Max O'Leary

[extonsred]

Not received much praise over the past 12 games but how my confidence in him has changed. He is very good positionally..and just watching the longer highlights from yesterday he was drawn to the near post but when the ball was switched to the far side he sped across the goal to block a shot at the other. Minutes later he came well out of goal to reach a high ball cleanly amongst a melee of players. Quick and decisive...becoming a really goalie ... and really beginning to appreciate his strengths and of late, few weaknesses.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Vidal]

2 minutes ago, extonsred said:

Not received much praise over the past 12 games but how my confidence in him has changed. He is very good positionally..and just watching the longer highlights from yesterday he was drawn to the near post but when the ball was switched to the far side he sped across the goal to block a shot at the other. Minutes later he came well out of goal to reach a high ball cleanly amongst a melee of players. Quick and decisive...becoming a really goalie ... and really beginning to appreciate his strengths and of late, few weaknesses.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Good positionally but IF we are side wanting play off football next season then we need to upgrade in this area. 

[And Its Smith]

We all know that the next mistake he makes there will be calls for a keeper upgrade.  So I think it’s always worth pointing out those games where Max wins us points.  Probably our second best player on Friday night.   All keepers at this level will have weaknesses and make errors. If they didn’t they wouldn’t be playing at this level.  Max has had a good start to the season in my opinion.  

[Bobbie]

He was excellent. Let’s keep supporting our academy lads as they grow rather than jumping on every mistake. Well done Max 

[eardun]

38 minutes ago, Bobbie said:

He was excellent. Let’s keep supporting our academy lads as they grow rather than jumping on every mistake. Well done Max 

Agree. That goes for all players in fact. Players have good games and some bad games, especially younger players. After one bad game, it doesn’t mean they are not ‘up to championship standard’ or ‘we should get rid’. Some fans were even questioning Knight’s value after/during the home matches. And who can forget one of Semenyo’s early matches when he had a shocker. Look at him now. They need our support to build their confidence and help us get better. I’d much rather let Pearson judge whether a player is up to championship standard or not. 

[Silvio Dante]

Max isn’t a “younger player” any more - he’s at an age where he should be established if he’s going to be. 
 

And just as one poor game shouldn’t lead to a knee jerk reaction, a good game should also not lead to a knee jerk positive  reaction. And having now seen Max for several years, and a couple of “runs” my opinion of him remains that he is a very good shot stopper but below par on the other aspects - I think his distribution is poor and his decision making the same. As for a good start to the season, I think he was well off against Preston, not great against Brum, ok (with limited to do) against Oxford and good against Hull. (This is largely down to the factors above). Having not seen Millwall I think one good and one ok game in 4 isn’t really a strong start to the season.

Academy or not, I remain of the mind we need an upgrade. I hope he can change that opinion, but the flaws in his game have been there ever since he was a young player and I don’t see them changing soon. The comparison of a 19 year old Semenyo developing against a soon to be 27 year old O’Leary is nonsense, even allowing for keepers developing later - the flaws in his game are who he is at this stage.

[Red-Robbo]

It's his distribution that is his weakness. He hasn't got the strongest kick and over distance they are often wayward. I know this is an area he's been working on, but more to be done there.

He's a good shot stopper though and his anticipation is pretty good. Rooted to his line he is not.

[wayne allisons tongues]

His kicking Friday wasn’t  great kept floating balls out wide which were easy to intercept. Also the attempted punch/catch in the first half was shocking, no power or distance on it. Not quite sure what he was attempting there, but I think he ok for champ level but would need to upgrade if we went up.

[cityexile]

However good or not he is (and personally I think he is fine) it is still a worry that we seem to have little real cover. An injury, suspension, or even a run of poor form and we seem exposed. I have to assume from training there is enough belief in the cover if needed, but does seem an obvious area of risk.

[mozo]

I thought Friday was his best performance of the season after an iffy start.

[eardun]

25 minutes ago, Silvio Dante said:

Max isn’t a “younger player” any more - he’s at an age where he should be established if he’s going to be. 
 

