Viking Supporters Co-operative
Viking Chat => Viking Chat => Topic started by: Copps is Magic on April 23, 2019, 10:53:38 pm
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Alfie May isn't good enough for league one. I don't even think the lad is a football league standard player at all.
He's been here nearly 2 and a half years now, and is supposedly a striker but he practically can't score goals in the league. This season he's made 34 appearances, played 1181 minutes and scored 2 league goals. That's a goal every 590 minutes on the pitch. Last year he scored 3 league goals.
Admittedly, McCann plays him in a very weird way. Rather than the goal-poacher we were led to believe, he's either played as a link-up player or (even more weirdly) a target man. A target man he is not - he has the physical stature of a Cadbury's flake. If you don't have the requisite physicality to cope with the big buggers in the leagues, then you need some higher than average technical ability, which he hasn't. He runs around the pitch full of enthusiasm like a schoolboy who can't believe his luck, but with next to no real footballing ability.
You've got to ask questions of the club also, why are there contracts for key players hanging in the balance and yet we gave him a new contract in January, it makes no sense.
And it's not as if its unfair to criticise him at this point. He's had a good chance. He seems a nice lad. As a club we're fairly patient at giving players a go. But he's hasn't brought himself up to that football league standard and simply isn't good enough.
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Agreed.
He got a new contract because he’s probably not on much, so was one of the easiest to sort.
All in all it’s been a bit of a Lewis Guy situation where you’re sort of waiting for him to come good at some point, but I think he’s been knocking around long enough now to safely say it’s not happening. A few JPT goals and knocking four past Chorley can’t really mask that any longer.
Admire his effort, and yes people will say he’s not always playing down the middle, but frankly when the chances do fall to him he more often than not makes a balls of them.
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To be honest, he's been a waste of space since he got that contract.
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A very good, well considered post and I agree with every word, CiM.
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Hes meant to be a dream to work with. Im not effing surprised! Lad is laughing!
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Been saying it for 2 years. Can’t fault his effort or attitude but he’s just not good enough to play in league 1. I think he’s one for the transfer list in the summer.
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I agree. He's well out of his depth, something that has been apparent for well over a year. I was stunned when he was given a contract extension by McCann.
You can't knock his attitude, but the bloke simply doesn't score goals, unless he's playing against Dog & Duck FC or League One/Two second string in the cups. And he offers very little else other than running around pretending to be a professional footballer for 90 minutes.
He's had enough time and enough chances to grow into a Football League player. Time up for me.
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Yet again another performance resembling a competition winner. It really is like playing with ten men. He doesn't even offer nuisance value.
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Yet this manager gives him a contract!
He must have something!
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Alfie May isn't good enough for league one. I don't even think the lad is a football league standard player at all.
He's been here nearly 2 and a half years now, and is supposedly a striker but he practically can't score goals in the league. This season he's made 34 appearances, played 1181 minutes and scored 2 league goals. That's a goal every 590 minutes on the pitch. Last year he scored 3 league goals.
Admittedly, McCann plays him in a very weird way. Rather than the goal-poacher we were led to believe, he's either played as a link-up player or (even more weirdly) a target man. A target man he is not - he has the physical stature of a Cadbury's flake. If you don't have the requisite physicality to cope with the big buggers in the leagues, then you need some higher than average technical ability, which he hasn't. He runs around the pitch full of enthusiasm like a schoolboy who can't believe his luck, but with next to no real footballing ability.
You've got to ask questions of the club also, why are there contracts for key players hanging in the balance and yet we gave him a new contract in January, it makes no sense.
And it's not as if its unfair to criticise him at this point. He's had a good chance. He seems a nice lad. As a club we're fairly patient at giving players a go. But he's hasn't brought himself up to that football league standard and simply isn't good enough.
There are a few of us who have been saying this for a very long time. If he is a striker and i believe that is what he is supposed to be then you must be capable of scoring in 1 in 4 games as an absolute minimum. He is no where near and doesn’t look like scoring as he rarely shoots.
Simply is not at the level he is playing at. National league player at best. If he has been given an extended contract he must be some player on the training ground because he just hasn’t produced on the pitch. ( Exception v Chorley in FA Cup ) Need i say more.
