Sykes at RW

[cheddarwedlocker]

Thought he was superb, even if you don't include the two goals (gotta be there to score them!) thought the freedom the 433 gave him allowed him to actually have a go at the backline. Looked a completely different player to the one we saw in the reverse fixture

[Mr Popodopolous]

Where did he play at Oxford? CM was one position, did he play RW/RM? I know RWB seemed to be quite a new position for him.

[James54De]

Didn’t think it was a great performance from him, and the two back post tap ins don’t hide that.

[ProfitInMyPocket]

gets into good positions, just wish he would get his crosses in, always blocked first man.

[marcofisher]

For me:

Right-hand side (Tanner + Sykes)  = solid/industrious/dependable

Left-hand side (Pring+Semenyo) = flair/physicality/game-changing creativity

 

A nicely complimented balance today IMO.

[Davefevs]

14 minutes ago, Mr Popodopolous said:

Where did he play at Oxford? CM was one position, did he play RW/RM? I know RWB seemed to be quite a new position for him.

CAM a lot to start with, then more RW, then towards end of his time at Oxford, at RWB.

[marcofisher]

16 minutes ago, Davefevs said:

CAM a lot to start with, then more RW, then towards end of his time at Oxford, at RWB.

Really? I’m sure OTIB told me RWB was a new position for me when he was playing there at the start of this season! 

[Port Said Red]

I don't see how anyone could think he was poor, the work he went through was excellent, I didn't think his crossing was too bad, @Davefevsprobably give us stats on that, but he used a variety of passes to get the ball into the box and made a couple of driving runs into the area too, one got us a free kick on the edge of the box.

To me the tap ins were his reward for getting into areas that Weimann doesn't seem to be getting into as a often this season.

Edited January 15, 2023 by Port Said Red

[Kolsch]

Great game yesterday and he looked at home in that position. I think defensively he could have helped Zak and George out more on a couple of occasions but that will come the more we play that formation.

[And Its Smith]

8 hours ago, James54De said:

Didn’t think it was a great performance from him, and the two back post tap ins don’t hide that.

Being in the right place at the right time can’t be ignored. Two vital goals 

[GrahamC]

8 hours ago, Mr Popodopolous said:

Where did he play at Oxford? CM was one position, did he play RW/RM? I know RWB seemed to be quite a new position for him.

Transfermarkt is brilliant for this sort of stuff, not only gives appearances split between starts & sub, but position & assists.

8 hours ago, Davefevs said:

CAM a lot to start with, then more RW, then towards end of his time at Oxford, at RWB.

LM a bit too, think he said in his interview after signing he played in “7 or 8” different positions last season.

With a smaller squad I think his versatility was a factor in us signing him, along with being out of contract & affordable wages.

[Vidal]

Reminds me of Martyn Woolford.

Edited January 15, 2023 by Vidal

[Gimme Shelton]

7 minutes ago, Vidal said:

Reminds me of Martyn Woolford.

What you mean one good game in three years?

[nickolas]

28 minutes ago, Vidal said:

Reminds me of Martyn Woolford.

Oh god.

[BCFCGav]

9 hours ago, James54De said:

Didn’t think it was a great performance from him, and the two back post tap ins don’t hide that.

Score two goals and you don’t have to do a great deal else imo! Tap-ins are just as much a goal as a thirty yard volley remember. 
 

Worked hard in defence too helping Tanner. 

[Vidal]

28 minutes ago, Gimme Shelton said:

What you mean one good game in three years?

Pretty much.

24 minutes ago, Percy Pig said:

Other than being blonde and playing wide I can't see any similarities. 

Woolford was all running and terrible technique, sykes is a lot tidier on the ball and a hell of a lot more clever in his movements. 

As others have said, Good performance but the end product needs to improve. Would love to see a heat map of his positions yesterday within that 433. 

You’ve just named 2.

[2015]

He did ok. Really was getting frustrated by his crosses though, continuously getting blocked when in acres of space. Can't fault his work ethic at all though and the 2 goals!

[Bobbie]

1 hour ago, Vidal said:

Reminds me of Martyn Woolford.

