I couldn't get a ticket for today and I'm not a Harper basher but will he struggle to get back into the side?
Spooky! I've just done this thread 3 minutes before you, Oh well. I don't think he should even get on the bench, I don't rate him.
I can understand what people were saying about Harper doing a job securing the Defensive mid spot, but there's no way he should be near the first 11 for Preston. Against Leeds and QPR, you could argue the back four need that cover, but the teams lower down need putting to the sword. If we go defensive vs. Preston we're just asking for trouble, and giving them a lifeline they don't deserve. If we start off attacking, they shouldn't have a response.
I don't see the point of harper. He cant really pass, doesnt have any creativeness in him and cant tackle half as well as Ashbee. What reception do you think Ash'll get btw? I think I'm going to start singing his song as soon as I hear his name.
Sensible post. There seems to be a lot of misunderstanding on defensive midfielders at our club as they always end up as a scapegoat. Harper IMO is needed more in some games than others, and that is why sometimes you get 'what does he do'? etc....especially in matches when we are clearly on top, his role almost becomes redundant. Today we didnt really need him as we could out play Scunny with our second team, if he had played his involvement would have been minimal.
Harper will never win the fans over but he always does the job he is in the team for, breaking up play and organising. We didn't miss him today at all to be fair, but he's done his job more than adequately when selected.
Harper does a certain job and I'm certainly not a basher of him. But we did look a lot more free and fluid today with him out of the side. We need to play like that more often with the shackles off to be a top side in this division. Anyway, Evans is doing the all round midfield role fine on his own. I'm fine with him being the main midfielder and then the 2nd spot can be Cairney, Koren or Belaid.