Viking Supporters Co-operative
Viking Chat => Viking Chat => Topic started by: Buzzberry on March 30, 2024, 03:01:34 pm
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2 year deal another one. Looking promising next season
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Shocked with this one.
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He’s a talented player and both he and Westbrooke have been at times very good together, but another one with questions over physicality. With Broadbent also contracted next season, we have largely the same centre midfield next season as this.
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nager Grant McCann said: "We're very pleased to agree a new deal with Ben.
"Before he picked up the unfortunate injury at Bradford, he was in top form. His performances were of a very high standard and we turned down some bids for him in January.
"We are looking forward to getting Ben back fit because he's integral for us and how we play."
Personally I would have moved on, I think the fact Ben is out the team and the midfield is firing is an indicator we could have changed something there.
But over all that I trust grant to get it right, so if he seens a way with Ben around the squad, he gets my backing
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He has to make decisions over Rowe, Taylor and Biggins now. Hope we don’t see too much continuity. We are playing well partly because Bailey and Craig are so good in midfield. The rest of the midfield haven’t been the main driver.
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Trust Grant but not sure on this one.
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His league appearances so far with us:
2023/24 - 17
2022/23 - 36
2021/22 - 14
He’s played 51pc of our league games while at the club.
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He has to make decisions over Rowe, Taylor and Biggins now. Hope we don’t see too much continuity. We are playing well partly because Bailey and Craig are so good in midfield. The rest of the midfield haven’t been the main driver.
Biggins has been outstanding over the last 6 games or so
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Re-signing a midfielder who is seemingly too fragile to tackle is not a good decision.
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Yes, I'm a bit surprised too. I rate Close but I thought he could move on. He's been with us for sometime but, the injuries he's had have deprived us of seeing him at his very best. Only fairly recently, with Westbrooke, did we see glimpses of what he can do.
I get the concerns about his robustness so I wouldn't have been shocked if he moved on, particularly with Westbrooke signing and Craig showing the kind of midfielder we need to be stronger in the middle of the park. Bailey obviously now contributing to that better balance too.
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Re-signing a midfielder who is seemingly too fragile to tackle is not a good decision.
If McCann thinks it’s a good decision that’s good enough for me
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Surprised by this one, fingers crossed that Grant's got it right.
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Hmm. Probably our best player on his day, and there's no doubt that he makes a great partner for Westbrook in there. The issue is how often will both be fit to start together?
We haven't seen the best of him as he's been plagued by injuries and surrounded by garbage ever since he's been here. Hopefully both will change next season so we can get more from him.
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Unsure on this. Personally I wouldn’t have extended him and for 2 years at that.
However we need a squad and he’s got ability. Just hope he’s not an expensive earner for us. While he’s got ability he’s never done enough to a a top earner imo
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With Westbrooke they can both pic a pass - with Bailey and please, Craig, keeping the door shut I’m very happy
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Hmmmmmm.
It's very surprising that McCann feels he's 'integral' to how we play. He's never got to those dizzying heights consistently. Having Bailey in there is more 'integral' because he's at least going to do the dirty work that Close can not, and will not, do.
I know there's no chance we'll sign him, but Craig already looks like he's going to become a way more accomplished midfielder.
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Grant knows what he’s doing, but I’d hoped he’d be on his way, it’s never worked out for him here. Hopefully it’s a lower package which allows us to spend some money elsewhere.
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I reckon Grant must think he’s long term going to play the Craig role of getting on the ball deep and getting us started. It’s unlikely we’ll sign Craig again so this is maybe the plan for that position
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Hmmmmmm.
It's very surprising that McCann feels he's 'integral' to how we play. He's never got to those dizzying heights consistently. Having Bailey in there is more 'integral' because he's at least going to do the dirty work that Close can not, and will not, do.
I know there's no chance we'll sign him, but Craig already looks like he's going to become a way more accomplished midfielder.
Craig was on the wrong end of a very high and dangerous tackle by a Crawley CB yesterday and was shaken up by it. But he got up and more than played his part in a quality midfield performance.
The defender got a yellow card but IMO the tackle was as bad as the one by Tom.
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With Grant saying he wants a smaller squad next year and 4 lads already renewing, I do wonder what scope this leaves us for new signings?
Hopefully Moly is next and you could see Biggins staying too. 6 renewals wouldn’t leave much space for new signings would it?
