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Viking Chat => Viking Chat => Topic started by: roversdude on February 21, 2017, 08:56:15 am

Title: Houghton out for season
Post by: roversdude on February 21, 2017, 08:56:15 am
Any news on the lads injury ?
Title: Re: Houghton
Post by: GazLaz on February 21, 2017, 09:20:39 am
No.
Title: Re: Houghton
Post by: wing commander on February 21, 2017, 09:40:47 am
DF didn't sound to hopeful did he,sounds a bad one...He didn't have a good game on Saturday but he has been excellent for us and boy are we going to miss him....
Title: Re: Houghton
Post by: The Red Baron on February 21, 2017, 11:27:52 am
I doubt they will be able to do a scan for a day or two. There is also the issue that Chelsea may want to handle the medical side of things given it is a potentially serious injury.

I have to say my initial thoughts were either torn meniscus (aka cartilage) or ligament(s). I reckon either would end his season.
Title: Re: Houghton
Post by: Copps is Magic on February 21, 2017, 12:17:14 pm
Can someone on twitter prompt one of the FP guys to ask the question? Massive blow this if serious, a great player.
Title: Re: Houghton
Post by: donnyguy61 on February 21, 2017, 01:00:04 pm
Just asked Paul Goodwin he says not heard anything as of yet
Title: Re: Houghton
Post by: roversdude on February 21, 2017, 01:11:17 pm
Thanks guys
Would be a big loss to us
Title: Re: Houghton
Post by: steve@dcfd on February 21, 2017, 03:33:20 pm
From DRFC Facebook

NEWS | Jordan Houghton has returned to Chelsea for assessment on the knee injury suffered during Saturday's draw with Luton Town.

Rovers would like to wish Jordan well in his recovery from the injury, and thank him for the key role he has played for us this term.

Rovers manager Darren Ferguson said: “He has been so important in terms of how we want to play. He has been outstanding, has improved as the season has gone one, wants to learn and is a great lad on top of that.

“We’re all disappointed for him as he has done so well for us. We spoke to him as a group on Tuesday and everyone wished him all the best.”
Title: Houghton out for season
Post by: CrippyCooke on February 21, 2017, 03:34:14 pm
He has returned to Chelsea for treatment for a knee injury. A very significant blow.
Title: Re: Houghton
Post by: GazLaz on February 21, 2017, 03:36:52 pm
It's a shame but we haven't had a bad run with injuries this season.
Title: Re: Houghton out for season
Post by: wing commander on February 21, 2017, 03:39:12 pm
   I think we all had resigned ourselves to this after hearing DF's initial reaction on Saturday...Such a shame he couldn't see the job through with us till the end but lets hope if we do manage to get the job done he's invited back for the celebrations..big loss for us that's for sure...
Title: Re: Houghton
Post by: roversdude on February 21, 2017, 03:40:36 pm
Really Gaz I think we've had a shocking season injury wise, just most were at start
Title: Re: Houghton out for season
Post by: roversdude on February 21, 2017, 03:42:34 pm
Being an optimist it doesn't actually say he is out for season
Title: Re: Houghton out for season
Post by: Dare to dream! on February 21, 2017, 03:43:06 pm
McCullough still out for the remainder of the season? Big chance for Middleton now.
Title: Re: Houghton
Post by: steve@dcfd on February 21, 2017, 03:43:08 pm
Darren Ferguson's reaction to the disappointing news Jordan Houghton is out for the season #DRFC doncasterfreepress.co.uk/sport/football…


http://www.doncasterfreepress.co.uk/sport/football/doncaster-rovers/breaking-doncaster-rovers-midfielder-jordan-houghton-out-for-the-season-1-8401933
Title: Re: Houghton
Post by: RoversAlias on February 21, 2017, 03:43:15 pm
Probably one of the worst positions to lose our first choice player in. Houghton has done a job that nobody else in this squad seems able to match. Who fills the void now? I expect Fergie has some re-shaping of his team to do. The likes of Middleton, Keegan and McSheffrey will all be wanting to push for a starting berth in a new-look midfield now Houghton has gone down.
Title: Re: Houghton out for season
Post by: Tom-RTID on February 21, 2017, 03:44:04 pm
Middleton deserves the chance to step in, looked good lately when he's come on.
Title: Re: Houghton
Post by: roversdude on February 21, 2017, 03:46:10 pm
Keegan would stifle us
Title: Re: Houghton out for season
Post by: RoversAlias on February 21, 2017, 03:47:49 pm
According to Liam Hoden the contenders to replace him are Keegan, Middleton, Baudry and Mason.
Title: Re: Houghton out for season
Post by: wing commander on February 21, 2017, 03:53:22 pm
  Big thanks to Jordan...Fantastic for us and gutted for him...Reading the Free Press article lets hops its not medial ligaments...The lad must be gutted after the effort he's put in...It's a cruel game at times...
Title: Re: Houghton out for season
Post by: Copps is Magic on February 21, 2017, 03:57:21 pm
It's bad news this.