What a horrible memory to bring up on a Sunday morning 

[Davefevs]

9 hours ago, marcofisher said:

Really? I’m sure OTIB told me RWB was a new position for me when he was playing there at the start of this season! 

Nope, Oxford switched to a back 3 last season and he moved to RWB.

(or were you being sarcastic?)

FWIW when he was playing no10 pre-season, he did get interviewed and say it was a different “position” but the wording he used was more relevant to being asked to play that position differently, e.g. lots of runs forward, looking to roll his man, etc.

[Offside]

I thought Sykes played well yesterday. It was good to see him in an attacking role and he caused Brum problems throughout the game, and got into the right positions for his goals. 

[marcofisher]

1 hour ago, Davefevs said:

Nope, Oxford switched to a back 3 last season and he moved to RWB.

(or were you being sarcastic?)

FWIW when he was playing no10 pre-season, he did get interviewed and say it was a different “position” but the wording he used was more relevant to being asked to play that position differently, e.g. lots of runs forward, looking to roll his man, etc.

Maybe slightly, but I was not aware that he had experience of playing there in the past! It’s not like OTIB to not tell the truth! 

[steveybadger]

Here’s a thought. If we keep this formation when Weimann returns, where does he play? Appreciate it’s a squad game and selection varies for a variety of reasons game to game, but this formation worked a treat (and IMO made us look a lot more dangerous), yet I can’t believe Pearson would leave him out?

[marcofisher]

11 minutes ago, steveybadger said:

Here’s a thought. If we keep this formation when Weimann returns, where does he play? Appreciate it’s a squad game and selection varies for a variety of reasons game to game, but this formation worked a treat (and IMO made us look a lot more dangerous), yet I can’t believe Pearson would leave him out?

On the right for Sykes, which admittedly isn’t his best position. Or behind the striker in a more offensive set up.

[Major Isewater]

3 hours ago, Vidal said:

Reminds me of Martyn Woolford.

Steve Cooper’s love child . One for the ladies .

 

[Vidal]

3 minutes ago, Major Isewater said:

Steve Cooper’s love child . One for the ladies .

 

I wonder what you search to get this on pornhub 

[Charlie BCFC]

Thought he was good, did actually think despite the two goals he wasn’t as good as Wells or Semenyo. Would like to see more of him there though

[Davefevs]

29 minutes ago, marcofisher said:

Maybe slightly, but I was not aware that he had experience of playing there in the past! It’s not like OTIB to not tell the truth! 

As Paul Weller sang “read between the lines and you’ll find the truth”!!!

[Lanterne Rouge]

1 hour ago, Davefevs said:

As Paul Weller sang “read between the lines and you’ll find the truth”!!!

But is that what he really meant........................................................

[steveybadger]

1 hour ago, marcofisher said:

On the right for Sykes, which admittedly isn’t his best position. Or behind the striker in a more offensive set up.

See I think after yesterday Sykes has to play there - we had so much more cutting edge I thought. So yes behind the striker but which of the midfield 3 do you leave out? If Scott goes it’s less of a problem but until then…

[Harry]

If it wasn’t for the 2 goals he’d have probably ranked as a 6/10 for me. 
Countless times he failed to deliver when in a good crossing position. Including one where he just passed it out of play! I may be wrong but I also think it was his poor decision which lead to their penalty, where I think he made a sloppy error which then resulted in their attack. 
I swear he probably looks really good in training, where they use dummies or manikins - he probably delivers an amazing cross. Problem is, when you’re up against an actual opponent, the defender has the ability to move a little bit and maybe even stick out a leg to block a cross. Sykes simply doesn’t work himself the extra half yard of space to whip the cross beyond the full back. 
2 goals - brilliant. And well done. 
Workrate - very good. Keep it up. 
Quality on the ball and delivery of cross - very poor. 
Sorry. 

[marcofisher]

1 hour ago, steveybadger said:

See I think after yesterday Sykes has to play there - we had so much more cutting edge I thought. So yes behind the striker but which of the midfield 3 do you leave out? If Scott goes it’s less of a problem but until then…

I think Weimann probably stronger. It was two easy finishes, all the hard work and creativity came from our left hand side.

