Earthy...is it a waste?

[Mr Popodopolous]

When is he getting a proper go in his correct position?

He clearly isn't a Wingback, even if he can do some positive things in the role. He is creative I thought, should we not give him a go before Twine...

3 Starts, none in his correct position. RWB or similar iirc- just seems a waste really.

[Silvio Dante]

1 minute ago, Mr Popodopolous said:

When is he getting a proper go in his correct position?

He clearly isn't a Wingback, even if he can do some positive things in the role. He is creative I thought, should we not give him a go before Twine...

3 Starts, none in his correct position. RWB or similar iirc- just seems a waste really.

Wrong question. He’s an attacking CM primarily so your question is not whether we should play him before Twine but whether we should play him before Bird. And the answer to that is clearly no. So, he’s not getting a go in his proper position - and he shouldn’t right now, not about him, but about who is there.

[ExiledAjax]

8 minutes ago, Mr Popodopolous said:

When is he getting a proper go in his correct position?

When he's back at West Ham I imagine.

[Bar BS3]

4 minutes ago, Silvio Dante said:

Wrong question. He’s an attacking CM primarily so your question is not whether we should play him before Twine but whether we should play him before Bird. And the answer to that is clearly no. So, he’s not getting a go in his proper position - and he shouldn’t right now, not about him, but about who is there.

That's not the answer that was expected in an OP taking an opportunity for a different style of dig at Twine..!

Earthy is a decent enough player & credit to him for digging in where needed during a bit of an injury crisis.

At this stage though, he's not some megastar who has to have the team built around him.

He can wait his chance like anyone else - or play up front..! 

[Mr Popodopolous]

6 minutes ago, Silvio Dante said:

Wrong question. He’s an attacking CM primarily so your question is not whether we should play him before Twine but whether we should play him before Bird. And the answer to that is clearly no. So, he’s not getting a go in his proper position - and he shouldn’t right now, not about him, but about who is there.

Can Earthy play a bit more wide central, thinking Yu and Earthy either side of a front played with Bird central, unlike Twine Bird can also slot back into a 3 more naturally out of Possession. Take pick out of Earthy and Yu left or right.

Yu  Bird  Earthy

1 minute ago, ExiledAjax said:

When he's back at West Ham I imagine.

 A waste then.

[Silvio Dante]

1 minute ago, Bar BS3 said:

That's not the answer that was expected in an OP taking an opportunity for a different style of dig at Twine..!

Earthy is a decent enough player & credit to him for digging in where needed during a bit of an injury crisis.

At this stage though, he's not some megastar who has to have the team built around him.

He can wait his chance like anyone else - or play up front..! 

It took all of my willpower

[Mr Popodopolous]

Put another way could Earthy play instead of say Mehmeti in a 4-2-3-1 or would that just imbalance us again.

[Davefevs]

If we play a 4231, Earthy could play in any of the “3”.

If we play a 3421, Earthy could play in either of the “2”.

As it stands he’s having to make do with getting minutes wherever he can.

He’s an attack-minded attacking midfielder.

[supercidered]

2 minutes ago, Mr Popodopolous said:

Put another way could Earthy play instead of say Mehmeti in a 4-2-3-1 or would that just imbalance us again.

Put another way, I should pay instead of Mehmeti in any formation and I'm 55 years old.

Earthy looked way out of his depth on Saturday and to my mind was at fault for the goal. Matey made him look like he was trying to turn in treacle and positionally terrible. That isn't his fault by the way as he shouldn't have been playing that role.

 

[Mr Popodopolous]

8 minutes ago, supercidered said:

Put another way, I should pay instead of Mehmeti in any formation and I'm 55 years old.

Earthy looked way out of his depth on Saturday and to my mind was at fault for the goal. Matey made him look like he was trying to turn in treacle and positionally terrible. That isn't his fault by the way as he shouldn't have been playing that role.

 

Bit harsh on Mehmeti IMO he has 4 Goals and he was very good at Swansea but he also has flaws for sure. He seems a bit better Away from Home.

Well yes he isn't a Wingback, he wasn't signed as a Wingback. He was very much at fault for the goal having said that there were good reports vs Norwich.

Putting Earthy at Wingback just feels like shoehorning to me, the System even when we don't quite have the personnel available.

