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Viking Chat => Viking Chat => Topic started by: DearneValleyRover on January 09, 2024, 05:07:13 pm

Title: Matthew Craig
Post by: DearneValleyRover on January 09, 2024, 05:07:13 pm
Now confirmed on loan
Title: Re: Matthew Craig
Post by: DonnyBazR0ver on January 09, 2024, 05:15:01 pm
Welcome Matthew.

Full of nervous excitement. He deffo listened in his media training!

He's got a good pair of strapping thighs!!

If he's anywhere near as good as Ryan Mason who gave him his PL debut, then he'll be sound.  Much needed midfield option.
Title: Re: Matthew Craig
Post by: Michael Shaw on January 09, 2024, 05:16:24 pm
Posted my first Win in ages on PvO.  There's confidence.
Title: Re: Matthew Craig
Post by: ncRover on January 09, 2024, 05:18:12 pm
Hopefully Jordan Houghton 2.0
Title: Re: Matthew Craig
Post by: Filo on January 09, 2024, 05:18:19 pm
Before anyone posts negative stuff, lets give the lad a chance eh?
Title: Re: Matthew Craig
Post by: Batleyred on January 09, 2024, 05:43:07 pm
GM said he's similar to Herbie Kane. Big boots to fill
Title: Re: Matthew Craig
Post by: RugbyRover on January 09, 2024, 05:58:01 pm
Nice to see that McCann has put his stamp on the recruitment process........."do you have a girlfriend?" indeed  :laugh:
Title: Re: Matthew Craig
Post by: Jonathan on January 09, 2024, 05:59:04 pm
Hopefully he does really well over the coming months and hopefully we have a succession plan in place ready for when he goes back to Spurs at the end of the season.
Title: Re: Matthew Craig
Post by: Upton Rover on January 09, 2024, 06:38:53 pm
Before anyone posts negative stuff, lets give the lad a chance eh?
I do welcome him, and for the club and the lad I hope he does well. I’m not negative over this, however I would have welcomed an experienced player with bigger open arms, as I think that’s what we are crying out for.
Title: Re: Matthew Craig
Post by: dickos1 on January 09, 2024, 06:46:12 pm
We’ve plenty of experience in wood, biggins, Rowe, Ironside, Anderson, molyneux, etc etc
Title: Re: Matthew Craig
Post by: In the box on January 09, 2024, 06:49:13 pm
Hopefully Jordan Houghton 2.0
We let him go …
Title: Re: Matthew Craig
Post by: i_ateallthepies on January 09, 2024, 06:54:05 pm
Before anyone posts negative stuff, lets give the lad a chance eh?
I do welcome him, and for the club and the lad I hope he does well. I’m not negative over this, however I would have welcomed an experienced player with bigger open arms, as I think that’s what we are crying out for.

Why would bigger open arms be any use to a footballer, experienced or not?...
Title: Re: Matthew Craig
Post by: Alan Southstand on January 09, 2024, 07:03:09 pm
He’s got all the right attributes to thrive - big lad, physical, wants to work hard. He’ll stand out in our midfield, as there’s nobody near his size! That’s 3 players signed and I, for one, know nothing about him. All 3 look ok, on paper, but we all need to judge after they’ve all played a few games. Fingers are crossed.

The last piece in our January window appears to be another forward player! Personally, I would have preferred a new No1 keeper, but GM knows best.
Title: Re: Matthew Craig
Post by: Ian Nimmo on January 09, 2024, 07:42:00 pm
This would appear to be a very good loan deal, so thanks to all who have made this happen. We are very lucky to have this young player who by all accounts is very close to the first team squad. So seems similar to the Jacob Ramsey situation. it’s clear we will be paying a fair amount of cash for this loan, thus a clear indication that Terry is funding this as per his statements made last night. Can’t help thinking that Ryan must also have been a key to making this happen, he has always commented how much he valued his time with us.
Title: Re: Matthew Craig
Post by: DonnyBazR0ver on January 09, 2024, 07:52:27 pm
Hopefully Jordan Houghton 2.0
We let him go …

He was on loan wasn't he? Plus, wasn't there an issue with an injury and he had to go back?
Title: Re: Matthew Craig
Post by: Scooter on January 09, 2024, 07:57:00 pm
Nice to see that McCann has put his stamp on the recruitment process........."do you have a girlfriend?" indeed  :laugh:

That question is probably more important than you realise. It’s about perceived professionalism and maturity. The view would be that if he has a girlfriend he is less likely to go out on benders with his mates and potentially getting into trouble
Some clubs encourage players to form relationships and have families young to help them become ‘sensible’ and ‘mature’

Anyway - welcome Matt!
Title: Re: Matthew Craig
Post by: ncRover on January 09, 2024, 08:00:26 pm
Hopefully Jordan Houghton 2.0
We let him go …

He was on loan wasn't he? Plus, wasn't there an issue with an injury and he had to go back?

