Do We Need Another Forward??

[badgerbee]

As this seems under discussion within a few different threads I wondered if the question was worth a thread of its own??.............. (Mods feel free to close if considered a duplicate)

Despite playing what I reckon 95% of us on here believe to be some great stuff so far this year, a return of 4 League goals from 12 League games from our strike-force means that we haven't necessarily got the rewards we perhaps deserved in a number of games this season.

Whilst understanding that this is for a variety of reasons (Scott Hogan's long-term injury not being the least), the fact that MW doesn't seem to think Betty is ready yet, Tommy Smith is also injured, NP hasn't been banging them in and despite an encouraging start in terms of performance by Andre Gray, he's only got a couple too, suggests to me that we should (and maybe are) look elsewhere.............

Or is the return from our midfield enough to make up the deficit??............

 

[djheavens]

I think the fact Betinho is not the replacement for Hogan as we all thought then YES!!

 

[BedfontRed]

The no brainer of the year so far. As someone said in the Wigan match thread we are one forward away from being top six material

 

[RoyBee]

As this seems under discussion within a few different threads I wondered if the question was worth a thread of its own??.............. (Mods feel free to close if considered a duplicate)

Despite playing what I reckon 95% of us on here believe to be some great stuff so far this year, a return of 4 League goals from 12 League games from our strike-force means that we haven't necessarily got the rewards we perhaps deserved in a number of games this season.

Whilst understanding that this is for a variety of reasons (Scott Hogan's long-term injury not being the least), the fact that MW doesn't seem to think Betty is ready yet, Tommy Smith is also injured, NP hasn't been banging them in and despite an encouraging start in terms of performance by Andre Gray, he's only got a couple too, suggests to me that we should (and maybe are) look elsewhere.............

Or is the return from our midfield enough to make up the deficit??............

The lack of match minutes from Betinho suggests he is either not of the calibre we were expecting or he is not ready for the physicality of the Championship. If either of these are the case, then we definitely need another forward. But I certainly trust our management to sort this out. I would like to know the situation though.

 

[shouldbee]

Frank will be working hard on this.

 

[beebopalula]

We play a lone striker so presumably the issue is whether Gray is good enough. IMO he fits the bill well and will get a fair return of goals by season end. At the mo we are therefore relying on our mids to bring in a decent return of goals . IMO no need for another striker unless we switch tactics to maybe 4-4-2 with a mid diamond but maybe Gray would do well in a 4-4-2 with Pritch or Betinho ? We won't know unless we try but we don't seem to have an alternative to our basic team setup.

 

[beebopalula]

The lack of match minutes from Betinho suggests he is either not of the calibre we were expecting or he is not ready for the physicality of the Championship. If either of these are the case, then we definitely need another forward. But I certainly trust our management to sort this out. I would like to know the situation though.

If that's true why is he on the bench ? It gets more puzzling the more you look at it.

 

[wrightybee1664]

If all the goals were scored by the forwards then we would be saying the midfield need to chip in with a few goals. Team game so goals should come from from all over the park.
I would say no to a new striker, work with what you got and keep putting the work in on the training ground and the rewards should come.

 

[JTofBFC]

We have never had enough forward options for about the last 4 years. This year no different. We got away with it last year and no doubt will muddle through again. Shame it has to be that way though. We are one additional striker option from being a very very good side . As things stand we are a tidy side which lets itself down in the final third.

 

[jlove]

I'm not sure about "a return of 4 League goals from 12 League games from our strike-force":

• Gray 2
• Odubajo 2
• Jota 2
• Proschwitz 1
• Dallas 1
• Smith 1

... but it's clear that Gray could be improved on. He was never anticipated to be so relied on so heavily in the centre. I think also that we've missed the option of Dallas, while Jota is settling in nicely in the forward department. It's easy to say we need another forward - you can never have too many - the challenge is finding an additional free-scoring central attacker within our budget.

 

[monkeymagic]

I'm not sure about "a return of 4 League goals from 12 League games from our strike-force":

• Gray 2
• Odubajo 2
• Jota 2
• Proschwitz 1
• Dallas 1
• Smith 1

... but it's clear that Gray could be improved on. He was never anticipated to be so relied on so heavily in the centre. I think also that we've missed the option of Dallas, while Jota is settling in nicely in the forward department. It's easy to say we need another forward - you can never have too many - the challenge is finding an additional free-scoring central attacker within our budget.

Surely there's a massive case for getting Trotta back on loan - short term - from F'ham .
He had a crack in their reserves at Aldershot yesterday (attached) but looks nowhere near being considered for their first team, even since Magath has gone.

