Viking Supporters Co-operative
Viking Chat => Viking Chat => Topic started by: andyst79 on April 03, 2024, 10:10:00 am
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Olowu & Wood have took most of the plaudits and for a performance as a team, man for man you don't get many better that. However Craig was sublime for me and looks to be the complete midfielder. Calm ,composed , strong in the tackle, always showing for the ball and rarely wastes possession, he looks to have a bright future.
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Best player on the pitch for 60 mins.
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Olowu & Wood have took most of the plaudits and for a performance as a team, man for man you don't get many better that. However Craig was sublime for me and looks to be the complete midfielder. Calm ,composed , strong in the tackle, always showing for the ball and rarely wastes possession, he looks to have a bright future.
Yes, well said! He’s everything we’ve missed, a Herbie Kane Mk2.
GM likened him to Kane, and he’s not wrong.
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Olowu & Wood have took most of the plaudits and for a performance as a team, man for man you don't get many better that. However Craig was sublime for me and looks to be the complete midfielder. Calm ,composed , strong in the tackle, always showing for the ball and rarely wastes possession, he looks to have a bright future.
Yes, well said! He’s everything we’ve missed, a Herbie Kane Mk2.
GM likened him to Kane, and he’s not wrong.
Astute bit of business by GM , on a whole the last transfer window must go down as one of our best
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If he’s back in league 2 next year he’s getting some very bad career advice. I think McCann has got Close and Westbrooke tied down because he’s knows it’s highly unlikely he’s back.
Craig will play at a far higher level than Herbie Kane currently does.
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I think Kane and Craig are two different types of players. Kane at had sublime turn and skill, and ability to get himself out of a pocket. Craig reminds me more of Paul Green - combative midfielder who's also comfortable on the ball (with probably a bit more potential and talent than Green).
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He’s the closest player to wellens we’ve ever had
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He's said that one of the players he looked up to at Spurs and who he aspires to follow is Harry Winks. He made his mark in the Spurs team at a young age so you can see where he wants to be. It will be tough but I'm sure we'd all like to see him get the opportunity.
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He’s the closest player to wellens we’ve ever had
Got a bit more bite than Wellens , was at least a couple of times him & I think it was Bailey picked their opposite numbers pockets by hooking their legs round with standing tackles. Close can't do what these two do and I think we need better to for a promotion push next season.
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He’s got a stature like Rooney. One point in first half he went in shoulder to shoulder and he just flattened their kid.
Excited to follow his career from here.
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Craig has been great but Kane was something else. One of the best loans we’ve ever had.
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Craig has been great but Kane was something else. One of the best loans we’ve ever had.
Before his injury.. after that he had gone off the boil somewhat.
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Craig has been great but Kane was something else. One of the best loans we’ve ever had.
I go back quite a few watching Donny & I’ll say Herbie was the best loan we’ve ever had. Let the opinion begin.
Ps I day Craig as MOTM last night. Faded in the last 15 mins along with others, but still superb.
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A lot of the early plaudits last night went to other players and I wondered if it was only me that thought Craig was truly brilliant at times. So often when it seemed impossible to regain possession he did just that with fast skilful feet plus a quick brain.
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Think he only wasted possession once in the 1st half (I'm happy to be corrected) whilst also recieving the ball in tight areas at times. Looked light years ahead of anybody else in the centre of the park
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Totally agree with this- took me a while to see what others were already thinking but love his ability and fearless attitude
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Craig has been great but Kane was something else. One of the best loans we’ve ever had.
Have to disagree here. Matt mills would have to be the best for me that play off season he was a rock.
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Tony Woodcock?
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Craig has been great but Kane was something else. One of the best loans we’ve ever had.
Have to disagree here. Matt mills would have to be the best for me that play off season he was a rock.
Players who score goals and Kane scored some really impressive ones, tend to attract more attention than those who toil hard in the more defensive midfield roles. Take Jacob Ramsey as an example of the former!
Incidentally Matt Mills was a defender, and I thought the focus here was on midfielders.
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I went to the Cheltenham match before we ended up in the playoffs with Leeds. Matt Mills was immense that day, playing CH, then popping up on the wing and then finally as a centre-forward in an attempt to get us up. He was a magnificent player for us, and on loan that season as well!
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Lets just hope that some of our young midfielders can learn a thing or two from Craig, for someone with such limited experience in the mens game this lad has been a breath of fresh air mixed with helium. Has the skill and touch of a Wellens or Kane the work rate of a Green and the temperament of a young Snodin.
As said previously, will be very interesting to watch his progress, could go right to the top.
