looks like tate to the rescue then, ML likes tate and tate has shown he can step up to the mark when called upon....good for him and have played well as a sub so far.........anyway he will be the scapegoat when we lose by some fans as always when he plays...
I can't see Monk going now if that was the plan, we need cover at the back even if he will not even be on the bench, unless we can recall him immediately from Bristol
Tate at LB, would be an opposition forwards wet dream, as usual Dai's talking through his rear end!............
Dai - Tate has been a "scapegoat" along with Monk because last season almost every single goal we conceded could be traced back to their mistakes. Face facts- it's a harsh reality that neither can play at this level. That said, it looks like we might be leaning on at least one of them soon so we can only hope they step up. Nothing would please me more.
Tate has been ML choice as sub and played him the last couple of games and he done very well when called upon. As an emergency and someone we can rely on then there is no one better.....Don't underestimate what Tate can do as he has proved us all wrong since div 2 days by stepping up to the mark every time, He also stepped in as goalkeeper when needed......Dont disrespect a legend that none of us have seen on a regular basis in the premiership and a player that ML thinks is good enough to play of the bench.....He must be doing something right to impress ML....
Not sure where you get the "ML is impressed" line from. (Don't tell me). Why was his first move to get in Chico and why was his second Bartley? No disrespect from me at all. Tate has been a great servant but isn't up to this level. For me, there's no shame in that, it's just an opinion. Then again, you were adamant that Trundle was good enough too.
That will be Laudrups first mistake then, though I'm sure he'll learn quickly Tate's pre-disposition to give away penalties, not to mention how easy he will be to cream past!...............
Gutted for young Neil. Said to the fella next to me that it looked very serious, thought at the time he'd be out for the season. Get well soon Neil.
Agree never, but Taylors flying tackles were always a matter of time, before something like this happened, It's the only part of his game that worried me, as he's not the biggest of players!...............
Bartley played a full 90 in the Cup. That may be it? Who knows? If Tate gets a chance and proves me wrong I'll be chuffed, but I will be watching very nervously as he backs off nippy attackers - that's one of his traits I'm afraid.
With Dai on this one - am a big fan of Tatey and he put his body on the line a couple of times when he came on against Sunderland! OK - he may not be the most skilfull, but he always gives 110% - really don't understand why so many on here criticise him so much - he is a Jack through and through and would die for the cause - cut him a little slack FFS - know we are Premier League now, but don't disrespect former hero's, Tatey has been a great servant to our club and I think he deserves a little more respect! That said, we have other very able candidates who can step into the defending role; Ben Davies has done little wrong when called upon - Bartley looks like he can do a job for us - and Jazz can also be called upon to put in a solid shift! Neil will be sorely missed; and I hope his recovery is swift - he has been a star for us! But I believe we have some very good players who can fill the gap he has left - Alan Tate being one of them!
You are confusing realism with a lack of respect. I haven't seen a single poster say that Tate hasn't been a good servant, but being "a Jack through and through" won't prevent him being skinned. "Bleeding black and white" won't stop him backing off. As much as Tate is a Swans legend there is absolutely no room for sentiment in this game. You can get away with it in the lower leagues but not where we are now because this environment is absolutely brutal. If Laudrup hands a starting berth to Tate because that's his genuine footballing assessment then I for one will respect that even if i have real concerns. I doubt he'll do so just because he's a popular player.
Know where ya coming from Knackered - but Tatey did quite well when he came on in the Sunderland match - think he still may have a role to play for us!
Can someone please explain Situ. What position does he play, and where is he? He doesn't even make the bench. We did complete the paperwork didn't we, albeit 6 months late.
For the record no disrepect to Tatey at all but as other posters have said just dont think he is up to the mark for this level. Anyway Ben Davies is always gonna be the natural replacement for Taylor. ML's choice for sub for LB has been Davies since pre season. Although he is still very young As for Chico's well I am hoping that Bartley was not on the bench on Saturday due to cup duty and not for lack of ability. Personally thought he did ok for us. Just wondering if Davies can play CB aswell. Considering ML wants players that can cover more than one position Jazz at LB and Davies CB while Chico cools his heels. Just a thought.
Sorry to hear about Taylor's injury. He will be a great loss for you guys and Wales. From the comments it looks pretty serious and he is likely to miss the rest of this season. I hope he makes a full recovery and is fit and ready to go again next season.
