Continuing the Huds theme, anyone prepared to reappraise their pre-held personal opinions about any of our players? For me, I've had a re-think about Andy Taylor. Always regarded him as slow over the ground and something of a weak link on the left side of defence. Never fancied his chances against a speedy right winger taking him on, and to be honest, probably still don't. That's not the only role of a left back though. Don't know if it's deceptive, but his awareness and support play for other team members recently has made him seem more on the pace. I got that impression before he pulled his calf and went off with Turner against Middlesbrough, but these last couple of games since he's come back have confirmed it for me. A lot of us have admitted that Huds has been a revelation this season. I'm also prepared to admit that I'm changing my perception of Tayls from a left back who's only playing because we've no one else, to him having become an extremely effective left sided team member. Not saying we don't need cover unless Malky thinks Declan John is ready to step up, but whoever we get (if anyone) would have to be a very good player to oust Tayls from that LB spot.
I've always batted for Taylor, I think it's only that yard of pace that means he's playing championship football. If he was quicker he'd be nailed on premier league. I don't think we'll have to replace him if we do go up, but the quick wingers will obviously become a more frequent issue in the prem.
I think we're seeing more and more of a team performance. Individual ability is one thing but reading a game, playing to tactics and understanding what your team mates are doing is another thing. Taylor worked hard to get on the outside of Conway, Bellamy and Whitts on a number of occasions. Even if he didn't get the pass he was available and drawing defenders. Again, the work of those in front and around him helps cover his lack of genuine pace. The whole is greater than the sum of the parts.
I think that my opinion of David Marshall has altered a little, always though he is a great shot stopper but does not command his box enough. This season I think we have seen him come off his line and win the ball more often and shows more confidence.
When he joined us from Charlton Huds had been Captain of what was until then a Prem side. All the noise about his cost was just that, because his actual cost was neve revealed, only, "For a reported fee of...." Since then from playing in a weaker team than he was used to, having to live through disappointment and sharing a dressing room with a bunch of pimadonas, he has got stronger and stronger every season. The other day Malky described him as the "Consumate Professional" who will put his body on the line week after week for the team. With that in mind, how many people think he may (just may) have got that yellow card on Friday night deliberately so he knew he would be clear for the 2 more important games against Leicester and Palace that are following his suspension? I'm sure if he had picked up a stupid yellow against boro and missed Leicester and we lost he would blame himself. So what do you think?
Surely such an ethical and sporting captain who's held up as an example to all wouldn't do that? Unless it was an instruction from Malky of course.................
so, Connolly to cb and McNuggs to rb or bring in Nugent and risk 2 left sided cb's? Option 1 for me. Huds deserves a little rest anyway.
I said before that when you bring young guys like Negent into the first team they will play anywhere the manager asks and be grateful of the chance to shine. Negent and Turner in the middle would be good enough for most teams in this league. It might be a chance to rest Bellers too with 2 big games looming. I'm sure Conway would love to start a game.
He's started the last two and will get a third no question. I doubt Malky will start with Conway, Noone, Kimbo and Bellars though. Mason also deserves a start as well as those three. Difficult decision, but that's what Malky's paid for (and then we feel we have to criticise him sometimes )
I don't think he will play Nugent and Turner together. If you add in Taylor that would be 3 left sided defenders and too much of an inbalance. I agree with Sparks, to have the 4 mentioned starting would leave us a bit lightweight in the middle. Don't forget also, Posh won't come and lie down. They are fighting for points to stay up and gave Middlesboro a good run yesterday. I suspect that they, like Wednesday, will come armed with 6 or 7, 6 ft plus monsters and a parking permit for their bus in front of their goal. We need a bit of steel in the middle with Mutch to come back in with Whitts and Gunnar and Cowan ready to do battle off the bench. Was anyone as surprised as me to see Cowie start instead of Gunnar yesterday? I guess it is horses for courses and Cowie does a lot of hard work in terms of marking, closing down and picking up loose ball that is not as visible as Gunnar's more up and at 'em style. Yes, Mason deserves a start and perhaps Posh is the game to give Bellers a rest (not that he will want it). However, is rotation wise now? We have some breathing space so surely next Saturday is the time to ensure we bolster the points tally. As we saw recently with injuries and suspensions everyone will get their chance in the weeks and months ahead.
Playing Turner, Nugent, Taylor, Whitts, Noone and Kimbo would give us 6 outfield left hookers on the pitch. With Connolly, Bellers and Conway being right footed, that leaves Helguson with no feet at all, just a head....... (but what a head! )
Do you reckon if given a penalty to take HH would use his head....... ........and let whitts take it. Posh could be the time to unleash Eti. I know it isn't a foregone conclussion, but other than the FA Cup, there won't be a better opportunity. As for another lost soul, you wonder what Kiss is thinking as Cowie, Mutch and Gunnar seem to be ahead of him.
How about giving Velikonja a run out. I think he has proved himself in the development squad, although I'm not sure if he left or right footed?
Sparky, we comment on having maybe 6 left footers on the park at the same times but no one bats an eyelid at having 8 right footers on for a team. What's the difference besides pehaps confusing the opposition?
Wholeheartedly agree Snaggs. Nothing wrong with left footers - I was one myself. Could hit a keeper hand-stinging blistering drive from any angle with my left, but could barely get it off the ground with my right. My headers weren't bad either, except I used to get forehead lacerations and searing headaches playing with a soaking wet laced leather ball that weighed a ton when it was raining. Helguson has got it bloody easy these days!.........
Has a different connotation in Glasgow. Talking about who plays where when others are not available, what would you do if Whtts were out? Fortunately he seems very hardy. Do we move Kim to the middle, play McPhail or put Ralls in the playmaker role. Perhaps even Bellamy, though he may go walkabout. McPhail would appear the natural replacement but Kim seems to have the temprament. Is it a role Ralls should be groomed for? A tough one to answer and hopefully we won't need to find out!
Mcphail is absolutely no replacement for Whitts. Whitts is by far our most dangerous midfielder. Mcphail out of all our midfielders the least threatening. I reckon hed play Cowie and Mutch. Though id prefer Gunnar and Mutch. Ralls , Kiss , Kim are all surely ahead of Mcphail especially in a 442. In a injury crisis Mcphail can do a job in a 451.
