Viking Supporters Co-operative

Viking Chat => Viking Chat => Topic started by: Thorney on January 31, 2026, 02:43:28 pm

Title: Hanlon
Post by: Thorney on January 31, 2026, 02:43:28 pm
Never really complained about brandon before like many have but.....

I thought when he came on today his body language and performance were abysmal.

Appeared to be sulking and all he added to the game was fouls and offside.

His 1st involvment was being offside and carrying on to smash the ball wide full well knowing he would be carded and didnt even try to be shocked. Then chasing a ball down just decides to barge the defender in the back instead of holdong off and attemptong to put him under pressure.

A very half arsed attempt from him today

Think grant will be very unhappy with that impact today. 
Title: Re: Hanlon
Post by: Barmby Rover on January 31, 2026, 02:46:46 pm
A donkey, and he will be well down the pecking order if the medical team can keep Frankie fit.
Title: Re: Hanlon
Post by: TonySoprano on January 31, 2026, 02:51:53 pm
He's an awful player, absolutely clueless.

Its like going down to 10 men when he comes on. He deserves to be nowhere near a professional football pitch.

On the other hand, bradford could bring on paul mullin off the bench who was excellent,  says it all.
Title: Re: Hanlon
Post by: Filo on January 31, 2026, 02:57:23 pm
He's an awful player, absolutely clueless.

Its like going down to 10 men when he comes on. He deserves to be nowhere near a professional football pitch.

On the other hand, bradford could bring on paul mullin off the bench who was excellent,  says it all.

Mullin should have been second yellow carded towards the end for kicking the ball away
Title: Re: Hanlon
Post by: StocksArmy on January 31, 2026, 02:59:30 pm
As much as i agree with what has been said, i am astonished that Maxwell doesnt have a thread. If we offer him a new contract (even if in league 2) then we have completely lost the plot. Never seen a left back so weak and easily beaten in my life. Kicks things out of play, clearences are aimless and has no pace. Injuries have killed the lad but if Senior was fit and Mccann played him because of rotation then he needs his head testing. Broadbent also going backwards at an alarming rate. Basing our squad at league one standard, we have a good 6,7 robbing a living. I fear for us even more if we get an injury to a big player because frankly the player behind him is complete ga$h
Title: Re: Hanlon
Post by: Thorney on January 31, 2026, 02:59:52 pm
He's an awful player, absolutely clueless.

Its like going down to 10 men when he comes on. He deserves to be nowhere near a professional football pitch.

On the other hand, bradford could bring on paul mullin off the bench who was excellent,  says it all.

Dont think mullin improved them 1 bit. Gave alot of free kicks away.
Looked more like a player who was trying to play for himself rather than the team.
Cannot see him having a great time over there
Title: Re: Hanlon
Post by: ncRover on January 31, 2026, 03:00:38 pm
He's an awful player, absolutely clueless.

Its like going down to 10 men when he comes on. He deserves to be nowhere near a professional football pitch.

On the other hand, bradford could bring on paul mullin off the bench who was excellent,  says it all.

What’s so good about Mullin exactly?
Title: Re: Hanlon
Post by: TonySoprano on January 31, 2026, 03:01:51 pm
He's an awful player, absolutely clueless.

Its like going down to 10 men when he comes on. He deserves to be nowhere near a professional football pitch.

On the other hand, bradford could bring on paul mullin off the bench who was excellent,  says it all.

Dont think mullin improved them 1 bit. Gave alot of free kicks away.
Looked more like a player who was trying to play for himself rather than the team.
Cannot see him having a great time over there

Maybe, but I dont want this to turn into a mullin thread .

Its about hanlan being awful
Title: Re: Hanlon
Post by: Move DRFC on January 31, 2026, 03:02:56 pm
Hanlan and Sharp aren’t good enough for League One. You lot are will get upset about Hanlan’s body language but that’s just him. Haks is class but his body language is hardly great is it.
Title: Re: Hanlon
Post by: TonySoprano on January 31, 2026, 03:03:32 pm
Hopefully okoronkwo is fit for tuesday, and Hanlan is nowhere near the bench.
Title: Re: Hanlon
Post by: jmt23 on January 31, 2026, 03:06:28 pm
Good god - this place really does get embarrassing at times.

Please explain what he could have done in those last minutes, and why he is to blame. Also what the agenda is apart from not being Street.

We paid the price today for others missing good chances not him.
Title: Re: Hanlon
Post by: GazLaz on January 31, 2026, 03:09:54 pm
The subs made both teams worse.
Title: Re: Hanlon
Post by: TonySoprano on January 31, 2026, 03:10:33 pm
Good god - this place really does get embarrassing at times.

Please explain what he could have done in those last minutes, and why he is to blame. Also what the agenda is apart from not being Street.

We paid the price today for others missing good chances not him.

Your missing the point, we've got zero threat in hanlan coming off the bench.
It has the opposite effect, it weakens us.

Looks like okoronkwo is out for 4 weeks. It never rains it pours.
Might be in trouble now
Title: Re: Hanlon
Post by: Copps is Magic on January 31, 2026, 03:31:45 pm
Halan will join a growing pyramid of subpar to inadequate forwards we've signed over the last decade.

Reo Griffiths. Rakish Bingham, Kwame Thomas, Aidan Barlow.... how long do you want to go on.

Got to look at the recruitment. Probably a 50/50 between not having a high enough budget for good strikers, and just bad decisions.
Title: Re: Hanlon
Post by: Danmckay456 on January 31, 2026, 03:37:23 pm
Biggest thing rovers need to look at is Lee glovers position at the club come the end of the season and get someone else in.
Title: Re: Hanlon
Post by: Ryaldinhio on January 31, 2026, 03:38:35 pm
The subs made both teams worse.

They brought Wright on who smashed in the winner
Title: Re: Hanlon
Post by: mpc123 on January 31, 2026, 03:56:32 pm
Unreal response to some players. They are heros if we will and terrible players if we lose.

Its hard to make an impact as a sub, as Mullins showed today.

If Hanlan had shot that Bily shot that got cleared off the line, everuone would be saying he is rubbish.

Its crazy.

Also thought Billy looked nowhere near a 40 year old.

Look at the bottom of the table, the way we are playing we will be OK, always creating chances and hopefukky build and push on next year.

Come on Rovers.
Title: Re: Hanlon
Post by: Rupee92ONLY on January 31, 2026, 04:01:15 pm
Biggest thing rovers need to look at is Lee glovers position at the club come the end of the season and get someone else in.

Isn’t he McCann’s man? He isn’t going to want to give away that responsibility and power to a club chosen appointment.
Title: Re: Hanlon
Post by: grayx on January 31, 2026, 05:04:48 pm
I think Hanlan could well be sulking about being behind Sharp in the pecking order and understandably so in my opinion. He did himself no favours today though. We missed the Everton lad today big time and shows how badly we still need strengthening up front for next season.
Title: Re: Hanlon
Post by: mushRTID on January 31, 2026, 05:06:44 pm
Did Gibson do anything when he came on?
Title: Re: Hanlon
Post by: Reg of the Rovers on January 31, 2026, 05:08:06 pm
Did Gibson do anything when he came on?
For 15 minutes I’d forgotten he’d come on, if that helps!
Title: Re: Hanlon
Post by: craigdrfc on January 31, 2026, 05:12:14 pm
Suspect one of Gibson/Middleton will leave in the summer (if not both).

Personally I like Middleton, but Grant seems not to as much.
Title: Re: Hanlon
Post by: Petche on January 31, 2026, 05:15:05 pm
Middleton has been disappointing whenever he's been given a chance, not the player I was hoping.
Title: Re: Hanlon
Post by: In the box on January 31, 2026, 05:15:42 pm
Sharp is no longer the player required upfront . Trying his heart out isn’t working for me . We lost today because we never had any effect in front of goal and Adelakun should be more disciplined and could have played along side Hanlan up front . McCann lost a key centre back and putting Bailey in , instead of Pearson was a mistake and could have left Broadbent on the bench as his form has drifted .
Title: Re: Hanlon
Post by: big fat yorkshire pudding on January 31, 2026, 05:21:43 pm
I don't think Hanlan is that bad overall. However I still think we need a different option if Frankie is out. Which probably says it all.
Title: Re: Hanlon
Post by: DonnyRover on January 31, 2026, 05:21:50 pm
If there’s a worse player than Hanlan in this division I’d love to know who it is
Title: Re: Hanlon
Post by: mushRTID on January 31, 2026, 05:24:51 pm
Did Gibson do anything when he came on?
For 15 minutes I’d forgotten he’d come on, if that helps!