[Vidal]

5 minutes ago, marcofisher said:

I think Weimann probably stronger. It was two easy finishes, all the hard work and creativity came from our left hand side.

You can guarantee Weimann would’ve been in the same spot, very good at getting into those areas.

[Red_Alligator]

He's so much more than a far post tap in merchant. But he's not fantastic. That's why he plies his trade at BCFC. 

Played well yesterday, as did the team as a whole. Valuable three points gained. Lots more to do.

Next.

 

[RedorDead BCFC]

3 hours ago, Davefevs said:

As Paul Weller sang “read between the lines and you’ll find the truth”!!!

I never knew The Modfather read OTIB. Afternoon Paul if you’re reading this. 

[Davefevs]

1 hour ago, Harry said:

If it wasn’t for the 2 goals he’d have probably ranked as a 6/10 for me. 
Countless times he failed to deliver when in a good crossing position. Including one where he just passed it out of play! I may be wrong but I also think it was his poor decision which lead to their penalty, where I think he made a sloppy error which then resulted in their attack. 
I swear he probably looks really good in training, where they use dummies or manikins - he probably delivers an amazing cross. Problem is, when you’re up against an actual opponent, the defender has the ability to move a little bit and maybe even stick out a leg to block a cross. Sykes simply doesn’t work himself the extra half yard of space to whip the cross beyond the full back. 
2 goals - brilliant. And well done. 
Workrate - very good. Keep it up. 
Quality on the ball and delivery of cross - very poor. 
Sorry. 

I thought he had some bright moments early, that gave him confidence.

Their opener was a heavy touch from James trying to intercept, then a series of powder puff challenges from James and Naismith.

Just sent you the clip on email / WhatsApp 

[Galley is our king]

1 hour ago, Harry said:

If it wasn’t for the 2 goals he’d have probably ranked as a 6/10 for me. 
Countless times he failed to deliver when in a good crossing position. Including one where he just passed it out of play! I may be wrong but I also think it was his poor decision which lead to their penalty, where I think he made a sloppy error which then resulted in their attack. 
I swear he probably looks really good in training, where they use dummies or manikins - he probably delivers an amazing cross. Problem is, when you’re up against an actual opponent, the defender has the ability to move a little bit and maybe even stick out a leg to block a cross. Sykes simply doesn’t work himself the extra half yard of space to whip the cross beyond the full back. 
2 goals - brilliant. And well done. 
Workrate - very good. Keep it up. 
Quality on the ball and delivery of cross - very poor. 
Sorry. 

Well done! You managed to get a negative post in there somehow!!!

Must have been a disappointing day for you, not really an opportunity for you to post your usual anti Pearson crap.

Can't you seriously just enjoy a really good performance and result?

[glynriley]

3 hours ago, Davefevs said:

As Paul Weller sang “read between the lines and you’ll find the truth”!!!

In the ongoing absence of our pedantic, Jam fan poster, it was Bruce Foxton

[Davefevs]

8 minutes ago, glynriley said:

In the ongoing absence of our pedantic, Jam fan poster, it was Bruce Foxton

“Sang” not “wrote”.  Pedantic equaliser!!!

where is @BS4 on Tour...?

[glynriley]

1 minute ago, Davefevs said:

“Sang” not “wrote”.  Pedantic equaliser!!!

where is @BS4 on Tour...?

You’ve hit the post mate. Foxton sang it as well. 

[Harry]

25 minutes ago, Galley is our king said:

Well done! You managed to get a negative post in there somehow!!!

Must have been a disappointing day for you, not really an opportunity for you to post your usual anti Pearson crap.

Can't you seriously just enjoy a really good performance and result?

Weird. 

It’s a thread about a specific player and many other replies on here have suggested that aside from the 2 goals he was average at best. But you decide to single out mine. 
 

Fair enough. But look at what I said. I said his work rate is good. I said he hit 2 goals. Both positives. 
My critique of him is that his crossing is substandard. Go and watch it again if you need to, but you’ll have trouble finding me a single good cross. 

[cidercity1987]

I don't see anything other than a lad whose level is high end League One. Zero cutting edge for a Championship winger but can't complain with two goals.

