Thoughts on yesterday

I think there's lots of positive signs.

Gibson looked decent, though I think he'll need a month or so to be up to full pace (like krul in his first season with us). Patience needed.

Rupp and Skipp look a decent combo - skipp breaking up play Rupp tidying up the lose balls and recycling it well.

Quintilla looks class.

If we're going to be firing in crosses then hugill makes more sense up top than pukki.

Buendia and stiepermann add some unpredictability and creativity. If buendia goes vrancic will play a bigger role.

Dowell (when fit) /stipermann look better suited to the 10 role. Not sure that cantwell would have added much.

We were unlucky - penalty miss, onel being a smidgen too late to get to the cross. If we'd have gone ahead I don't think we'd have conceded.

We look a yard quicker in this division (altho the Derby team did seem to be exceptionally slow).

When fluent, we have numerous lines of attack - as the new players settle this will improve (it's already looking better than the first few games).

Not all good performances will pick up points. Yes, we need to be better at grinding out results.

But - if I was a Derby fan this morning, pleased though I'd be with the 3 points, I don't think I'd have much optimism for the season. They look slow and ponderous. Rooney's class bought them that win. They'll get some, but I doubt they'll be challenging for the playoffs.

As with everything in footy, there's an element of luck. If we can find a relatively settled side in the next month, and then rotate one or two people in and out for form or strategy I think we'll do okay.

If we pick up injuries/sell buendia /Max without bringing in more replacements, it could be tougher. From what I saw yesterday we should have enough to be at least comfy mid table. Our strength in depth should help as the season progressed.

Posted By: Cardiff Canary, Oct 4, 10:53:59