Ivan Sproule

[BS3_RED]

For a player that showed such potential at the start of the season, i have to ask what has happened to him. For a player with such pace, not to use it at every opportunity really annoys me. I don't expect him to get everything right and all players have bad days but when did Ivan last have a good one? I would have taken him off a lot earlier today and would prefer Wilson to start at Stoke. Maybe i am being harsh but i really think that over the course of the season, he just has not done enough for me.

[Robbored]

Sproule didn't get much ball in the first half but he was far more involved in the second 45. He got into some great wide position but just couldn't deliver a telling ball. Once or twice he seemd to bottle it against that giant black guy in the Wolves defence.

Not his best game by a long way.

[Always Ashton Red]

He didnt have a good 2nd 45 at all.. bradley does all the running on the right side sproule for me was the worst player on that pitch.. he was knackered after 55-60 mins couldnt do anything yet he still played longer... he bottled it a few times.. he was good at the start of teh season but for me now hes just not up to the pace by a long shot!

[Bangkok Red]

Bring back Betsy!

[bh_red]

not a good game from Sproule, however he's the still best right winger at the club by a distance and would still get my pick for Stoke over Wilson and Murray

[Nogbad the Bad]

For a player that showed such potential at the start of the season, i have to ask what has happened to him. For a player with such pace, not to use it at every opportunity really annoys me. I don't expect him to get everything right and all players have bad days but when did Ivan last have a good one? I would have taken him off a lot earlier today and would prefer Wilson to start at Stoke. Maybe i am being harsh but i really think that over the course of the season, he just has not done enough for me.

Not harsh at all. I've been unimpressed for most of the season.

If he's not there to beat his man with his speed and cross the ball dangerously, what is he there for?

He's got very litle else to offer and certainly doesn't appear to have the heart for a battle and his crossing lacks conviction and direction.

Presumably GJ saw him as someone who would terrorize defences with his pace, create chances and chip in with 7 or 8 goals.

He's looking less and less the part as the season goes on, and again today seemed loath to make himself available for a return ball when the action approached the opposition penalty area.

Really disappointing, it's definitely Wilson for me too.

[Guest Weav]

Bringing back Betsy isnt a bad shout........hes not as quick but has got a final ball, Sproule was poor today but i would rather have him over murray.

We have got 2 good full backs who like to get forward so why play with wide players -

Basso

Orr Carey Mcombe Macca

Elliot Johnson Mcindoe

Carle

Brooker Trunds/Dele/Byfield

Too attacking!?????

[Guest DonnerKebab]

Bringing back Betsy isnt a bad shout........hes not as quick but has got a final ball, Sproule was poor today but i would rather have him over murray.

:noexpression: If Betsy wasn't good enough for League 1, what makes you think he'd be good enough for The Championship?!

[bh_red]

its clear u wernt at ag 2day mate ivan should do athletics as he cant play football brian wilson ne day of the week 4 me

what a stupid comment.

At Right Wing there is no other geninue option,

Murray's best assest was his pace - that's gone and he's unfortunately nothing more than a sub player.

Wilson - VERY GOOD player at right back, however with the games he's played at right wing, he's almost non exsitence.

for me, Sproule starts in that postion by default due to lack of other options

[Nibor]

not a good game from Sproule, however he's the still best right winger at the club by a distance and would still get my pick for Stoke over Wilson and Murray

On what I've seen of Sproule over the season as a whole I really don't understand why Wilson doesn't get a look in. He's a much better player.

[TinnionForEngland]

Sproule is awful in my opinion, really frustrating player and one i never expect much magic from, also puts in alot less effort than Mcindoe.

[Guest DonnerKebab]

On what I've seen of Sproule over the season as a whole I really don't understand why Wilson doesn't get a look in. He's a much better player.

I agree, give Wilson the nod for Stoke. He's a better player technically and as Sproule didn't use his pace today it's not like we lose anything, we gain a decent passer who doesn't bottle or panic.

[bh_red]

On what I've seen of Sproule over the season as a whole I really don't understand why Wilson doesn't get a look in. He's a much better player.

as a Right Back, I'd totally agree, and personally I'd play him over Orr right now in a heartbeat, as despite Orr's 110% effort, I feel Wilson is a better player in that position.

however Wilson has played a number of games at right wing and looked just totally out of place there, his last game being Plymouth in which he got dragged off at HT, against Watford he was almost non-existent on the right wing for 80odd minutes.

