O K - as you know, I have been critical of him in the past. But I need to give him praise for his performance on Saturday - although I thought Charlie Lee was outstanding, and probably man of the match......... HOWEVER........ Tonight Matt Fish played a 'blinder'. Well done - long may it continue. I would like to praise the rest of the team for remaining solid in the second half. I suspect that we will have to be as solid on Saturday at Port Vale. I doubt if Charlie Lee will be fit - and Weston's ham string will not have recovered. Once again - well done Matt Fish.
I have to say he is one of the most improved individuals in years I don't think a player has improved as much as he has for a long time, even the improvent of Richards was not as much as Fish, I really like him now and enjoy watching him play.
People did not appreciate that he was just a young part-timer at Dover until August last year and he got in the Gills first team too early when Fuller was injured so he was bound to make mistakes. He has been the best full back in this league since about last March, it has taken until now for some people to realise it. The problem now is keeping him because he is starting to get noticed and he has the speed to play at a much higher level. Last night any of the back four could have been man of the match. Even Martin played out of his skin in the second half. They really do look solid as a unit.
He is by far the most improved player for me, and that is a long list of players! He is the heart and sole of defence, he can scale great hights, he never looks out of water, not seen him out of plaice.. etc etc
Matt Fish - another good game tonight ( last night by now !! ) - continues to be the most improved player this season. ( and you all know what I thought last year )
I'm not sure for how long, but martin allen has confirmed on the O/S that matt fish will be signing a new contract after his impressive start to the season...wonders will never seace !
Fish is still young and must by now be the club's most valuable asset in terms of potential transfer fees. It is just sensible business to tie him to a longer contract.
His runs on the right have been absolutely outstanding this season and I feel he has really benefited from having a younger, more agile centre half beside him. Great news to hear he has signed a new contract, he had a bad injury early on last season and it's nice to see (touch wood) that he hasn't had any hints of that recurring. Let's go perform at a tricky tie on saturday and keep the ball rolling. UTG.
He has gone from the player I really did not like seeing in the team to one of the first on the team sheet, he is also now one of my favourites and I believe I am not the only person who has changed their thoughts about him. He is so good going forward and does create good chances aswell as being quiet good at the back, I hope the deal is a good length, 2 or 3 years added on to his current one that ends this season would be good as I feel other clubs will want him.
Whilst I totally agree that he is vastly improved since last year, and is still only young, but am I the only person that has noticed his frequent inability to find a team mate with his passes, and his general inability to keep hold of possession full stop? I grant that he is generally good going forward and he can put in a decent cross and runs with the ball quite well though. Would he not be better employed as a winger rather than a full back maybe?
No I think he is good at the back, that is an aspect which he is improving at and he will only get better, I don't think right wing would be good either because with Whelpdale and Allen in the team it would be no use if Fish was one aswell.
he makes a lot of saving tackle for me and in a foot race hes always the one out of the back 4 that makes it back. going forward he can almost be as tricky as some of our wingers without being as flash. all in all a much improved player and yet more testiment to hess's eye for talent!!
In martin allens press conference for oxford, allen has said he almost brought a rightback in to replace matt fish, but now fish has signed a two year deal and could well play premier league football in the future along with a few more of our players, some are good enough for the chamionship and all the squad is league one standard ...martin allen's words.
I think Matt Fish is good but Premiership, don't know about that, he may be able to play Championship, but Premiership I think one step to far, but you never know.
I'm still not sure on this one although I accept I missed the games in general (Southend) where Fish put in the performance. I probably need to see more to make a fair judgement. I felt against Rochdale he did well coming down on the right, the bit that concerns me is that I do not see the point in a right back coming down that wing if he then attempts to turn it into poor efforts on goal. He needs to be finding players such as Whelpdale in space with the ability for the end result. Although not sure if that is a failing on Fish's part or Whelpdale for not creating himself the space for Fish to apply the killer pass. Sadly I have still not forgotten Barnet away and he was completely outclassed imo.
brb as you know we shared that experience together - and Fish did struggle against their N0.11 ( I think his name was Holmes ) - since then Fish has performed very well, especially in the games v Southend, Port Vale and lately at Northampton. I know that his final ball - be it out of defence or whilst attacking, is a work in progress - I feel that he has greatly improved from the player that I would, until recently have gladly nominated for the top of our bonfires next month. Despite my criticisms of last season I was prepared to give him a fresh start - which I am pleased that ( in the main ) he has taken.
Isn't it interesting how people judge a players improvement solely on Manager's comments. Fish is our weak link, along with Joe Martin, he cannot pass, defend or head. Clearly those who are now tipping him for greatness are confused or trying to justify themselves, I include our esteemed manager in this.
