Why isn't Dudgeon on the bench instead of Bruce, I know Bruce can play back four or defensive mid, but Figueroa can play in the back two if needed and we have plenty of midfielders on the bench. Once Sagbo and Gedo are fit and available, who will make way?
Meyler will probably be dropped as well with Bruce to make way for Sagbo an Gedo. I dont see Dudgeon making the bench anytime soon.
I suspect it's because Bruce Snr has seen the players in training, and knows which is best for our needs/potential needs on the day. I don't get the anti Bruce Jnrs if Im honest, he did a really good and important job for us last season and can still do that for us in the PL imo.
I think this thread will go the way of everyone says Bruce should be dropped & when h isn't it'll pop back up & everyone will complain. Having said that I don't think SB is that daft, once he gets everyone back, if we keep the same team for arguments sake, then I reckon the bench will be: Harper, Rosie, McShane, Meyler, Quinn, Gedo & Sagbo. I think 2 players for defence, midfield & strikers is the way to go, although I think Quinn can cover the left including LB at a push, I would like to see maybe Dudgeon on the bench with Rosie & Macca both able to cover RB. Also away from home may be a better idea to have a bit more defensive option, but again the game dictates & SB must be able to have faith in the bench as much as the starting line up. On the assumption that Rosie starts the next game, Elmo would drop to the bench & I could see AB coming in for Gedo in my line up. This whole thing does remind me of Junior Lewis & Chris Lee though. As it said in Saturdays programme, Marmite.
Dudgeon for me, although there is talk that Barnsley are about to wrap up a loan deal for him. I hope this isn't true.
Im with this. People go on about him as if it's nepotism at its worst and if he was in the starting XI every week then they'd have a point, but he isnt. He was really very good for us last season in a number of key roles and he's one of our most versatile players. he can literally play anywhere across the back 4 in centre mid if an emergency situation demands - can any of our other subs? I wouldnt put Faye at left back nor would I put Dudgeon at centre back. It's really not an issue him being on the bench and people are looking to complain about a problem that isnt there.
Why? If he can get game time every week then surely that is better for him and us in the long run, than having him watch from the stands.
I agree with the Bruce bit but our benches this season make no sense. We've got two centre backs, two right backs, three midfielders yet no striker or left back even thought we have those players available outside the squad.
Dudgeon should be on the bench. We have two centre backs on there and neither of them are our third best centre back(Figs can go centre back, we only need one). Not having a striker on the bench is mental. I know Brucey expects Fryatt to leave and has written off Mclean and Proschwitz, but I'd have had Fryatt on for Graham for the last half hour on Saturday. Sagbo is back for Newcastle, so it's no big deal, but it seems a bad use of assets to me.
Think the possible thinking behind BRUCE is that he is good in the air and has previously done a job for us as the holding midfielder, couple that with his ability to play anywhere across the back four his utility value probably outweighs Dudge`s.
Joe Dudgeon gets another start alongside Bruce - McShane and Rosenior next tuesday. What is the problem. Dudge has been out a longtime so he wont just walk straight back in anyways. Once JD is match fit then it has to be him everytime. imo.
Well said. The only reason that Dudge is not on the bench now is that he's not yet fully fit and SB doesn't want to risk him IMO. He's a top prospect and should be an important part of our teams future. Cant see the point of a loan transfer to Barnsley, or anywhere. We would need him in our lineup at LB or LW if Figueroa or Brady go down.
It's not a straight choice between Bruce & Dudgeon, it's looking at you match day squad as a whole and picking your best players. I'm not being anti Bruce, I agree he did a good job last year and gives his all. But Dudgeon is more a premier league prospect for me.
