Why does Sir Gary overlook Olaf Koszela?

portugull · Post by **portugull** » 12 Jan 2021, 16:28

Now that we have signed Rob Street on loan to the end of the season it confirms beyond doubt that Gary Johnson knew that he needed real quality to play up front with Danny Wright out of action for the long term.

It also confirms that Gary knew he needed someone in better than Olaf so I am no longer disappointed but excited at the prospect of a young striker at Plainmoor who potentially is a Premier League player. Great news.

culmstockgull · Post by **culmstockgull** » 12 Jan 2021, 16:41

I agree that Johnson it uniquely aware of his squad's strengths and weaknesses. That, after all is his job, I believe Koszela with the right attitude and work ethic will make it as a footballer, whether that is as a pro or semi pro is up to him with a little bit of luck either way. the stories of two seasons ago that many clubs were actively scouting Koszela may have no basis as I do not see anyone queuing up to sign him.

Post by **Southampton Gull** » 12 Jan 2021, 19:29

My view is that unless Olaf had come in and scored for fun he would always struggle to break into a side looking for promotion as we have. That said I'm sure that if GJ thought he was ready to play at that level he would use him. He's had more than enough time to assess him and by loaning him out he will learn far more than sitting him on the subs bench. This guy really knows what he's doing so I don't know why it was even a question in the first place, no offence intended.

portugull · Post by **portugull** » 14 Jan 2021, 16:36

No offence taken Dave. You are right there is nothing Gary does not know about football. One of the best Managers in our history and many would say the best.

The reason I started the thread is because I just felt Olaf never got a chance over say 5 or 6 starts to show what he could do.I will be so disappointed
if when is contract is up on 30 June he leaves and the scores a shedload of goals for another Club.

I think the loan signing of Rob Street shows just how serious we are to get back in the League.

Post by **Southampton Gull** » 14 Jan 2021, 18:38

Young players like Olaf rarely get that run unless performances warrant it. Can't say he's convinced me that he's worth that run. The difference between him and say Jamie Reid is that although he got similar game time initially he wasn't playing in a top of the National League side. He also had a workrate that Olaf is nowhere near from what I've seen. I think he'll have a good career and score plenty, the level that takes place is up to him.

I'm glad you rate GJ so highly, having been able to watch him up close at Sholing I can see he's a very infectious and driven character. He doesn't settle for second best BUT he encourages his players to express themselves in the role they're given. Definitely a top quality manager and we're lucky to have him. I can give that credit to Osborne quite happily, the best decision the club have made since he took over.

portugull · Post by **portugull** » 14 Jan 2021, 20:53

Those of us who travelled to Weston Super Mare a few weeks after Gary Johnson arrived at Plainmoor will remember for a long time his performance as he laid into Kalvin Kalala because he was not doing the business. Gary was infuriated with Kalala and he was substituted either before half time or at half time I cannot be sure.
However we knew then that Gary expected only the best and if you did not deliver you were out no messing.
He also made a couple of 43rd minute substitutions still quite rare but it sent out the message again. Top Manager.

portugull · Post by **portugull** » 25 Apr 2021, 14:30

Well 4 months on from my original post will Olaf now get a chance on Tuesday v The Shots?

With Umerah suspended why not start Olaf with instructions to run his young legs off for 45 mins and try and grab the lead.

Lucas Tomlinson made a very quiet debut on loan from Bristol Rovers on Saturday so surely the time has come to give Olaf a start.

I am sorry if this subject is becoming my Hobby Horse but I just feel sorry for the lad.

desperado · Post by **desperado** » 25 Apr 2021, 16:47

I agree, he is only in the 16 if there is absolutely nobody else fit. He is more likely than anyone to come on and grab a goal , like he did at Chippenham 2 years ago now
Probably be the same front two with Waters as back up. Something has to change in attack though, as Gary said himself it's too comfortable an afternoon for opposition defences.

brucie · Post by **brucie** » 25 Apr 2021, 17:01

He may well get some some time on the pitch in the next 3 games as we are running out players. Is he more likely to score a goal than Waters - can't actually see it myself.

Now is not the time to start blooding in players to see what they can do. These games are not end of the season jamborees.

toastkid · Post by **toastkid** » 27 Apr 2021, 07:56

I agree with Brucie. Play Waters or Boden with CLE. The midfield was the problem on Saturday. If we can get hold of that, then we can better service the front guys.

culmstockgull · Post by **culmstockgull** » 27 Apr 2021, 10:44

I notice Johnson has said he may rotate the pack for tonight's game against Aldershot, that is not a phrase I have heard much this season and sounds like he may have a squad to rotate, that would be nice to see, certainly up front his options are very limited, Tomlinson will probably start and then its a choice of one from Boden, waters or Koszela, it would be a brave man who picks an tried youngster over the other two.

brucie · Post by **brucie** » 27 Apr 2021, 11:23

He's going to have to rotate at some stage, given that we've got another game on Saturday and Monday.

He's hardly got any leeway to rotate though. Think he may well have gone with Umerah and Waters up front tonight, with Evans shifting back into midfield, but even that's been scuppered with the sending off. He can't really start with Boden and Waters because we've not really got a striker on the bench other than Koszela.

The new guy isn't a starter for me so he could go Koszela down the right - moving Randell back into midfield at the expense of Buse. Hall and Buse doesn't work in midfield. I'm not sure that Andrews looked fully fit on Saturday. I thought Moxey played well but is he going to manage another 3 games this week.

I can see Lewis at left back at some stage with Warren at centre half. One things for sure - anymore injuries could well be terminal to our promotion chances.

Modgull · Post by **Modgull** » 27 Apr 2021, 20:17

brucie wrote: 27 Apr 2021, 11:23 He's going to have to rotate at some stage, given that we've got another game on Saturday and Monday.

He's hardly got any leeway to rotate though. Think he may well have gone with Umerah and Waters up front tonight, with Evans shifting back into midfield, but even that's been scuppered with the sending off. He can't really start with Boden and Waters because we've not really got a striker on the bench other than Koszela.

The new guy isn't a starter for me so he could go Koszela down the right - moving Randell back into midfield at the expense of Buse. Hall and Buse doesn't work in midfield. I'm not sure that Andrews looked fully fit on Saturday. I thought Moxey played well but is he going to manage another 3 games this week.

I can see Lewis at left back at some stage with Warren at centre half. One things for sure - anymore injuries could well be terminal to our promotion chances.

Looks like Lewis' injury has put the mockers on your suggestion, Terry.

desperado · Post by **desperado** » 30 Apr 2021, 13:21

I hope Koszela keeps his place on the bench tomorrow, he is usually the first to make way if the Kit Man etc is available
Only got 5 minutes Tuesday but did the right thing getting that early cross in for the knock down and 'penalty' I also would have backed him to put away those two one on one chances that Waters and Boden fluffed, though Boden certainly made up for his. We cannot keep missing chances like that and relying on Gary time to save us.

brucie · Post by **brucie** » 30 Apr 2021, 14:18

I don't think Koszela would have put the effort in that Waters did during the game. Who knows whether Koszela would have taken those chances, its totally irrelevant.

If the likes of Kimpioka and Little are in the squad tomorrow with the returning Umerah there is about zero chance that Koszela will displace any of these players on the bench.

Getting a cross in hardly merits anything - unless of course you are Randell out normally sticks it right on someones head and they score from it.

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