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Viking Chat => Viking Chat => Topic started by: mpc123 on March 10, 2026, 09:41:20 pm

Title: Well done Hanlan
Post by: mpc123 on March 10, 2026, 09:41:20 pm
Another great performance by Hanlan.

Really happy for him
Title: Re: Well done Hanlan
Post by: goalkick on March 10, 2026, 09:44:07 pm
We were so unlucky beggars belief.
Title: Re: Well done Hanlan
Post by: rover-n-out on March 10, 2026, 09:44:41 pm
I agree with you mpc123, he was excellent tonight. Keep it up Brandon. ⚽️
Title: Re: Well done Hanlan
Post by: MachoMadness on March 10, 2026, 09:45:59 pm
Unlucky not to get another. That's the way it goes when you're down the bottom.
Title: Re: Well done Hanlan
Post by: Lesonthewest on March 10, 2026, 09:55:01 pm
Excellent tonight, long may it continue.
Title: Re: Well done Hanlan
Post by: Scooter on March 10, 2026, 09:57:41 pm
Well deserved man of the match
Title: Re: Well done Hanlan
Post by: Bessie Red on March 10, 2026, 10:00:52 pm
Well deserved man of the match
Although Senior was close to getting it for me
Title: Re: Well done Hanlan
Post by: jmt23 on March 10, 2026, 10:08:16 pm
We have some players who are so far out of form it’s scary. It’s like they panic and forget what to do with their feet.
Bailey is a bit of a problem for me, he is a defender, he excels when the ball is in front of him, he is not in any game when he has to be box to box. Fair play he got the flick for the goal, but anonymous otherwise.

Hanlan and Senior were head and shoulders above everyone.

Great effort, despite all that said.
Title: Re: Well done Hanlan
Post by: big fat yorkshire pudding on March 10, 2026, 10:10:27 pm
Hanlan and Senior were excellent, also thought the two centre halves dealt with things really well. Very unlucky tonight.
Title: Re: Well done Hanlan
Post by: GazLaz on March 10, 2026, 10:13:37 pm
If we do go Don this season, us being in March and Sharp playing more minutes then Hanlan in the league will be a contributing factor.
Title: Re: Well done Hanlan
Post by: Padge_DRFC on March 10, 2026, 10:16:42 pm
Unreal we've started so many games with Sharp up top offering next to nothing.
Title: Re: Well done Hanlan
Post by: Alan Southstand on March 10, 2026, 10:20:23 pm
I thought Gotts was motm. I’d love to see his mileage in that game. We were very wasteful up top - that’s why we drew.
Title: Re: Well done Hanlan
Post by: mpc123 on March 10, 2026, 10:21:52 pm
If we do go Don this season, us being in March and Sharp playing more minutes then Hanlan in the league will be a contributing factor.

Funny though isnt it, no fans wanted Hanlan to play
Title: Re: Well done Hanlan
Post by: GazLaz on March 10, 2026, 10:27:44 pm
If we do go Don this season, us being in March and Sharp playing more minutes then Hanlan in the league will be a contributing factor.

Funny though isnt it, no fans wanted Hanlan to play

The fans were wrong weren’t they? Pretty clear who offers more now they’ve both had a decent sample of minutes.
Title: Re: Well done Hanlan
Post by: scawsby steve on March 10, 2026, 10:30:16 pm
If we do go Don this season, us being in March and Sharp playing more minutes then Hanlan in the league will be a contributing factor.

Funny though isnt it, no fans wanted Hanlan to play

Lots of fans didn't want Senior to replace Maxwell either.
Title: Re: Well done Hanlan
Post by: mushRTID on March 10, 2026, 10:33:45 pm
Hanlan was sensational, they couldn’t handle him.
Title: Re: Well done Hanlan
Post by: Spud on March 10, 2026, 10:34:41 pm
He definitely benefits from a run of games, which i doubt he'd have got but for Frankie's injury. He's a real handful atm.
Title: Re: Well done Hanlan
Post by: Monkcaster_Rover on March 10, 2026, 10:35:17 pm
Hanlan was great from minute 1. Worked his b*llocks off and deserved his goal. Delighted for him.
Title: Re: Well done Hanlan
Post by: mpc123 on March 10, 2026, 10:35:34 pm
If we do go Don this season, us being in March and Sharp playing more minutes then Hanlan in the league will be a contributing factor.

Funny though isnt it, no fans wanted Hanlan to play

Lots of fans didn't want Senior to replace Maxwell either.

Agreed.

I say we get rid of all the fans and keep Mccann, perfect. This forum would make more sense :)
Title: Re: Well done Hanlan
Post by: Stewmaiden79 on March 10, 2026, 10:47:13 pm
Funny isn’t it, I thought Hanlan played well, but the bloke behind me didn’t stop saying how bad he was all night.
Title: Re: Well done Hanlan
Post by: StocksArmy on March 10, 2026, 11:00:56 pm
Hanlans biggest critic on this forum so far but happily eating my words tonight. Ever since he came on against Rotherham it’s like a switch has been flicked and looks a totally different player. His touch and hold up play has improved immensely. We need players to get close to him and release him into those pockets like his goal tonight. It really is just the sheer lack of quality in those areas around him though. That’s the worrying thing.
Title: Re: Well done Hanlan
Post by: colfromdonny on March 10, 2026, 11:02:47 pm
Funny isn’t it, I thought Hanlan played well, but the bloke behind me didn’t stop saying how bad he was all night.
That was probably me, he's never won a header, the ball just bounces off him, but he's lethal from 5 yards
Title: Re: Well done Hanlan
Post by: Pancho Regan on March 10, 2026, 11:25:07 pm
Yeah, there are two clowns who sit behind me and enjoy mocking Hanlan at every opportunity, but he shut them up tonight.

