Ten Games In

[Corner Flag]

Originally Posted by Ruabon Red

Ok, so Keates has had ten games this season; the arbitrary period set by many on RP following which he should be judged.

Conclusions?

What most of us thought was wrong is still wrong namely poor strikers and midfield too light. I have a feeling Keates inability to sign a decent striker will come back to haunt him.But overall it's getting better watching a match and the team now have real fight in them.

[Phils-an-alki]

Originally Posted by krux

Need a big man up front.

If we're going to play with 2 defensive cm's and play hoofball, we need a big man up front.

Or two.
Posted via mobile theme

This is puzzling me. Why on earth has DK signed the strikers he has and then instructed the team to play in that way. Its mental.

[TomWFC]

Originally Posted by Phils-an-alki

This is puzzling me. Why on earth has DK signed the strikers he has and then instructed the team to play in that way. Its mental.

This, which makes me have serious doubts about Keates' tactical ability.

Playing long ball only works with a striker who is able to hold the ball up and bring the midfield into attacking areas effectively. We don't have that kind of striker, yet we persevere with playing this way.

Basic skill levels on show tonight also deeply concern me. Poor aimless passing, poor first touch, poor movement, poor anticipation - all fundamental skills. Not one of our players out there look confident enough to take a touch, lift their heads, open up their body angle and play a pass. No one looks like they can do this, then move into space to receive the ball again and keep further possession. How many passing moves did we put together tonight? How much effective passing and movement? How many times did we put a good delivery into the box? How many shots did we take? How many times did we test the keeper?

This can't possibly be acceptable, especially at home. Surely?

[Hightown Brymbo Red]

I would have accepted 17 points and 6th in table after 10 games before the season..So well Done!
We all know where the issues are with the team the creative side in midfield and attack. I dont think keates and Darlington are stupid and with us still having money left surely he will be bringing in these players sooner rather than later? I am not sure how the loan system works at the moment? Can we bring in anyone? Or will we muddle through until January and then buy some players?

[Wrexham's Patrick Bateman]

The defence is looking solid, although how much of that is down to the poor quality of the opposing attackers I'm not sure...

As an attacking force....Carry on as we are, and we ain't going anywhere... And that's in a league beginning to look very open.....

[Huffy]

Originally Posted by TomWFC

This, which makes me have serious doubts about Keates' tactical ability.

Playing long ball only works with a striker who is able to hold the ball up and bring the midfield into attacking areas effectively. We don't have that kind of striker, yet we persevere with playing this way.

Basic skill levels on show tonight also deeply concern me. Poor aimless passing, poor first touch, poor movement, poor anticipation - all fundamental skills. Not one of our players out there look confident enough to take a touch, lift their heads, open up their body angle and play a pass. No one looks like they can do this, then move into space to receive the ball again and keep further possession. How many passing moves did we put together tonight? How much effective passing and movement? How many times did we put a good delivery into the box? How many shots did we take? How many times did we test the keeper?

This can't possibly be acceptable, especially at home. Surely?

Very true , all that head tennis each game instead of trying to get it down and pass it . Not all the time but a lot of it

[fluffysheepsupporter]

Defence is very good . None of the ten teams we have played has scored against us in the second half. Can't see us scoring many with the midfield we have and the forwards are a very average bunch. Hartlepool were the better side tonight.

[Birdy]

Originally Posted by Phils-an-alki

This is puzzling me. Why on earth has DK signed the strikers he has and then instructed the team to play in that way. Its mental.

It shows his lack of ability as a manager. There is no logical reasoning behind it. Starting to wonder if he is up to the job.

[Birdy]

I put this on the reaction thread but its relevant here too:

The worrying thing is our tactics and strategy seem clueless and the players have no idea what do to with the ball apart from just hoof it (or this is probably the tactic). This then raises concerns about Keates' ability as a manager. We have a worse midfield and attack than last season but a better defense and keeper. Major changes and improvements are needed and I don't see them happening given Keates record so far with attack dither gate and the lack of depth to our squad.