QuedgeRed Posted July 3, 2011 Report Share Posted July 3, 2011 I've a feeling I might be in the minority here, but here goes; I'm not overly worried that we haven't signed a LB yet. I admit JM is not getting any younger and the first half of last season he seemed to struggle. I also admit that we do need to cover the position because NH is a not an option. But, in my opinion, Jamie had a solid second half to the season. He seemed to cope better with pace and his positional (and overall) game improved as a result. If he can bring that form back to the start of the season, then maybe waiting until the next transfer window for cover/replacement might not adversely affect the defence as much as some think. Your thoughts please. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robbored Posted July 3, 2011 Report Share Posted July 3, 2011 I've never been a fan of McAllister although he did put in some better performances last season. At least he managed to reduce the number of times that he hoofed the ball up the pitch to no benefit. He ain't the answer and Millen obviously knows that which is why he's looking to sign a better left back. McAllister would provide experienced back up. Some forum users point to his assists but he takes lots of corners and free kicks which explains it. I guess we've been spoilt with the likes of Darren Barnard, Mickey Bell and Jim Brennan in the past so any left back would have to a bit special to match up. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
leetrundlesrightfoot Posted July 3, 2011 Report Share Posted July 3, 2011 When he plays with out a left sided player ahead of him- ie jcr he gets no support, and is left alone, as an easy target. when rose, and even woolford played, he looked more solid. imo a commanding centre half is more of a priority Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tales From The Front Posted July 3, 2011 Report Share Posted July 3, 2011 In my view the relaity is that we have improved in terms of results when he has been injured I am afraid to say. He is an honest pro and has been a good servant but like a couple of the centre halves whilst giving their all I feel that we need a bit more quality. The last two seasons have seen us struggle defensively and it is an area that desperately needs strenghning. No direspect to those currrently with the jersey but this season is going to be tough and whilst I'm pleased with the progress thus far made in the tranfer market, the reality is we need at least another couple of quality defenders if we are to compete and more importantly remain in the division. I'm sure Keef is on the case and there is no need to panic but the status quo as far as a back unit is concerned will not in my view be strong enough. However I'm quitely confident James Wilson can make the grade. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MC Risk Posted July 3, 2011 Report Share Posted July 3, 2011 I've a feeling I might be in the minority here, but here goes; I'm not overly worried that we haven't signed a LB yet. I admit JM is not getting any younger and the first half of last season he seemed to struggle. I also admit that we do need to cover the position because NH is a not an option. But, in my opinion, Jamie had a solid second half to the season. He seemed to cope better with pace and his positional (and overall) game improved as a result. If he can bring that form back to the start of the season, then maybe waiting until the next transfer window for cover/replacement might not adversely affect the defence as much as some think. Your thoughts please. Amen totally agree Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnM Posted July 3, 2011 Report Share Posted July 3, 2011 I've never been a fan of McAllister although he did put in some better performances last season. At least he managed to reduce the number of times that he hoofed the ball up the pitch to no benefit. He ain't the answer and Millen obviously knows that which is why he's looking to sign a better left back. McAllister would provide experienced back up. Some forum users point to his assists but he takes lots of corners and free kicks which explains it. I guess we've been spoilt with the likes of Darren Barnard, Mickey Bell and Jim Brennan in the past so any left back would have to a bit special to match up. Those were the days! But imho Jim was not as good as Darren & Mickey. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andy Horsman Posted July 3, 2011 Report Share Posted July 3, 2011 In my opinion, he is the weakest link. As soon as the player/ ball is past him, he is beaten all hands up as he has totally lost his pace, and his positioning for a player in a specialist position like left back is in my view woeful. He has been a good servant, but the years have caught up and he is no longer good enough at this level. His distribution is patchy, the lobbed ball up the line in the vain hope that a red shirt gets to it is decidedly Hillish, and too often gives the ball staright back to the opposition compounding the pressure. His free-kicks and corners are reasonably decent, but that is not enough to warrant him remaining first choice. I will be despairing to be frank if we start 2011/12 without another recognised left back on board. Tangs and Fonts are decent on-field deputies in the event of an injury etc, but are not a long term solution. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