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I think it's unfair to single May out for his performance tonight. He got absolutely no service other than massively over hit balls to him down the left wing that Usain Bolt wouldn't have been fast enough to get. Despite the poor service, his passing success was better than most of the team's if not all if the stats were available. He was also the provider of the pass that Marquis missed in our best chance in the first half.
Sporadic appearances are no good to strikers and the only decent run May was given proved to be quite fruitful in terms of goals until injury sidelined him. He hasn't been given such a run since.
If it had been May who was responsible for some of the piss poor play by his fellow teammates there would be a valid point to this thread, and bearing in mind I'm talking about players who know their position in the team is safe confirms that singling May out is unfair, as in my opinion was his substitution.
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Yes he had a couple of poor balls upto him, but his control when he did receive it to feet was woeful. Everytime he got the ball he just panicked like it was a red hot potato just wanted to get rid immediately.
Subsitiution May have been harsh but it was certainly correct
Sadlier changed the game
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BB sometimes it’s just obvious when someone is way out their depth. The signs are all there with May.
I think we all want it to work out for him but it’s just plainly obvious isn’t it?
I could half accept the excuses if other players weren’t coming in and looking streets ahead of him. With the same tools and a similarly dire performance from the rest of the team, Sadlier did far more within about 10 mins than May has done in his last half dozen appearances.
As for his fruitful spell of goals, you have to look at the opposition for those and factor that in. Yes he got a couple of league goals, but other than that it was JPT appearances and a rout in the FA Cup. Hardly strong evidence is it?
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EVERY player in the side panicked on the ball and wanted to get rid of it immediately! At least May found a team-mate with most of his hot potato passing, unlike most of the other players.
Sadlier had two tremendous shots, but other than that his passing and control was poor.
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BB sometimes it’s just obvious when someone is way out their depth. The signs are all there with May.
I think we all want it to work out for him but it’s just plainly obvious isn’t it?
I could half accept the excuses if other players weren’t coming in and looking streets ahead of him. With the same tools and a similarly dire performance from the rest of the team, Sadlier did far more within about 10 mins than May has done in his last half dozen appearances.
As for his fruitful spell of goals, you have to look at the opposition for those and factor that in. Yes he got a couple of league goals, but other than that it was JPT appearances and a rout in the FA Cup. Hardly strong evidence is it?
Pib, I'm talking about May's run in the team last season.
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BB sometimes it’s just obvious when someone is way out their depth. The signs are all there with May.
I think we all want it to work out for him but it’s just plainly obvious isn’t it?
I could half accept the excuses if other players weren’t coming in and looking streets ahead of him. With the same tools and a similarly dire performance from the rest of the team, Sadlier did far more within about 10 mins than May has done in his last half dozen appearances.
As for his fruitful spell of goals, you have to look at the opposition for those and factor that in. Yes he got a couple of league goals, but other than that it was JPT appearances and a rout in the FA Cup. Hardly strong evidence is it?
Pib, I'm talking about May's run in the team last season.
Fair enough. He still only got 4 goals last season.
Agree to disagree. Night.
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Sporadic appearances are no good to strikers and the only decent run May was given proved to be quite fruitful in terms of goals until injury sidelined him. He hasn't been given such a run since.
That's not quite right.
In the 6 league games from from Rochdale to Blackpool he played over 70 minutes in 4 of those games, and 45 minutes in another. He didn't score one goal. I mean, at best you could point out that from the four games from Gillingham to Burton he played more than 45 minutes in 3 of those but only scored one goal. He's also now had plenty of starts and simply not made an impact in any of them.
A striker must surely be there to influence the game in the right direction. He's never done that in the league.
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BB, faithfull to the end, I like that.
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I just hope he hasn't thrown his steel toe caps away because he'll be needing them within the next 3 years I'm sure.
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Dog poo
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He was also the provider of the pass that Marquis missed in our best chance in the first half.
Also incorrect. It was a nice cushioned header back from May but Marquis didn't 'miss' that chance it was a very good block from the defender.
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Sporadic appearances are no good to strikers and the only decent run May was given proved to be quite fruitful in terms of goals until injury sidelined him. He hasn't been given such a run since.
That's not quite right.