 Come on ITB, brush up on your knowledge

Yes he was on loan last time we were in league 2 from a top 6 London premier league club and was a defensive midfielder. And he was very good.
Title: Re: Matthew Craig
Post by: roversdude on January 09, 2024, 08:22:44 pm
On loan and his Mrs wanted to stay down south so don’t know how we let him go
Title: Re: Matthew Craig
Post by: Padge_DRFC on January 09, 2024, 08:33:37 pm
He’s got all the right attributes to thrive - big lad, physical, wants to work hard. He’ll stand out in our midfield, as there’s nobody near his size! That’s 3 players signed and I, for one, know nothing about him. All 3 look ok, on paper, but we all need to judge after they’ve all played a few games. Fingers are crossed.

The last piece in our January window appears to be another forward player! Personally, I would have preferred a new No1 keeper, but GM knows best.

Broadbent is a big lad. Just stands out jogging around though
Title: Re: Matthew Craig
Post by: normal rules on January 09, 2024, 08:41:44 pm
Welcome lad. Good luck .
Title: Re: Matthew Craig
Post by: big fat yorkshire pudding on January 09, 2024, 10:08:12 pm
Midfielder is much needed, let's hope he's a good one.
Title: Re: Matthew Craig
Post by: DonnyBazR0ver on January 09, 2024, 10:26:45 pm
On loan and his Mrs wanted to stay down south so don’t know how we let him go

Oh yeah, that's right too. Well remembered. I also recall folk saying 'He's not the same player since he did his knee'

He got released by Chelsea and fair play to him. MK Dons took a chance on him. In the meantime, McCann that following season after Houghtons loan ended, we got to the play off semis with Herbie, Copps, Whiteman, Sheaf?? Rowe, operating in midfield. Deffo not a case of 'letting him go'.
Title: Re: Matthew Craig
Post by: Jonathan on January 09, 2024, 11:11:52 pm
If he’s anything like as good as Houghton then we ought to be delighted
Title: Re: Matthew Craig
Post by: Colemans Left Hook on January 09, 2024, 11:30:04 pm
Nice to see that McCann has put his stamp on the recruitment process........."do you have a girlfriend?" indeed  :laugh:

That question is probably more important than you realise. It’s about perceived professionalism and maturity. The view would be that if he has a girlfriend he is less likely to go out on benders with his mates and potentially getting into trouble
Some clubs encourage players to form relationships and have families young to help them become ‘sensible’ and ‘mature’

Anyway - welcome Matt!

Apparently they offered us Casanova   :evil:  but we decided he was too good on the balls and high risk

https://www.tottenhamhotspur.com/teams/under-21/players/dante-cassanova/

this one sounds like a "goodun"  he's an identical twin   both at Tottenham so we should have asked for a BOGOFF

https://www.tottenhamhotspur.com/news/2023/july/craig-signs-new-contract/

"Craig was handed his Premier League debut on the final day of last season’s Premier League by Ryan Mason as he came on for the last 13 minutes of the club’s 4-1 win away at Elland Road.

https://www.tottenhamhotspurnews.com/youth/view-tottenham-push-to-future-continues-as-matthew-craig-commits-future-to-spurs/

"....   After coming onto the pitch, Craig won 100 per cent of his ground duels, made 11 touches, registered a successful passing accuracy of 83 per cent and made four tackles without being dribbled past once (SofaScore)."
Title: Re: Matthew Craig
Post by: drfchound on January 09, 2024, 11:48:43 pm
Impressive, but they were only playing against Leeds.
Title: Re: Matthew Craig
Post by: Chris Black come back on January 10, 2024, 01:20:20 am
On loan and his Mrs wanted to stay down south so don’t know how we let him go

Oh yeah, that's right too. Well remembered. I also recall folk saying 'He's not the same player since he did his knee'

He got released by Chelsea and fair play to him. MK Dons took a chance on him. In the meantime, McCann that following season after Houghtons loan ended, we got to the play off semis with Herbie, Copps, Whiteman, Sheaf?? Rowe, operating in midfield. Deffo not a case of 'letting him go'.

Sheaf didn’t play for McCann. He was signed by Moore.
Title: Re: Matthew Craig
Post by: Barmby Rover on January 10, 2024, 12:58:33 pm
Good luck to the lad, I hope he is as good as Herbie Kane as GM seems to rate him, we need somebody like that in midfield.
Title: Re: Matthew Craig
Post by: In the box on January 10, 2024, 12:59:33 pm
Hopefully Jordan Houghton 2.0
We let him go …

He was on loan wasn't he? Plus, wasn't there an issue with an injury and he had to go back?
Didn’t he end up at Mk the following  season ? Phew !!
Title: Re: Matthew Craig
Post by: idler on January 10, 2024, 01:57:25 pm
Hopefully Jordan Houghton 2.0
We let him go …

He was on loan wasn't he? Plus, wasn't there an issue with an injury and he had to go back?
Didn’t he end up at Mk the following  season ? Phew !!
It was discussed in depth at the time and it was common knowledge that he wouldn’t be signing for us whatever happened because his wife/partner didn’t want to move north. Or certainly not here.
Title: Re: Matthew Craig
Post by: DonnyOsmond on January 10, 2024, 03:37:09 pm
On loan and his Mrs wanted to stay down south so don’t know how we let him go

Oh yeah, that's right too. Well remembered. I also recall folk saying 'He's not the same player since he did his knee'

He got released by Chelsea and fair play to him. MK Dons took a chance on him. In the meantime, McCann that following season after Houghtons loan ended, we got to the play off semis with Herbie, Copps, Whiteman, Sheaf?? Rowe, operating in midfield. Deffo not a case of 'letting him go'.