[Harry]

28 minutes ago, Davefevs said:

I thought he had some bright moments early, that gave him confidence.

Their opener was a heavy touch from James trying to intercept, then a series of powder puff challenges from James and Naismith.

Just sent you the clip on email / WhatsApp 

Correct. Very weak from the 2 CM’s. 
The clip you sent me. What happened in the 5 seconds just before it. My memory of it was the Sykes made a poor decision. But I can’t 100% recall. Do you have the previous 5-10 seconds from that clip, prior to the weak midfield challenges. 

[NcnsBcfc]

2 hours ago, Harry said:

If it wasn’t for the 2 goals he’d have probably ranked as a 6/10 for me. 
Countless times he failed to deliver when in a good crossing position. Including one where he just passed it out of play! I may be wrong but I also think it was his poor decision which lead to their penalty, where I think he made a sloppy error which then resulted in their attack. 
I swear he probably looks really good in training, where they use dummies or manikins - he probably delivers an amazing cross. Problem is, when you’re up against an actual opponent, the defender has the ability to move a little bit and maybe even stick out a leg to block a cross. Sykes simply doesn’t work himself the extra half yard of space to whip the cross beyond the full back. 
2 goals - brilliant. And well done. 
Workrate - very good. Keep it up. 
Quality on the ball and delivery of cross - very poor. 
Sorry. 

@Harry just said exactly the same on the new FBC podcast.

I'm really happy for both Sykes on his goals, and Tanner getting regular gametime, but lets be honest, the current quality of our left side is demonstrating the weakness of our right.

The link up play between both Tanner (who gets a nose bleed past half way at times), and Sykes wasn't great, and they both switched off at times defensively allowing Graham to get behind us in both halves. 

As NP said in his interview after the game; the gap between L1 and the Championship is a lot bigger than people imagine.

Whilst i'm hopeful that Wilson when he comes back will give us attacking intent, he is of course not the best defensively; and was bought as a RWB rather than RB.

Defensively as a RB, Tanner is solid with room for improvement of course. You only have to look at the transformation of Vyner this season, as well as PrIng of course to see that when things finally start to click, we may well have a decent player there.

For me at the moment though, that area of the pitch still causes me concerns.

 

[NcnsBcfc]

17 minutes ago, Harry said:

Correct. Very weak from the 2 CM’s. 
The clip you sent me. What happened in the 5 seconds just before it. My memory of it was the Sykes made a poor decision. But I can’t 100% recall. Do you have the previous 5-10 seconds from that clip, prior to the weak midfield challenges. 

Was awful from the Dolman, weak and non comitted challenges from both of them. Very disappointing in the context of a fairly decent first half.

Naismith also has an annoying habit of misplaced passing whilst under no pressure. It didn't cost us yesterday thankfully, and now he is front of the back two CB, hopefully it won't be as terminal as some of his earlier mistakes, it's just a lack of concentration. 

We still look a better team with him in it of course.

[Galley is our king]

38 minutes ago, Harry said:

Weird. 

It’s a thread about a specific player and many other replies on here have suggested that aside from the 2 goals he was average at best. But you decide to single out mine. 
 

Fair enough. But look at what I said. I said his work rate is good. I said he hit 2 goals. Both positives. 
My critique of him is that his crossing is substandard. Go and watch it again if you need to, but you’ll have trouble finding me a single good cross. 

Not weird at all, you understand the point I'm making I'm sure.

Normally you critique the manager. Negatively most of the time. Not one comment today. Now I've not read every thread so I will apologise now if you have.

By the way, what did you think of the manager today? 

Were you happy with the team? Result?

Just asking for a friend...

[Simon79]

It’s a game of opinions I suppose. But personally didn’t think he had that good a game, don’t think he was bad, but not quite rewarding of some of the plaudits he has got on here. He works hard & don’t underestimate those tap ins at the far post, many players would still be stood on the edge of the box watching. But for me, he doesn’t go by anyone, lacks strength & his crossing is suspect, gave them ball away at crucial times as well. I actually think when I watch him, that he lacks confidence as well. Hopefully those two goals will give him that. I do think he has the ability to improve though. So just like I don’t jump on the band wagon when someone has a poor game, I won’t be overreacting on yesterday’s performance from him, because he scored two goals. COYR 

[Davefevs]

1 hour ago, glynriley said:

You’ve hit the post mate. Foxton sang it as well. 