The attacking players have got the headlines this season but they're allowed to do what they do because of Houghton. Watch the lad, when on the ball he rarely loses the ball. He plays simple balls when simple balls need to be played.

We play well when hes playing well. It is typically against the bigger more physical teams (Mansfield and Luton as examples) where he's less effective.

People saying 'aah well, someone just needs to step into that position'

Its clearly, very clearly, not as simple as that. Look at last season and how we suffered and how much better we looked when McCullough was playing well in that position.
Title: Re: Houghton out for season
Post by: wing commander on February 21, 2017, 04:01:47 pm
    Your bang on there Copps it's the biggest positional loss we could have,no doubt the lads got a huge future in the game..But we have to do something and for me I would give Mason a go first as his position can be covered without to much disruption and it might suit him better...
Title: Re: Houghton out for season
Post by: roversdude on February 21, 2017, 04:05:16 pm
Big boots to fill
Title: Re: Houghton out for season
Post by: NickDRFC on February 21, 2017, 04:06:39 pm
Difficult one really, although not for lack of options.

1. Put Mason in there (although that's based on an excellent 45 minutes at Notts County rather than anything else), but that would mean Evina getting back into the side or Alcock at LB and Blair at RB. Would probably be my favoured option if we had a half decentr LB to step in.

2. Baudry has been mentioned, but the defence looks far more solid with him in it and I'd be wary of changing that.

3. Keegan - I've heard his legs have gone/would stifle the team etc but surely he could do a ST job? If he can't, why is he still at the club.

4. Middleton - I've not seen a lot of him this season but thought he changed the game when he came on at Mansfield. Probably a good chance for him to come in and stake a claim but he had a poor season last year mostly playing from deep, and from what I've seen/heard he has had a bit more licence when coming on this season (definitely that was the case at Mansfield).

5. McSheffrey - not sure why his name is even being mentioned. Sure, we could shuffle the midfield, but which of Coppinger, Rowe or Grant are going to come and sit tight and have anywhere near the influence that Houghton has had?

Tough call for sure...
Title: Re: Houghton out for season
Post by: PDX_Rover on February 21, 2017, 04:12:12 pm
That's a hammer blow at a critical time. We have cover and I think we will be ok but you couldn't f**king script it could you? Would love to see Houghton back permanently. Excellent player who often goes unnoticed.
Title: Re: Houghton out for season
Post by: ballysbackin on February 21, 2017, 04:12:20 pm
I am not totally sure on this but I believe he may well have played enough games to get a medal should we be promoted,  I also hope we get him back next season but was reading earlier in season that Luke Mc was destined for that position. I do hope it is Houghton.  Speedy recovery and best wishes to the lad, well played J H> well played indeed. Thank you
Title: Re: Houghton out for season
Post by: steve@dcfd on February 21, 2017, 04:13:34 pm
I'm with wing commander big loss to the midfield again I would putvMason there. He has played the postion before in AV U 21's.

If we play Three then Baudry Butler Alcock
If we play Four then Blair Baudry Butler Alcock

We will have Lund available beginning of March if DF wants him.
ATS should be available in March if he's not had a setback.
Title: Re: Houghton out for season
Post by: drfchound on February 21, 2017, 04:14:36 pm
I dont see what the problem would be with playing Keegan in the JH role.
Why would he stifle us?
His job is to pick up loose balls and give them to the attacking players and be cover for the back line.
Last season he was in a side which was clearly struggling to win a game and to be fair he didn't get much stick from the fans, in fact he was regularly praised.
Not many of our players were stand out good last season but in the current team he could do a decent job.
Title: Re: Houghton out for season
Post by: ballysbackin on February 21, 2017, 04:14:51 pm
Lund was substituted after 75 at Wrexham on Saturday but I do not know any reason. hopefully not injury, he has had enough this year
Title: Re: Houghton out for season
Post by: DonnyOsmond on February 21, 2017, 04:16:59 pm
Yeah, it's a bit silly McSheffreys name keeps popping up. When 1. He's not fit and 2. He's an attacking player which would leave us lop sided. No way would McSheffrey come in.

