull
             McWilliams  JJOT
                Grimes
  Periera       VW        Aryibi

But of course there is zero chance of JFH picking a team like this.

Agree with all that. Except Poole. He's unavailable and with the Wales youth squad.

well spotted Wolvo I mis counted doh! In that case I'd remove Foley Or McWilliams. I

I would have thought a league 1 relegation battle should take precedence over kiddies football.

The Muppets already said he's starting Bugs so we've lost already.

I reckon he'll go with:

                  O'Donnell

 Facey  Taylor  Turnbull  Bunney

  Ariyibi McWilliams  Grimes   Powell

                      JJOT

                       VV (assuming Long is still injured)

I’m sorry, this season is over for me.

I’d obviously like to see us get a win or draw, but if we lose I don’t want it to be one or two nil.

I hope we get tonked 8 or 9 nil, something to get on the sport headlines and ruin the CVs of our loanees. Embarrass JFH into resigning.

THE never fails to amaze. After the criticism JFH as received for his team selections, we have folk on here selecting a starting 12 and players that are away on international duty!

 ::)

I think we are now only one hammering away from JFH departing. Losing one or two nill would be the worst outcome. Obviously I hope we win but if we can't then I'd rather we get tonked forcing KT's hand.

If we go with one up front with jjot supporting and/or bunney in a defensive position it will be a case of how many we lose by. I agree with the sentiment of the above poster in that we may be one stuffing away from a change having to be made - I disagree with actually wanting us to get stuffed however.

I've regrouped a little since Saturday and will be in attendance…told Mrs Cobbler Ill probably be back home for about 8:45 though!  ;D

But I cannot think of a game EVER where Im going to it and dreading it so much. I will hear the team news on the wireless no doubt on the way…if he picks bloody Bunney at left back again….grrrr….its winding me up even thinking about it!

Id go with:

ROD

Facey - Barnett, Taylor - Turnbull

Foley - McWilliams, JJOT - Ariyibi

       Long - Lucky/Van (swap those at ht)

I honestly believe that team would give it a dam good go, would have decent balance, some pace, 3 fighters in midfield. Both wide players I'd select could switch wings if necessary as well.

But hey ho, what do I/we know! Most of the line ups I've read on this thread Id go with (other than Grimes inclusion but Id have sent him back 1/1/18  ;D), but no doubt the manager will do something completely mad, play Bunney at left back again, probably drag Kasim in from nowhere and stick him on the wing…JJOT as a lone striker, wh fcuking knows.

Cant wait!

                  O'Donnell

 Facey - Taylor - Turnbull - Bunney

 Pereira - McWilliams - Grimes - Ariyibi

             Luckassen - Mathis

If fit then I could see VV replacing either of the front two, have a feeling JJOT may be on the bench if JFH goes 442

I think Long is still injured. The Chron has him listed as unavailable due to the same back injury.

Why are people so fixed on playing two up front? Very few teams do this these days. I would be happy with a lone striker especially with JJoT playing CAM. It's more about the intent of the midfield rather than sticking two up top watching the goals go in the other end.

rotherham showed on saturday how the one up front should work - obviously its a lot easier when you are under no pressure - but they showed how effective it could be.

we also did, during the league 2 winning campaign.

confidence and being given licence to attack is the key really, rather than being told you must all be 50 yards away from our own front man at all times.

Playing one up front is fine, if you do it along the lines of Wilder where Holmes, D'Ath, Adams were all up there supporting Richards as an attacking midfield trio.

We never seem to do that when we line up with one up front under JFH.

I think that's probably why most people are opting for two up front, not least because we could do with some more players up there, as well as players who will actually have a pop at goal!

For me, the last few home games with one up top and one behind (Lucky and JJ on Saturday for instance) isn't working. They seem miles apart from each other when they do win a flick or knock on (either by design or not listening to Jimmy) and the nearest winger/midfielder is normally either too far away or marked easily as the opposing defence only have one man to pick up.

Two strikers for me signals some attacking intent as well, but understand it is not the be all and end all. Two bodies up front will at least tie up the opposing centre backs, meaning the wingers should have a one one with the full back if we play quickly enough.

 At this stage of the season and with tonight seemingly a free hit, what harm can it do to try?

It is funny that JFH is accused of being a tinkerman, yet this a board full of tinkermen with widely varying line ups.... and there's always one that can't count to 11.
 
There

We do have a track record of ending other team's runs, be they good or bad so the romantic in me thinks that, as the underdogs, we might just surprise them and end their winning run of away games.

Unfortunately the realist in me thinks it will be less like a scene from Rocky and more like a scene from The Accused, with the pitch standing in for a pinball table and the Cobblers playing the Jodie Foster role...