If we stay up I think he will be on his way.
We can’t have players performing once every 7 or 8 games.
He’s also now proving he’s not up for a battle.
Title: Re: Hanlon
Post by: Ian Nimmo on January 31, 2026, 05:30:48 pm
I don't think Hanlan is that bad overall. However I still think we need a different option if Frankie is out. Which probably says it all.

He is total garbage and offers nothing. He rarely wins a ball and I really do struggle to understand if he does anything at all, a total passenger.


Title: Re: Hanlon
Post by: mpc123 on January 31, 2026, 05:41:18 pm
Hanlan hasnt played many gsmes recently, we saw he could make a difference once he had a few games. Sharp I think did well.

Every professional player in all of the leagues are rubbish occording to you lot. There are not many players even in the premership that play well every game.

Just how people are nowadays I suppose. Moan moan, slag off, when they come good never agree they said they were rubbish. A strange world.
Title: Re: Hanlon
Post by: scawsby steve on January 31, 2026, 05:55:47 pm
Hanlan hasnt played many gsmes recently, we saw he could make a difference once he had a few games. Sharp I think did well.

Every professional player in all of the leagues are rubbish occording to you lot. There are not many players even in the premership that play well every game.

Just how people are nowadays I suppose. Moan moan, slag off, when they come good never agree they said they were rubbish. A strange world.

OK then. We give in. Hanlan is absolutely brilliant, and we've no chance of going down whatsoever, because the squad is oozing with quality all the way through.

Is that alright for you?
Title: Re: Hanlon
Post by: mpc123 on January 31, 2026, 06:34:02 pm
Hanlan hasnt played many gsmes recently, we saw he could make a difference once he had a few games. Sharp I think did well.

Every professional player in all of the leagues are rubbish occording to you lot. There are not many players even in the premership that play well every game.

Just how people are nowadays I suppose. Moan moan, slag off, when they come good never agree they said they were rubbish. A strange world.

OK then. We give in. Hanlan is absolutely brilliant, and we've no chance of going down whatsoever, because the squad is oozing with quality all the way through.

Is that alright for you?

There is an inbetween you know.
Title: Re: Hanlon
Post by: ncRover on January 31, 2026, 06:57:30 pm
Halan will join a growing pyramid of subpar to inadequate forwards we've signed over the last decade.

Reo Griffiths. Rakish Bingham, Kwame Thomas, Aidan Barlow.... how long do you want to go on.

Got to look at the recruitment. Probably a 50/50 between not having a high enough budget for good strikers, and just bad decisions.

He’s definitely a better footballer than the four you’ve mentioned.

The issue for me is, I don’t know what type of centre forward he’s meant to be. How do you use him?

Can anybody compare him to another striker they know of?
Title: Re: Hanlon
Post by: TonySoprano on January 31, 2026, 07:06:47 pm
Halan will join a growing pyramid of subpar to inadequate forwards we've signed over the last decade.

Reo Griffiths. Rakish Bingham, Kwame Thomas, Aidan Barlow.... how long do you want to go on.

Got to look at the recruitment. Probably a 50/50 between not having a high enough budget for good strikers, and just bad decisions.

He’s definitely a better footballer than the four you’ve mentioned.

The issue for me is, I don’t know what type of centre forward he’s meant to be. How do you use him?

Can anybody compare him to another striker they know of?

Thing is, he really isnt better than those four is he ?

Your question has already been answered, kwame thomas. 
Title: Re: Hanlon
Post by: StocksArmy on January 31, 2026, 07:15:51 pm
I bet that any poster sticking up for Hanlan and saying he is good enough for this league and our club wouldnt gamble their life on it if it came down to it. Hes a garbage Theo Robinson and thats saying summat.
Title: Re: Hanlon
Post by: DonnyOsmond on January 31, 2026, 07:17:59 pm
Biggest thing rovers need to look at is Lee glovers position at the club come the end of the season and get someone else in.

Isn’t he McCann’s man? He isn’t going to want to give away that responsibility and power to a club chosen appointment.

He needs to see his mates will be his downfall though.
Title: Re: Hanlon
Post by: Chris Black come back on January 31, 2026, 07:40:29 pm
He’s not a centre forward. That’s pretty obvious. He’s a wider forward player. Under no circumstances should he be played through the middle on his own. A waste of his time and our time.
Title: Re: Hanlon
Post by: mpc123 on January 31, 2026, 08:13:52 pm
Biggest thing rovers need to look at is Lee glovers position at the club come the end of the season and get someone else in.

Isn’t he McCann’s man? He isn’t going to want to give away that responsibility and power to a club chosen appointment.

He needs to see his mates will be his downfall though.

God knows how you have got to that. The recruitment isnt bad.
Title: Re: Hanlon
Post by: Ian Nimmo on January 31, 2026, 08:57:23 pm
He’s not a centre forward. That’s pretty obvious. He’s a wider forward player. Under no circumstances should he be played through the middle on his own. A waste of his time and our time.

He doesn’t have the skill to play a wider forward role.
Title: Re: Hanlon
Post by: Pancho Regan on January 31, 2026, 10:26:31 pm
If we’re going to slag him off at least spell his name correctly.

Title: Re: Hanlon
Post by: grayx on January 31, 2026, 10:30:34 pm
If there’s a worse player than Hanlan in this division I’d love to know who it is
You really dont need to look far.
Title: Re: Hanlon
Post by: drfchound on January 31, 2026, 10:35:37 pm
He's an awful player, absolutely clueless.

Its like going down to 10 men when he comes on. He deserves to be nowhere near a professional football pitch.

On the other hand, bradford could bring on paul mullin off the bench who was excellent,  says it all.

Mullin did enough to earn a red card today.
Title: Re: Hanlon
Post by: Rupee92ONLY on February 01, 2026, 07:10:49 am
He’s rubbish. He wasn’t much good in that little spell he had earlier in the season either, people just totally overrated him/it as we’d been SO ineffectual up top for weeks.

Of all the bad signings we made in the summer, this one is far and away the worst… Because there was no excuses to not know what we were getting. It was all there. And we signed him to be first choice!

He’s resulted now to what I like to call ‘the Toyosi Olusanya tactic’ which is to just give away a foul or stray offside so that you aren’t exposing yourself by trying to do something you can’t. It’s just pure masking and dodging at this point.

I believe he was quite an expensive free agent too. Dreadful business.
Title: Re: Hanlon
Post by: mpc123 on February 01, 2026, 08:01:46 am
He’s rubbish. He wasn’t much good in that little spell he had earlier in the season either, people just totally overrated him/it as we’d been SO ineffectual up top for weeks.

Of all the bad signings we made in the summer, this one is far and away the worst… Because there was no excuses to not know what we were getting. It was all there. And we signed him to be first choice!

He’s resulted now to what I like to call ‘the Toyosi Olusanya tactic’ which is to just give away a foul or stray offside so that you aren’t exposing yourself by trying to do something you can’t. It’s just pure masking and dodging at this point.

I believe he was quite an expensive free agent too. Dreadful business.

Playing on the shoulder of the defender you will be offside often. Adeleken was offside several times trying to make a curved run, why not mention that? Hanlan isnt rubbish, he isnt a world beater but not rubbish.
Title: Re: Hanlon
Post by: grayx on February 01, 2026, 09:00:15 am
Did Gibson do anything when he came on?
Didn’t notice he came on tbh.
Title: Re: Hanlon
Post by: IDM on February 01, 2026, 03:28:21 pm
Is it just me, or do some folks put far more importance on things which, in the big scheme of things (and unless your livelihood depends upon the success of Doncaster rovers), don’t really matter at all.?

I blame social media, and the fickleness of folks to follow whatever batshit is written online, leading to  over exaggerated opinions. 

Far too much unwarranted anger - some folks really need to get a life.!!

Rant over.!
Title: Re: Hanlon
Post by: Nudga on February 01, 2026, 03:36:25 pm
Is it just me, or do some folks put far more importance on things which, in the big scheme of things (and unless your livelihood depends upon the success of Doncaster rovers), don’t really matter at all.?

I blame social media, and the fickleness of folks to follow whatever batshit is written online, leading to  over exaggerated opinions. 

Far too much unwarranted anger - some folks really need to get a life.!!

Rant over.!

So you're having a rant over other people having a rant?

Joke btw
Title: Re: Hanlon
Post by: DonnyOsmond on February 02, 2026, 12:52:22 pm
Biggest thing rovers need to look at is Lee glovers position at the club come the end of the season and get someone else in.

Isn’t he McCann’s man? He isn’t going to want to give away that responsibility and power to a club chosen appointment.

He needs to see his mates will be his downfall though.

God knows how you have got to that. The recruitment isnt bad.

