Sorry mate but you need to realise a defence is more than just one man. Are you going to judge Chris Smalling based on the amount of goals Maidstone let in when he was there? Grow up, we need a left-footed left back and quite frankly Tom James is a godsend in a time where good tacklers and left-sided players are scarce and finances are tight. Incidently, Brentford had a former care worker who had played in the non-league at the same time in their squad last night. There are little gems to be found everywhere- not everyone develops at the same rate or age and certainly not defenders or keepers.
No one is arguing that James could be a great find - but he's 22 and not played league football yet. It would be extreamly unfair for anyone to expect him to come in and do a consistant job at LB better than any of those tried there last season. And exactly the point I was making that one man doesn't make a defence - we let in over 70 goals last season - clearly that can't happen again - and that happened when we had a defender as a manager as we do now. We need to have a solid unit in defence and midfield and start keeping clean sheets on a regular basis as we managed to do at Brentford (League 1 attack). At least Mirfin has experience and looks like he can fit in - maybe he will win his place and they will move Mapps out to the left. The fact is there are lots of options for people who can do a job if status quo is all we're looking for. The club has had in over £6,000,000 during this close season - I know there is a lot to do off the pitch as well but there must be other players - some mentioned in previous threads such as Baxter who would be an improvement to the team immediatly and not such a long shot.
Mahon should never have been booed: I can't condone abuse against our own players when they're giving 100%, as Mahon clearly was. But he was a poor player whose best was mediocre. That's not an excuse for getting on his back during games but it is an explanation for the panning he received on messageboards. As for James, I've absolutely no idea. Unsurprisingly, I've never seen him play (deepest non-league football isn't my forte, sadly, although I do keep an eye out for Luton's results...) so I can't pass comment on his abilities. But we shouldn't be discouraged from signing unproven players, certainly not given our financial position. Kevin Phillips came from Baldock. Demerit was from Northwood, if memory serves. Both did very well when with us and arrived for little or no money. If James turns out to be a rough diamond then great; if not, we won't have lost much. I see the potential signing of an unknown, young, left-footed left back as far more positive news than the suggestion that we might be about to sign an ageing, immobile central midfielder. But, should we sign James, people are going to have to be realistic. None of this 'Travner is our saviour' nonsense. James has no experience whatsoever at this level and Dyche will be well aware of the risks that throwing him in at the deep end would pose.
I think we should give james a shot , but I still think we need another left back ! (by this I dont mean playing someone else out of position) plus another striker would be nice!
Anyone who says we shouldn't sign TJ clearly wasn't at Brentford last night. ------------ don't knock it til you've tried it- http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/12896192.stm
Anyone remember Barry Endeanr? Spotted playing in a park, given a chance by Watford and scored a lot of goals for us in one season. It doesn't happen very often, but from time to time someone appears who has slipped through the net.
OLM - some good points in there, but Mahon had a good period IMO between 2003 and 2006, so I wouldn't say he was totally useless like some on here. The only problem is time hasn't stood still and we are still a Championship side in 2011. My main point at the mo is I am disappointed that we are still trialling a left back at this late stage in pre-season. One point I do believe is Doyley is not the answer to our LB problem. After Saturday, we need to focus on the league season and Burnley wont be a pushover.
Elixir, I would say that, at best, Mahon was solid during that period. Undoubtedly one of Vialli's best signings, probably his best in fact, but we all know that's not saying much. Like I've said, I'll give him his dues: he gave his all for the club and did some unfashionable work in our own half. You're certainly right, however, that time hasn't stood still. Someone who was so-so five years ago is hardly worth paying a wage now, especially in central midfield where we have quite a few options. As for why we have a trialist so late on, I'm guessing that he only came to the attention of our scouts very recently. Ideally he would have joined up with the squad much earlier and got his fitness up, plus a few games. But we are where we are and I'm encouraged that those at the Brentford game, and Dyche himself, believe he acquitted himself well. As you say, Doyley's not a natural left back.
So OLM someone gets called a cretin because they have a different opinion to you. Nice. Showing your true colours?
Norway, start a new thread "Handbags" and just refer any petty squabbles to it with a handbag emoticon. Without exception everyone who posts here stops when "advised" and takes a step back I reckon. It might change when the footy starts in earnest and WUMs arrive but I'm guessing this board will reign over....
That, Aberdeen is a brilliant idea, I dont have the skills to conjure up a good handbag emoticon , However I know several people who can Although on second thoughts it is a very rare event , so for the moment I dont think its necessary,will keep the idea in the locker though
Norway, I was needlessly insulted the first time and Chris has followed that up with a needless dig of his own. Of course I'm going to respond in kind. If you care to read back Chris, you will see that it's not the difference of opinion I took issue with but the unhelpful and unwarranted (not to mention hypocritical...) addition of the word 'tool'. Not unfairly, I called someone a cretin for having acted like one. As for 'true colours', I've no idea what you're referring to. However, it's strange that you didn't pick up another poster for having used a cheap insult (and in his case it was utterly unprovoked). Inconsistent. Showing your true colours, perhaps?
OLM not wishing to take sides , (can understand why you retaliated) then both antagonists(name callers) go to the naughty corner till they shake hands ! Seriously guys tis a little petty! Season starts soon and no doubt we will have a few wums to play with, Dont have a pop at our own !