I'd agree, that's right on both levels.

There seem so much divided opinion on here regarding JJOT and Grimes.

Let me throw my two penny worth in here - controversial as they may be. But remember they are just my opinion

JJOT. JFH doesn't see him as a central midfielder. I have to say as a league 1 player I agree. He quite simply isn't mobile enough nor is his touch good enough. How many times do you see him having to lunge into dangerous tackles as a result of a bad first touch. In this league most decent midfielders will give him the run around. Quite honestly I don't get the hype. However, he "is" the type of player we need now. Heart, passion etc

Grimes. I feel there is a quality player in there. However, at the moment he is overrun by not having quality around him. Put him in a decent league 1 team I think he'd be a star.

Good post.

There's plenty of examples of players we've let go who weren't that good for us but carved out good careers elsewhere. I liked Grimes from the off. I can't excuse him not clearing the first man on set pieces but agree that there is a skillful and clever player in there. Let's be honest, even a world class midfielder would struggle to shine for us at the moment

Agreed good post and I'm inclined to agree with you about JJOT - certainly deserves a place in the team if for nothing else for his enthusiasm but like you sometimes the hero worshipping makes me think I'm watching a different game. People may not be aware but Chris Wilder had a real downer on him for a period - (dropped even when recovered from injury and asked to stay away from the team).

Grimes may or may not be a quality player at a higher level but for me a luxury we simply cannot afford in our position - and frankly (with the exception of penalties) his dead ball delivery is at best average and typically dreadful.

Yeah I'm a fan of how he is always looking to put himself in a position to receive the ball. Once on the ball, so many teammates appear to hide away from possession (Powell is terrible for it). I also think he'd be a star centre mid at another club.

This is really a key point - not just in reference to Grimes but our general inability of us to make players available - it's even highlighted in throw ins where the only option that we look prepared for is chucking the ball up the line to JJOT who is always sandwiched between two burly defenders and 2 out or 3 times loses procession - on the rest of the occasions the guy throwing in, is almost pleading for a player to make space - it's horrible to watch and again illustrates a can't be @rsed attitude and p!ss poor coaching from JFH

The throw-in thing is really annoying, it's almost like they have been told never to take a quick one and repeat the same routine over and over (which probably works for 1 in 10).

Playing 2 up front at home especially  when struggling is essential as it gives you the direct option, ok not everyones cup of tea but that may be our only way to goal if we cant controll the midfield and the wingers are inafective.
On Saturday we struggled for ideas and only we had our first shot at goal after 60mins which is not going to win us games.
442     facey taylor Barnet turnball
            Folley  McWilliams, John Joe, Ariyibi
                    Luckassen holding up the ball and Van veen.
Cobblers 4 shrews 0.
Someone is due a bloody good hiding.😂

 
                      

Probably won't bother today I have to re-arrange my potted plants

Spirit of 93!  ;)

Jimbo's starting 11

                Bunney

 Bunney - Bunney - Bunney - Bunney

 Bunney - Bunney- Bunney - Bunney

             Bunney - Bunney

You really think he’ll drop Grimes?? Are you mad??!! 😉

4-1 Shrews followed by muted booing, not going to watch that utter sh1t tonight. Saturday was the straw......

I actually think we pick up a point tonight. Far too little, far too late and will only prolong our agony. Not sure where my light of positivity has come from as there logical explination or reasoning for it.

On the other hand if we are spanked again at home it should signal the end for jimmy which maybe our best route to surving

Scrub that on seeing the starting 11. Still Bunney in, still Aryibi on the bench, still no Mcwilliams,  long and lucky in the bench.

0-2 and hopefully a p45 tommorow

Jimmy playing for a pay off tonight?

I’d love for Bunney to get a hat trick and to run along the North stand giving the ‘V’s.  ;D

5 at the back perhaps? Or is Facey on the wing? I haven't got a clue.

No idea!

Two up front at least!

I am amazed by the team selection. What is his thinking? I fear the worst tonight.

I hope he’s playing 3 at the back with Moloney one of the centre halves .
If not we will get slaughtered with Bunney at left back.
Ariyibi and McWilliams should be starting

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DYwLtXJX0AEAhVX.jpg)

I think 442 with Bunney left midfield. Facey at left back. Let’s see....

Im confused, and I think Jimbo is desperate.

I like it.

I’m assuming facey will be one of 3 centre backs with moloney and bunney as wingbacks - anything else doesn’t make sense.

Probably a flat back four with Facey in front of Brendan and Hilda in front of Bunney then!

It’s all a ploy to get Shrewsbury guessing....they’ll be like us...haven’t got a clue!!