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Totally bewildered, our best form has coincided with both Close and Westbrooke being out injured. That’s 2 players who have questionable fitness levels and have zero ability to tackle signed. Yes the new physio is doing well however what happens if he leaves?
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Totally bewildered, our best form has coincided with both Close and Westbrooke being out injured. That’s 2 players who have questionable fitness levels and have zero ability to tackle signed. Yes the new physio is doing well however what happens if he leaves?
Correlation is not causation.
Our best form has coincided with fabulous signings of TLT, Haks and Craig. TLT has given us a bedrock for a solid defence brimming with confidence and strengthened with Maxwell back.
To suggest our form is linked to these two quality players missing is a bit simplistic for me as about 10 cogs have been changed, turned or lubricated in some way.
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I’m a fan of Close and have defended him on here for a while, but have to admit I’m surprised and a little bit concerned that his contract has been renewed. I think we have to consider robustness as well as talent and there are obviously major question marks over the first of those two qualities.
Especially surprised that both he and Westbrooke have been renewed. I thought it would be one or the other.
I really hope I’m wrong and that he plays 45 games in a title-winning Rovers side next season.
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Totally bewildered, our best form has coincided with both Close and Westbrooke being out injured. That’s 2 players who have questionable fitness levels and have zero ability to tackle signed. Yes the new physio is doing well however what happens if he leaves?
Westbrooke got injured at the end of November. Go have a look at our form after that
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Nobody knows how much these renewed contract lads are on but it is reasonable to think they are among the highest earners, even if they have taken a wage cut on renewal. You would imagine the only higher earners then who are leaving are going to be Taylor and Rowe. That does not release the kind of money needed to really bring in quality to make us into contenders next season for promotion. The rest of the likely leavers this summer will not be on much at all, unless any of the currently contracted players leave as well.
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Bizarre this one, really surprised that mcann rates him.
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I don’t think our defenders will be happy with this one.
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I'm surprised, I'd have moved on. But, we played some good football in midfield first half of the season, we just kept conceding from crosses. Let's see how he does.
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Before our amazing recent run we hadn't won a game without both Close and Westbrook in the team. Or maybe only 1 early on.
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I presume our head of medical has been consulted and given the ok.
If he plays he impacts our game for the better, remember some of the goals and passes he produced earlier in the season, he creates goals from nothing, we haven’t got many like that in the squad.
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He’s a great player but he’s another player who’s odds on to play less than 30 games next season.
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Senior plays contracted for next season:
Jones
Lawlor
Olowu
Wood
Anderson
McGrath
Maxwell
Senior
Sterry
Bailey
Close
Westbrooke
Broadbent
Hurst
Ironside
Miller
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Totally bewildered, our best form has coincided with both Close and Westbrooke being out injured. That’s 2 players who have questionable fitness levels and have zero ability to tackle signed. Yes the new physio is doing well however what happens if he leaves?
Correlation is not causation.
Our best form has coincided with fabulous signings of TLT, Haks and Craig. TLT has given us a bedrock for a solid defence brimming with confidence and strengthened with Maxwell back.
To suggest our form is linked to these two quality players missing is a bit simplistic for me as about 10 cogs have been changed, turned or lubricated in some way.
Where did I say that, I stated our best form has occurred when neither have played, neither in my opinion have done enough to secure another contract. I hope I’m wrong but I still expect both to spend over 40% of their new contracts in the physio room
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I think this will be an excellent signing. Close is a proper player and this will add competition for places. With no insight into wages etc (and without access to Gaz lazs data bank) not sure we could recruit a player of his type on a 2 year deal. He gives us something different. He is not being hailed as the new Wellens or Stock but as another cog in the machine. He'll be in the team on merit and if he isn't, and is only on the bench, then it would suggest we will have a really solid functioning midfield next season
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Hes a very good player and can make things happen. Needs protection though and Bailey can provide that. Needs to stay fit. Really rate Matty Craig but he wont be with us next year.
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I think our incredible recent run without Close might be clouding some judgment here. Ben was THE difference when we had a mini run earlier in the season, before he was injured again. Hopefully, his injuries are behind him and we can look forward to him being back to his best more consistently.
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Only just seen this.
Quite surprised as most seem to be.
He is a very good footballer with the ball but without it he is a bit of a passenger.
Luxury player in a physical league.
We have to trust GM on this one. Thought his wages combined with Taylor and Rowe would free up some considerable funds and give us the chance to sign Lo Tutola and Adalukan and Biamou.