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Other candidates include Sharp and Ramsay, and for a short while I thought jay emmanual Thomas was going to take us to the PL, but my vote would go for Kane.
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He's been the missing ingredient in the midfield.
I see him more like Ben Sheaf who I rated highly. Perhaps even better than him.
He's had a huge positive impact and will be difficult to replace.
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Craig has been great but Kane was something else. One of the best loans we’ve ever had.
I go back quite a few watching Donny & I’ll say Herbie was the best loan we’ve ever had. Let the opinion begin.
Ps I day Craig as MOTM last night. Faded in the last 15 mins along with others, but still superb.
a certain Mr sharp may have something to say?
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Let’s not forget Ben whiteman was on loan for half a season before he signed permanent. Scored a 10 minute hattrick in that spell if I’m not mistaken
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Let’s not forget Ben whiteman was on loan for half a season before he signed permanent. Scored a 10 minute hattrick in that spell if I’m not mistaken
Whiteman was just OK during his loan spell. Only excelled when he dropped deeper after he signed for us permanently.
I’d say that each of the 3 loanees that we signed in January - TLT, Haks & Craig - are better than any loanee that we’ve had since McCann was last here.
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DM brought in some decent ones!
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Herbie Kane looked like he was destined for to play at a higher level when he was with us.
Can't believe he's still a League 1 player 5 years on.
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Let’s not forget Ben whiteman was on loan for half a season before he signed permanent. Scored a 10 minute hattrick in that spell if I’m not mistaken
Whiteman was just OK during his loan spell. Only excelled when he dropped deeper after he signed for us permanently.
I’d say that each of the 3 loanees that we signed in January - TLT, Haks & Craig - are better than any loanee that we’ve had since McCann was last here.
Err.
Jacob Ramsey?
Taylor Richards?
Senny Dieng?
Even Niall Ennis
They all performed very well at the top end of L1, and most have gone on to much higher things.
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In terms of how they played in their loan spell, I think even with big names that have played for us on loan then signed permanently the best loan player I’ve ever seen is Herbie Kane by a mile. Before his injury I was convinced he would play in the premier league, he’s still a good player now I just think his trajectory stopped with the injury.
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In terms of how they played in their loan spell, I think even with big names that have played for us on loan then signed permanently the best loan player I’ve ever seen is Herbie Kane by a mile. Before his injury I was convinced he would play in the premier league, he’s still a good player now I just think his trajectory stopped with the injury.
I thought the same at the time, but I think now that we massively underestimated the gap between L1 and PL.
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I'd throw in Chris Brown and Jonathon Forte's early loan spells for effectiveness
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Let’s not forget Ben whiteman was on loan for half a season before he signed permanent. Scored a 10 minute hattrick in that spell if I’m not mistaken
Whiteman was just OK during his loan spell. Only excelled when he dropped deeper after he signed for us permanently.
I’d say that each of the 3 loanees that we signed in January - TLT, Haks & Craig - are better than any loanee that we’ve had since McCann was last here.
Err.
Jacob Ramsey?
Taylor Richards?
Senny Dieng?
Even Niall Ennis
They all performed very well at the top end of L1, and most have gone on to much higher things.
I’m talking purely about the impact they’ve had for us, what they’ve done afterwards is neither here nor there. These 3 have been absolutely transformative for us.
You could possibly make a case for Richards or Dieng (although I would disagree).
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Let’s not forget Ben whiteman was on loan for half a season before he signed permanent. Scored a 10 minute hattrick in that spell if I’m not mistaken
Whiteman was just OK during his loan spell. Only excelled when he dropped deeper after he signed for us permanently.
I’d say that each of the 3 loanees that we signed in January - TLT, Haks & Craig - are better than any loanee that we’ve had since McCann was last here.
Err.
Jacob Ramsey?
Taylor Richards?
Senny Dieng?
Even Niall Ennis
They all performed very well at the top end of L1, and most have gone on to much higher things.
John Lundstrum, played European Football with Rangers
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Let’s not forget Ben whiteman was on loan for half a season before he signed permanent. Scored a 10 minute hattrick in that spell if I’m not mistaken
Whiteman was just OK during his loan spell. Only excelled when he dropped deeper after he signed for us permanently.
I’d say that each of the 3 loanees that we signed in January - TLT, Haks & Craig - are better than any loanee that we’ve had since McCann was last here.
Err.
Jacob Ramsey?
Taylor Richards?
Senny Dieng?
Even Niall Ennis
They all performed very well at the top end of L1, and most have gone on to much higher things.
John Lundstrum, played European Football with Rangers
Also played for Rovers 4 or 5 years before Grant McCann managed us.