And just as one poor game shouldn’t lead to a knee jerk reaction, a good game should also not lead to a knee jerk positive  reaction. And having now seen Max for several years, and a couple of “runs” my opinion of him remains that he is a very good shot stopper but below par on the other aspects - I think his distribution is poor and his decision making the same. As for a good start to the season, I think he was well off against Preston, not great against Brum, ok (with limited to do) against Oxford and good against Hull. (This is largely down to the factors above). Having not seen Millwall I think one good and one ok game in 4 isn’t really a strong start to the season.

Academy or not, I remain of the mind we need an upgrade. I hope he can change that opinion, but the flaws in his game have been there ever since he was a young player and I don’t see them changing soon. The comparison of a 19 year old Semenyo developing against a soon to be 27 year old O’Leary is nonsense, even allowing for keepers developing later - the flaws in his game are who he is at this stage.

Agree - should look at it in the round, good and bad; and that’s what Pearson does. No knee jerk reactions. 
P.S. I wasn’t saying O’Leary was a younger player; my examples were Knight and Semenyo. 

Edited August 27, 2023 by eardun

[steveybadger]

16 minutes ago, Red-Robbo said:

It's his distribution that is his weakness. He hasn't got the strongest kick and over distance they are often wayward. I know this is an area he's been working on, but more to be done there.

He's a good shot stopper though and his anticipation is pretty good. Rooted to his line he is not.

Agree he normally isn’t rooted to his line but thought he was for the header which hit the post on Friday (which admittedly he saved with his legs). But overall I think he’s a competent keeper at this level and has improved.

[Red Skin]

38 minutes ago, Silvio Dante said:

Max isn’t a “younger player” any more - he’s at an age where he should be established if he’s going to be. 

That really doesn't make any sense.  

He will only become established by getting experience and playing week in week out, which is exactly what he is getting.  He needs experience at this level, so loaning out to a lower league club won't give him the experience he needs.  Experience will not all be good, but he will need adversity to grow and mature.  

Max is good enough. 

Edited August 27, 2023 by Red Skin

[Davefevs]

42 minutes ago, Silvio Dante said:

Max isn’t a “younger player” any more - he’s at an age where he should be established if he’s going to be. 
 

And just as one poor game shouldn’t lead to a knee jerk reaction, a good game should also not lead to a knee jerk positive  reaction. And having now seen Max for several years, and a couple of “runs” my opinion of him remains that he is a very good shot stopper but below par on the other aspects - I think his distribution is poor and his decision making the same. As for a good start to the season, I think he was well off against Preston, not great against Brum, ok (with limited to do) against Oxford and good against Hull. (This is largely down to the factors above). Having not seen Millwall I think one good and one ok game in 4 isn’t really a strong start to the season.

Academy or not, I remain of the mind we need an upgrade. I hope he can change that opinion, but the flaws in his game have been there ever since he was a young player and I don’t see them changing soon. The comparison of a 19 year old Semenyo developing against a soon to be 27 year old O’Leary is nonsense, even allowing for keepers developing later - the flaws in his game are who he is at this stage.

His distribution needs work. If we just ignore the tactics of kicking to the touchline it is the general play distribution where he can improve. Still better than Bentley though!!

Just like outfield players work on pressing triggers, I think Max needs to concentrate on identifying opposition pressing triggers. He does play us into trouble like the 3rd minute v Brum when he tried to chip a pass to Pring. Like he did playing to Vyner the other night who was being pressed.

Other than that I think he is fine. When I say fine I don’t really know if he can help us move towards the playoffs or not. But paying out for a better keeper isn’t a priority imho, not at the likely cost anyway.

We don’t know how good Stefan or Harv are yet. That’s something to address either by playing them at some point or bringing someone in. 

[ateomike2]

I sometimes think about about dean gerkin and how he was thrown in at the deep end when basso walked still max still gives us heart attacks at times but still think stick with him he's he's doing ok 

 

[Port Said Red]

11 minutes ago, Davefevs said:

His distribution needs work. If we just ignore the tactics of kicking to the touchline it is the general play distribution where he can improve. Still better than Bentley though!!