Edited Friday at 15:00 by Mr Popodopolous

[Mr Popodopolous]

8 minutes ago, Davefevs said:

If we play a 4231, Earthy could play in any of the “3”.

If we play a 3421, Earthy could play in either of the “2”.

As it stands he’s having to make do with getting minutes wherever he can.

He’s an attack-minded attacking midfielder.

Thank you.

This was what I was looking for. I would be intrigued by Yu Bird Earthy but I doubt we'll see it tomorrow.

[ExiledAjax]

41 minutes ago, Mr Popodopolous said:

A waste then.

Ask West Ham.

[Mr Popodopolous]

Just now, ExiledAjax said:

Ask West Ham.

Earthy having to compete for his place could be good for him and West Ham, but it feels like we are not making best use of him is my point.

[1960maaan]

He's been affected by injuries ( of others ) as much as anyone. Having to juggle things meant we want solidity to cover the missing, we haven't been in the position to try things.

I think WHU will be pleased he's getting some Championship minutes, less pleased with how many but things change quickly and it's a busy time coming up. 
Not a waste yet as I think he will be more involved between now and the end of the season.

[ExiledAjax]

10 minutes ago, Mr Popodopolous said:

it feels like we are not making best use of him

Do you work for West Ham?

[Mr Popodopolous]

10 minutes ago, ExiledAjax said:

Do you work for West Ham?

Definitely not!

West Ham aside, we could use him instead of Mehmeti in certain games say Idk, Dave says he can play along the midfield. Would he bring a bit more technical know-how?

Edited Friday at 15:49 by Mr Popodopolous

[Roe]

I think he's an example of how we're starting to go back to the LJ era method of "clubs in the bag" and not knowing where everyone really fits in

[Mr Popodopolous]

What sort of Wage or Loan Fee did we invest. Certainly not a poor player but not really getting a platform.

[McNasty Filth]

Find a bit perplexing why this guy ain't getting a decent run in say Mehmeti's position. I know he's not really naturally left sided, but he's a far more intelligent player than Mehmeti aka he'll look to play his team mates in a lot more.

[westonred]

 Dont get me wrong i am a Twine fan but we didnt need him once Earthy signed, the Twine money would have been better bringing in a decent striker but i suppose at that time we didnt realise that Sincs and Fally were as bad as they are.  Lets hope we can shoehorn Earthy and Twine into attacking roles there's no point playing him as a wingback 

[1team]

2 No 10s is the answer.

[Major Isewater]

1 hour ago, 1team said:

2 No 10s is the answer.

Egg fried rice ? 

[Solent Robin]

No one including the club were expecting Bird to materialise into a No 10. I suspect the Earthy signing was done for two reasons; insurance should we not have got the Twine deal over the line and  better cover than Stokes for the No 10 role, who they obviously considered was not quite ready for championship exposure. In hindsight his signing may appear excessive, but can understand the logic. However, it has put him down the pecking order for the No 10 role unless his performances merit it and he will have to get his minutes wherever he can. It didn't do Alex Scott any harm playing RWB when circumstances required it. 

 

 

[Bs4Red]

I personally think West Ham and Earthy would be delighted to be getting as many minutes at he is. He’s a professional and has shown a real professional attitude, asked to play wherever he wants, he does it and gives absolutely everything. 
 

West Ham will be looking at more than just “minutes in position A”

They’ll be looking at attitude, effort, body language, adaptability and countless other characteristics needed for a PL footballer. 
 

I think he’s been a great asset to us so far. 

[Mr Popodopolous]

44 minutes ago, Bs4Red said:

I personally think West Ham and Earthy would be delighted to be getting as many minutes at he is. He’s a professional and has shown a real professional attitude, asked to play wherever he wants, he does it and gives absolutely everything. 
 

West Ham will be looking at more than just “minutes in position A”

They’ll be looking at attitude, effort, body language, adaptability and countless other characteristics needed for a PL footballer. 
 

I think he’s been a great asset to us so far. 

We can hardly compare to Scott. Scott was a regular who played it periodically, the centre piece, our creative fulcrum during the darkness before the dawn.

Earthy has made 3 Starts and 7 Sub Appearances, often out of position.

46 minutes ago, Bs4Red said:

I personally think West Ham and Earthy would be delighted to be getting as many minutes at he is. He’s a professional and has shown a real professional attitude, asked to play wherever he wants, he does it and gives absolutely everything. 
 

