In your opinion, what has been the key to our turn around?

[pachyderm]

Crazy second half of the year has us looking for promotion.

 

What was the big reason for our turn around?

 

If you'd have asked me back in December if I would be happy with a 7th place finish I would have said, "I'd be completely shocked and ecstatic!".   

 

Be kind... 

 

Let 'er rip!

[areNOTwhatTHEYseem]

In reality, there are several elements which probably contributed to our improved form: the return of Luongo and Byers to full match fitness; having actual senior, recognised centre-backs available for selection; and the natural process of a squad with so many new faces finding their feet and getting used to each other and the manager's chosen systems.

[Luke]

Injuries

Edited April 16, 2022 by Luke

[areNOTwhatTHEYseem]

Oh, and replacing Darren Moore with Diego Moorinho.

 

[Jim]

Several reasons IMO. All as big as each other.

 

Johnson and Hunt finding their form at wing-back.

 

Signing Storey and Dean in the JTW.

 

Luongo staying fit long enough to allow Bannan to influence our play more in the final third.

[HIGHERSTATE]

Getting over the Christmas party hangover/covid.

 

Wish I was a fly at one of them parties.

[FlyingOwl]

Finding that perfect midfield balance in Byers Baz and Mass. Particularly having Mass fit means Bannan is thriving.

 

But on top of that, finally being able to play three centre backs at centre back, Johnson playing his natural position and Gregory back from injury. All big factors.

 

This is why I can’t slate Moore too much. The first half of our season was poor BUT he didn’t have the greatest hand dealt to him. 

[philswiz]

The biggest single thing imo, is the signing of the 2 CBs in January, we were actually playing ok prior to that, but kept giving away silly goals.

 

Honestly believe this post-Christmas team would be challenging for the title, if the season started then.

[bladeshater]

Giving the squad and the back room staff time to take in and implement their ideas

[Mr. Tom]

probably our results improving IMO

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Kendo Nagasaki]

Luongo 

[McRightSide]

Giving the manager time

[edwinowl]

2 hours ago, philswiz said:

The biggest single thing imo, is the signing of the 2 CBs in January, we were actually playing ok prior to that, but kept giving away silly goals.

 

Honestly believe this post-Christmas team would be challenging for the title, if the season started then.

^^^^ this. 

[Sefton owl]

Was saying to someone the other day I think defensively we are still weak, especially from set pieces. I’d be tempted to play dunkley ahead of Iorfa because he’s surely the best defender aerially, i think we’d see a big change IMO. 

[Holmowl]

Luongo and Byers, Johnson moving to WB, getting CBs back. 
 

Just need Moore to pair Berahino or Paterson with Gregory and I think we are there.

[Holmowl]

6 minutes ago, Sefton owl said:

Was saying to someone the other day I think defensively we are still weak, especially from set pieces. I’d be tempted to play dunkley ahead of Iorfa because he’s surely the best defender aerially, i think we’d see a big change IMO. 

We’ve conceded 12 in our last 15 games. That’s superb. 

Prior to that we had very few CBs fit.

 

Edited April 16, 2022 by Holmowl

[Road Runner]

Injuries.

 

It stopped Moore tinkering, he had no choice but to play a certain team and it worked. 
 

Unfortunately the injuries have eased and the tinkering has started. 

[SDS Owl]

Weren’t we 7th and 2 points outside the playoffs on Christmas Day?

[room0035]

Playing centre backs at centre back not right backs and left wingers.

 

playing a left winger on the wing not at centre back.

 

having 3 experienced midfielders playing in central midfield, not an attacking midfielder as a sweeper or a bits a piece player in central midfield.

 

if we can just now start playing a right winger on the right wing not a right back and two strikers up front not a winger who cannot hit a barn door.

 

but the biggest reason we got better, was lots of injuries force Moore to stop changing every game personnel and tactics a consistent line up lead to consistent results.

 

which can be seen with players come back from injury, we are up and down again because Moore is trying to make himself relevant.

[room0035]

Of i forgot to say Brown and Wing have been no where near the first team for the last 15 games.