Just like outfield players work on pressing triggers, I think Max needs to concentrate on identifying opposition pressing triggers. He does play us into trouble like the 3rd minute v Brum when he tried to chip a pass to Pring. Like he did playing to Vyner the other night who was being pressed.

Other than that I think he is fine. When I say fine I don’t really know if he can help us move towards the playoffs or not. But paying out for a better keeper isn’t a priority imho, not at the likely cost anyway.

We don’t know how good Stefan or Harv are yet. That’s something to address either by playing them at some point or bringing someone in. 

The two best ones are behind them, so I am led to believe. Giving goalkeepers a chance at a young age.seems less acceptable than outfield players though,  so we may have to wait a while to see them.

[GrahamC]

The save from Twine’s free kick was his best for me. Thought Connolly messed up the one on one (though well done to Max for making himself tall) & the one from close range sort of hit him.

Good game & whilst I am still concerned by the lack of a senior alternative, that’s not his fault so let’s hope he turns in plenty more performances like Friday.

[formerly known as ivan]

4 hours ago, Bobbie said:

He was excellent. Let’s keep supporting our academy lads as they grow rather than jumping on every mistake. Well done Max 

Wrong! Academy or not they should all receive the same treatment. Coming through the academy does not excuse them from criticism. 

[Numero Uno]

There was a stat last season that showed Max’s xG or whatever they called it be 0. Another way of saying that in general he saves what he should, doesn’t concede much that he should save but doesn’t make many top drawer saves either. Basically competent at the level. He played well Friday and in terms of moving his game on probably needs to have a few more games where he earns us points.

[WoodsDTES]

Probably best to put things into perspective in the fact that yes he’s not young but he is still inexperienced in that he’s made 62 appearances for us at championship level and 30 for Shrewsbury at league one level. Compare that to Cam Pring who is now classed as a real quality championship level player who has made 68 championship appearances for us, 9 league one appearances for Portsmouth and then 36 league two appearances for Newport, Cheltenham and Walsall so maybe a little more patience is required with Max considering his growth with us.

[Numero Uno]

2 minutes ago, WoodsDTES said:

Probably best to put things into perspective in the fact that yes he’s not young but he is still inexperienced in that he’s made 62 appearances for us at championship level and 30 for Shrewsbury at league one level. Compare that to Cam Pring who is now classed as a real quality championship level player who has made 68 championship appearances for us, 9 league one appearances for Portsmouth and then 36 league two appearances for Newport, Cheltenham and Walsall so maybe a little more patience is required with Max considering his growth with us.

Max was what we needed him to be when he replaced Bentley last season who had a very poor run of form. The question is now whether he will push on that bit further and be what a top half team needs in goal at our level.

[Davefevs]

2 hours ago, Numero Uno said:

There was a stat last season that showed Max’s xG or whatever they called it be 0. Another way of saying that in general he saves what he should, doesn’t concede much that he should save but doesn’t make many top drawer saves either. Basically competent at the level. He played well Friday and in terms of moving his game on probably needs to have a few more games where he earns us points.

There is a stat called “prevented goals” (PG) which is basically xGC (xG conceded) minus GC (goals conceded).

Last season (league only):

xGC 34.9

GC 35

PG = -0.1 (pretty much as you state)

This season (4 game sample):

xGC 6.22

GC 4

PG = +2.22

 

[Numero Uno]

1 hour ago, Davefevs said:

There is a stat called “prevented goals” (PG) which is basically xGC (xG conceded) minus GC (goals conceded).

Last season (league only):

xGC 34.9

GC 35

PG = -0.1 (pretty much as you state)

This season (4 game sample):

xGC 6.22

GC 4

PG = +2.22

 

Cheers, couldn’t remember what it was. I should imagine the saves Max made on Friday are a large part of his positive PG so far.

[Davefevs]

6 minutes ago, Numero Uno said:

Cheers, couldn’t remember what it was. I should imagine the saves Max made on Friday are a large part of his positive PG so far.

Actually he’s conceded less than his xG every game so far.

