Not popular with who? The players or the manager? I personally would be surprised if the deal was arranged entirely by Lambert because Butterfield signed a month after Lambert left - I would imagine Hughton at least had final say in the matter, even if he had already been scouted. I think the problem is that Butterfield simply didn't recover from his injuries quickly enough, went on bad loans (where he didn't fit the system or play enough) and now has come back at a crucial time of year when we needed consistency. If we pick up three points in either of our next couple of games I imagine Butterfield will feature before the season is out and we will see more of him in pre-season.
Bennett appears to have approximately 3 stormers in him each season and they all apparently fall at the end of the season... No bad thing! Perhaps he would suit Wigan though?
I wonder if Butterfield was signed because of the opportunity, not necessarily because we had a role for him, in keeping with our new 'ruthless' culture. To explain, Barnsley couldn't get him to sign a new deal, and our position as a Premier League club could easily turn his head. By showing an interest, we signed a young player for significantly below market price. If he fitted in, it was a great bit of business, if he didn't (and it looks like that's the case) then when we sell him on we may well still profit from him.
In relation to Howson I don't think he is actually played out of position, merely repressed in the role. I think he is a better player building the play from deep and then bursting into the box and getting forward that way, rather than hanging off the striker and building the play from here like Hoolahan can. I think from deep he has more threat but has just had to adhere to Hughton's strict midfield plans this season. I think going forward if Howson is to become an integral part of the team it wouldn't be in the Hoolahan role.
Such a shame about Butterfield, he was touted as the new Gazza! I don't think Howson's best role is comparable to anyone else at the club to be fair, I'd have him down as more of a Moussa Dembele CAM than a Wessi one - not necessarily about the tricks but striking and causing problems from high up (not that he and Moussa dont have tricks) I've preferred him there to Hoolahan to be honest
I can understand why people like Wessi, especially yourself as he's the sort of player you like. I just think that Howson could have been more effective had he been given the same chance - he's very good at what he does but a bit like Carrick in that you don't always notice it
I don't mind Howson to be honest but what he does is alot easier than what Hoolahan does. Howson cannot do anything with a ball unless he has space in front of him, I think the same may be true of Butterfield. They are straight line players.
For me we need straight line players - Wessi and Holt dragging out wide every 3 minutes doesn't help anyone
Are you kidding, its all we ever do is straightlines, its why Hoolahan has been getting the rough end of the deal and why our possession stats are so bad, no sideways passing permitted by the management.
I disagree, ball often goes wide to Snodgrass/whoever is on the left. Also goes wide to Hoolahan and Holt which I sometimes object to
Your right, it goes wide to snodgrass and only comes back infield from a cross, not a pass, followed by another, back and forth, back and forth. And thats with 5 in a midfield!!
Fair enough, I think Snodders on his day is even better and because he's that bit stronger, I find him more likely to be effective, but I agree that Hoolahan playing well is a delight to watch
I agree with that, but can't blame that on either Hoolahan or Howson! That's a problem with the wingers (although frankly in our team Snodgrass can do what he wants at the minute)
Tool is harsh! He is inflexible, appears bereft of ideas and lacks faith in Lambert's squad, but I don't think he has done or said anything toolish. He certainly isn't an inept manager. He just sets us up to play dreadful football. Having said that, the team selection and performance against Reading and occasionally Arsenal indicates he at least realises he needs to change, even if it's not exactly how I would have done it.
I think everyone agrees that the football is boring, but in the end we're staying up and we're doing so without our first choice keeper for half the season. It hasnt been ideal but its a start.
Your right tool is not the correct word. However you do have a conflict I'd say those comments sum up an inept manager.