Sheaf didn’t play for McCann. He was signed by Moore.

Deal was agreed by McCann before he left tbf.
Title: Re: Matthew Craig
Post by: ForsolongaRover on January 10, 2024, 04:33:31 pm
We always enthuse about loanees and let’s hope this one lives up to it all. You would expect him to be noticeably fitter and quicker in his thinking than any of the players we have now. I’ve lost count of the number of videos showing loanees scoring spectacular goals and imagined that this reflects what we might expect from them - and of course disappointment follows.

If he really has the quality and imagination to make those key passes which have been so lacking it might be just provide the vital link in midfield that has been lacking in our current risk-averse midfield. I’d stick him in instead of Close.

Title: Re: Matthew Craig
Post by: Bailey Vickerage on January 10, 2024, 05:07:39 pm
We always enthuse about loanees and let’s hope this one lives up to it all. You would expect him to be noticeably fitter and quicker in his thinking than any of the players we have now. I’ve lost count of the number of videos showing loanees scoring spectacular goals and imagined that this reflects what we might expect from them - and of course disappointment follows.

If he really has the quality and imagination to make those key passes which have been so lacking it might be just provide the vital link in midfield that has been lacking in our current risk-averse midfield. I’d stick him in instead of Close.


He will be in alongside Close, not a chance Close gets dropped.
Title: Re: Matthew Craig
Post by: DearneValleyRover on January 10, 2024, 05:10:09 pm
We always enthuse about loanees and let’s hope this one lives up to it all. You would expect him to be noticeably fitter and quicker in his thinking than any of the players we have now. I’ve lost count of the number of videos showing loanees scoring spectacular goals and imagined that this reflects what we might expect from them - and of course disappointment follows.

If he really has the quality and imagination to make those key passes which have been so lacking it might be just provide the vital link in midfield that has been lacking in our current risk-averse midfield. I’d stick him in instead of Close.


He will be in alongside Close, not a chance Close gets dropped.

Totally agree, I expect Biggins to be dropped the big question is whether McCann keeps Rowe or plays Broadbent
Title: Re: Matthew Craig
Post by: Bailey Vickerage on January 10, 2024, 05:12:06 pm
We always enthuse about loanees and let’s hope this one lives up to it all. You would expect him to be noticeably fitter and quicker in his thinking than any of the players we have now. I’ve lost count of the number of videos showing loanees scoring spectacular goals and imagined that this reflects what we might expect from them - and of course disappointment follows.

If he really has the quality and imagination to make those key passes which have been so lacking it might be just provide the vital link in midfield that has been lacking in our current risk-averse midfield. I’d stick him in instead of Close.


He will be in alongside Close, not a chance Close gets dropped.

Totally agree, I expect Biggins to be dropped the big question is whether McCann keeps Rowe or plays Broadbent
Will keep Rowe in for now with him scoring in his last 2 and is always a goal threat although hasn’t scored as many as he would’ve liked this season.

Wouldn’t be expecting Craig to come in and start straight away on Saturday, possibly Broadbent in the midfield for Biggins.
Title: Re: Matthew Craig
Post by: selby on January 10, 2024, 05:44:44 pm
  The team he is from, and the level he played at although briefly showing they think he is near to the level they want him at at a young age, I don't think he will be here to make our bench, especially after a defeat last weekend.
  We will be a stepping stone for him to play at a higher standard next season, and if I was a betting man I would be on him to play most matches like Faal injury allowing.
Title: Re: Matthew Craig
Post by: StocksArmy on January 10, 2024, 08:24:28 pm
With all due respect to Newport, I think Saturday is the perfect opportunity to get the 3 new lads in from the start. We are off the back of a loss, at home against a team one place higher in the league table. Seems like a game that has a bit of a free hit feel to it so would be nice to see them all in for Olowu, Rowe or Biggins and Faal.
Title: Re: Matthew Craig
Post by: drfchound on January 10, 2024, 08:29:22 pm
We always enthuse about loanees and let’s hope this one lives up to it all. You would expect him to be noticeably fitter and quicker in his thinking than any of the players we have now. I’ve lost count of the number of videos showing loanees scoring spectacular goals and imagined that this reflects what we might expect from them - and of course disappointment follows.

If he really has the quality and imagination to make those key passes which have been so lacking it might be just provide the vital link in midfield that has been lacking in our current risk-averse midfield. I’d stick him in instead of Close.