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Let’s not forget Ben whiteman was on loan for half a season before he signed permanent. Scored a 10 minute hattrick in that spell if I’m not mistaken
Whiteman was just OK during his loan spell. Only excelled when he dropped deeper after he signed for us permanently.
I’d say that each of the 3 loanees that we signed in January - TLT, Haks & Craig - are better than any loanee that we’ve had since McCann was last here.
Err.
Jacob Ramsey?
Taylor Richards?
Senny Dieng?
Even Niall Ennis
They all performed very well at the top end of L1, and most have gone on to much higher things.
I’m talking purely about the impact they’ve had for us, what they’ve done afterwards is neither here nor there. These 3 have been absolutely transformative for us.
You could possibly make a case for Richards or Dieng (although I would disagree).
OK, but that wasn't what you said in the post I replied to.
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Let’s not forget Ben whiteman was on loan for half a season before he signed permanent. Scored a 10 minute hattrick in that spell if I’m not mistaken
Whiteman was just OK during his loan spell. Only excelled when he dropped deeper after he signed for us permanently.
I’d say that each of the 3 loanees that we signed in January - TLT, Haks & Craig - are better than any loanee that we’ve had since McCann was last here.
Err.
Jacob Ramsey?
Taylor Richards?
Senny Dieng?
Even Niall Ennis
They all performed very well at the top end of L1, and most have gone on to much higher things.
John Lundstrum, played European Football with Rangers
Also played for Rovers 4 or 5 years before Grant McCann managed us.
Can you point me to where it says best loan under McCann? Theres plenty of mentions of other players before McCann mentioned in previous posts, not sure why you felt the need to pick up on my post
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Josh Sims was unreal before injury and illness ruined his career. Absolutely unplayable.
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Let’s not forget Ben whiteman was on loan for half a season before he signed permanent. Scored a 10 minute hattrick in that spell if I’m not mistaken
Whiteman was just OK during his loan spell. Only excelled when he dropped deeper after he signed for us permanently.
I’d say that each of the 3 loanees that we signed in January - TLT, Haks & Craig - are better than any loanee that we’ve had since McCann was last here.
Err.
Jacob Ramsey?
Taylor Richards?
Senny Dieng?
Even Niall Ennis
They all performed very well at the top end of L1, and most have gone on to much higher things.
I’m talking purely about the impact they’ve had for us, what they’ve done afterwards is neither here nor there. These 3 have been absolutely transformative for us.
You could possibly make a case for Richards or Dieng (although I would disagree).
OK, but that wasn't what you said in the post I replied to.
Yep, in fairness it was a bit vague but I wouldn't say that "better than any loanee we've had" is only interpretable as based on the ability they've shown in subsequent seasons. Jacob Ramsey has played 120 games in the Premier League so is clearly head and shoulders above the rest, but no-one would call him the best loanee we've had because he just didn't have that sort of impact for us (or rather, he didn't over a sustained period).
Didn't realise that Taylor Richards had signed for QPR. Hasn't really worked out for him so far, just the 4 sub appearances and the last one of those in December. Could well be injured.
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Let’s not forget Ben whiteman was on loan for half a season before he signed permanent. Scored a 10 minute hattrick in that spell if I’m not mistaken
Whiteman was just OK during his loan spell. Only excelled when he dropped deeper after he signed for us permanently.
I’d say that each of the 3 loanees that we signed in January - TLT, Haks & Craig - are better than any loanee that we’ve had since McCann was last here.
Err.
Jacob Ramsey?
Taylor Richards?
Senny Dieng?
Even Niall Ennis
They all performed very well at the top end of L1, and most have gone on to much higher things.
John Lundstrum, played European Football with Rangers
Also played for Rovers 4 or 5 years before Grant McCann managed us.
Can you point me to where it says best loan under McCann? Theres plenty of mentions of other players before McCann mentioned in previous posts, not sure why you felt the need to pick up on my post
You quoted posts where I had said "I’d say that each of the 3 loanees that we signed in January are better than any loanee that we’ve had since McCann was last here" and BST had pointed out 4 names who have played for us since then...
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In terms of pure transformative impact these three have got to be right up there. Also a case that Kane and Wilks totally transformed the team they played in, as did Billy Sharp and Jason Shackell.
Whilst there’s a case for Taylor Richards, Seny Dieng and Jacob Ramsay (and all three were superb players that made an impact) I struggle to compare that impact with the above because (controversially I know) I just found myself so bored watching that team play.
When you compare the atmosphere around the club now to before the arrival of these three players, that’s what you call a transformation.