Well played Brandon, we’re going to need that level of performance from you every game until the end of the season.
Title: Re: Well done Hanlan
Post by: scawsby steve on March 11, 2026, 01:57:31 am
I've only seen the highlights, but he looked bloody good.
Title: Re: Well done Hanlan
Post by: andyst79 on March 11, 2026, 05:53:12 am
If we do go Don this season, us being in March and Sharp playing more minutes then Hanlan in the league will be a contributing factor.
What sticks out for me is that we're in March and the manager still has no idea who his  best starting XI is . Been too much chopping and changing throughout the season and been quick to throw players under the bus instead of showing faith. As you've said the decision to persist with Sharp is just baffling, nothing against Billy but he's never been a lone striker.
Title: Re: Well done Hanlan
Post by: drfcsteve on March 11, 2026, 05:57:17 am
If we do go Don this season, us being in March and Sharp playing more minutes then Hanlan in the league will be a contributing factor.

Funny though isnt it, no fans wanted Hanlan to play

A few (myself included) have been saying for months Hanlan is our best option if it’s between him and Sharp.
Title: Re: Well done Hanlan
Post by: Padge_DRFC on March 11, 2026, 06:06:50 am
I've been consistent in saying Hanlan should play instead of Sharp. Last night I'd say Hanlan was the man I thought with the ball at his feet looked the most likely to make something happen out of nothing. Usually Molyneux.
Title: Re: Well done Hanlan
Post by: Sprotyrover on March 11, 2026, 10:58:18 am
HANLAN had a cracking game
Title: Re: Well done Hanlan
Post by: oggycompton on March 11, 2026, 11:00:33 am
Yeah echo everyone else. really positive showing. An absolute nuisance to their backline and held the ball up really well.
Title: Re: Well done Hanlan
Post by: Barmby Rover on March 11, 2026, 11:56:05 am
Funny isn’t it, I thought Hanlan played well, but the bloke behind me didn’t stop saying how bad he was all night.
That was probably me, he's never won a header, the ball just bounces off him, but he's lethal from 5 yards


The number of times the player behind him gets an unexpected header and bounces it off the back of his head is amazing, he ducks. Too late to get onto Mols cross, he is great from 5 yards as you say. so long as it is erved up on a plate as Bails did last night. Once we get a proper CF is when we start winning regularly and he can go and play in National league.
Title: Re: Well done Hanlan
Post by: i_ateallthepies on March 11, 2026, 12:03:24 pm
Funny isn’t it, I thought Hanlan played well, but the bloke behind me didn’t stop saying how bad he was all night.
That was probably me, he's never won a header, the ball just bounces off him, but he's lethal from 5 yards


The number of times the player behind him gets an unexpected header and bounces it off the back of his head is amazing, he ducks. Too late to get onto Mols cross, he is great from 5 yards as you say. so long as it is erved up on a plate as Bails did last night. Once we get a proper CF is when we start winning regularly and he can go and play in National league.
Unwilling to give due credit under any circumstances makes your opinion totally worthless.
Title: Re: Well done Hanlan
Post by: BillyStubbsTears on March 11, 2026, 01:11:18 pm
Funny isn’t it, I thought Hanlan played well, but the bloke behind me didn’t stop saying how bad he was all night.
That was probably me, he's never won a header, the ball just bounces off him, but he's lethal from 5 yards


The number of times the player behind him gets an unexpected header and bounces it off the back of his head is amazing, he ducks. Too late to get onto Mols cross, he is great from 5 yards as you say. so long as it is erved up on a plate as Bails did last night. Once we get a proper CF is when we start winning regularly and he can go and play in National league.

I know the Zeitgeist is that once you've taken up a position, you never, ever back down.

But THIS?!? How in the name of God above could someone watch that performance by Hanlan last night and dive in to slag him off?
Title: Re: Well done Hanlan
Post by: drfchound on March 11, 2026, 01:22:50 pm
Funny isn’t it, I thought Hanlan played well, but the bloke behind me didn’t stop saying how bad he was all night.
That was probably me, he's never won a header, the ball just bounces off him, but he's lethal from 5 yards


The number of times the player behind him gets an unexpected header and bounces it off the back of his head is amazing, he ducks. Too late to get onto Mols cross, he is great from 5 yards as you say. so long as it is erved up on a plate as Bails did last night. Once we get a proper CF is when we start winning regularly and he can go and play in National league.

I’m assuming you mean the Mols “cross” in the first half that went across the face of goal and out for a goal kick.
Well that was a shot by Mols and he should have cut the ball back to Hanlan who was in a great position for a tap in.
Title: Re: Well done Hanlan
Post by: selby on March 11, 2026, 02:02:49 pm
  Nobody can complain about his commitment to the cause and the effort he puts in, if he had the ball control and first touch of Ironside with his own mobility he would be playing a lot higher than with us.
Title: Re: Well done Hanlan
Post by: mpc123 on March 11, 2026, 02:26:48 pm
  Nobody can complain about his commitment to the cause and the effort he pus in, if he had the ball control and first touch of Ironside with his own mobility he wound be playing a lot higher than with us.

I think thats the whole point. We arent going to have world beaters here but people are treating them like they all are.
Title: Re: Well done Hanlan
Post by: ncRover on March 11, 2026, 03:35:40 pm
Hanlan has become less confusing to me since I realised he is a small striker trapped in a big striker’s body.

He’d be good alongside a more traditional goalscoring no.9 who could hold the ball up, win headers and stay central so that BH could focus on his strengths of running towards goal, running the channels and drifting wide at times.

That’s essentially what happened for the goal last night, with Bailey being the target man for him in that phase of play.
Title: Re: Well done Hanlan
Post by: Chris Black come back on March 11, 2026, 03:37:08 pm
He’s going to get injured isn’t he.
Title: Re: Well done Hanlan
Post by: Alan Southstand on March 11, 2026, 04:34:01 pm
I just don’t get the love in. Yes, he worked his nads off last night, but isn’t that the minimum requirement for a striker in GM’s system?

We need far better next season, that’s for sure. He’s a back-up striker next season, for me.

I also get that there were a few others that were sorely lacking in the goalscoring last night, but none of them were strikers! Another night where we wasted the first 45 minutes by having no intensity at all. Different gravy second half and Luton were pinned back, but only the one positive finish.

