The return of the midfield maestro

[CJK]

Yes, all the talk in the last week has been of SOD's departure, Saunders coming in and the numerous players we have been linked with. It seems to me that little has been made of Brian Stock's return to the team. Billy coming back has undoubtedly lifted everyone but it is plain to see that the chief of the midfield is back and getting back into his classy ball play. In the second half of both the previous home games Stock has pinged the ball from left to right effortlessley and he also brings a bit of grit and ball winning power back to the midfield. When fit, which tends to be the problem, he has to be one of the best midfielders around; I only hope Deano know's this given all the links with players in the last week.

We may still be smarting from losing O'Driscoll but we still have his master orchestrator pulling the strings in the middle of the park. Stock, and Gillet bossed the midfield in the second half last night and it's no surprise that Stock returning has coincided with an upturn in form.

For what its worth Gillet gets better and better as well. The two could make quite a force in the middle of the park once we start ticking again.

[Superspy]

I've been really impressed with Gillet aswell, I don't know if this will make much sense but he seems to be a bit coppinger-esque but playing a central role. I'm talking about when he's on the ball of course, as when he's off it he has more grit and desire to get it back than copps.

With Stock, undoubtedly his passing is the best at the club, and it's great to have him back, it's just a shame that he gets caught in possession the way he does.

[Rovin Reporter]

He'll be off the minute his master calls ( sod)

[Wellred]

Strange isn't it how we all see things differently.
Apart from scoring his goal I thought Gillett was the week link in the side.
I can't fault his workrate but for me he contributes little.

[Superspy]

Haha, thats ironic, it's his workrate that makes me think he brings a lot, purely because we don't have enough grafters that will chase the ball down in the side.

[RoversAlias]

Can never fault Gillett for his work rate IMO, he tries harder than I thought possible when he pulls on the shirt.

As for Stock, some of his play in the second half was exceptional. But I wish he'd do it for 90 minutes. He was our worst player in the first half for me, backing out of too many tackles (when he did go in for them they were about half an hour late) and kept punting stupid balls over the top to nobody. I was wondering if it was a different player in the second half with the his shirt on.

[grayx]

He'll be off the minute his master calls ( sod)

Stock is quality & when he plays, Rovers play. It's his injuries thats the problem.
As for going when \"his master calls\", I can't see him dropping down a league...or two.

[NorthNorfolkRover]

Totally agree stoxks best game since i can remember. What a  pro given the circumstances.

[coppsisgod]

Stock was average in the first half but was fantastic when we changed to a 442 and he was much more involved in the final third. I personally think that at his peak he is the best player I've ever seen in a rovers shirt so I was delighted to see him back to somewhere near his best on Tuesday.

[Woodhead Passer]

He'll never be as good as he was in the 2007/08 season. Not so sure on him so far, plays too relaxed which results in him losing the ball and he's too slow on the ball. He had an alright game vs Hull, didnt think he was outstanding. Still sticking a leg out for tackle's and not getting properly stuck in.

[Al4475]

Stock makes us tick and is a class act, a mate of mine who watches Prem Footy week in week out as a Man City fan never fails to be impressed with Stock's ability and influence on us!, \"The only Donny Player who could make a career in the Prem\" (although JO'C has run him close, Mills -not fast enough, Wellens, too lazy, Copps, too inconsistent) the fella is top drawer and is undoubtedly (in my eyes) one of the very best players to have graced a Rovers shirt!