West Ham will be looking at more than just “minutes in position A”

They’ll be looking at attitude, effort, body language, adaptability and countless other characteristics needed for a PL footballer. 
 

I think he’s been a great asset to us so far. 

He has and he has been very professional but Earthy for Mehmeti vs certain sides could be win-win. I'm thinking Earthy in a more suitable role could help us too.

[1team]

2 hours ago, Major Isewater said:

Egg fried rice ? 

Dan Dan noodles on my menu, on fire, uncomfortable for those around you and very difficult to handle.

[38MC]

36 minutes ago, Mr Popodopolous said:

Earthy has made 3 Starts and 7 Sub Appearances, often out of position.

But the point is he’s playing in a high standard league and will go back with a better appreciation of what his fullbacks and defenders are up against even at Championship level. It will make him more rounded, versatile and intelligent.

Being played out of position in the championship, or being called upon to impact a game, is no bad education at all. 

[REDOXO]

16 minutes ago, 38MC said:

But the point is he’s playing in a high standard league and will go back with a better appreciation of what his fullbacks and defenders are up against even at Championship level. It will make him more rounded, versatile and intelligent.

Being played out of position in the championship, or being called upon to impact a game, is no bad education at all. 

Brilliant news for WHU they will have a better human. 
 

In the meantime we can continue to waste him on the wing! It’s what we do. 

[Mr Popodopolous]

31 minutes ago, 38MC said:

But the point is he’s playing in a high standard league and will go back with a better appreciation of what his fullbacks and defenders are up against even at Championship level. It will make him more rounded, versatile and intelligent.

Being played out of position in the championship, or being called upon to impact a game, is no bad education at all. 

Get it on one level but it doesn't feel like we are getting the best use out of him.

10 minutes ago, REDOXO said:

Brilliant news for WHU they will have a better human. 
 

In the meantime we can continue to waste him on the wing! It’s what we do. 

The wing wouldn't even be quite as unnatural as Wingback! Yu-Bird-Earthy behind Wells for some games feels worth a go IMO.

[REDOXO]

14 minutes ago, Mr Popodopolous said:

Get it on one level but it doesn't feel like we are getting the best use out of him.

The wing wouldn't even be quite as unnatural as Wingback! Yu-Bird-Earthy behind Wells for some games feels worth a go IMO.

When I said wing it was a generalization of wide. However I agree. ******* wing back. It just smells of LJs tombola 

 

[ExiledAjax]

6 hours ago, Mr Popodopolous said:

Definitely not!

West Ham aside, we could use him instead of Mehmeti in certain games say Idk, Dave says he can play along the midfield. Would he bring a bit more technical know-how?

In all seriousness, I don't think he's been a waste. He's been a useful squad member for the time he's been here.

West Ham might be happier with him playing over the past few weeks, but earlier in the season I heard they were pretty frustrated with his lack of minutes.

He was lined up to be recalled, and honestly as useful as he's been and as decent as he is...we'd not miss him. But with the extra minutes he's had, maybe they'll let him stay.

He's a tidy footballer and will definitely have a professional career as a footballer.

[Mr Popodopolous]

45 minutes ago, REDOXO said:

When I said wing it was a generalization of wide. However I agree. ******* wing back. It just smells of LJs tombola 

 

Tombolaesque, to me as well it is trying to shoehorn players into a system even when 2 if not 3 specialists in the position are injured and it risks weakening- no reflection on Earthy- us in key moments, the goal v Burnley a notable example. Had we had Vyner at narrower RB in a back 4, possibly not.

Edited Friday at 22:34 by Mr Popodopolous

[Solent Robin]

We had little choice as we didn't have any fit RWB/RB's. Is it his best position, clearly not. I seem to recall that NP was criticised for playing Alex Scott at RWB and his response was 'it is part of his education'. This was during AS's break through season and we we were struggling in the RWB position, so think it is a legitimate comparison. Like AS he is also an intelligent player, who could play wide right but that is again not his strength unless we play a diamond shape midfield which is unlikely. Ultimately the priority is for LM to field the best team to get a positive performance/result in any given match, so Earthy will need to earn his place on merit and his development is a secondary consideration in that regard. 