I don't see it being Mason because we'd then lack cover on the left, for me it'll be Middleton to start at the weekend, this is him having the chance Mandeville got earlier in the season, step up now or that's it.
Title: Re: Houghton out for season
Post by: drfchound on February 21, 2017, 04:20:05 pm
donnyO, for me it has to be either Keegan or Middleton.
Also, you wouldn't want to be changing that role mid game and Gary Mac isn't ready for 90 minutes yet.
Title: Re: Houghton out for season
Post by: GazLaz on February 21, 2017, 04:43:48 pm
Anyone insinuating Gary Mac should come in must be implying he comes into the side and the midfield is reshuffled to accommodate. Grant sitting and GM on the left hand side. He's not fit anyway, Middleton will play there.
Title: Re: Houghton out for season
Post by: The Red Baron on February 21, 2017, 05:15:36 pm
Lund was substituted after 75 at Wrexham on Saturday but I do not know any reason. hopefully not injury, he has had enough this year

They were chasing the game and he'd been booked. I don't think he was injured.
Title: Re: Houghton out for season
Post by: The Red Baron on February 21, 2017, 05:19:34 pm
Anyone insinuating Gary Mac should come in must be implying he comes into the side and the midfield is reshuffled to accommodate. Grant sitting and GM on the left hand side. He's not fit anyway, Middleton will play there.

I actually think Middleton will get the first bite. If that doesn't work the others will be considered.
Title: Re: Houghton out for season
Post by: Copps is Magic on February 21, 2017, 05:28:13 pm
I think there are other options which haven't been mentioned such as Rowe going in the middle and playing a more conventional 2 in the centre with grant. Copps move out wide, with either Gary macca or Mandeville playing behind the 2/1 strikers.
Title: Re: Houghton out for season
Post by: Rovers91 on February 21, 2017, 05:35:04 pm
Big blow losing him but least it's a position where we have options, I think Middleton will get the nod because when picked he's done quite well IMO so deserves a chance to get the shirt. If not Middleton I would put Mason there but not many options to cover him on the left side of defence.
Title: Re: Houghton out for season
Post by: roversdude on February 21, 2017, 05:38:41 pm
I dont see what the problem would be with playing Keegan in the JH role.
Why would he stifle us?
His job is to pick up loose balls and give them to the attacking players and be cover for the back line.
Last season he was in a side which was clearly struggling to win a game and to be fair he didn't get much stick from the fans, in fact he was regularly praised.
Not many of our players were stand out good last season but in the current team he could do a decent job.


Hound he does the breaking up bit fair enough but can't pass a ball more than 2 yards and then only sideways/backwards
Great to put on if we are defending a lead with a few minutes left
Title: Re: Houghton out for season
Post by: mushRTID on February 21, 2017, 05:46:07 pm
Devastated for him. Been a class act but he also seems a top lad who was excited at pushing for promotion for us.

If/when we go up I hope he comes to any celebrations to get his medal because his contribution has been massive.
Title: Re: Houghton out for season
Post by: Monkcaster_Rover on February 21, 2017, 05:48:53 pm
Gutted for him. He's been ace. Middleton will come in now is my bet.
Title: Re: Houghton out for season
Post by: RedJ on February 21, 2017, 05:51:41 pm
Anyone insinuating Gary Mac should come in must be implying he comes into the side and the midfield is reshuffled to accommodate. Grant sitting and GM on the left hand side. He's not fit anyway, Middleton will play there.

Anyone insinuating Gary Mac should come in is an idiot. I don't understand where this idea that he can suddenly play in a position that he's never played in in his career has suddenly come from.
Title: Re: Houghton out for season
Post by: balbyrover on February 21, 2017, 06:03:24 pm
Real shame but as already said above,had kind of already resigned myself that he was going to be done for the season.
He's been excellent and massive part of our team,hopefully he will be fit and back in a Rovers shirt next season.
Title: Re: Houghton out for season
Post by: Lytham Rover on February 21, 2017, 06:33:59 pm
No one has mentioned the other option
Connor Grant
Balance the side up by allowing rowe to be more involved could also allow us to revert to a diamond
Title: Re: Houghton out for season
Post by: CJK on February 21, 2017, 06:41:46 pm
Big loss that. I wish the lad well and hope he comes back stronger, he's got a bright future in the game from what I've seen this season.
Title: Re: Houghton out for season
Post by: RoversAlias on February 21, 2017, 07:20:57 pm
Anyone insinuating Gary Mac should come in must be implying he comes into the side and the midfield is reshuffled to accommodate. Grant sitting and GM on the left hand side. He's not fit anyway, Middleton will play there.

