He is a player that I had hoped would develop and get into our first team. I wish him well and think think that Hull have got themselves a class player.
Luvgonzo. Its a shame that there is better young defenders at the club.I just reckon Wisdom has more about him. However that isn't to say Ayala isn't a cracking defender, because he is.
Did you have to learn talking bo11ox or does it come naturally? 1. Where have I ever said NP is shyte? 2. Where have I said we cannot accommodate 3 CBs in the squad? 3. The factual basis the you are wrong is that in your post above you stated Hobbs had to wait his chance to play centre back and that that chance only came up because Rosenior got injured. LOOK AT THE STATS, THEY PROVE YOU WRONG!!
Your right, Wisdom and Kelly will play center back for us eventually and I didn't see Ayala breaking through anytime soon, this is what probably prompted the sale.
1, Okay I'm exaggerating slightly, guilty there. 2, That's what this is about, isn't it? You were suggesting Chester would be played out of position or not at all, if I'm wrong about that then there isn't a debate because we agree. 3, I said Chester only played RB when Rosey got injured, which he did.
Liverpool had high hopes for Andre Wisdom about 3 years ago. When he was 15 he was enormous. He was regarded as being a ''Man Child''. Similar to Wayne Rooney in that respect. Wisdom has progressed over the years. I reckon he's got the makings of a very good defender.
2. My point is consistent. I fully welcome Ayala coming in. What should happen is that the 2 CBs performing best should be on the teamsheet. What I think will happen is (based on last season) that NP will not drop Hobbs from the CB role even if he does not play as well as Ayala or Chester. He will either drop Chester, which he has not done so far and on current form would be appalling, or he will move him out of position, probably into the midfield, or he will change formation to a 3 CB structure. 3. Quote: "Nonsense. Last season Hobbs sat on the bench until the CB opening came up. It only came up because Rosenior got injured and the midfield were ****e. " I say again, Hobbs didn't have to wait he was shoehorned in initially in a 3 man CB formation, then (much later) when Rosenior was injured and Chester moved over.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/14436511.stm Just seen him rossi's chip shop boys, said he wanted to play in the prem ;-)
I trust NP to manage 3 decent defenders in 2 positions. It will be a rarity that they are all fit, available and on form but when they are I'm sure he'll still pick the best team available, not one that pleases his mate Hobbsy. If he managed to turn this situation into a bad thing as you suggest, It'd be appalling management.
I like Nigel Pearson both as a man and as a manager. However, he has and will make mistakes. Sometimes your strengths can also turn out to be your weaknesses. He puts a lot of stock in character. He will only work with players that have character and he particularly likes those that he trusts to do as he says. That is fine but you also have to be pragmatic and sometimes the wild-child awkward players are a must because even though they are high maintenance, they get the job done. You can number Deano in that bracket. I'm not sure NP has the mindset to be bothered with that kind of player and he gives too much preference to "triers". I also wonder if NP has the imagination to create plan Bs or plan Cs. He is a very stubborn, dour type of character and usually it's the more flamboyant (eg. certain tanned people and certain bald people who manage seaside clubs in the North West) who create something out of the ordinary to turn 1 point into three or no points into one. I think NP has a special place in his thoughts for Jack Hobbs and I think his loyalty to him over the less experienced James Chester, may well result in him playg the former over the latter in the CB role. I have no knowledge of Hobbs or Chester to the level of NP. I just watch the games. I'm sure I know less than NP has forgotten about defending. HOWEVER, I have watched many football games in my time and James Chester is heading toward being one of the best centrbacks I have seen. Hobbs is a good defender but I just don't see from him the kind of qualities I witness from Chester in the CB role. That is how I see things.
Good post. I just wonder what has driven the move for Ayala, was it always on or the injury to Mcshane that prompted it? Chester has been good so far but i have posted before i think he is too small. Im sticking with that, i reckon thats what NP thinks, over a season in the CCC there are some big old boys and i can see Chester getting dominated physically. I think if Ayala comes he plays,i would put money on it being Chester who misses out.
I was wondering this, I really hope it wasn't motivated solely by the injury because if it did that just shows a blatant lack of foresight by NP. If he thought we could get throught the season with 2 CBs and McShane he is a silly man. He probably didn't think that though, I'd imagine the opportunity has only arisen recently. Chester does lack height and it showed when GT-F beat him to a header at a corner on Friday. This is why we need Hobbs, you need height somwewhere in the team.
I think without question the injury to McShane triggered it. I think the budget for season 11/12 would only allow for ONE new CB. I think NP went with Hobbs (see my post above for the reason!!). I reckon if the money had been there Ayala would have been a Tiger weeks ago. The injury to McShane, I reckon, has caused Adam and NP to go banging on Pappa Allams door with wearing the puppy-dog eyes, and the man from Del Monte say "Yes". Unfortunately, the delay looks to have now scuppered the deal because a Premiership club is also sniffing around and will double the wages we would offer. I'm sure Ayala holds NP in high regard, in fact I know he does. But he would be a fool to turn down the chance to play regularly for a Premiership side in preference to playing for us. I'm afraid this one was left too late.
I was waiting for someone to mention that GTF header. Chester lost out at that instant not because of his height but because GTF made an intelligent late run on the corner. This brings me to the point about Chester. You don't have to win headers when defending against tall strikers in your penalty box. Strange statement? No! All a good defender has to do is to get in a hard, fair challenge that puts the attacker off. That is precisely what Chester managed to do against GTF. Knowing he wouldn't get there first he made sure he put GTF off his header, which is why the chance was missed. Have a look at the BBC coverage of the game on line, it is clear as day that GTF was put-off his header because he turned his head away because Chester came steaming in in front of him. That is the skill of James Chester. That is why I rate him so highly; he is VERY intelligent. He doesn't rush in, he picks the challenges he knows he can win and his timing is sublime. If he can't win a challenge, he won't rush in (as I might say Hobbs has a tendency to do), he drops off, tucks in and makes the challenge when the opponent has the ball but no space which gives the defender the advantage. He is exceptional.
