Ajayi

[danumdon]

Thought the ref had a very poor game, inconsistent and late with many calls, seemed to have trouble getting the whistle in his mouth on quite a few occasions. Bang average.

[graingrover]

I agree it is a squad that will allow flexibility and I believe Ironside will be in the mix as he regains full fitness( three weeks bejhind the rest apparently )

[NickDRFC]

Clifton was on the end of two of our best chances yesterday. As he was in the first game with the glancing header. He's arguably been very unlucky not to score so far. The chance in the first half yesterday took a very slight deflection otherwise its in.

If you look at his goal involvement stats, I think he will be well up there. He's obviously not the best technically, but he simply creates chances by getting in awkward positions and through perseverance and hard work. Some of the comments above are turning it into a black or white situation, where I just think he'll be a key part of squad in a rotation system and the criticism is not really justified.

I don’t mind Clifton - he’s a busy player, full of effort and commitment and does seem to be there or thereabouts in the box a lot of the time but his goal involvement stats weren’t great last season.

He got 6 goals and 1 assist in 2,195 minutes - a goal involvement every 313 minutes. Sbarra was his main competition for that position and his goal involvement was actually better, every 305 minutes (1 goal, 2 assists in 915 minutes). This is a very black and white way of looking at it as it’s very outcome-focussed and I think Clifton brings more than Sbarr generally, but I guess it shows that his numbers aren’t great. Another useful comparison is that Gibson had 6 goals and 7 assists in 2,560 minutes so an involvement every 200 minutes.


As I say, I think Clifton’s alright and will definitely have a part to play but I’d be surprised if he’s a first choice starter once we really get going.

[Nudga]

I think Clifton is the sort of player to wear out the opposition as he's got a superb engine about him.
We know he's not technically gifted, more of a battering ram.
I think he's the ideal away game midfielder. 
Then when someone like Ajayi comes on who is totally different,  opposition are gonna think "WTF do we do with him?" as they have tired legs.

[In the box]

who you leaving out to get him starting?

He looks good but better players in front of him. He'll have to wait for a few injuries to give him a chance. Then he needs to take it.

Clifton. Weak link by a mile.

Agree with you about Clifton but Bailey needs to be playing that role. He's wasted at Right Back.

Clifton scored vital goals last season and is favoured by McCann so Who is  anyone  to point the finger !!

[DonnyRover]

I wouldn’t mind seeing Ajayi play as striker as an experiment, I think we’ve got a great squad but after these first two games it stands out how much we’re lacking up front, I think we all want Hanlan to be the answer but I’m not convinced, we look much more of a threat when Billy comes on.

[DonnyBazR0ver]

I wouldn’t mind seeing Ajayi play as striker as an experiment, I think we’ve got a great squad but after these first two games it stands out how much we’re lacking up front, I think we all want Hanlan to be the answer but I’m not convinced, we look much more of a threat when Billy comes on.

I don't think he's got the stature or the experience to play that role and I don't think it would be fair to set up with him in that position (and that responsibility) for a lad in his first test of big boys league football. Maybe a no 10 might be in his capabilities at some point during a game when circumstances allow. Let's see how he copes in the games ahead, see if he can create and convert chances, hopefully get his confidence up and take it from there.

I'm sure McCann and the staff will work with Hanlan to get the best out of him. It might take a while for him to fully settle and integrate. He does remind me a bit of Omar Bogle the way he moves around the pitch but let's hope he'll become an assett rather than a hindrance. 

[rich1471]

Ajayi and all our midfielders will benefit from a Centre forward holding the ball and laying it off ..like Ironside is so good at doing .

Totally agree yesterday Hanlond first touch was bad and struggled to hold the ball up and lay it off to the midfielders,once Sharpe came on it transformed the way we were

[andyst79]

Clifton was on the end of two of our best chances yesterday. As he was in the first game with the glancing header. He's arguably been very unlucky not to score so far. The chance in the first half yesterday took a very slight deflection otherwise its in.