As an aside, AS's player profile on Scouting Report when he was with us said that clubs often played young emerging talent in wide positions instead of being cast into the deep end in the core of the team. Partly due to trust but also the physicality of playing more centrally. 

Regarding your last post Mr P, hindsight is again a wonderful thing. Earthy helped keep Saitz quiet at Norwich and therefore after such a good result, there was no reason to change things. Did LM not change things at HT against Burnley when Yu came on? 

 

 

 

[Mr Popodopolous]

Tbh this is my own take/blindspot kicking in to an extent Solent.

I've long been an advocate of a Back 4. Perhaps I'm a bit blinkered or out of touch ad to our current strengths and weaknesses, that us fine. Manning stated in August however that he preferred a Back 4 due to pressure on the ball and how it could help with this.

For me, with a Wingback system McCrorie and Pring would be first cab off the rank, ideally Naismith might be in the back 3 if in form from a tactical perspective- he can slot between the midfield and defence more readily than any of our midfielders or CBs IMO..

With McCrorie, Sykes and even Tanner out who else is there- Vyner? Yu? McNally? Well you could try but Idk

Vyner Dickie McNally Pring

Is how I would go, Vyner a bit narrower yet he has played RB before. Max the CM 3 and Wells pick themselves.

Try Yu and Earthy in the 3 between McGuane and Knight behind and Wells in front. We could even be a bit asymmetrical with it.

[Atyeo's Love Child]

No Bird?

[astrondrew]

Is it better to have Earthy at RWB or Cornick?

Given the injuries, that's more the question we had. 

Now, I'd like to think we'd start Twine over Earthy for several reasons including chances created, set pieces and the fact that he's ours. If it's not working, what a lovely like-for-like sub Earthy would be.

[Marina's Rolls Royce]

20 minutes ago, Atyeo's Love Child said:

No Bird?

No Cry

[Mr Popodopolous]

1 hour ago, Atyeo's Love Child said:

No Bird?

McGuane, Knight and Bird..our best 3.

                O'Leary

Vyner Dickie McNally Pring

    McGuane Knight

  Yu       Bird      Earthy

              Wells

Edited Saturday at 10:11 by Mr Popodopolous

[Davefevs]

10 hours ago, Solent Robin said:

We had little choice as we didn't have any fit RWB/RB's. Is it his best position, clearly not. I seem to recall that NP was criticised for playing Alex Scott at RWB and his response was 'it is part of his education'. This was during AS's break through season and we we were struggling in the RWB position, so think it is a legitimate comparison. Like AS he is also an intelligent player, who could play wide right but that is again not his strength unless we play a diamond shape midfield which is unlikely. Ultimately the priority is for LM to field the best team to get a positive performance/result in any given match, so Earthy will need to earn his place on merit and his development is a secondary consideration in that regard. 

As an aside, AS's player profile on Scouting Report when he was with us said that clubs often played young emerging talent in wide positions instead of being cast into the deep end in the core of the team. Partly due to trust but also the physicality of playing more centrally. 

Regarding your last post Mr P, hindsight is again a wonderful thing. Earthy helped keep Saitz quiet at Norwich and therefore after such a good result, there was no reason to change things. Did LM not change things at HT against Burnley when Yu came on? 

 

 

 

Scott, Bell, Bergkamp at Ajax.  As a youngster, if you want to play, you take your minutes wherever you can.  Scott even said it gave him a greater appreciation for what angles he’s needed to give his RB when playing back in midfield.

Neither is it uncommon to play a young CB at RB, so as they can be gradually eased in, without being in the critical central position.  Carey, Vyner.

[spudski]

4 minutes ago, Davefevs said:

Scott, Bell, Bergkamp at Ajax.  As a youngster, if you want to play, you take your minutes wherever you can.  Scott even said it gave him a greater appreciation for what angles he’s needed to give his RB when playing back in midfield.

Neither is it uncommon to play a young CB at RB, so as they can be gradually eased in, without being in the critical central position.  Carey, Vyner.

It's a philosophy that Cruyff had. 

Experience every position, to understand what's needed from your position. 

Not necessarily in matches, but definitely in training. 

We did it even my youth with Yate Utd. We'd train in different positions weekly. 

It really benefitted us.

The Scott quote resonates.