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The goalposts have moved a fair way since I replied.
In terms of absolute ability, I'd argue Richards, Ennis, Ramsey and Dieng were better, at the time they played with us than the three we've signed this year.
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I don’t even know which question I answered, or if I answered one at all!
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Jonathan's point hits the spot, regardless of other named recent loanees (who all made a personal impact) these three have been massively transformative for this current side.
When you look back to where we were and where we looked to be going the change has been colossal.
To go from talking about the possibility of none league to what some are now contemplating is off the scale.
Never know a sea change like this before, watching the Rovers.
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In terms of pure transformative impact these three have got to be right up there. Also a case that Kane and Wilks totally transformed the team they played in, as did Billy Sharp and Jason Shackell.
Whilst there’s a case for Taylor Richards, Seny Dieng and Jacob Ramsay (and all three were superb players that made an impact) I struggle to compare that impact with the above because (controversially I know) I just found myself so bored watching that team play.
When you compare the atmosphere around the club now to before the arrival of these three players, that’s what you call a transformation.
PS.
I'm frequently bemused by people insisting they were bored by a team that gave us one of the very best calendar years in our history. I must have lower standards, because I thought we were a pleasure to watch through most of 2020, albeit through a computer screen for most of it.
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Herbie Kane looked like he was destined for to play at a higher level when he was with us.
Can't believe he's still a League 1 player 5 years on.
Your right. He hasn’t fulfilled his potential. Thought he would be a Championship player as a minimum.
Don’t forget though he has played in the Championship with Hull City and did he play with Barnsley there also? Not sure on that. He may play for Barnsley in the 2nd tier next season of course if they win the play offs.
Talking of Barnsley where is our friend from Barnsley TYKE. Not heard from him for quite a while.
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In terms of pure transformative impact these three have got to be right up there. Also a case that Kane and Wilks totally transformed the team they played in, as did Billy Sharp and Jason Shackell.
Whilst there’s a case for Taylor Richards, Seny Dieng and Jacob Ramsay (and all three were superb players that made an impact) I struggle to compare that impact with the above because (controversially I know) I just found myself so bored watching that team play.
When you compare the atmosphere around the club now to before the arrival of these three players, that’s what you call a transformation.
PS.
I'm frequently bemused by people insisting they were bored by a team that gave us one of the very best calendar years in our history. I must have lower standards, because I thought we were a pleasure to watch through most of 2020, albeit through a computer screen for most of it.
Maybe you’ve hit the nail on the head there. I did say it’s a controversial view, and it wasn’t intended as a dig at Darren Moore. It could well have just been the time of life, I just didn’t find it exciting no matter how efficient we were.
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I get that Jonathan. It was a difficult time for everyone and I'm sure that coloured the memories
But for 13 months from 1st week of 2020, our record in L1 was:
P37 W23 D5 L9 PTS74 PPG2.00
There haven't been many long term spells in our history where we've been better than that in any division.
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Jonathan's point hits the spot, regardless of other named recent loanees (who all made a personal impact) these three have been massively transformative for this current side.
When you look back to where we were and where we looked to be going the change has been colossal.
To go from talking about the possibility of none league to what some are now contemplating is off the scale.
Never know a sea change like this before, watching the Rovers.
Nothing to do with loanees, but the biggest positive transformation I can remember recently was 2008-9.
After 24 games we were cut adrift at the bottom of the Championship with 18 points. 8 games, 7 wins and 1 draw later we had 40 points, and people were thinking maybe even playoffs (a bit like this year).
I seem to remember that we had been playing OK but not getting results, then we won 4-2 at Forest and that one game seemed to lift spirits and confidence. No new signings, but IIRC SOD reluctantly brought Heffernan back into the side and that worked wonders.
For a negative transformation there was 2020-21, going from strong automatic promotion candidates at the half way stage (48 points from 23 games) to bottom of the table form for the remaining 23 games with only 16 points. Whiteman sold, Sims injured and rookie manager installed
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Did someone mention O'Driscoll and Heffernan?
Well...
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Did someone mention O'Driscoll and Heffernan?
Well...
I was aware of your opinions :lol: :lol:
Must be me living too long on the other side of the Irish Sea
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Ramsey didn't play enough to really judge him, but I rate the recent 3 above the other 3 mentioned. Dieng was a good keeper but (controversial view) I couldn't stand his positioning. Better than most keepers we've had recently but not much in it between him and Balcome. Lo-Tatala is an impressive keeper with a future as bright as either. Think Craig will be the mainstay of Scotlands midfield 5 years from now (maybe sooner). I'm amazed that Adelekun isn't playing at Lincoln. Are they trying to loan out a high earner? Make it make sense.
