Callum Hallett (Page 2)

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Callum Hallett made his way to Totton yesterday for another Yeovil Town preseason fixture. Here’s his review of the game…
 
Not the prettiest game of football we will see Yeovil play this season. But a win is a win, and in pre season, getting minutes in is what matters most.
 
It’s a great little stadium down at AFC Totton and I think they will be up there at the top of the 7th tier.

HOW WE LINED UP FROM THE START

We started with the two wide centre halves that were to be expected, Jake Wannell and Morgan Williams, with Josh Staunton rested, Jamie Sendles-White came in for him. The two wingbacks/wide midfielders, Alex Whittle and Zac Bell, provided the width of the team in and out of possession.
 
The midfield two of Charlie Cooper and Matt Worthington lined up with Cooper sat in-front of the defence, dictating the pace of the game, and when out of possession, winning the ball with tackles and interceptions. This allowed Worthy to be more adventurous and bring the ball forward.
 
Jordan Maguire-Drew was the main creative asset of the team getting on the ball on the half turn looking to get shots off, or link up with Rhys Murphy and Frank Nouble in tight spaces creating chances. Once again involved in a goal – JMD could rip this league apart if he continues his form.
 
We have to get used to naming these two as a pair instead of on their own I think. Murphy and Nouble always seem to look dangerous up front together. Both are able to come deep or spin in behind and I think their clever touches and link up with each other will create serious goals!

THE FIRST SIXTY MINUTES

As Cooper said himself the first half was “disappointing”. We started so brightly with a classic Murphy goal, but the first half soon dragged on with chances coming few and far between. In the first 45 minutes Wannell was rather poor compared to what we have seen from him in previous games. He seemed to take a very long time to get comfortable in the game, misplacing passes and struggling with his first touch. However, by the start of the second half he had dramatically improved and the defence became very solid.
 
I think we have to expect to concede some sloppy goals this season from this style of play Cooper is adopting, where we play risky passes through the opposition lines. We as Yeovil fans get to worried over a small issue. It will be dealt with for sure!
 
The attacking build up in the opening 15 minutes of the second half was a joy to watch for Yeovil fans. Totton couldn’t get out of their half as we kept getting the likes of JMD, Nouble and Whittle on the ball. The patterns of passing in the attacking third was brilliant.

HOW WE LINED UP BY THE END

As always with our pre season, the subs started flowing with half an hour left on the clock. Only three of our starting squad played the full 90 – Worthington, Wannell and Williams. (I think I know Mark Coopers favourite letter!) The formation didn’t change much until the front three – instead of having 2 upfront with a player just behind – we had Olly Thomas upfront on his own with Sonny Blu Lo-Everton and Jordan Young both playing in the number 10 role either side of Thomas. This really worked well to kill out the game as showed instantly.
 
Olly Thomas, number 40 (much to Ben’s disgust), celebrates his goal with his new team-mates.
 

“Olly Thomas is the exact player as I explained in my review of him after he signed”

He’s a quick, powerful forward who has the ability to take the ball with his back to goal or running in behind, with an eye for goal. This was showed perfectly when him and Sonny worked hard to win the ball off of the Totton holding midfielder and when Sonny played Thomas through he only had one thing on his mind – an early shot into the far bottom corner and brilliant goal. Those two linked up on many occasions to create a few chances for each other.
 
Jordan Young looked a lot sharper today than what he did on Tuesday in our 5-0 win against Dorchester. He still needs something to fall for him to score one, after he scores one he will get plenty at this level. He might be the unluckiest footballer I’ve seen at Yeovil!! Talent!

A NOTE ON MORGAN WILLIAMS

It has taken me a long time to realise what Williams brings to the team, it was great to see him, at such a young age himself, helping Jacob Shore get comfortable in the Wing-back position. He is quality himself and definitely up there as a future captain!
 
On to the next one this Tuesday and our proper test against Newport County at Huish Park. It’s a chance to show our quality against a struggling EFL side. We could cause a shock and it wouldn’t surprise me.

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Yesterday Yeovil Town confirmed the loan signing of Olly Thomas. Our man Callum Hallett has done some digging in the youngster below…
 
Highly rated Bristol City forward Olly Thomas has joined Yeovil Town on loan until January. My guess is that he will give us more depth until Alex Fisher returns from injury. Mark Cooper also said how important game time is for Linton at the age of 22, hence his loan to Taunton Town.
 
A few quotes from Robins fans about Olly Thomas:
 
“Powerful centre forward who can play across the front line if needed. Very highly rated.” – @BristolCityFM
 
“Yep, got some Semenyo traits, powerful.  Can drop into pockets and run at the defence.” – @FevsFootball
 
“Very fast, and very powerful, got a very high ceiling in terms of his future.” – @ThePayne115
 
“Two of our brighter prospects” (Zac Bell and Olly Thomas) @BristolCityFM
 
Good to hear the positivity!!
 
We already know from most of Mark Cooper’s signings this season, being versatile is key. Being able to play all across the front line gives us more options of cover until Alex Fisher gets back from injury in January. It’s also good to have another style of attacking player to our name.
 

There is many things that impressed me about this goal from the movement, the control, the composure and then the quality of the finish.

THE MOVEMENT

One of the things that excites me is having a player who is willing to run in behind when the ball is with the defenders. He has the instinct to know when the defender gets the ball and start his run in behind straight away, pointing to where he’d like the ball.
 

THE CONTROL AND COMPOSURE

This is a great clip showing his pace to keep up with the ball, his awareness to know where the defender is and the composure to know what to do. The first touch is lovely to settle the ball and the second is a chop inside to set himself for a shot.
 

THE FINISH

The finish is sublime, having the ability to pick out the far top corner with a body in the way is class. He uses the defenders body to guide the ball into the far corner, which is a sign of a player with huge confidence and quality.
 

How he will fit into both of Mark Coopers tactics?

I think Cooper will probably stick with two tactics this season, A narrow 4-2-3-1 and a 3-5-2/5-3-2 with wide wing backs.
 
Here is a look at how Thomas may fit in to each formation.
 

3-5-2/5-3-2

This formation will probably be Coopers favoured formation going off of pre-season. This will most likely see Thomas be an option to play in the Murphy role alongside a target man looking to get on the end of flick-ons and running in behind using his pace and power.

4-2-3-1

Not so much a fan of this one as it means Nouble will probably play a bit wider as seen against Wimborne. In this formation Nouble is less of a target man and is more key to running at defenders getting balls into the box. This suits Thomas down to the ground!
 
A good signing for us and I look forward to seeing him play. Thanks to the City fans for the help on what type of player he is!