So many times over the years, we've had midfielders and forwards in space, but in line, with a defender or two, between the fullback and them. The full back unable to give them the ball, as the pass was blocked, even though they were in space. The angle and passage of pass wasn't created. It's one of my biggest frustrations when watching. 

Thankfully we've done a lot better with this in recent seasons. 

[Davefevs]

1 minute ago, spudski said:

It's a philosophy that Cruyff had. 

Experience every position, to understand what's needed from your position. 

Not necessarily in matches, but definitely in training. 

We did it even my youth with Yate Utd. We'd train in different positions weekly. 

It really benefitted us.

The Scott quote resonates.

So many times over the years, we've had midfielders and forwards in space, but in line, with a defender or two, between the fullback and them. The full back unable to give them the ball, as the pass was blocked, even though they were in space. The angle and passage of pass wasn't created. It's one of my biggest frustrations when watching. 

Thankfully we've done a lot better with this in recent seasons. 

You can see that is very pertinent to Marcus McGuane, makes lots of good receiving angles.

[spudski]

43 minutes ago, Davefevs said:

You can see that is very pertinent to Marcus McGuane, makes lots of good receiving angles.

He does indeed, giving himself more time to make the correct decisions. I've been impressed with him. 

[Supersonic Robin]

I've always been quite anti-loan (unless it's a loan with an option to buy). IMO, loans should only be used if we think it has the potential to make a difference to the league we're playing in next season - i.e. we think it'll be the difference between us finishing inside/outside the top 6/bottom 3.

Hence, I should disclose that I was pretty negative about the decision to bring in Earthy from day 1.

Putting that aside, if we're bringing in a player on loan (without an option to buy) then they ought to be an upgrade on what we've got in order to justify it.
Is Earthy an upgrade on what we've got? No, he isn't. In fact, he doesn't even seem to be on par with what we've got.

In fairness to Earthy, he's given his best whenever he's played, and his semi-versatility (he's struggled at RWB) has been somewhat useful through the injury crisis. He appears to be a neat and tidy footballer (even if a little bit underwhelming at times). Nevertheless, I don't think it's a particularly good loan so far.

[Gratz260689]

Definitely not, came on today and set the third goal up!! Good in the 10… must keep swapping him and twine!! 

[astrondrew]

9 hours ago, astrondrew said:

Is it better to have Earthy at RWB or Cornick?

Given the injuries, that's more the question we had. 

Now, I'd like to think we'd start Twine over Earthy for several reasons including chances created, set pieces and the fact that he's ours. If it's not working, what a lovely like-for-like sub Earthy would be.

Or even when it's going well.

[Gazred]

14 minutes ago, Gratz260689 said:

Definitely not, came on today and set the third goal up!! Good in the 10… must keep swapping him and twine!! 

Lovely control and pass in the build up for our 3rd.

[INCRED]

23 minutes ago, Gazred said:

Lovely control and pass in the build up for our 3rd.

Great bit of control and awareness of the pass to set up the 3rd. 

[Dr Balls]

On the evidence of today, given the choice of no.10 between Twine and Earthy, it’s George every time for me. Yes he didn’t score today but his touch made the third goal, whereas Twine’s goal was a lucky deflection from Mehmeti’s shot.

He drops back, he brings the ball forward, he plays it off and generally makes himself available. He lays on balls and he looks to attack. He is relatively strong in possession. And I can tell you right now who has the bigger future in football and it isn’t Scott Twine!

Edited Saturday at 18:50 by Dr Balls

[Red Cyril 2]

Goals aside.

How much did Twine really effect the second half in the attacking of the team ?

Compare that to what Earthy did in a shorter time on the pitch.

And do we take it from LM's Twining love affair he going to get more minutes.

I am not sure quite what's best for the team. And surely the team comes first 

[Davefevs]

14 minutes ago, Red Cyril 2 said:

Goals aside.

How much did Twine really effect the second half in the attacking of the team ?

Compare that to what Earthy did in a shorter time on the pitch.

And do we take it from LM's Twining love affair he going to get more minutes.

I am not sure quite what's best for the team. And surely the team comes first 

I thought Twine did fine today, he got involved, drifted into deep spaces, generally had a decent game.  Smashed an effort off the bar, had another one on the angle well saved.