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McCann must have a plan but it in three seasons watching him (when he's played) I can't work this out.
For so long the midfield was questionable at best and we are offering contracts to them all.
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Close is a ‘luxury’ player in this division that demands high work rate & physicality. He’s ’easy on the eye’ with the ball in space but ask him to go into a 45/55 tackle or track back 40 yards….forget it.
Even Adelukan got a ‘cheeky tackle’ in against Crawley which broke up their attack & took away their initiative. Incredibly and wasn’t booked by Coco The Clown ‘refereeing’ the game.
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I don't think the decision on Taylor will be a difficult one!!
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I don't think the decision on Taylor will be a difficult one!!
It shouldn’t be although I feel desperately sorry for JT
He always gave 100% when he played and no one gets injured on purpose.
What about Tommy Rowe. Is GM going to surprise us with him and offer him another contract?
He has been a great servant of the club but times up for him imo. As I have said many times this season and last season he is a shadow of the player he was in 2018/19
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I don't think the decision on Taylor will be a difficult one!!
It shouldn’t be although I feel desperately sorry for JT
He always gave 100% when he played and no one gets injured on purpose.
What about Tommy Rowe. Is GM going to surprise us with him and offer him another contract?
He has been a great servant of the club but times up for him imo. As I have said many times this season and last season he is a shadow of the player he was in 2018/19
Agreed, plus I would imagine they are both amongst the highest paid at the club.
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We need 2 attacking midfielders to sign now.
It looks like 1 will be Biggins the way things are going. I know he’s been good recently but I don’t think another 2 years of him and Close is wise.
It’s proven over a season and a half to be a bottom half league 2 combination.
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Rowe more a utilty player this season, no longer 1st choice reduced contract offer take it or leave it
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The thing at the moment is we don’t know how much GM has to spend in the summer. Can’t get my head around both Westbrooke and Close, players who won’t play every game, plus Wood who is old.
I prefer to have a smaller squad with higher quality and while these lads might fit the quality part I’m not sure they help with a smaller squad.
That said if we’re going for it in the summer we might be further strengening these positions in summer.
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If Wood can perform like he has been week in week out who cares about his age ?
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Totally bewildered, our best form has coincided with both Close and Westbrooke being out injured. That’s 2 players who have questionable fitness levels and have zero ability to tackle signed. Yes the new physio is doing well however what happens if he leaves?
Correlation is not causation.
Our best form has coincided with fabulous signings of TLT, Haks and Craig. TLT has given us a bedrock for a solid defence brimming with confidence and strengthened with Maxwell back.
To suggest our form is linked to these two quality players missing is a bit simplistic for me as about 10 cogs have been changed, turned or lubricated in some way.
Where did I say that, I stated our best form has occurred when neither have played, neither in my opinion have done enough to secure another contract. I hope I’m wrong but I still expect both to spend over 40% of their new contracts in the physio room
I think I’ve asked you this elsewhere and don’t think you answered? But why do you think westbrooke will spend a lot of time on the treatment table?
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If Wood can perform like he has been week in week out who cares about his age ?
His age doesn’t matter but the reality is it’s likely going to be a factor in the number of games he plays. And in a small squad that’s important
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Close is an extremely good player at this level, his passing range is excellent, by far the best playmaker, but he needs quality and strength around him.
We will need some squad players, but I think we can find better than Biggins, I have not seen anything other than a worldie once every season, other than that he just runs around- I think we could find better, Bailey is an example of this.Grant also believes Broadbent will be a star at some point, I’ve seen some good flashes, but looks like he’s struggled to make an impact.
I have my fingers crossed on Matty Craig, he has said he would like to come back when his spell ends too, but the caveat to that was,if spurs allow me too.
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I doubt Craig will be back here next season, he'll surely be moving up the pyramid.
A few hopefuls clinging onto he said he'd like to come back, it was a pretty loaded question from what I saw & that was a young, shy, not wanting to offend, lad's answer.
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If Wood can perform like he has been week in week out who cares about his age ?
Exactly. Age is only a number. Don’t remember anyone saying Copps was too old when he was 38/39/40
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If you were to define the archetypal McCann player I don’t think it would be anything like Close and I just do not see how he would fit into the pace and pattern of play which has brought us success since the Sutton game. Craig is like two players compared with Close and fits the template perfectly. I thought/hoped that it was only McCann’s judgment of goalkeepers (pre TLT) that was faulty!