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Ramsey didn't play enough to really judge him, but I rate the recent 3 above the other 3 mentioned. Dieng was a good keeper but (controversial view) I couldn't stand his positioning. Better than most keepers we've had recently but not much in it between him and Balcome. Lo-Tatala is an impressive keeper with a future as bright as either. Think Craig will be the mainstay of Scotlands midfield 5 years from now (maybe sooner). I'm amazed that Adelekun isn't playing at Lincoln. Are they trying to loan out a high earner? Make it make sense.
Surprises me too, but they are on an amazing run without him, so perhaps he just did not fit in, hard as that is to imagine.
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My mate was talking to two Lincoln fans in the Belle Vue bar on Tuesday. They said that they had come to see a good game of football.
He asked them why they had let Adelakun come on loan to us and they said, “because he was crap”.One man’s trash is another man’s treasure. They obviously hadn’t been in the bar before because they didn’t know where the toilets were. We were sat with a couple from New York State in there. They love football (Soccer) and been to Charlton v Cheltenham before coming to Donny for the night. They were going down to Cambridge the day after, working their way back down to London for their Saturday flight home. Only here for a week so a bit too hectic for me. They love the English atmosphere and want to bring their 3 year old daughter when she grows up a bit. They also crammed the Man City v Arsenal game in. Must have cost a fortune as their Charlton tickets were £91 they said.
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I'd throw in Chris Brown and Jonathon Forte's early loan spells for effectiveness
Re: Forte.
I was convinced he was going to play for England from what I saw of him in that first loan spell. He scored a goal against Swindon that was like something from another planet. Pace, touch, physical strength and a blistering finish.
Re: Brown.
He must go down as THE most successful loanee ever for us.
When he joined us we were in 10th place after a moderate start to the season.
He made 22 appearances. Our record in those was:
P22 W15 D6 L1 Pts51 PPG2.32
Plus he was an absolute joy to watch.
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I'd throw in Chris Brown and Jonathon Forte's early loan spells for effectiveness
Re: Forte.
I was convinced he was going to play for England from what I saw of him in that first loan spell. He scored a goal against Swindon that was like something from another planet. Pace, touch, physical strength and a blistering finish.
Re: Brown.
He must go down as THE most successful loanee ever for us.
When he joined us we were in 10th place after a moderate start to the season.
He made 22 appearances. Our record in those was:
P22 W15 D6 L1 Pts51 PPG2.32
Plus he was an absolute joy to watch.
Chris Brown was THE best hold-up player I've ever seen at any level of football. The ball used to stick to him as though he was covered in glue.
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What Mathew Craig has to do, and any manager that signs him next season is play for a club that suits his style of play, a team that plays football through the lines and has decent strikers at the level they play at.
He has the chance to play at the highest level, and complements his obvious football skills with the willingness to work hard up and down the field.
I hope he goes far in the game, it has been a pleasure to watch him develop this season here.
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Forte did not get anywhere near the level of most of the players discussed in this thread.
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I raise you Sam Johnstone
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What about a player who had two loans with us before he signed full time………………Neil Sullivan, he gave everyone confidence, staff,players,supporters and also had a quiet word to an attacker in a match vs Brentford
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Sullivan wins this thread for me, but outfield I will go with Mallik Wilks or fairly obviously Billy Sharp.
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Matthew Craig wins it for me.
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My mate was talking to two Lincoln fans in the Belle Vue bar on Tuesday. They said that they had come to see a good game of football.
He asked them why they had let Adelakun come on loan to us and they said, “because he was crap”.One man’s trash is another man’s treasure. They obviously hadn’t been in the bar before because they didn’t know where the toilets were. We were sat with a couple from New York State in there. They love football (Soccer) and been to Charlton v Cheltenham before coming to Donny for the night. They were going down to Cambridge the day after, working their way back down to London for their Saturday flight home. Only here for a week so a bit too hectic for me. They love the English atmosphere and want to bring their 3 year old daughter when she grows up a bit. They also crammed the Man City v Arsenal game in. Must have cost a fortune as their Charlton tickets were £91 they said.
Idler,
That story reminded me of a similar story.
It was when we were playing QPR at Loftus Rd. A father and son who were sitting next to me, I could tell by the accent they were not one of our regular supporters. It turned out the boy and his father were from Sweden. We got on very well mainly because my daughter in law is Swedish and we had a lot in common.
The reason they came to watch Donny? because his boy likes the name Doncaster Rovers.