In the summer we signed...

Grehan
Gotts
Hanlan
Middleton
Pearson
Lo-Tutala
Ajayi
O'Riordan
Crew
Olusanya

Only two of which have added value, in O'Riordan and Gotts, who we took 4 months to work out his best role.

We have a handful who are potentially alright but don't fit into a McCann team like Olusanya, Middleton and Hanlan.

Then we have a load who haven't been good enough, in Grehan, Pearson, Ajayi, Crew and Lo-Tutala... The latter two you'd hope they would have pushed on after previous quality loan spells but unfortunately not the case.

2 out of 10 is a horrific ratio. Hopefully January is a better figure but we'll see after a few months.
Title: Re: Hanlon
Post by: Chris Black come back on February 02, 2026, 01:47:34 pm
It wasn’t a great summer of business was it? And that’s factoring in us doing most of our business early doors, rather than scrapping around at end of the window. We need to do much better this summer.
Title: Re: Hanlon
Post by: ForsolongaRover on February 02, 2026, 01:53:21 pm
Biggest thing rovers need to look at is Lee glovers position at the club come the end of the season and get someone else in.

Isn’t he McCann’s man? He isn’t going to want to give away that responsibility and power to a club chosen appointment.

He needs to see his mates will be his downfall though.

God knows how you have got to that. The recruitment isnt bad.

In the summer we signed...

Grehan
Gotts
Hanlan
Middleton
Pearson
Lo-Tutala
Ajayi
O'Riordan
Crew
Olusanya

Only two of which have added value, in O'Riordan and Gotts, who we took 4 months to work out his best role.

We have a handful who are potentially alright but don't fit into a McCann team like Olusanya, Middleton and Hanlan.

Then we have a load who haven't been good enough, in Grehan, Pearson, Ajayi, Crew and Lo-Tutala... The latter two you'd hope they would have pushed on after previous quality loan spells but unfortunately not the case.

2 out of 10 is a horrific ratio. Hopefully January is a better figure but we'll see after a few months.

It’s rather telling that so many threads eventually revert to criticism of poor recruitment which is indisputably proved by the number who don’t make the grade and are discarded. It makes you wonder why the competence of the “recruitment department” is not more scrutinised by the press. Why isn’t such a failure rate examined and explanations sought? Loan players go back to where they came from with no comment as to why the club made the mistake of signing them in the first place; its almost as though the club expects us to accept that it’s just a lottery with no assessment of potential really made.
Title: Re: Hanlon
Post by: Chris Black come back on February 02, 2026, 01:59:19 pm
Hanlan and Middleton are both good League One players. Yet we’ve signed them and either don’t play to their strengths, or they just don’t fit into our system. Middleton especially has been tracked by McCann for several years. Yet he never plays with wingers who go on the outside. Mystifying.
Title: Re: Hanlon
Post by: Ian Nimmo on February 02, 2026, 03:38:02 pm
Sorry but Hanlan is definitely not a good player in L1, if he was then he would be starting every game. His time here and his past career have proven that.
Title: Re: Hanlon
Post by: IDM on February 02, 2026, 06:57:01 pm
Hanlan has been playing for, and repeatedly signed by, league 1 clubs for years.

He may not be above average at this level, but plenty in the game clearly think, and thought, that it’s his level.
Title: Re: Hanlon
Post by: Ian Nimmo on February 03, 2026, 05:51:09 am
Yes but many of those have found that he has not performed for them, and some have been critical of him.
I don’t think it will have helped the fact that he suffered a serious ACL injury in Nov 23 and spent 11 months out till Oct 24.
Following his return he played 29 games and scored 4 goals, before we signed him.
Sorry but he was signed has our main man to lead the line, this was a very big risk, and one that clearly has failed.
Title: Re: Hanlon
Post by: bobbymax on February 03, 2026, 08:16:44 am
I posted pre-signing that he couldn't hit a barn door. If I knew that, why didn't the recruitment team?
Title: Re: Hanlon
Post by: ss1953 on February 03, 2026, 09:47:19 am
In the games I have seen him, I felt his first touch let him down and he prefers to shoot with his right foot.

Perhaps the coaching team should give him some personal coaching in these areas to help him improve. Only practice helps you improve.
Title: Re: Hanlon
Post by: ncRover on February 03, 2026, 10:11:15 am
Hanlan needs goalscorers around him.

Now that there’s 3 of them around him (Adelakun, Lee, Molyneux) he could come in handy as a player who runs the channels / occupies defenders to make more space for them to thrive.

Lee has only played as a striker in a 3-5-2 at Wrexham even when he wasn’t in his main role as a midfielder. He isn’t a plug in and play solution as a striker.

Maybe McCann could go for a 4-4-2 diamond if BH, FO and BS aren’t on the pitch. With Mols and Haks as split strikers.

                       Clark

Sterry    Byrne / Pearson    McGrath    Senior


                             Gotts

                 Bailey                 Clifton

                              Lee

                Molyneux        Adelakun



Title: Re: Hanlon
Post by: TonySoprano on February 03, 2026, 10:16:56 am
Hanlan has been playing for, and repeatedly signed by, league 1 clubs for years.

He may not be above average at this level, but plenty in the game clearly think, and thought, that it’s his level.

Not since he did his acl
Title: Re: Hanlon
Post by: TonySoprano on February 03, 2026, 10:19:08 am
Hanlan needs goalscorers around him.

Now that there’s 3 of them around him (Adelakun, Lee, Molyneux) he could come in handy as a player who runs the channels / occupies defenders to make more space for them to thrive.

Lee has only played as a striker in a 3-5-2 at Wrexham even when he wasn’t in his main role as a midfielder. He isn’t a plug in and play solution as a striker.

Maybe McCann could go for a 4-4-2 diamond if BH, FO and BS aren’t on the pitch. With Mols and Haks as split strikers.

                       Clark

Sterry    Byrne / Pearson    McGrath    Senior


                             Gotts

                 Bailey                 Clifton

                              Lee

                Molyneux        Adelakun

"Hanlan needs goal scorers around him"  :lol:

So he needs players around him to do HIS job for him?

He's an absolute passenger, and a liability.
Title: Re: Hanlon
Post by: mpc123 on February 03, 2026, 02:29:52 pm
Hanlan needs goalscorers around him.

Now that there’s 3 of them around him (Adelakun, Lee, Molyneux) he could come in handy as a player who runs the channels / occupies defenders to make more space for them to thrive.

Lee has only played as a striker in a 3-5-2 at Wrexham even when he wasn’t in his main role as a midfielder. He isn’t a plug in and play solution as a striker.

Maybe McCann could go for a 4-4-2 diamond if BH, FO and BS aren’t on the pitch. With Mols and Haks as split strikers.

                       Clark

Sterry    Byrne / Pearson    McGrath    Senior


                             Gotts

                 Bailey                 Clifton

                              Lee

                Molyneux        Adelakun

"Hanlan needs goal scorers around him"  :lol:

So he needs players around him to do HIS job for him?

He's an absolute passenger, and a liability.

I don't agree
Title: Re: Hanlon
Post by: Shawn_drfc on February 03, 2026, 04:28:40 pm
With Hanlan, he has traits that people would see and say he will be a good player.

From time to time he pulls out something and you say that's why we signed him.

However his lack on consistency is because he lacks the instincts and Football IQ on the pitch.

Not being in the right position or not following up on something because he is ball watching.

Best one was taking two players on and the doing a pass so bad it went out for a throw.

He will put the ball in the net from time to time, but he won't be able to give you the consistency to be the number 9 we need to be competitive in League 1.

Watching someone like Street or Frankie play in comparison is night and day in regards to the instincts that are needed to be a good number 9 in this league.
Title: Re: Hanlon
Post by: drfchound on February 04, 2026, 03:07:33 am
Hanlan needs goalscorers around him.

Now that there’s 3 of them around him (Adelakun, Lee, Molyneux) he could come in handy as a player who runs the channels / occupies defenders to make more space for them to thrive.

Lee has only played as a striker in a 3-5-2 at Wrexham even when he wasn’t in his main role as a midfielder. He isn’t a plug in and play solution as a striker.

Maybe McCann could go for a 4-4-2 diamond if BH, FO and BS aren’t on the pitch. With Mols and Haks as split strikers.

                       Clark

Sterry    Byrne / Pearson    McGrath    Senior


                             Gotts

                 Bailey                 Clifton

                              Lee

                Molyneux        Adelakun

Haks has only started one match as a striker (it was at Scunny) and he got subbed at half time.
Title: Re: Hanlon
Post by: Ryaldinhio on February 17, 2026, 09:36:50 pm
Didnt make the game tonight with work.