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Senior plays contracted for next season:
Jones
Lawlor
Olowu
Wood
Anderson
McGrath
Maxwell
Senior
Sterry
Bailey
Close
Westbrooke
Broadbent
Hurst
Ironside
Miller
Sotona has another year left
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The keeper situation really worries me ! They both need to go for me…..and get this lad in if possible on a perm or at least another season long loan.
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Its understandable that many are a bit dubious about Ben's new deal.
What we have to appreciate is that GM sees these players every day and knows their capabilities and weaknesses, armed with that info and what he expects to be able to get from his other squad players and who he may be able to bring in for competition, this should give him a basis to build a squad with.
We can all guess about players, tactics and combinations but at the end of the day GM will be making the big calls, i'm quite happy for this to be the case, he gets far more right then he gets wrong.
What we do know is that he's managed to turn the squad around with some very capable players brought in, we may not be able to keep many of them but it gives us a flavour of what GM is looking for and how he intends to integrate players into the squad. The signing of players like Wood, Westbrooke and Close is key as they will all be first team starters when available and have the quality that at this level will stand us in good stead. We don't know who's next on the block (hopefully Moly) but its going to great to see what's in store for us next season.
Keep them coming Grant.
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What a waste of a contract …… what has done to deserve a renewal …… baffling….. the midfield maestro central to the way that teams overpowered and ran thro us for the previous two years ……
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Close is a ‘luxury’ player in this division that demands high work rate & physicality. He’s ’easy on the eye’ with the ball in space but ask him to go into a 45/55 tackle or track back 40 yards….forget it.
Even Adelukan got a ‘cheeky tackle’ in against Crawley which broke up their attack & took away their initiative. Incredibly and wasn’t booked by Coco The Clown ‘refereeing’ the game.
Welcome for another two whole years Ben.
What do i know.
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Senior plays contracted for next season:
Jones
Lawlor
Olowu
Wood
Anderson
McGrath
Maxwell
Senior
Sterry
Bailey
Close
Westbrooke
Broadbent
Hurst
Ironside
Miller
deffo need to move one or maybe both keepers on..
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He’s a talented player and both he and Westbrooke have been at times very good together, but another one with questions over physicality. With Broadbent also contracted next season, we have largely the same centre midfield next season as this.
In my opinion…
Westbrooke and Close rotate for the deeper playmaker role that Craig currently occupies rather than play together - watch the way Craig often shows to receive the ball from the GK and defence.
Bailey has the all action role. Broadbent is the deputy that is unlikely to see many minutes - he replaced Bailey in the last home game.
Then for the attacking midfield role it will be between 2 others. Midfielders who are energetic and can press high.
That’s the make up of the midfield roles I’ve noticed this season.
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Totally bewildered, our best form has coincided with both Close and Westbrooke being out injured. That’s 2 players who have questionable fitness levels and have zero ability to tackle signed. Yes the new physio is doing well however what happens if he leaves?
Correlation is not causation.
Our best form has coincided with fabulous signings of TLT, Haks and Craig. TLT has given us a bedrock for a solid defence brimming with confidence and strengthened with Maxwell back.
To suggest our form is linked to these two quality players missing is a bit simplistic for me as about 10 cogs have been changed, turned or lubricated in some way.
Where did I say that, I stated our best form has occurred when neither have played, neither in my opinion have done enough to secure another contract. I hope I’m wrong but I still expect both to spend over 40% of their new contracts in the physio room
Where did you say it?
"our best form has coincided with both Close and Westbrooke being out injured."
That's correlation being implied as causation and also, as I said, "suggests our form is linked to these two quality players missing".
Again, in your sentence above "I stated our best form has occurred when neither have played, " - that's correlation being implied as causation.
I was merely pointing out many other factors that have contributed to the turnaround. I actually believe that Ben and Zain would have contributed to the turnaround if they had continued to be fit, BECAUSE of the the other changes made. I believe that their absence has not in any way acted as an causation of the upturn.
At least we agree on one thing - we both hope you're wrong! ;)
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Totally bewildered, our best form has coincided with both Close and Westbrooke being out injured. That’s 2 players who have questionable fitness levels and have zero ability to tackle signed. Yes the new physio is doing well however what happens if he leaves?
Correlation is not causation.
Our best form has coincided with fabulous signings of TLT, Haks and Craig. TLT has given us a bedrock for a solid defence brimming with confidence and strengthened with Maxwell back.
