The Light Back/Reft Back conundrum...

[king_congo_red]

Pages and pages have been written here about our lack of a proper left-back, in the absence of Bennett and Lynch and having failed to secure Shorey beyond his loan-spell.

Since the former England internationals' loan-spell ended, the left-back role has mostly fallen to James Perch, who has drawn a large amount of criticism from large portions of our supporters at time for sub-par performances in this unfamiliar postion.

However, Perch stood out last night against Newcastle having been moved to Right-Back, keeping the shackles on Gutierrez with some unbelievable and incredibly accurate, given the conditions, tackling.

Chris Gunter, has drawn a great amount of praise for his work as a right-back, particularly for the attacking part of his game. Gunter is probably the most 'natural' left-back we can field, but his game loses something, particulalry in an attacking sense, when shifted to the left.

As for other options - Chambers has proven over a length of time to be a below-par right-back and even worse at left-back and Kelvin wilson is certainly not good enough at left-back to be moved from Cnetre-Back where he's currently enjoying his best form since signing for the Reds.

So, what's the best option. Sacrifice Gunter's attacking threat for the sake of a more 'solid' back four with Perch in a 'natural' position and playing well? Or Gunter in his natural position with Perch out of position?

 

[Jonathan]

It's no coincidence that we've struggled for goals since Shorey left. He and Gunter are both very good full-backs, and while Perch is easily the best tackler at the club, he isn't great going forward.

Gunter also loses his attacking threat at left-back, as you mentioned. He gets forward, but isn't as marauding as on the right.

Personally, I think it depends who we're playing as to which side I'd utilise them.

Gunter and Anderson MUST play on the same side, though. They link up so well.

 

[Tutts]

Stick with them the way they were last night I'd say. Effectively use these next few games for Gunter to get used to what he can do at left back in time for the play offs.

I thought Perch was excellent last night.

 

[Alexandro Garibaldi]

Stick with them the way they were last night I'd say. Effectively use these next few games for Gunter to get used to what he can do at left back in time for the play offs.

I thought Perch was excellent last night.

He did have a very good game, until letting Ameobi turn so easily for the first goal

 

[DanR]

Stick with them the way they were last night I'd say. Effectively use these next few games for Gunter to get used to what he can do at left back in time for the play offs.

I thought Perch was excellent last night.

I agree - Gunter has enough class to cope with playing out of position, Perch is good enough to play right back, playing in a position he was more comfortable with gave him the confidence to make his tackles at vital moments.

Two more wins and we're in the playoffs, ideal time for a bit of expermentation :hey: in the name of finding the best 11 to win 3 games in May.

 

[Kier]

We can't play Perch at left-back, he is like a fish out of water in that position. However he has played well at right-back everytime he has been used there this season and was outstanding last night. Leaving things the way they are is definitely our best option at the moment, not ideal still as Gunter is wasted to an extent at left-back.

 

[T.B.T.]

Something was said last night on the Sky commentary that surprised me and that was 'Forest have one of the strongest defences in the Championship' (or words to that effect).

From day one of the season we have considered our defence to be the weak link, with particular emphasis on the Left Back position who no one, other than Shorey, has made the position their own. Looking at the statistics, fact over opinion, it's true to say that we have one of the best defences. Only Swansea and Newcastle are similar in the number of conceded goals.

I believe we still need to strengthen yet lets recognise the fantastic job the likes of Wes, Wilson, Gunter, Perch and Chambers, not forgetting Camp have done this season.

 

[Kier]

I agree - Gunter has enough class to cope with playing out of position, Perch is good enough to play right back, playing in a position he was more comfortable with gave him the confidence to make his tackles at vital moments.

Two more wins and we're in the playoffs, ideal time for a bit of expermentation :hey: in the name of finding the best 11 to win 3 games in May.

I'm pretty certain Billy will rotate a lot of players in the three games in May, rather than looking for a best 11 to play in all three games.

 

[Rich]

Perch has to be a good tackler, otherwise he'd never get a second touch.

The solution has to be Cohen to left back. We were on an upswing with him there before Shorey came.

For me, I'd field:

Gunter Wes Wilson Cohen
Ando Raddy Moose Boyd
Earnie Dex

When we're at home and trade Earnie for a 5th midfielder away from home, possibly McGugan.