If they don't want him then I'd be very happy to see him back for a third spell.

http://nickbruzonslastword.wordpres...is-the-most-predictable-thing-of-the-weekend/

 

[hanworthbee]

yes, two goals from Gray is a poor return and I don't have much confidence in Nick

 

[High Street Bee]

If for no other reason that if Andre gets injured we really dont have a credible plan B - of course we need another forward

 

[bostonhanwell]

I would say yes we need another striker. Not a criticism of Gray, who looks a really good prospect, but is not really ready to lead the line at Championship level week in week out.

 

[davewfilms]

As we only play with one striker cant see the point in bringing in another one as we currently have 4 to choose from
with gray,betinho,big nick and tommy smith who is fit again.
Unless we are going to change tatics which i doubt as we have been playing with 1 central striker and 2 wide players since mr rosler was here so i cant see it changing now.

 

[JCMcBee]

watched the football league show last night with this very question in mind............there are 2 i'd take a punt on................mcdonald at gillingham,and gornell at cheltenham.

 

[cromerbee]

Feel sorry for Andre. He will be outstanding soon I think but at the moment there is too much expectation on him. Obviously he was meant to share this withHogan. I can understand the Big Nick signing as he gives us a different option whether we think he's good enough or not. Bettinho is the odd one. Warbs hasn't got much wrong so maybe he's nearly ready. I'm getting confident enough to think we will be ok this season with what we've got but is Bettinho is not used soon, think he should go back and find another option. I'm sure it's all been/ being considered by the powers that be. 10th in the Championship after 12 suggests everything is very much in hand. Beat Wednesday on Tuesday and we will be right up there.

 

[A Real Mysteron]

If you think we need another striker, wait until you see the bloke Wednesday have got with the ponytail.

He'd have a job to hit the camel with a banjo, let alone it's arse.

 

[Holysmit]

If you think we need another striker, wait until you see the bloke Wednesday have got with the ponytail.

He'd have a job to hit the camel with a banjo, let alone it's arse.

So that him getting a hat trick on Tuesday then.

 

[Leedsbee]

We've found a system 4-1-4-1 that allows us to play some great football but every system has a downside and with us it's the poor guy on his own up front who has to work his socks off and is likely to be always up against at least two defenders.I don't think Clayton for instance is a much better player than Andre but that knack of being in the right place at the right time comes with a big wages price tag attached and I guess at the moment with FFP were pretty much spent up.Andre's part of a team that's exceeding expectations at the moment, with time and experience he'll start reaping the personal rewards but lets just be happy the team he's part of is doing so well.

 

[favershambee]

There is no doubt that another QUALITY striker would have improved our points tally. Andre is doing a good job in a role that is new to him. The crux of the matter would be if he was unavailable for selection then we would have serious problems as there is no other player to adapt to this role.

 

[BedfontRed]

Andre is doing ok and will get better and a fit again is smith will be ok. Prost has a hell of a way to go to convince me and no where near this level yet so 100% we need another striker whatever bloody formation we play, diamond. Christmas tree 442 4141 1234.....

 

[JCMcBee]

There is no doubt that another QUALITY striker would have improved our points tally. Andre is doing a good job in a role that is new to him. The crux of the matter would be if he was unavailable for selection then we would have serious problems as there is no other player to adapt to this role.

agree.......we are a proven goalscorer away from being a very good all round side........oh for a chris martin or callum wilson,to name but 2, at brentford.........there are several in form strikers banging in goals in div's 1 and 2.........surely,given our current profile, a deal can be done to bring in one of these strikers on a loan deal..........i've heard aguero's not for sale btw.

 

[GEOFFBEE]

So that him getting a hat trick on Tuesday then.

lol
I hope not!!

 

[BURFORD BEE]

I believe that once Gray finds that edge that's not quite there at the moment he will be the business. Its a big jump that's been asked of him and the only thing missing it seems is putting the ball in the onion bag. I know its stating the obvious that its what his purpose is but we need to be patient. We are not exactly doing that bad at the moment and the midfield are scoring. We've scored 15 and the top side have only scored 23.
The only worry I have is Gray getting crocked as we don't have a replacement to play the lone striker role. At least when Smith is fit we will have an option to Nick as a sub to bring on.

 

[WARFIELD BEE]

As we only play with one striker cant see the point in bringing in another one as we currently have 4 to choose from
with gray,betinho,big nick and tommy smith who is fit again.
Unless we are going to change tatics which i doubt as we have been playing with 1 central striker and 2 wide players since mr rosler was here so i cant see it changing now.

It seems the players who come on don't have a positive effect on the result, Gray needs time, someone to come on for him after 70 mins and make an impact, or start some
games to give him a rest.

 

[Billy Hunt]

I've seen a few posters calling for 'a partner for Gray'. That would mean changing our formation.