Ah well, onto the next one.
Title: Re: Well done Hanlan
Post by: moses on March 11, 2026, 04:46:03 pm
I just don’t get the love in. Yes, he worked his nads off last night, but isn’t that the minimum requirement for a striker in GM’s system?

We need far better next season, that’s for sure. He’s a back-up striker next season, for me.

I also get that there were a few others that were sorely lacking in the goalscoring last night, but none of them were strikers! Another night where we wasted the first 45 minutes by having no intensity at all. Different gravy second half and Luton were pinned back, but only the one positive finish.

Ah well, onto the next one.

To be fair Alan I think backup striker has been his role for a while now in GMs mind.

Frankie was the main striker and following his injury BH has stepped in.

If GM thought BH was main striker material with Billy as back up, he would not have brought Frankie in during the January transfer window.

When we stay up, GM will be after a main striker.
Title: Re: Well done Hanlan
Post by: jmt23 on March 11, 2026, 05:05:32 pm

Firstly the players now understand where and when he needs the ball, he has also built some trust.

Secondly, he has worked hard from game one, and I was shocked with the way Grant seemingly cut him out of the squad. He wasn’t scoring, but he wasn’t getting the service to score. You will not see the best of any striker by limiting their game time.

Several highly experienced ex pro defenders have told me, they would hate to be up against him, he just doesn’t give them a minute!

This doesn’t mean he is a world beater, but he is more than good enough at this level.

Moly is a bit of a problem this year, his lack of goals in comparison to previous seasons is hurting us. He seems to have lost all confidence in shooting. Given the stock Grant puts on his wide men scoring, it’s am big issue.
Title: Re: Well done Hanlan
Post by: DonnyBazR0ver on March 11, 2026, 05:34:24 pm
I just don’t get the love in. Yes, he worked his nads off last night, but isn’t that the minimum requirement for a striker in GM’s system?

We need far better next season, that’s for sure. He’s a back-up striker next season, for me.

I also get that there were a few others that were sorely lacking in the goalscoring last night, but none of them were strikers! Another night where we wasted the first 45 minutes by having no intensity at all. Different gravy second half and Luton were pinned back, but only the one positive finish.

Ah well, onto the next one.

You are right of course Alan. It's evident he isn't completely useless but it's a mystery why it's taken so long for him to get up to last night's speed. Which of course you rightly point out, is the minimum standard we would expect.

Title: Re: Well done Hanlan
Post by: mpc123 on March 11, 2026, 05:43:07 pm
I just don’t get the love in. Yes, he worked his nads off last night, but isn’t that the minimum requirement for a striker in GM’s system?

We need far better next season, that’s for sure. He’s a back-up striker next season, for me.

I also get that there were a few others that were sorely lacking in the goalscoring last night, but none of them were strikers! Another night where we wasted the first 45 minutes by having no intensity at all. Different gravy second half and Luton were pinned back, but only the one positive finish.

Ah well, onto the next one.

You are right of course Alan. It's evident he isn't completely useless but it's a mystery why it's taken so long for him to get up to last night's speed. Which of course you rightly point out, is the minimum standard we would expect.



It could be lots of things of which are normal in football, settling in, finding form, others in front of him at that point so no run of games. It happens constantly, if not everybody would be messi, everybody would win the league
Title: Re: Well done Hanlan
Post by: i_ateallthepies on March 11, 2026, 06:37:30 pm
And expecting him to play a system that doesn't suit his attributes.
Title: Re: Well done Hanlan
Post by: BillyStubbsTears on March 11, 2026, 07:54:24 pm
How many minutes was he given on the pitch in the first half of the season?
Title: Re: Well done Hanlan
Post by: GazLaz on March 11, 2026, 08:18:22 pm
How many minutes was he given on the pitch in the first half of the season?

473 in the first 19 games I think. About that anyway. About 25% of the minutes.
Title: Re: Well done Hanlan
Post by: Barmby Rover on March 11, 2026, 08:27:08 pm
The quick turn and shoot that Clifton produced last night was more of what I would expect of a striker, he didn't score, but it was instinctive and not unlike the sort of movement that Billy used to be able to do. If Hanlan could do that sort of thing regularly I would accept him more as a number 9, but he doesn't.
Title: Re: Well done Hanlan
Post by: knockers on March 11, 2026, 08:45:04 pm
He needs to be played as a winger and we need a new no.9
Title: Re: Well done Hanlan
Post by: DD on March 11, 2026, 08:49:09 pm
Hanlan seems to me to get better game on game.
Another thought…….in hindsight, I just wonder if, somehow, McCann could have found a way to get Billy on? We had so much pressure - so many goalmouth scrambles…….Billy is the man for those - its about the only reason you would play him nowadays!
Title: Re: Well done Hanlan
Post by: grayx on March 11, 2026, 08:53:59 pm
He’s going to get injured isn’t he.

We are knackered if he does
Title: Re: Well done Hanlan
Post by: ncRover on March 11, 2026, 09:07:37 pm
Hanlan seems to me to get better game on game.
Another thought…….in hindsight, I just wonder if, somehow, McCann could have found a way to get Billy on? We had so much pressure - so many goalmouth scrambles…….Billy is the man for those - its about the only reason you would play him nowadays!

He hasn’t scored coming off the bench since that Bradford win to clinch it nearly a year ago.
Title: Re: Well done Hanlan
Post by: GazLaz on March 11, 2026, 09:41:58 pm
Hanlan seems to me to get better game on game.
Another thought…….in hindsight, I just wonder if, somehow, McCann could have found a way to get Billy on? We had so much pressure - so many goalmouth scrambles…….Billy is the man for those - its about the only reason you would play him nowadays!

It did feel if ever there was a game playing out in a way that would suit Billy, it was last night. Pretty controlled, sustained attacks second half and really pushing for a winner last on.
Title: Re: Well done Hanlan
Post by: monkeytennis on March 11, 2026, 10:21:40 pm
I’ll admit to calling him a donkey in the first half but he did do better after the break. I still think he is often not where he needs to be, he backs away from challenges and doesn’t try hard enough to win headers. 

