I thoroughly enjoyed today’s game lads as did Franco Jnr, my nephew (also Paul Hayes nephew), my lunatic uncle and brother in law (Paul Hayes brother). In spite of my tenuous family ties, I thought Paul Hayes was absolutely shocking today…!! Ok, he made a telling contribution to BWP’s goal but his overall contribution wasn’t great. He looked to me as if he was playing in lead boots. He was so one paced it was frightening and his touch was just awful. Also he looks to me like a striker who is completely devoid of any confidence whatsoever in front of goal. Time and time again he passed the buck when in prime position to get his name on the score sheet. Whilst his link up play at times is good, you can see why he is hauled off in just about every game he starts. If Benson is no longer to be considered for a place in the squad, I believe we desperately need another proper out and out front man. As things stand we have all our eggs in one basket as there is far too much on BWP’s shoulders. My uncle was classic today… He kept forgetting who he was sitting with when constantly barracking the manager to get and I quote that 'f*****g useless twat (Hays) off'… I wanted the ground to swallow me up... … can’t take that silly old sod anywhere…!! Although, to be fair to him my brother in law was in agreement that he should come off as he hadn’t had one of his better games. Anyway, enough about him… I was over the moon with today’s performance. I know it’s a bit of a cliché but it’s never easy to play against ten men. When a team looses a player amid circumstances where they may feel hard done by, the siege mentality that is often adopted is very hard to break down. Unlike against Sheffield Wednesday I think we stuck to our game plan brilliantly today and got our just rewards. Not once did I feel we were going to fall into the same trap of thumping the ball aimlessly forward in the hope the giant at the back might make a balls up. We didn’t panic and continued to pass the ball which in doing so allowed us to fashion some good scoring opportunities. Bar Hayes I feel everyone played well today. Wiggins was much improved from the Sheff Wed game as was Stephens and I absolutely love Morrison’s physical and often brutal no nonsense approach at the back. However, the nailed on MOM for me was Chris Solly. He was truly immense for us today, great going forward and solid defensively. He had a lot of detractors on here who were absolutely ruining him before a ball was kicked this season and I feel the faith the gaffer has shown in him has more than been vindicated in his performances thus far. I would’ve taken any sort of victory before the game because continuing to pick up three points is all that matters imo. However, I’m well chuffed with a 2:0 win in which we played some really good stuff. Bring on Preston…!!
I class Paul Hayes as the new Gray ****ing hopeless he is awfull the worse signing made by Powell by far
Think a lot of the stick he got was over the top. As many have said he's assisted BWP's two goals in the past week. Granted he lost the ball a lot through mis-placed flick-ons, but chased the intercepting player down each time.
Hayes will easily have the most assists for us this season Not quick or tall just great at linking with BWP
Not a fan at all of his as for assists that great not for a forward i want to see him score goals and i can't see him doing that. we need quality forward on loan to team up with BWP.
Remove him at your peril Mark my words Puts alot of pressure on green as no one else is creating jack at the moment
My assessment of Hayes is on todays game and todays game alone. I just wish he'd show a little more belief and selfishness and have the confidence to have a go himself when in the ideal position to do so. I agree he links well with BWP and that he will make an hell of a lot of goals for him. However, my only concern is where it leaves us if BWP picks up an injury that's going to keep him out for a number of weeks. I just can't see where our goals will come from in that instance!! Can you boys...? I couldn't give a monkeys who scores our goals just so long as someone does. If i had a crystal ball and it showed me that BWP would remain injury free for the duration of the season i wouldn't be at all worried.
Good point Franco - BWP isnt exactly the most injury-free forward going. However, i think that if we are creating chances then someone will be there to take them. I like the way Stephens keeps popping up in the box and getting it on target. (well, forget Sheff wED)
Hayes......Hayes.... Has to be said, his touch was so poor today. He's never stood out as being so bad to me so hopefully just a bad day!
There were signs of the fans getting on his back after one particularly clumsy first touch, and if he's going to play every game this could happen more. Pity since he does work like a Trojan. So I think this would be a good time to give Waggy a start up front with BWP, since I honestly don't see him as a winger.
Going by what was said y'day- if you attempt to take Hayes then expect BWP to come kicking and screaming. He's loving playing with him. He needs to get sharper, but he's either scoring or assisting in most games. Don't think he's far away from seeing the player scunny had a few years back.
ive just thourght of one what about alonso in that position?getting back to full fitness now after a tackle at carshalton welcome to england!ive seen couple his goals last season quality finish from a good cross
As far as I'm aware Hayes hasn't had the best of times in the last 2 years or so since leaving Scunny. I think he needs this run in the team, a bit of time, and a couple of goals to get back. It's clear to all that he's got it - it's just not coming off for him yet. And Franco > Should BWP get injured I'm not too worried - Hayes, Benno, JJ, Waggy, Stephans and Green should all be targetting at least 10 goals for the season so...
I thought first 45mins Hayes was OK 2nd half he wasnt too hot BUT he links well with BWP and they are becoming an excellent partnership.Some of the criticism of any of our tam is abit OTT in my view. I too liked the way we stuck to trying to play football building slowly patiently looking for openings and it worked. Makes me laugh when fans shout out for us to lump it forward,the same fans who moan when we do. Paticence is the key no need to panic,we play like Liverpool of the early 80`s albeit are far inferior version obviously but possesion is the key. I`m loving charlton under CP LOVIN IT.
I think we proved a Bury that we can win without BWP, and in that game Waggy played up front. If he doesn't trust Benson then that is the best option. I couldn't be there yesterday (queueing for the Last Night of the Proms don't you know) but from what I've read it seemed a much better performance. I like Hayes a lot, and the facts are that he has played a major part in BWP's last two goals. He fits perfectly into our new slick passing game and seems to be involved in all the goals we score. Granted he isn't very strong and is curiously shot shy, and probably won't score many more than 10 this season, but he deserves his place in the team for the effect he has on BWP, as Super said, and for the link he provides between the midfield and attack that was missing last season.
Fair to point out that last time Benno and BWP played together they linked up well, better I thought than Hayes. Pity Benno is being forced out if reports are true.
At this stage of the season I can't see how we'd get a loanee or a freebie who would be an improvement on Benno.