QuedgeRed Posted July 3, 2011 Author Report Share Posted July 3, 2011 Tangs and Fonts are much more likely to play hoof ball though aren't they? I'm not sure McAllister is the main culprit of this - not from my memory of last season. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greedo Posted July 3, 2011 Report Share Posted July 3, 2011 Tangs and Fonts are much more likely to play hoof ball though aren't they? I'm not sure McAllister is the main culprit of this - not from my memory of last season. Agree entirely, Macca is a decent enough LB especially with a solid LM in front of him. A good centre half is the priority IMO. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete1975Legend Posted July 3, 2011 Report Share Posted July 3, 2011 Macca is very underrated you only have to look how bad we are when he is not there to know he is a quality LB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ron Posted July 3, 2011 Report Share Posted July 3, 2011 I've never been a fan of McAllister but he looked very competent most of the times I saw him last season. That said, he's getting on and it is a position we could strengthen, as Millen is addressing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GrahamC Posted July 3, 2011 Report Share Posted July 3, 2011 Those were the days! But imho Jim was not as good as Darren & Mickey. I love this. Mickey Bell's entire career saw him play one season of Championship standard football, so far McAllister has managed four.... For me Barnard and Scott (who both played in the Prem) were superior to McAllister as was Brennan, but Bell? his career stats wouldn't suggest so. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alex_BCFC Posted July 3, 2011 Report Share Posted July 3, 2011 Macca is very underrated you only have to look how bad we are when he is not there to know he is a quality LB That is more to do with the fact that we had no back-up for him. He isn't good enough if we want to be in the top 6. Might be Ok as back-up. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chinapig Posted July 3, 2011 Report Share Posted July 3, 2011 In my view the relaity is that we have improved in terms of results when he has been injured I am afraid to say. He is an honest pro and has been a good servant but like a couple of the centre halves whilst giving their all I feel that we need a bit more quality. The last two seasons have seen us struggle defensively and it is an area that desperately needs strenghning. No direspect to those currrently with the jersey but this season is going to be tough and whilst I'm pleased with the progress thus far made in the tranfer market, the reality is we need at least another couple of quality defenders if we are to compete and more importantly remain in the division. I'm sure Keef is on the case and there is no need to panic but the status quo as far as a back unit is concerned will not in my view be strong enough. However I'm quitely confident James Wilson can make the grade. Sums the position up perfectly for me. I find myself puzzled that Keith at one and the same time says he wants defenders and seems to be happy with those he has (with the obvious exception of Hunt and the apparently surplus Stewart, who is no worse than the other centre halves in my view). Notwithstanding our frequently poor defending in the last 2 or 3 seasons the majority of players who have been responsible for it not only remain but seem to be virtual automatic choices. Similarly the majority of fans seem to regard them as good players, disregarding their actiual record. All that seems likely to accrue is a glut of defenders and largely the usual suspects in the starting eleven. Carey for instance clearly expects to be first choice (he is after all the captain) and Fontaine appears to be untouchable (though currently injured of course). McAllister's status may depend on how far down his list of left backs Keith has to go, if he can get one at all. I'm curious to see how what seems to a rather confusing strategy actually pans out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robbored Posted July 3, 2011 Report Share Posted July 3, 2011 Sums the position up perfectly for me. I find myself puzzled that Keith at one and the same time says he wants defenders and seems to be happy with those he has (with the obvious exception of Hunt and the apparently surplus Stewart, who is no worse than the other centre halves in my view). Notwithstanding our frequently poor defending in the last 2 or 3 seasons the majority of players who have been responsible for it not only remain but seem to be virtual automatic choices. Not that puzzling when you realise that what Keef can say publically is not necessarily what he's planning. He can hardly come out and say "too many of of my defenders are crap'' even though is obvious he thinks it. Why else would he say publically that he's looking to strengthen in that area? If he was happy with the defenders he has the we would hear nothing. It won't be lost on McAllister that a left back is high on the priority list. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Riaz Posted July 3, 2011 Report Share Posted July 3, 2011 Macca is very underrated you only have to look how bad we are when he is not there to know he is a quality LB You gotta be on a wind up... We have been better when he ain't been in the side.... That's with players playing out of position! He hasnt been a quality player for a few years now - I'd call him a liability. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Red-Robbo Posted July 3, 2011 Report Share Posted July 3, 2011 I love this. Mickey Bell's entire career saw him play one season of Championship standard football, so far McAllister has managed four.... For me Barnard and Scott (who both played in the Prem) were superior to McAllister as was Brennan, but Bell? his career stats wouldn't suggest so. Bell was the last great hitter of a dead ball we've had (although Hartley could also be in contention for that honour, I suppose). A fluked goal from a corner apart, Macca just isn't as good at delivering from set pieces - although we always seem to rely on him for some reason. So, yes I'd prefer Bell (in his heyday) as he offered more in his game. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chinapig Posted July 3, 2011 Report Share Posted July 3, 2011 Not that puzzling when you realise that what Keef can say publically is not necessarily what he's planning. He can hardly come out and say "too many of of my defenders are crap'' even though is obvious he thinks it. Why else would he say publically that he's looking to strengthen in that area? If he was happy with the defenders he has the we would hear nothing. It won't be lost on McAllister that a left back is high on the priority list. But the fact that he says he wants defenders says exactly that. We are not short on numbers at centre half but he clearly thinks we are short on quality. I'm sure McAllister is not going to kid himself Keith is looking for someone to cover for him rather than replace him either, though he may be banking on us continuing to be unable to get a left back in so guaranteeing his place. All of which still begs the question as to why Keith wants to keep all his defenders other than Stewart and Hunt if he doesn't rate them. I still suspect there is a fair chance that the defence for the first game will include Carey, Fontaine and McAlllister, especially if potential loans have to wait for Prem clubs to decide on their squads. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete1975Legend Posted July 3, 2011 Report Share Posted July 3, 2011 You gotta be on a wind up... We have been better when he ain't been in the side.... That's with players playing out of position! He hasnt been a quality player for a few years now - I'd call him a liability. When was this then? This so called looking better without him in the team! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redcherryberry Posted July 3, 2011 Report Share Posted July 3, 2011 We need a whole new back 4 IMO especially if Keef wants a settled unit like he's talked about. Ribs - Injuries Say's he wont play more than 10 games next season. Bomb now! Edwards - Needs league games before being trusted in the Championship. Wilson - See above plus he's injury prone. Stewart - God knows what shape he will come back in. Hopefully not like last season. Nyatanga - Always feel uncomfortable watching him. Aways liable to make a mistake which costs a goal. Fontaine - Slight better version of Tangs IMO. Soft for a defender needs a dominate man next to him. Concentration level's not great. McCallister - 2 seasons past his sell by date. 33 now and will be even slower. Big weak link. Not a patch on Scott, Bell etc. Carey - Hopefully he can stay fit next season. Offers experience & leadership. Looked re born at RB last season and a good defensive sheild for Albert. Carey and Fonts the best of a bad bunch for me. We need defenders in quick. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedHanded Posted July 3, 2011 Report Share Posted July 3, 2011 Mac did better after he recovered from being hit by that golf ball by city fan.... Mmm could be on to something here!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Garland-sweden Posted July 3, 2011 Report Share Posted July 3, 2011 I've never been a fan of McAllister although he did put in some better performances last season. At least he managed to reduce the number of times that he hoofed the ball up the pitch to no benefit. He ain't the answer and Millen obviously knows that which is why he's looking to sign a better left back. McAllister would provide experienced back up. Some forum users point to his assists but he takes lots of corners and free kicks which explains it. I guess we've been spoilt with the likes of Darren Barnard, Mickey Bell and Jim Brennan in the past so any left back would have to a bit special to match up. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Garland-sweden Posted July 3, 2011 Report Share Posted July 3, 2011 I've never been a fan of McAllister although he did put in some better performances last season. At least he managed to reduce the number of times that he hoofed the ball up the pitch to no benefit. He ain't the answer and Millen obviously knows that which is why he's looking to sign a better left back. McAllister would provide experienced back up. Some forum users point to his assists but he takes lots of corners and free kicks which explains it. I guess we've been spoilt with the likes of Darren Barnard, Mickey Bell and Jim Brennan in the past so any left back would have to a bit special to match up. Yes, he takes the corners and free kicks because he has a good left foot. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GrahamC Posted July 3, 2011 Report Share Posted July 3, 2011 We need a whole new back 4 IMO especially if Keef wants a settled unit like he's talked about. Ribs - Injuries Say's he wont play more than 10 games next season. Bomb now! Edwards - Needs league games before being trusted in the Championship. Wilson - See above plus he's injury prone. Stewart - God knows what shape he will come back in. Hopefully not like last season. Nyatanga - Always feel uncomfortable watching him. Aways liable to make a mistake which costs a goal. Fontaine - Slight better version of Tangs IMO. Soft for a defender needs a dominate man next to him. Concentration level's not great. McCallister - 2 seasons past his sell by date. 33 now and will be even slower. Big weak link. Not a patch on Scott, Bell etc. Carey - Hopefully he can stay fit next season. Offers experience & leadership. Looked re born at RB last season and a good defensive sheild for Albert. Carey and Fonts the best of a bad bunch for me. We need defenders in quick. Well, you've named 8 defenders and that doesn't include Hunt, so if we did add a "whole new back four" (which we won't) we'd then have 16 defenders on our books as Ball, Muggeridge and Bryan are all defenders under pro contracts, too. I'd guess we'll sign one (LB), loan one (CB) and will have to pay Hunt off, whether we can (or Stewart apart) even want to move on any others is up for debate........... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FanaticRed Posted July 3, 2011 Report Share Posted July 3, 2011 You gotta be on a wind up... We have been better when he ain't been in the side.... That's with players playing out of position! He hasnt been a quality player for a few years now - I'd call him a liability. I think that guys been taking somthing... i agree with you though, i'd even go as far as saying hes shocking and thats quite a strong word for me! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FanaticRed Posted July 3, 2011 Report Share Posted July 3, 2011 You gotta be on a wind up... We have been better when he ain't been in the side.... That's with players playing out of position! He hasnt been a quality player for a few years now - I'd call him a liability. I think that guys been taking somthing... i agree with you though, i'd even go as far as saying hes shocking and thats quite a strong word for me! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FanaticRed Posted July 3, 2011 Report Share Posted July 3, 2011 You gotta be on a wind up... We have been better when he ain't been in the side.... That's with players playing out of position! He hasnt been a quality player for a few years now - I'd call him a liability. I think that guys been taking somthing... i agree with you though, i'd even go as far as saying hes shocking and thats quite a strong word for me! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FanaticRed Posted July 3, 2011 Report Share Posted July 3, 2011 You gotta be on a wind up... We have been better when he ain't been in the side.... That's with players playing out of position! He hasnt been a quality player for a few years now - I'd call him a liability. I think that guys been taking somthing... i agree with you though, i'd even go as far as saying hes shocking and thats quite a strong word for me! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FanaticRed Posted July 3, 2011 Report Share Posted July 3, 2011 Dont ask me why its been posted four times because i couldnt tell you muself... thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paddy31 Posted July 3, 2011 Report Share Posted July 3, 2011 Well, you've named 8 defenders and that doesn't include Hunt, so if we did add a "whole new back four" (which we won't) we'd then have 16 defenders on our books as Ball, Muggeridge and Bryan are all defenders under pro contracts, too. I'd guess we'll sign one (LB), loan one (CB) and will have to pay Hunt off, whether we can (or Stewart apart) even want to move on any others is up for debate........... Joe Bryan can play centre-mid or left wing too. He'splayed as left winger for about half of his U18 apps. I've heard the club rate him very highly - hence the contract even though he's still a scholar. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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