[Denbury Red]

Earthy's off the ball movement at times today was amazing. Sat in the Lansdown just off centre towards the South Stand gave us a perfect view of his runs - for one of our tedious free kicks he made a run behind their defence, then when that didn't come he ran towards the touch line near us, and when the kick still hadn't been taken went for a short pass - which he got.

He was like a buzzing bee with energy to burn- and for someone is going to be a star!!  Let's hope we have the chance to keep him - but I'm not sure we will be able to afford him! 

[KegCity]

4 minutes ago, Davefevs said:

I thought Twine did fine today, he got involved, drifted into deep spaces, generally had a decent game.  Smashed an effort off the bar, had another one on the angle well saved.

He played well. Obviously need some consistency from him and I do appreciate Plymouth were dire but he set the bar for himself today.

[Dr Balls]

6 minutes ago, Davefevs said:

I thought Twine did fine today, he got involved, drifted into deep spaces, generally had a decent game.  Smashed an effort off the bar, had another one on the angle well saved.

Sorry Dave but in terms of playing as part of the team, and making the team better, it was chalk and cheese between Twine and Earthy. One played for himself, the other played for the team. I know which I prefer.

[BCFC31]

1 hour ago, Dr Balls said:

On the evidence of today, given the choice of no.10 between Twine and Earthy, it’s George every time for me. Yes he didn’t score today but his touch made the third goal, whereas Twine’s goal was a lucky deflection from Mehmeti’s shot.

He drops back, he brings the ball forward, he plays it off and generally makes himself available. He lays on balls and he looks to attack. He is relatively strong in possession. And I can tell you right now who has the bigger future in football and it isn’t Scott Twine!

Unfair on twine to be honest twine was excellent today hit the post and scored could of had a few today he was a nightmare for the Plymouth defence thought twine was good against Watford and Burnley aswell

Edited Saturday at 20:29 by BCFC31

[Dr Balls]

1 minute ago, BCFC31 said:

Unfair on twine to be honest twine was excellent today hit the post and scored could of had a few today he was a nightmare for the Plymouth defence thought twine was good against Watford and Burnley aswell

Game of opinions but sorry I still don’t rate Twine. Certainly not, considering he supposedly cost us £4M. And I think he unbalances the team more generally. Plus when Earthy came on he showed what a no.10 can do.

[Davefevs]

9 minutes ago, KegCity said:

He played well. Obviously need some consistency from him and I do appreciate Plymouth were dire but he set the bar for himself today.

5 minutes ago, Dr Balls said:

Sorry Dave but in terms of playing as part of the team, and making the team better, it was chalk and cheese between Twine and Earthy. One played for himself, the other played for the team. I know which I prefer.

For me, if Twine had played more like today earlier this season, he wouldn’t have attracted as much criticism from me.  And even if that is playing for himself (as you say today), it’s still a decent contribution.  But I’ll continue to watch him when it’s not going to plan, and see what he’s like then, or away from home when he’s playing in front of 800 instead of 20,000.  If he doesn’t put it in, you’ll see it on the faces of his teammates first.

=====

I like Earthy, he does things with purpose, he looks to have top-level mentality (and technically too).

Edited Saturday at 20:34 by Davefevs

[Dr Balls]

1 minute ago, Davefevs said:

I like Earthy, he does things with purpose, he looks to have top-level mentality (and technically too).

I like Earthy too. As one of my mates said after the game, there are all the good elements of Alex Scott about him.

After that performance, a bold manager might start him in that position away against Portsmouth next weekend and see what happens. That said, I don’t think Manning is that bold manager!

[Davefevs]

Just now, Dr Balls said:

That said, I don’t think Manning is that bold manager!

Bald though, or at least getting there!

[astrondrew]

I like Earthy and Twine. Neither of them played for themselves. Mehmeti did though. Thankfully, today.

[Nuno Gomes]

Is it just me but he reminds me so much of Alex Scott.  Always demanding the ball, plays with his head up and never selfish with the ball.  He seemed everywhere on the pitch.  Just love his enthusiasm.  And that nutmeg!!

[stephenkibby.]

2 minutes ago, astrondrew said:

I like Earthy and Twine. Neither of them played for themselves. Mehmeti did though. Thankfully, today.

Earthy's touch and control for the goal was up there. Twine played quite well,just looked a bit rusty after his lay off.

Just my view of coarse i can see Twine having a strong 2nd half of the season and showing what he really has to offer.

