Team for Gateshead

With a full squad to choose from apart from Thomas , what would your team be if you were in charge ?

McKeown

Magnay
Nsiala
Pearson
Random left back that we possibly don't really need. Unless it's someone like Roberto Carlos

Arnold
Disley
Brown
Neilson

Hannah
Pitman

Macca

Bignot, Pearson, (Toto or Boyce), Magnay

Mackreth, Brown, (Paddy or Arnold), Nielson

Hannah, Pitman.

UTM

Quoted from mariner tommy

Macca

Bignot, Pearson, (Toto or Boyce), Magnay

Mackreth, Brown, Paddy, Nielson

Hannah, Pitman.

UTM

This for me but I'd have Toto in and Boyce on the bench! Arnold coming on midway through second half with his pace to burn.

Quoted from mariner tommy

Macca

Bignot, Pearson, (Toto or Boyce), Magnay

Mackreth, Brown, (Paddy or Arnold), Nielson

Hannah, Pitman.

UTM

This for me but I would have Connell instead of Pittman. Think we need to manage him carefully this year to help reduce injuries. Also interested to see how well Connell and Hannah would link up and whether this would force us to play on the deck more.

                                                                     Macca

                                             Magnay     Toto            Pearson                 Caine (or new player)


               Arnold                                     Brown          Disley                                      Mackreth

                                                                       Neilson
                                                              
                                                                       Pitman

i'd be willing to give winfarrah a go at left back and keep magnay at right back, same midfield, hannah with connell up front, like to see that pair work.

UTM!!

                                              McKeown

Walker Bignot Nsiala Pearson Boyce Humble Magnay Winfarrah

                                                Disley





                                          
                                           John-Lewis

Quoted from mariner tommy

Macca

Bignot, Pearson, (Toto or Boyce), Magnay

Mackreth, Brown, (Paddy or Arnold), Nielson

Hannah, Pitman.

UTM

Arnold in midfield instead of Disley? Bizarro choice.

I'd have the same defence as you (probably Boyce instead of Toto, to be honest), but Disley in the middle alongside Brown. Same wingers though.

Up front - LJL for his workrate and height to help out defensively at set pieces. Probably alongside Hannah with Pittman on the bench to bring on as a supersub. I'm not convinced about Pittman's ability to last a whole game at present and I don't think we should gamble on starting with a player who isn't likely to finish the game.

Hmmm. Alternatively, could try Arnold up front alongside LJL for extra pace in the attack? You then would have the opportunity to bring Hannah or Pittman on as a sub with Arnold dropping back to the wing if required. Wouldn't surprise me if we saw Arnold playing as a striker at some point this season.

Quoted from pizzzza

                                              McKeown

Walker Bignot Nsiala Pearson Boyce Humble Magnay Winfarrah

                                                Disley





                                          
                                           John-Lewis

Quoted from pizzzza

                                              McKeown

Walker Bignot Nsiala Pearson Boyce Humble Magnay Winfarrah

                                                Disley





                                          
                                           John-Lewis

Reckless having Disley that far forward.

What I would do but certainly not PH would do...
                 McKeown

Magnay  Toto  Pearson Winfarrah

                    Brown
              Disley         Paddy

Mackreth                           Neilson

                  Pittman

I like that too. Was thinking about that. Only fear would be, is Pittman fit enough to play that role on Saturday?

Not my prediction, but what I might've gone for:

                 McKeown

Bignot  Nsiala  Pearson  Magnay

            Brown      Paddy
Mackreth     Nielson      Arnold

                    Pittman

Not convinced that the midfield 3 are mobile enough to play a 4-3-3 myself and Pittman certainly has a lot to prove when it comes to his fitness.

Just looked on Soccerbase and it appears that the last time he lasted the whole 90 minutes was over a year ago. Most of his appearances for Wycombe last season were for ten minutes or so at the end of the game.

Macca

Bignot
Boyce
Toto Nsiala
Magnay

Mackreth
Brown (c)
Paddy
Nielson

John-Lewis
Connell

Walker
Pearson
Disley
Arnold
Pittman.

Interesting formations from Tommy and jim !  
4-5-1 ? Could be !

2 games in 3 days, I'd be seriously thinking of saving some of the most effective (or fitter) players for Monday where 3 pts is a near crucial "must win !".
And getting game time into as many of the rest that haven't really yet featured at Heed.

Heed (nothing to lose ?)