That first paragraph…… my feelings too.
Title: Re: Matthew Craig
Post by: WarwickRover on January 10, 2024, 09:11:40 pm
  The team he is from, and the level he played at although briefly showing they think he is near to the level they want him at at a young age, I don't think he will be here to make our bench, especially after a defeat last weekend.
  We will be a stepping stone for him to play at a higher standard next season, and if I was a betting man I would be on him to play most matches like Faal injury allowing.

Assuming that you maybe  a betting man what odds would you give him be selected more than 10 matches (from the start)?
Title: Re: Matthew Craig
Post by: Colemans Left Hook on January 11, 2024, 01:04:11 am
  The team he is from, and the level he played at although briefly showing they think he is near to the level they want him at at a young age, I don't think he will be here to make our bench, especially after a defeat last weekend.
  We will be a stepping stone for him to play at a higher standard next season, and if I was a betting man I would be on him to play most matches like Faal injury allowing.

Assuming that you maybe  a betting man what odds would you give him be selected more than 10 matches (from the start)?

10/1  meaning you bet £10 to win £1 and I'm being generous
it's obvious he should have gone to a League one team not a League 2 team ( let's  forget about that "dud Thomas " we signed from them who they soon released)  - Craig signed a long term deal in the Summer of 2023 as I said.

and it's obvious we splashed the cash (plus the joker card playing)  to outbid  league one teams

I have been watching Plymouth for 3 years now seeing how they splash the cash to fill half the team with top quality loanees --- GRANT KNOWS THIS TRICK AS WELL AND HAS GOT THE T_SHIRT -- easy if you have the pennies

:::Plymouth have just taken a tottenham 18 year old on loan as a couple of their loanees have been recalled :  let's call it a library book team 

remember  our joker card - in that Mason knows we are a family club with a Championship Stadium and pitch - we have a reputation for not playing "hoof ball land of the giants " football and we helped his career



the joker card ?

"In August 2010, Mason was loaned for the first time to Championship team Doncaster Rovers on a two-month loan deal,[15] and made five appearances.[16] Then in January 2011, he was loaned back to Doncaster until the end of the season[17] and made a further ten appearances.[16]

On 28 July 2011, Mason signed a new two-year contract with Tottenham, keeping him at the club until June 2013. He was then immediately loaned back to Doncaster on a season-long loan.[18][19] Mason was recalled back to Tottenham in November 2011 after making five appearances since the start of the season.[20] On 29 December 2011, Mason and teammate Harry Kane agreed a loan deal with Championship club Millwall from 1 January until the end of the season.[21]"

Mason will remember the circumstances of his recall ? (was he injured ?)

Season changing loan ??  me thinx yes

now what are those odds

 
Title: Re: Matthew Craig
Post by: KingKendrick on January 11, 2024, 07:43:48 am
  The team he is from, and the level he played at although briefly showing they think he is near to the level they want him at at a young age, I don't think he will be here to make our bench, especially after a defeat last weekend.
  We will be a stepping stone for him to play at a higher standard next season, and if I was a betting man I would be on him to play most matches like Faal injury allowing.

Assuming that you maybe  a betting man what odds would you give him be selected more than 10 matches (from the start)?

10/1  meaning you bet £10 to win £1 and I'm being generous
it's obvious he should have gone to a League one team not a League 2 team ( let's  forget about that "dud Thomas " we signed from them who they soon released)  - Craig signed a long term deal in the Summer of 2023 as I said.

and it's obvious we splashed the cash (plus the joker card playing)  to outbid  league one teams

I have been watching Plymouth for 3 years now seeing how they splash the cash to fill half the team with top quality loanees --- GRANT KNOWS THIS TRICK AS WELL AND HAS GOT THE T_SHIRT -- easy if you have the pennies

:::Plymouth have just taken a tottenham 18 year old on loan as a couple of their loanees have been recalled :  let's call it a library book team 

remember  our joker card - in that Mason knows we are a family club with a Championship Stadium and pitch - we have a reputation for not playing "hoof ball land of the giants " football and we helped his career



the joker card ?

"In August 2010, Mason was loaned for the first time to Championship team Doncaster Rovers on a two-month loan deal,[15] and made five appearances.[16] Then in January 2011, he was loaned back to Doncaster until the end of the season[17] and made a further ten appearances.[16]

On 28 July 2011, Mason signed a new two-year contract with Tottenham, keeping him at the club until June 2013. He was then immediately loaned back to Doncaster on a season-long loan.[18][19] Mason was recalled back to Tottenham in November 2011 after making five appearances since the start of the season.[20] On 29 December 2011, Mason and teammate Harry Kane agreed a loan deal with Championship club Millwall from 1 January until the end of the season.[21]"

Mason will remember the circumstances of his recall ? (was he injured ?)