Powell goes from starting to out of the 18 altogether. Long is fit for the bench but not to start? Luckassen who’s had a decent couple of games is replaced by the game show winner and the hot headed unfit Dutchman.
Bunney stays in...Buchanan frozen out, no Foley in the 18...two right backs and no left backs!!

Does any of this make sense??!!

JFH is a footballing genius and will prove it with this match.

Didn’t Shaun Whalley once beat us more or less singlehandedly?
Our full back will need to contain him.
I have no fear though

No , Moloney as centre half not Facey surely .

Facey can play CB, thats his preferred position isnt it? RCB like Gomez at Liverpool

           Facey Taylor Turnbull
Moloney                             Bunney
           Periera O'Toole Grimes

Isn't that what people wanted?
He can't win.

I think Hass just pull random names out the hat. Is this the formation?

          ROD
Mo Taylor Turnbull Bugs
 Facey jjot grimes Hilda
     Kvv     Mathis


I'm totally lost. Either he's a genius or has totally lost it.

Not with Bunney at right back, hilda in centre mid and long not in the team (but aparently fit enough to be on the bench).

Aryibi has been our best player and only attacking threat recently. He can't get in!

Piss poor again from jimmy

Looks like a 3-5-2

.....some grit in the first 5 mins - keep it up!

A Dale Fleetwood draw and a Cobblers win would be very nice,,

Good run and cross from Bunny.....

O’donnell
Maloney, Taylor, Turnbull
Facey, grimes, o’toole Hilda, Bunney
Mathis, VV

Im listening live on Talksport 2 , (cheers Deepcut), its a completely different perspective from Tim and Caz. Its actually quite good.

Yes, did you bet on it?   ;D

I bet on a Dale and Shrewsbury win..20 quid

Excellent thanks for the share 👍Sam Parkin on too

20 mins in and we’ve more than matched them for aggression and possession....no chances at either end though...

Sounds much more positive. It's amazing what can be achieved when you don't have a totally isolated striker.

21/20 and 21/20? = £84

Bunney's been eating his carrots, nice run and lays it off to KVV who has his shot tipped wide.

Ohhhh....Just maybe maybe

TS 2 Say no Cobbs player from the away game is in the starting line up, correct?

Parkin - "Northampton front two just look like they have been thrown together but maybe Jimmy knows better than me"

Very unlikely Sammy

Mathis looks lost, he should have started Long or the Luckmeister

40 mins...Shrews more on top now.

Cobblers crowd doing their best to stimulate the players!!

Yep I'm getting a very bad feeling here..

Get in!

Boom 1-0

Get in there!!!

It sounds only a matter of time before they score.

Jimmy's a genius

Get IN

Must have a delay on the Internet connection!! Lol

Get in, good lad facey!

There's no team in this world that can stop us now!!!

Didn’t look lost to set up the goal!

Great work by Mathis for the goal!!

Should have been 2

Up to 19th now

Don't you just love the Facemeister!

HT

Cobbs 1 Shrews 0
Dale 0 Fleetwood 0

He's the greatest

Late playoff push..

I’m going to be late for work then, this is great.

What a difference a few days makes!

Crowd have been awesome, plenty of people shouting positive words, especially at Bunney who has put in two or three class balls, including the one for the goal.

Much better effort all round, tough tackling and pressing as much as possible. Shrewsbury look miles better at times, and it seems the minute we let our foot off the gas they almost take advantage.

Nobody letting us down so far, need more from Van Veen though.

Facey has been superb!

Why can't they put in this much effort every match. Great finish from Facey and excellent work from Bunney and Mathis. Still lack quality and strength in midfield and Moloney looks suspect at centre back on the right of the three. More of the same in the second half please.

The Rauldinho. Our man on the spot. Much appreciated.

Well, I doubt anyone had this line up but Jimmys tombola seems to be doing the job. I think we need a 2nd. If they equalise early the fragility will creep back in I fear...

Well well, a decent first half. We looked good and up for it from the off. Plenty of aggression, but fair on the most part. Lost our way for 10 minutes and then boom, a well worked goal!!

Bunney doing ok.....looks half decent when going forward...but we knew that already! Good shot from VV forced third keeper into a save. The goal, and another couple of chances.

The Shrews pass it around well, with the odd long ball thrown in the mix, but look pretty toothless up front. Wary of the fact they came from a goal down to beat Scunny on Saturday though....

Just hope we don’t sit on the lead...three points are there for the taking!!

The fellas on Talksport 2 have done their research. Fair play to them!

I'm at work trying to watch the game its very difficult whilst in surgery.

