"Captain" Russ must play at right back.

[SussexYellow]

It is said we lack leadership on the field. Well if Russ is going to provide that then he must play at right back.

It was noticeable that once we went three at the back he was able to drive forward more effectively down the right. But we need him to show that drive all game to push the team on.

So irrespective of the merits of his best position, Russ's role as leader is best served from right back.

 

[ZLF]

not sure how him driving forward is an example of him being a leader?

I agree he has been attacking well and as a team we look more balanced with him not in the middle - but where is he organising the defence,  making sure the midfield cover is right,  geeing up his team?    Thats the leadership we are missing.

 

[Salopian]

I have a feeling that playing him CB has the effect of making Turner move over to the left side of CB. Yesterday Turner was beaten to the ball by a novice in his first game. We all know that Turner is not the quickest, but I think to ask him to play on the left side to accommodate Martin on the right is not helping the defence.

I also think that Martin has a slight edge on Whittaker defensively, and we need the strongest defence we can mount.

 

[SussexYellow]

not sure how him driving forward is an example of him being a leader?

I agree he has been attacking well and as a team we look more balanced with him not in the middle - but where is he organising the defence,  making sure the midfield cover is right,  geeing up his team?    Thats the leadership we are missing.

I do not disagree that is what we need ZLF. However Russ does not offer that and neither do any of our other players it would appear.

So it's a matter of getting the best out of what we have got. Driving forward may not in itself be an example of good leadership but it is a form of leadership by example. So for me right back is the best position for him to exercise the leadership qualities he has.

 

[GJP]

If it was up to me Martin would be on the bench for a while.

But clearly that won't happen with the current manager and RM's obvious influence on what goes on.

 

[ZLF]

Cuellar for right back,  together with Turner,   Hooiveld and Garrido....    True top champs,  prem quality defenders - shore up at the back and allow lafferty,  redmond  howson (wes when fit)  and jerome create and take the three points.

When the management dont do that Bassong will be fit and the new manager can get him back in to the back 4...