[Silvio Dante]

1 hour ago, Davefevs said:

There is a stat called “prevented goals” (PG) which is basically xGC (xG conceded) minus GC (goals conceded).

Last season (league only):

xGC 34.9

GC 35

PG = -0.1 (pretty much as you state)

This season (4 game sample):

xGC 6.22

GC 4

PG = +2.22

 

The stats piece is interesting, but it kind of plays to what we’re all seeing - Max is a decent shot stopping keeper. 
 

A stat that really showed the other side of the coin to me was the PNE game. Preston won 39 aerial duels, c25% more than any other team in the league. The key reason for that was the distribution - Max’s floaty kicks are begging to be attacked by opposition players. You played in defence, I played in defence - the balls that come out are a gift to any centre half, and particularly against Preston, their tactic of pressing us and making Max distribute was the key reason we struggled second half. 
 

Potentially with Kal in the side it’ll get better as he won’t have to distribute longer as much, but as you said earlier, there is a tendency to play players into trouble. I think that’s because, in part, Max knows kicking is a weakness (as the stats prove) so tries to avoid having to do so.

I think we (and the stats) pretty much see the same strengths and weaknesses - I probably see the distribution as a far bigger issue than yourself though and it’s enough for me to want an upgrade because of the pressure it subsequently brings on us.

[Numero Uno]

7 minutes ago, Silvio Dante said:

The stats piece is interesting, but it kind of plays to what we’re all seeing - Max is a decent shot stopping keeper. 
 

A stat that really showed the other side of the coin to me was the PNE game. Preston won 39 aerial duels, c25% more than any other team in the league. The key reason for that was the distribution - Max’s floaty kicks are begging to be attacked by opposition players. You played in defence, I played in defence - the balls that come out are a gift to any centre half, and particularly against Preston, their tactic of pressing us and making Max distribute was the key reason we struggled second half. 
 

Potentially with Kal in the side it’ll get better as he won’t have to distribute longer as much, but as you said earlier, there is a tendency to play players into trouble. I think that’s because, in part, Max knows kicking is a weakness (as the stats prove) so tries to avoid having to do so.

I think we (and the stats) pretty much see the same strengths and weaknesses - I probably see the distribution as a far bigger issue than yourself though and it’s enough for me to want an upgrade because of the pressure it subsequently brings on us.

Whether we get a significant upgrade is down to money and spending priorities but I would like to see genuine competition in that department if nothing else. I’m not sure we have that and barring injury Max is nailed on to start……..which I don’t particularly like unless your nailed on starter is top quality at the level.

[95red]

9 hours ago, And Its Smith said:

We all know that the next mistake he makes there will be calls for a keeper upgrade.  So I think it’s always worth pointing out those games where Max wins us points.  Probably our second best player on Friday night.   All keepers at this level will have weaknesses and make errors. If they didn’t they wouldn’t be playing at this level.  Max has had a good start to the season in my opinion.  

Apart from the cross when he flapped and didn't  have a clue  where the ball was he ain't the best that for sure .

[And Its Smith]

3 minutes ago, 95red said:

Apart from the cross when he flapped and didn't  have a clue  where the ball was he ain't the best that for sure .

No as the best play in the premier league and we can’t afford them. 

[95red]

3 minutes ago, And Its Smith said:

No as the best play in the premier league and we can’t afford them. 

He's league  one at best.

[And Its Smith]

4 minutes ago, 95red said:

He's league  one at best.

You said the same about Vyner. Changed your mind yet ?

[REDOXO]

On 26/02/2023 at 02:25, extonsred said:

Not received much praise over the past 12 games but how my confidence in him has changed. He is very good positionally..and just watching the longer highlights from yesterday he was drawn to the near post but when the ball was switched to the far side he sped across the goal to block a shot at the other. Minutes later he came well out of goal to reach a high ball cleanly amongst a melee of players. Quick and decisive...becoming a really goalie ... and really beginning to appreciate his strengths and of late, few weaknesses.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Max is an excellent keeper. Lord I hope he stays fit!

[Mr Popodopolous]

19 minutes ago, REDOXO said:

Max is an excellent keeper. Lord I hope he stays fit!