Got to say Sam Parkin's summary on talksport 2 is excellent.

Hit the nail on the head with many of our issues.

Let's hope for a solid 45 now

We need more of these harder games, they are so much easier.
Keep it going boys.

4788 in attendance, including 615 Shrews.

We’ve got some good options on the bench too - Long, ariyibi and luckasson.

Do you have a link for that?

They p!ss all over Radio Numpty. Its good coverage.

  ;D

https://talksport.com/radioplayer/live/talksport2.html?popup=1

https://talksport.com/radioplayer/live/talksport2.html?popup=1

I truly believe there's a second goal in us..

https://talksport.com/radioplayer/live/talksport2.html?popup=1

I don't

How we've missed the Facemeister...he's quality

KVV off for the Luckmeister..

Looked like he was limping a bit.

Fleetwood winning

JJOT sent off

Shrews down to 10 men as well.. looks like a punch to JJ's beak.

Full on fight between O’Toole and agogo.....probably continuing on the dressing room now.

JJOT banned for 3 match's now..

Bunney booked

1-1 Drat

What an Einstein

Don't you just love the beautiful game.

Discipline problems again..

We'll go on and lose this now..

Sack 'em all!!!

It’s all going a bit mental...the Shrews fans have woken up, we look ratttled!

We will go on and win

Here we go. Test of character now....

Aryibi on for Mathis.

Bunney looks like a different player today

Shows what happens if you play a player in his correct position

They put Duracell in him today, not them ordinary zinc carbon batteries....

Maybe being played in his more natural position?

Come on Jimmy get long on. We need to win tonight, this is your test. Will you go for it?

Hilda off for McWilliams

Grimes with a woeful freekick in a decent area

I’ve got to say, our tempo has dropped, we’re taking an age over free kicks, throws etc, playing for the draw??

Shrews it the bar with a free header from a Whalley corner.....hanging on!!

Fleetwood 2 up

A point is not good enough

Come on lads we need a last min winner

5 added minutes....

FT
Cobbs 1 Shrews 1

We'll win this league now, easy.

Not enough, again we needed to go for it and haven't.  I'll disipline once again costing us. Better but not enough

Dale 0 Fleetwood 2 FT

Good performance.

JJOT going to be a big miss.

Probably going down.

If we don’t continue with wing back next week I’ll happily join the Hasselbaink out club.

How we needed that performance. Unfortunately the damage may already have been done in the previous home no shows.
Let's hope we can hang in there and at least take it to the wire. If we need to show up on the last game of the season we have shown it is in there.
No complaints about the support tonight!
Must win Saturday.

How was Bunney? If he played as well as Gregor and Tim reckon fair play to him. As for the rest of them, there’s a lesson, put in a shift and there won’t be a boo in sight. You don’t even need to win. As much as I love JJ that loss of control is probably the last straw as far as survival goes.

Well, its out of our hands now. All we can do is try and find four or five wins and hope others slip up.

An improved show but like previously stated, previous $hite may have left us too much to do...

Highlights are up. Reckon we could have got a freekick just before their goal. JJOT auditioning for the WWF.
JFH gives Bunney MOM.

Anyone who was near able to work out what happened with the fight?

That was a decent performance for once .
Some real energy and commitment shown tonight and the crowd responded accordingly .
Every player was up for it and it was really encouraging .
The back three worked well and Moloney excelled .
All three subs made a big difference too .
Pity John joe got sent off but McWilliams
Will come good in there on Saturday I hope !

Bunney was excellent tonight.

Pleased Bunney had a good game - JFH should go with McWilliams Saturday but I bet he will bring Foley back

A round pegs in round holes performance - it just goes to show that there is a decent side there if you just stick the right players in positions they are comfortable with.

A good showing from Bunney too on his more familiar wing back role. Fair play to him.

Those that are saying a point is not good enough, why?

The last few seasons 50 points would have been enough, who knows how much will be required this time.

We need 4 wins or the equivalent of that with draws thrown in. We still haves 8 games left for those who may have forgotten.

JFH picked all the right players and played them in the right order this time!

You have answered that yourself I would say is extremly unlikely we will get 4 wind out of the last 8 games. Dropping points at home gas cost us big time

No reason that we can't win at Fleetwood, Bury & Walsall. I also think we can beat Charlton & Oldham. Er...that's 5 already.

So much better tonight!

Plenty of fight shown (bit too much from JJOT!) from the start and just the type of home performance we were looking for against a good Shrews side.

Boris ran his socks off and I enjoyed him geeing up the crowd, John-Joe was excellent until his red, Bunney showed character after Saturday and Facey looked class. I would have thrown Aryibi on slightly earlier as he looked like the only one who could realistically win it or create that chance but that's a minor gripe as we looked much happier to hold the point. KvV doesn't look 100% yet but showed touches of class.