[Silvio Dante]

As the number one member of the Twine “Unfan” club, my thoughts on him today were that I liked some things (first half a couple of slid interceptions) but generally, I think he was ineffective. He should have scored from the pullback and missed the target, and generally was up blind alleys/lost the ball first half. I’d concur though that it was more of a “team” performance from him, but I think without that period of hitting the bar and the deflected goal, there would be pretty much “meh” on his performance as consensus.

Terrible? No. Worked more for the team than prior? Yes. Really that good? Probably not. But I do think it was far from his worst game - however the club really need to stop putting him forward as a choice for MoM on days like today, it’s just embarrassing.

As for Earthy, as has been said, that flick on the third was sublime. He looks a good, head up, player. I still don’t think I’ve seen enough to conclude, but I would be keen to see more, and I don’t think Scott made a compelling case to be ahead of him from boths performances today.

[Shauntaylor85]

1 hour ago, Dr Balls said:

Game of opinions but sorry I still don’t rate Twine. Certainly not, considering he supposedly cost us £4M. And I think he unbalances the team more generally. Plus when Earthy came on he showed what a no.10 can do.

Earthy for me looked far more effective in that role than Twine. First time we’ve seen him utilised in correct position for some period, was class. 

[Shelton’s Love Gravy]

Earthy.

Somehow, that just sounds wrong…

[richwwtk]

38 minutes ago, Silvio Dante said:

As the number one member of the Twine “Unfan” club, my thoughts on him today were that I liked some things (first half a couple of slid interceptions) but generally, I think he was ineffective. He should have scored from the pullback and missed the target, and generally was up blind alleys/lost the ball first half. I’d concur though that it was more of a “team” performance from him, but I think without that period of hitting the bar and the deflected goal, there would be pretty much “meh” on his performance as consensus.

Terrible? No. Worked more for the team than prior? Yes. Really that good? Probably not. But I do think it was far from his worst game - however the club really need to stop putting him forward as a choice for MoM on days like today, it’s just embarrassing.

As for Earthy, as has been said, that flick on the third was sublime. He looks a good, head up, player. I still don’t think I’ve seen enough to conclude, but I would be keen to see more, and I don’t think Scott made a compelling case to be ahead of him from boths performances today.

I'm torn on this, Ilike both players, but I keep coming back in my head to why play Earthy when there is no chance of his being our player next season?

I think I'm just not comfortable with utilising Premier League loans when you are not looking to sign the player you are loaning. It smacks of long term gain for the parent club vs a short term gain for the receiving club.

I know there have been players we were privileged to watch because of it (i.e. Abraham) but they are few and far between.

Personally I would be much happier with Bird and Twine battling it out for the #10 role, and Earthy being the emergency backup for the role despite being the superior long term prospect.

On a side note, I always think of one of Twine's main strengths being his dead ball skills, why did Bird seem to take on the majority of that role today?

[Davefevs]

11 minutes ago, richwwtk said:

On a side note, I always think of one of Twine's main strengths being his dead ball skills, why did Bird seem to take on the majority of that role today?

It’s the old left foot, right foot thing, and what shape you wanna hit.

[richwwtk]

3 minutes ago, Davefevs said:

It’s the old left foot, right foot thing, and what shape you wanna hit.

Bird was taking corners from both sides though

[Davefevs]

1 minute ago, richwwtk said:

Bird was taking corners from both sides though

And then Twine took one second half as an outswinger, so maybe they are just mixing it up?

[Supersonic Robin]

Maybe I'm just being negative following my post on this thread earlier today, but I still don't quite get the hype around Earthy among some of our fans. He's fine, but not much better than fine so far.

I agree that today was better from him, and he played a decent ball into Wells in the build up to the 3rd goal. However, I still don't feel he offers as much as our other attacking options at this moment in time. I haven't seen enough from him today or in any previous game that's made me think "Wow, maybe he should be in the starting XI".

I'd start Twine ahead of Earthy in the number 10 role, and I say that as someone who isn't a massive Twine fan.

[joe jordans teeth]

Twine wasn’t great today dispite being given acres of space for much of the game and it’s clear to see Earthy ability wise going forward is far better from his touch to a simple body shape when he receives a ball but he is here for back up to twine and will never start over him

Edited Saturday at 23:15 by joe jordans teeth