Fox is probably better than Harding,but although Harding may have his limitations,he always works his wotsits off for the side,and for that fact alone doesnt deserve to be slagged off at matches by his own fans. Lets put things into perspective here,Fox has just cost us 1.8 million,Harding cost us nothing and deserves credit for the amount of effort he has put in for our team,and also the amount he has improved in his time at St Marys.
Dickson was only picked for the Cup game, Harding was picked for the Leeds game, when they are on song there is little to chose between them, I think Harding has just a bit more enthusiasm for the club, but I could be wrong.
I definitely agree that I'd rather have a hard working player that gives 100% than a prima donna however, we need good players in our team. Danny Fox seems to be both, so I am delighted Adkins has pulled this off. As said in other posts, Harding's positional sense is poor and was at fault for a lot of our goals last season. We need to improve our weaknesses all the time and as much as people may like Harding, he is one of them. If he does raise his game and improves his defensive positioning, then I'd be more than happy for him to keep his place.
I know I meant at the end of last season when I wrote that. I would say from March onwards Adkins favoured Dickson over Harding, but I know he hasn't been quite fit in pre-season and have heard he hasn't played his best (I only saw the West Brom game this pre-season and I was on holiday for the Memorial Cup).
Also, I don't understand the knocking that Dickson gets. People always shout back at people that don't like Harding yet criticise Dickson :S It seems a bit hypocritical.
Another thing that Adkins has just said on the OS that I totally agree with. He said: I have no problem with honest mistakes but will come down like a ton of bricks on anyone that doesn't put in the graft. Everyone in our team tries their hardest. When was the last time you saw anyone saunter through a game. As I've said before if they are not good enough that's for Adkins to sort out. Our job is to support the team during a match, whatever our private thoughts might be. Do you work better with encouragement or with someone yelling you're useless in your ear.
I think some people are missing the point here. Fox has been bought in to compliment what he already has as LB. He is building a squad fit for the prem. Adkins is showing us the additions he is making is to improve the squad to move forward & to work with what quality ( Harding ) he already has. I don't think it matters whether you are a Dickson fan or prefer Harding I am sure Fox will slot into the squad alongside these players. Nothing to say Harding or Dickson won't start or hold onto their starts. It is a great addition for Saints as he seems to sound like a great player. Our squad is looking good
I think you make a really good point. There have been many comments by supporters remarking that we need a decent replacement LB, and I find myself wondering why. I think Wally Downes' jokey comment that Harding had something of the lavender about him backfired on poor old Harding. He's a bit slight, but he's bloody fast. He'll run and cover all day, and is good for a last second intervention. Where he is let down is exactly where you'd expect a slight defender to be let down, in being bullied out of the play. If he isn't bullied off the ball [I know the Leeds attack where he was roundly beaten to the ball] he's as sound as a bell. We don't need someone to replace Harding, If anything, we need someone in to select against the more physical teams. Harding's alright in my book. Funnily enough, the same sort of situation goes for Joseph Mills. He's a pretty good LB, but Harding's better. He's a pretty good left sided midfielder, but others are better. Don't believe me..? Well, because of exclusions and injuries, Mills played in the JPT Final and had a cracking game. So he is perfectly capable. Sorry for going off-topic.
I think Mills is a very good player. I'm actually surprised he's not going to get a chance considering he's had a year of first team football with Donny. I suppose it's because of numbers but I'd rather have Mills and Dickson in competition with Fox rather than Harding and Dickson. Just my opinion though and I don't want to be slated for stating it!
Mills is a very good player. Did really well last season at Doncaster ? Why didn't they sign him ? As it sounded like he wanted to go & they wanted him ?
I'm surprised nobody has snapped up Mills. I thought he was a decent player and did well for Donny but we seem to have 3 LB ahead of him in the pecking order. I see a lot of clubs in the Championship and League One clubs that are on the look out for a LB but nobody wants Mills. Whoever gets him could be getting a bargain.
Apologies for being completely NOT in-the-know. I came home about 45 mins ago, totally unaware that we had signed LB Danny Fox.
I dont think fox coming in means anyone is leaving. NA is strengthening the squad, and giving us cover in another area.
Adkins remarked that the midfielders have upped their game since Cork arrived and he's expecting the same in defence now Fox has arrived. It's a long season and games enough for everyone to get a chance.
We forget we have another left back in the form of Mills - we don't need four of them do we? Move Mills & Dickson on sadly
maybe because harding was injured? harding is a great player, shown by the fact he's been a mainstay in the team for 2 seasons now going into his 3rd, and the fact he's got into team of the year. harding in and dickson out is whats going to happen
Just because Harding is a good player doesn't mean he has to keep his place until we are playing in the champions league, he is an average championship full back.
Just looked at Burnley forums. At first outraged and disappointed at Fox leaving, then a few started saying he wasn't that good anyway. Mentioned him going forward and forgetting defensive duties..NA will have his jewels for earrings if he does that. Then realised that if Harding left, the views by our fans would be just as varied. It would be like we were talking about 2 different players. Interesting point was that apparently Howe refused to do a scheduled press conference, so he's not a happy bunny.