Fair play to JFH for leaving two up top after the red card.

Really hoping this isn't too late...it's the hope that kills you of course!

Make that Blackpool as well. The two tough games are Boro & Plymouth. So, plenty of hope still there.

Optimistic and unrealistic .
We don’t look like we are capable of winning games and don’t create anywhere near enough chances .
How many shots did we have tonight ?

We shall see.

Massive performance from us after Saturday. JFH with a tactical masterstroke for a change.

Mathis worked his socks off up top, as mentioned he looked up for it and was trying to gee the fans up when he could. VV looked good at times but clearly not fit enough yet.

Ash and Turnbull won most in the air, wasn't convinced with Moloney but Facey covered him when he needed. Facey is so calm on the ball and his recovery speed is ridiculously quick, we have missed him. Bunney had a decent game at wing back, much more comfortable and put a stream of good balls into the box when going forward. Special mention to all in the crowd who got behind him tonight, as well as the rest of the team.

Grimes looked a different player, his passes came off and he got stuck in with JJOT and Berto. Still not convinced that Berto is a CM, but he worked hard again today and always looks like he might conjure something up. Nice to see McWilliams again, we'll need him after JJ's red.

Subs were decent and we may have had more if we had eleven vs eleven.

Whalley is still a diving little s*** and I wish JJ would have choked him instead......

Yeah but we haven't won in 6, or have 1 win in the last 9 if you prefer....yet you think we could win 6 of the next 8! Of course its possible.....but.....!

Bunney much improved tonight.  A very good point tonight and well deserved too. I amazed at the pronouncements of those unable to be there; mostly crass comments and one foot or more in the grave. For those who were there would have left with hope in the manner of the display. As mentioned Bunney gave a much improved display it was his centre which enabled Facey to side-foot the ball home. This followed great and tenacious work by Mathis - looks a decent find by JFH. It was good to hear the West Stand (South End!) chanting 'Bunney'  very good form by the sometimes maligned young supporters.  The defence played as a unit played well snuffing out many attacks, Taylor outstanding with Turnbull doing ok as well, Facey and Maloney did well too. Grimes: played his part well, one or two poor free kicks; put in some great tackles. JJOT played well until unluckily sent off considering he was belted first. O'Donnell had a relatively quiet game but was very sound in the closing stages. The fact he didn't have to make a series of wonder saves gives you a clue how well the defence played. Berto did ok wasn't booked and when he had a chance to ran at their defence caused them big problems. vV clearly not fit, pulling out of tackles had one 20 yd shot on goal which on another day might well have troubled (any) goalie.Fleetwood 0-2 win at Rochdale is not necessarily bad news; it does limit Rochdales ability to catch us. However we simply have to get a point or two at Fleetwood.

I'll echo most of the above.....a much better performance.....a better formation and players playing in their best positions.

Why did take Jimmy so long to go two up top?!

Criticisms........we still look a bit toothless. And why did we "play for time" and not go for the win? We wasted time at goal kicks, throws, even the subs! Hilda saw his number up and then deliberately went further from the bench and pulling his socks up before sheepishly making his way off! Mathis took an age to get off too. I hope we don't end up a point or two short at the end of the season.....

Crowd much better tonight.....those shouting Bu-Bu-Buchanan were tonight shouting Bunney, Bunney, Bunney! Fickle lot!! good noise from a smaller crowd, and the Salop lot were a bit vocal and lairy when they scored!!

It wasn't as cold tonight as it was on Saturday either!! A much better two hours spent, Thankyou Cobblers!!

Absolutly no chance in hell

Must admit wasn't expecting that performance tonight, what a joy to see the lads getting stuck in and tackling with real intensity, long may it continue. We need to really go for fleetwood from the off and keep this pressing , high tempo football going , because we didn't look outclassed tonight , far from it, unlike Saturday. It was a shame JJ saw red , as i thought it affected us , more than them and was worried we would become over run in midfield, but fair play to the lads , they battled hard for that point , which might just be the difference come May. Looking forward to Saturday now , can we please just go for it JFH, there's a good team in there when we do.

Excellent game today. Thoroughly expected a loss (as I assume most people did), but we really gave the Shrews a good game. They would have gone top tonight if they'd won and have been on a good run of form.

Both wing backs were superb. The only game we've lost where Facey has played, was when he came off injured real early on (correct me if wrong!). He's absolutely class, and a very calming influence on the whole team. I think a lot of people will be praising Bunney today, but another special mention for that last ditch challenge he made in the first half.