Season changing loan ??  me thinx yes

now what are those odds

That’s 1/10 mate
Title: Re: Matthew Craig
Post by: Ian Nimmo on January 11, 2024, 08:49:01 am
I believe it will be odds on he will be in the team from the off, subject to his current match fitness. Clearly grant is not happy with the current performances, thus the current midfield players will have to prove to grant they are worthy of a place, be like any other young player, it’s likely he will not play the whole 90 mins in the initial games.
Title: Re: Matthew Craig
Post by: WarwickRover on January 11, 2024, 09:53:07 pm
  The team he is from, and the level he played at although briefly showing they think he is near to the level they want him at at a young age, I don't think he will be here to make our bench, especially after a defeat last weekend.
  We will be a stepping stone for him to play at a higher standard next season, and if I was a betting man I would be on him to play most matches like Faal injury allowing.

Assuming that you maybe  a betting man what odds would you give him be selected more than 10 matches (from the start)?

10/1  meaning you bet £10 to win £1 and I'm being generous
it's obvious he should have gone to a League one team not a League 2 team ( let's  forget about that "dud Thomas " we signed from them who they soon released)  - Craig signed a long term deal in the Summer of 2023 as I said.

and it's obvious we splashed the cash (plus the joker card playing)  to outbid  league one teams

I have been watching Plymouth for 3 years now seeing how they splash the cash to fill half the team with top quality loanees --- GRANT KNOWS THIS TRICK AS WELL AND HAS GOT THE T_SHIRT -- easy if you have the pennies

:::Plymouth have just taken a tottenham 18 year old on loan as a couple of their loanees have been recalled :  let's call it a library book team 

remember  our joker card - in that Mason knows we are a family club with a Championship Stadium and pitch - we have a reputation for not playing "hoof ball land of the giants " football and we helped his career



the joker card ?

"In August 2010, Mason was loaned for the first time to Championship team Doncaster Rovers on a two-month loan deal,[15] and made five appearances.[16] Then in January 2011, he was loaned back to Doncaster until the end of the season[17] and made a further ten appearances.[16]

On 28 July 2011, Mason signed a new two-year contract with Tottenham, keeping him at the club until June 2013. He was then immediately loaned back to Doncaster on a season-long loan.[18][19] Mason was recalled back to Tottenham in November 2011 after making five appearances since the start of the season.[20] On 29 December 2011, Mason and teammate Harry Kane agreed a loan deal with Championship club Millwall from 1 January until the end of the season.[21]"

Mason will remember the circumstances of his recall ? (was he injured ?)

Season changing loan ??  me thinx yes

now what are those odds

  The team he is from, and the level he played at although briefly showing they think he is near to the level they want him at at a young age, I don't think he will be here to make our bench, especially after a defeat last weekend.
  We will be a stepping stone for him to play at a higher standard next season, and if I was a betting man I would be on him to play most matches like Faal injury allowing.

Assuming that you maybe  a betting man what odds would you give him be selected more than 10 matches (from the start)?

10/1  meaning you bet £10 to win £1 and I'm being generous
it's obvious he should have gone to a League one team not a League 2 team ( let's  forget about that "dud Thomas " we signed from them who they soon released)  - Craig signed a long term deal in the Summer of 2023 as I said.

and it's obvious we splashed the cash (plus the joker card playing)  to outbid  league one teams

I have been watching Plymouth for 3 years now seeing how they splash the cash to fill half the team with top quality loanees --- GRANT KNOWS THIS TRICK AS WELL AND HAS GOT THE T_SHIRT -- easy if you have the pennies

:::Plymouth have just taken a tottenham 18 year old on loan as a couple of their loanees have been recalled :  let's call it a library book team 

remember  our joker card - in that Mason knows we are a family club with a Championship Stadium and pitch - we have a reputation for not playing "hoof ball land of the giants " football and we helped his career



the joker card ?

"In August 2010, Mason was loaned for the first time to Championship team Doncaster Rovers on a two-month loan deal,[15] and made five appearances.[16] Then in January 2011, he was loaned back to Doncaster until the end of the season[17] and made a further ten appearances.[16]

On 28 July 2011, Mason signed a new two-year contract with Tottenham, keeping him at the club until June 2013. He was then immediately loaned back to Doncaster on a season-long loan.[18][19] Mason was recalled back to Tottenham in November 2011 after making five appearances since the start of the season.[20] On 29 December 2011, Mason and teammate Harry Kane agreed a loan deal with Championship club Millwall from 1 January until the end of the season.[21]"

Mason will remember the circumstances of his recall ? (was he injured ?)

Season changing loan ??  me thinx yes

now what are those odds

 

 
[/quote
  The team he is from, and the level he played at although briefly showing they think he is near to the level they want him at at a young age, I don't think he will be here to make our bench, especially after a defeat last weekend.
  We will be a stepping stone for him to play at a higher standard next season, and if I was a betting man I would be on him to play most matches like Faal injury allowing.

Assuming that you maybe  a betting man what odds would you give him be selected more than 10 matches (from the start)?

