Evening chaps, Very eventful day and hopefully we will have a couple of decent transfers to talk about in the next 24-48 hrs but im here to just bring a point up about Mr. Lappin. I have noticed that in the past 2 friendlies CH has resorted to half each for Tierney and Lappin, and i was wondering do you think CH maybe looking into having him as our LB cover just to save a few bob for another target or January Transfer window. I will be honest i dont know how he performed against HB and Celtic, but maybe its an experiment that CH is trying and maybe willing to take a risk. Thoughts guys???
I would say CH is probably thinking of him more as a LB than a midfielder, but whether he thinks he's adequate cover is another question. Can Whittaker play that side of the pitch or not?
Apparently he can play all across the back which is good news but as Naughton proved, while he was very good at left back as a right footed player he's better at right back.
I certainly hope Lappin is given a chance next season as every time he played last season he was brilliant. Am I also right in thinking he is now our longest serving player, excluding youth players? That in itself, considering what he had to go through under Roeder, means he's earned himself a chance in the Premier League in my book.
in his dreams! In all seriousness people are always quick to mention Lappins name when cutting the cloth is concerned but there are clubs out there that would kill for a player so settled, talented and versatile as him. He is essentially rocking horse **** in the football world. He's an essential keeper in my eyes.
It's great that Lappin stayed at the club throughout the crap he went through. He's incredibly professional and under rated. His best game at Norwich I feel was the 5-2 against Wycombe. He was incredible, even playing out of position in defensive midfield.
i still remember seeing his last goal for the club, a last minute, winning free kick at luton one evening, a goal which saved us from relegation to league one. ok, we went down the following year but it just shows what the club has gone through since his last goal...! and luton to be fair!!
For me Lappin falls into the same category as Ward. Solid, reliable, loyal and will put a shift in for the shirt. Not going to be in the first 11, understands and accepts this but provides cover and worth more to us than his resale value and would be tricky to replace. We have to accept that where we are at the minute we can't afford to have a 25 man squad of superstars and that only 11 men can play at any one time so we will have to have some "lesser" players to fill in when needed. Lappin and Ward can do this and seem happy and willing to do so. I would keep both.
Well said that man. A lot of people only look at players who are first team regulars but this is a squad game and players like Ward and Lappin are a real asset. They know they are only likely to get on the pitch a few times each season but when they do they will run through a brick wall for you. They will always train well and their attitude helps motivate the squad and sets a role model for youngsters - unlike the players who go into a strop if they are rested or dropped.
Lapps is versatile, dependable and under-rated IMO. His delivery should not be overlooked - harking back to the 5-2 win against Wycombe as mentioned earlier I remember his peach of a cross for Holty's first goal - superb. For me, he's an essential squad member and will be cover for Tierney this year I reckon, thus saving a few shillings.
i think pretty much everyone is keen to keep lappin! lets try something more difficult... does anyone want to make the case for crofts to stay? i've seen a few brighton fans who think he might be going back to them. i really like the guy, i think he always does his best and has an eye for goal but i feel because he doesn't offer the same kind of cover as someone like lappin, he is most likely to leave. i think he struggled more than anyone last season to adapt to the premier league and i think he's a really top championship player, but is he worth keeping?
Crofts reminds me of Jerry Goss in a way, not very skilfull but runs around a lot always putting in a shift for the team. To be honest I can't see him starting too many games at all this season so it might be of benefit to both parties if he moves on