Hoping we stick with this formation going into next week. Both Hilda and Ariyibi look very capable playing 'in the hole' behind the two strikers as well.

If your target was 50 points before tonight, then we needed 11 from 9 games....now we need 10 from 8....simple maths tells you the equation just got that little bit harder!

You need to tell us all you got home safely and not too late!

Actually managed to find a lift, was dreading the train and bus combo.

Another note - I wonder if Moloney has ever played right sided centre back before? He looked absolutely solid today and was really up it putting in some great challenges.

One win in nine .... But still eight points.

I like to look at only three defeats in our last twelve with four wins in that period.

Still thinking 50 points will be enough, so three wins and a draw from our last eight games, definitely possible. Unbeaten away from home this calendar so five of those games are away from home is not daunting.

Roll on Fleetwood !

http://blueandamber.proboards.com/thread/96941/northampton-away?page=5

Suggestions of racism in the build up to the red card incident from Shrews fans... very much doubt that to be the case mind. I guess it's what people assume when a white and black player clash.

When you get to my age, you get a bit deaf, I really wish I was a Shrews fan and could hear what is said on the pitch 30 yards away  :)

Indeed - one comment regarding McWilliams - to me he looked a bit lightweight; as a replacement for JJOT he is not! Who can be considered as a replacement?  Foley, Poole?

I think one person suggested it.

2+2 = 5 springs to mind

Why would you racially abuse and throw the first punch?..
From what I saw, JJ and their number six were also at it first half.
If I were Crooks at Bristol I'd be pissed. If I were JJ tonight I'd be less so.
Jimmy's probably a lot more than pissed at losing both for Fleetwood mind.
Time to step up Shaun.

All drunk?

Moloney and Taylor were excellent as part of a central three in this game and I wonder if we will continue with this formation away from home .
All the subs made a real difference as well . Ariyibi was a real threat and Lucky is much more effective than Mathis who in my opinion is nowhere near ready ( he needs to stop whingeing whenever he gets touched and I notice not one player went over to him when he was supposedly writhing in pain in the floor ).
Grimes was also putting himself about quite a bit ( although deaf ball delivery was once again shocking ).
Reason for encouragement in this game but it’s wins we need now not draws .
I can’t see us winning four from eight and think we will comfortably go down .

 ;D

F*cking yanks. 

sadly i think this will be the case as well - JFH seems content on draws, when they simply wont be enough now.

4 wins and 4 hammerings would be so much better then 8 draws.

Still no video on the red card?

Plenty of pics of JJ holding their player, with the suggestion that he threw a punch first:
https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwilovOFhf3ZAhVIcRQKHZXODXAQjRx6BAgAEAU&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dailymail.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2Farticle-5524929%2FJohn-Joe-OToole-Abu-Ogogo-sent-fighting-Sixfields.html&psig=AOvVaw2AxQEEuc94E1WkvI_OCx4O&ust=1521708766979034 (https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwilovOFhf3ZAhVIcRQKHZXODXAQjRx6BAgAEAU&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dailymail.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2Farticle-5524929%2FJohn-Joe-OToole-Abu-Ogogo-sent-fighting-Sixfields.html&psig=AOvVaw2AxQEEuc94E1WkvI_OCx4O&ust=1521708766979034)

From the pictures . It looks like JJOT lost on points after a proper gypsy bare knuckle brawl.

Video up on sky now but misses the start. Looks like Ogogo is throwing punches by the time they're on the floor and JJ definitely has a cheeky kick at him as they're finally separated

http://www.skysports.com/football/northampton-vs-shrewsbury/report/375668 (http://www.skysports.com/football/northampton-vs-shrewsbury/report/375668)

Hilda pulled away by Grimes after raiding his arms as well .
Mathis was poor for their goal - powder puff challenge

very polite way of putting it.

utterly disgraceful from him

At least we didn't totally cave after their equaliser.

disappointing to concede so soon after the sendings off though.

Thought the Talksport guys did ok. Even if they did say "maroon shirt"

I noticed Ash rushing over to Berto a couple of times when he looked like he was about to lose it.

Thought Mathis put a lot of effort in and was brilliant for the goal. He went through two 50/50 tackles then showed great skill to set Bunney up for the cross

Granted , it was good work for the goal but also responsible for the one we conceded .
Generally speaking he didn’t stop moaning though from beginning to end .

I think a little credit should also go to the goalscorer.

Grateful for that opinion as after B&S and 3Beds comments above I was clearly at the wrong game!
I really don’t understand B&S comments, they are soooo boring and negative. For Boris to almost forge the goal alone (Bravely done as well) and then gets negative criticism is beyond me. Silly me must learn to be an expert!