Changing the formation that has served us so well, thus far, would be bonkers.

I think some Brentford fans aren't used to not having much to moan about...

BUT, if we could find the next Dixie Dean or Brian Clough...

 

[essexbees]

I agree with Billy Hunt, to me our strength is that we only play with one out and out forward, one of the reasons why when our blood is up we run some teams ragged is that they cannot cope with our pace and movement from midfield and our attacking full backs...this won't happen if we change to a 442 or similar formation...

We do have to change it at times in the game, I think when we were chasing the game v Charlton bringing on a second forward worked for us then, but by that time IMO Charlton were exhausted and hanging on as a result of our creative play, like Brum they were dead on their feet with 10mins to go... have also noticed that in our more recent home games they are starting to be similar to last season... leeds were reduced to a shambles..

 

[Indian Bee]

We have never had enough forward options for about the last 4 years. This year no different. We got away with it last year and no doubt will muddle through again. Shame it has to be that way though. We are one additional striker option from being a very very good side . As things stand we are a tidy side which lets itself down in the final third.

From what I have seen this season, we already are a very very good side. We are probably a couple of players short from being an excellent side.

I am a bit confused by this thread as we need to managed our expectations. Patience is the key as we firmly need to establish ourselves in the second tier.

 

[JTofBFC]

From what I have seen this season, we already are a very very good side. We are probably a couple of players short from being an excellent side.

I am a bit confused by this thread as we need to managed our expectations. Patience is the key as we firmly need to establish ourselves in the second tier.

That's just semantics . Whether we are a good side or a very good side or a very very good side, fact is that with a little bit more in terms of striking options we would be an even better side than we are. I'm very happy with what we have done so far both in terms of performances and points tally but it isn't rocket science to see that without a like for like replacement for Andre Gray when he tires after 60/70 mins or even to give him a bit of a rest altogether we aren't maximising the potential of the side.

 

[DavidgRushden]

Gray has done well so far, especially considering the jump in leagues. What we need is a sub to come on and make a real difference when he does so. With that in mind,
I would dearly love to see Saunders fit again, and I think he is the one who made such a difference last season, and could replicate that in the Championship.

 

[JTofBFC]

Saunders isn't and has never been a striker........

 

[Beenut]

One person we have who can replicate grays pace power and movement is Odabajo. That frees up the right for Dallas then.

 

[Voice from the Braemar]

Frank will be working hard on this.

what does that mean ?

in answer to the question, most defo YES.....our frontline isnt good enough and its plain to see.......everything else is in order but it was so obvious yesterday we're crying out for a proper out and out striker to partner grey.....and we need one soon.....this season has been good so far but it wouldnt take much to get dragged into a relegation battle seeing as everyones capable of beating each other (apart from blackpool) and 3 losses on the trot would catapult you down the table........the same as 3 wins would take you into the play offs......it will be fine margins this season as to how we will end up......a good striker and anythings possible......we dont get one and there could be trouble ahead

 

[sonofabee]

This is the time to be maximising points tally when we're playing well, truth is I suspect we're all a little bit disappointed we didn't return with 3 points yesterday as there for the taking.
Problem was we didn't have options to go for broke and ended up shoring things up in midfield to guarantee a point as we couldn't twist and go for a more effective attacking formation.
Think we'll be ok but there's very few nailed on relegation candidates for me apart from Blackpool from what I've seen so far?

 

[mhead bee]

I'm not sure about "a return of 4 League goals from 12 League games from our strike-force":

• Gray 2
• Odubajo 2
• Jota 2
• Proschwitz 1
• Dallas 1
• Smith 1

... but it's clear that Gray could be improved on. He was never anticipated to be so relied on so heavily in the centre. I think also that we've missed the option of Dallas, while Jota is settling in nicely in the forward department. It's easy to say we need another forward - you can never have too many - the challenge is finding an additional free-scoring central attacker within our budget.

In your list above you have 3 goals from forwards 6 from midfielders.

 

[jlove]

... we're crying out for a proper out and out striker to partner Gray...

You don't get it, do you?

 

[jlove]

In your list above you have 3 goals from forwards 6 from midfielders.

You don't get it, do you? We don't play 4-4-2.

 

[JTofBFC]

Personally I think we could do with mixing it up a bit rather than rigid 4 1 4 1, eg when Nick comes on why does Andre have to go off. OK I know he is knackered but that's because we play a formation that is tiring for the lone striker. Ergo that's why we need more options than just Andre as the quick bloke up front.