Got back and flicked game on 89th minute.

92nd minute WTF is Hanlan doing?!?!

f**king get rid.
Title: Re: Hanlon
Post by: wing commander on February 17, 2026, 09:43:57 pm
He did his job what he was brought on to do,held it up well..crazy comment to say you watched a couple of minutes
Title: Re: Hanlon
Post by: ChrisBx on February 17, 2026, 09:46:47 pm
He did his job what he was brought on to do,held it up well..crazy comment to say you watched a couple of minutes

I thought he did well overall given the state of the game when he came on, but he doesn't half look sluggish in possession.
Title: Re: Hanlon
Post by: Thorney on February 17, 2026, 09:47:01 pm
Hanlon did what was needed when he came on.
Did well.
Title: Re: Hanlon
Post by: Bristol Red Rover on February 17, 2026, 09:49:33 pm
That move when he was one on one (ish!), he could have done better with a sharper wit. or maybe he knew he had no chance with speed against the defender? He needs some oomph in training to get over that. But yes, otherwise did his job.
Title: Re: Hanlon
Post by: grayx on February 17, 2026, 09:52:11 pm
Hanlan ran his balls off when he came on which is what we needed. He needs to be above Billy in the pecking order now.
Title: Re: Hanlon
Post by: ncRover on February 17, 2026, 10:00:52 pm
Didnt make the game tonight with work.

Got back and flicked game on 89th minute.

92nd minute WTF is Hanlan doing?!?!

f**king get rid.

Didn’t you used to go on rants about people being negative?

Hanlan isn’t perfect but my god he’s better than the centre forward they had starting (no.15).
Title: Re: Hanlon
Post by: MachoMadness on February 17, 2026, 10:01:09 pm
Didnt make the game tonight with work.

Got back and flicked game on 89th minute.

92nd minute WTF is Hanlan doing?!?!

f**king get rid.
Mad post to read after a solid performance and a huge win. Hanlon played his part in both.
Title: Re: Hanlon
Post by: Ryaldinhio on February 17, 2026, 10:02:06 pm
Well, I did say I flicked on with a few minutes to go.

I must have just turned on before the worst bit of his game.

5 comments to the contrary so I guess he did well  :aok:
Title: Re: Hanlon
Post by: StocksArmy on February 17, 2026, 10:05:46 pm
He relieved the pressure and stopped the centre halves coming forward. Thought the whole team were really poor going forward but defensively can’t knock a single one of them. A few more of these gritty performances and who knows where we would be.
Title: Re: Hanlon
Post by: Sprotyrover on February 17, 2026, 10:10:50 pm
Held the ball up well.
Title: Re: Hanlon
Post by: rich1471 on February 17, 2026, 10:17:13 pm
Halan will join a growing pyramid of subpar to inadequate forwards we've signed over the last decade.

Reo Griffiths. Rakish Bingham, Kwame Thomas, Aidan Barlow.... how long do you want to go on.

Got to look at the recruitment. Probably a 50/50 between not having a high enough budget for good strikers, and just bad decisions.

He’s definitely a better footballer than the four you’ve mentioned.

The issue for me is, I don’t know what type of centre forward he’s meant to be. How do you use him?

Can anybody compare him to another striker they know of?
He not a center forward He's a winger who is being played as a striker that's the problem
Title: Re: Hanlon
Post by: turnbull for england on February 17, 2026, 10:30:28 pm
Didnt make the game tonight with work.

Got back and flicked game on 89th minute.

92nd minute WTF is Hanlan doing?!?!

f**king get rid.


Bad shift was it?
Title: Re: Hanlon
Post by: drfchound on February 17, 2026, 10:32:32 pm
He relieved the pressure and stopped the centre halves coming forward. Thought the whole team were really poor going forward but defensively can’t knock a single one of them. A few more of these gritty performances and who knows where we would be.

This.
Title: Re: Hanlon
Post by: mpc123 on February 17, 2026, 10:35:40 pm
Straight in for a scapegoat, oh dear we won, right who can I pick on.

Hanlan played OK, did his job, everyone played Ok, some better than OK.

Well done rovers.
Title: Re: Hanlon
Post by: The Dav on February 17, 2026, 10:35:51 pm
We looked better in the second half after the subs were made, we were under severe pressure and needed some help from up front which is exactly what Hanlon and Haks provided, so let’s give them and Grant some credit eh ? Can’t wait until Saturday now ! Let’s go and sort them lot out!
Title: Re: Hanlon
Post by: mushRTID on February 17, 2026, 10:36:24 pm
Hanlan did more than Haks, thought he was decent .
Title: Re: Hanlon
Post by: KingKendrick on February 17, 2026, 10:40:24 pm
Halan will join a growing pyramid of subpar to inadequate forwards we've signed over the last decade.

Reo Griffiths. Rakish Bingham, Kwame Thomas, Aidan Barlow.... how long do you want to go on.

Got to look at the recruitment. Probably a 50/50 between not having a high enough budget for good strikers, and just bad decisions.

He’s definitely a better footballer than the four you’ve mentioned.

The issue for me is, I don’t know what type of centre forward he’s meant to be. How do you use him?

Can anybody compare him to another striker they know of?
He not a center forward He's a winger who is being played as a striker that's the problem
I’m sorry but he was signed as a number 9 for us. I’ve seen him plenty of times and can’t see a world in which you would play him on the wing. If you think the problem with Hanlan is he is being played in the wrong position then I’m afraid you are living in cloud cuckoo land
Title: Re: Hanlon
Post by: Usher wide. on February 17, 2026, 10:49:11 pm
Held the ball up well.

No he didn’t, & I watched the full 90+minutes.

Billy offers far much ar the ripe old age of forty with his all out harrying game.

That having been said, Elliot Lee is not a No.9 in the sense that Rob Street was, the same can be said of Hanlan (though I scratch my head as to what he ‘truly’ offers us wide or centrally).

We clearly need someone to lead the line come the summer.

I’m sure that is on the radar of Grant & his recruiting team. I’ll leave it at that for now & trust it will be at the front of our agenda.

The boys all worked hard after the penalty & we grew into the game rather than ‘shrink’ into a side happy to kick it long & concede possession waiting for the inevitable to happen.

On to Rotherham with all that I’ve said tonight about having a ‘proper striker’ up front.

Credit to the back four (a massive hats off to Sterry), we faced up to everything they threw at us.

Title: Re: Hanlon
Post by: Lesonthewest on February 17, 2026, 11:06:08 pm
Really good battling performance tonight, well done to the team, & the subs. Gotts, Sterry & Byrne were my pick, but everyone played their part tonight, great effort.
Title: Re: Hanlon
Post by: rich1471 on February 17, 2026, 11:06:24 pm
Halan will join a growing pyramid of subpar to inadequate forwards we've signed over the last decade.

Reo Griffiths. Rakish Bingham, Kwame Thomas, Aidan Barlow.... how long do you want to go on.

Got to look at the recruitment. Probably a 50/50 between not having a high enough budget for good strikers, and just bad decisions.

He’s definitely a better footballer than the four you’ve mentioned.

The issue for me is, I don’t know what type of centre forward he’s meant to be. How do you use him?

Can anybody compare him to another striker they know of?
He not a center forward He's a winger who is being played as a striker that's the problem
I’m sorry but he was signed as a number 9 for us. I’ve seen him plenty of times and can’t see a world in which you would play him on the wing. If you think the problem with Hanlan is he is being played in the wrong position then I’m afraid you are living in cloud cuckoo land
He's never played as a number 9 he has always played outside in a front 3 , just because Grant signed him as a number 9 does not make it his best position to play him in
Title: Re: Hanlon
Post by: BillyStubbsTears on February 17, 2026, 11:21:00 pm
Once again, the stick he gets is just ridiculous.

Bell end behind me shouting at him for not closing down a centre half who was thirty yards away.

Not a word of praise when he battled down by our corner flag to win the ball and relieve pressure. He was exactly the right sub tonight and played his role in what was arguably our most professional performance of the season.
Title: Re: Hanlon
Post by: mpc123 on February 17, 2026, 11:27:09 pm
He is a nightmare player thst Byrne so far isn't it. I hope those people are so embarrassed now, pre him playing a game. I guarantee that if he has 1 bad game out of 20 he will be rubbish. Crazy world we live in.
Title: Re: Hanlon
Post by: Move DRFC on February 17, 2026, 11:37:06 pm
Hanlan offers more than Sharp for physicality alone. He can actually move (love Sharp but should be nowhere near it).
Title: Re: Hanlon
Post by: Alan Southstand on February 17, 2026, 11:55:44 pm
Lee didn’t do much playing in the 9 role either. At least Hanlon offered a bit more physicality. But that’s all he offered,  I’m afraid.
Until Okoronkwo gets back in, we have a real problem up top. There’s no way Lee is a No9, surely that’s obvious by now?