Ah, bollax to you. Not fair

1 hour ago, Harry said:

Correct. Very weak from the 2 CM’s. 
The clip you sent me. What happened in the 5 seconds just before it. My memory of it was the Sykes made a poor decision. But I can’t 100% recall. Do you have the previous 5-10 seconds from that clip, prior to the weak midfield challenges. 

Sorry, I don’t.  Just tried looking at all Sykes’s action, but not all are clipped.

 

[YGBjammy]

Would just like to see another game or two of him in the same position to make any opinions on him really. If Weimann came back in and we kept 433 then Weimann would have to take one of the midfield spots really. We could put him out on the right but I think we've had that debate already a year or so ago?

I think Sykes makes sense in the RW position, I think he simply has too much to do when he plays RWB and isn't quite up to it at this level; it's such a tough position these days.

If we do keep a 433 then who are out players at RW? I feel we have a lot of players who could play there, but not their natural position. 

[Davefevs]

59 minutes ago, Davefevs said:

Ah, bollax to you. Not fair

Sorry, I don’t.  Just tried looking at all Sykes’s action, but not all are clipped.

 

Found it, sent over to you.  Defender deflects his pass.

[1960maaan]

2 hours ago, Harry said:

Correct. Very weak from the 2 CM’s. 
The clip you sent me. What happened in the 5 seconds just before it. My memory of it was the Sykes made a poor decision. But I can’t 100% recall. Do you have the previous 5-10 seconds from that clip, prior to the weak midfield challenges. 

Naismith takes a touch and is robbed by the guy chasing back.

2:05 in

 

[Harry]

28 minutes ago, Davefevs said:

Found it, sent over to you.  Defender deflects his pass.

Thanks Dave. 

12 minutes ago, 1960maaan said:

Naismith takes a touch and is robbed by the guy chasing back.

2:05 in

 

Yeah, it’s the period just before this, about 10 seconds prior. 
A quick free kick is taken releasing Sykes down the line. Defender tracks him and Sykes turns back. Another defender comes across too and Sykes attempts a near impossible pass between the 2 defenders and we lose it. It’s from there that the highlights in your post begin. And yes, it’s rubbish tackling thereafter.

I guess my point was generally about Sykes’ final ball. His crossing, 9 times out of 10 is just hit straight at the defender. No attempt to gain half a yard, no attempt to whip it around the defender. He just hits it straight at them! As I said earlier, he doesn’t find that half yard and instead attempts to play the ball through a human being!! An impossibility. And that’s exactly what happened on the incident I’m referring to for their goal. 
 

I realise that to some this may sound harsh, but if I was his boss yesterday I’d have been frustrated as **** with him. He’s just not delivered a single ball. 
 

But he got 2 goals, so I’m absolutely chuffed for him and delighted with the result. But he’s just not impressed me, sorry. 

[Harry]

2 hours ago, Galley is our king said:

Not weird at all, you understand the point I'm making I'm sure.

Normally you critique the manager. Negatively most of the time. Not one comment today. Now I've not read every thread so I will apologise now if you have.

By the way, what did you think of the manager today? 

Were you happy with the team? Result?

Just asking for a friend...

Yep. I was very happy with how Pearson set us up yesterday. And I was also very happy with how the game was managed. 
Was chatting to friends at half time about how we thought we might approach the 2nd half after their goal and I was delighted that we didn’t try to sit back and play counter, but that we went for the throat. 
Overall, I was very happy with how Pearson managed the game from start to finish. 

You are correct of course that I’m not his biggest fan, but I can still see when something is good. And yesterday was good. 
 

I’d also add that I’ve not once called for Pearson’s head. I’ve been critical, but I’ve not called for him to leave. 
I’m actually very solidly of the opinion that he should see this season out. 
I actually think we just about have enough to stay up and performances like yesterday fill me with the confidence that we will. But there have been many other performances this season where I’ve really worried if he could keep us up. 
 