10/1  meaning you bet £10 to win £1 and I'm being generous
it's obvious he should have gone to a League one team not a League 2 team ( let's  forget about that "dud Thomas " we signed from them who they soon released)  - Craig signed a long term deal in the Summer of 2023 as I said.

and it's obvious we splashed the cash (plus the joker card playing)  to outbid  league one teams

I have been watching Plymouth for 3 years now seeing how they splash the cash to fill half the team with top quality loanees --- GRANT KNOWS THIS TRICK AS WELL AND HAS GOT THE T_SHIRT -- easy if you have the pennies

:::Plymouth have just taken a tottenham 18 year old on loan as a couple of their loanees have been recalled :  let's call it a library book team 

remember  our joker card - in that Mason knows we are a family club with a Championship Stadium and pitch - we have a reputation for not playing "hoof ball land of the giants " football and we helped his career



the joker card ?

"In August 2010, Mason was loaned for the first time to Championship team Doncaster Rovers on a two-month loan deal,[15] and made five appearances.[16] Then in January 2011, he was loaned back to Doncaster until the end of the season[17] and made a further ten appearances.[16]

On 28 July 2011, Mason signed a new two-year contract with Tottenham, keeping him at the club until June 2013. He was then immediately loaned back to Doncaster on a season-long loan.[18][19] Mason was recalled back to Tottenham in November 2011 after making five appearances since the start of the season.[20] On 29 December 2011, Mason and teammate Harry Kane agreed a loan deal with Championship club Millwall from 1 January until the end of the season.[21]"

Mason will remember the circumstances of his recall ? (was he injured ?)

Season changing loan ??  me thinx yes

now what are those odds

 
Are saying that he is 10/1 to be selected for more than 10 matches?
Title: Re: Matthew Craig
Post by: Colemans Left Hook on January 11, 2024, 10:45:13 pm
Kendrick "when I said now what are those odds "  I was referring to our chances of a top half finish which have massively improved    ... we are now in calm waters

 
Title: Re: Matthew Craig
Post by: Colemans Left Hook on February 14, 2024, 12:07:00 am
Nice to see that McCann has put his stamp on the recruitment process........."do you have a girlfriend?" indeed  :laugh:

That question is probably more important than you realise. It’s about perceived professionalism and maturity. The view would be that if he has a girlfriend he is less likely to go out on benders with his mates and potentially getting into trouble
Some clubs encourage players to form relationships and have families young to help them become ‘sensible’ and ‘mature’

Anyway - welcome Matt!

Apparently they offered us Casanova   :evil:  but we decided he was too good on the balls and high risk

https://www.tottenhamhotspur.com/teams/under-21/players/dante-cassanova/

this one sounds like a "goodun"  he's an identical twin   both at Tottenham so we should have asked for a BOGOFF

https://www.tottenhamhotspur.com/news/2023/july/craig-signs-new-contract/

"Craig was handed his Premier League debut on the final day of last season’s Premier League by Ryan Mason as he came on for the last 13 minutes of the club’s 4-1 win away at Elland Road.

https://www.tottenhamhotspurnews.com/youth/view-tottenham-push-to-future-continues-as-matthew-craig-commits-future-to-spurs/

"....   After coming onto the pitch, Craig won 100 per cent of his ground duels, made 11 touches, registered a successful passing accuracy of 83 per cent and made four tackles without being dribbled past once (SofaScore)."

and to think the crapp one or two of you posted after his debut  :headbang:

Title: Re: Matthew Craig
Post by: ncRover on February 14, 2024, 09:32:14 am
https://youtu.be/ThhgluOPq1k?si=QEbXxDOLSjrwYKFy
Title: Re: Matthew Craig
Post by: drfchound on February 14, 2024, 09:52:32 am
https://youtu.be/ThhgluOPq1k?si=QEbXxDOLSjrwYKFy

A good and honest appraisal from Matty there.
The bit about having to learn how to cook for himself shows how he is having to adapt to his life right now.

Title: Re: Matthew Craig
Post by: ncRover on February 20, 2024, 09:18:40 pm
Was looking at tonight’s games and thought Reading had stole him off us!

His identical twin brother plays for them. Same position.
Title: Re: Matthew Craig
Post by: jmt23 on February 24, 2024, 04:59:46 pm
Crikey this lad is some player, grit, skill, one hell of an engine. Great to watch
Title: Re: Matthew Craig
Post by: roversdude on February 24, 2024, 05:31:56 pm
Deserved MOTM today just ahead of Bailey and Biggins
Title: Re: Matthew Craig
Post by: mushRTID on February 24, 2024, 05:34:01 pm
He was brilliant. He is brilliant.

