Spot on; I think many would be surprised that Hudds was well up that stat last season, I know I was when I found it about three weeks ago! When I finally got to see the highlights it was noticeable that Clucas was doing a lot of work off the ball, which in 3-5-2 is essential to minimise the risk of being caught on the break. When the window closed I gave SB 10-15 games before I would 'demand' him replaced, rather than frustrated banter. It isn't so much about the players, but more about how he allows them to express themselves. Part of the joy of this game is being surprised, stunned by the unexpected, seeing the improbable become the reality, the season turner. It was good to see our banner, 'In Bruce We Trust', as the backdrop to the beamback on the BBC website. Has he had a long hard think? Are his Ugly Ducklings going to blossom? If they do it will be down to us, his constant advisors.
Stats for distance covered are a handy additional piece of information for the coaches, but it's also important not to get too hung up on them. Intelligent use of your available energy is crucial, which means sprinting when necessary and taking a breather when necessary. I'm sure many of us have heard stories of players crowding round eagerly when the totals are pinned up on the wall - the chances are some players in the game (not necessarily at City) have jogged around needlessly in games with that final figure in mind. (The same goes for some players choosing short, easy passes with their completion percentage in mind.) Place too much faith in the totals, and more players will be encouraged to massage their stats.
I like what I've seen of the boy Clucas. He's a little raw, but what's wrong with that? Has heart, has desire and has potential. If we look after him right, he could be big for us for a long time to come.
8-11 is normal for a midfielder, 12 is high (only one player managed to average that in the whole PL season), 13.5 is very high, no one averages that so to hit that for a single game is exceptional.
I think he's been ok. Clearly there's been a period of settling in. At 13.5KM he's clearly a more ginger, more athletic version of Quinn. Our team has proper balance with a ginge in the side. I like Clucas and think he'll be fine. He's clearly got a great character as he's come through all the knock backs in his career.
I am surprised Chazz you saying that you being an aficionado of the game, I thought you would have have seen him in a much better light. I have been impressed with him, and not just his work rate, but he is also his all round performance.
Are you saying I'm Gingist glp?? Ye I do like the fact he's battled on. Maybe just needed to find his right position. he was up front for Chesterfield. Mebbe thats Hoddle demanding players played everywhere to get to know the game better.
He was good at Cardiff, but it's stretching it a bit to say he's been our best player... http://www.hulldailymail.co.uk/Sam-Clucas-Hull-City-s-best-player/story-27824491-detail/story.html?
Pretty damning from Brucey "It's a different debate but when I look at the under-21s and the league they play in, they seem to still be playing boys football. "When you've got someone who's been at Mansfield and Chesterfield, no disrespect to them, he's grown up because he's had to. "If you're not tough enough down there, then you're just blown away. So really we should be looking for rough diamonds in Div 2 cos those teams are skint and give a chance to their youngsters cos teams like us have too much pressure to try the youngsters and buy ready made replacements. So our lads wont kick on unless they get a loan!! Its madness innit
I don't buy all this stuff about our youngsters playing at a poor standard. They said that last season and now the same lads are playing in the proper development league or whatever and they're doing absolutely fine against clubs who don't seem to mind playing their youngsters. Hull United have a couple of ex-City juniors from a few years ago and none of them have any problems getting stuck into seriously hard tackles. It's a load of bollocks, we're just scared to give them a chance. Look at Greg Luer; what more could he have done in his League Cup appearances? Hasn't he proved he can handle it by playing against Accrington and Rochdale same way Clucas has against lower league sides? We're badly short of strikers so when will he get a start?
I think the main reason Luer is not thrown in quickly is mainly due to him being a striker who feed off confidence. If he plays at a tougher level too early then he could have is confidence dented. I guess you have to leave it to the coaching staff to decide when he is ready, and playing him in cup games eases him into better standard of football.