More of yesterday and we’ll be fine. But for me, I actually want Pearson to complete this season, and we’ll judge him after the full 46 games. But that won’t stop me making what I feel is justified criticism in the meantime. If I see something I don’t like I’ll say it. And that doesn’t make me negative, it’s just what I see and what concerns me. 

[The Dolman Pragmatist]

10 hours ago, Vidal said:

Reminds me of Martyn Woolford.

One Martyn Woolford

One Martyn Woolford

He used to be shite

But now he’s all right

Walking in a Woolford wonderland 

[1960maaan]

13 minutes ago, Harry said:

But he got 2 goals, so I’m absolutely chuffed for him and delighted with the result. But he’s just not impressed me, sorry

I thought yesterday he was steady, fairly solid and did a job. I thought he became more effective later (even without the goals).
He was very good the first few games, from memory his delivery was excellent. His performances had dropped off and he only got back in through necessity . If we had options he would have had more time to settle into the step up. 
I need to see a couple more games with him in that more forward role, but I'm happy to give him time on the early season showing.

[bcfc01]

First game of the season in that position and he scores 2 goals.

That'll do for me.

Intelligent footballer, he must be to play so many different positions.

His crossing may be a bit hit and miss (probably better than others in the squad, probably not as good as some), but his all round play is very good and given it was his first game in the position for us and he got 2 goals, I think he was an 8/10 yesterday - along with 3 or 4 others.

[Galley is our king]

2 hours ago, Harry said:

Yep. I was very happy with how Pearson set us up yesterday. And I was also very happy with how the game was managed. 
Was chatting to friends at half time about how we thought we might approach the 2nd half after their goal and I was delighted that we didn’t try to sit back and play counter, but that we went for the throat. 
Overall, I was very happy with how Pearson managed the game from start to finish. 

You are correct of course that I’m not his biggest fan, but I can still see when something is good. And yesterday was good. 
 

I’d also add that I’ve not once called for Pearson’s head. I’ve been critical, but I’ve not called for him to leave. 
I’m actually very solidly of the opinion that he should see this season out. 
I actually think we just about have enough to stay up and performances like yesterday fill me with the confidence that we will. But there have been many other performances this season where I’ve really worried if he could keep us up. 
 

More of yesterday and we’ll be fine. But for me, I actually want Pearson to complete this season, and we’ll judge him after the full 46 games. But that won’t stop me making what I feel is justified criticism in the meantime. If I see something I don’t like I’ll say it. And that doesn’t make me negative, it’s just what I see and what concerns me. 

Thank you, a very fair post that helps me understand exactly where you are coming from.

I'll try to be more reasonable in future.

Honest......

[Davefevs]

[The Bard]

On 15/01/2023 at 15:58, marcofisher said:

I think Weimann probably stronger. It was two easy finishes, all the hard work and creativity came from our left hand side.

There's no probably about it is there? There are maybe 3 games before Weimann is available if you believe what we've been told.   He might keep him out when Weimann's back because he's done well but I rather suspect that Weimann will come back into the side. Happy to eat my words if Sykes kicks on and backs up Saturday...

[marcofisher]

45 minutes ago, The Bard said:

There's no probably about it is there? There are maybe 3 games before Weimann is available if you believe what we've been told.   He might keep him out when Weimann's back because he's done well but I rather suspect that Weimann will come back into the side. Happy to eat my words if Sykes kicks on and backs up Saturday...

Weimann is not a right winger is my point, all his best performances for us have been down the middle.

[The Bard]

51 minutes ago, marcofisher said:

Weimann is not a right winger is my point, all his best performances for us have been down the middle.

Austrian coach thinks he's a left winger! 

We all know he can play in a variety of roles.  He became well known playing on the right for Villa in a 3 with Benteke and Agbonlahor...

[PHILINFRANCE]

1 hour ago, marcofisher said:

Weimann is not a right winger is my point, all his best performances for us have been down the middle.

 

28 minutes ago, The Bard said:

Austrian coach thinks he's a left winger! 

We all know he can play in a variety of roles.  He became well known playing on the right for Villa in a 3 with Benteke and Agbonlahor...

Then split the difference - play him in the middle, and problem solved .