Sproule biggest problem isn't his ability, it's his football brain, just doesn't seem to get in the right position at the right time on too many times, unfortunately at the moment, Right Wing does seem to be our weakest position, and for me, Sproule is the best of a bad bunch.

[Nibor]

as a Right Back, I'd totally agree, and personally I'd play him over Orr right now in a heartbeat, as despite Orr's 110% effort, I feel Wilson is a better player in that position.

however Wilson has played a number of games at right wing and looked just totally out of place there, his last game being Plymouth in which he got dragged off at HT, against Watford he was almost non-existent on the right wing for 80odd minutes.

Sproule biggest problem isn't his ability, it's his football brain, just doesn't seem to get in the right position at the right time on too many times, unfortunately at the moment, Right Wing does seem to be our weakest position, and for me, Sproule is the best of a bad bunch.

I agree Wilson is more of a natural right back but on performances like today from Sproule which is becoming all too common, I don't think you lose anything at all by swapping him for Wilson and you gain a player who can pass and defend.

[Guest Mickey Bells left foot]

in all fairness sproule did pick up a knock he was signalling to the bench for 5-10 mins before he was subbed, sproule is a frustrating player due to his lack of crossing ability, but you cant disagree that when he does get the ball it gives the crowd a lift. problem with wilson is that he is even more lightweight and bottle out fo tackles more than sproule does

[Nogbad the Bad]

but you cant disagree that when he does get the ball it gives the crowd a lift. problem with wilson is that he is even more lightweight and bottle out fo tackles more than sproule does

I disagree. On all points.

[Angry Robin]

Bring back wilson for the stoke game, sproule's pace & confidence has gone, wilson should be fresh for the challenge & remember the goal away to sheff utd. Time for a change.

[Alex_BCFC]

I used to be a massive Sproule fan earlier on in the season but he looked awful today. Shame.

[Guest]

Orr did a better job at getting down the wing today.. I think that pretty much sums up Ivans performance. How about Wilson at RB and Orr as RW

[Guest Mickey Bells left foot]

omg r u sure how did u come to this conclusion

because you could see sproule was struggling which is why he wasn't running before he came off, and wilson bottles every tackle if hes up against someone bigger than him, wilson has talent but are you telling me you expect him to win every tackle he goes in for?

[bh_red]

in all fairness sproule did pick up a knock he was signalling to the bench for 5-10 mins before he was subbed, sproule is a frustrating player due to his lack of crossing ability, but you cant disagree that when he does get the ball it gives the crowd a lift. problem with wilson is that he is even more lightweight and bottle out fo tackles more than sproule does

didn't notice any knock, however agree about frustrating, reminds me of Greg Goodridge, one minute he will do something magical the next, he blast it across the front of the atyeo,

agree though, due to not knowing what's going to happen he does lift the crowd when he gets the ball in the right position, if he can work on his crossing ability he does have the ability to become a VERY good player at this level. With his pace though he's always going to create problems.

[Guest jimmy ateyo]

I think it goes to show how poor the scottish prem really is

he was signed and so many hibs fans were gutted and stating how we had signed a world class player

I, and I prob wasn't alone, thought we had a gem

No - sorry, he aint good enough. His only asset is pace and he doesn't use it....

his crossing, passing and positional sense is very poor. And today was another typical sproule performance

You cant knock him for effort, but the scottish prem (minus the glasgow clubs) to the championship is a big step up, silly as it sounds.

Look at Lee Miller, very poor for us in league one but has scored goals at 3 scot prem clubs

Murray unfortunately is past it at this level therefore we have to play narrow down the right and play stronger players in other positions.

If Johnson is fit, as we miss him when he's out.... we should either play Wilson or Carle there and make sure the right full back gets forward.... after the last few weeks, this shouldn't be Orr... he again is full of effort, commitment etc... bit first and formost he is a poor defender and has cost us a fair few goals this year.