In the 6 leagues games from from Rochdale to Blackpool he played over 70 minutes in 4 of those games, and 45 minutes in another. He didn't score one goal. I mean, at best you could point out that from the four games from Gillingham to Burton he played more than 45 minutes in 3 of those but only scored one goal. He's also now had plenty of starts and simply not made an impact in any of them.
A striker must surely be there to influence the game in the right direction. He's never done that in the league.
CIM, that is still sporadic. Players, especially strikers, who are frequently on the bench, tend to feel the need to prove themselves when they get on the pitch, and as a result, their performance is often hindered by trying too hard.
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BB you are Alfie’s agent. You must be.
I admire your loyalty to him but come on Kieran Sadlier is ten times the player Alfie is imo.
He just has not come on the way we all hoped he would. 100% trier but not good enough at this level I’m afraid.
Would be very happy to see him play for Harrogate Town next season.
With the right target man beside him i would expect him to score 12/15 goals at that level.
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He was also the provider of the pass that Marquis missed in our best chance in the first half.
Also incorrect. It was a nice cushioned header back from May but Marquis didn't 'miss' that chance it was a very good block from the defender.
I bet if it was May it would have been called a miss!
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BB, You must have been watching a completely different game tbh, Sadlier made one poor pass all night, other than that he wanted the ball and was making things happen and was an absolute delight to watch on what was otherwise a poor night for DRFC.
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No player is ever entitled to a lengthy, uninterrupted run in the side if they've not shown they can do the business. They have to fight for their place and take their chance when it arrives.
Why should Alfie May be any different?
To be honest, he should count himself lucky that he has had the number of chances he has. It's been more than enough.
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Who's saying May should be any different? I'm just explaining his unfair treatment on this thread.
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I dont think anybody is saying he was the worst player on the pitch or it was his fault we lost but, its clear for all to see he isnt good enough. His only attribute is hes quick but with that isnt physical enough to get past defenders. I get why you are defending him but this is a club aiming for championship football and he will end up where he came from that I promise you.
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If this club is aiming for Championship football we need a new first team squad, NOT just a new scapegoat!
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I got dogs abuse for saying this last season. It was obvious after a dozen games.
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StocksArmy - he’s not quick. At all. If he was he’d be a lot more of a threat than he is.
I’m not sure he’s as bad as some people are making out but he’s not cut out for this level and, even worse, just doesn’t suit our system at all. I think in the right team in League Two, played as more of a classic poacher, he could be alright, but he’s just not quick enough/strong enough/smart enough to offer a threat for us.
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Only one word needed to sum up Alfie May = USELESS
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This makes for a really harsh thread about a player that tries his best for our club. I would agree with the consensus that he doesn’t have the quality for this level, and everyone is entitled to their opinion, but some of the comments are nasty and spiteful. If he wasn’t trying then that’d be fair game, but he gives 100% every time he puts the shirt on. It’s the quality that unfortunately comes up short.
McCann hasn’t made many mistakes this season, but that first half team selection was one of them.
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I think some things here are harsh. He has improved a lot technically and links up a huge amount better.
Having said that, he doesn't score enough goals and isn't strong enough holding the ball sometimes, but you cannot knock his effort. The big problem is he has an impact as a sub as he did at Sunderland then gets a start and offers nothing. We aren't good enough to carry a player like that for a whole game and it was no surprise he went off.
From what I have seen of Smith I would say similar, he has got a lot to do to improve aswell (though he'll be a better player than May).
Where does Alfie go from here? It's harsh but I would look to move him on, a new contract was a mistake.
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Sorry to be harsh but what impact did he make at Sunderland?
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Pib you are not being harsh,and if Grant thinks that he is a striker he will play regularly next season, there is a very good chance that Alfie and the other players that are not good enough will cost him his job.
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I feel like this is harsh and all those who booed tonight and shouted abuse for 90 minutes deserved what they got.
In my eyes Alfie probably isn’t up to scratch at this level, he does his best but that’s not always good enough sadly.
However it isn’t his fault and he shouldn’t be abused and every time he touches the ball.
People need to try getting behind the players it makes a big difference, roll on oxford when most will stay at home.
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Booing at the match is counterproductive, I agree there. Expressing an opinion on a forum however, is fair game.
