Ben Close

[DearneValleyRover]

Totally bewildered, our best form has coincided with both Close and Westbrooke being out injured. That’s 2 players who have questionable fitness levels and have zero ability to tackle signed. Yes the new physio is doing well however what happens if he leaves?

Correlation is not causation.
Our best form has coincided with fabulous signings of TLT, Haks and Craig. TLT has given us a bedrock for a solid defence brimming with confidence and strengthened with Maxwell back.
To suggest our form is linked to these two quality players missing is a bit simplistic for me as about 10 cogs have been changed, turned or lubricated in some way.

Where did I say that, I stated our best form has occurred when neither have played, neither in my opinion have done enough to secure another contract. I hope I’m wrong but I still expect both to spend over 40% of their new contracts in the physio room

I think I’ve asked you this elsewhere and don’t think you answered? But why do you think westbrooke will spend a lot of time on the treatment table?

If you have I didn’t see it, the reason is he gets injured a lot. It may well be because he gets targeted and taken out by opposition players. I’ve not stated that Close or Westbrooke are poor players, they aren’t but neither are robust enough for league 2.

[dickos1]

Westbrooke doesn’t get injured a lot though. This recent operation is the first of his career

[andyst79]

I'm not surprised by this because Grant said earlier on in the season Close signing another contract was a priority. I'd love it if Close stays injury free and bosses our midfield next season but he's done nothing in the last 3 seasons to suggest this will be the case.

[Rovers91]

I'm not sure on this one but we are going to need a squad next season. I think we will still need to bring another couple of new midfielders through the door on the basis Craig goes back to Spurs and Rowe is released.

[Chris Black come back]

Close did during his time with Portsmouth have seasons where he ploughed through league games, getting 35+ in two seasons. These are not typical of the rest of his career but hopefully he can replicate for this contract. 

[Reg of the Rovers]

Close would be ok as a squad player on middle wages. My problem with this is that we’ll have signed him as one of our top earner slots. So assuming we have say 6/7 high earners this is one less spot for a TLT/Haks/Craig etc.

Clearly a tidy player but will always be synonymous with our limp lifeless seasons where he’s been a passenger. I wouldn’t have kept him.

[GazLaz]

Totally bewildered, our best form has coincided with both Close and Westbrooke being out injured. That’s 2 players who have questionable fitness levels and have zero ability to tackle signed. Yes the new physio is doing well however what happens if he leaves?

Correlation is not causation.
Our best form has coincided with fabulous signings of TLT, Haks and Craig. TLT has given us a bedrock for a solid defence brimming with confidence and strengthened with Maxwell back.
To suggest our form is linked to these two quality players missing is a bit simplistic for me as about 10 cogs have been changed, turned or lubricated in some way.

Where did I say that, I stated our best form has occurred when neither have played, neither in my opinion have done enough to secure another contract. I hope I’m wrong but I still expect both to spend over 40% of their new contracts in the physio room

Where did you say it?
"our best form has coincided with both Close and Westbrooke being out injured."
That's correlation being implied as causation and also, as I said, "suggests our form is linked to these two quality players missing".

Again, in your sentence above "I stated our best form has occurred when neither have played, " - that's correlation being implied as causation.

I was merely pointing out many other factors that have contributed to the turnaround. I actually believe that Ben and Zain would have contributed to the turnaround if they had continued to be fit, BECAUSE of the the other changes made. I believe that their absence has not in any way acted as an causation of the upturn.

At least we agree on one thing - we both hope you're wrong!   

Good post. Close has been our best player this season. Him missing has hindered us if anything.

[IDM]

Sometimes when there are a few additions to a squad, how the newer set up functions enables players who have been (let’s say) bang average, to become much better performers.

Their ability and potential may have always been there (which the coaching side see every day) but may not have translated into games due to the overall combinations, motivation, attitude etc.

A small amount of new players could be the catalyst to get the best out of “squad” players.

[idler]

Sometimes when there are a few additions to a squad, how the newer set up functions enables players who have been (let’s say) bang average, to become much better performers.

Their ability and potential may have always been there (which the coaching side see every day) but may not have translated into games due to the overall combinations, motivation, attitude etc.

A small amount of new players could be the catalyst to get the best out of “squad” players.

Confidence plays a big part as well. When you are winning you move a bit quicker and other players show more for the ball. You can be a bit more expansive as well. The other thing is that as well as being more solid at the back we are more of a threat going forward, pushing the opposition midfield and defence deeper.

[Colin C No.3]

Totally bewildered, our best form has coincided with both Close and Westbrooke being out injured. That’s 2 players who have questionable fitness levels and have zero ability to tackle signed. Yes the new physio is doing well however what happens if he leaves?