...................Macca
Walker.....Boyce....Doig.....Bignot
Arnold.....Clay......Paddy....Neilson
...........Connell....Hannah

Alfreton (must win ?)

....................Macca
Magnay.....Toto......Pearson...Winfarrah/Loan
Mackreth...Disley....Brown.....Arnold/Paddy
............Pittman....John-Lewis

Quoted from 120797

Interesting formations from Tommy and jim !  
4-5-1 ? Could be !

2 games in 3 days, I'd be seriously thinking of saving some of the most effective (or fitter) players for Monday where 3 pts is a near crucial "must win !".
And getting game time into as many of the rest that haven't really yet featured at Heed.

Heed (nothing to lose ?)

...................Macca
Walker.....Boyce....Doig.....Bignot
Arnold.....Clay......Paddy....Neilson
...........Connell....Hannah

Alfreton (must win ?)

....................Macca
Magnay.....Toto......Pearson...Winfarrah/Loan
Mackreth...Disley....Brown.....Arnold/Paddy
............Pittman....John-Lewis

Oh yeah I remember you now and Your over analysis about squad rotation!

Quoted from 120797

Interesting formations from Tommy and jim !  
4-5-1 ? Could be !

2 games in 3 days, I'd be seriously thinking of saving some of the most effective (or fitter) players for Monday where 3 pts is a near crucial "must win !".
And getting game time into as many of the rest that haven't really yet featured at Heed.

Heed (nothing to lose ?)

...................Macca
Walker.....Boyce....Doig.....Bignot
Arnold.....Clay......Paddy....Neilson
...........Connell....Hannah

Alfreton (must win ?)

....................Macca
Magnay.....Toto......Pearson...Winfarrah/Loan
Mackreth...Disley....Brown.....Arnold/Paddy
............Pittman....John-Lewis

Two weeks into a new season and you're talking about rotating a whole team because they have to play two games in three days?

Funny I nearly said "Are squad rotation selections allowed ?"

Not the only one mate - PLENTY of squad rotation in everyone elses teams too !

Guess you're going for the same team as Dover right ?  

Oh sorry just seen yours salford....

Bignot, Mackreth, (or Arnold), Hannah all come in !

I make that 3.5 players (over one third !) you're "tinkering" with !

FFS stop "tinkering" !!!!!    

Nothing to lose? PH has a job to lose.

Quoted from pizzzza

Two weeks into a new season and you're talking about rotating a whole team because they have to play two games in three days?

If you replace them one at a time you could be there til Xmas !

I don't know how (strong) Hurst will go...
But if he goes full strength at Heed and we lost (no guarantees !) where would his job (or we) be when faced with the daunting prospect of fielding a team (the same one that lost but now knackered ?) on Monday ?

For me, we need the WHOLE squad "up to speed"  asap.
Gotta play them sometime !
We could go full strength/unchanged at Heed and still lose anyway - can't get a bigger disaster than that !

He will go....

Macca

Magnay, Toto, Pearson, Paddy (or new loanee - what a load of bollo*ks - I'd have no hesitation in picking Winfarrah)
Mackreth, Brown, Disley, Neillson,
Pittman, LJL

Subs: Connell, Arnold, Hannah, Paddy, Bignot

NB: Wouldn't surprise me if he goes 3-5-2 again

Quoted from 120797

Oh sorry just seen yours salford....

Bignot, Mackreth, (or Arnold), Hannah all come in !

I make that 3.5 players (over one third !) you're "tinkering" with !

FFS stop "tinkering" !!!!!    

3v10 changes! Slight difference mate!

Quoted from chaos33

4-3-3 is Mills' preferred shape and if you believe that 'matching up' is a good strategy away from home, then it's worth considering. Key things is - 'when not in posession, get in position'.

To give an insight into Mills' philosophy, he likes to tell his players, in that formation, that the back 5 (defenders plus 'sitting' midfielder) are there to prevent him from losing the game, and the front 5 (who's positions are interchangeable) are there to win him the game. They must then 'play' freely but remain mindful of two principal things - shape, and not to needlessly gamble or squander posession. That's why you'll never see Gateshead trying some of the balls and 'passes' (hopeful channel punts) that we do.

That is interesting to hear about Mills.

I wonder why we have found it virtually impossible to get a manager of his calibre in the last few years?

I mean we are talking of Gateshead;no history, no crowds,no long term league future I don't think.

How come we cannot make the right choice in the most important position of all?

If in the end Paul Hurst isn't quite up to it, why can't we go out and sell this football club to the man we want?