If you look at his goal involvement stats, I think he will be well up there. He's obviously not the best technically, but he simply creates chances by getting in awkward positions and through perseverance and hard work. Some of the comments above are turning it into a black or white situation, where I just think he'll be a key part of squad in a rotation system and the criticism is not really justified.

I don’t mind Clifton - he’s a busy player, full of effort and commitment and does seem to be there or thereabouts in the box a lot of the time but his goal involvement stats weren’t great last season.

He got 6 goals and 1 assist in 2,195 minutes - a goal involvement every 313 minutes. Sbarra was his main competition for that position and his goal involvement was actually better, every 305 minutes (1 goal, 2 assists in 915 minutes). This is a very black and white way of looking at it as it’s very outcome-focussed and I think Clifton brings more than Sbarr generally, but I guess it shows that his numbers aren’t great. Another useful comparison is that Gibson had 6 goals and 7 assists in 2,560 minutes so an involvement every 200 minutes.


As I say, I think Clifton’s alright and will definitely have a part to play but I’d be surprised if he’s a first choice starter once we really get going.

Summed it up perfectly there, he's ok but nothing more. Running, closing down and popping up in the area should be the very basic givens for any number 10. It's blatantly obvious we need better, but as others have suggested he could be useful in away games and is a good pro , nothing against him but we need to be ruthless if we want to kick on.

[ravenrover]

Ajayi and all our midfielders will benefit from a Centre forward holding the ball and laying it off ..like Ironside is so good at doing .

Totally agree yesterday Hanlond first touch was bad and struggled to hold the ball up and lay it off to the midfielders,once Sharpe came on it transformed the way we were

When the giant of a CB wasn't pulling pushing kicking him he controlled the ball well and laid it off no problem. The ref was far too lenient with his atttitude to the CB

[GazLaz]

Thought the ref had a very poor game, inconsistent and late with many calls, seemed to have trouble getting the whistle in his mouth on quite a few occasions. Bang average.

I never slate refs. I probably the most unbiased person ever when it comes to decisions, but I could see the ref struggling yesterday. His body language in some moments was really poor and the sign of a man in the deep end.

[DonnyRover]

Ajayi and all our midfielders will benefit from a Centre forward holding the ball and laying it off ..like Ironside is so good at doing .

Totally agree yesterday Hanlond first touch was bad and struggled to hold the ball up and lay it off to the midfielders,once Sharpe came on it transformed the way we were

When the giant of a CB wasn't pulling pushing kicking him he controlled the ball well and laid it off no problem. The ref was far too lenient with his atttitude to the CB

Very true, that centre half was trying to undress him every goal kick. How the ref only blew once for it is a joke.

[Forkbeard]

With regards to all the negative stuff about referees: I’ve never refereed a football match in my life. Ive umpired a few hundred field hockey matches though.  It’s incredibly difficult, very fast, no action replays or VAR. I get grumbles, I know I miss stuff & sometimes make the wrong call.
But if I didn’t do it, the game wouldn’t take place. How many of you criticising the referee could do better? It’s a thankless task.

[andyst79]

With regards to all the negative stuff about referees: I’ve never refereed a football match in my life. Ive umpired a few hundred field hockey matches though.  It’s incredibly difficult, very fast, no action replays or VAR. I get grumbles, I know I miss stuff & sometimes make the wrong call.
But if I didn’t do it, the game wouldn’t take place. How many of you criticising the referee could do better? It’s a thankless task.

I've done plenty of junior football matches over the years and agree it's difficult on field when players are running across your view etc. This is where at football league level the linesman/assistant referees should be more helpful but more often than not aren't.

[RobTheRover]

Clifton is perfect for the starting XI. As others have said, he grafts and pops up in threatening positions. He will wear his markers out and offers more defensively so we have a platform to change up a gear in the final 30 minutes.

Grant knows it's not about who starts, but having a plan for the whole 90 minutes to give us the best chance of the 3 points.

