Viking Supporters Co-operative

Viking Chat => Viking Chat => Topic started by: Drover on January 21, 2024, 12:44:43 pm

Title: Ben Sheaf
Post by: Drover on January 21, 2024, 12:44:43 pm
Noticed he got a brace for Coventry yesterday,first one was a nice curler into far corner,plus nice to see Wendies lose again from it,he's not scored many,but a very good allround midfield player I liked watching when on loan with us,think he was unrated by a few of our fans.Wish we was playing in the championship with him.
Title: Re: Ben Sheaf
Post by: MachoMadness on January 21, 2024, 01:25:46 pm
Overshadowed by more racist abuse from the owls fans, sadly.

This rovers side is crying out for a Ben Sheaf style player though.
Title: Re: Ben Sheaf
Post by: ncRover on January 21, 2024, 02:07:04 pm
That first goal was epic. Especially because it was the overrated little twerp Bannan that he expertly turned.

Also concerning that the “Wednesday till I die podcast” tweeted after the game:

“ I don't condone any racism whatsoever but he was at it all game inciting the fans.
He's not the innocent party in all of this.”

What the actual f*ck?
Title: Re: Ben Sheaf
Post by: drfchound on January 21, 2024, 02:42:24 pm
The Wednesday keeper might have saved that first one had he stood more to the centre of his goal.   
Great strike though by Sheaf.
There is now a picture of the Wednesday fan doing a monkey gesture to the Coventry player.
He should be identifiable from that.
Title: Re: Ben Sheaf
Post by: tommy toes on January 21, 2024, 02:58:25 pm
That first goal was epic. Especially because it was the overrated little twerp Bannan that he expertly turned.

Also concerning that the “Wednesday till I die podcast” tweeted after the game:

“ I don't condone any racism whatsoever but he was at it all game inciting the fans.
He's not the innocent party in all of this.”

What the actual f*ck?
I was out last night with a Wendy fan who was there.
He said much the same ie Palmer was winding the home fans up, and this was what triggered the abuse!
Title: Re: Ben Sheaf
Post by: DonnyOsmond on January 21, 2024, 03:23:13 pm
That first goal was epic. Especially because it was the overrated little twerp Bannan that he expertly turned.

Also concerning that the “Wednesday till I die podcast” tweeted after the game:

“ I don't condone any racism whatsoever but he was at it all game inciting the fans.
He's not the innocent party in all of this.”

What the actual f*ck?
I was out last night with a Wendy fan who was there.
He said much the same ie Palmer was winding the home fans up, and this was what triggered the abuse!


Give him stick then, don't call him a monkey.
Title: Re: Ben Sheaf
Post by: ncRover on January 21, 2024, 03:25:25 pm
That first goal was epic. Especially because it was the overrated little twerp Bannan that he expertly turned.

Also concerning that the “Wednesday till I die podcast” tweeted after the game:

“ I don't condone any racism whatsoever but he was at it all game inciting the fans.
He's not the innocent party in all of this.”

What the actual f*ck?
I was out last night with a Wendy fan who was there.
He said much the same ie Palmer was winding the home fans up, and this was what triggered the abuse!

It’s no excuse at all. What triggered the abuse was that Wednesday fan being a disgusting scumbag.
Title: Re: Ben Sheaf
Post by: Filo on January 21, 2024, 03:27:45 pm
The Wednesday keeper might have saved that first one had he stood more to the centre of his goal.   
Great strike though by Sheaf.
There is now a picture of the Wednesday fan doing a monkey gesture to the Coventry player.
He should be identifiable from that.


https://x.com/footbalifights/status/1749055352014782821?s=61&t=DCRm1C_BBr5pt7J45jXUsA
Title: Re: Ben Sheaf
Post by: wilts rover on January 21, 2024, 03:35:35 pm
That first goal was epic. Especially because it was the overrated little twerp Bannan that he expertly turned.

Also concerning that the “Wednesday till I die podcast” tweeted after the game:

“ I don't condone any racism whatsoever but he was at it all game inciting the fans.
He's not the innocent party in all of this.”

What the actual f*ck?
I was out last night with a Wendy fan who was there.
He said much the same ie Palmer was winding the home fans up, and this was what triggered the abuse!