Is it that managers know which clubs to steer clear of regardless of their history/potential?

Even if our recruitment process isn't very good (clearly) decent managers must be tempted surely?

Just what is the problem????    

Quoted from pizzzza

Two weeks into a new season and you're talking about rotating a whole team because they have to play two games in three days?

Quite. Nuts I know. And, or course, asking a left sided forward to play right midfield (unenforced) and not rotating the most out of form, weakest and most tired/unfit looking striker, even though other contracted forwards are newly available and eager/in need of game time to get back up to speed.

Anyway it's not a full team it's 7

By the way you say "rotating a whole team"
In reality, it's not "changing for the sake of it", it's simply getting those not yet involved match fit

Quoted from chaos33

Quite. Nuts I know. And, or course, asking a left footed forward to play right wing (unenforced) and not rotating the most out of form, weakest and most tired/unfit looking striker to continue, even though other contracted strikers are newly available.

Oh look it's Mr picky negative, part of the super 6 I guess !

For the record, he's not just a forward, he's a winger and most wingers are versatile regards side because they can CUT IN. (which may even be useful if he's also a "forward" !)
But yeah, stick him on the left side like he played at Gainsborough (if you really want !) and swap Neilson over.

Oh yeah, and let's see YOUR team too matey !

                     McKeown

Boyce        Toto         Pearson        Magnay (Rodman generally cuts in with his right, which means
                                                                          he'd be attacking Magnays stronger right foot )

                       Brown

         Disley                McLaughlin

                      Neilsen

            Arnold           Pittman

Chaos.... I've looked at 80s' 2 teams for the weekends games and I can't see the left footed forward he's got down at right wing. I'd assume you'd mean Arnold, but I'm pretty sure he's right footed.

Quoted from Tommy

Chaos.... I've looked at 80s' 2 teams for the weekends games and I can't see the left footed forward he's got down at right wing. I'd assume you'd mean Arnold, but I'm pretty sure he's right footed.

Equally strong with both feet I believe

Quoted from chaos33

4-3-3 is Mills' preferred shape and if you believe that 'matching up' is a good strategy away from home, then it's worth considering. Key things is - 'when not in posession, get in position'.

To give an insight into Mills' philosophy, he likes to tell his players, in that formation, that the back 5 (defenders plus 'sitting' midfielder) are there to prevent him from losing the game, and the front 5 (who's positions are interchangeable) are there to win him the game. They must then 'play' freely but remain mindful of two principal things - shape, and not to needlessly gamble or squander posession. That's why you'll never see Gateshead trying some of the balls and 'passes' (hopeful channel punts) that we do.

Great insight into Mills and how he works Chaos thanks for sharing. A great, clear and relatively concise playing philosophy that is evident when you watch his teams play.

I think he's destined to work at a much higher level. Championship/League 1.

Yeah I mean Arnold. Seems he is predominantly right, but very two footed you're right, but often used as a left sided or central striker.

Mc Keown

magnay
toto
pearson
winfarrah

mackreth
brown
paddy
neilson

pittman
connell

arnold on for neilson if he's blowing out of bottom after 65 minutes like last year  

Since my job's not on the line if this goes wrong:

                   Neilson     Pittman
Winfarrah                                      Arnold
                   Disley       Brown
                           Toto
        Boyce       Pearson       Magnay
                       |  Macca  |

As regards Mills' teams. Do the attacking 5 or the defending 5 have to cheat and feign injury the most?

OK, perhaps that was a bit pithy as I don't recall his York team from the other year being a particularly dishonest group.

However, the Gateshead team we faced last season certainly used a lot of erm, 'gamesmanship', to give it a polite name. Surely those ploys must be planned as well? It can't just be coincidence that several of their players dived, cheated and feigned injury so frequently and so eagerly?

As for the football itself, the York team played some of the best football I've seen in this division, but they had the pace and tricky players to do so. The Gateshead team last season passed it around nicely enough but had pretty much no penetration and bagged their goals against us from defensive blunders, an almighty member-up from McKeown included. Oh, not to forget the fact that we were down some players when some of the goals were scored.

If they are no better than last season, I don't fear them this year, providing we don't give them goals again and the referee doesn't buy into their shenanigans. Perhaps Rodman and other signings will give them more of a cutting edge?

Quoted from Maringer

As regards Mills' teams. Do the attacking 5 or the defending 5 have to cheat and feign injury the most?

OK, perhaps that was a bit pithy as I don't recall his York team from the other year being a particularly dishonest group.

