... we really need players with his determination and care for the club right now. At one stage he was on the floor with his head in his hands after a miss, and I wish we could see that sort of passion from them all. Imo we should bring back Derry into the team - he would show far more commitment to the cause than Barton is, and our midfield would become alot stronger. Ok, he may not be the quickest, but his effort would make up for that.
Completely agree! I'd keep Hill at CB and bring in Derry in place of Barton. Play smith too and drop SWP and Barton to the bench. Something needs to change or we will sleep walk to relegation with these over-paid, under-performing prima donnas who don't care about the club. SWP will always love City and Barton will always love himself first and Newcastle 2nd!! Play Traore too.
I dont think Derry is worth a place but the Faurlin injury killed us, we could have had him and diakite in the middle.
Mackie was in same position,on floor with head in hands, after SWP did not pass to him at last chance saloon. He cares too.
I dont but neither of them will help keep us up. It would be easier watching Derry though. i can handle players who give their all with limited talent but not wasters like Barton or SWP who have played 60 games between them and have yet to put in 1 very good performance between them. Were stuck with Barton though, he will play every minute of every game.
Well said Judo, great words. Hill was fantastic yesterday, not only did he play really well but he was talking non-stop, gesturing to those around him. Exactly what Barton was not doing. Hill played like our captain.
let also not forget that (1) Mackie is trying to prove to MH that he is worth keeping for next season, (2) Hill is out of contract, and is looking to enjoy his time in the top flight plus put himself in the shop window and (3) barton is on a decent contract. I just wish barton would be the leader he claims to be and shows he cares for our club
Funny how things change there are poeple on this board wanting Hill & Derry out of the club by any means, I hope you are finally seeing sense. Yes these type of players are not the greastest but are the SALT of the earth and every squad needs this type of player and for that matter in all walks of life every company or team need grafters your flash boys come and go but the grafters are left behind to keep the ship afloat thank goodness we are seeing the light!! While we are on the subject one thing that has been eating away at me is the sale of Bradley Orr another grafter and boy could we have done with him while Young in injured, not such a clever move by MH IMO.
No, I wouldn't have sold Orr, always liked him. I know Hill, Derry and Mackie aren't up to the Prem, but I've got to the stage where I see the so called "bigger" names playing with no spirit and our only chance of survival is to fight and fight!!
Couldnt agree more. For players like Hill and Mackie this could be their only shot at the Prem and god does it show. They just seem more passionate and driven when on the pitch. Despite mourning SWP's miss seeing Hill react like that reinforced why he's one of if not my favourite player wearing the hoops at the moment.
Not TOP premier league standard, I'll grant you. But I do think they're decent players and there's plenty in this league that are worse. But agree 100% with you about their fight and passion. I've said this before, but I'll say it again: Smith, whilst lacking pace, is a very intelligent player. He is like a poor man's Sheringham... which is meant to be a compliment. I'm a fan in as much as he currently offers more than (say) Barton.
contract situations make no difference to the likes of hill, derry and mackie. they are grafters, and will give 100% no matter what. i simply cant agree that just because hill is out of contract he is trying more than he normally does. falling to the ground when we miss a chance wont get him a new contract will it. it is him showing his passion for the cause.