He needs to be in the squad on Saturday, if we’re wanting another 3 points. Lee is a footballer but wasted where he’s currently employed!

Gibson was the bigger worry tonight - I can’t see what Grant sees in him…..at all. Lazy, listless, heart as big as a pea! Passenger all the time he was on the field. We must improve in that area if we manage to stay in this league this season.
Title: Re: Hanlon
Post by: DonnyRover on February 18, 2026, 12:08:59 am
I don’t know how people defend, Hanlan, when he comes on it’s like playing with 10, he can’t pass, he can’t dribble, he can’t control the ball, he can’t head the ball, he can’t shoot, he is absolutely the worst player in the squad and Billy must be sat there thinking he’s on a hidden camera show when he comes on instead of him. We would even be 10 times better off asking Middleton to play up front over Hanlan I’m sure of it.
Title: Re: Hanlon
Post by: LincolnDonny on February 18, 2026, 12:37:49 am
Hanlan did just ok

but not my cup of tea . ....... there i said it
Title: Re: Hanlon
Post by: scawsby steve on February 18, 2026, 01:11:14 am
I don’t know how people defend, Hanlan, when he comes on it’s like playing with 10, he can’t pass, he can’t dribble, he can’t control the ball, he can’t head the ball, he can’t shoot, he is absolutely the worst player in the squad and Billy must be sat there thinking he’s on a hidden camera show when he comes on instead of him. We would even be 10 times better off asking Middleton to play up front over Hanlan I’m sure of it.

Bloody hell, mate, how much money does he owe you?
Title: Re: Hanlon
Post by: BillyStubbsTears on February 18, 2026, 01:42:00 am
There were several times when the ball stuck to Hanlan like glue.

Admittedly one of them was when he was trying to run at their defence and play Adelakun in, but hey-ho.

Imagine the reaction in here if we'd lost. Strange bunch, some of our fans. We showed a maturity tonight that seemed a million miles away three months ago, and still the first thing some folk want to do is to abuse one of our players.
Title: Re: Hanlon
Post by: ncRover on February 18, 2026, 06:12:46 am
He is a nightmare player thst Byrne so far isn't it. I hope those people are so embarrassed now, pre him playing a game. I guarantee that if he has 1 bad game out of 20 he will be rubbish. Crazy world we live in.

I thought Byrne was a bad signing yeah but I’m glad he’s doing well and will admit he has proved me wrong so far!

Title: Re: Hanlon
Post by: GazLaz on February 18, 2026, 06:25:23 am
People see what they want to see.
Title: Re: Hanlon
Post by: Chris Black come back on February 18, 2026, 06:29:57 am
There is some real encouragement recently that we can stay up, aside from the Wycombe total debacle.

We seem to have done this by becoming a bit more solid at the back generally although at the expense of an attacking threat. That change might be best way for us to stay up now, but what about next season? What we are playing now is not how McCann likes to play. We're going to reset back to the usual set up in August.
Title: Re: Hanlon
Post by: drfcbenny625 on February 18, 2026, 07:28:04 am
I think if we're winning and looking to defend a lead Hanlon is the way to go. However if we're behind and need a goal then I'm going with Billy.
Title: Re: Hanlon
Post by: grayx on February 18, 2026, 07:39:27 am
Hanlan offers more than Sharp for physicality alone. He can actually move (love Sharp but should be nowhere near it).
Spot on.
Title: Re: Hanlon
Post by: Goole Rover on February 18, 2026, 07:57:48 am
He is a nightmare player thst Byrne so far isn't it. I hope those people are so embarrassed now, pre him playing a game. I guarantee that if he has 1 bad game out of 20 he will be rubbish. Crazy world we live in.

I thought Byrne was a bad signing yeah but I’m glad he’s doing well and will admit he has proved me wrong so far!
I thought that Byrne was MOM.
Title: Re: Hanlon
Post by: mpc123 on February 18, 2026, 08:09:10 am
There is some real encouragement recently that we can stay up, aside from the Wycombe total debacle.

We seem to have done this by becoming a bit more solid at the back generally although at the expense of an attacking threat. That change might be best way for us to stay up now, but what about next season? What we are playing now is not how McCann likes to play. We're going to reset back to the usual set up in August.

I dont think we do defend more, we defend better. I don't think the threat for goals have chanhed either. Huddersfield are a good team with a huge budget.

I thought both ends of the pitch we did well against them.
Title: Re: Hanlon
Post by: mpc123 on February 18, 2026, 08:13:34 am
There were several times when the ball stuck to Hanlan like glue.

Admittedly one of them was when he was trying to run at their defence and play Adelakun in, but hey-ho.

Imagine the reaction in here if we'd lost. Strange bunch, some of our fans. We showed a maturity tonight that seemed a million miles away three months ago, and still the first thing some folk want to do is to abuse one of our players.

Its a great point on the maturity, Mccann runs over it a little in his interview, almost like the players are getting to grips with league one now, that transition I think has taken a little longer than what he had hoped.

All positive, keep going, keep getting behind them to get around middle table. Strengthen well with the great recruitment that has taken place whilst Mccann is here and you never know next season. Season ticket purchased and ready.
Title: Re: Hanlon
Post by: GazLaz on February 18, 2026, 08:33:48 am
There were several times when the ball stuck to Hanlan like glue.

Admittedly one of them was when he was trying to run at their defence and play Adelakun in, but hey-ho.

Imagine the reaction in here if we'd lost. Strange bunch, some of our fans. We showed a maturity tonight that seemed a million miles away three months ago, and still the first thing some folk want to do is to abuse one of our players.

Its a great point on the maturity, Mccann runs over it a little in his interview, almost like the players are getting to grips with league one now, that transition I think has taken a little longer than what he had hoped.

All positive, keep going, keep getting behind them to get around middle table. Strengthen well with the great recruitment that has taken place whilst Mccann is here and you never know next season. Season ticket purchased and ready.

Our underlying numbers have been that of a mid table team all season. Probably as much variance levelling itself out as much as anything.
Title: Re: Hanlon
Post by: Ian Nimmo on February 18, 2026, 08:45:36 am
Hanlan offers more than Sharp for physicality alone. He can actually move (love Sharp but should be nowhere near it).
Spot on.

I just cannot believe these comments regarding Hanlan, he’s definitely not up to L1  standard. When he does win the ball he doesn’t seem to know what to do with it
Title: Re: Hanlon
Post by: Barmby Rover on February 18, 2026, 08:50:56 am
Hanlan offers more than Sharp for physicality alone. He can actually move (love Sharp but should be nowhere near it).
Spot on.

I just cannot believe these comments regarding Hanlan, he’s definitely not up to L1  standard. When he does win the ball he doesn’t seem to know what to do with it

The classic last night, presented with a free ball he failed to run on goal and try to score, instead he faffed about with it until he lost the ball, if he's a striker I'm a Chinaman (and I was born in Balby)
Title: Re: Hanlon
Post by: Jersey Rover on February 18, 2026, 09:02:48 am
Thought he did what was required when he came on. Was a solid performance by all. Nothing fancy, got the 3 pts and onto the next game. McCann set them up perfectly and the team executed.
Title: Re: Hanlon
Post by: Goole Rover on February 18, 2026, 09:15:23 am
But if the result had been other than three points would your comments be different ?
Title: Re: Hanlon
Post by: TonySoprano on February 18, 2026, 09:48:32 am
There were several times when the ball stuck to Hanlan like glue.

Admittedly one of them was when he was trying to run at their defence and play Adelakun in, but hey-ho.

Imagine the reaction in here if we'd lost. Strange bunch, some of our fans. We showed a maturity tonight that seemed a million miles away three months ago, and still the first thing some folk want to do is to abuse one of our players.

Strange how you chelp up after hanlan played 7/10 for 20 mins.

Probably his role now, hes not good enough to start, but does ok to freshen it up at the end of matches, until okoronkwo gets fit that is.
Title: Re: Hanlon
Post by: oggycompton on February 18, 2026, 10:06:02 am
Thought Hanlan was good, way more effective than Sharp with the way we play football.
Title: Re: Hanlon
Post by: Reg of the Rovers on February 18, 2026, 10:30:41 am
I thought Hanlan did ok last night - it wasn't a strikers game really, everything he did started in our own half - either holding the ball up, pressing their defenders or trying to break forward - and he did all of those things well.

