Exiles thread - Rochdale (H)

[Petrov788]

Why are people talking about Sadlier 'leading the line' - he's not a centre forward, never has been, will never be asked to be one.

[Harlow]

I think we have to cut the team a little slack,RW said there’s a bug going round in the camp and we have to take him at his word. Perhaps it’s a good thing we had a poor second half as we could have gone into Saturdays game a little over confident?. There is now more pressure on the team than at any time, so performance levels will drop occasionally. As for Sadlier he has been a good acquisition imo however he is not strong enough to lead the line unfortunately (again imo) but remember he hasn’t played regularly until now.Sweeney has improved like many have said but he’s not that good at crossing a ball when going forward and needs to work on that. My main gripe if I may, is that I just can’t see Drinnan or Kelman making a decent striker as long as they have a hole up there backsides,but hopefully we can address that next season . I’m one of the moaners that some people refer to on this board,as tuffers will probably confirm but this season it’s been different,the board have actually got the right man in and RW seems to have more say in what players he wants. I‘ve been an O’S supporter for over 50 years and can’t remember us being in the driving seat at the top of the division before so let’s enjoy it while it lasts,because if we do go up there be plenty of time to moan next season,I’m sure

Monkey Boy, sorry my friend but the criticism followed by "the board have actually got the right man in" (presume you mean RW) is rather contradictory. But, I do agree with enjoying it whilst it lasts!

Hi Harlow,please explain how’s that contradictory? Yes I did mean RW

You say Ritchie is the right man. I agree. You then suggest that 4 players are not good enough. My point about contradiction is that if Ritchie is the right man, why would you be criticising his team selection. If he didn't think they were good enough, would he be playing them? Football is a team strategy, players fit into that strategy and play their individual parts towards the success of the team, currently very successfully. That is where I see your contradiction. Its no big deal, just glad we are not having this conversation as Rochdale fans

[Monkey Boy]

Ok let me explain, I haven’t criticised Sadlier or Sweeney,Sadlier I said was a good a acquisition and Sweeney has improved but crossing was not good,Drinnan was brought in by Jacket and not a Wellens recruit. Kelman may have been but is no better than Drinnan imo. I stick by my opinion on Kelman and Drinnan and am willing to bet if we go up,neither will be here next season. As you point out the system we play Wellens has no option but to play Drinnan and Kelman and I don’t think Wellens thinks that highly of both otherwise he wouldn’t keep alternating them (apart from injury),however I take your opinion onboard

[Max Fowler]

I stick by my opinion on Kelman and Drinnan and am willing to bet if we go up,neither will be here next season. As you point out the system we play Wellens has no option but to play Drinnan and Kelman and I don’t think Wellens thinks that highly of both otherwise he wouldn’t keep alternating them (apart from injury),however I take your opinion onboard

He doesn't alternate them, Drinnan is his first choice and, when fit, plays.

I agree Kelman won't be here next season. Not sure what his future holds but it won't be with QPR.

I fully expect Drinnan to be here next season (preferably as back up to a new front man who is as strong, fast and workmanlike as he is but a better finisher).

[Monkey Boy]

I stick by my opinion on Kelman and Drinnan and am willing to bet if we go up,neither will be here next season. As you point out the system we play Wellens has no option but to play Drinnan and Kelman and I don’t think Wellens thinks that highly of both otherwise he wouldn’t keep alternating them (apart from injury),however I take your opinion onboard

He doesn't alternate them, Drinnan is his first choice and, when fit, plays.

I agree Kelman won't be here next season. Not sure what his future holds but it won't be with QPR.

I fully expect Drinnan to be here next season (preferably as back up to a new front man who is as strong, fast and workmanlike as he is but a better finisher).

Fair point Trump but I really don’t think there’s a lot between them and yes could be a cheap option as back up next season(Drinnan) but if he can’t score in this league? Just wondering if and when fit trying Smyth up front for a couple of games. Yes he’s not very big and yes he can’t hold the ball up and he will get fowled and kicked a lot but,he has pace can play off the shoulder and would drag defenders across the line to make room for monc’s to push forward plus the opposition would give free kicks and penalties away. Not a permanent position but just for a few games?

[B.whitehouse+10more]

Drinan will be at Orient next season 100%, if he’s not neither will be RW, as Ritchie will take him to his new club.