Back To Basics

By: Jan Przeniczny
Date: 25/11/2004

EVERY article I read re: The Mariners, always mentions buying forwards, defence, midfielders and, oh yes, a new Manager. Well I've no doubt that it would help, but let's face it, we're broke, so why not look at the issues from another slant?

The team individuals are not that bad, and have shown flair and good football at times, but in patches. I've always been taught that, if things aren't going well, go back to basics. So here goes.

Heading. Don't. We can't so should be avoided unless you have to. Cut it out. Watch any video of Town matches and it's uncanny, we head to the opposition 8/10. Don't believe it? Watch the next match and count 10 headers, bet you 8 goes to the opposition. We lose possession!

Throw ins. We throw down the line, mostly, to our player who is sandwiched front and back by the opposition, we can't head, lose the ball, no point. Much better we throw back to defence, or even to the midfield for a change and work the ball forward. You don't believe me? Watch the next game.

Pass back to GK. Done either when under pressure, or (Mariners reason) when there's nothing on. Our GK hoof's it up field where a small guy, and his big mate are outnumbered by very big defence,

Discipline. Why is it that when we leg someone up, our first reaction is moan and groan, appeal to the linesman, ref, God Almighty. You count how many are gathered in one area, nearly half the team. What's the opposition doing? Getting ready for a strike that's what! Have we ever seen a ref change their mind? Never! First goal at Scunny proves my point.

Reddy. Why does he fall over? Not just the penalty area, but everywhere. Sure we get pointless free kicks (some times in our half) but any forward momentum is broken by him keeling over. He would help our team more trying to keep the momentum going, and the ref would be more "sympathetic" if he does go over in the PA, at present, they just believe he dives.

So that's it! Back to basics. It's not the complete answer, but it will help.

One last thing, it would help if the fans don't boo the players. Who reading this article, if booed at home time by their employer, would turn up bright and early next day and give it all? You might turn up early, but would you give it all? Would you?

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