However, the Gateshead team we faced last season certainly used a lot of erm, 'gamesmanship', to give it a polite name. Surely those ploys must be planned as well? It can't just be coincidence that several of their players dived, cheated and feigned injury so frequently and so eagerly?

Agreed. I never thought I'd be bothered enough to dislike a two-bit non league club but I've made an exception for them.

Quoted from 120797

Oh look it's Mr picky negative, part of the super 6 I guess !

For the record, he's not just a forward, he's a winger and most wingers are versatile regards side because they can CUT IN. (which may even be useful if he's also a "forward" !)
But yeah, stick him on the left side like he played at Gainsborough (if you really want !) and swap Neilson over.

Oh yeah, and let's see YOUR team too matey !

Ha. I'm neither picky nor negative (you can't compete or find answers, so you lapse into the dismissive 'negative' jibe), and there's no such thing as the super 6. It's as ludicrous as your 18 point plan.

I've already stated that I liked the 4-3-3 team posted earlier by jimgtfc so keep up. If you'd like me to repeat that it's:

McKeown
Magnay
Nsiala
Pearson
Winfarrah

Brown
McLaughlin
Disley

Mackreth
Nielson
Pittman

I just feel that now we've got a bit more pace back in the attacking positions and with Gateshead's style of play, counter attacking could be our best route to 3 points on Saturday. I think a 433 system (not to be confused with a negative 451) is the best way to set up to achieve that. Really like Tommy's formation though and think that could be the way forward in games we're expected to win, especially with Neilson tucked inside where I actually think he'd be more suited, with pace either side of him.

Quoted from chaos33

4-3-3 is Mills' preferred shape and if you believe that 'matching up' is a good strategy away from home, then it's worth considering. Key things is - 'when not in posession, get in position'.

To give an insight into Mills' philosophy, he likes to tell his players, in that formation, that the back 5 (defenders plus 'sitting' midfielder) are there to prevent him from losing the game, and the front 5 (who's positions are interchangeable) are there to win him the game. They must then 'play' freely but remain mindful of two principal things - shape, and not to needlessly gamble or squander posession. That's why you'll never see Gateshead trying some of the balls and 'passes' (hopeful channel punts) that we do.

Good explanation of a good philosophy.

Quoted from 120797

Interesting formations from Tommy and jim !  
4-5-1 ? Could be !

2 games in 3 days, I'd be seriously thinking of saving some of the most effective (or fitter) players for Monday where 3 pts is a near crucial "must win !".
And getting game time into as many of the rest that haven't really yet featured at Heed.

Heed (nothing to lose ?)

...................Macca
Walker.....Boyce....Doig.....Bignot
Arnold.....Clay......Paddy....Neilson
...........Connell....Hannah

Alfreton (must win ?)

....................Macca
Magnay.....Toto......Pearson...Winfarrah/Loan
Mackreth...Disley....Brown.....Arnold/Paddy
............Pittman....John-Lewis

Really?

Nah not really...

Yes of course really !
If you have a point, please spit it out.  

Macca
Magnay Toto Pearson Winfarrah
Arnold Brown Midfieldmacca Neilson
LJL Pitman

Hannah, Bignot, Boyce, Wingermacca, Disley

If we do not sign a loan player, I think Hurst will go for this team,

                                                                                MACCA

                                                  BIGNOT      TOTO     PEARSON       BOYCE         MAGNAY

                                                              DISLEY         BROWN       NEILSON

                                                                         PITTMAN      LEWIS  

SUBS     HANNAH  ARNOLD  MACREATH  to come on in 2nd half.

Based on this thread, I'd hate to be Hurst this weekend - plenty of options everywhere now that he has his full squad plus Boyce and 'no goals but don't worry I'll be worshipped unlike LJL whether i score or not' Connell....

I just want to see two different strikers given the opportunity.

Not having a pop but LJL and Connell have not found the back of the net, so let's try two from Arnold, Pitman or Hannah.

UTM

In the GT Hurst is saying that he is still happy to go with 3 at the back. Not a bad idea if it means having attacking wing backs to give you width with 5 in midfield and 2 central strikers but when I read this I had a sinking feeling PH really means having 5 at the back.

Quoted from TheRonRaffertyFanClub

In the GT Hurst is saying that he is still happy to go with 3 at the back. Not a bad idea if it means having attacking wing backs to give you width with 5 in midfield and 2 central strikers but when I read this I had a sinking feeling PH really means having 5 at the back.