 

[Rich]

Something was said last night on the Sky commentary that surprised me and that was 'Forest have one of the strongest defences in the Championship' (or words to that effect).

From day one of the season we have considered our defence to be the weak link, with particular emphasis on the Left Back position who no one, other than Shorey, has made the position their own. Looking at the statistics, fact over opinion, it's true to say that we have one of the best defences. Only Swansea and Newcastle are similar in the number of conceded goals.

I believe we still need to strengthen yet lets recognise the fantastic job the likes of Wes, Wilson, Gunter, Perch and Chambers, not forgetting Camp have done this season.

And until our recent form, only Watford and Derby scored more than 1 against us.

In Shorey's ENTIRE loan spell we only conceded one goal, which was away at West Brom and came from the other side of the pitch.

Not signing him has, in my opinion, cost us the automatic promotion place.

 

[DanR]

Perch has to be a good tackler, otherwise he'd never get a second touch.

The solution has to be Cohen to left back. We were on an upswing with him there before Shorey came.

For me, I'd field:

Gunter Wes Wilson Cohen
Ando Raddy Moose Boyd
Earnie Dex

When we're at home and trade Earnie for a 5th midfielder away from home, possibly McGugan.

And this is where McKenna's absence is now costing us, as the Moose isn't up to the same quality of Cohen or McKenna in midfield, otherwise I'd be happy with Cohen at left back.

 

[Jonathan]

Boyd needs to play against Bristol City.

 

[Rich]

And this is where McKenna's absence is now costing us, as the Moose isn't up to the same quality of Cohen or McKenna in midfield, otherwise I'd be happy with Cohen at left back.

Not replacing McKenna when the obvious signs of fatigue were creeping in is almost as big a mistake as not signing Shorey.

A fit McKenna and Nicky Shorey made us the best side in this league.

Without them we are the third best side in the league.

 

[king_congo_red]

Boyd needs to play against Bristol City.

Agreed.

Believe me, we haven't seen anything that he's capable of yet, he has too much talent to not make a telling contribution before (and perhaps in) the play-offs.

 

[RedMark]

We just can't lose Cohen out of the middle of the park though, but he does a good job at LB.


I'd go with whoever mentioned it earlier when saying that Gunter should play there for the remainder of the games. Let him get used to LB and keep Jimmy Perch at RB.

 

[Jonathan]

Cohen was shite last night.

 

[king_congo_red]

We just can't lose Cohen out of the middle of the park though, but he does a good job at LB.

We've made do without him in the middle for most of the season. He's largely been wide midfield or left-back...

 

[king_congo_red]

Cohen was shite last night.

A bit harsh Johnno. He put in his usual shift, but wasn't able to create anything of note. He didn't make any huge gaffs though, so I'd say his performance was average, but certainly not shite.

Mind you, I don't think any one of our players were shite.

 

[T.B.T.]

I like Cohen in midfield. I don't know why Boyd didn't feature last night. Other than his debut, he's been a bit disappointing. Let's hope we see more of him and he lives up to expectation.

Over the last few seasons, we've actively and successfully strengthened our squad over the summer months and I'm hoping this year will be no exception.

Given the opportunity and the availability then I expect a LB to be the first on Billy's shopping list.

Who plays LB for Peterborough, Crystal Palace and Plymouth and would they consider a move maybe?

 

[Jonathan]

His passing was atrocious last night. I said yesterday that it's the worst I've ever seen him in a Forest shirt.

I lost track of how many times our counter attacks broke down because he played the crucial pass behind the player breaking forward.

Also, while their first goal was a lucky break, it was Cohen's pass that hit Raddy. It's sloppy errors that cost games.

Yes, he worked hard, but last night was completely ineffective.

 

[Jonathan]

Nathaniel Clyne from Palace would be nice!

 

[Monk De Wally De Honk]

Garner for left back
You heard it here first folks

 

[T.B.T.]

This might well sound like a really daft idea but should we incur any injuries, bans or suspensions heading into the playoffs, can Smith play Left Back? lol

Looking positively, McKenna could/should be back as may Bennett by then.

As for cards, who's on the maximum and, although I don't advocate it, do you reckon we'll see a few reckless challenges to get the bans out of the way before May?

 

[MarcusE]

Adebola for left back
You heard it here first folks

:hey:

 

[adam09]

Gunter and Raddy are on about 8 I think. Wes and Kelvin have somehow only got about 5 each during the entire season!