I would go Wilson RB and Skuse RM against Stoke if Johnson is fit

It might sound a bit negative but we played 2 up top today with sproule on the right and didnt create chances

[Guest Mickey Bells left foot]

whoops double post

[bh_red]

I think it goes to show how poor the scottish prem really is

he was signed and so many hibs fans were gutted and stating how we had signed a world class player

I, and I prob wasn't alone, thought we had a gem

You cant knock him for effort, but the scottish prem (minus the glasgow clubs) to the championship is a big step up, silly as it sounds.

Look at Lee Miller, very poor for us in league one but has scored goals at 3 scot prem clubs

problem with Lee Miller is that he came to us far to early in his career and when joining City, he'd ever played in the Scots Prem, he's taken a while since going back, but 2/3 years later is only really doing well at that level.

When Sproule was signed though, I do recall a number of the hibs fans giving mixed views and for every fan that said he was great, there as another who would say that he would be very frustrating.

I think that sums him up well, one days he's FANTASTIC, other games He will drive you up the wall, unfortatuately it's been mostly the later performances recently, thing is........it's been the same with most of the team.

[Always Ashton Red]

Everyone is on about betsy..

how about bringing myrie williams back? hes been good on loan.. but i do agree.. wilson at right back and orr as right midfield.. spourle just hasnt got it

[petehinton]

on his day he can be brilliant

2day he was far from it he looked tired. he couldnt be arsed

and showed no commitment to the team

wimped out of challenges

lacked the end product and made bradders do all the running

maybe he's having a fag with nobes :noexpression:

[BS10 RED]

Bring back Betsy!

Please tell me your joking

[sodburyred]

omg r u sure how did u come to this conclusion

Wilson isnt a right midfielder! Was completely out of place against plymouth! Sproule maybe a lightwait but he does get wound up and dives in to tackles so you cant say he bottles it all the time!

Also agree with bh that he is our best option at right wing!

I also don't see how you don't notice the whole ground gets a lift when he has the ball with space! The majority of defenders in this league look visably concerned when he has the ball! today was his first game back after being dropped and was probably well up for it but got unlucky that there left back was quick and a very good player!

[bh_red]

so was jnr bent appy days

so far I've been ignoring your comments as they just seem petty and silly.

however if you have something to say that actually adds to the conversation and debate then feel free and I'm sure people will reply sensibly, unfortunately comments in response to someone's views such as "your a crackhead" gets you ignored by me.

regarding Junior, that is possibly the most sensible thing you have said, Junior was a similar player to sproule, at times he'd destroy teams with pace and skill and other games he'd look awful dreadful, who can forgot some of his performances esepecially against Liverpool, Leicester away in the cup, plus a rather good goal at the gas, unfortunately all some people can remember is the bad.

[sodburyred]

yea right ill have a pint of what you have had and a puff of what you have had

was that a joke??

[bh_red]

Wilson isnt a right midfielder! Was completely out of place against plymouth! Sproule maybe a lightwait but he does get wound up and dives in to tackles so you cant say he bottles it all the time!

Also agree with bh that he is our best option at right wing!

I also don't see how you don't notice the whole ground gets a lift when he has the ball with space! The majority of defenders in this league look visably concerned when he has the ball! today was his first game back after being dropped and was probably well up for it but got unlucky that there left back was quick and a very good player!

agree about his defending, I've lost count of the amount of times he's looked like he could get sent off this season with his tackling and one thing that has shocked me this season, considering his time at Hibs is that he hasn't been sent off this season for a late 2 footed tackle. One thing for sure Ivan doesn't lack is bottle.

the main problem with Ivan isn't something that is his fault, obviously he needs to sort of out his crossing and positional play, but that will come with training, but the biggest problem is that people are so used to the "murray style" of a right winger. Dink the ball over the top, Murray runs onto it and either crosses or shots, over the years though he's been equally annoying as Ivan is at the moment.

Ivan however doesn't like the ball over the top, he wants the ball to his feet deep and wants to run at players, take them on, beat them and then either shoot or cross. he does the first bit time and time again without problem, it's after that is his problem.

[bh_red]

was that a joke??

select user........view profile.......options......ignore user.........has worked a treat for me!!!!