To suggest our form is linked to these two quality players missing is a bit simplistic for me as about 10 cogs have been changed, turned or lubricated in some way.
Where did I say that, I stated our best form has occurred when neither have played, neither in my opinion have done enough to secure another contract. I hope I’m wrong but I still expect both to spend over 40% of their new contracts in the physio room
I think I’ve asked you this elsewhere and don’t think you answered? But why do you think westbrooke will spend a lot of time on the treatment table?
If you have I didn’t see it, the reason is he gets injured a lot. It may well be because he gets targeted and taken out by opposition players. I’ve not stated that Close or Westbrooke are poor players, they aren’t but neither are robust enough for league 2.
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Westbrooke doesn’t get injured a lot though. This recent operation is the first of his career
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I'm not surprised by this because Grant said earlier on in the season Close signing another contract was a priority. I'd love it if Close stays injury free and bosses our midfield next season but he's done nothing in the last 3 seasons to suggest this will be the case.
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I'm not sure on this one but we are going to need a squad next season. I think we will still need to bring another couple of new midfielders through the door on the basis Craig goes back to Spurs and Rowe is released.
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Close did during his time with Portsmouth have seasons where he ploughed through league games, getting 35+ in two seasons. These are not typical of the rest of his career but hopefully he can replicate for this contract.
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Close would be ok as a squad player on middle wages. My problem with this is that we’ll have signed him as one of our top earner slots. So assuming we have say 6/7 high earners this is one less spot for a TLT/Haks/Craig etc.
Clearly a tidy player but will always be synonymous with our limp lifeless seasons where he’s been a passenger. I wouldn’t have kept him.
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Totally bewildered, our best form has coincided with both Close and Westbrooke being out injured. That’s 2 players who have questionable fitness levels and have zero ability to tackle signed. Yes the new physio is doing well however what happens if he leaves?
Correlation is not causation.
Our best form has coincided with fabulous signings of TLT, Haks and Craig. TLT has given us a bedrock for a solid defence brimming with confidence and strengthened with Maxwell back.
To suggest our form is linked to these two quality players missing is a bit simplistic for me as about 10 cogs have been changed, turned or lubricated in some way.
Where did I say that, I stated our best form has occurred when neither have played, neither in my opinion have done enough to secure another contract. I hope I’m wrong but I still expect both to spend over 40% of their new contracts in the physio room
Where did you say it?
"our best form has coincided with both Close and Westbrooke being out injured."
That's correlation being implied as causation and also, as I said, "suggests our form is linked to these two quality players missing".
Again, in your sentence above "I stated our best form has occurred when neither have played, " - that's correlation being implied as causation.
I was merely pointing out many other factors that have contributed to the turnaround. I actually believe that Ben and Zain would have contributed to the turnaround if they had continued to be fit, BECAUSE of the the other changes made. I believe that their absence has not in any way acted as an causation of the upturn.
At least we agree on one thing - we both hope you're wrong! ;)
Good post. Close has been our best player this season. Him missing has hindered us if anything.
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Sometimes when there are a few additions to a squad, how the newer set up functions enables players who have been (let’s say) bang average, to become much better performers.
Their ability and potential may have always been there (which the coaching side see every day) but may not have translated into games due to the overall combinations, motivation, attitude etc.
A small amount of new players could be the catalyst to get the best out of “squad” players.
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Sometimes when there are a few additions to a squad, how the newer set up functions enables players who have been (let’s say) bang average, to become much better performers.
Their ability and potential may have always been there (which the coaching side see every day) but may not have translated into games due to the overall combinations, motivation, attitude etc.
A small amount of new players could be the catalyst to get the best out of “squad” players.
Confidence plays a big part as well. When you are winning you move a bit quicker and other players show more for the ball. You can be a bit more expansive as well. The other thing is that as well as being more solid at the back we are more of a threat going forward, pushing the opposition midfield and defence deeper.
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Totally bewildered, our best form has coincided with both Close and Westbrooke being out injured. That’s 2 players who have questionable fitness levels and have zero ability to tackle signed. Yes the new physio is doing well however what happens if he leaves?
Correlation is not causation.
Our best form has coincided with fabulous signings of TLT, Haks and Craig. TLT has given us a bedrock for a solid defence brimming with confidence and strengthened with Maxwell back.
To suggest our form is linked to these two quality players missing is a bit simplistic for me as about 10 cogs have been changed, turned or lubricated in some way.