Correlation is not causation.
Our best form has coincided with fabulous signings of TLT, Haks and Craig. TLT has given us a bedrock for a solid defence brimming with confidence and strengthened with Maxwell back.
To suggest our form is linked to these two quality players missing is a bit simplistic for me as about 10 cogs have been changed, turned or lubricated in some way.

Where did I say that, I stated our best form has occurred when neither have played, neither in my opinion have done enough to secure another contract. I hope I’m wrong but I still expect both to spend over 40% of their new contracts in the physio room

Where did you say it?
"our best form has coincided with both Close and Westbrooke being out injured."
That's correlation being implied as causation and also, as I said, "suggests our form is linked to these two quality players missing".

Again, in your sentence above "I stated our best form has occurred when neither have played, " - that's correlation being implied as causation.

I was merely pointing out many other factors that have contributed to the turnaround. I actually believe that Ben and Zain would have contributed to the turnaround if they had continued to be fit, BECAUSE of the the other changes made. I believe that their absence has not in any way acted as an causation of the upturn.

At least we agree on one thing - we both hope you're wrong!   

Good post. Close has been our best player this season. Him missing has hindered us if anything.

Do you sit behind someone wearing a top hat?

[Barmby Rover]

You don't get rid of skilled players, despite what a lot think he must be good, that is why GM wants to keep him. I would rather follow his judgment of him than some of the posters on here.

[BillyStubbsTears]

Totally bewildered, our best form has coincided with both Close and Westbrooke being out injured. That’s 2 players who have questionable fitness levels and have zero ability to tackle signed. Yes the new physio is doing well however what happens if he leaves?

This is nonsense.

They have only played 12 games together. We won 21 points from those games. That is 3rd/4th place form.

[Ronnie Dovers]

Totally bewildered, our best form has coincided with both Close and Westbrooke being out injured. That’s 2 players who have questionable fitness levels and have zero ability to tackle signed. Yes the new physio is doing well however what happens if he leaves?

This is nonsense.

They have only played 12 games together. We won 21 points from those games. That is 3rd/4th place form.

Spot on, the only spell we've had from the beginning of the season to this recent run of form where we looked a good side was that spell of games with Close and Westbrooke linking up and controlling the midfield. I'm pleased we've signed them both up.

[andyst79]

Totally bewildered, our best form has coincided with both Close and Westbrooke being out injured. That’s 2 players who have questionable fitness levels and have zero ability to tackle signed. Yes the new physio is doing well however what happens if he leaves?

Correlation is not causation.
Our best form has coincided with fabulous signings of TLT, Haks and Craig. TLT has given us a bedrock for a solid defence brimming with confidence and strengthened with Maxwell back.
To suggest our form is linked to these two quality players missing is a bit simplistic for me as about 10 cogs have been changed, turned or lubricated in some way.

Where did I say that, I stated our best form has occurred when neither have played, neither in my opinion have done enough to secure another contract. I hope I’m wrong but I still expect both to spend over 40% of their new contracts in the physio room

Where did you say it?
"our best form has coincided with both Close and Westbrooke being out injured."
That's correlation being implied as causation and also, as I said, "suggests our form is linked to these two quality players missing".

Again, in your sentence above "I stated our best form has occurred when neither have played, " - that's correlation being implied as causation.

I was merely pointing out many other factors that have contributed to the turnaround. I actually believe that Ben and Zain would have contributed to the turnaround if they had continued to be fit, BECAUSE of the the other changes made. I believe that their absence has not in any way acted as an causation of the upturn.

At least we agree on one thing - we both hope you're wrong!   

Good post. Close has been our best player this season. Him missing has hindered us if anything.

Out of interest, what do his stats say this season?

[selby]

  We can get better for less, and am I right some on here complained just a couple of weeks ago our run of better results earlier in the season were against just bottom sides.
 I think it was in this run without Close we won our first game against a top six side.
  He has been a big part in a poor team, even against non league sides, he has a lot to do to win me over, I hope he does for my and all our sakes both fitness and form wise, and the  defenders playing behind him every week.
 

[Goole Rover]

Re-signing a midfielder who is seemingly too fragile to tackle is not a good decision.

If McCann thinks it’s a good decision that’s good enough for me

I agree totally.

[GazLaz]

Totally bewildered, our best form has coincided with both Close and Westbrooke being out injured. That’s 2 players who have questionable fitness levels and have zero ability to tackle signed. Yes the new physio is doing well however what happens if he leaves?