Pleased Biggins has been mentioned too, he’s took a lot of stick but was exceptional today also.
Title: Re: Matthew Craig
Post by: The Dav on February 24, 2024, 05:40:23 pm
Before today I must say I was in the Biggins out brigade, however he was superb today ! That’s the best I’ve seen him play in the hoops, Craig is just different gravy.
Title: Re: Matthew Craig
Post by: Filo on February 24, 2024, 05:42:54 pm
Hands up for me, first couple of games I thought he looked out of his depth, he now seems to have grasped what it takes in mens football, excellent today, as was Biggins whi I’ve been critical of in the past
Title: Re: Matthew Craig
Post by: Peebles Rover on February 24, 2024, 05:57:12 pm
Watching him live today, was so impressed with Matty Craig. Winning so many tackles and very calm on his he ball. As per poster above, was slightly surprised how good Biggins looked
Title: Re: Matthew Craig
Post by: GazLaz on February 24, 2024, 05:58:52 pm
Thought it was interesting when GM said he was a “sensational player”. Don’t usually hear managers say things as clear as that.
Title: Re: Matthew Craig
Post by: Filo on February 24, 2024, 06:02:47 pm
Amazing what a functioning midfield gives you
Title: Re: Matthew Craig
Post by: Campsall rover on February 24, 2024, 06:02:55 pm
Mathew Craig MOM by a mile.

I actually thought Biggins was better last week at Grimsby.
Title: Re: Matthew Craig
Post by: Padge_DRFC on February 24, 2024, 06:13:31 pm
Westbrook still to come back. Likely where Biggins and Waters have been playing
Title: Re: Matthew Craig
Post by: adamtherover on February 24, 2024, 06:15:52 pm
Westbrook still to come back. Likely where Biggins and Waters have been playing
thought waters was outstanding when he came on today.,  his best game....
Title: Re: Matthew Craig
Post by: RoversInSpain on February 24, 2024, 06:26:35 pm
Craig was total quality today, everything we have missed in the middle. Please can he do a full season with us next year?
Biggins looks like it’s dawned on him his contract is up soon (if that is the case). Looked up for it, ran at defenders and got some tackles in. So where has that been the last year?
A mention for Sterry getting better every game, hope his head is ok and we just took him off so we weren’t a man short for 30 seconds.
5 unbeaten….. let’s keep it going.
Title: Re: Matthew Craig
Post by: andysly on February 24, 2024, 06:38:08 pm
Exceptional player, does everything a good midfielder should do and does it very well. Had won MoM by HT.
Title: Re: Matthew Craig
Post by: ravenrover on February 24, 2024, 07:12:40 pm
Craig and Bailey sat in allows Biggins to get up and down, in support of front 3.
Craig after a slow tentative 1st couple of games is doing the business, tremendous today
Title: Re: Matthew Craig
Post by: drfchound on February 24, 2024, 07:18:58 pm
Craig said in his post Salford interview that he was coming to grips with the mens game after finding the first couple of games very different to the U21’s.
He has been superb in the last three games and will be better still as time goes on IMO.
Biggins and Bailey supported him really well, today and last weekend at Grimsby.
I said three weeks ago that he might become our new Herbie and I’m more convinced of that now.
Title: Re: Matthew Craig
Post by: andyst79 on February 24, 2024, 07:28:13 pm
Amazing what a functioning midfield gives you
A pair of centre midfielders  that actually provide some protection for the back four but can get on the ball and play also.
Title: Re: Matthew Craig
Post by: BillyStubbsTears on February 24, 2024, 07:45:46 pm
Craig was absolutely superb today. Ran the match.

Season long loan for next year?
Title: Re: Matthew Craig
Post by: Donnywolf on February 24, 2024, 07:58:16 pm
Craig and Bailey sat in allows Biggins to get up and down, in support of front 3.
Craig after a slow tentative 1st couple of games is doing the business, tremendous today

He really WAS and no wonder Spurs have him tied down for a long time. They MUST have seen the promise.

They dont all make it as JE-T on another thread , and Winks and the abysmal Harry Worley and dare I say my favourite in recent Years Herbie who I thought would be in Championship minimum and Craig might not bet what a prospect at the moment
Title: Re: Matthew Craig
Post by: CJK on February 24, 2024, 08:10:13 pm
Outstanding today. Him and Bailey really doing a good job in those roles.

Title: Re: Matthew Craig
Post by: pib on February 24, 2024, 09:30:07 pm
Looks a good find on the basis of the last few games. Just what we’ve needed in midfield. Him and Adelakun have added that bit of composure and class on the ball we’ve badly needed.

I’d like to see him back next season if he can carry on performing like he has in the last couple of weeks. Deservedly MOM today.
Title: Re: Matthew Craig
Post by: Colin C No.3 on February 24, 2024, 10:09:38 pm
Craig was absolutely superb today. Ran the match.

Season long loan for next year?

He has ‘grown up’ very quickly & has realised that ‘pretty football’ is fine when you’re at a Premiership club but at this level you need grit & physicality to go with your parent club ask from you.

If he carries on in this vane he may well be that midfielder we’ve craved for (Close isn’t imo) this season.

I have to agree, I would love to have him for a full season.

A good post BST.

You even got a ‘like’ from hound. Well done to you.
Title: Re: Matthew Craig
Post by: ncRover on February 25, 2024, 06:43:16 am
Not a chance he’s here next season.