I thought that I was bad at seeing the glass as half empty but seeing some of the reactions on here makes me think I’m an optimist! Last nights performance was a massive improvement and gives us a platform for the run in. I appreciate the massive negative of jjot being missing for a chunk of games but it’s something we’re going to have to deal with - we have McWilliams and foley who can fill in on Saturday and after that crooks will be back (and Poole). I think people are being very harsh on Mathis for their goal - to me it was a good hit by a quality player and there wasn’t a great deal that anyone could have done about it. Facey was quality and makes me wonder why he’s been wasted on our bench since he returned from injury - he’d be one of the first names on the team sheet for me as he oozes quality. As we all know football is impossible to predict and we’ve all just got to hope that we go to Fleetwood and put in another battling performance with players in their right positions and there’s a chance we can get on the run we need. My one concern is where the goals are going to come from but with a combination of long, van veen, luckasson and Mathis we should have enough it just depends on quality supply.

Only if he doesn't get a start on Saturday.

  ;D Whoops.

  ;D ;D

Depsite the success of 4-4-1-1 in away games, with O'Toole suspended for 3 games, and the much improved performance playing with wing backs - you'd assume we'll be sticking with this formation. At least for the next 3 games. In playing 2 strikers, I think Long and Van Veen would be my preferred partnership and feel both would offer different attributes in a partnership.

I would also play Hilda alongside Grimes again, with Ariyibi playing 'in the hole'. Might be a bit too attacking mind, and McWilliams maybe seen as the safer option for the relegation scrap.

Once again , you start a personal attack on another poster... what is your problem ?
If you read my comments after the game on this thread , they are complimentary and positive .

Much much better match last night.

The effort levels were there to see and the fans responded with a cracking atmosphere, it's not difficult to work out is it?

I'd love to see a full video of the JJ incident though as when I noticed what was happening it looked like he was just holding the Shrewsbury player (possibly my JJ specs seeing it that way)

As a side note, god I despise Whalley, he may have some quality but my god what a cheat he is. I was hoping previously that Blackburn would stuff it up and stay down. I now hope it's Shrewsbury that stay down.

It’s not personal at all and appreciated your early comment. Thereafter you subsequently show your true colours. In my opinion your comments on Mathis were very harsh and frankly unwarranted. Mathis is a young lad who played with great spirit last night. Again it’s not personal; please allow me the right to criticise your comments on Mathis?  If you think it was personal please accept my apologies.

Didn't the year we got relegated our talisman Bayo got sent off around this time for his scuffle with Adam Virgo?
This all seems very deja vu.

(did we also not appeal that, and the ban got extended?)

Apologies in advance for not scrolling through pages but isn't Whalley the player who got Buchs sent off last season?

Yes, and was almost as bad in his theatrics last night. The ref bottled booking him for diving about though.

Mind you, Berto didn't do too bad with his "gamesmanship" either until Ash gave him a verbal and physical boll*cking to pack it in!

pretty sure that is the 3rd time i have seen Berto hound the ref for an opposition player bleeding. Is he running around with blood capsules or razor blades ;D

The only caveat to this is that JFH must know that draws alone will not be enough. I was pleasantly surprised/relieved last night. There were still plenty of hiccups, but we looked fairly solid, and we pressed the opposition more than has been the case. With the players we have, set up right I still believe we will get the results we need.

Yes - cleverly contrived in that case, and given his form is unlikely to be just against us I really think referees should be better briefed on these types of cheats before a game

What was really disappointing was that on their bench, Chris Doig, as honest a player as you will ever see, clapped Whalley when he dived in the area. Poor refereeing, its either a pen or a dive, and he said it wasn't a pen, so it HAD to be a booking.

 
 IWASN'T THERE BUT A GOOD RESULT I WOULD THINK AGAINST THEM.

Interesting choice of music playing as I took my seat last night.

Extreme - Get The Funk Out.

If you don't like what you see here
Nobody wants to take you prisoner
So let me make it nice and clear dear
The exit is right there
I don't mean to be rude dude
But you'd better change your attitude
I don't like what I see here
You're all invited to the party
You know you didn't have to come
No rotten apple gonna spoil my fun
If you don't like what you see here
Get the funk out
We won't try to force feed you
Get the funk out....etc


Maybe our DJ has a sense of humor  ;D

Relieved to see a much better performance last night, if only in terms of the whole team being at it for the whole 90 minutes. However, the work rate should be a given in EVERY game. Very few teams are good enough at this level to coast through games without 100% committment, and we are certainly not one of them.