May not be such a bad thing away to Gateshead with the players we have available but i think Neilson will be back on the left and he won't play him as a wing back. Neilson only really suited to 4-4-2 i think, so expect him one side and Makreth the other. Magnay left back.

However, this is PH and he may come up with some random set up with McKeown centre forward.

Quoted from ginnywings

May not be such a bad thing away to Gateshead with the players we have available but i think Neilson will be back on the left and he won't play him as a wing back. Neilson only really suited to 4-4-2 i think, so expect him one side and Makreth the other. Magnay left back.

Agree that Nielson couldn't play wing-back but guess the alternative, if he really wanted to play 3-5-2, would be Nielson the middle and furthest forward of the five. Would certainly look more creative. Something along the lines of:

                                                  Mckeown

                             Toto               Pearson            Boyce

Magnay/Bignot                  Disley               Brown                          Paddy/Caine

                                                  Neilson

                                      LJL                  Connell/Pittman

                          

               McKeown
Magnay Pearson Toto Boyce
Arnold Disley Brown Paddy Pittman
                Connell

Arnold isn't fit.

Arnold is still injured and Hurst surely wouldn't be daft enough to play a striker such as Pittman as a left wing-back. I know he can play out wide as well, but I'm not sure about his defensive abilities as yet.

I knew that

             McKeown
Magnay Pearson Toto Boyce
Pittman Disley Brown Paddy Neilson
                Connell

Quoted from Maringer

Arnold is still injured and Hurst surely wouldn't be daft enough to play a striker such as Pittman as a left wing-back. I know he can play out wide as well, but I'm not sure about his defensive abilities as yet.

To be fair to Adam the formation he's picked is 4-5-1 presumably with the idea that it becomes 4-3-3 when we have the ball so Pittman wouldn't be wing-back, he'd have a full-back behind him.

OK, I have to admit I didn't look at the defence much - just saw Pittman stuck out wide. I'll adjust my comment about his line-up:

Playing Connell up front on his own sounds like utter madness to me. He's not strong enough to hold up or link up play, has no pace to run on to passes and has offered absolutely no threat in his first 3 appearances. If you want to play with a solo striker, LJL is the obvious choice or possibly Pittman might be capable as well though I'd doubt his ability to last 90 minutes.

Regardless of who was to play, I think 1 up top would be a poor idea, even if they were theoretically supported by 2 other wider men because it's all too easy for players to be sucked back into midfield, leaving the lone forward utterly isolated.

Wouldn't disagree with any of that Maringer.

LJL can play right side. Did so at his last club and did so when he first arrived here. Pittman could probably do the lone striker role with his pace, supported by LJL and Neilson when attacking.

Just a thought but probably a stupid one thinking about it more.

                 McKeown
Bignot    Toto      Pearson    Magnay
Mackreth  Disley  Brown   Neilson
               LJL     Pittman

LJL dropping deep to defend if needed. Keep it tight and organised, they will keep the ball for long periods but if they're like they were last season then they pose little threat with it. Hit them quickly on the break.

If Pittman has had a full weeks training behind him,

I would play him along side Lewis ( who will play )

With Connell on the bench.

Macca

.      Toto  Pearson  Boyce

Mackreth  Brown Disley Paddy  Winfarrah

      Shop    Connell

Quoted from Maringer

OK, I have to admit I didn't look at the defence much - just saw Pittman stuck out wide. I'll adjust my comment about his line-up:

Playing Connell up front on his own sounds like utter madness to me. He's not strong enough to hold up or link up play, has no pace to run on to passes and has offered absolutely no threat in his first 3 appearances. If you want to play with a solo striker, LJL is the obvious choice or possibly Pittman might be capable as well though I'd doubt his ability to last 90 minutes.

Regardless of who was to play, I think 1 up top would be a poor idea, even if they were theoretically supported by 2 other wider men because it's all too easy for players to be sucked back into midfield, leaving the lone forward utterly isolated.

Very true. I'd also add that even when we play 5-3-2 it ends up with two players being isolated up front because the midfield always seems to sink further and further back.

Quoted from Jarmo.Is.God

Macca

.      Toto  Pearson  Boyce

Mackreth  Brown Disley Paddy  Winfarrah

      Shop    Connell

The problem there is that you aren't playing Neilson who is potentially our most creative player. Also, you've only got 3 defenders on the pitch with Mackreth not known for his defensive abilities and Winfarrah still relatively untested.