Nobody was happier than me to be eating a slice of humble pie when he scored, maybe I’ll yell at him again on Saturday and see if it works again lol.
Title: Re: Well done Hanlan
Post by: BillyStubbsTears on March 11, 2026, 11:15:46 pm
How many minutes was he given on the pitch in the first half of the season?

473 in the first 19 games I think. About that anyway. About 25% of the minutes.

Mostly coming on late in games we were already losing, I assume?
Title: Re: Well done Hanlan
Post by: BillyStubbsTears on March 11, 2026, 11:17:09 pm
I’ll admit to calling him a donkey in the first half but he did do better after the break. I still think he is often not where he needs to be, he backs away from challenges and doesn’t try hard enough to win headers. 

Nobody was happier than me to be eating a slice of humble pie when he scored, maybe I’ll yell at him again on Saturday and see if it works again lol.

It wasn't just that he scored. He was in the defenders' faces from the first minute when he won the ball on the right wing and barellled through about three challenges.
Title: Re: Well done Hanlan
Post by: DMnumber4 on March 11, 2026, 11:57:30 pm
Hanlan has spent a lot of his career playing with - or off - a target man e.g. Vokes, Eaves, Mandron, Akinfenwa.

Reasonable assumption to suggest he'd do better playing alongside Ironside, but that would not suit McCann's preferred formation.

Bit of a mystery why we / he thought this would be a good move.

*From August.
Title: Re: Well done Hanlan
Post by: Bills view on March 12, 2026, 04:56:10 am
He’s not really a hold the ball up and bring others into the game striker although he’s improved on that front. To me he looks like he would benefit playing off one of them himself a bit like the goal.

Running towards goal and at defenders he looks most dangerous. He needs to have the confidence to do it more with support getting up alongside him. We also need to play in a way that allows him to do it.
Title: Re: Well done Hanlan
Post by: Chris Black come back on March 12, 2026, 05:39:30 am
He’s 100 per cent not a lone #9. Either in a front three out wide or playing off someone more centrally.
Title: Re: Well done Hanlan
Post by: mpc123 on March 12, 2026, 09:54:28 am
All the top scorers this year in the league arent from teams that are up at the top of the table.
Title: Re: Well done Hanlan
Post by: grayx on March 13, 2026, 09:02:41 pm
Hanlan seems to me to get better game on game.
Another thought…….in hindsight, I just wonder if, somehow, McCann could have found a way to get Billy on? We had so much pressure - so many goalmouth scrambles…….Billy is the man for those - its about the only reason you would play him nowadays!
Please NO.
We need to accept Billys days have gone. Hes offered nothing when hes been brought on recently
Title: Re: Well done Hanlan
Post by: Usher wide. on March 13, 2026, 10:21:47 pm
If we are ‘serious’ about competing for a top six place next season we have to say, thanks & bye Billy.
Hanlan, you’re a trier but trier’s aren’t enough in Lg1.

And that’s basically your forward line sorted….or done with & let’s be clear, rightly so.

We need a good permanent or at least an excellent loan keeper.

Defensively we need a ‘big mesters ’ in the Rob Jones style. No messing, what you get is what you see & if we can sign that type then McGrath/Faulkner would come on leaps & bounds.

We need a midfielder who can determine play. Broadbent has fallen short in that role & Close has suffered with injuries & should be at best a squad player.

Full backs. A George Friend wouldn’t come amiss but in the abscent of whom I like Sterry when Luke is playing in front of him (they interact well) & out on the left I personally think that Senior offers us more defensively.

Apart from that (& a fire in my flat) I think we should be ok.




Title: Re: Well done Hanlan
Post by: PDX_Rover on March 14, 2026, 05:40:33 pm
Hanlan was very good today.
Title: Re: Well done Hanlan
Post by: Reg of the Rovers on March 14, 2026, 06:16:31 pm
Hanlan was very good today.
Had a right battle today, fought and gave his all. Defenders knew they’d been in a game, did well holding the ball up and playing on the turn. He’s doing well.
Title: Re: Well done Hanlan
Post by: vaya on March 14, 2026, 06:38:07 pm
Are they auctioning the player's green shirts off?

I'd like Hanlan's XXXXXXL one he finished the game with.
Title: Re: Well done Hanlan
Post by: Filo on March 14, 2026, 07:00:18 pm
Are they auctioning the player's green shirts off?

I'd like Hanlan's XXXXXXL one he finished the game with.
Too late the Blackpool centre back claimed that in the first half and he reminded Hanlan all game it was his
Title: Re: Well done Hanlan
Post by: drfchound on March 14, 2026, 08:00:24 pm
Hanlan was very good today.
Had a right battle today, fought and gave his all. Defenders knew they’d been in a game, did well holding the ball up and playing on the turn. He’s doing well.

Hard to believe that the ref wasn’t giving free kicks for all the holding done on Hanlan by the centre backs.
Title: Re: Well done Hanlan
Post by: big fat yorkshire pudding on March 14, 2026, 08:24:48 pm
I loved the reception the crowd gave him when he went off. He had very little around goal today but the fans really appreciated how hard he worked having been given some rough treatment (a great number of them fouls).
Title: Re: Well done Hanlan
Post by: BillyStubbsTears on March 14, 2026, 09:49:36 pm
The Waldorf and Stadler tribute act behind me didn't applaud him off, d**kheads that they are. Spent 80 minutes shouting out that he'd never been a footballer. And apparently that Molyneux is bone idle and shit an all.

I'm trying to imagine how awful someone's domestic situation is for them to prefer to pay money for the right to make themselves look like Kitsons in public 23 times a year instead of staying at home.
Title: Re: Well done Hanlan
Post by: Usher wide. on March 14, 2026, 11:24:12 pm
Anyway, back to the OP.

Hanlan battled well without creating much. He’s a handful only in as much as he’s strong & will win the odd header unfortunately that header lacks direction or space.

He isn’t good at holding the ball up or laying it off to a purpose unlike Joe Ironside who we have yet to come close to replacing as a permanent signing.

That said, he’s clearly our best option out of two.
Title: Re: Well done Hanlan
Post by: BillyStubbsTears on March 14, 2026, 11:55:19 pm
Anyway, back to the OP.