His game at Aston Villa in 2019 was fantastic especially. Him v them at times!

That said we were robbed by officials that way, two huge and probably incorrect calls especially the penalty.

[Numero Uno]

27 minutes ago, And Its Smith said:

You said the same about Vyner. Changed your mind yet ?

Some people only see what is immediately in front of them and form a fixed and final judgement on the player there and then. In football players improve and players deteriorate. Vyner is obviously our best example of that currently (and before that "League 1 at best" Semenyo - how embarrassing for the MANY clowns that proclaimed that on here). What we hopefully see from Max moving forwards is that step up from competent Championship Keeper to very good at the level. Nige is certainly not picking him every week to stagnate or go backwards!! 

[95red]

He's had a good season  last see what this brings  hope he carries  on improving  .

[firstdivision]

28 minutes ago, Mr Popodopolous said:

His game at Aston Villa in 2019 was fantastic especially. Him v them at times!

That said we were robbed by officials that way, two huge and probably incorrect calls especially the penalty.

That penalty at Villa was one of the worst decisions I’ve ever seen given against us. It actually looked more than simply a poor refereeing decision. 

[Mr Popodopolous]

2 minutes ago, firstdivision said:

That penalty at Villa was one of the worst decisions I’ve ever seen given against us. It actually looked more than simply a poor refereeing decision. 

The Weimann disallowed goal first half too, although that was much more marginal.

Didn't the Aston Villa player handle it in the build up the penalty.

I seldom wish it on clubs but I'd habe been quite happy had Aston Villa sunk into the FFP and admin morass in 2018..always felt like they were just a little too protected from reality.

Edited August 27, 2023 by Mr Popodopolous

[Davefevs]

2 hours ago, Silvio Dante said:

The stats piece is interesting, but it kind of plays to what we’re all seeing - Max is a decent shot stopping keeper. 
 

A stat that really showed the other side of the coin to me was the PNE game. Preston won 39 aerial duels, c25% more than any other team in the league. The key reason for that was the distribution - Max’s floaty kicks are begging to be attacked by opposition players. You played in defence, I played in defence - the balls that come out are a gift to any centre half, and particularly against Preston, their tactic of pressing us and making Max distribute was the key reason we struggled second half. 
 

Potentially with Kal in the side it’ll get better as he won’t have to distribute longer as much, but as you said earlier, there is a tendency to play players into trouble. I think that’s because, in part, Max knows kicking is a weakness (as the stats prove) so tries to avoid having to do so.

I think we (and the stats) pretty much see the same strengths and weaknesses - I probably see the distribution as a far bigger issue than yourself though and it’s enough for me to want an upgrade because of the pressure it subsequently brings on us.

I think it is fair to say we are pretty much aligned in our view.

I see the issue too.  I guess my only “concern” is - how much it might cost to get that keeper.  I quite liked George Long, he kicks it 30 yards further, and is more confident with it at his feet.

[REDOXO]

1 hour ago, Mr Popodopolous said:

His game at Aston Villa in 2019 was fantastic especially. Him v them at times!

That said we were robbed by officials that way, two huge and probably incorrect calls especially the penalty.

Yup! The bollox I read about this boy here gets on my baps! Do we need competition? I’m not sure we haven’t since I’ve never watched the other las. 

[Major Isewater]

18 hours ago, Davefevs said:

His distribution needs work. If we just ignore the tactics of kicking to the touchline it is the general play distribution where he can improve. Still better than Bentley though!!

Just like outfield players work on pressing triggers, I think Max needs to concentrate on identifying opposition pressing triggers. He does play us into trouble like the 3rd minute v Brum when he tried to chip a pass to Pring. Like he did playing to Vyner the other night who was being pressed.

Other than that I think he is fine. When I say fine I don’t really know if he can help us move towards the playoffs or not. But paying out for a better keeper isn’t a priority imho, not at the likely cost anyway.

We don’t know how good Stefan or Harv are yet. That’s something to address either by playing them at some point or bringing someone in. 

Harvey looks too small to be a keeper. I know he’s young but will he get any taller ? 
 