Where did I say that, I stated our best form has occurred when neither have played, neither in my opinion have done enough to secure another contract. I hope I’m wrong but I still expect both to spend over 40% of their new contracts in the physio room
Where did you say it?
"our best form has coincided with both Close and Westbrooke being out injured."
That's correlation being implied as causation and also, as I said, "suggests our form is linked to these two quality players missing".
Again, in your sentence above "I stated our best form has occurred when neither have played, " - that's correlation being implied as causation.
I was merely pointing out many other factors that have contributed to the turnaround. I actually believe that Ben and Zain would have contributed to the turnaround if they had continued to be fit, BECAUSE of the the other changes made. I believe that their absence has not in any way acted as an causation of the upturn.
At least we agree on one thing - we both hope you're wrong! ;)
Good post. Close has been our best player this season. Him missing has hindered us if anything.
Do you sit behind someone wearing a top hat?
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You don't get rid of skilled players, despite what a lot think he must be good, that is why GM wants to keep him. I would rather follow his judgment of him than some of the posters on here.
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Totally bewildered, our best form has coincided with both Close and Westbrooke being out injured. That’s 2 players who have questionable fitness levels and have zero ability to tackle signed. Yes the new physio is doing well however what happens if he leaves?
This is nonsense.
They have only played 12 games together. We won 21 points from those games. That is 3rd/4th place form.
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Totally bewildered, our best form has coincided with both Close and Westbrooke being out injured. That’s 2 players who have questionable fitness levels and have zero ability to tackle signed. Yes the new physio is doing well however what happens if he leaves?
This is nonsense.
They have only played 12 games together. We won 21 points from those games. That is 3rd/4th place form.
Spot on, the only spell we've had from the beginning of the season to this recent run of form where we looked a good side was that spell of games with Close and Westbrooke linking up and controlling the midfield. I'm pleased we've signed them both up.
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Totally bewildered, our best form has coincided with both Close and Westbrooke being out injured. That’s 2 players who have questionable fitness levels and have zero ability to tackle signed. Yes the new physio is doing well however what happens if he leaves?
Correlation is not causation.
Our best form has coincided with fabulous signings of TLT, Haks and Craig. TLT has given us a bedrock for a solid defence brimming with confidence and strengthened with Maxwell back.
To suggest our form is linked to these two quality players missing is a bit simplistic for me as about 10 cogs have been changed, turned or lubricated in some way.
Where did I say that, I stated our best form has occurred when neither have played, neither in my opinion have done enough to secure another contract. I hope I’m wrong but I still expect both to spend over 40% of their new contracts in the physio room
Where did you say it?
"our best form has coincided with both Close and Westbrooke being out injured."
That's correlation being implied as causation and also, as I said, "suggests our form is linked to these two quality players missing".
Again, in your sentence above "I stated our best form has occurred when neither have played, " - that's correlation being implied as causation.
I was merely pointing out many other factors that have contributed to the turnaround. I actually believe that Ben and Zain would have contributed to the turnaround if they had continued to be fit, BECAUSE of the the other changes made. I believe that their absence has not in any way acted as an causation of the upturn.
At least we agree on one thing - we both hope you're wrong! ;)
Good post. Close has been our best player this season. Him missing has hindered us if anything.
Out of interest, what do his stats say this season?
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We can get better for less, and am I right some on here complained just a couple of weeks ago our run of better results earlier in the season were against just bottom sides.
I think it was in this run without Close we won our first game against a top six side.
He has been a big part in a poor team, even against non league sides, he has a lot to do to win me over, I hope he does for my and all our sakes both fitness and form wise, and the defenders playing behind him every week.
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Re-signing a midfielder who is seemingly too fragile to tackle is not a good decision.
If McCann thinks it’s a good decision that’s good enough for me
I agree totally.
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Totally bewildered, our best form has coincided with both Close and Westbrooke being out injured. That’s 2 players who have questionable fitness levels and have zero ability to tackle signed. Yes the new physio is doing well however what happens if he leaves?
Correlation is not causation.
Our best form has coincided with fabulous signings of TLT, Haks and Craig. TLT has given us a bedrock for a solid defence brimming with confidence and strengthened with Maxwell back.
To suggest our form is linked to these two quality players missing is a bit simplistic for me as about 10 cogs have been changed, turned or lubricated in some way.