Hanlan battled well without creating much. He’s a handful only in as much as he’s strong & will win the odd header unfortunately that header lacks direction or space.

He isn’t good at holding the ball up or laying it off to a purpose unlike Joe Ironside who we have yet to come close to replacing as a permanent signing.

That said, he’s clearly our best option out of two.


It was Hanlan's excellent battling for the ball while having his shirt ripped from his back that set us up for the minute of pressure that led to our winner today.

Little things that get missed. If he'd not won the ball, or if he'd responded to being fouled by fouling back and giving the ref an easy one, Blackpool clearly their lines and there's no passage leading to the goal.
Title: Re: Well done Hanlan
Post by: GazLaz on March 15, 2026, 06:11:28 am
Anyway, back to the OP.

Hanlan battled well without creating much. He’s a handful only in as much as he’s strong & will win the odd header unfortunately that header lacks direction or space.

He isn’t good at holding the ball up or laying it off to a purpose unlike Joe Ironside who we have yet to come close to replacing as a permanent signing.

That said, he’s clearly our best option out of two.


I got dogs abuse for when suggesting Hanlan was capable of doing a job and clearly our best option at the start of the season.

Appears that the penny has dropped with Grant that Pearson is better than Jay, even though that’s been pretty obvious since the start of the season also.
Title: Re: Well done Hanlan
Post by: Usher wide. on March 15, 2026, 09:37:25 am
Anyway, back to the OP.

Hanlan battled well without creating much. He’s a handful only in as much as he’s strong & will win the odd header unfortunately that header lacks direction or space.

He isn’t good at holding the ball up or laying it off to a purpose unlike Joe Ironside who we have yet to come close to replacing as a permanent signing.

That said, he’s clearly our best option out of two.


I got dogs abuse for when suggesting Hanlan was capable of doing a job and clearly our best option at the start of the season.

Appears that the penny has dropped with Grant that Pearson is better than Jay, even though that’s been pretty obvious since the start of the season also.

Hanlan wasn’t our best option at the start of the season Billy was.

But as the season got past January & we ‘lost’ our Everton loanee striker to injury in February, Billy was clearly struggling for pace & getting frustrated at his own age related ‘shortcomings’, that’s when Hanlan became our best option because he was, to all intents & purposes, our only option.

We need much, much better next season.
Title: Re: Well done Hanlan
Post by: GazLaz on March 15, 2026, 11:00:26 am
Anyway, back to the OP.

Hanlan battled well without creating much. He’s a handful only in as much as he’s strong & will win the odd header unfortunately that header lacks direction or space.

He isn’t good at holding the ball up or laying it off to a purpose unlike Joe Ironside who we have yet to come close to replacing as a permanent signing.

That said, he’s clearly our best option out of two.


I got dogs abuse for when suggesting Hanlan was capable of doing a job and clearly our best option at the start of the season.

Appears that the penny has dropped with Grant that Pearson is better than Jay, even though that’s been pretty obvious since the start of the season also.

Hanlan wasn’t our best option at the start of the season Billy was.

But as the season got past January & we ‘lost’ our Everton loanee striker to injury in February, Billy was clearly struggling for pace & getting frustrated at his own age related ‘shortcomings’, that’s when Hanlan became our best option because he was, to all intents & purposes, our only option.

We need much, much better next season.

Sharp and Hanlan are no better or worse as individuals as they were in Sept/Oct/Nov. The only thing that was different was the incorrect public perception of the ability of the two men.
Title: Re: Well done Hanlan
Post by: jmt23 on March 15, 2026, 04:48:30 pm
He assisted the first goal by blocking the keeper coming out too.
Title: Re: Well done Hanlan
Post by: BillyStubbsTears on March 15, 2026, 05:21:07 pm
He assisted the first goal by blocking the keeper coming out too.

Very good movement as Adelakun shot too. He deftly moved in front of the defender marking him. If the shot had been skewed, or the keeper got a hand to it, he was in the best position to finish it off.

He's a long way from the perfect striker, but the abuse he gets is f**king ridiculous.
Title: Re: Well done Hanlan
Post by: Chris Black come back on March 17, 2026, 06:37:05 pm
He’s going to get injured isn’t he.

Of course he is.
Title: Re: Well done Hanlan
Post by: Filo on March 17, 2026, 06:39:14 pm
Not in the squad tonight
Title: Re: Well done Hanlan
Post by: dknward2 on March 17, 2026, 06:54:39 pm
Fingers crossed it's just the same illness as zander maybe a 24 hour bug
Title: Re: Well done Hanlan
Post by: Padge_DRFC on March 17, 2026, 08:13:12 pm
Anyway, back to the OP.

Hanlan battled well without creating much. He’s a handful only in as much as he’s strong & will win the odd header unfortunately that header lacks direction or space.

He isn’t good at holding the ball up or laying it off to a purpose unlike Joe Ironside who we have yet to come close to replacing as a permanent signing.

That said, he’s clearly our best option out of two.


I got dogs abuse for when suggesting Hanlan was capable of doing a job and clearly our best option at the start of the season.

Appears that the penny has dropped with Grant that Pearson is better than Jay, even though that’s been pretty obvious since the start of the season also.

Pearson is pretty horrific though. We're actually weaker at CB than last year. Anderson arguably would be better than Pearson. Unreal he's early 30s. Runs like he's 40
Title: Re: Well done Hanlan
Post by: drfchound on March 17, 2026, 09:47:48 pm
Pearson was very good tonight.
Title: Re: Well done Hanlan
Post by: Petche on March 17, 2026, 09:50:10 pm
I thought our defense looks better since Pearson has replaced Jay.
Title: Re: Well done Hanlan
Post by: BillyStubbsTears on March 17, 2026, 10:10:18 pm
My MoM tonight, Pearson.

Hanlan though was dogshite tonight
Title: Re: Well done Hanlan
Post by: dknward2 on March 17, 2026, 10:10:37 pm
Hanlan missed out with a tight hamstring, Grant hopes he will be back for Barnsley on Saturday
Title: Re: Well done Hanlan
Post by: Usher wide. on March 17, 2026, 10:21:41 pm
My MoM tonight, Pearson.

