Yesterday we saw a superb performance from one "Deadwood" Warnock, who deservedly got the MoM trophy ... it got me thinking, why has Warnock not delivered this level of performance before, and consistently? Well, for me the reason is clear, he now has GENUINE competition for his place ... Charlie Taylor is pushing for a starting role, and Berardi can play there as well ... no more only White and Drury as competition ... this is a good thing, and Cellino clearly wants players to never get comfortable in the shirt Great thing competition for places ... oh, and last year of a contract as well I suppose
I don't think it's the Taylor effect. I think it's the Cellino effect. The old guard must be looking over their shoulder constantly and having to their game because of it. And can you blame them? Cellino has been linked and buying player for fun for the last few weeks. Warnock bought crap during his time a manager and McD didn't do much better especially in the Defence. Wouldn't be surprised if the likes of Warnock got complaisant knowing that their was no decent players to challenge them
A whole raft of things have changed. We have an owner prepared to bring in a bit more quality. We have a Manager, sorry coach, who's got the team playing proper footy. And we now have a back 4 better prepared to play some decent footy. The only thing Warnock hasn't got is genuine pace. But watching him yesterday showed he was more prepared to stay on his feet than last season. So Taylor may have a harder time shifting him than he would have done last season. All in all, bodes well for the rest of the season, and maybe Taylor will be the first LB from the academy to succeed in the 1st team as we go forwards.
DING DING ... correct Jock, he of the sweet left peg that made Seaman break out in a sweat whenever Harte lined up a free kick 20 yards out ... oh, and deadwood was tongue in cheek, in my Squad and Transfers thread you'll see I don't have Warnock as one to sell
Didn't realise Harte came through the academy. So I'll amend my comment to read first LB in the last 5 to 10 yrs to make it through the Academy & succeed in the 1st team
Believe it or not, he started off as a striker in the academy. His contemporary, Kewell, started out there as a LB!