[Guest Mickey Bells left foot]

thats fine i deal in facts ivan cant play football correct me if iam wrong i think hes had 2 decent games for us n thats it id love 2 write ivan tourments the wolves defence 4 90 mins but it aint gona happen bw is are best option with out a doubt

so your telling me brian wilson will torment defences for 90mins? more like 9 mins hes too defensive to play in right midfield

[Guest Mickey Bells left foot]

I'm not saying he does I'm just saying he is more of a threat than wilson

[petehinton]

so your telling me brian wilson will torment defences for 90mins? more like 9 mins hes too defensive to play in right midfield

Gj only plays him rm when did u last see him start rb ? we even got skuse 2 play ther ffs! wilson cuts inside and can spread the ball

ivan gets the ball and has 1 intention... run he does that about 3 or 4 times and is nakerd

wilson will spread the ball and maybe cut inside and have a go

wilson 4 sproule on saturday

[Guest Mickey Bells left foot]

pretty sure he played rb when orr was suspended

[bh_red]

so your telling me brian wilson will torment defences for 90mins? more like 9 mins hes too defensive to play in right midfield

agree 100%........GREAT FULL BACK - DREADFUL WINGER

Wilson himself has admitted he see's himself and feels his best position is a Right Back.

[petehinton]

pretty sure he played rb when orr was suspended

exacually

Gj wouldn't put him in 4 orr for default

there, Lm and Lb are the only positions where we have a good player that is capable of playing week in week out

orr has don't nothing wrong IMO apart from running for Sproule

[bh_red]

Gj only plays him rm when did u last see him start rb ? we even got skuse 2 play ther ffs! wilson cuts inside and can spread the ball

ivan gets the ball and has 1 intention... run he does that about 3 or 4 times and is nakerd

wilson will spread the ball and maybe cut inside and have a go

wilson 4 sproule on saturday

Wilson has only played Right Wing recently against Watford and for 45mins against Plymouth when he got dragged off for Sproule, in both those games he was DREADFUL

for the 3 match ban that Orr recently Wilson played against Hull, Charlton and at Leicester all at Right Back.

[bh_red]

exacually

Gj wouldn't put him in 4 orr for default

there, Lm and Lb are the only positions where we have a good player that is capable of playing week in week out

orr has don't nothing wrong IMO apart from running for Sproule

personally speaking though, I think he should........Wilson did nothing wrong to be dropped and was playing VERY well at right back, before he got moved to right wing to accommodate Orr and then was promptly dropped.

Personally speaking I didn't think Wilson did anything wrong to be moved from right back and looking at Orr's form since he has come back into the team, it's possibly been his worst run of form personally, since GJ came to the club.

[bh_red]

OK ANOTHER ANGLE ON THIS ANYONE THINK IVANS BEEN A GOOD SIGNING

decent signing, but not an EXCELLENT signing.

however he is better than anyone else in that position at the club right now in that position.

[petehinton]

OK I'm wrong

wilson is a RB

agree it probably is his best position after thinking about it

but Murray hasnt got the legs any more

Betsy is a waste of time IMO

who's going to play rm?

IMO orr is a better player than wilson

[Guest Mickey Bells left foot]

WTF OFF LINRE OR what WERE DISCUSSING IVAN ARNT WE

are you feeling alright?

[Nogbad the Bad]

Wilson isnt a right midfielder! Was completely out of place against plymouth! Sproule maybe a lightwait but he does get wound up and dives in to tackles so you cant say he bottles it all the time!

Ivan made one notable tackle straight after yet another half hearted effort had brought the crowd to their feet in frustration.

It was a fine, fiery tackle that showed what he can do and only emphasised the lack of fire he displayed for much of the rest of the match.

The "bottle" he lacked today was not in his unwillingness to make one dramatic tackle, it was in his apparent unwillingness to make himself available in real crunch situations and having the determination to do everything possible to master his full back over 90 minutes.

The other thing he lacks all too often is the fundamental ability to cross a football, to such an extent that he now appears to shy away from situations where he might have to do so.

[Hamski]

For what it's worth, I think Ivan has the potential to be a City great. He needs to play forward though and hang off the last defender. Just need balls knocked over the top for him to run on to.

[mossey]

Bringing back Betsy isnt a bad shout........hes not as quick but has got a final ball, Sproule was poor today but i would rather have him over murray.

We have got 2 good full backs who like to get forward so why play with wide players -

Basso

Orr Carey Mcombe Macca

Elliot Johnson Mcindoe

Carle

Brooker Trunds/Dele/Byfield

Too attacking!?????

Sorry! 2 good fullbacks, and they are?

