Posted by: @calvertskans

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Starting to think 9 fit players might be grounds for a loan signing or two...

I agree he should bring 2 loan players in, but the budget is not there it seems. If he thinks he will have the numbers back inside 2 weeks its a gamble he is willing to take. Perhaps this squad is not capable of going up automatically, but can still get in the play offs even with a rough patch until players get back from injury.

I do also think it goes deeper though, and into the coaching and patterns of play. The team is too predictable and that is why we are having so much possession and crosses and not scoring. If sometimes we went centrally then it would be more difficult to defend against us when we went wide. Also central attacks would be extremely effective just in general as a pattern, as its so unexpected. The opposition is automatically moving itself into a position to defend a cross every time we are around their box, they would be exposed by a through ball for a runner centrally. 

@adeb I agree on the predictability point. Most sides are pretty good at defending crosses (especially poor ones) and Prior and Rutherford don't seem to have got their timing right, or finishing, with the crosses that do beat the first man.  We need to pose a threat going through the middle as well. That means Josh Taylor running at the defence or looking to feed Murphy in the channels - he makes such good runs but never gets a pass. 

Hard to be too critical given those insane possession and crosses stats - maybe it was just a bad night at the office. But as @TomCalvert says, it is becoming a bit too repetitive. I can't understand the number of non-contact injuries. Something is still not right there. Desperately need some loans coming in as I don't think the B teamers are quite there yet, although Sal Marino might be an exception.  Some hard times to come I fear....