I expect Magnay to definitely play in one of the wide defensive positions, whether left or right back or left or right wing-back.

Quoted from 137

                   Neilson     Pittman
Winfarrah                                      Mackreth
                   Disley       Brown
                           Toto
        Boyce       Pearson       Magnay
                       |  Macca  |

Toto as our defensive midfielder!

Quoted from 137

Toto as our defensive midfielder!

Bit square peg round hole that formation.

                 Macca

Nsiala  Boyce  Pearson  Magnay

             Disley  Brown
Macreth.                      Neilson

            LJL    Connell

Quoted from cmackenzie4

                 Macca

Nsiala  Boyce  Pearson  Magnay

             Disley  Brown
Macreth.                      Neilson

            LJL    Connell

I would go along with this but Paddy instead of Disley.

I do fear that we wouldn't win many headers at all in the centre of the park without Disley in the team. I think he'll play ahead of Paddy, if fit, in a central pairing. However, I suppose it is possible we might play 3 in the centre of the park, in which case we'd see Brown, Disley and Paddy in there.

                                                    Macca

                          Toto                    Pearson             Boyce

Magnay                                                                             Winfarrah

                                  Brown                      Disley

                                              Nielson

                                 Pittman                        LJL

Quoted from Jarmo.Is.God

Macca

.      Toto  Pearson  Boyce

Mackreth  Brown Disley Paddy  Winfarrah

      Shop    Connell

I prefer it when the keeper plays a bit more centrally.

I'd go with......
  

                                     McKeown

Bignot             Pearson(c)             Nsiala             Magnay


                          Brown              McLaughlin


Mackreth                                                            Nielson

                         Pitman              Connell

Subs
Walker
Boyce
Disley
Winfarrah/Clay
LJL

Quoted from Meza

I'd go with......
  

                                     McKeown

Bignot             Pearson(c)             Nsiala             Magnay


                          Brown              McLaughlin


Mackreth                                                            Nielson

                         Pitman              Connell

Subs
Walker
Boyce
Disley
Winfarrah/Clay
LJL

this.

Quoted from Meza

I'd go with......
  

                                     McKeown

Bignot             Pearson(c)             Nsiala             Magnay


                          Brown              McLaughlin


Mackreth                                                            Nielson

                         Pitman              Connell

Subs
Walker
Boyce
Disley
Winfarrah/Clay
LJL

Quite like this meza

I'd go with that defence but Disley in for McLaughlin and LJL for Pittman. Reckon it's worth leaving Pittman on the bench to bring on as an impact sub in the second half. Also, you never know - if a chance falls to Connell, he could certainly knock it in.

Quoted from Maringer

Regardless of who was to play, I think 1 up top would be a poor idea, even if they were theoretically supported by 2 other wider men because it's all too easy for players to be sucked back into midfield, leaving the lone forward utterly isolated.

Whether they end up getting "sucked back" is another matter !
Cart before the horse ?
But if they do, isn't it better 1 forward is isolated than 2 or 3 ?

Quoted from Maringer

If you want to play with a solo striker, LJL is the obvious choice or possibly Pittman might be capable as well though I'd doubt his ability to last 90 minutes.

Perhaps it depends whether you're direct/long ball or trying to keep it "on the deck".
There's nothing wrong with playing 1 "goalscorer" per se if you're trying to make opportunities by passing the ball.
And there's more creative players back now for this game who might help in that regard.

Quoted from Maringer

Playing Connell up front on his own sounds like utter madness to me. He's not strong enough to hold up or link up play, has no pace to run on to passes and has offered absolutely no threat in his first 3 appearances.

Write him off after 3 games then, well done !  
Who knows what will happen but if he does come good again, not unthinkable we'll see a 25 yard screamer.

As for "not strong enough" point taken but you don't always need to be strong to "link up play".
One of Connell's rare highlights on Saturday was his passing.
From that perspective, not impossible he can "link up" (passing) with others if they can push up in support of him.
But obviously if he was to play lone striker the intention wouldn't be to play him as TARGET MAN where the ball was simply hoofed up to him from the back !  

Anyway personally I'd be tempted to play young wing backs.
Arguably no better time to see whether they're "up to the job" than now.
i.e. We'll have done well to get a point WHOEVER plays.
Not being negative, saying they'll have done well to get a result v a side unbeaten at home since Feb !

If the youngsters just "aren't up to it" (yet) then least we'll know and can "re-evaluate" things.
If not now for the wingbacks then when ? Monday ?! Next Xmas ?!
Maybe it's better to find out more than wait all day or never know at all...