Correlation is not causation.
Our best form has coincided with fabulous signings of TLT, Haks and Craig. TLT has given us a bedrock for a solid defence brimming with confidence and strengthened with Maxwell back.
To suggest our form is linked to these two quality players missing is a bit simplistic for me as about 10 cogs have been changed, turned or lubricated in some way.

Where did I say that, I stated our best form has occurred when neither have played, neither in my opinion have done enough to secure another contract. I hope I’m wrong but I still expect both to spend over 40% of their new contracts in the physio room

Where did you say it?
"our best form has coincided with both Close and Westbrooke being out injured."
That's correlation being implied as causation and also, as I said, "suggests our form is linked to these two quality players missing".

Again, in your sentence above "I stated our best form has occurred when neither have played, " - that's correlation being implied as causation.

I was merely pointing out many other factors that have contributed to the turnaround. I actually believe that Ben and Zain would have contributed to the turnaround if they had continued to be fit, BECAUSE of the the other changes made. I believe that their absence has not in any way acted as an causation of the upturn.

At least we agree on one thing - we both hope you're wrong!   

Good post. Close has been our best player this season. Him missing has hindered us if anything.

Out of interest, what do his stats say this season?

They say he’s been great. Only Adelakun and TLT better.

[ravenrover]

  We can get better for less, and am I right some on here complained just a couple of weeks ago our run of better results earlier in the season were against just bottom sides.
 I think it was in this run without Close we won our first game against a top six side.
  He has been a big part in a poor team, even against non league sides, he has a lot to do to win me over, I hope he does for my and all our sakes both fitness and form wise, and the  defenders playing behind him every week.
 

Well you don't have to worry for my sake, good player for me glad to see he's staying

[selby]

I agree a few additions can make a massive difference to how a team plays, its the same when some are missing.

[NickDRFC]

Totally bewildered, our best form has coincided with both Close and Westbrooke being out injured. That’s 2 players who have questionable fitness levels and have zero ability to tackle signed. Yes the new physio is doing well however what happens if he leaves?

Correlation is not causation.
Our best form has coincided with fabulous signings of TLT, Haks and Craig. TLT has given us a bedrock for a solid defence brimming with confidence and strengthened with Maxwell back.
To suggest our form is linked to these two quality players missing is a bit simplistic for me as about 10 cogs have been changed, turned or lubricated in some way.

Where did I say that, I stated our best form has occurred when neither have played, neither in my opinion have done enough to secure another contract. I hope I’m wrong but I still expect both to spend over 40% of their new contracts in the physio room

Where did you say it?
"our best form has coincided with both Close and Westbrooke being out injured."
That's correlation being implied as causation and also, as I said, "suggests our form is linked to these two quality players missing".

Again, in your sentence above "I stated our best form has occurred when neither have played, " - that's correlation being implied as causation.

I was merely pointing out many other factors that have contributed to the turnaround. I actually believe that Ben and Zain would have contributed to the turnaround if they had continued to be fit, BECAUSE of the the other changes made. I believe that their absence has not in any way acted as an causation of the upturn.

At least we agree on one thing - we both hope you're wrong!   

Good post. Close has been our best player this season. Him missing has hindered us if anything.

Out of interest, what do his stats say this season?

They say he’s been great. Only Adelakun and TLT better.

In another thread didn’t you say that Adelakun’s numbers were similar to Kyle Hurst and he’s been over performing? Or am I misunderstanding something?

[GazLaz]

Totally bewildered, our best form has coincided with both Close and Westbrooke being out injured. That’s 2 players who have questionable fitness levels and have zero ability to tackle signed. Yes the new physio is doing well however what happens if he leaves?

Correlation is not causation.
Our best form has coincided with fabulous signings of TLT, Haks and Craig. TLT has given us a bedrock for a solid defence brimming with confidence and strengthened with Maxwell back.
To suggest our form is linked to these two quality players missing is a bit simplistic for me as about 10 cogs have been changed, turned or lubricated in some way.

Where did I say that, I stated our best form has occurred when neither have played, neither in my opinion have done enough to secure another contract. I hope I’m wrong but I still expect both to spend over 40% of their new contracts in the physio room

Where did you say it?
"our best form has coincided with both Close and Westbrooke being out injured."
That's correlation being implied as causation and also, as I said, "suggests our form is linked to these two quality players missing".

Again, in your sentence above "I stated our best form has occurred when neither have played, " - that's correlation being implied as causation.

I was merely pointing out many other factors that have contributed to the turnaround. I actually believe that Ben and Zain would have contributed to the turnaround if they had continued to be fit, BECAUSE of the the other changes made. I believe that their absence has not in any way acted as an causation of the upturn.

At least we agree on one thing - we both hope you're wrong!   

