Was in the club shop at the stadium today and Craig Gardner was in the queue ahead of me. Really nice bloke and had a quick chat with him about Gus Poyet, the Man Utd game and the rest of our season. He is convinced that we have enough in the squad to stay in the Premier League and seemed almost in shock that I had mentioned that I think we'll recover and stay up. Good to see that the players have some positivity and belief. He said that Gus Poyet is really good and they have already had training sessions with him. Also admitted that he should have scored a second at the Man Utd game. Icing on the cake for me was that he penned a note and autographed it for my 9 year old son. Good to see a player that is in touch with the fans. Cheers Craig and bang a couple in against the Mags for all of us.
Gardners one of my most favourite players at the club, plays just about anywhere and always gives his all. a powerful shot a gets us around 6/7 goals a season. All positives from my view. Glad to see he's a top bloke too
I'd play Gardner over Larsson and Johnson as he gives everything every game. AJ would be an impact sub for me.
Top bloke Gardner, he is from near where I live and everyone who knows him and his brother say they are both really nice guys, the money has not gone to their heads and they just love playing football. I like Gardner as a player, he gets goals and is a threat. He try's to go forward instead of sideways in midfield. I hope he can build a good partnership with Catts. Could be a massive player for us this year.
I know Gards has his critics (me included at times) but he is ALWAYS prepared to take a shot or gamble with his position. I know he is not gonna reproduce the 20 goals a season he scored for Brum... But if all midfielders chipped in 5 goals a season then we will be more than okay.
The best compliment I can give his is that he a poor mans Paul Scholes. Very versatile, always gives his all and never see him back out of a 50/50, hope Gus can find a position for him.
Agree his passing could be better, but he can practice that whilst you can't practice not being a mercenary dick. Way out in front of Larsson, but AJ seems to be running into some form. Truth is, we could use all three playing well.
Love his commitment, gritty tackling, shooting and penalty taking ability - he's one of the best I've seen....and the fact he's a down to earth lad who loves football, rather than the money footie brings. I gather he has now settled into the area, so I hope we can utilise him better in a more settled 3 man midfield. Only negatives are that he can dwell on the ball and get caught out (e.g. Man Utd) if he has too much time. He's better under pressure with quick, short sharp passes.
He's grown on me too, and not in a cyst-like way Q: Was it Gards who messed up his cross against Man U when we were 3 against 1, or was it AJ? Can't remember..
Twas Gardner mate. I really like him, always have. Love his character, workrate and shooting boots. I just pray he can develop his game to pass, move and retain or he can kiss a new contract goodbye.
It looked to me like he was trying to get it onto his right foot - didn't trust himself to cross with his left. Thats my biggest issue with many players today - just 1 footed!! Still I like his attitude.
Good heavens Cest..you and I are in agreement..about AJ IMHO neither Larsson or Gardner are really top class premier players..although both of them bring more to the team than AJ does atm. A new poster on Syd's forum has some good stats about AJ. To tighten up our defence, I would play two wing backs Jack can be on the left, if the the new Italian LB is any good. TBH not sure who we have who could play on the right, it may well be between Craig or Seb. We also need another £15m striker...trying to get a cheapo in, Graham and Altidore has not worked
Same here. I'm both footed so easy for me to mock those who can't. anywhere in front of the 6 yard box and boom! I'd have rather him make the right pass and fluff it on his left then bottle the pass and try to bring it on his right. It's done anyway and certainly doesn't define his career. Just hope he can develop a passing game.
Makes you wonder how good Paul Scholes would look in our current team though, remember he could not tackle for toffee.
