Don't know if any of you caught this but http://www.watfordfc.com/page/NewsDetail/0,,10400~2422852,00.html What are your thoughts? I thought he was God awful yesterday to be honest, but am optimistic he'll improve. I write this however, because of this one specific thing Dyche said: "We'll find a partnership over time that works." - Please tell me he isn't planning on shaping around Big Chris instead of Scoredell who played incredibly well yesterday...
i hope you're right! Sordell has played two great games at home in a week...CI was lumpy and slow yesterday...personally i thought he did better against Derby, but i seemed to be alone in that lol. It does beg the question..why is he starting if he isn't match fit?
He hasn't been very good so far but I'm pretty sure he'll improve. He looked very nervous last night. We should stop with the sarcastic cheers though - I really don't agree with getting on his back after just 3 games, it's not like he isn't trying. Yes, he was poor, but at least support him for now. He shouldn't be expected to fill Graham's boots. One thing I found interesting, fans give Iwelumo stick but when Deeney comes on and can't continue what could have been a great chance (when he miscontrolled it), do the fans say anything?
i couldn't believe the jeers he was getting last night..he's played 3 games. Good grief...they're a harsh lot at WFC! I was gutted for him. You're right Max, he wasn't good..but blimey! Give the man a chance!
Those who remember Ross Jenkins Mark1, will know that he received some terrible stick in his early days, yet he became an integral part of the team eventually.
Well I will always give a player a chance especially when it is clear he isn't match fit/sharp. However, as I said in the match thread, I still think he should be able to hold the ball up better and win headers. He's not the smallest lad in the world yet seemed to be pushed off the ball far too easily last night and lack of match fitness/sharpness only partially covers this.
I dont think the guy has done too badly, he has only had 3 matches at the club (other than pre-season which you cant really count) and he is adapting to the club. Also we are not putting many quality deliveries in to the box and not passing it well enough yet.
You have to question the managment or medical stuff if Big Chris is playing not "fully fit"! Such a lack of fitness hardly going to help a 32 year old if the ability to move freely isn't there and the guy cannot jump to head the ball. Don't think anyone expects to run around like Graham did but its clear the movement isn't there but my bigger worry is the lack of ability in the air so far..considering we seem to spend most of the time thumping the ball towards CI
What was the name of the Charlton player who played up front for years and couldn't hit a barn door if he was standing next to it. Became a cult figure......
I think that there are pros and cons to an older striker. He may not move quickly, but he'll know where to be. Hence, for me, we need width and balls whipped in from the wings, not 'lumping' up to him. But it's early days and I'm moderately optimistic. My fear is why he came to us. Why did another more experienced manager with more money (that's pretty much everyone) not touch him? I hope it all comes good though.
Yeah, I think we need to rethink our tactics, hoofing it up towards Iwelumo isn't achieving anything. We have these two wingers (who look to be very good signings), why can't we get some crosses in? There's no point in doing the same thing over and over again if the biggest defender is marking Iwelumo and winning it every time...
Everyone seems to be saying that we are lumping the ball up to CI, however in the two games that I have seen I have also seen us try to play out of defence and have made some attempts to pass the ball about. In fact we seem to be mixing it up just as we did under MM. The only difference if that both tactics have not worked as well. However as the team grows I hope to see this improve. But don't forget those same long diagonal balls out from the back that DG used to have to run and retrieve. But yes, it's not working so well. Another concern is the number of balls in the box that we are not winning, hence there has been little threat from set palys. At one point early in the second half on Tuesday we had two long throws and a corner in quick succession. We didn't win any of the heads and thus created zero chances. We must do more from set plays and from balls into the box.
With all due respect "not done too badly" must mean he has done something. The worst bit about CI is the way he "gives up" on balls if they are not 100% perfect. This is a terrible trait in a footballer of ANY standard. The Rookery lost their patience with CI on Tuesday and he now has to be rested. The point with Chris is there is no "future" - at 33 it is all about this season, there is no opportunity for him to "build something". There is no coincidence that Burnley were desperate to sell him and there were no other takers. Right now (for Saturday and short term) Dyche needs to field a team which is capable of competing for every ball, even when the odds are not good. I did not see Ross Jenkins until 1979, but remember the doubts in 1980/81 when he went to Washington, but CI reminds me of Trevor Senior. I'm not Deeney's biggest fan as he lacks a lot of what is required at this level, but on Saturday I expect CI to be on the bench as we seek a result which is vital to kick start our season. I actually feel that playing Coventry away maybe the easier venue as I think it will be a nervy afternoon. As drama goes it will be a huge afternoon.