But I would trust McCann to find another similar player.

Close is too slow, weak and not up for the battle. Let him go.
Title: Re: Matthew Craig
Post by: andyst79 on February 25, 2024, 08:08:44 am
Not a chance he’s here next season.

But I would trust McCann to find another similar player.

Close is too slow, weak and not up for the battle. Let him go.
I'd argue that part of our upturn in form is down to Close not being in the side also. I appreciate Woods come back & we've signed a decent keeper and got an outlet in Adelakun but more importantly we've got 2 all action midfielders in Craig & Bailey , the game was scrappy at times yesterday but these 2 rolled up their sleeves and stood firm.
Title: Re: Matthew Craig
Post by: ravenrover on February 25, 2024, 09:01:46 am
Bailey put so much in that he was treading water chasing the player late 2nd half, love him
Title: Re: Matthew Craig
Post by: roversdude on February 25, 2024, 10:34:01 am
Bailey has been signing of the season imo and looked to be a decent foreman (foreperson) in his acting role
Title: Re: Matthew Craig
Post by: DonnyBazR0ver on February 25, 2024, 10:51:29 am
I would agree, the chances of getting Craig again on loan are slim. If he continues his good form,,Spurs will want to see him tested at a higher level. He's setting a high benchmark for someone to follow but there's plenty of time for McCann to find a replacement for next season.

It will be interesting to see how McCann integrates Westbrook back into the team whilst maintaining the midfield balance we've found in recent games.

I would agree about Close, who I do rate, but lacks the bite Craig has to his game, so I think it's quite likely, he'll move on for a fresh start elsewhere.

For the time being, let's enjoy seeing Craig  for the rest of this season.
Title: Re: Matthew Craig
Post by: ncRover on February 25, 2024, 03:33:20 pm
Westbrooke will be the competition for Biggins in the attacking midfield position I’d imagine. I think he used to play there for Cov and Bristol Rovers?

Then Waters can offer competition for Molyneux.
Title: Re: Matthew Craig
Post by: Colemans Left Hook on February 28, 2024, 01:29:02 am
  The team he is from, and the level he played at although briefly showing they think he is near to the level they want him at at a young age, I don't think he will be here to make our bench, especially after a defeat last weekend.
  We will be a stepping stone for him to play at a higher standard next season, and if I was a betting man I would be on him to play most matches like Faal injury allowing.

Assuming that you maybe  a betting man what odds would you give him be selected more than 10 matches (from the start)?

10/1  meaning you bet £10 to win £1 and I'm being generous
it's obvious he should have gone to a League one team not a League 2 team ( let's  forget about that "dud Thomas " we signed from them who they soon released)  - Craig signed a long term deal in the Summer of 2023 as I said.

and it's obvious we splashed the cash (plus the joker card playing)  to outbid  league one teams

I have been watching Plymouth for 3 years now seeing how they splash the cash to fill half the team with top quality loanees --- GRANT KNOWS THIS TRICK AS WELL AND HAS GOT THE T_SHIRT -- easy if you have the pennies

:::Plymouth have just taken a tottenham 18 year old on loan as a couple of their loanees have been recalled :  let's call it a library book team 

remember  our joker card - in that Mason knows we are a family club with a Championship Stadium and pitch - we have a reputation for not playing "hoof ball land of the giants " football and we helped his career



the joker card ?

"In August 2010, Mason was loaned for the first time to Championship team Doncaster Rovers on a two-month loan deal,[15] and made five appearances.[16] Then in January 2011, he was loaned back to Doncaster until the end of the season[17] and made a further ten appearances.[16]

On 28 July 2011, Mason signed a new two-year contract with Tottenham, keeping him at the club until June 2013. He was then immediately loaned back to Doncaster on a season-long loan.[18][19] Mason was recalled back to Tottenham in November 2011 after making five appearances since the start of the season.[20] On 29 December 2011, Mason and teammate Harry Kane agreed a loan deal with Championship club Millwall from 1 January until the end of the season.[21]"

Mason will remember the circumstances of his recall ? (was he injured ?)

Season changing loan ??  me thinx yes

now what are those odds

if you read the above post on this thread plus my other post on this thread you will realise i said he shouldn't even be in this league and it was a season changing signing -  I mentioned about us getting a LOGOFF (LOAN ONE GET ONE FREE) he is obviously better than his brother who is at Reading

thank you once again Ryan Mason

I have told you all before that when SOD was Bournemouth Manager the club made a chance phone call to Harry Redknapp and cheakily asked if they could have an 18 year old on loan -- he scored that many goals on loan that SOD actually apologised to the opposing Manager on one ocassion (sadly can't find it )

but this is a great read about what can happen when you sign an 18 year old ringer as SOD did

https://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/remembering-jermain-defoe-bournemouth-a-prolific-prem-hitman-discovers-a-taste-goals

.... "Defoe wasn't even impressive in training"