Hanlan though was dogshite tonight

Pearson is a liability, an accident waiting to happen. We need a centre back with more ‘nouse’ next season.

That having been said, the back four’s positionally play tonight was second to none.

Hanlan’s best game tonight.

We need ‘A PROPER NO.9’ next season too.

Well done Gotts, Mols, Bails, Sterry, Senior, Middleton our stand out half dozen for me.
Title: Re: Well done Hanlan
Post by: danumdon on March 17, 2026, 10:25:47 pm
Hanlan's absence tonight improved his stock no end,

We need a fit and firing Hanlan, we dont have anyone else at the club who can do his thing!
Title: Re: Well done Hanlan
Post by: Ryaldinhio on March 17, 2026, 10:27:24 pm
My MoM tonight, Pearson.

Hanlan though was dogshite tonight

Pearson is a liability, an accident waiting to happen. We need a centre back with more ‘nouse’ next season.

That having been said, the back four’s positionally play tonight was second to none.

Hanlan’s best game tonight.

We need ‘A PROPER NO.9’ next season too.

Well done Gotts, Mols, Bails, Sterry, Senior, Middleton our stand out half dozen for me.

Really?

Pearson won everything that came near him and Hanlan didnt play........unless that was a sort of intentional pun?
Title: Re: Well done Hanlan
Post by: Move DRFC on March 17, 2026, 10:39:16 pm
My MoM tonight, Pearson.

Hanlan though was dogshite tonight

Pearson is a liability, an accident waiting to happen. We need a centre back with more ‘nouse’ next season.

That having been said, the back four’s positionally play tonight was second to none.

Hanlan’s best game tonight.

We need ‘A PROPER NO.9’ next season too.

Well done Gotts, Mols, Bails, Sterry, Senior, Middleton our stand out half dozen for me.

Great effort tonight from everyone but Bailey was pretty anonymous.
Title: Re: Well done Hanlan
Post by: Usher wide. on March 17, 2026, 10:40:41 pm
My MoM tonight, Pearson.

Hanlan though was dogshite tonight

Pearson is a liability, an accident waiting to happen. We need a centre back with more ‘nouse’ next season.

That having been said, the back four’s positionally play tonight was second to none.

Hanlan’s best game tonight.

We need ‘A PROPER NO.9’ next season too.

Well done Gotts, Mols, Bails, Sterry, Senior, Middleton our stand out half dozen for me.

Really?

Pearson won everything that came near him and Hanlan didnt play........unless that was a sort of intentional pun?

Pearson hoofed or gave the ball away countless times tonight. He’s uncomfortable in possession, very slow & ponderous which leaves him one of two options, a pass back to the keeper or a punt upfield.

Yes, he gets his fair share of heading battles in but, when the ball comes to his head with no opponent around him he just……heads it upwards more often than not. No vision of what is around him to place a header or even bring the ball down (god forbid mind!. He did that numerous times on Saturday against Blackpool. It’s a case of “Got my head on it, job done.”

Pun intended.
Title: Re: Well done Hanlan
Post by: danumdon on March 17, 2026, 10:45:49 pm
As things stand Pearson along with Byrne are our most effective centre back pairing, we don't have the players to slot Bailey into there.
Title: Re: Well done Hanlan
Post by: Ryaldinhio on March 17, 2026, 10:46:19 pm
My MoM tonight, Pearson.

Hanlan though was dogshite tonight

Pearson is a liability, an accident waiting to happen. We need a centre back with more ‘nouse’ next season.

That having been said, the back four’s positionally play tonight was second to none.

Hanlan’s best game tonight.

We need ‘A PROPER NO.9’ next season too.

Well done Gotts, Mols, Bails, Sterry, Senior, Middleton our stand out half dozen for me.

Really?

Pearson won everything that came near him and Hanlan didnt play........unless that was a sort of intentional pun?

Pearson hoofed or gave the ball away countless times tonight. He’s uncomfortable in possession, very slow & ponderous which leaves him one of two options, a pass back to the keeper or a punt upfield.

Yes, he gets his fair share of heading battles in but, when the ball comes to his head with no opponent around him he just……heads it upwards more often than not. No vision of what is around him to place a header or even bring the ball down (god forbid mind!. He did that numerous times on Saturday against Blackpool. It’s a case of “Got my head on it, job done.”

Pun intended.

He is a solid defender and credible for where we currently are as a club. We have improved since he has taken McGraths spot.....and I love McGrath.

Pun intended....fair enough. Im not his biggest fan. I like what he has been doing last couple month but never been convinced.

That said, we are a bottom end L1 team who dont soend money, these are the type of players we will sign until we go down.
Title: Re: Well done Hanlan
Post by: BillyStubbsTears on March 17, 2026, 10:50:49 pm
My MoM tonight, Pearson.

Hanlan though was dogshite tonight

Pearson is a liability, an accident waiting to happen. We need a centre back with more ‘nouse’ next season.

That having been said, the back four’s positionally play tonight was second to none.

Hanlan’s best game tonight.

We need ‘A PROPER NO.9’ next season too.

Well done Gotts, Mols, Bails, Sterry, Senior, Middleton our stand out half dozen for me.

Really?

Pearson won everything that came near him and Hanlan didnt play........unless that was a sort of intentional pun?

Pearson hoofed or gave the ball away countless times tonight. He’s uncomfortable in possession, very slow & ponderous which leaves him one of two options, a pass back to the keeper or a punt upfield.

Yes, he gets his fair share of heading battles in but, when the ball comes to his head with no opponent around him he just……heads it upwards more often than not. No vision of what is around him to place a header or even bring the ball down (god forbid mind!. He did that numerous times on Saturday against Blackpool. It’s a case of “Got my head on it, job done.”

Pun intended.

Bolton have just had a run of scoring 18 goals in 8 matches. They'd scored in their last 10 consecutive matches. We've just shut them out and not given them a sniff of a really good chance. And you're complaining that Pearson isn't Paolo Maldini?