[dezgimed]

He didnt look interested 2nd half.

Countless opportunities to make runs for Brad or run with the ball himself and rarely did either.

Very poor.

[Guest Red Head]

He didnt look interested 2nd half.

Countless opportunities to make runs for Brad or run with the ball himself and rarely did either.

Very poor.

I have to disagree with that, the man was a disgrace to the red shirt! He shirked, he hid, he put his hand up to come off - although not injured, at times he was walking...all what you need at this time of season. What about his long passes when he couln't be bothered to run? I have to blame GJ somewhat for not getting him off earlier..

[Frenchay Red]

What about playing Byfield on the RW. He's got pace and knows where the goal is and therefore adds more to the attack than either IS or BW. Ok his attempt at a cross today was more of a back pass to their goalie, but I don't remember Ivan even getting to the byline (and producing a cross or keeping the ball in). This would allow us to play SB (who was outstanding today) with either Dele or LT in the middle.

[Guest Red Head]

What about playing Byfield on the RW. He's got pace and knows where the goal is and therefore adds more to the attack than either IS or BW. Ok his attempt at a cross today was more of a back pass to their goalie, but I don't remember Ivan even getting to the byline (and producing a cross or keeping the ball in). This would allow us to play SB (who was outstanding today) with either Dele or LT in the middle.

or lee trundle cutting in from the left?

[Frenchay Red]

or lee trundle cutting in from the left?

It's a job he could do in part but I don't think he has enough pace and I wouldn't leave out McIndoe. I would like to see Steve B and LT together in the line up for a few games, but time's running out to experiment!

[bh_red]

WTF OFF LINRE OR what WERE DISCUSSING IVAN ARNT WE

in english?

[Guest shire_redz]

I kept thinking during the game that maybe the occasion had got to him? Today he didn't even look like a professional footballer - more like a headless chicken with no interest in getting into the game at all.

Quote of the day for me was a guy sat in near me in Dolman block A after Ivan yet again bottled a tackle from the (excellent) full-back:-

"Glen Humphries, Gerry Gow, Gary Shelton - if they saw that they'd be turning in their graves, if they were dead!"

Made me chuckle at least!

[rockin-robin]

or lee trundle cutting in from the left?

Where's Clive Whitehead when we need him?

[Simez]

Today he didn't even look like a professional footballer

I loved the Triple Salchow he appeared to do at one point.....

[Cardy]

I have to disagree with that, the man was a disgrace to the red shirt! He shirked, he hid, he put his hand up to come off - although not injured, at times he was walking...all what you need at this time of season. What about his long passes when he couln't be bothered to run? I have to blame GJ somewhat for not getting him off earlier..

I have to agree. Sproule's performance today was the single worst City performance I have seen in a long long time. He was worse than Murray and Noble of late (and they were bad..) and just looked like he couldn't be bothered. He's not fit to wear the shirt on that showing today.

[dezgimed]

I have to disagree with that, the man was a disgrace to the red shirt! He shirked, he hid, he put his hand up to come off - although not injured, at times he was walking...all what you need at this time of season. What about his long passes when he couln't be bothered to run? I have to blame GJ somewhat for not getting him off earlier..

So you do agree?

:noexpression:

[Guest Red Head]

So you do agree?

:noexpression:

Yes, but i'd put it a little stronger than you did. He made me want to get changed myself!

[Bristol Boy]

Correct.

Two goals & Two Assists in 40 games = SHOCKING and backing out of challenges wll shorten a City career quicker than anything else.Very disappointing and appears to have lost his confidence and his pace, not to mention stamina & trickery.

[Guest Red Head]

Correct.

Two goals & Two Assists in 40 games = SHOCKING and backing out of challenges wll shorten a City career quicker than anything else.Very disappointing and appears to have lost his confidence and his pace, not to mention stamina & trickery.

When did he ever have stamina? Marvin, Mcindoe, Skuse, Johnson have stamina, to class him with stamina is a dis-service to them..

[bh_red]

I have to agree. Sproule's performance today was the single worst City performance I have seen in a long long time. He was worse than Murray and Noble of late (and they were bad..) and just looked like he couldn't be bothered. He's not fit to wear the shirt on that showing today.

I've heard of "over-reacting" but that is a plain stupid comment to make.