I think Okoronkwo coming back might cause some formation problems - you'd want Okoronkwo in as the 9, but if Grant persists with the 4-3-3 I'm not sure where Lee would fit, as Grant doesn't usually like the creative 10, and based on his performances Lee has to be in the team - he's a breath of fresh air creatively.

Grant seems to have gone off Haks, and Gibson looks like he really can't be bothered so we're weak on the right at the moment. Maybe time to change shape?
Title: Re: Hanlon
Post by: Barmby Rover on February 18, 2026, 11:51:47 am
If Haks doesn't get the call for Saturday's game ahead of Gibson I would be gobsmacked, trying to be clever where it was not needed gave Huddersfield their two main chances in the game, and then was absolutely ineffective in attack. It looked so much better on that side once Haks came on.
Title: Re: Hanlon
Post by: GazLaz on February 18, 2026, 12:49:53 pm
If Haks doesn't get the call for Saturday's game ahead of Gibson I would be gobsmacked, trying to be clever where it was not needed gave Huddersfield their two main chances in the game, and then was absolutely ineffective in attack. It looked so much better on that side once Haks came on.

The thing with our wide men is that Haks and Middleton offer zero off the ball. Gibson offers more in that department. He’s no David Beckham defensively don’t get me wrong, but the point Ali’s still true.
Title: Re: Hanlon
Post by: adamtherover on February 18, 2026, 12:52:23 pm
Lee didn’t do much playing in the 9 role either. At least Hanlon offered a bit more physicality. But that’s all he offered,  I’m afraid.
Until Okoronkwo gets back in, we have a real problem up top. There’s no way Lee is a No9, surely that’s obvious by now?

He needs to be in the squad on Saturday, if we’re wanting another 3 points. Lee is a footballer but wasted where he’s currently employed!

Gibson was the bigger worry tonight - I can’t see what Grant sees in him…..at all. Lazy, listless, heart as big as a pea! Passenger all the time he was on the field. We must improve in that area if we manage to stay in this league this season.
the lunacy of trying to meg a town player whilst in our penno area!!!!!   Mind blown!!!!!!!
Title: Re: Hanlon
Post by: GazLaz on February 18, 2026, 12:55:22 pm
Lee didn’t do much playing in the 9 role either. At least Hanlon offered a bit more physicality. But that’s all he offered,  I’m afraid.
Until Okoronkwo gets back in, we have a real problem up top. There’s no way Lee is a No9, surely that’s obvious by now?

He needs to be in the squad on Saturday, if we’re wanting another 3 points. Lee is a footballer but wasted where he’s currently employed!

Gibson was the bigger worry tonight - I can’t see what Grant sees in him…..at all. Lazy, listless, heart as big as a pea! Passenger all the time he was on the field. We must improve in that area if we manage to stay in this league this season.
the lunacy of trying to meg a town player whilst in our penno area!!!!!   Mind blown!!!!!!!

He makes bad decisions because he wants to make something happen every time he has the ball. The amount of times he gives the ball away on the half way like with his back to goal, trying to flick it around the corner and turn, is mad really. He should learn.
Title: Re: Hanlon
Post by: ncRover on February 18, 2026, 01:55:57 pm
If Haks doesn't get the call for Saturday's game ahead of Gibson I would be gobsmacked, trying to be clever where it was not needed gave Huddersfield their two main chances in the game, and then was absolutely ineffective in attack. It looked so much better on that side once Haks came on.

The thing with our wide men is that Haks and Middleton offer zero off the ball. Gibson offers more in that department. He’s no David Beckham defensively don’t get me wrong, but the point Ali’s still true.

This is why Ironside and Adelakun were the perfect foil for each other a few years back.
As much as I rate Haks, he will do everything within his power to avoid heading a football.
Title: Re: Hanlon
Post by: drfchound on February 18, 2026, 05:32:17 pm
Lee didn’t do much playing in the 9 role either. At least Hanlon offered a bit more physicality. But that’s all he offered,  I’m afraid.
Until Okoronkwo gets back in, we have a real problem up top. There’s no way Lee is a No9, surely that’s obvious by now?

He needs to be in the squad on Saturday, if we’re wanting another 3 points. Lee is a footballer but wasted where he’s currently employed!

Gibson was the bigger worry tonight - I can’t see what Grant sees in him…..at all. Lazy, listless, heart as big as a pea! Passenger all the time he was on the field. We must improve in that area if we manage to stay in this league this season.
the lunacy of trying to meg a town player whilst in our penno area!!!!!   Mind blown!!!!!!!

He makes bad decisions because he wants to make something happen every time he has the ball. The amount of times he gives the ball away on the half way like with his back to goal, trying to flick it around the corner and turn, is mad really. He should learn.

Exactly as I see it too Gaz.
And often we have more players ahead of the ball than behind it when he does that.
Title: Re: Hanlon
Post by: Alan Southstand on February 18, 2026, 08:10:38 pm
Mpc:

Strengthen well with the great recruitment….


After last summer - that worries me!
Title: Re: Hanlon
Post by: Alan Southstand on February 18, 2026, 08:15:43 pm
Gaz:

The thing with our wide men is that Haks and Middleton offer zero off the ball. Gibson offers more in that department.


Totally disagree. Gibson offers nothing most of the time. I know you like him, Gaz, but there’s a limit!

If he’s not on the released list at the end of the season, then I’ll be worried for next season. We have be looking to improve that side of the field as we’re lob-sided!
Title: Re: Hanlon
Post by: GazLaz on February 18, 2026, 08:29:06 pm
Gaz:

The thing with our wide men is that Haks and Middleton offer zero off the ball. Gibson offers more in that department.


Totally disagree. Gibson offers nothing most of the time. I know you like him, Gaz, but there’s a limit!

If he’s not on the released list at the end of the season, then I’ll be worried for next season. We have be looking to improve that side of the field as we’re lob-sided!

He offers more than the other two. That’s a fact. Plenty of evidence to back it up. It’s indisputable.
Title: Re: Hanlon
Post by: Chris Black come back on February 18, 2026, 08:34:31 pm
I've been pleasantly surprised at Hakeeb in his early games making at least some visible effort to retrieve the ball, but largely playing him you are asking a lot of his full back. He's a talented player but only in one direction.
Title: Re: Hanlon
Post by: Blue Green Algae on February 18, 2026, 08:35:46 pm
Early days for Haks, but so far I haven't seen him do anything of note since his return (I think he alludes to this in his recent interview, he's still finding his feet). We haven't played to Middleton strengths all season, and Gibson only seems to play well against Bradford.

Haks and Middleton have got contracts for next season though, so if anyone is off I'd expect it to be Jordan.
Title: Re: Hanlon
Post by: Ian Nimmo on February 19, 2026, 06:28:18 am
Gaz:

The thing with our wide men is that Haks and Middleton offer zero off the ball. Gibson offers more in that department.


Totally disagree. Gibson offers nothing most of the time. I know you like him, Gaz, but there’s a limit!

If he’s not on the released list at the end of the season, then I’ll be worried for next season. We have be looking to improve that side of the field as we’re lob-sided!

He offers more than the other two. That’s a fact. Plenty of evidence to back it up. It’s indisputable.

I would be interested to view the evidence, and think many others would too.
I remember his first game when he scored and thought he would be a good signing, but he’s been a real disappointment, and more me he is a passenger and offers nothing (although in a very small number of games he has played very well)
Title: Re: Hanlon
Post by: mpc123 on February 19, 2026, 08:17:13 am
Mpc:

Strengthen well with the great recruitment….


After last summer - that worries me!

I think we have had great recruitment over all. Some wont work like EVERY club and as fans we have to except that.

If it was that easy to get 100% playing well, winning promotion year, everyone would do it.

Its life somethings work somethings dont.

Mccann and his team have had strong recruitment many most love now moaned abot the sognings they love or said who the hell is that and what are they going to do.

Hindsight is easy. Liverpools for example has been terrible from the outset but they are still very good players.
Title: Re: Hanlon
Post by: jmt23 on February 19, 2026, 12:24:28 pm
It will be a tough month for Haks given it is Ramadan. Possibly the reason for him being on the bench on Tuesday.

He still has that quality on the ball, and that ability to spot a pass no others can.

Gibbo is and has been for months now, well below his best. He is talented, no doubt, but it ain’t working for him this year.
Title: Re: Hanlon
Post by: Smyth on February 19, 2026, 12:57:23 pm
It will be a tough month for Haks given it is Ramadan.
Oh not this bullshit again.  He hasn't warranted a start. I wouldn't have given him 18 months given how he wasn't interested after promotion,  possibly given him a contract till end of season to prove himself.

No problems arising due to Ramadum.

