Aluko's one of the few players we have on the bench that can come on and make things happen, he looked good when he came on against Liverpool, he shouldn't go anywhere.
May have already been posted, if not, a decent comment on Tom Ince's situation imo http://thepremierleagueowl.com/tom-ince-and-the-daddy-problem/
I'm glad it singles out the ludicrous situation with Inter. I'm amazed - genuinely amazed - how many people actually think Tom chose us over Inter. It's certainly news to the Inter sporting director.... He met with Inter, they held discussions, he looked around Appiano Gentile, he was not offered a contract.
The thing that writer fails to grasp is that Steve Bruce manages to treat his own son as just another player when it comes to football. So I'm sure there's no favouritism shown to Paul's son, who incidentally can't even get on the bloody bench, hence why he's off out on loan.
He doesn't do it enough now though. In fact he looks more lightweight and easily dispossessed every time I see him. I do have some sympathy with him since he keeps getting stuck up front on his own, and he's a lot better on the wing, but apart from the game at Lokeren, I can't remember him doing anything good since the start of last season.
Has Ben Arfa done much this season? Don't see anyone writing him off so easily. If it wasn't for injuries constantly halting his progress I think Aluko would have made a big contribution last season and I think he still will for us, Bruce obviously still has faith in his ability.
I'm certain you're correct about Bruce senior's handling of his son's & Ince's son's situations. He's an honest man-manager, with high integrity & will have the best interests of the club/team as his primary objective. Not sure if the author of the article was accusing SB of any favoritism though...his main point is that it's up to Ince junior to shed the shackles of his father's influence (meddling/protection etc) and stand on his own two feet to progress. I wouldn't be surprised if Bruce senior has had words with Tom to that effect. Can't be an easy situation for SB to find himself in nevertheless, but I'm sure he'll reinforce the fact that it's up to Tom himself, no-one else. Let's hope everyone wins here.
This constant comparing of how one player is selected to play against that of another is just daft. Alex Bruce has spent plenty of time on the sidelines; when called on, as he was against Liverpool, he does a bloody decent job - clean sheet at Anfield, ffs give him and his manager the credit for getting it right. Ince is in his dad's shadowy influence and it serves him badly, but that is his problem and Stuart Pearce's. There is absolutely nothing to compare between Bruce and Ince. Now about Aluko who is an attacking midfielder who doesn't really attack, does he? Skilful player, yes, but so are the skills guys on Britain's Got Talent; personally I want to see him attacking the goal and the spaces, I need to see it more consistently - he is either under-performing or he is not good enough for us, he needs to convince me one way or the other because Liverpool was far from defining.
I heard Ince interviewed at lunchtime, he sounded alright about everything, a little disappointed that his Premier League career hasn't got off to a flyer, but he sounded reasonable enough and keen to go and prove himself at Forest.
Fez I agree with you as my post above might suggest but as the one after mine points out, this problem seems to affect a few players who are wingers/attacking midfielders for us. Ben Arfa, Ince, Aluko, Ramirez; none of them have been able to play to their potential for us so far. Early days yes but it does seem coincidental that those players who don't naturally fit into the system are the ones who struggle. Our 352 suits some players brilliantly, but none of the aforementioned ones. Maybe they're a victim of the system we play.
I think it's too broadbrush; try to assess it as you would if you were the manager / coach. You have to look at each player on his own merits. Ben Arfa and Ramirez have hardly smelt the grass for us, that needs time. Ince had very little time, but he is out on loan, so a nonentity as far as I'm concerned - might sound harsh, but that's life. I've explained my thoughts on Aluko, he might have had injuries but I've watched him put loads of energy into being poor; he was decent against Liverpool, but I'm not convinced about him - my jury's gone on holiday, Xmas they will reconvene. Edit: couple of autos re-corrected! I don't think it unreasonable for players to adapt their playing style.
I wish him all of the best, as he is decent, but hereally does need to divorce his old man, professionally. One thing for sure, with Matty Fryatt playing striker in the Championship, he should shine, if he has it and he had it at Blackpool - the RM waffle was a bloody embarrassment.
Not unless we lose 2 defenders(cb) tomorrow. Maguire should get a chance in the FAC 3rd round imo. Not a chance. You were obviously not @ Liverpool last week then. ?
I agree. I would just like to see him pass the ball more. He is predictable in that he will try to go past players. Great when it works but it makes it easy to work out what he will do. Have you ever watched him go round in circles? I like him and think he is a good option from the bench.
Tom Ince rated Forest MOM yesterday in their 3-0 defeat. Could have done with him on the subs bench yesterday. http://hereisthecity.com/en-gb/2014...t-fans-react-on-twitter-to-superb-ince-debut/
I'd have Ince over Aluko any day of the week. Aluko is completely ineffectual and loses possession so often. If anyone could have benefited from a loan spell it would have been Aluko. He has been dismal since he came back from his injury and we are carrying him. Loses the ball too easy and doesn't bust a gut to win it back.