Important that Jimmy realises that the fans react positively when they know the team is giving everything, regardless of how well they play, as happened yesterday. Too often this season JFH has praised the players' work-rate when many of us have felt it was well below par, hence the difference between his and our reactions to some results. If he needs to know what fans understand by a committed performance let last night be the yardstick and if he keeps playing players in the right places too, we might just survive

Must have read Brighton Rock, bless him he's trying to take in the British culture! Bit caught up in the fighting mind...

Ogogo has been given a 4 game suspension. Would be surprised if O'Toole doesn't get the same which I think would mean Blackpool away as well

No, should not be the case as Ogogo was sent off previously in the season during the clocking up period hence the additional game

Does that mean he’ll miss the Wembley final? I know it takes two to tango but he’s a silly boy if that’s the case.

No because it's a different competition.

Anyone know/see what happened?  The Shrews fans are blaming JJOT for throwing the first handbag although there may have been something leading up to it?

The same fans that probably applaud Whalley's constant theatrics?

I'd love to see video footage of the incident from the start.

If their guy did racially abuse JJOT by making some gyspy quip then it's totally unacceptable.....

....as he was heading for the tunnel another Shrewsbury player stepped off the pitch and was about to go at it with JJOT - JFH held him back & had he not it would (and probably should still) have been another Shrewsbury red card - did no one else see that?

So again JFH gets the tactics wrong  ;)

Give it a rest ........

Saw this and thought it was the same player until he walked back on the pitch to carry on!

Think everyone did the right thing in trying to calm it down, convinced we could have won if we kept JJ on the pitch but nobody seems to be blaming him for costing us the points. Still unsure exactly what happened as nobody seems to have video of the full incident or have we heard the players versions.

I don’t know who started it but JJ definitely lost it !!

on SSN they showed a bit more that showed JJOT grabbing Ogogo round the shoulders / neck, but only a bit more than you would when trying to wind there player up anyway. Ogogo didn't like it so they grappled a bit and ended up on the floor.

Don't know if anything happened or was said before though. Seemed to kick off quicker and more than you would expect though from the initial grab by JJOT

I was pretty impressed with Ogogo - looked strong and tidy. Looking at his Wikipedia entry suggests that he’s no stranger to disciplinary problems - I also recall him getting involved in plenty of incidents when he was at Dagenham.

He pleaded guilty to GBH and ABH in 2008, sentenced in 2010 to eight months imprisonment suspended for 18 months, he was ordered to do 120 hours of unpaid community service. Certainly no Angel.

At least JJOT took someone with him this time...

Can you post that info on Salops forum or a link? He appears to be an angel in their eyes!
Well spotted!

Hurst has gone beyond completely exonerating his player of ANY wrong doing. He is into some conspiracy theory now about  OToole deliberating instigating it as a tactical ploy in order to sacrifice himself and get  Ogogo sent off. We were 1 up and looking solid, Ogogo is hardly Diego Maradona and JJOT is clearly the last player we’d ever sacrifice.

F@cking clown.

I've just found out that Chris Doig is assistant manager at Shrews. That accounts for the massive head bandage applied to their player in the first half.

It really is worth visiting the Shrews "Blue & Amber" board, It seems that JJOT is the devil incarnate and Ogogo is Jesus Christ ! you will never see a more one sided view of a fight involving two players who both can have no arguments about being sent off. No mention of Ogogo sarcastically applauding the ref after his card and a suspicion that Blackburn having paid JJOT to get their player sent off !!!
       There are times when you defend your teams players over red card, and I think a couple of Crooks red cards have been very harsh, but Tuesday night there was only one option open to the ref, who I thought was poor, and that was to send them both off.

Agreed - easy and correct decision for the ref

With our confidence much more fragile than Shrewsbury's, sending off a talisman like JJ was always going to unsettle us more than a sending off for them which, you could argue, was the case in that they scored 2 minutes later.

Shrewsbury are talking sh*t.

Two points...
1) You have to remember where Shrewsbury is - backwater land.
2) I thought the referee was pretty good, got all the big decisions correct and I appreciated his willingness to let the physical side of the game happen and let it flow rather than blowing endlessly for tiny infringements.

The one big decision he got right was Whalley diving in the area but then failed to follow it up with a booking, even some of the Shrews fans admitted he dived, like he did last season to get Buchs sent off. While he doesn't get booked for it , he will carry on doing it.

Well they would do, expected to go top and didn’t and lost their talisman captain for 4 games. They lost both their league games without him last time he was suspended, logic goes out of the window when you are under pressure. They obviously fear the worst?

I think 3 of the next 4 matches are against relegation candidates... Could have done with both him and O'Toole not fighting really.

That pic - how so different from previous one?

My new hero