Noble against Norwich was far worse for starters, with pretty much anyone against Southampton not far behind.

Yes, Sproule had a poor game, but at times he did show some ability and good play.

[RedM]

Correct.

Two goals & Two Assists in 40 games = SHOCKING and backing out of challenges wll shorten a City career quicker than anything else.Very disappointing and appears to have lost his confidence and his pace, not to mention stamina & trickery.

Agree. And to a certain extent he has unfortunately lost the crowd too, we used to get excited when he had the ball and went on a run and held our breath waiting for the cross. Now more often than not he doesn't get that far. I not saying we have given up on him but what we were hoping for you get to expect that it isn't going to happen.

I'm not expecting a Ronaldo, but he should have contributed more goals and assists than he has. That goes for the rest of he midfield too, they (McIndoe, Elliott and Johnson) in the main have been more settled and had a longer run in the team than our strikers and should have helped out goalwise.

I don't really know what has unsettled Sproule but it appears to be getting worse. I think, like Wilkshire, he was maybe a better, more confident player, when he returned from International duty in the past? Last time he wasn't even called up was he?

I think he was a bit better in the 2nd half, seemed to be under instruction to get forward more and the ball seemed to be played to him. but as TomF said earlier Orr was getting more forward, and doing him for pace and stamina too.

And as far as Wilson goes, got to agree with another poster he had a damn good game for the reserves recently and it's very harsh that he finds himself not on the bench at least after being in for Orr.

[Guest Red Head]

I've heard of "over-reacting" but that is a plain stupid comment to make.

Noble against Norwich was far worse for starters, with pretty much anyone against Southampton not far behind.

Yes, Sproule had a poor game, but at times he did show some ability and good play.

[/quo

No, BH Red, he was far worse, he was a ***ing disgrace. How can you defend this man any more? His he an irish cousin?

[Guest Red Head]

h

I think he was a bit better in the 2nd half, seemed to be under instruction to get forward more and the ball seemed to be played to him. but as TomF said earlier Orr was getting more forward, and doing him for pace and stamina too.

Better in the second half? HTF do you make that out? That must have meant he played with a caravan on his back in the 1st half? How better? He is a fraud!

[Bristol Boy]

For what it's worth, I think Ivan has the potential to be a City great.

God knows how you work that out and we've tried him in a central role where he was even worse and got caught offside ten times a game because he's brainless with his runs.

He needs to play forward though and hang off the last defender. Just need balls knocked over the top for him to run on to.

And he can't finish either so he sounds ideal

And as far as Wilson goes, got to agree with another poster he had a damn good game for the reserves recently and it's very harsh that he finds himself not on the bench at least after being in for Orr.

If we had a half decent right winger I'd drop Orr & play Wilson at RB or if McAllister was fit, play 3-5-2 against Stoke-Sadly McAllisters injured and we don't have a decent right winger so I'd play the averages.We need players who can tackle at Stoke andthat excludes Sproule & Murray who don't want to know

[Guest Red Head]

Why noy bringback JMW? Gotta be better than the fraud sproule?

[Simez]

Why noy bringback JMW? Gotta be better than the fraud sproule?

I was only thinking that about a month ago, he's had a decent run of games on the wing at Tranmere, surely couldn't be any worse.

[Guest Red Head]

I was only thinking that about a month ago, he's had a decent run of games on the wing at Tranmere, surely couldn't be any worse.

Gerry Sweeney couldn't do much worse!

[Guest jimmy ateyo]

Why noy bringback JMW? Gotta be better than the fraud sproule?

Could we play byfield on the right

surely he offers more than sproule and murray. He's quick, can he cross ?? - well we havent seen crosses from the right all season so lets be brave and give it a go....

plus a rb who can defend, bradley can't

Basso

Wilson Carey McCombe Fontaine

Byfield elliott johnson micindoe

brooker adebola

would be my team if LJ is fit

subs

weale, skuse, carle, trundle, fontaine

??

[boadle]

this shouldn't be Orr... he again is full of effort, commitment etc... bit first and formost he is a poor defender and has cost us a fair few goals this year.

I don't usually comment on the players' individual performances, because I don't see enough games to be fair to player; however, I thought Orr - and it pains me to say it, as I have so much respect for him - looked a liability today. He was skinned countless times by his man.