It's your fault I'm a racist. Good luck in court with that one.
Title: Re: Ben Sheaf
Post by: jmt23 on January 21, 2024, 03:44:18 pm
Ben Sheaf is now fully fit and this has aided the Coventry rise. Absolute quality player, who deserves a shot in the prem.
The best midfielder I have watched live - I never got to see Jacob Ramsey, which is a shame, he is another level above.
Title: Re: Ben Sheaf
Post by: NickDRFC on January 21, 2024, 05:36:46 pm
Ben Sheaf is now fully fit and this has aided the Coventry rise. Absolute quality player, who deserves a shot in the prem.
The best midfielder I have watched live - I never got to see Jacob Ramsey, which is a shame, he is another level above.

How long have you been watching football? He may yet surpass them both but I’m surprised anyone would rate Sheaf in a Rovers shirt more highly than Stock or Wellens, or even Whiteman who he played alongside.
Title: Re: Ben Sheaf
Post by: RoversInSpain on January 21, 2024, 06:07:21 pm
I’m no expert whatsoever, I just watch footy and enjoy it (or not).
I thought sheaf was steady but very ordinary, lots of sideways and backwards passing.
Decent goal v Gillingham.
Certainly nowhere near a Stock or Wellens or Ramsay.
However he’s done very well, got a very good manager mind.
Title: Re: Ben Sheaf
Post by: Chris Black come back on January 21, 2024, 06:10:10 pm
He was very tidy and efficient. Clearly he has improved no end since then.
Title: Re: Ben Sheaf
Post by: bpoolrover on January 21, 2024, 06:28:01 pm
People said all henderson did was pass backwards and sideways, but they dont notice all fhe time they break they play up and covering they do
Title: Re: Ben Sheaf
Post by: drfchound on January 21, 2024, 06:30:26 pm
Sheaf is still only 25 so probably not at his peak.
A bit unfair to compare him to Stock or Wellens who people will remember at their best.
A bit like comparing your new dog to the one no longer here, at his best.
Title: Re: Ben Sheaf
Post by: NickDRFC on January 21, 2024, 07:26:43 pm
Sheaf is still only 25 so probably not at his peak.
A bit unfair to compare him to Stock or Wellens who people will remember at their best.
A bit like comparing your new dog to the one no longer here, at his best.


I brought Stock and Wellens into it as jmt123 said “the best midfielder I have watched live”. I’m interested to know whether he saw Stock & Wellens play as it seems surprising to me that anyone would put Ben Sheaf above them. Given he played next to Whiteman I wouldn’t even say he was the best midfielder in the midfield he played in here!
Title: Re: Ben Sheaf
Post by: jmt23 on January 21, 2024, 08:06:48 pm
I did have the joy of watching them yes, I’ve been a fan since 85, but in my view they were not as good as Ben Sheaf - I also include Whiteman in that list. Shock jock stuff eh!
Not many fans liked him at DRFC, and it annoyed the hell out of me! He took some awful stick from supposed DRFC fans, he did have a slow start, he was then out injured for a couple of weeks, but came back a different level. His passing range was unreal, his ability to read play, the when you see his size, it was obvious ( to me at least) he would go way higher - I just hoped it was with us. I think someone said on hear at the time, the stick he got, visibly hurt and annoyed his parents and possibly killed any chance we had.
Title: Re: Ben Sheaf
Post by: Bills view on January 21, 2024, 09:45:39 pm
Sheaf was quality. He was young but he had something when he was with us. I used to enjoy watching him like I did Kane.
Title: Re: Ben Sheaf
Post by: hamiltonrover on January 23, 2024, 09:06:39 pm
Ben Sheaf is now fully fit and this has aided the Coventry rise. Absolute quality player, who deserves a shot in the prem.
The best midfielder I have watched live - I never got to see Jacob Ramsey, which is a shame, he is another level above.

Did you never see Herbie Kane?

He’s arguably the best player I’ve seen in a Rovers shirt, even better considering it was his first taste of men’s football. I would put Kane a few levels above Sheaf, I did think Sheaf was decent though.
Title: Re: Ben Sheaf
Post by: drfcsteve on January 23, 2024, 09:33:46 pm
Ben Sheaf is now fully fit and this has aided the Coventry rise. Absolute quality player, who deserves a shot in the prem.
The best midfielder I have watched live - I never got to see Jacob Ramsey, which is a shame, he is another level above.

Did you never see Herbie Kane?

He’s arguably the best player I’ve seen in a Rovers shirt, even better considering it was his first taste of men’s football. I would put Kane a few levels above Sheaf, I did think Sheaf was decent though.