I occasionally go through fasting 24+ hrs, encourages something called autophagy ( repairing the body cells) temporary fasting is something humans have done throughout our evolution, no need for public performative nonsense about only eating and drinking during darkness.

Fancy having a dedicated nutrition and dietician specialist adviser employed and someone says no thanks,  I'll do my own thing, so you'll be in favour of 10 outfield players saying the same thing?
 
Title: Re: Hanlon
Post by: vaya on February 19, 2026, 01:16:29 pm
It will be a tough month for Haks given it is Ramadan.
Oh not this bullshit again.  He hasn't warranted a start. I wouldn't have given him 18 months given how he wasn't interested after promotion,  possibly given him a contract till end of season to prove himself.

No problems arising due to Ramadum.

I occasionally go through fasting 24+ hrs, encourages something called autophagy ( repairing the body cells) temporary fasting is something humans have done throughout our evolution, no need for public performative nonsense about only eating and drinking during darkness.

Fancy having a dedicated nutrition and dietician specialist adviser employed and someone says no thanks,  I'll do my own thing, so you'll be in favour of 10 outfield players saying the same thing?
 

You've mentioned all this before.
Title: Re: Hanlon
Post by: Move DRFC on February 19, 2026, 09:24:08 pm
Gibson is frustrating because it's obvious he's a talented footballer, he's got enough talent to be a good L1 player, but he just can't find consistency for whatever reason. Maybe it's the bad decision making alluded to above that needs to be improved through coaching, maybe it's something else.

You can understand right now - out of contract in the summer, now 2nd choice to Haks, why he would maybe be trying to do too much or trying to pull things off he probably shouldn't. Just needs to regain his focus a bit.
Title: Re: Hanlon
Post by: Ldr on February 19, 2026, 09:42:11 pm
He lacks heart
Title: Re: Hanlon
Post by: Move DRFC on February 20, 2026, 12:06:46 am
He lacks heart

How can you possibly know that? Unfair assumption
Title: Re: Hanlon
Post by: Ryaldinhio on February 21, 2026, 01:07:26 am
Early days for Haks, but so far I haven't seen him do anything of note since his return (I think he alludes to this in his recent interview, he's still finding his feet). We haven't played to Middleton strengths all season, and Gibson only seems to play well against Bradford.

Haks and Middleton have got contracts for next season though, so if anyone is off I'd expect it to be Jordan.

Nail and head.
Title: Re: Hanlon
Post by: Ryaldinhio on February 21, 2026, 01:15:42 am
Gibson is frustrating because it's obvious he's a talented footballer, he's got enough talent to be a good L1 player, but he just can't find consistency for whatever reason. Maybe it's the bad decision making alluded to above that needs to be improved through coaching, maybe it's something else.

You can understand right now - out of contract in the summer, now 2nd choice to Haks, why he would maybe be trying to do too much or trying to pull things off he probably shouldn't. Just needs to regain his focus a bit.

Gibson really frustrates me because he never looks arsed, but Haks is even worse for that....though Haks seems to be better at top end so gets some leeway.

Clearly both very talented lads but dont apply themselves anywhere near 100%.

This happens throughout the divisions its not just a L1/L2 issue. There is constantly players that show signs of being so much better than they end up being because they are not dedicated or their head is elsewhere, Jesse Lingaard, Delle Alli, Ross Barkley. All could have been playing for England for a long time but it wasnt to be.
Title: Re: Hanlon
Post by: Padge_DRFC on February 21, 2026, 08:40:05 am
It will be a tough month for Haks given it is Ramadan. Possibly the reason for him being on the bench on Tuesday.

He still has that quality on the ball, and that ability to spot a pass no others can.

Gibbo is and has been for months now, well below his best. He is talented, no doubt, but it ain’t working for him this year.

Today's lunch time kick off is probably more favourable for him. Hopefully he's just finished his 3rd bowl of pasta and hour ago raring to go
Title: Re: Hanlon
Post by: The Beast on February 21, 2026, 09:44:25 am
It will be a tough month for Haks given it is Ramadan.
Oh not this bullshit again.  He hasn't warranted a start. I wouldn't have given him 18 months given how he wasn't interested after promotion,  possibly given him a contract till end of season to prove himself.

No problems arising due to Ramadum.

I occasionally go through fasting 24+ hrs, encourages something called autophagy ( repairing the body cells) temporary fasting is something humans have done throughout our evolution, no need for public performative nonsense about only eating and drinking during darkness.

Fancy having a dedicated nutrition and dietician specialist adviser employed and someone says no thanks,  I'll do my own thing, so you'll be in favour of 10 outfield players saying the same thing?
 

Football’s so simple isn’t it!
Why didn’t we just give Haks a 6 month contract? I’ll tell you why we didn’t give Haks a 6 month contract, because he wouldn’t have signed a 6 months contract, believe it or not, there’s more than just Doncaster Rovers out there, if we didn’t give him what he wanted somebody else would’ve done.
As for this about players not being ‘arsed’, their body language might sometimes give this impression but I can assure you that if they weren’t ‘arsed’, they wouldn’t be making a living in the most competitive profession in the world, they’d have fallen out of the game at 16/17 if not earlier.
In my opinion giving Haks an 18month contract was a no-brainier, it gives him a chance to play football and have a little stability. If we go down we’ve got one of the best players in league 2, if we stay up we’ve got someone who can make something happen or have an impact on a game. We’re a relatively small fish in this tank, we can’t sign ready made performers like Huddersfield, Cardiff, Bolton etc can, every signing is a gamble.
Title: Re: Hanlon
Post by: GazLaz on February 21, 2026, 10:23:04 am
It will be a tough month for Haks given it is Ramadan. Possibly the reason for him being on the bench on Tuesday.

He still has that quality on the ball, and that ability to spot a pass no others can.

Gibbo is and has been for months now, well below his best. He is talented, no doubt, but it ain’t working for him this year.

Today's lunch time kick off is probably more favourable for him. Hopefully he's just finished his 3rd bowl of pasta and hour ago raring to go

5:30ish the last meal today I believe. 12:30
certainly helps compared to 19:45.
Title: Re: Hanlon
Post by: Padge_DRFC on February 21, 2026, 10:30:11 am
7.45 KO. Going to be way off it at professional level sport.
Title: Re: Hanlon
Post by: ncRover on February 21, 2026, 10:59:12 am
Gibson is frustrating because it's obvious he's a talented footballer, he's got enough talent to be a good L1 player, but he just can't find consistency for whatever reason. Maybe it's the bad decision making alluded to above that needs to be improved through coaching, maybe it's something else.

You can understand right now - out of contract in the summer, now 2nd choice to Haks, why he would maybe be trying to do too much or trying to pull things off he probably shouldn't. Just needs to regain his focus a bit.

Gibson really frustrates me because he never looks arsed, but Haks is even worse for that....though Haks seems to be better at top end so gets some leeway.

Clearly both very talented lads but dont apply themselves anywhere near 100%.

This happens throughout the divisions its not just a L1/L2 issue. There is constantly players that show signs of being so much better than they end up being because they are not dedicated or their head is elsewhere, Jesse Lingaard, Delle Alli, Ross Barkley. All could have been playing for England for a long time but it wasnt to be.

Ugh. Someone was shouting at Haks to run harder in a one man press towards a defender who had an easy square pass on. Do we want our players to waste energy for no reason?

I swear this perception is down to how Haks and Gibson look on the field to people.

Languid, long strides when running, technical player = “lazy”.

If Middleton was doing exactly the same work but with him looking tough, puffing his cheeks out with his little legs having to move really fast, I doubt an issue would be raised.
Title: Re: Hanlon
Post by: BillyStubbsTears on February 21, 2026, 01:21:35 pm
Just picture what the reaction would be on here if Hanlan had offered as little as Sharp gas in that first 45 minutes.
Title: Re: Hanlon
Post by: GazLaz on February 21, 2026, 01:23:16 pm
Just picture what the reaction would be on here if Hanlan had offered as little as Sharp gas in that first 45 minutes.

A prime Alan Shearer would have struggled out there. We can’t string three passes together against a semi-competent press. Our players have no idea of their next pass when they receive the ball.
Title: Re: Hanlon
Post by: Padge_DRFC on February 21, 2026, 01:25:14 pm
Rotherham can pretty much stand on the halfway line. All 3 want it to feet, zero running in behind.
Title: Re: Hanlon
Post by: BillyStubbsTears on February 21, 2026, 01:25:44 pm
Just picture what the reaction would be on here if Hanlan had offered as little as Sharp gas in that first 45 minutes.

A prime Alan Shearer would have struggled out there. We can’t string three passes together against a semi-competent press. Our players have no idea of their next pass when they receive the ball.