Good post. Close has been our best player this season. Him missing has hindered us if anything.

Out of interest, what do his stats say this season?

They say he’s been great. Only Adelakun and TLT better.

In another thread didn’t you say that Adelakun’s numbers were similar to Kyle Hurst and he’s been over performing? Or am I misunderstanding something?

That was just his xG and xA numbers.

[Bessie Red]

Totally bewildered, our best form has coincided with both Close and Westbrooke being out injured. That’s 2 players who have questionable fitness levels and have zero ability to tackle signed. Yes the new physio is doing well however what happens if he leaves?

Correlation is not causation.
Our best form has coincided with fabulous signings of TLT, Haks and Craig. TLT has given us a bedrock for a solid defence brimming with confidence and strengthened with Maxwell back.
To suggest our form is linked to these two quality players missing is a bit simplistic for me as about 10 cogs have been changed, turned or lubricated in some way.

Where did I say that, I stated our best form has occurred when neither have played, neither in my opinion have done enough to secure another contract. I hope I’m wrong but I still expect both to spend over 40% of their new contracts in the physio room

Where did you say it?
"our best form has coincided with both Close and Westbrooke being out injured."
That's correlation being implied as causation and also, as I said, "suggests our form is linked to these two quality players missing".

Again, in your sentence above "I stated our best form has occurred when neither have played, " - that's correlation being implied as causation.

I was merely pointing out many other factors that have contributed to the turnaround. I actually believe that Ben and Zain would have contributed to the turnaround if they had continued to be fit, BECAUSE of the the other changes made. I believe that their absence has not in any way acted as an causation of the upturn.

At least we agree on one thing - we both hope you're wrong!   

Good post. Close has been our best player this season. Him missing has hindered us if anything.

Out of interest, what do his stats say this season?

They say he’s been great. Only Adelakun and TLT better.

In another thread didn’t you say that Adelakun’s numbers were similar to Kyle Hurst and he’s been over performing? Or am I misunderstanding something?

That was just his xG and xA numbers.

With Adeluken I dont think we can underestimate McCann's influence on how well hes playing. He has given him free reign to go & express himself, maybe he has been restricted in what he is allowed to do at other clubs!

[WarwickRover]

Such a waste of a contract,  some may say he has a good pass in him. Some may say he is our linchpin, however, what has he produced in the last two seasons? Most assists? Most  goals? Consistent performances week in week out?, most appearances?
What will opposition coaches say next season? Perhaps make sure, early on, he knows your there (aka whack him) and you will not  not see him again. Not for me .... a waste of a contract

[DearneValleyRover]

Totally bewildered, our best form has coincided with both Close and Westbrooke being out injured. That’s 2 players who have questionable fitness levels and have zero ability to tackle signed. Yes the new physio is doing well however what happens if he leaves?

This is nonsense.

They have only played 12 games together. We won 21 points from those games. That is 3rd/4th place form.

They played 12 games together, says it all, I haven’t said they are bad players just players you can’t rely on to put a full season in plus at least one of those two were on everybody’s get rid of list before Christmas so no it isn’t nonsense, I really hope I’m wrong but looking at the list of players we have for next season it’s basically the same as the one that put us in the bottom four this season

[dickos1]

Totally bewildered, our best form has coincided with both Close and Westbrooke being out injured. That’s 2 players who have questionable fitness levels and have zero ability to tackle signed. Yes the new physio is doing well however what happens if he leaves?

This is nonsense.

They have only played 12 games together. We won 21 points from those games. That is 3rd/4th place form.

They played 12 games together, says it all, I haven’t said they are bad players just players you can’t rely on to put a full season in plus at least one of those two were on everybody’s get rid of list before Christmas so no it isn’t nonsense, I really hope I’m wrong but looking at the list of players we have for next season it’s basically the same as the one that put us in the bottom four this season

Still don’t understand why youre constantly classing Westbrooke as injury prone

[andyst79]

According to GM we turned down several bids for Close in January. Personally I'd have drove him wherever myself but in Grant we trust.

[RoversInSpain]

I’ll read between the lines on this one. McCann has one or two very good midfielders in mind (possibly even Craig). Rowe and Biggins will depart to clear funds for these.
Close will have to earn his place, with performance and availability much higher than that of the last three years. He will be far from an automatic pick, offering more depth and quality from the bench should he not reach the standards he is surely capable of.

[selby]

Andyst79 I can understand not letting him go at the time, we were in an injury crisis, we were in danger of dropping out of the league, our most productive mid field player was a striker Faal who had finished his loan, and rather unfortunately Close was in one of his periodical fit periods soon after to end at Bradford.
  It looks an opportunity missed now.