Swindon Game

[Haggis316]

When Paul Sturrock was at Sheffield Wednesday his game was in theory (if not always practised by the players the way he and his coaching staff Kevin Summerfield and John Blackley "preached") about "high tempo" play, resolute defending and players (including Lee Peacock the Centre forward) running the channels getting behind defenders and putting lots of crosses into the box.

Players knew their role in the scheme of things and what was expected of them. Sturrock did not expect sparkling football but fans were at least entitled to work rate.

At Plymouth and in his early days at Wednesday he liked big physically strong players.

For all his running Lee Peacock did not convert a high enough percentage of the chances which led to him leaving Sheffield Wednesday in January 06. He also had a persistent injury problem - with his ankles I recall.

After a home defeat to Bradford in Wednesday's 04/05 promotion season the Bradford winner came from a defender getting caught in possession when Sturrock would have preferred the simple course of the ball being cleared into the stands. Sturrock said:

"We have a defender who thinks he's a footballer first and a defender second."

Latterly in the Championship the players he brought in tended not to be as big. The team became more cautious and was criticised for being defensive even at home. Nevertheless a lot of late goals and therefore points were conceded - especially at home.

I recall one game - ironically at Swindon were Swindon overcame a 2 goal deficit late in the game to win. I think Christian Roberts was the danger man. He was a sub at the Fraser Eagle stadium under Dennis Wise. Sturrock always rated him highly.

[maccawozzagod]

well we are excellent against physically strong teams aren't we? will the lessons Coley learnt against Chester (by his own admission) be administered?

I personally expect Coley to start with Ventre and Edwards at right back, Almeida and Welch at centre half with Welch and Cav dropping in as sweepers Leam and Jammy playing left backs. Tretts will also be on th ebench in case we need an extra defender to hold onto a lead.

[Haggis316]

Paul Sturrock also talked a lot about "winning ugly"!

[maccawozzagod]

well he can buy one or two of our more facially challenged players then.





"Graeme Souness walked in to our dressing room soon after taking over as the new manager of Liverpool, he said that we are going to buy in a few new faces. Peter Beardsley immediately asked if he could have one" Ronnie Whelan quote.

[Haggis316]

Originally Posted by maccawozzagod

well he can buy one or two of our more facially challenged players then.

You would not advocate him taking Sean Doherty then?

[Haggis316]

See Paul Sturrock's take on Stanley:

http://www.swindonadvertiser.co.uk/s...of_stanley.php

[Oggy]

Thanks for that Haggis.

Paul Sturrock, "Accrington are a big side, aggressive and a much better side than their position suggests. They are dangerous opposition."

The first bit undermines the rest of the sentence. Big, in what sense of the word? Don't they spout rubbish, makes you laugh.

[Haggis316]

May be they had Stanley watched from the Coppice End - remember all those Boston Supporters who according to their fanzine Impstalk watched the wrong game. See:

http://www.impstalk.co.uk/0607b.htm

You will need to scroll well down.

[fc:stanley]

Should be a good match ive got a feeling stanley will get a good result today! Glad 2br`s got coverage.

[Haggis316]

Its typical of Paul Sturrock to build up the opposition for the avoidance of any complacency amongst his team.

If you read Paul Sturrock on the Swindon website you will see that the team has had problems recently and has been in a run of bad form.

In the run up to the play offs in 2005 he experienced a run of bad and nervous form injuries sendings off and suspensions and a few surprising home defeats.

[Haggis316]

SNARLING Blair Sturrock (the Manager's son) says Town must unleash the dogs of war' against Accrington Stanley and avoid paying an Arsenal-style price for profligacy in front of goal.

See:

http://www.thisiswiltshire.co.uk/new...h_the_dogs.php

[Outback Ozzy]

Pity he is only a sub then isn't it.

[Outback Ozzy]

Well playing same starting line up as Tuesday, must have seen something, however, the back four were fairly solid until the 52nd minute