It's screaming out for Clifton to give us a bit of work rate and bite. Stupid, stupid selection starting Sharp
Title: Re: Hanlon
Post by: goalkick on February 21, 2026, 01:30:48 pm
How slow we are coming out from the back which gives them time to close us down. We then struggle.
Title: Re: Hanlon
Post by: BillyStubbsTears on February 21, 2026, 02:43:11 pm
Excellent performance from him in that second half. Like chalk and cheese compared to the first, having someone who actually gave their defenders something to do
Title: Re: Hanlon
Post by: sedwardsdrfc on February 21, 2026, 02:49:15 pm
I didn’t get the move starting Sharp over him. Hanlan can run and that is needs in the pro game from the off. Yes he’s frustrating but he gives an option to play into space and get up the pitch.

Sharp would be suited when we know we are going to dominate the ball and he can be in and around the box more. Probably not many games in L1 you’d be confident we’ll do that from the get go.
Title: Re: Hanlon
Post by: MachoMadness on February 21, 2026, 03:47:37 pm
Erling Hanlan today. Excellent performance.
Title: Re: Hanlon
Post by: grayx on February 21, 2026, 10:58:02 pm
Just picture what the reaction would be on here if Hanlan had offered as little as Sharp gas in that first 45 minutes.

A prime Alan Shearer would have struggled out there. We can’t string three passes together against a semi-competent press. Our players have no idea of their next pass when they receive the ball.

It's screaming out for Clifton to give us a bit of work rate and bite. Stupid, stupid selection starting Sharp
I can only think that GM doesnt think Hanlan can show that work rate for 90 min. He probably cant tbh.
Title: Re: Hanlon
Post by: DRFC-Hanksie on February 22, 2026, 09:54:50 am
I didn’t get the move starting Sharp over him. Hanlan can run and that is needs in the pro game from the off. Yes he’s frustrating but he gives an option to play into space and get up the pitch.

Sharp would be suited when we know we are going to dominate the ball and he can be in and around the box more. Probably not many games in L1 you’d be confident we’ll do that from the get go.

I never understood why Sharp started over Hanlon, but it played in our favour. Great goal & well took by Hanlon, deserves to start every game with Middleton until Frankie is back from injury & challenging for a start.

Sharp was poor yesterday, starting to think he won't get his 300 target by the end of the season either.
Title: Re: Hanlon
Post by: mushRTID on February 22, 2026, 10:19:29 am
I didn’t get the move starting Sharp over him. Hanlan can run and that is needs in the pro game from the off. Yes he’s frustrating but he gives an option to play into space and get up the pitch.

Sharp would be suited when we know we are going to dominate the ball and he can be in and around the box more. Probably not many games in L1 you’d be confident we’ll do that from the get go.

I never understood why Sharp started over Hanlon, but it played in our favour. Great goal & well took by Hanlon, deserves to start every game with Middleton until Frankie is back from injury & challenging for a start.

Sharp was poor yesterday, starting to think he won't get his 300 target by the end of the season either.

Sharp is now contributing nothing in the league I’m afraid. He was dreadful yesterday.
Title: Re: Hanlon
Post by: mpc123 on February 22, 2026, 10:34:07 am
Just picture what the reaction would be on here if Hanlan had offered as little as Sharp gas in that first 45 minutes.

A prime Alan Shearer would have struggled out there. We can’t string three passes together against a semi-competent press. Our players have no idea of their next pass when they receive the ball.

It's screaming out for Clifton to give us a bit of work rate and bite. Stupid, stupid selection starting Sharp
I can only think that GM doesnt think Hanlan can show that work rate for 90 min. He probably cant tbh.

It would be difficult for anyone and probably not sustainable across several games sat, tuesday, sat.... so you probably would be right.
Title: Re: Hanlon
Post by: Chris Black come back on February 22, 2026, 10:56:25 am
PLAY THE BALL IN FRONT OF HANLAN.

Madness to keep expecting him to play with his back to goal. May as well be asking him to take a turn in goal.
Title: Re: Hanlon
Post by: Barmby Rover on February 22, 2026, 11:12:35 am
I think that applies to Hanlan, Billy and Okoronkwo, no crosses at height and in front of the striker please!
Title: Re: Hanlon
Post by: Move DRFC on February 23, 2026, 01:57:26 am
Poor Billy really struggling to effect games. Love him but he's gone and nowhere near L1 quality anymore.
Title: Re: Hanlon
Post by: Avsuptem on February 23, 2026, 04:55:43 am
Its a bit harsh to blame Billy for the poor 1st half. He is a fox in the box player with all the touches necessary to deceive a defender and the best capacity to turn and shoot in league one. He got no goal mouth service in the 1st half so it was impossible for him to be effective. He might not be at his best ever but is not over the hill yet.
Title: Re: Hanlon
Post by: mushRTID on February 23, 2026, 06:53:51 am
Poor Billy really struggling to effect games. Love him but he's gone and nowhere near L1 quality anymore.

Just watched his interview at Sheffield Uniteds fan park yesterday.

Joked league one is tough and he was “dragged off at HT yesterday”.

Then again was asked about him still playing and said “yeah still trying”.

I think it’s clear he’s finding it tough, I don’t think he can start games anymore.
Title: Re: Hanlon
Post by: TonySoprano on February 23, 2026, 09:37:39 am
Hanlan was awsome when he came on, proper battering ram and scared the shit out of their defence.

Do that again hanlan ! That what we want !
Title: Re: Hanlon
Post by: Chris Black come back on February 23, 2026, 12:24:23 pm
He can do that if we play to his strengths. Get the ball in front of him.
Title: Re: Hanlon
Post by: Move DRFC on February 24, 2026, 02:55:53 am
Poor Billy really struggling to effect games. Love him but he's gone and nowhere near L1 quality anymore.

Just watched his interview at Sheffield Uniteds fan park yesterday.

Joked league one is tough and he was “dragged off at HT yesterday”.

Then again was asked about him still playing and said “yeah still trying”.

I think it’s clear he’s finding it tough, I don’t think he can start games anymore.

Yeah exactly he'll know and will be frustrating for him. He's played a big part in the Vertu (obviously a lower standard), so it would be fantastic to win that trophy and he will take huge credit for that. That'd be a fitting end to his career here.
Title: Re: Hanlon
Post by: Smyth on February 24, 2026, 06:43:11 am
It will be a tough month for Haks given it is Ramadan.
Oh not this bullshit again.  He hasn't warranted a start. I wouldn't have given him 18 months given how he wasn't interested after promotion,  possibly given him a contract till end of season to prove himself.

No problems arising due to Ramadum.

I occasionally go through fasting 24+ hrs, encourages something called autophagy ( repairing the body cells) temporary fasting is something humans have done throughout our evolution, no need for public performative nonsense about only eating and drinking during darkness.

Fancy having a dedicated nutrition and dietician specialist adviser employed and someone says no thanks,  I'll do my own thing, so you'll be in favour of 10 outfield players saying the same thing?
 

Football’s so simple isn’t it!
Why didn’t we just give Haks a 6 month contract? I’ll tell you why we didn’t give Haks a 6 month contract, because he wouldn’t have signed a 6 months contract, believe it or not, there’s more than just Doncaster Rovers out there, if we didn’t give him what he wanted somebody else would’ve done.
As for this about players not being ‘arsed’, their body language might sometimes give this impression but I can assure you that if they weren’t ‘arsed’, they wouldn’t be making a living in the most competitive profession in the world, they’d have fallen out of the game at 16/17 if not earlier.
In my opinion giving Haks an 18month contract was a no-brainier, it gives him a chance to play football and have a little stability. If we go down we’ve got one of the best players in league 2, if we stay up we’ve got someone who can make
You realise you were replying to my post where I pointed out Alelakun had done nothing to warrant a starting place?
I was one of few on here that fully backed Grant refusing to even mention his name after he'd rejected a  contract after the play off season.
Others wanted him signed,  even people on here hoping for his return in the transfer window prior to our signing of Rob Street.
Go listen to Alelakun interview after he returned,  there's nothing there from him, empty meaningless words even though prompted.
Seems to be another longer than necessary contract award,  the occasional aberration that's part of Grants makeup.
Interesting you mention League 2 because that's  Alelakun's level, he did do OK at League 1 for a short time with Grant quite a few years ago but has never become the regular Championship player his early career looked like being. Nor has he secured a position in League 1. That's down to what's in the heart and brain.

Going on his performance so far and  likely  continuing rest of this season come the end would you be arguing he gets another 12 month for  League 1?

As you say he might have got other offers, there was  always Rotherham,  or perhaps a return to Scunthorpe.