From my perspective it isn't as clear cut on the Crooks selection. It certainly isn't as illogical a decision as Beattie's to pick Michael Richardson (
)
Coley is playing a certain system that works for Accy - the 4-2-3-1. In this system you can forgo one goal scoring forward because it is the 1's job to hold up the ball and bring in to play the 3 who could all score. It makes sense both in defence because you pack the midfield and going forward because you have 4 chances to get a goal (in theory). So, the most important attribute for the forward in this formation is hold up play. Not scoring, beating your man or finishing. Of the forwards we have, I see it this way:
- Carver: Tall, willing and full of beans but still learning and as such is unreliable for holding up play for long enough to get midfield in to play.
- Gray: Enthusiastic but works better when playing 2 v 2 because his strength is in moving into channels and stretching defences.
- Crooks: Awkward in front of goal and lacking in confidence but strong and can spot the forward runs of advancing teammates.
I haven't included Bowerman because he's away on loan, nor have I included McCartan because I believe he is more of an inside right than a striker.
To summarise I believe we've struggled because the 3 have underperformed more than the 1. Molyneux has struggled after being robbed of a year by Crewe, O'Sullivan was quality but hit and miss and now not at the club, and Maguire hasn't taken his chances. Mingoia and McCartan have done best in these areas and I think them taking more prominent roles is the way forward.
Just my point of view. I don't like pantomime baddies v goodies; I like logic