The hysteria is wide spread amongst the support and the previous manager was never forgiven for a similar collapse against hibs, Naismith would do well to remember that.
Taking a step back, that was our best performance for ages, looked solid (initially) and created a lot of chances. A game we were in total control of and should have won to keep the recent momentum going.
So what happened. I think Naismith must concede whilst recent substitutions have worked well, yesterday was a disaster. Kinglsey’s loss was huge. Both full backs had done an excellent job on their wide men up to that point. The substitution to bring Offiah on resulted in a further two position changes in a back four that was in total control. In hindsight the manager must think that was a mistake. There was a like for like replacement sitting on the bench in Halliday. The sub made changed the balance of the back four, put two players in positions there are not comfortable (albeit Rowles was superb) and Offiah is not a right back for me. Therefore for one change he totally imbalanced what had been a stable base for us and sowed the seeds for what was to happen second half.
Then after an hour he takes off Lowry who along with Forrest and Rowles were outstanding yesterday. Up to that point Lowry had caused Hibs no end of problems and ability wise the lad was a class apart. If he couldn’t run anymore, which I don’t agree with, at least make a like for like sub with Boyce or Grant. Again another change that unbalanced the team with Benni coming on who unfortunately played a major role in their first goal. I do not understand managers making subs which change formations or change positions for other players when you are in control. Surely that’s for the opposition who need to do something to get back in the game. Yesterday we did that for them.
The second goal is a horrific mistake from Sibbick who is not a natural centre half. He will get a lot of stick and rightly so but he was doing well until the Kingsley substitution.
Then to compound matters we create further changes after hibs revert into their shell but our finishing was not up to standard.
There were some interesting comments from Naismith at the recent shareholders meeting about the team being up to speed by Christmas. Whilst there have been recent improvements, he doesn’t have much credit in the bank with the support. Yesterday should have got him that but his substitutions have only raised hysteria levels further. I cannot see us getting anything from Celtic and rangers and then there is the cup semi final. He is certainly making it hard for himself and yesterday will go down as a missed opportunity for him. Hopefully for Naismith it is not terminal and Christmas is a long way off. I hope he makes it ……
The hysteria is wide spread amongst the support and the previous manager was never forgiven for a similar collapse against hibs, Naismith would do well to remember that.
Taking a step back, that was our best performance for ages, looked solid (initially) and created a lot of chances. A game we were in total control of and should have won to keep the recent momentum going.
So what happened. I think Naismith must concede whilst recent substitutions have worked well, yesterday was a disaster. Kinglsey’s loss was huge. Both full backs had done an excellent job on their wide men up to that point. The substitution to bring Offiah on resulted in a further two position changes in a back four that was in total control. In hindsight the manager must think that was a mistake. There was a like for like replacement sitting on the bench in Halliday. The sub made changed the balance of the back four, put two players in positions there are not comfortable (albeit Rowles was superb) and Offiah is not a right back for me. Therefore for one change he totally imbalanced what had been a stable base for us and sowed the seeds for what was to happen second half.
Then after an hour he takes off Lowry who along with Forrest and Rowles were outstanding yesterday. Up to that point Lowry had caused Hibs no end of problems and ability wise the lad was a class apart. If he couldn’t run anymore, which I don’t agree with, at least make a like for like sub with Boyce or Grant. Again another change that unbalanced the team with Benni coming on who unfortunately played a major role in their first goal. I do not understand managers making subs which change formations or change positions for other players when you are in control. Surely that’s for the opposition who need to do something to get back in the game. Yesterday we did that for them.
The second goal is a horrific mistake from Sibbick who is not a natural centre half. He will get a lot of stick and rightly so but he was doing well until the Kingsley substitution.
Then to compound matters we create further changes after hibs revert into their shell but our finishing was not up to standard.
There were some interesting comments from Naismith at the recent shareholders meeting about the team being up to speed by Christmas. Whilst there have been recent improvements, he doesn’t have much credit in the bank with the support. Yesterday should have got him that but his substitutions have only raised hysteria levels further. I cannot see us getting anything from Celtic and rangers and then there is the cup semi final. He is certainly making it hard for himself and yesterday will go down as a missed opportunity for him. Hopefully for Naismith it is not terminal and Christmas is a long way off. I hope he makes it ……