We don't need players who are dissatisfied at Ashton Gate because it probably creates an atmosphere around the ground. Good luck to him and now let's get rid of some of the other dissenters and get on with our season. A good win at Forest tomorrow would fit the bill and bring us all a warm fuzzy feeling which is sorely needed at these difficult times.
I think it’s best for all concerned, he’s a good player, but unlikely to get much game time in our present system, I’m sure there will be a few more departures before the window closes. It’s a shame because I like him and I don’t think we got the best out of him, I wish him well for the future and hope he kicks on as I’m sure he is capable of.
It didn’t help him that we had Fammy as our main striker. The amount of decent balls he put in to the opposition box, only for Fammy to be nowhere near must have been dis-heartening. Then we signed Wells, who’s game is not about winning headers meant he was always surplus to requirements. I bet Chris Martin will be sorry though.....
I suppose in the end it was a choice of 3 fairly similar players. The crux has always been building a midfield to support Paterson, Eliasson or O'Dowda and maybe even Weimann in that number 10 role and freeing them up from the running, tracking and tackling aspect and sadly that has taken far too long to get close to solving, so far Bakinson has emerged as that player but as the season continues Williams, Walsh and Morrell need to step up as well to keep that midfield covering for whoever plays that number 10 role. I agree fully about Diedhiou, he is one dimensional in that he only ever goes far post and usually behind his marker, the near post is a mystery to him. He also is reactive and not proactive when a ball is pumped up towards him, he reacts far too late but never takes a chance on the defender missing the ball and making a run and if he does get to the ball first his first touch is normally poor or the defender beats him too easily and the ball comes straight back. This problem has improved significantly since Martin arrived and Bakinson has slotted into midfield. Eliassion was poorly managed always the first to be dropped after a poor result, even though he was always our best chance of creating a goal and expected to operate as a fully functioning midfielder because our midfield was weak and disorganised to support him and let him loose, Paterson is now looking like the player he was 3 seasons ago.
Agree about Paterson. Another ‘weird’ situation with him under LJ; one minute he’s playing every game, then he’s suddenly loaned out to Derby out of the blue, then back in the side again when he returned. Very strange. LJ or Ashton? We’ll never know I suppose. .......
I think we all know Pato is, and has been very prone to bursts of great form, followed by mediocre at best. It's something he needs to fix and become more consistent. Time will tell if it was how was managed by LJ, or whether it's him? I would say though, that his time on loan at Derby last season had similar traits. No doubt a fully fit and motivated Pato is, a very good player at Championship level.
As I said I think his loss of form was more because instead of utilising his strengths to the full (and the same could be said of Eliassion) by having a fully functioning and disciplined midfield that could let them do their thing and fill in for their lack of tracking back, picking up runners and tackling.
WHISPER WHISPER … crux was? ... wanted more money and guaranteed game time as player or sub as wanted international football …
Niclas could not play as a wing back so either we play 4 at the back or he does not play Think we were right to take the money To be fair he sounds like a good bloke and he spoke well on his departure - so we wish him well for the future
Could have played in the number 10 role but so can Paterson, O'Dowda, Weimann and probably Walsh and Morrell at a push. I wish him well.
had opportunities to go other UK TEAMS … and bigger fee's! but opted for the south of france where his skills may be attractive to the likes of NICE/ MARSEILLE/ MONACO etc and international recognition full time ….
