I discussed this at the time on HDM and took a lot of flack as I said he would blow out (when he was the big exciting player - as you say). My problem with him was that he showed talent and pace, two hugely valuable assets for top class football (he was being lauded as a EPL player then), but he always seemed to shy off beating his man, He made step-overs a trademark and to be honest, if you have ever defended at a reasonable level, you would love the step-over merchants - they telegraph it earlier than Marconi! He has (had) the pace to pass a man, but not the conviction and that conviction is as natural as a good right hand is to a boxer. Don't get me wrong, the lad had something, but it went the same way as many, especially when he stopped believing in himself.
He played some of his best football for us in the weeks immediately after his injury. The problem with Stewart is his attitude. I've been told by a senior player that some of the things he does in training are brilliant, but he just doesn't have the commitment to do perform regularly. That'll be his problem, not the injury.
I think the problem with quite a few young wingers is trying to beat the same man 5 times before doing anything productive. Cam was suspect of this, he'd do a couple of step overs, get to the by-line, Cruyff turn back, a few more step overs etc etc.
Yep, that's it. Any defender will tell you that the more the other player fanny's about with the ball, the more you can pick your moment. Cam had the pace and skill but he used it in a flash, unproductive and very predictable way and guess what? He got found out and it was him who gave up on it; it's what happens and that is why so few make it. I think he is a top 1st div player with the ability to be a decent Championship player, but only if he can accept that or find a coach who can convince him that his show-boating is simply that and the man to beat is the one both in front of and behind the ball. Brady bordered on this, but took his game on and full credit to him. I remember them swapping wings endlessly; they fooled some, but not the opposition who put them in their pockets.
I am a defender so I understand. I totally agree with the Brady comment, the best thing that happened to Brady was returning to Man Utd. Maybe if Cam did he may have kicked on like Brady.
The penny drops with some players, it doesn't with others - or by the time it does it is too late. Can't even see him have a career in the lower leagues now TBH. He has pace, but some clogger will wipe him out and that will be that. Got all the technical ability in the world, but his most important asset - his brain seems to be lacking.
Not too many Stan Matthews', Jimmy Johnstone's or Georgie Best's around are there, ask the best defenders at the time ? And did they fanny around. FFS, I forgot Tom Finney & Ian Butler
Stewart was excellent on his comeback game and Barmby's first in charge away at Derby - soon after that he 'hit a brick wall' in terms of his fitness and he never recovered his form again. There is a good player in there but this is certainly another big set back for the lad.
Think he is having a scan today, hope for good news so we can get him moved on. I'm afraid he is history for us, good when he came back from his last injury against Derby but after that - nothing.
He's only gonna be out for 6 weeks, its not as bad as they first though. Happy for him really, i could honestly have see that been the end of him.
@hullcityteam: But first, good news regarding Cameron Stewart. The results of the scan on his injured knee have come back positive. #hcafc @hullcityteam: The injury, not as bad as first feared, will see the winger sidelined for approximately 6 weeks. #hcafc