Where did I say that, I stated our best form has occurred when neither have played, neither in my opinion have done enough to secure another contract. I hope I’m wrong but I still expect both to spend over 40% of their new contracts in the physio room
Where did you say it?
"our best form has coincided with both Close and Westbrooke being out injured."
That's correlation being implied as causation and also, as I said, "suggests our form is linked to these two quality players missing".
Again, in your sentence above "I stated our best form has occurred when neither have played, " - that's correlation being implied as causation.
I was merely pointing out many other factors that have contributed to the turnaround. I actually believe that Ben and Zain would have contributed to the turnaround if they had continued to be fit, BECAUSE of the the other changes made. I believe that their absence has not in any way acted as an causation of the upturn.
At least we agree on one thing - we both hope you're wrong! ;)
Good post. Close has been our best player this season. Him missing has hindered us if anything.
Out of interest, what do his stats say this season?
They say he’s been great. Only Adelakun and TLT better.
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We can get better for less, and am I right some on here complained just a couple of weeks ago our run of better results earlier in the season were against just bottom sides.
I think it was in this run without Close we won our first game against a top six side.
He has been a big part in a poor team, even against non league sides, he has a lot to do to win me over, I hope he does for my and all our sakes both fitness and form wise, and the defenders playing behind him every week.
Well you don't have to worry for my sake, good player for me glad to see he's staying
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I agree a few additions can make a massive difference to how a team plays, its the same when some are missing.
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Totally bewildered, our best form has coincided with both Close and Westbrooke being out injured. That’s 2 players who have questionable fitness levels and have zero ability to tackle signed. Yes the new physio is doing well however what happens if he leaves?
Correlation is not causation.
Our best form has coincided with fabulous signings of TLT, Haks and Craig. TLT has given us a bedrock for a solid defence brimming with confidence and strengthened with Maxwell back.
To suggest our form is linked to these two quality players missing is a bit simplistic for me as about 10 cogs have been changed, turned or lubricated in some way.
Where did I say that, I stated our best form has occurred when neither have played, neither in my opinion have done enough to secure another contract. I hope I’m wrong but I still expect both to spend over 40% of their new contracts in the physio room
Where did you say it?
"our best form has coincided with both Close and Westbrooke being out injured."
That's correlation being implied as causation and also, as I said, "suggests our form is linked to these two quality players missing".
Again, in your sentence above "I stated our best form has occurred when neither have played, " - that's correlation being implied as causation.
I was merely pointing out many other factors that have contributed to the turnaround. I actually believe that Ben and Zain would have contributed to the turnaround if they had continued to be fit, BECAUSE of the the other changes made. I believe that their absence has not in any way acted as an causation of the upturn.
At least we agree on one thing - we both hope you're wrong! ;)
Good post. Close has been our best player this season. Him missing has hindered us if anything.
Out of interest, what do his stats say this season?
They say he’s been great. Only Adelakun and TLT better.
In another thread didn’t you say that Adelakun’s numbers were similar to Kyle Hurst and he’s been over performing? Or am I misunderstanding something?
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Totally bewildered, our best form has coincided with both Close and Westbrooke being out injured. That’s 2 players who have questionable fitness levels and have zero ability to tackle signed. Yes the new physio is doing well however what happens if he leaves?
Correlation is not causation.
Our best form has coincided with fabulous signings of TLT, Haks and Craig. TLT has given us a bedrock for a solid defence brimming with confidence and strengthened with Maxwell back.
To suggest our form is linked to these two quality players missing is a bit simplistic for me as about 10 cogs have been changed, turned or lubricated in some way.
Where did I say that, I stated our best form has occurred when neither have played, neither in my opinion have done enough to secure another contract. I hope I’m wrong but I still expect both to spend over 40% of their new contracts in the physio room
Where did you say it?
"our best form has coincided with both Close and Westbrooke being out injured."
That's correlation being implied as causation and also, as I said, "suggests our form is linked to these two quality players missing".
Again, in your sentence above "I stated our best form has occurred when neither have played, " - that's correlation being implied as causation.
I was merely pointing out many other factors that have contributed to the turnaround. I actually believe that Ben and Zain would have contributed to the turnaround if they had continued to be fit, BECAUSE of the the other changes made. I believe that their absence has not in any way acted as an causation of the upturn.
At least we agree on one thing - we both hope you're wrong! ;)
Good post. Close has been our best player this season. Him missing has hindered us if anything.
Out of interest, what do his stats say this season?