So I'd go to Heed looking for a good result while getting match time into those returning and thinking ahead to Monday too.

..............McKeown
.........Boyce.....Pearson
Walker.........Clay.......Winfarrah
...........Disley.......Paddy......
Mackreth.....Connell......Neilson

Subs (see Monday): Magnay, Toto, Brown, Pittman, John Lewis

Wing backs with 2 centre backs?!

Oh here we go...
Fullbacks pushing up from fullback wherever possible or slightly advanced fullbacks then.

You may notice Abdul I haven't been through everyone elses team asking questions or pulling them apart.

That said I do see your team doesn't even have players assembled in any kind of positions at all.  
So perhaps it's bit ironic you're questioning mine ?

Not really wing backs then, just full backs that like to get forward (like most full backs)

My side's quite clearly a 4-4-2 (the gaps are a giveaway); I could start drawing arrows and stuff but I don't think Scott Neilson needs an arrow to tell him to run forward!

80's why would you drop Brown for Clay?

Quoted from Abdul19

Not really wing backs then, just full backs that like to get forward (like most full backs)

No idea !
Don't how what YOUR definition of wing back is.
Suffice to say I'm not arguing over everyone elses unknown definition either.

For me if they're positioned slightly further forward (in my case helping a 3 man central midfield), "playing down the WING" [feel free to argue the toss ad infinum without offering your own definition here too !] and also BACK defending it's good enough for me.

In short, define it how you want to, I don't give a toss !

If picking over 80's definition of wing back is really the strongest reason there is for saying Hurst should be on his bike, it's pretty desperate and pathetic IMO.

Quoted from mariner91

80's why would you drop Brown for Clay?

Well despite those wonderful calls we all heard of him being called "sh1t" before a league ball was even kicked, think Clay did reasonably well in the last home game (especially 2nd half).

I liked the energy and attitude he showed (especially since he was playing out of position too)
But also think he might be able to do a job somewhere in front of the back 4 (perhaps protecting) using that same energy to help break up play.
Did Hurst mention this as one of his strengths too ? (I may well be wrong here but have a feeling he did...)
Not saying Brown couldn't do it too, just my opinion it could be an advantage to save some of the "bestuns" (subjective) for Monday.
Then again didn't Brown miss a chance from 1 yard too ?
All depends which way you want to look at it ! (e.g. why would you drop Clay for Brown ?)
Can't please every single fan out there -  there'll always be someone wanting to complain about something ! (don't mean you BTW 91...)

End of the day, while any "squad rotation" at this very early stage of the season arguably isn't really about protecting against "fatigue", "tinkering for the sake of it" and much more to do with getting absent players fitter and everyone chipping in and involved for the cause, may also be fair to say it's a bloody long trip up to the North East (and back) in 3 days in a game that most (realists) don't expect us to win anyway.

Also if "best XI" were to fall flat on their ar5e at Heed, it might pose a tricky or worrying selection dilemma or 2 for Monday ?
Conversely if so called lesser players shine then it's a "nice problem to have" whether to bring in any others left out.  

Course there's risks with every selection (except the fans of course who never see theirs play or receive any stick for them !) and it's ultimately down to the man in charge to shoulder responsibility and do the best thing he sees fit under arguably immense and unfair pressure in the best short AND long term interests of Grimsby Town Football Club.

Sincerely hope that answers your question.
(but not replying to any more about MY irrelevant pick just in case anyone else is thinking of asking...)

I know I moan about the manager a lot but when I see some of 80s weird and wonderful suggestions I realise how much worse it could be.

Quoted from ackomariner

Quite like this meza

Well I guess I best elaborate lol

I know Boyce has done well but my reasons for dropping him was he's not contracted to GY and the more we play Toto and Pearson together they will only strengthen there understanding.

Magnay at LB well he played there for Gateshead and played v well against us more or less nullified Rodman.

Bignot RB due to his experience.   I like Paul Walker and I think he will become a regular one day but he needs to curb that petulance streak of his.  Otherwise he will get a few red cards.

Paddy in the centre because a) he has deserved it from pre season and b) Disley a bit behind in terms of match sharpness due to his injuries.

