Massively disappointed with Curtis' performances and his attitude this season. There was some stuff about his contract pre season and him agitating for an increased deal. I dont remember if this was sorted out and not sure if it has any bearing on his performances, but summats not right with him. Is it Dawson coming in? Last season when he went up for a corner he looked dangerous all the time, this season- nothing. Are him and Dawson working well together? I dont think so. If we go 4 at the back should he be the one to stand down? I know we all think Dawson's been great but my one criticism is, why is he making so many last ditch blocks. He's always on his arse. Is he out of position a lot or always covering others. Its an old adage but defenders are always told stay on your feet. If Davies is unhappy do we get rid in January. If the spirit isnt there then Brucey's going to have to move some players on.
I just think Davies isn't actually all that great, and was having a purple patch on the thrill of the challenge of proving himself in the premier league. His performances really started dropping around March so I don't think it's anything to do with a contract. I think it's good we didn't offer him one as on current form he certainly doesn't deserve it. That said he's not as bad as he's been recently, he's just having a bad run of form. RE Dawson, I don't know, but he's been fantastic and whether he's on his arse or on his feet, very little gets past him and so long as that continues I couldn't care less if he's doing handstands. Davies should definitely be the one who drops to the bench when we go to a back four, because he's easily been the worst of the three overall this season, but as he's been made club captain and judging by Bruceys previous selections, I'm fairly certain it will be Chester who makes way.
Personally I'd picked one or the other to play with Chester. I think without Chester we lack pace and someone who really pass a ball.
hate to say it but I'd select Chessie with Dawson in a 442 see how that goes but hey, Curtis is club captain so there's a conundrum.. (which is an instrument I've never tried)
The other major plus you get with Dawson is his ability to ping amazingly accurate long balls out wide from defensive positions and I can't remember when if ever we've had a centre half who could do that. For all his other undoubted qualities I'm not even sure if that was in Jobbo's repertoire?
I agree, I think Chezzy and Dawson would be the best pairing. I think Dawson coming in has showed up Curtis's weaknesses, and on top of that Curtis is a bit overawed by Dawson presence.
IMO, time for Davies to get the Huddlestone treatment and pass the capt. armband over to Dawson. CD is making too many mistakes and Everton is the perfect game to give Paul McShane another game. He has been unlucky to be dropped the past 2 games.
Spot on. Chester is much quicker than Davies. We only need 3 at the back @ Everton so tomoz it has to be Chester - Dawson - McShane. imo.
I'm not sure how comfortable either of those two are in the left sided position, which might be an additional problem with that pairing. Fine if you have to but if it isn't forced on us is it not better to keep the best players in the position they are used to?
Curtis hasn`t been up to the standard he set himself last season, may benefit from a break. I`d personally try a flat 4 with Chessie and Dawson in the middle, with Robbo and Rosie as the full backs, putting Robbie in front on the left and Elmo in front on the right.
If Huddlestone isn't guaranteed a place, then Davies certainly isn't. Bruce has shown he's willing to wield the axe (eventually) when necessary. If Davies' performances aren't going to improve, then why shouldn't he be dropped? Koren was club captain and started on the bench once we were promoted, I believe the armband was given to Hobbs or Dawson in his absence in the championship. I'd give it to Dawson, Elmo or Jelavic if we dropped Curtis. As for Dawson, he's been so good and our position really doesn't do him justice. I think he has the mettle to keep us up, although his lack of relegation battles will certainly be a test, but he's played at the highest level so I don't see why he couldn't use that skill to keep us in the league. Him and Chester to start against Everton for me.
Davies looks to me like he's in a fully fledged sulk/**** around like a prick, mode. He was gash at United, looked disinterested. And that overhead kick at Burnley, when we were playing ****, 1-0 and just needed some composure and intelligence in that area of the pitch, was just unforgivable. He needs to pull his head out his arse quick, or take a seat for a few weeks.
has to be dawson and chester in defence for me, Chester is getting plaudits at wales and dawson looks great for us!...Davies needs a rest! Hope we don't play with 5 at the back! i'd like to see the 4-4-2 that we played so well against west ham with!
Agreed! totally forgot about the overhead kick, what was he thinking lol. and the header down to one of man utd's attackers in the last match was simply shocking. Infact I wondered why bruce didnt bring Davies off instead of Ben Arfa, he was nearly at fault for their first goal, luckily livermore tracked back. Not sure what Davies is doing, but a few Hull fans have lost trust in him this season i think! If he does play against Everton, he better have a great game!
On the subject of Dawson the reason he has looked better than Davies is because he is!! You have to realise this season (and most of last) we were under the cosh a lot, with hardly any possession and our back line has a lot of pressure to deal with. It's why last season I laughed off davies for England calls, he is what he is a solid lower premier league defender, but put a defender of a higher calibre (Dawson) in there and they will out preform him. For you stat whores out there you have to realise we deal with a lot more pressure than most other clubs in the division, hence our cbs have better defensive stats!!
