Just thinking, since as in Dawson's contract has just been extended does that mean he'll probably get first bets on starting or will Bruce feel as though he wants youth and pace on the wing. And for anyone who knows, when is Dawson's testimonial, will it be next Season?
It all depends on Dudgeon's fitness I guess. To me, Dudgeon was first choice, and while not trying to take away from the resurgent Dawson last season, I think it was a mistake from best mate Barmby to edge out Dudg for him.
that was a huge gripe with me last season, daws taking over for dudgeon when he'd been playing well. it gave me an idea that NB didn't have the strength to make a decision like that and rattle the dressing room, maybe why he didn't want to bring anyone in during January, if that is correct of course. if dudgeon is fit and i expect him to be then he should start, end of.
Dudgeon was dropped after having are mare at Southampton away(At least I think it was Southampton), Dawson did a decent job when he got back in, I really don't think it was about the old boys network.
There was an optimistic rumour that the testimonial would be against Spurs, at the end of the season.
I agree that Dudgeon should have played more last season, but I don't seriously believe the manager picked Dawson just because they were mates, that's ridiculous.
I've always liked Dawson, But for me last seasons was the first season I've seen him play and think 'Maybe it's time to get someone younger in' Don't get me wrong Daws did nothing wrong, But sooner or later it'll be the time for Dudgeon to step up to the mark.
Maybe it is because I missed the Southampton match then, as it sure looked that way. Especially as it was almost immediately after Pearson left and Barmby took over. Although you could argue that Barmby just thought Dawson was a better player than Dudg. That wouldn't be mates, just an error of judgement
dawsons introduction was at the point when we pathetically frittered away a comfy 2-0 lead to burnley. he looked off the pace and slow. he had decent games but is slow getting back, pulls a lot and offers no real penetration. whatever the reasons for him taking over from a largely effective and positive dudgeon last season, he needs filtering out this season.
his first touch now is always to cut inside back towards the centre half, great servant though and respect
Dudgeon is now at the stage where he offers more threat going forward than Dawson, more pace and ability to overlap and get to the byline. He'll probably make more defensive mistakes than Dawson would, but he'll learn with each game and this is the season where (with Dawson's support in training) he could really come through and be in a similar status as Chester was last season.