They say he’s been great. Only Adelakun and TLT better.
In another thread didn’t you say that Adelakun’s numbers were similar to Kyle Hurst and he’s been over performing? Or am I misunderstanding something?
That was just his xG and xA numbers.
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Totally bewildered, our best form has coincided with both Close and Westbrooke being out injured. That’s 2 players who have questionable fitness levels and have zero ability to tackle signed. Yes the new physio is doing well however what happens if he leaves?
Correlation is not causation.
Our best form has coincided with fabulous signings of TLT, Haks and Craig. TLT has given us a bedrock for a solid defence brimming with confidence and strengthened with Maxwell back.
To suggest our form is linked to these two quality players missing is a bit simplistic for me as about 10 cogs have been changed, turned or lubricated in some way.
Where did I say that, I stated our best form has occurred when neither have played, neither in my opinion have done enough to secure another contract. I hope I’m wrong but I still expect both to spend over 40% of their new contracts in the physio room
Where did you say it?
"our best form has coincided with both Close and Westbrooke being out injured."
That's correlation being implied as causation and also, as I said, "suggests our form is linked to these two quality players missing".
Again, in your sentence above "I stated our best form has occurred when neither have played, " - that's correlation being implied as causation.
I was merely pointing out many other factors that have contributed to the turnaround. I actually believe that Ben and Zain would have contributed to the turnaround if they had continued to be fit, BECAUSE of the the other changes made. I believe that their absence has not in any way acted as an causation of the upturn.
At least we agree on one thing - we both hope you're wrong! ;)
Good post. Close has been our best player this season. Him missing has hindered us if anything.
Out of interest, what do his stats say this season?
They say he’s been great. Only Adelakun and TLT better.
In another thread didn’t you say that Adelakun’s numbers were similar to Kyle Hurst and he’s been over performing? Or am I misunderstanding something?
That was just his xG and xA numbers.
With Adeluken I dont think we can underestimate McCann's influence on how well hes playing. He has given him free reign to go & express himself, maybe he has been restricted in what he is allowed to do at other clubs!
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Such a waste of a contract, some may say he has a good pass in him. Some may say he is our linchpin, however, what has he produced in the last two seasons? Most assists? Most goals? Consistent performances week in week out?, most appearances?
What will opposition coaches say next season? Perhaps make sure, early on, he knows your there (aka whack him) and you will not not see him again. Not for me .... a waste of a contract
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Totally bewildered, our best form has coincided with both Close and Westbrooke being out injured. That’s 2 players who have questionable fitness levels and have zero ability to tackle signed. Yes the new physio is doing well however what happens if he leaves?
This is nonsense.
They have only played 12 games together. We won 21 points from those games. That is 3rd/4th place form.
They played 12 games together, says it all, I haven’t said they are bad players just players you can’t rely on to put a full season in plus at least one of those two were on everybody’s get rid of list before Christmas so no it isn’t nonsense, I really hope I’m wrong but looking at the list of players we have for next season it’s basically the same as the one that put us in the bottom four this season
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Totally bewildered, our best form has coincided with both Close and Westbrooke being out injured. That’s 2 players who have questionable fitness levels and have zero ability to tackle signed. Yes the new physio is doing well however what happens if he leaves?
This is nonsense.
They have only played 12 games together. We won 21 points from those games. That is 3rd/4th place form.
They played 12 games together, says it all, I haven’t said they are bad players just players you can’t rely on to put a full season in plus at least one of those two were on everybody’s get rid of list before Christmas so no it isn’t nonsense, I really hope I’m wrong but looking at the list of players we have for next season it’s basically the same as the one that put us in the bottom four this season
Still don’t understand why youre constantly classing Westbrooke as injury prone
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According to GM we turned down several bids for Close in January. Personally I'd have drove him wherever myself but in Grant we trust.
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I’ll read between the lines on this one. McCann has one or two very good midfielders in mind (possibly even Craig). Rowe and Biggins will depart to clear funds for these.
Close will have to earn his place, with performance and availability much higher than that of the last three years. He will be far from an automatic pick, offering more depth and quality from the bench should he not reach the standards he is surely capable of.
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Andyst79 I can understand not letting him go at the time, we were in an injury crisis, we were in danger of dropping out of the league, our most productive mid field player was a striker Faal who had finished his loan, and rather unfortunately Close was in one of his periodical fit periods soon after to end at Bradford.
It looks an opportunity missed now.