A defence that doesn't push up to the halfway line because people on the side of the pitch think they are playing 'too deep'. When the long ball comes over for the opposing attacker to score, the people on the side go very quiet, and it's a stupid way to play which sees Maple concede a lot of goals this way...

Having the majority of the defence substituted after 60 mins in games where the midfield and attack are having no effect too is not a great way of winning matches. Yes, we do have a lot of defensive players in the squad - but most of them can play elsewhere too. Losing 1-0 and then changing the defence will not win the match.

Selfless substitutions by the management - it's very commendable for the management to remove thmeselves to give others a game - it is not when the management are playing well, having a large effect on the game and then sub themselves.

Playing the partnerships that work in training - being skillful or beating people does not make you a good player - being effective makes you a good player. Some players have good understandings with others, this shows through in training - be great for the chance for it to happen on a Saturday too.

The realisation that movement, selfless running, good positional sense, link-up play and willingness to shoot are in fact good things for Maple's attacking players. Standing next to the opposition defensive players and shouting that you're not getting the ball 'to feet' is not - even in training.

Rant over - awaits abuse to come Sag's way...

Agree with you whole heartedly there Sag. I like the new message board by the way.

Do we have enough in club coffers to hire a weekly cheerleading troupe as I feel this will be highly motivational for the team. Most might even turn up to the match. We could also raise club funds by betting on how long it takes Chubbs to go through the lot of them.

Just thinking outside the box.

Matt

Checketts is thinking outside the box - surely an oxymoron?

I too am intrigued and back this idea of a Cheerleading Troupe for match days - perhaps certain people who frequent certain lapdancing establishments could use any contacts they've made there to make this so.

Marvellous stuff...

I could lend a hand in typing up your match reports, might give a good motivational edge to the troops, i mean, players!

Actually an alternative perspective on how Maple have faired in their weekly attempts to conquer the footballing world would be most welcome Mr Campbell.

Sadly the MapleFootball web staff cannot afford to pay for any articles posted on the net - but are willing to have a word in the manager's ear to try and get you a place in the Maple squad.

Always thought you were more an 'Alistair' than a 'Rob'!

Looks like political Satire (even at it's weakest) has no place on the Mapleleaf forum.

Your "Thesis" on Mapleleaf is comendable, but really everyone knows we play best with me up front and u in goal, tho Matt did end the season on a high, so maybe he's pushing for that honour!

I feel my past posts on this board have been 'sexed-up' to an extent where they may give the impression that I am all for Rob playing upfront - this is not true, anyone who knows me will readily recall on many occasions stating "Rob'll be lucky to make the bench if we had Smicer in the team".

Out the Mole...

Rob I know you are a relative new boy but surely you've heard whispers of the greatest forwrd line up ever. Checketts and Shingles. The Dream team. The flick through by Shingles straight to Chubbys path only for him to trip over the ball or the time when Shingles latched on to a poor back pass, rounded the keeper and put it 10 foot wide.

Still my shots to goals ratio is better than the horse and lucky.

I would pay good money to see a strike force of duberly and evans. Don't think the opp defence would forget in a hurry!

Sag, Igor, Nuff said.

Well at the end of the day I sort of play where-ever I end up anyway!