[ravenrover]

With regards to all the negative stuff about referees: I’ve never refereed a football match in my life. Ive umpired a few hundred field hockey matches though.  It’s incredibly difficult, very fast, no action replays or VAR. I get grumbles, I know I miss stuff & sometimes make the wrong call.
But if I didn’t do it, the game wouldn’t take place. How many of you criticising the referee could do better? It’s a thankless task.

I don't think anyone complains about the odd mistake from refs but when they are consistently blind to persistent fouling and manhandling, who don't apply the correct punishment ie yellow cards when appropriate then yes many would think they could do a better job especially when you have 3 other officials to help.
And like you they have chosen to do it so should do it correctly

[danumdon]

With regards to all the negative stuff about referees: I’ve never refereed a football match in my life. Ive umpired a few hundred field hockey matches though.  It’s incredibly difficult, very fast, no action replays or VAR. I get grumbles, I know I miss stuff & sometimes make the wrong call.
But if I didn’t do it, the game wouldn’t take place. How many of you criticising the referee could do better? It’s a thankless task.

I don't think anyone complains about the odd mistake from refs but when they are consistently blind to persistent fouling and manhandling, who don't apply the correct punishment ie yellow cards when appropriate then yes many would think they could do a better job especially when you have 3 other officials to help.
And like you they have chosen to do it so should do it correctly

Exactly this.

We don't expect a ref to always be 100% right on every decision, that would be asking too much with too many variables to content with. What we do want and expect is someone who's competent to enact the role, apply the laws as they stand, fairly and consistently across the board. Be strong willed enough to not be easily conned and have an affinity and a rapport with the payers to understand it from their point of view.

If the ref cannot achieve these requirements then in my opinion he shouldn't be anywhere near a game, unfortunately too many demonstrate this lack competence and human understanding on a weekly basis.

[DonnyBazR0ver]

Yes, it's the human inconsistencies which gets on everyone's goat.

We know they hand out yellow cards like confetti these days, and have done for a while. Yet, accidental fouls sometimes get yellows, when deliberate fouls don't.

Another example on Saturday when McGoldrick gave away a penalty for elbowing his opponent. Now surely, this deliberate foul has to be a yellow, if not a red for intentional dangerous play?

Not only did he not receive a yellow, he was yellow carded later in the game, then went on to score the injury time winner. Burton fans can feel a little aggrieved  with the referee.

The trouble is, the refs make it hard for themselves and a consequence is players play acting to deceive the ref even more.

[BillyStubbsTears]

Clifton is perfect for the starting XI. As others have said, he grafts and pops up in threatening positions. He will wear his markers out and offers more defensively so we have a platform to change up a gear in the final 30 minutes.

Grant knows it's not about who starts, but having a plan for the whole 90 minutes to give us the best chance of the 3 points.

This.

We are in Division 3. Our players will have limitations.

Yes Clifton isn't as talented as some others, but my God he puts in a shift and runs the legs off some opponents

[DonnyBazR0ver]

Clifton is perfect for the starting XI. As others have said, he grafts and pops up in threatening positions. He will wear his markers out and offers more defensively so we have a platform to change up a gear in the final 30 minutes.

Grant knows it's not about who starts, but having a plan for the whole 90 minutes to give us the best chance of the 3 points.

This.

We are in Division 3. Our players will have limitations.

Yes Clifton isn't as talented as some others, but my God he puts in a shift and runs the legs off some opponents

I just wonder whether Gotts is another candidate for that role, with him showing a few more good things on Saturday?

[EasyforDennis]

With regards to all the negative stuff about referees: I’ve never refereed a football match in my life. Ive umpired a few hundred field hockey matches though.  It’s incredibly difficult, very fast, no action replays or VAR. I get grumbles, I know I miss stuff & sometimes make the wrong call.
But if I didn’t do it, the game wouldn’t take place. How many of you criticising the referee could do better? It’s a thankless task.