That is precisely why I mentioned him. We have several options here, the simplest of which of course is to give the role to Middleton (or Keegan) and maintain the same set-up. I brought up McSheffrey because Fergie may decide he'd rather change the formation altogether and, when GMac is fully fit, bring him in on the left and play with a conventional two-man midfield featuring some combination of Middleton, Rowe and Grant, but that would probably involve only playing one striker.

Me personally, I would try Baudry there and if it doesn't work give Keegan the chance. I don't think Middleton is as good playing deep as he is further forward but I'd be delighted if he proved me wrong on that one.
Title: Re: Houghton out for season
Post by: The Red Baron on February 21, 2017, 07:22:11 pm
  Big thanks to Jordan...Fantastic for us and gutted for him...Reading the Free Press article lets hops its not medial ligaments...The lad must be gutted after the effort he's put in...It's a cruel game at times...

It's the ACL that's the really bad one.
Title: Re: Houghton out for season
Post by: DonnyBazR0ver on February 21, 2017, 07:38:37 pm
Yes a big blow as he's been pivotal. He's shown how that position should be played. He's strong, very mobile and can play quick passes with both feet, inside and outside of the foot releasing other players into space.

Middleton is the obvious choice but he has tendency to want an extra touch which sometimes has cost us possession however, when playing well, he does have a range of passing.

Keegan. Yes he can break up play but again he tends to be less progressive by not being as quick in thought as Houghton.

Baudry. Yes he has the similar intelligence to play the simple balls quickly and, has the mobility to be consistent all over the pitch.

DF will I'm sure give Middleton the nod initially before considering Baudry and Mason.

Certainly hope to see Houghton back to collect his winners medal and recover sufficiently to test his progress with us in League One.
Title: Re: Houghton out for season
Post by: dknward2 on February 21, 2017, 07:49:26 pm
Copps already tweeted him to say see you in may so I guess they are expecting to meet again
Title: Re: Houghton out for season
Post by: Lesonthewest on February 21, 2017, 08:18:16 pm
Absolutely gutted for the lad, certainly has a big future in the game. Middleton will probably get another chance but for me it would have to be Mason, think he would be excellent in that role, with McSheffrey coming back up to fitness maybe Rowe can temporarily fill in at left back, with Evina on the bench as back up.
Title: Re: Houghton out for season
Post by: darren61 on February 21, 2017, 08:39:24 pm
A bad loss for us and a bad injury for the lad. But hey! lets not wet the bed. We have a decent squad and we are not a one man team. COYR
Title: Re: Houghton out for season
Post by: Bezza on February 22, 2017, 08:54:25 am
Houghton will be a big loss for us, but hopefully he will be back next season, Now is the time for Harry Middleton to step up i expect him to be given first chance by Fergie and i hope he takes it.
Title: Re: Houghton out for season
Post by: Campsall rover on February 22, 2017, 07:35:08 pm
I don't understand all the Keegan bashing on here.
It was not long ago most were singing his praises on the job he did for the team.
We have hardly seen him this season due injury and Houghton establishing himself in the team with his outstanding performances.
So how do we know Keegan can't still do the job for the team.
His strength is in breaking up play and that is the most important part for the defensive/holding midfield position.
Yes he is not as quick/mobile as JH and his passing does not have the range or vision of JH but if he does his main job the 5 yard pass to someone more creative will do just fine.
Title: Re: Houghton out for season
Post by: roversdude on February 22, 2017, 07:48:17 pm
Campsall you are trying to compare apples with oranges
Keegan is good at breaking up the play - however we need more than that
Still think he has a part to play this season but certainly not as first choice midfielder
Title: Re: Houghton out for season
Post by: Campsall rover on February 22, 2017, 08:03:58 pm
Campsall you are trying to compare apples with oranges
Keegan is good at breaking up the play - however we need more than that
Still think he has a part to play this season but certainly not as first choice midfielder
We have enough creative midfielders in Grant, Rowe, Coppinger & Blair so it won't or shouldn't be a problem playing Keegan. I have already said in my previous post that he doesn't have all the attributes of JH.
Yes we WILL miss JH but it might not be as bad as we thought initially.
Title: Re: Houghton out for season
Post by: knockers on February 22, 2017, 08:04:11 pm
First choice midfielder is injured so he's the second choice therefore by your logic he should play!!
Title: Re: Houghton out for season
Post by: karldew on February 22, 2017, 09:53:04 pm
https://twitter.com/houghton_j/status/834474878166245377