[The Constant Rabbit]

I don't rate him at Champ level, and still don't.

 

It seems like the defenders in front of him are less confident too - when bents was dropped, the defence seemed to 'trust' Max more on crosses etc.

 

It's seems that trust is slowly eroding.

 

We certainly need players in other positions first - but it's hard to imagine a genuine promotion attempt with Max as No 1

 

 

 

 

[elhombrecito]

If only he didn't take approximately 57 minutes to distribute the ball every time he has it...

[redysteadygo]

5 hours ago, elhombrecito said:

If only he didn't take approximately 57 minutes to distribute the ball every time he has it...

But that's only when he sees a quick opportunity.

[firstdivision]

21 hours ago, Mr Popodopolous said:

The Weimann disallowed goal first half too, although that was much more marginal.

Didn't the Aston Villa player handle it in the build up the penalty.

I seldom wish it on clubs but I'd habe been quite happy had Aston Villa sunk into the FFP and admin morass in 2018..always felt like they were just a little too protected from reality.

Their bloke just fell over following a normal aerial challenge at the Holt End. It was cheating and the referee went for it. It was pathetic. 

[Mr Popodopolous]

3 minutes ago, firstdivision said:

Their bloke just fell over following a normal aerial challenge at the Holt End. It was cheating and the referee went for it. It was pathetic. 

Yes, shall have to look back at that..had it been the other end etc.

I really do dislike Veeeeelaaa.

Edited August 28, 2023 by Mr Popodopolous

[TommyD68]

A great shot stopper and has great anticipation. I actually don’t mind him trying these quick passes/throws that don’t always come off. I’d rather see that than have a keeper who slows everything down and rolls it to the CB every time. Without spending millions, which seems to be out the question anyway, we’d struggle to find a better keeper at this level in my opinion. I also think there are others areas on the pitch that are much more a priority in terms of recruitment, like others have said my only concern is the lack of experience if Max gets injured. But I have no issues with Max being our number 1 this season. I’m much more concerned about the lack of creativity at the other end of the pitch.. 

[RedRoss]

Well he's definitely got the backing of Nige:

https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/sport/football/nigel-pearson-bristol-city-bentley-8710657

Interesting that he outright names him better than Bentley.

[ashton_fan]

Nige said "people like to moan", he must be spending time on OTIB

[And Its Smith]

Nige is pretty unequivocal here.  

“I’m not bothered because he’s really good,” Pearson said, of O'Leary's performances amid the criticism and external concern. “He’s a much better keeper than Dan Bentley was. He’s got more presence, he’s cleaner, better distribution, he commands the box and he’s a player who will get better.

“You’ve got to remember last year was his first full season in the Championship. He’s a really good goalkeeper.

“He made some straightforward saves (against Hull), his handling was clean. I don’t think there was anything worldie, for lots of photographs to be taken, I think there was a lot of handling that he needed to be (clean); when things are right down your throat and bouncing in front, they’re the ones that you can spill. I thought he was really, really clean.”

[GrahamC]

I’ve not changed my view on Max, he’s plenty good enough to be one of two senior keepers, our problem here isn’t him, it is that we don’t have a second one.

Nige is no fool, he realises there are no funds available to him to alter this so is going public with a massive show of faith in Max to give him a boost.

He’s also brought Bajic back into the picture because however he does, he’s by far the most experienced deputy keeper & he realises he might need him at some point.

[LondonBristolian]

Whilst I do think it is good Pearson is making clear that O’Leary has his backing, I do think he shows an uncharacteristic lack of class in naming Bentley outright. Not sure if Bentley and he had a major falling out but it makes Pearson look a little petty. You can praise someone without actively criticising someone else.

[One Team]

17 minutes ago, LondonBristolian said:

Whilst I do think it is good Pearson is making clear that O’Leary has his backing, I do think he shows an uncharacteristic lack of class in naming Bentley outright. Not sure if Bentley and he had a major falling out but it makes Pearson look a little petty. You can praise someone without actively criticising someone else.

Agreed. And “much better”? Really?

I think Max is good but he’s not Bentley standard; not yet at least. 