I don't think anyone complains about the odd mistake from refs but when they are consistently blind to persistent fouling and manhandling, who don't apply the correct punishment ie yellow cards when appropriate then yes many would think they could do a better job especially when you have 3 other officials to help.
And like you they have chosen to do it so should do it correctly

Unfortunately whilst the referee has 2 assistants and a 4th official they do not assist. Referees make all the decisions (including throw ins). Just watch the linesmen/women, they wait for the referee to make a decision then they put the flag up. How many fouls do you see committed right under the linesman's nose and he completely ignores it?
All 4 officials are miced up so why don't they talk to each other?

Or is it just that the referee wants to be Billy Big b*llocks who insists. "I'm in charge."

[ravenrover]

He's shown up well both games when he's dropped into the right back role allowing Bailey to push on

[danumdon]

With regards to all the negative stuff about referees: I’ve never refereed a football match in my life. Ive umpired a few hundred field hockey matches though.  It’s incredibly difficult, very fast, no action replays or VAR. I get grumbles, I know I miss stuff & sometimes make the wrong call.
But if I didn’t do it, the game wouldn’t take place. How many of you criticising the referee could do better? It’s a thankless task.

I don't think anyone complains about the odd mistake from refs but when they are consistently blind to persistent fouling and manhandling, who don't apply the correct punishment ie yellow cards when appropriate then yes many would think they could do a better job especially when you have 3 other officials to help.
And like you they have chosen to do it so should do it correctly

Unfortunately whilst the referee has 2 assistants and a 4th official they do not assist. Referees make all the decisions (including throw ins). Just watch the linesmen/women, they wait for the referee to make a decision then they put the flag up. How many fouls do you see committed right under the linesman's nose and he completely ignores it?
All 4 officials are miced up so why don't they talk to each other?

Or is it just that the referee wants to be Billy Big b*llocks who insists. "I'm in charge."

Positive points here, it just seems incredulous that we now have so many officials associated in running the game that decision making has gone backwards from when there was just the ref and two linesmen with no comms.

Just what has it all achieved, nothing positive but job creation that would make the communist USSR blush!

[drfchound]

Clifton is perfect for the starting XI. As others have said, he grafts and pops up in threatening positions. He will wear his markers out and offers more defensively so we have a platform to change up a gear in the final 30 minutes.

Grant knows it's not about who starts, but having a plan for the whole 90 minutes to give us the best chance of the 3 points.

This.

We are in Division 3. Our players will have limitations.

Yes Clifton isn't as talented as some others, but my God he puts in a shift and runs the legs off some opponents

This. Lots of people never see what players do off the ball.

[jmt23]

I think the vast majority of our shots (ok not goal scoring yet) are also from Harry, he is far better than some will ever give him credit for however, it wasn't his best game on Saturday, and I do wonder if Bailey gets the chance to do that role now.

[Drover]

I think Clifton is the sort of player to wear out the opposition as he's got a superb engine about him.
We know he's not technically gifted, more of a battering ram.
I think he's the ideal away game midfielder. 
Then when someone like Ajayi comes on who is totally different,  opposition are gonna think "WTF do we do with him?" as they have tired legs.

 ,I've said all along to my friends,Grant likes this tactic and is so good at utilising it,its another reason why a strong bench is important to him,he is the best Rovers manager at using and getting the best out of his subs,Penney was'nt bad either,even one of the best ever SOD made sub decisions that usually disappointed or frustrated me. 

[scawsby steve]

What have Sarina Wiegman and Grant McCann got in common?

They both have an incredible ability to make late substitutions that completely change a game and turn the result on it's head.

[Padge_DRFC]

Looks a player on tonight's showing doesn't he. Molyneux can't afford a bad run of games with this lad available

[GazLaz]

Looks a player on tonight's showing doesn't he. Molyneux can't afford a bad run of games with this lad available

Gibson and Ajayi are certainly a lively option to Middleton and Mols.

[drfchound]

The squad depth looks tremendous on this showing.