Why is Kane only playing in league 1 then?
Title: Re: Ben Sheaf
Post by: GazLaz on January 23, 2024, 09:36:09 pm
Sheaf has matured into a very fine player. The fact we had him and Whiteman in the same midfield is incredible really. Two of the Championships best.

It wasn’t long ago we had Ben Sheaf, Ben Whiteman, Jacob Ramsey, Niall Ennis, James Coppinger, Devante Cole, Seny Dieng, (prime) Kieran Sadlier, Reece James, (prime) Tom Anderson, Jason Lokilo and Max Watters in the same team. Fair set of players looking back.
Title: Re: Ben Sheaf
Post by: hamiltonrover on January 23, 2024, 09:50:09 pm
Ben Sheaf is now fully fit and this has aided the Coventry rise. Absolute quality player, who deserves a shot in the prem.
The best midfielder I have watched live - I never got to see Jacob Ramsey, which is a shame, he is another level above.

Did you never see Herbie Kane?

He’s arguably the best player I’ve seen in a Rovers shirt, even better considering it was his first taste of men’s football. I would put Kane a few levels above Sheaf, I did think Sheaf was decent though.

Why is Kane only playing in league 1 then?

No idea, I haven’t asked him.
When he signed for Hull and Barnsley they were both Championship Clubs, so he’s played at the same level.
Sheaf has just maybe kicked on and developed into a better player, but IMO Kane was better at Donny than Sheaf.
Similar to Whiteman, many thought he was a future star and it hasn’t really materialised, yes, he’s playing Championship football, so a good level, but most thought he was better than that.
Title: Re: Ben Sheaf
Post by: drfchound on January 23, 2024, 10:36:21 pm
It’s all about opinions though isn’t it.
jmt23 thinks Sheaf is the best he has seen live.
Others have suggested that players like Kane, Whiteman, Coppinger, Wellens and Stock are or were better but that is their opinion.
It doesn’t make jmt23 wrong.
Title: Re: Ben Sheaf
Post by: Chris Black come back on January 23, 2024, 10:52:44 pm
Sheaf for us was tidy and efficient. Not stand out. Kane was absolutely amazing for us. Very high quality.
Title: Re: Ben Sheaf
Post by: Lesonthewest on January 23, 2024, 10:56:55 pm
Personally I thought while Sheaf showed potential, he gave the ball away far too many times while with us. Gone on to do very well & good luck to him.
Title: Re: Ben Sheaf
Post by: 5minstogo on January 24, 2024, 07:15:25 am
Sheaf was like Mark Wilson. Outstanding for half the fanbase that know what they're talking about and rubbish for the other half who don't.
Title: Re: Ben Sheaf
Post by: Lesonthewest on January 24, 2024, 07:57:44 am
I witnessed him give the ball to an opponent from 5 yards on more than one occasion, good player now though.
Title: Re: Ben Sheaf
Post by: pib on January 24, 2024, 08:13:41 am
I thought Sheaf was good and Wilson average at best, and very very rarely outstanding. I must half know what I’m talking about.
Title: Re: Ben Sheaf
Post by: Chris Black come back on January 24, 2024, 09:17:17 am
No way did half of our support rate Wilson!
Title: Re: Ben Sheaf
Post by: Colin C No.3 on January 24, 2024, 01:38:24 pm
Sheaf was like Mark Wilson. Outstanding for half the fanbase that know what they're talking about and rubbish for the other half who don't.

Are you any relation to GazLaz?
Title: Re: Ben Sheaf
Post by: Bailey Vickerage on January 24, 2024, 02:46:28 pm
Whilst with us Sheaf was excellent off the ball and although he wasn’t great on the ball he kept things simple and gave it to the likes of Whiteman, Taylor and later Ramsey and let them express themselves. Said he would go onto play in the championship, higher if he worked on his creativity and decision making higher up the pitch which he seems to have done.

Kane for me tho was a different level, he had everything (including the shithousery which not many have on their first loan, will always remember him blowing Paul Gallagher a kiss at Preston). I said at the time he could’ve got into most championship clubs and a couple of the bottom prem sides. Shocked he hasn’t become a regular in the champ (was class against us for Oxford), a lot of barnsley fans don’t like him tho.