I'm thinking you really are that bloke who sits behind me and moans at the same players every week, regardless of how they play.
Title: Re: Well done Hanlan
Post by: ncRover on March 17, 2026, 10:52:29 pm
Pearson has been a man possessed since he came back in.

His head is a magnet.
Title: Re: Well done Hanlan
Post by: Usher wide. on March 17, 2026, 11:07:11 pm
My MoM tonight, Pearson.

Hanlan though was dogshite tonight

Pearson is a liability, an accident waiting to happen. We need a centre back with more ‘nouse’ next season.

That having been said, the back four’s positionally play tonight was second to none.

Hanlan’s best game tonight.

We need ‘A PROPER NO.9’ next season too.

Well done Gotts, Mols, Bails, Sterry, Senior, Middleton our stand out half dozen for me.

Really?

Pearson won everything that came near him and Hanlan didnt play........unless that was a sort of intentional pun?

Pearson hoofed or gave the ball away countless times tonight. He’s uncomfortable in possession, very slow & ponderous which leaves him one of two options, a pass back to the keeper or a punt upfield.

Yes, he gets his fair share of heading battles in but, when the ball comes to his head with no opponent around him he just……heads it upwards more often than not. No vision of what is around him to place a header or even bring the ball down (god forbid mind!. He did that numerous times on Saturday against Blackpool. It’s a case of “Got my head on it, job done.”

Pun intended.

Bolton have just had a run of scoring 18 goals in 8 matches. They'd scored in their last 10 consecutive matches. We've just shut them out and not given them a sniff of a really good chance. And you're complaining that Pearson isn't Paolo Maldini?

I'm thinking you really are that bloke who sits behind me and moans at the same players every week, regardless of how they play.

I don’t need you to tell me how good a side we faced statistically tonight, I know my football.

Where did I compare Pearson to a Rob Jones, McCombe, Foster or a Lee? Maldini??? When did I mention ‘il Capitano’?

You did get something right mind, if I did sit behind you (I don’t sit in the South Stand) I would definitely have ‘clocked you’…..& moved seats……I mean Stands.

Bed now & don’t forget to soak those gnashers in Sterident.
Title: Re: Well done Hanlan
Post by: Ryaldinhio on March 17, 2026, 11:12:34 pm
My MoM tonight, Pearson.

Hanlan though was dogshite tonight

Pearson is a liability, an accident waiting to happen. We need a centre back with more ‘nouse’ next season.

That having been said, the back four’s positionally play tonight was second to none.

Hanlan’s best game tonight.

We need ‘A PROPER NO.9’ next season too.

Well done Gotts, Mols, Bails, Sterry, Senior, Middleton our stand out half dozen for me.

Really?

Pearson won everything that came near him and Hanlan didnt play........unless that was a sort of intentional pun?

Pearson hoofed or gave the ball away countless times tonight. He’s uncomfortable in possession, very slow & ponderous which leaves him one of two options, a pass back to the keeper or a punt upfield.

Yes, he gets his fair share of heading battles in but, when the ball comes to his head with no opponent around him he just……heads it upwards more often than not. No vision of what is around him to place a header or even bring the ball down (god forbid mind!. He did that numerous times on Saturday against Blackpool. It’s a case of “Got my head on it, job done.”

Pun intended.

Bolton have just had a run of scoring 18 goals in 8 matches. They'd scored in their last 10 consecutive matches. We've just shut them out and not given them a sniff of a really good chance. And you're complaining that Pearson isn't Paolo Maldini?

I'm thinking you really are that bloke who sits behind me and moans at the same players every week, regardless of how they play.

Dont bite Billy the "man" is a "f**king tool"
Title: Re: Well done Hanlan
Post by: Usher wide. on March 17, 2026, 11:21:07 pm
My MoM tonight, Pearson.

Hanlan though was dogshite tonight

Pearson is a liability, an accident waiting to happen. We need a centre back with more ‘nouse’ next season.

That having been said, the back four’s positionally play tonight was second to none.

Hanlan’s best game tonight.

We need ‘A PROPER NO.9’ next season too.

Well done Gotts, Mols, Bails, Sterry, Senior, Middleton our stand out half dozen for me.

Really?

Pearson won everything that came near him and Hanlan didnt play........unless that was a sort of intentional pun?

Pearson hoofed or gave the ball away countless times tonight. He’s uncomfortable in possession, very slow & ponderous which leaves him one of two options, a pass back to the keeper or a punt upfield.

Yes, he gets his fair share of heading battles in but, when the ball comes to his head with no opponent around him he just……heads it upwards more often than not. No vision of what is around him to place a header or even bring the ball down (god forbid mind!. He did that numerous times on Saturday against Blackpool. It’s a case of “Got my head on it, job done.”

Pun intended.

Bolton have just had a run of scoring 18 goals in 8 matches. They'd scored in their last 10 consecutive matches. We've just shut them out and not given them a sniff of a really good chance. And you're complaining that Pearson isn't Paolo Maldini?

I'm thinking you really are that bloke who sits behind me and moans at the same players every week, regardless of how they play.

Dont bite Billy the "man" is a "f**king tool"

Please don’t put Billy, tool & bite in the same sentence or I’ll have to visit a psychiatrist!!
Title: Re: Well done Hanlan
Post by: Ronnie Dovers on March 17, 2026, 11:30:21 pm
My MoM tonight, Pearson.

Hanlan though was dogshite tonight

Pearson is a liability, an accident waiting to happen. We need a centre back with more ‘nouse’ next season.

That having been said, the back four’s positionally play tonight was second to none.

Hanlan’s best game tonight.

We need ‘A PROPER NO.9’ next season too.

Well done Gotts, Mols, Bails, Sterry, Senior, Middleton our stand out half dozen for me.

Really?

Pearson won everything that came near him and Hanlan didnt play........unless that was a sort of intentional pun?

Pearson hoofed or gave the ball away countless times tonight. He’s uncomfortable in possession, very slow & ponderous which leaves him one of two options, a pass back to the keeper or a punt upfield.