[Charlie BCFC]

15 minutes ago, One Team said:

Agreed. And “much better”? Really?

I think Max is good but he’s not Bentley standard; not yet at least. 

Unfair naming him like that in the public domain but I agree with Pearson. Only thing I can confidently say Bentley was better than him at is 1v1s and Max is pretty good at that himself. O’Leary is only improving aswell

[Lack of Action Man]

37 minutes ago, LondonBristolian said:

Whilst I do think it is good Pearson is making clear that O’Leary has his backing, I do think he shows an uncharacteristic lack of class in naming Bentley outright. Not sure if Bentley and he had a major falling out but it makes Pearson look a little petty. You can praise someone without actively criticising someone else.

Likewise, I felt this also. Does come across quite petty and can’t say I really agree at all. At best both keepers are of equal overall ability, but with very different strengths and weaknesses.
 

That said I don’t think DB will be particularly bothered by those comments from NP. Seems to me he’s done alright for himself since leaving the club for pastures new. 

[GrahamC]

Agree about the Bentley comment, but that was some save last night by Max.

[Bristol Oil Services]

On 29/08/2023 at 08:34, ashton_fan said:

Nige said "people like to moan", he must be spending time on OTIB

Cotts said this too! He said it was a "little West Country habit" of ours, to have a bit of a moan. Think this was early doors in the promotion season, did we lose at home to Oxford in the League Cup? About then, it was. We didn't moan so much after that, that season.

Not sure having a bit of a grumble is exclusively West Country mind, not sure Cotts was right about that.

[Ivorguy]

He’s Mike Gibson born again!  At least one bad mistake per match on average.

[ashton_fan]

Bentley used to stay on his line too much, Max controls his area better although Bents was probably better at stopping shots. Overall Max is a decent Championship keeper now, probably the best we've had for a while. He'll make the odd mistake though like any other keeper.

[The Bard]

On 30/08/2023 at 07:12, One Team said:

Agreed. And “much better”? Really?

I think Max is good but he’s not Bentley standard; not yet at least. 

Yes really.  I am genuinely amazed that people think Bentley is better.  If I were a centre half I know which keeper I'd rather have playing behind me.  Give me solid, reliable and calm over spectacular but erratic and nervy anyday.

[Fpcity]

13 minutes ago, The Bard said:

Yes really.  I am genuinely amazed that people think Bentley is better.  If I were a centre half I know which keeper I'd rather have playing behind me.  Give me solid, reliable and calm over spectacular but erratic and nervy anyday.

Bents loved a camera save which some fans like, when he messed up he messed up massively! 

[One Team]

28 minutes ago, The Bard said:

Yes really.  I am genuinely amazed that people think Bentley is better.  If I were a centre half I know which keeper I'd rather have playing behind me.  Give me solid, reliable and calm over spectacular but erratic and nervy anyday.

I disagree, and likewise I’m amazed at your perspective but then that’s the point of the forum I guess! 

Edited September 1, 2023 by One Team

[Mr Hankey]

Interesting that people are saying O’leary is a better keeper than Bentley……what Prem club would consider signing Max, even as a backup? 0 out of 20 i would imagine.

[MrRedRobin]

Another solid performance by Max yesterday, looked really confident yesterday I thought. I really hope he can keep it up throughout the season.

[The Bard]

On 01/09/2023 at 19:09, Mr Hankey said:

Interesting that people are saying O’leary is a better keeper than Bentley……what Prem club would consider signing Max, even as a backup? 0 out of 20 i would imagine.

It's an easy ride isn't it?

Well paid to train, be a good team man and get the occasional game.  Bentley is experienced which is all they wanted for that spot (plus being homegrown).

 

[Silvio Dante]

1 hour ago, MrRedRobin said:

Another solid performance by Max yesterday, looked really confident yesterday I thought. I really hope he can keep it up throughout the season.

Generally yes. But there were still two pretty big ricks, that were in line with his weaknesses. When Pring got caught just before the goal, it was because the ball to him was never on and Max played him into trouble. We got out of jail thanks to a good tackle.