I'd say those that think 2 fit strikers s enough are the ones that 'don't get it'

 

[Owlsmoor_Bee]

I agree with others who've said that we're short of a decent second option if Andre's struggling. However, IMO our relative lack of goals is not simply due to a lack of options up front but also a lack of genuine support of Gray from midfield. Last season we were much more adept at getting bodies in the box and turning 4-5-1 into at least 4-4-2 when we were attacking. Donaldson played out wide and contributed defensively when we needed him to but importantly instinctively knew when and how to get up in support of Trotta when we were attacking and even more importantly, chipped in with a very decent goal return. Although we may not miss Clayton specifically, I think we're missing someone to make the same contribution as he did - to support the front man quickly, to chip in with a decent number of goals and to provide an aerial presence further up the field, whilst also being able to drop into a five man midfield and support his full back defensively.

 

[jlove]

Personally I think we could do with mixing it up a bit rather than rigid 4 1 4 1, eg when Nick comes on why does Andre have to go off.

We play a not-so-rigid 4-3-3 but that may be regarded as semantic. There has been one occasion (I can't recall which game) when Proschwitz came on and Gray went right (but was later replaced, so not for long). I'm not suggesting that "2 fit strikers" (whatever that means) is enough; I've already said that, ideally, we need a better Gray but, whatever, we need to think of a front three.

 

[BedfontRed]

You don't get it, do you? We don't play 4-4-2.

It's got nothing to do with that. It's the fact that when grey goes off or gets injured we have not got a viable alternative. We 100% need another option. Hogan could have been it but that's not going to happen this season

 

[PJ]

This is the time to be maximising points tally when we're playing well, truth is I suspect we're all a little bit disappointed we didn't return with 3 points yesterday as there for the taking.
Problem was we didn't have options to go for broke and ended up shoring things up in midfield to guarantee a point as we couldn't twist and go for a more effective attacking formation.
Think we'll be ok but there's very few nailed on relegation candidates for me apart from Blackpool from what I've seen so far?

Brum and Leeds both very poor at GP. Long winters for both imho.
Still hope Reading struggle big time too, they are on a bad run now

 

[Voice from the Braemar]

You don't get it, do you?

obviously not einstein....explain away....im waiting

 

[shouldbee]

what does that mean ?

in answer to the question, most defo YES.....our frontline isnt good enough and its plain to see.......everything else is in order but it was so obvious yesterday we're crying out for a proper out and out striker to partner grey.....and we need one soon.....this season has been good so far but it wouldnt take much to get dragged into a relegation battle seeing as everyones capable of beating each other (apart from blackpool) and 3 losses on the trot would catapult you down the table........the same as 3 wins would take you into the play offs......it will be fine margins this season as to how we will end up......a good striker and anythings possible......we dont get one and there could be trouble ahead

We only play with one striker and it hasn't done any harm so far. We're not going to play 442....next !

 

[Kingston Bee]

We are short of options upfront without a doubt. We need viable options to win games like Saturday where we need to mix things up, Betinho does not appear to fit the bill in this respect and I have seen nothing from Nick to suggest he is going to be a real threat (especially when playing on his own upfront). We are also becoming predictable, predictable with the starting line up, predictable with the subs and predictable with the way we play. Yes we have done well up to now but to keep the momentum we need more offensive options. Also, what happens if Gray gets injured? We don't have anyone who can play the lone striker role as good as Gray. Yes without a doubt we need another striker.

 

[sonofabee]

Brum and Leeds both very poor at GP. Long winters for both imho.
Still hope Reading struggle big time too, they are on a bad run now

I think any side with Simon Cox, Hal Kanu Robson and Jamie Mackie to select from up front will get goals so think Reading will be ok. Leeds and Brum you may well be right as both poor but says something about how strong the league when such big clubs are being considered?

 

[blunstone]

We are short of options upfront without a doubt. We need viable options to win games like Saturday where we need to mix things up, Betinho does not appear to fit the bill in this respect and I have seen nothing from Nick to suggest he is going to be a real threat (especially when playing on his own upfront). We are also becoming predictable, predictable with the starting line up, predictable with the subs and predictable with the way we play. Yes we have done well up to now but to keep the momentum we need more offensive options. Also, what happens if Gray gets injured? We don't have anyone who can play the lone striker role as goo as Gray. Yes without a doubt we need another striker.

so MB can dip into his pocket again to keep you happy?

 

[Kingston Bee]

so MB can dip into his pocket again to keep you happy?

I think he will if the right player(s) become available, why not?

 

[GuyBee]

Surely there's a massive case for getting Trotta back on loan - short term - from F'ham .
He had a crack in their reserves at Aldershot yesterday (attached) but looks nowhere near being considered for their first team, even since Magath has gone.

If they don't want him then I'd be very happy to see him back for a third spell.

http://nickbruzonslastword.wordpres...is-the-most-predictable-thing-of-the-weekend/

would he be the stationary one nowhere near the action?