Posted this on his Twitter earlier.
Title: Re: Houghton out for season
Post by: roversdude on February 22, 2017, 11:38:38 pm
Don't recall saying he was second choice so my logic is irrelevant
Title: Re: Houghton out for season
Post by: BigH on February 23, 2017, 09:39:33 am
To be honest, I'm more concerned about what's going on up front rather than our ability to replace Jordan.

Williams seems to be reprising last year's role of misser in chief and it seems to have got to Marquis a bit.

McSheffrey isn't anywhere like match fit but for now we have to hope that his quality, and perhaps May's combination of energy and being an unknown quantity, can dig us out.
Title: Re: Houghton out for season
Post by: GazLaz on February 23, 2017, 10:03:59 am
Williams is admittedly out of form but he got 16 goals in a relegated side last season and 9 in 20 odd starts this year. He will come good again.
Title: Re: Houghton out for season
Post by: BigH on February 23, 2017, 10:13:27 am
Unfortunately the stats belie the fact that his goals come in patches and rarely at the times that really matter. I don't think opponents fear him; frustrate him and he'll fall away. I think that a spell on the bench, being brought on for the last half hour could get him going again
Title: Re: Houghton out for season
Post by: wing commander on February 23, 2017, 10:15:49 am
   Personally I would stick with Williams for now and bring May on in the latter stages if needed..Williams isn't playing badly and once he scores he will be fine..With Houghton gone we need to be wary of changing the dynamics of the team too much...
Title: Re: Houghton out for season
Post by: GazLaz on February 23, 2017, 10:23:08 am
   Personally I would stick with Williams for now and bring May on in the latter stages if needed..Williams isn't playing badly and once he scores he will be fine..With Houghton gone we need to be wary of changing the dynamics of the team too much...

Williams and Marquis work hard and set the tone for the rest of the team. May can still play a massive part from the bench.
Title: Re: Houghton out for season
Post by: roversdude on February 23, 2017, 10:32:46 am
I think if Williams can get one he will be off and running again, it's a shame he picked up injury when he did
By the way does anyone know how many appearances a player needs to get a medal should we win the title
Title: Re: Houghton out for season
Post by: selby on February 23, 2017, 10:40:31 am
Has everyone forgotten Mandeville?he must be near to being ready.
Title: Re: Houghton out for season
Post by: DonnyBazR0ver on February 23, 2017, 11:12:16 am
Fergie said he hoped Mandeville would be ready for Accrington game.
Title: Re: Houghton out for season
Post by: RedRover45 on February 23, 2017, 12:07:50 pm
I think if Williams can get one he will be off and running again, it's a shame he picked up injury when he did
By the way does anyone know how many appearances a player needs to get a medal should we win the title

Not sure about the EFL but for the Premier League its only five appearances for a medal, so I'm sure Houghton will get a medal if we do win the league.
Title: Re: Houghton out for season
Post by: roversdude on February 23, 2017, 12:22:20 pm
Cheers RedRover I hope that Alfie can get enough games in too
Title: Re: Houghton out for season
Post by: RoversAlias on February 23, 2017, 12:29:45 pm
I believe the Premier League changed their rule to make it so that the winning club were allocated a certain number of medals for players and staff and the club then distributed them as they saw fit? Whether or not the EFL has adopted the same policy I'm not sure though.
Title: Re: Houghton out for season
Post by: idler on February 23, 2017, 01:28:17 pm
Williams and Marquis might tire them out, then bring Alfy on to mop up.
Title: Re: Houghton out for season
Post by: Sammy Chung was King on February 24, 2017, 03:53:22 am
Our most important player this season and the one that will be hardest to replace. Keegan can't run isn't good enough with the ball that rules him out in my mind. Middleton isn't aggressive enough for the role so i wouldn't pick him.
For me Mason is the natural choice hasn't really been totally comfortable at left back has played in midfield at youth level he is more aggressive than Middleton and just as good on the ball and also has a natural defensive instinct which Middleton doesn't have.