He’s close to my All time rovers 11, gets on the bench for me behind Wellens, Stock, Whiteman (him and Greeny would be the 2 sub midfielders).
Title: Re: Ben Sheaf
Post by: Padge_DRFC on January 24, 2024, 07:22:50 pm
Wellens was better than them all.
Title: Re: Ben Sheaf
Post by: Bailey Vickerage on January 24, 2024, 09:47:39 pm
Wellens was better than them all.
agreed, best player I’ve seen in a rovers shirt by some distance.
Title: Re: Ben Sheaf
Post by: drfcsteve on January 24, 2024, 10:30:12 pm
Ben Sheaf is now fully fit and this has aided the Coventry rise. Absolute quality player, who deserves a shot in the prem.
The best midfielder I have watched live - I never got to see Jacob Ramsey, which is a shame, he is another level above.

Did you never see Herbie Kane?

He’s arguably the best player I’ve seen in a Rovers shirt, even better considering it was his first taste of men’s football. I would put Kane a few levels above Sheaf, I did think Sheaf was decent though.

Why is Kane only playing in league 1 then?

No idea, I haven’t asked him.
When he signed for Hull and Barnsley they were both Championship Clubs, so he’s played at the same level.
Sheaf has just maybe kicked on and developed into a better player, but IMO Kane was better at Donny than Sheaf.
Similar to Whiteman, many thought he was a future star and it hasn’t really materialised, yes, he’s playing Championship football, so a good level, but most thought he was better than that.

I agree, and like most thought Kane would kick on and end up a premiership player. It was a genuine question how he’s ended up finding his level at league 1.
Title: Re: Ben Sheaf
Post by: Metalmicky on January 25, 2024, 09:07:41 am
Luton interested in Ben Sheaf...

https://www.teamtalk.com/luton-town/luton-target-coventry-midfielder-as-edwards-aims-to-boost-premier-league-survival-bid
Title: Re: Ben Sheaf
Post by: jmt23 on January 25, 2024, 06:21:21 pm
Not sure what I would do with this option. Most likely relegated, but chance to play in the big league, and much closer to home. I’m not even sure they could offer much more than Coventry in wages either?
Title: Re: Ben Sheaf
Post by: karldew on March 18, 2024, 09:35:10 pm
https://x.com/hcfootball01/status/1769808070572413116?s=46&t=NW2HQZbSZTCyeJVxHL-jUg

A few snippets of a thread on X/Twitter about Ben Sheaf

- He ranks in the top 2% of midfielders in the championship for recoveries
- He ranks in top 9% of midfielders in possession won in final third
- he ranks in the top 5% for accurate long balls and long ball percentage (61%) which is really impressive.
- He ranks in the top 4% of midfielders in the league for successful passes (1532)
- He ranks 3rd in the Championship for progressive passes, averaging 9.53 per game

Looks like he’s doing pretty well and wouldn’t be surprised a premier league team taking a punt on him next season.
Title: Re: Ben Sheaf
Post by: drfcsteve on March 19, 2024, 07:07:40 am
Was it McCann or Moore that signed Sheaf on loan?
Title: Re: Ben Sheaf
Post by: jmt23 on March 19, 2024, 07:47:04 am
Mcann did, just before he left. He said he felt really guilty about signing a couple up, just before leaving.
Title: Re: Ben Sheaf
Post by: dickos1 on March 19, 2024, 07:49:30 am
He officially signed for Moore but the deal could well have been set up before McCann left
Title: Re: Ben Sheaf
Post by: DonnyOsmond on March 19, 2024, 07:51:13 am
Personally I thought while Sheaf showed potential, he gave the ball away far too many times while with us. Gone on to do very well & good luck to him.

Yeah, this but that was just a lack of decision making which comes with experience, which he's now got.
Title: Re: Ben Sheaf
Post by: DonnyBazR0ver on March 19, 2024, 10:00:43 am
Sheaf didn't get the credit he deserved when he was with us, being seen as a supporting act for Ben Whiteman and being a sideways passer. He was much more than that, working in tandem with Whiteman who definitely benefitted by having Sheaf alongside him. Whiteman tended to get more plaudits with the goals Inc penalties he scored, but Sheaf was also capable of scoring the odd cracker himself.

We see Bailey at the mo who plays a more disciplined role, allowing others to perform but he said himself the other day, as he gets more game time, he's beginning to be more expansive as the midfield becomes more complimentary, supporting each other when making forward runs etc. You can see Bailey developing and getting somewhere near those stats from Sheaf.