I went with Pitman due to his pace and skill and connell for his intelligence you never know these 2 just might hit it off lol

Quoted from 120797

..............McKeown
.........Boyce.....Pearson
Walker.........Clay.......Winfarrah
...........Disley.......Paddy......
Mackreth.....Connell......Neilson

Subs (see Monday): Magnay, Toto, Brown, Pittman, John Lewis

so a 2-3-2-3 formation ?

well I have seen hurst do stranger things I suppose..

in all seriousness why on earth would you drop scott brown for clay and Connell is no way a lone striker player.

PH will just pick his favourite/best XI players and fit them all in a formation somehow!

Quoted from Grantham_Mariner

PH will just pick his favourite/best XI players and fit them all in a formation somehow!

I honestly don't believe he knows his best 11 though.  It depends if he's strong enough to pick a different forward line and drop disley.

Why so many all in favour of the 433 formation, this is the formation hurst has tried and failed so many times, it simply doesn't work for him.
Stick to 442 and let Gateshead worry about us.

Quoted from 2578

Why so many all in favour of the 433 formation, this is the formation hurst has tried and failed so many times, it simply doesn't work for him.
Stick to 442 and let Gateshead worry about us.

Ph has never let any team worry about us and our formation , he always sets up our team not to loose and nick a goal from somewhere and then sit back and defend on our 18 yard line

I'd go with this......


                        McKeown

          Toto         Pearson         Boyce

                          Brown        
Magnay                                     McLaughlin                
                  Disley          
                        
                                 Neilsen  

                   LJL         Connell


Neilsen having a free role, and Magnay and Paddy covering Rodman and Maddison but having the freedom to attack when we have the ball.

Quoted from Stew0_0

I'd go with this......


                        McKeown

          Toto         Pearson         Boyce

                          Brown        
Magnay                                     McLaughlin                
                  Disley          
                        
                                 Neilsen  

                   LJL         Connell


Neilsen having a free role, and Magnay and Paddy covering Rodman and Maddison but having the freedom to attack when we have the ball.

The reason why I didn't go for the 3-5-2 or 5-3-2 is because of the width.  I don't think Magnay and Paddy will get forward much and force there wingers back into defensive positions thus leaving us open to attack down the flanks, I know I would certainly tell my wingers to stay up or attack the space.   So having a fullback and winger in a 4-4-2 for me would add more width obviously, the game at Dover that I saw was that even though we dominated large parts of the game In the first half some of the players didn't look comfortable at all and wasn't adventurous or risky enough.  3 players was surrounding Dovers sub and Paddy was first he should have stuck his boot but because he's not defensively minded he didn't and stood of him.  Then he wriggled through and 1-1.  

Im just hoping for 3 points today

Quoted from 120797

If picking over 80's definition of wing back is really the strongest reason there is for saying Hurst should be on his bike, it's pretty desperate and pathetic IMO.

That would be true, but I don't think Abdul was claiming that.

Quoted from jonnyboy82

so a 2-3-2-3 formation ?

Not sure is it 2323, 433 or 451 ?
Have we got the ball or not ?
You tell me !

Quoted from jonnyboy82

in all seriousness why on earth would you drop scott brown for clay and Connell is no way a lone striker player.

How can Connell be lone striker when if it a 2-3-2-3 ?  

But seriously...
My answers to all your questions are already on this thread.
Seek and ye shall find (if you can be arsed of course !)

Quoted from pontoonlew

I know I moan about the manager a lot but when I see some of 80s weird and wonderful suggestions I realise how much worse it could be.

Thanks for going into such great detail explaining your objections.
I do appreciate you don't often tend to (especially about John Lewis !)  

Actually perhaps you've got a point...
Some of my thoughts did appear somehow similar in nature to some of yours !!!  
Still if you're wrong, guess I must be too !  

Quoted from Meza

I know Boyce has done well but my reasons for dropping him was he's not contracted to GY and the more we play Toto and Pearson together they will only strengthen there understanding.

Very good point IMO, was wondering the same... (albeit not enough to change my own mind)

Quoted from Meza

Bignot RB due to his experience.   I like Paul Walker and I think he will become a regular one day but he needs to curb that petulance streak of his.

See your point here too !  
And tbh I'm not convinced by any means Walker is that great defending per se either but really like him bombing forward.
Did well v Sunderland pre-season too ?

Quoted from Meza

b) Disley a bit behind in terms of match sharpness due to his injuries.

I see it the other way round tbh.
If he's not quite match sharp (like others) I'd play him to help him get there.

Quoted from Meza

I went with Pitman due to his pace and skill and connell for his intelligence you never know these 2 just might hit it off lol

Sounds like blind date !

Anyway good points Meza (& good to see you too !)