Jay McGrath

[EasyforDennis]

Take a bow young man. A well deserved MOTM.

[jmt23]

Agreed, Tom did nothing wrong either, and against giants. I think 2 seasons ago that would have been 6-0 to them - we seem to be in a good place.

[chrisd_123]

Getting better and better.

Although the whole back four were brilliant today. I've been one of the ones criticising Sterry of late but he was excellent too.

[mushRTID]

Sensational!

[selby]

  Brilliant today.

[CJK]

A very impressive performance from McGrath, taking nothing away from Anderson by the way. This kid could go a long way playing like that over a period of time. What contact is he on?

[Metalmicky]

A very impressive performance from McGrath, taking nothing away from Anderson by the way. This kid could go a long way playing like that over a period of time. What contact is he on?

I think he signed on a 2.5 - but I'd happily grab him for longer....

[Goldthorperover]

Didn't really put a foot wrong today and won every header. After seeing him up close he looks a unit n all. Easy decision for mom today imo.

[GazLaz]

I’ve been his biggest critic but he was good today. Certainly improved since he signed.

[DollyRover]

Great performance. Gets up well for his headers both defensively and got up well for one of our corners second half, hopefully see him bang a few goals in soon. Positionally didn't seem to put a foot wrong and never switched off. I really like how he knows when to get rid and when he can find a pass.
He can have a huge future (hopefully with rovers for many years)

[RobTheRover]

Former Sprotbrough Crusaders JFC lad too

[DearneValleyRover]

He read a lot of passes today and was in position to give himself time and several options rather than hoofing the ball out of play

[Nudga]

Won every single aerial dual today,  apart from one and that resulted in a free kick our way.

[Pancho Regan]

I’ve been his biggest critic but he was good today. Certainly improved since he signed.

Praise from Caesar is praise indeed

[monkeytennis]

Fit, tall and strong. Seems to think before getting rid of the ball rather than just hoofing it like Tom does most of the time. Really enjoyed watching him play today.

[drfchound]

That’s a bit unfair on Tom.
TA does sometimes hoof the ball away but more often than not he does, or tries to, pick and play a pass.

[roversdude]

Former Sprotbrough Crusaders JFC lad too

Doesn’t seem long since him and his dad were having kick abouts on Copley field - could find a decent pass back then

[Jonathan]

That’s a bit unfair on Tom.
TA does sometimes hoof the ball away but more often than not he does, or tries to, pick and play a pass.

Couldn’t agree more. It’s one of the biggest fallacies that Anderson’s distribution is always poor. 

[Butchers Red]

That’s a bit unfair on Tom.
TA does sometimes hoof the ball away but more often than not he does, or tries to, pick and play a pass.

Couldn’t agree more. It’s one of the biggest fallacies that Anderson’s distribution is always poor.

And for those who weren't there - that slide rule pass to Tommy for Biggins header against Barrow was top drawer

[danumdon]

I think the best thing you can say about McGrath is that Anderson being the senior defender in the side and looks to try to help and aid his younger centre half partners when he plays with them didn't have anything to worry about today which allowed him to play his own game effectively.

That's a massive thing for them both as it allowed them to perform without any issues, well done Jay.

[PDX_Rover]

Reads the game very well. Timing is good. And he’s not nesh is he?

[chrisd_123]

I think the best thing you can say about McGrath is that Anderson being the senior defender in the side and looks to try to help and aid his younger centre half partners when he plays with them didn't have anything to worry about today which allowed him to play his own game effectively.

That's a massive thing for them both as it allowed them to perform without any issues, well done Jay.

I'd go one step further than that. Was sat there yesterday watching him a few times and he looked like he was coaching Fleming through a lot of the first half. Not that Fleming was doing anything wrong (arguably a contender for MOTM) but just looked like McGrath had played in our system for 5 years and had the confidence to be supporting a League One winner in doing things the way we do it. Very promising first few games.

It's easy to get ahead of ourselves and he will probably make a good few mistakes still this year but it's very promising stuff so far.

[philsky]

He's a rare commodity - big, strong, young, fearless, can play the ball on the ground, tough in the tackle and calm. Has a left foot too

[Chris Black come back]

Whether he is good, bad or indifferent, no talented young player had a chance of developing under the previous circus. Stable and long term management team is what we always needed. Hope we can keep Grant and Cliff for some time to come, and if and when they do leave, have a successor identified long in advance. No short term stop gaps and ‘knows the club’ appointments.

[Bills view]

I wasn't sure in his early appearances but yesterday he was exceptional. As others have said his timing to win headers is top class. Similar in a way to Ironside.

Did the basic defending when needed but he also looks composed and comfortable on the ball. He's a starter every week for me based on that showing.

[jmt23]

I think the only thing I’m not sure of is that he does like to go for the Hollywood long switch pass too often, but it’s a minor thing really that can be worked on - if they think it’s an issue and it’s not an instruction.
A couple of very good games under his belt, let’s hope he continues this, Woodie might not get back in!

[adamtherover]

That’s a bit unfair on Tom.
TA does sometimes hoof the ball away but more often than not he does, or tries to, pick and play a pass.

Couldn’t agree more. It’s one of the biggest fallacies that Anderson’s distribution is always poor. 

and for anyone who is still in doubt, rewatch the barrow highlights..   TA is the reason for goals 2 and 3..   

[KingKendrick]

I think the only thing I’m not sure of is that he does like to go for the Hollywood long switch pass too often, but it’s a minor thing really that can be worked on - if they think it’s an issue and it’s not an instruction.
A couple of very good games under his belt, let’s hope he continues this, Woodie might not get back in!

He will be encouraged to do it to get moly in behind

[adamtherover]

Without being harsh, jay is the player we all thought Faulkner would develop into?

[drfchound]

I think the only thing I’m not sure of is that he does like to go for the Hollywood long switch pass too often, but it’s a minor thing really that can be worked on - if they think it’s an issue and it’s not an instruction.
A couple of very good games under his belt, let’s hope he continues this, Woodie might not get back in!

He will be encouraged to do it to get moly in behind

Much in the style of Matt Mills who also played that long diagonal ball but from the right side of the pitch into the opponents right back area.
It was a regular feature of our play.