Yes, he gets his fair share of heading battles in but, when the ball comes to his head with no opponent around him he just……heads it upwards more often than not. No vision of what is around him to place a header or even bring the ball down (god forbid mind!. He did that numerous times on Saturday against Blackpool. It’s a case of “Got my head on it, job done.”

Pun intended.

Bolton have just had a run of scoring 18 goals in 8 matches. They'd scored in their last 10 consecutive matches. We've just shut them out and not given them a sniff of a really good chance. And you're complaining that Pearson isn't Paolo Maldini?

I'm thinking you really are that bloke who sits behind me and moans at the same players every week, regardless of how they play.

I don’t need you to tell me how good a side we faced statistically tonight, I know my football.

Where did I compare Pearson to a Rob Jones, McCombe, Foster or a Lee? Maldini???

You did get something right mind, if I did sit behind you (I don’t sit in the South Stand) I would definitely have ‘clocked you’…..& moved seats……I mean Stands.

You 'know your football', but complain about our League 1 CB only being able to win every header, help get a clean sheet against the 3rd best team in the league, and generally help us look much more solid defensively, because he doesn't also set us off on attacks with incisive headers/passes forwards like a prime John Stones. I think you might have slightly unrealistic expectations.
Title: Re: Well done Hanlan
Post by: Usher wide. on March 17, 2026, 11:34:39 pm
My MoM tonight, Pearson.

Hanlan though was dogshite tonight

Pearson is a liability, an accident waiting to happen. We need a centre back with more ‘nouse’ next season.

That having been said, the back four’s positionally play tonight was second to none.

Hanlan’s best game tonight.

We need ‘A PROPER NO.9’ next season too.

Well done Gotts, Mols, Bails, Sterry, Senior, Middleton our stand out half dozen for me.

Really?

Pearson won everything that came near him and Hanlan didnt play........unless that was a sort of intentional pun?

Pearson hoofed or gave the ball away countless times tonight. He’s uncomfortable in possession, very slow & ponderous which leaves him one of two options, a pass back to the keeper or a punt upfield.

Yes, he gets his fair share of heading battles in but, when the ball comes to his head with no opponent around him he just……heads it upwards more often than not. No vision of what is around him to place a header or even bring the ball down (god forbid mind!. He did that numerous times on Saturday against Blackpool. It’s a case of “Got my head on it, job done.”

Pun intended.

Bolton have just had a run of scoring 18 goals in 8 matches. They'd scored in their last 10 consecutive matches. We've just shut them out and not given them a sniff of a really good chance. And you're complaining that Pearson isn't Paolo Maldini?

I'm thinking you really are that bloke who sits behind me and moans at the same players every week, regardless of how they play.

I don’t need you to tell me how good a side we faced statistically tonight, I know my football.

Where did I compare Pearson to a Rob Jones, McCombe, Foster or a Lee? Maldini???

You did get something right mind, if I did sit behind you (I don’t sit in the South Stand) I would definitely have ‘clocked you’…..& moved seats……I mean Stands.

You 'know your football', but complain about our League 1 CB only being able to win every header, help get a clean sheet against the 3rd best team in the league, and generally help us look much more solid defensively, because he doesn't also set us off on attacks with incisive headers/passes forwards like a prime John Stones. I think you might have slightly unrealistic expectations.

Serious question.

If we’re looking to progress next season would you want Pearson as one of your centre backs?
Title: Re: Well done Hanlan
Post by: danumdon on March 17, 2026, 11:45:58 pm
How someone can create an issue with players who have just ruin themselves to a stand against a good team and gained us a valuable point with a performance full of grit, determination and great togetherness.?

Next season will take care of itself, i'm sure most people are more interested in ensuring we end this season in the same league we currently are, players like Pearson are playing their part!
Title: Re: Well done Hanlan
Post by: roversdude on March 18, 2026, 12:04:33 am
Feared the worst when we saw Hanlon was out, hope it was only precautionary Grant has a habit of saying that and then the player is out for a good while
Great team effort tonight although Haks looked lost as a striker
Title: Re: Well done Hanlan
Post by: scawsby steve on March 18, 2026, 01:27:25 am
My MoM tonight, Pearson.

Hanlan though was dogshite tonight

Pearson is a liability, an accident waiting to happen. We need a centre back with more ‘nouse’ next season.

That having been said, the back four’s positionally play tonight was second to none.

Hanlan’s best game tonight.

We need ‘A PROPER NO.9’ next season too.

Well done Gotts, Mols, Bails, Sterry, Senior, Middleton our stand out half dozen for me.

Really?

Pearson won everything that came near him and Hanlan didnt play........unless that was a sort of intentional pun?

Pearson hoofed or gave the ball away countless times tonight. He’s uncomfortable in possession, very slow & ponderous which leaves him one of two options, a pass back to the keeper or a punt upfield.

Yes, he gets his fair share of heading battles in but, when the ball comes to his head with no opponent around him he just……heads it upwards more often than not. No vision of what is around him to place a header or even bring the ball down (god forbid mind!. He did that numerous times on Saturday against Blackpool. It’s a case of “Got my head on it, job done.”

Pun intended.

Bolton have just had a run of scoring 18 goals in 8 matches. They'd scored in their last 10 consecutive matches. We've just shut them out and not given them a sniff of a really good chance. And you're complaining that Pearson isn't Paolo Maldini?

I'm thinking you really are that bloke who sits behind me and moans at the same players every week, regardless of how they play.

I don’t need you to tell me how good a side we faced statistically tonight, I know my football.

Where did I compare Pearson to a Rob Jones, McCombe, Foster or a Lee? Maldini??? When did I mention ‘il Capitano’?

You did get something right mind, if I did sit behind you (I don’t sit in the South Stand) I would definitely have ‘clocked you’…..& moved seats……I mean Stands.

Bed now & don’t forget to soak those gnashers in Sterident.

I might be wrong here, but I don't think BST sits in the South Stand, nor do I think he's particularly elderly.
Title: Re: Well done Hanlan
Post by: Padge_DRFC on March 18, 2026, 05:57:46 am
He's had a lot of poor games IMO, but credit tonight him and both Byrne.