In the second half when Swansea hit the post, his positioning was horrible. Came a long way for a ball that was never there and had to backpedal. Swansea should have probably scored there.

Apologies if I sound like a broken record here, but it’s the same issues every game - distribution and decisions. I agree he generally looked confident, and an error by a Gk is always magnified, but on another day those two errors lead to goals.

[Davefevs]

15 minutes ago, Silvio Dante said:

Generally yes. But there were still two pretty big ricks, that were in line with his weaknesses. When Pring got caught just before the goal, it was because the ball to him was never on and Max played him into trouble. We got out of jail thanks to a good tackle.

agree

In the second half when Swansea hit the post, his positioning was horrible. Came a long way for a ball that was never there and had to backpedal. Swansea should have probably scored there.

tough chance, would’ve had to be perfectly in the corner to beat him.  I’ve written a lot in previous seasons that I think he backpedals a bit slowly.  Something to work on, get those feet going.

Apologies if I sound like a broken record here, but it’s the same issues every game - distribution and decisions. I agree he generally looked confident, and an error by a Gk is always magnified, but on another day those two errors lead to goals.

yep, agree, although in the grand scheme of things I bet if you look at a lot of Champ keepers at the way we analyse Max (as he’s ours), you could probably label the same.  Rushworth (Brighton) who I really liked at Lincoln, was pretty bad yesterday.  Bazuna, £x million Saints, weak hand on Ekwah’s goal.  Travers good though.

[BCFCGav]

Looking at FBREF, he has the joint 5th highest save percentage in the league, and he's overperforming his post-shot xg, which is to say he's let in fewer goals than the shots he's faced suggest he should. 

And while not perfect from crosses, he's doing ok there too.

Doing well and a big upgrade on Bentley imo, from our own academy nonetheless. 

[mozo]

21 hours ago, Davefevs said:

In the second half when Swansea hit the post, his positioning was horrible. Came a long way for a ball that was never there and had to backpedal. Swansea should have probably scored there.

tough chance, would’ve had to be perfectly in the corner to beat him.  I’ve written a lot in previous seasons that I think he backpedals a bit slowly.  Something to work on, get those feet going.

Sorry just to jump in on this, I think the main problem was tentatively coming halfway for the cross?

The header was then a good effort, but it was really reminiscent of the header Max accidentally saved in the previous game, where he also didn't know where the ball was. Was his awareness a bit iffy in those two moments or is that harsh? They both happened very quickly, but presumably could have been managed better, at least in the build up. 

Generally he's been fine in the last couple of games, just a couple moments. 

[Davefevs]

8 minutes ago, mozo said:

Sorry just to jump in on this, I think the main problem was tentatively coming halfway for the cross?

that’s what we are saying.

The header was then a good effort, but it was really reminiscent of the header Max accidentally saved in the previous game, where he also didn't know where the ball was.

Hence why he adopted the star position from pretty much point blank range.  Was a great cross (from free-kick) that he couldn’t intercept by coming out.  He made the right decision and saved it.

Was his awareness a bit iffy in those two moments or is that harsh?

fine v Swansea, harsh v Hull.

They both happened very quickly, but presumably could have been managed better, at least in the build up. 

Generally he's been fine in the last couple of games, just a couple moments. 

 

[The Journalist]

I'm still not 100% convinced about Max, but I do think his handling has been excellent from the games I've seen. He's been very secure and often caught when other goalkeepers (and Bentley probably does come into this category) would parry.

[Major Isewater]

22 hours ago, Silvio Dante said:

Generally yes. But there were still two pretty big ricks, that were in line with his weaknesses. When Pring got caught just before the goal, it was because the ball to him was never on and Max played him into trouble. We got out of jail thanks to a good tackle.

In the second half when Swansea hit the post, his positioning was horrible. Came a long way for a ball that was never there and had to backpedal. Swansea should have probably scored there.

Apologies if I sound like a broken record here, but it’s the same issues every game - distribution and decisions. I agree he generally looked confident, and an error by a Gk is always magnified, but on another day those two errors lead to goals.

Sadly , for you, he made two game saving saves to disprove your theory.