Manage or Play?

[Dave_Pougher]

Given that KN has not picked (barring as a sub in one) or played himself in "those" three marvellous results should he now continue to do the same? My concern is the game against Kiddy is obviously a game against one of his old outfits, I understand the temptation, I would be the same. Surely now though he and we realise that he's far better placed on the touch line during this crucial match.

[RussianGull]

I don't think he should, but I think he may play.

I think most would prefer him in the dugout now he's got "his" players in..

[Lloyder5]

I don't think he should, but I think he may play.

I think most would prefer him in the dugout now he's got "his" players in..

Most of the criticism of KN as a player this time around has been an exaggeration, when I have seen him he has been far from the worst player. That said, I see no reason for changing a winning team.

[Dave_Pougher]

Most of the criticism of KN as a player this time around has been an exaggeration, when I have seen him he has been far from the worst player. That said, I see no reason for changing a winning team.

Understand your point undoubtly not that worst player on the pitch on several occasions when he has received critism from not just the support but commentators also. However he is more vulnerable as he is also the manager to state the obvious. I feel he will raise immeasurabley in people's estimation if he resists the temptation and Saturday. (and win!)

[RussianGull]

Understand your point undoubtly not that worst player on the pitch on several occasions when he has received critism from not just the support but commentators also. However he is more vulnerable as he is also the manager to state the obvious. I feel he will raise immeasurabley in people's estimation if he resists the temptation and Saturday. (and win!)

Exactly Dave - he can't manage, train, negotiate, instigate change around the club, drive the minibus, do the press work AND play. Leave it to the team with back to back league wins and manage the side from the dugout. COYY

[Kernowgull]

Understand your point undoubtly not that worst player on the pitch on several occasions when he has received critism from not just the support but commentators also. However he is more vulnerable as he is also the manager to state the obvious. I feel he will raise immeasurabley in people's estimation if he resists the temptation and Saturday. (and win!)

He will not raise immeasurably in any sensible persons opinion if he doesn't play, he will drop hugely in anyone's estimation if he does. It shouldn't be renting to play against your former club, the prospect of 4 wins on the trot is what should be tempting.

All this rubbish about him not being the worst player on the pitch when he's played is totally irrelevant, because Butler is better, end of, and if as a manager you don't pick your best team, particularly for selfish reasons, you don't deserve the job.

[Kit_robin]

Unless two of our midfielders are injured, why on earth would he play? What an odd thread.

[northlondongull]

He won't play himself - why change a winning team? I think that the past three results will out weigh the temptation. I don't think that Nicho did badly when he played and the 3 good results are a result of other players coming in and changing the dynamics of the team (it is no coincidence that Danny Racchi has played 3 league games for us and we have won them all).

[Richinns]

Given that KN has not picked (barring as a sub in one) or played himself in "those" three marvellous results should he now continue to do the same? My concern is the game against Kiddy is obviously a game against one of his old outfits, I understand the temptation, I would be the same. Surely now though he and we realise that he's far better placed on the touch line during this crucial match.

No way will Kevin Nicholson will put a personal goal ahead of the club. On the clubs current form he will only play if he needs to due to injury and or suspension.

[Gloomy Gull]

We have conceded a lot less goals per game with Nicholson off the pitch .........just saying !

[Dave_Pougher]

Unless two of our midfielders are injured, why on earth would he play? What an odd thread.

Why odd? Should he play or not in your opnion, simple.

For that record I don't think he should.

[Gulliball]

That's not true is it. We were getting battered 7-3 before he arrived and have improved massively since the under-performing players departed and a whole new much improved midfield and strikeforce arrived (which has allowed Butler to return to left back without lowering the quality in midfield). We've performed a lot better recently simply as a result of having a much better side.

If you look at team selections then it's pretty clear that Nicholson doesn't rate himself as better than Butler at left back, but Butler previously had to play on the wing because we had no quality on the wings before Ajala and Allan arrived (or Racchi and Rees if we're playing a diamond currently) and don't have any other left backs at the club because Cox signed players for his three at the back formation. Now that Nicholson has shipped out that rubbish and given the squad more balance and quality, he doesn't need to play himself every week.

With 8 games in 28 days he may play the odd game if injuries, suspensions or fitness issues arise, but I think his transfer and selection policies over the last month tell you what his current plans are, and it doesn't involve him at left back on a regular basis.

[Richinns]

I think it is worth noting that since Nicho added the experience of Harrad, Blissett and Racchi he may of felt he added enough experience on the pitch that he did no longer have to put himself on the field.

[tomogull]

That's not true is it. We were getting battered 7-3 before he arrived and have improved massively since the under-performing players departed and a whole new much improved midfield and strikeforce arrived (which has allowed Butler to return to left back without lowering the quality in midfield). We've performed a lot better recently simply as a result of having a much better side.

If you look at team selections then it's pretty clear that Nicholson doesn't rate himself as better than Butler at left back, but Butler previously had to play on the wing because we had no quality on the wings before Ajala and Allan arrived (or Racchi and Rees if we're playing a diamond currently) and don't have any other left backs at the club because Cox signed players for his three at the back formation. Now that Nicholson has shipped out that rubbish and given the squad more balance and quality, he doesn't need to play himself every week.

With 8 games in 28 days he may play the odd game if injuries, suspensions or fitness issues arise, but I think his transfer and selection policies over the last month tell you what his current plans are, and it doesn't involve him at left back on a regular basis.

Good post, Gulliball. I shall be very surprised if Nicho puts himself in the side on Saturday. As you say, the arrival of Racci, Rees, Ajala, plus Verma, means that Dan Butler can revert to his more familiar left back position. In my opinion, there was no criticism of Kev picking himself and playing Butler in midfield when it was glaringly obvious that we were being overun in midfield week after week. I'm sure this has been the main reason why we have struggled all season ...... until now.

[northlondongull]

I think it is worth noting that since Nicho added the experience of Harrad, Blissett and Racchi he may of felt he added enough experience on the pitch that he did no longer have to put himself on the field.

That's not true is it. We were getting battered 7-3 before he arrived and have improved massively since the under-performing players departed and a whole new much improved midfield and strikeforce arrived (which has allowed Butler to return to left back without lowering the quality in midfield). We've performed a lot better recently simply as a result of having a much better side.

If you look at team selections then it's pretty clear that Nicholson doesn't rate himself as better than Butler at left back, but Butler previously had to play on the wing because we had no quality on the wings before Ajala and Allan arrived (or Racchi and Rees if we're playing a diamond currently) and don't have any other left backs at the club because Cox signed players for his three at the back formation. Now that Nicholson has shipped out that rubbish and given the squad more balance and quality, he doesn't need to play himself every week.

With 8 games in 28 days he may play the odd game if injuries, suspensions or fitness issues arise, but I think his transfer and selection policies over the last month tell you what his current plans are, and it doesn't involve him at left back on a regular basis.