Yes Robbie's choice of words were slightly better. And we probably are more or less singing from the same hymn sheet. However, with our current personnel, I think it might be difficult to choose the better or form players without reverting to the diamond if we want two up front. Surely Wes would figure and not out wide. So that would mean Tettey probably or Johnson maybe, dropping to the bench. Unless of course KK figures and we play a version of the style adopted by England last night, which I actually enjoyed and thought worked quite well.
I've broken out in a cold sweat at that suggestion redruth. I didn't watch the game, but my impression from the bit of radio commentary I heard was that the Brazilians were pretty lethargic for most of the time (and Ronaldhino well passed it). England seemed extraordinarily defensively thin to me. But as I say, I was just listening, and only for part of the game.
All this not wishing Lambert was here is total bollocks, don't even pretend that if he was here you'd be clambering to get him out the door in favour of getting Hughton or anybody else in. Just nonsense. With regards to Martin and Whittaker, I don't see what whittaker has done in the two good games to warrant his present status of defensive saviour (not that I'm saying Munky is of this opinion, but there does seem to be a few). He was at fault for one of the goals against Everton. It is very rare for Martin to have a noticeably bad game and I'd still have him ahead of Whittaker who I think will end up a flash in the pan, lets wait until he's been involved in a couple of drubbings and see what he looks like then.
It may be bollocks to you, Carrabuh, but it certainly isn't to me. PL did a great job over 2.5 seasons, but it slipped considerably in the latter portion of last season. No one can really say what would happen, but that slide could well have continued had he stayed at CR. IMO, CH is thinking far more long-term than PL ever did and building a squad with a good mix of youth and experience which will continue to evolve. Why, IYO, is PL struggling so much at Villa? A big club, with big players - why isn't it working? I like Martin as well and think that it's a pretty even contest with Whittaker. Given his career with Hibs, Rangers and Scotland, it seems incredible to me that you are prepared to write him off after 2 games because he made a mistake in one of those.
Well pilks and tettey are doubtful for Saturday, and ch has pretty much ruled out kk starting So we are likely to see some midfield changes for sure The interesting one will be if tettey is out
I'm sorry Rick but it is complete bollocks. The reasons are far to numerous and if anyone really does think that they are kidding themselves. I wrote of Whittaker before he signed for us because I'm not a fan of Scottish football. What I'm saying is wait until he's been under the cosh and see what you think of him then, he hasn't had to put up with it yet. Thats why I think this whole defensive saviour thing will disappear. Paul Lambert is struggling because of a) He had whole squad of crap players to begin with, it was riddled with rubbish and far worse than ours (they don't have big players anymore, Bent and Ireland are all over the place and Given is over the hill) b) They had no confidence and were on a steep downward spiral c) He's trying to create a young vibrant squad which is the hardest way to do it
What's this bollocks about Whittaker having played two games? He has actually played in nine games - five wins, three draws and one defeat, the latter of which was against WBA when their winning goal was scored after he had gone off injured so technically he's not finished a game on the losing side. In those nine games we conceded ten goals, three in one match against Swansea (when Martin played as well) which we won 4-3 thanks to a goal from Whittaker himself, two clean sheets (one against ManUre) and five games where we conceded just the one goal. A total of 10 conceded in 9 games = an average of 1.1 per appearance. Like I have already stated, every time we've conceded more than four goals - on six occasions - Whittaker has not played and Martin has been at right-back. Martin also played in the game against Swansea when we conceded three in fact in the 17 games he has started in the league we've conceded 34 goals, I'm sure you can work out that's two goals per game - twice that of the rate when he hasn't played. I know stats don't always tell the whole story, but I'd personally say that it's pretty damning evidence, and when I add in that to me it's quite obvious that Whittaker is a far better all round player than Martin in virtually every aspect of his game, with much better technical ability and pace thne I really don't know what your argument is based on apart from a pre-conceived negative opinion which you have about anyone we sign from Scotland. I've never said he's our "defensive saviour" and neither has anyone else, I'm just saying he's better than Russell Martin and we look a lot better and concede a lot less goals when he has played for us this season. Have another look at those facts and tell me I'm wrong and that Rusty isn't a weak link. I love Rusty and think he does have a role to play for us, but he's not immune from criticism and for me he's not good enough to hold down a starting place at right-back. I've been saying this since last year and nothing has made me change my mind, quite the opposite in fact
Carrabuh, you still haven't said anything that convinces me that your contentions are based on any sort of actuality. Rather, they seem to reverberate with loose opinions. PL had the whole of pre-season to bring in players (Vlaar, El Amadhi and Benteke must also be crap then). Your arguments seem to make no sense at all.
I think the hidings coincide more with Bassong not being available than Whittaker playing at right back.
So the actuality is then that the team he inherited were on the rise, full of confidence and his philosophy was to bring in old experienced heads (after all he was of well known in these parts for doing that) Sorry I really can't be bothered with this Rick, You ask for my opinion, I list the 3 main facts and then it's based on loose opinion. It's pretty clear, if you don't understand, so be it. I'll add a couple more facts, Vlaar has been injured and Benteke has scored regularly, Amedhi I believe has flopped. I've got no idea what you're disagreeing with or even why. I can't be bothered to convince with anything deeper.
I think your assertions about Lambert are misguided Carrabuh. Loved him while he was here but the King is dead long live the King. If you don't want to be at my club then you are history. I cannot think of one reason for him leaving us that hadn't been tried by Saunders, Bond, Walker who all came to grief.