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it's just frustration..People have spent a lot of money this Easter on the Rovers and been given no entertainment for it.We were awful at Sunderland and worse last night so people are going to give them some stick..They are grown men and need to toughen up to a bit of grief,it happens with every club..
Reality is that despite people thinking individual players are good,it's no coincidence that the top 5 are so far ahead of the rest of this league and we are fighting to be the best of the rest..We simply are not that good however you dress it up.
GM has done a great job getting us this close with the standard of players we have available but we are paying the price for relying on one striker,trying to get through with Blair as a wing back that has always been a weakness going back to Fergy days..
May and Crawford are sadly not up to this level,The loan players have been hit and miss but have carried us through but Kane has fallen off a cliff due to it being too many games for a first full season..Copps is now showing more signs that his race is coming to a end..
Put all these things together and you end up with a side who are probably overachieving to get 6th..Thats the brutal truth..
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The loan signings of Lewis and Smith have been opportunities very much lost. Both signed, played fleetingly and then fixed firmly to the bench even though their positions have definitely needed filling. Both Kane and Wilks have to go down as very good loan signings this season whatever happens. Would put Downing in as a good loan signing as well.
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Simple truth is, is that May is no where near the level we as a team are at and want to be at. I love McCann but he has to come in for a bit of flack for playing May as much as he has done, especially since the arrivals of Smith and Sadlier.
I said before the game last night that May ahead of Sadlier at left wing was completely bizarre. Remember May is actually a centre forward. Watching him run around hopelessly last night watching the ball bounce off his head was borderline painful to watch.
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He is amazingly lucky to be in this profession, you can’t fault his attitude and his work ethic but lacking on all other fronts. Hope if he leaves he manages to get a league club.
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Utter garbage sorry Alfi oh and the other Alfi is too
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I'd rather see this Boocock or Watters who are doing well for the reserves get some time now. They will run about like Alfie and work hard but might end up been proper players if we give them chance. No point having someone stand in their way who has peaked and is no better
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I got dogs abuse for saying this last season. It was obvious after a dozen games.
Likewise here, I’ve said it before, this is the highest level he will ever play at
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I'd rather see this Boocock or Watters who are doing well for the reserves get some time now. They will run about like Alfie and work hard but might end up been proper players if we give them chance. No point having someone stand in their way who has peaked and is no better
Is Boocock playing for the reserves or the under 18 team?
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He’s been playing for both Hound.
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He’s been playing for both Hound.
Cheers, I wasn’t sure.
I know he has been scoring loads at under 18 level and it is a massive step up to first team from there.
How many has he scored at reserve level please?
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4 in the last 4. Played first full 90 minutes yesterday.
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Kicking the ball roughly in the direction of a small player up in the air when competing with a defender a good foot taller, and you blame May? The stupid defenders or midfielders involved should be ashamed of themselves last night! There was hardly a decent pass forward to any of the attacking players last night in the first half, you can look at how the tactics were being used, and blame the coach, they seemed to be unbelievably stupid, but then McCann can do no wrong can he? I am not saying that he is poor, but the Sunderland and Accrington performances show that he has made mistakes in preparing the team on those occasions. At least after half time things did improve, but by then it had got away from Rovers and they were playing an eleven man defence. Let's hope that the Oxford performance goes back to quick penetrating football we have got used to.
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Kicking the ball roughly in the direction of a small player up in the air when competing with a defender a good foot taller, and you blame May? The stupid defenders or midfielders involved should be ashamed of themselves last night! There was hardly a decent pass forward to any of the attacking players last night in the first half, you can look at how the tactics were being used, and blame the coach, they seemed to be unbelievably stupid, but then McCann can do no wrong can he? I am not saying that he is poor, but the Sunderland and Accrington performances show that he has made mistakes in preparing the team on those occasions. At least after half time things did improve, but by then it had got away from Rovers and they were playing an eleven man defence. Let's hope that the Oxford performance goes back to quick penetrating football we have got used to.
The long ball upto May happened only a couple of occasions. When you’re a centre half and there’s nobody wanting the ball off you in front of you you’re left with little alternative.
It stopped in the second half because whiteman always wants the ball, Crawford and Rowe were just hiding, giving them no options.
There’s two bravery’s in football, one is flying into tackles where you might get hurt and one is demanding the ball even with players around you