Wigan Athletic vs Bristol Rovers matchday thread.

Barrett is obviously a talented footballer. If fully match fit and operating at the appropriate weight he would be a major asset to any team in this division. But that's the problem. He is rarely fully fit and always appears over weight. I seem to recall the supporters of his previous club lamenting a waste of serious talent.

Since his arrival has he played the full 90 minutes in any league or cup match for us. If so, I suspect not many. If his position is that of cameo second half midfield substitute I'm not convinced that role is required in a team battling relegation.

Shame really because he has the potential to be our best player.

I've taken a bit of time to reflect on last night before posting.

Overall it was a much improved performance and whilst others have berated Nicholson for his 'miss', I actually think apart from the finish which he snatched at, the skill, the movement, composure and trickery to get in that position was outstanding. He was aiming for the far corner looking at his body shape by as he connected he got to full a connection with the foot that placed it to the middle rather than where he was aiming.

Wigan were poor and were there for the taking and we will face stiffer tests but considering the rapid changes and lack of time Tis has had with the squad and also the fact we did not have any forwards I saw it as a positive improvement.

Positives for me were:

1. More urgency and tempo
2. The performance overall more generally - with the exception of Hare and Koiki, I thought all the team looked more comfortable and played improved games.
3. Whilst looking stocky - the return of Barrett. I thought he made an impact when he came on
4. Tis making 3 subs at a relatively early point in the match to have an impact and influence (and it did)
5. The variety in play - we didn't go long ball and we didn't religiously stick to tippy tappy - we mixed it up a bit and I think will be less predictable going forward
6. Despite their critics on here, I thought Leahy had a good game (and personally I think he is our 'safest' and most stable LB. Tuts and Koiki are more suited to Wing Back that Leahy is less comfortable in) and I also thought that Grant and Upson played steady, no frills games and were effective and influential.

The negatives:

1. Hare looked out of sorts - he kept getting caught out of position. Not sure if it was due to the skill and pace of the winger or Hare's poor performance that made him look poor. Hare's crossing was also below standard and that's normally his real strength. Hoping it was a one off blip for him.
2. Koiki performed admirably at LM but looked uncomfortable. He isn't a LM - I'd play Tut's there over Koiki.

Overall a step forward in my view despite the result.

Yeah strange one that.
The change of formation should suit him. If he can get fit and play to the same levels as last season he will do well for us again.