Can't remember if we've had a full on debate about this on here, but many see RM as a problem position which may (or may not) need addressing in The Championship next season. Thought I'd set up a poll and see what you all think
Personally I'm quite undecided: I really like Danny Green, but he never ever commits himself to a challenge which really pisses me off. I think if he can work on that side of his game then I'd be perfectly happy with him - he's one of the best crosser's I've seen at the club, is great at corners, can take an effective long throw, has a good amount of tricks up his sleeve and can take a long range shot. Only problems are his knack of going anonymous (true for any winger though) and aforementioned unwillingness to commit to tackles. As much as I like Wagstaff's commitment (and his knack of getting goals), I don't see much of a future for him at the club. He can't cross and he never ever takes on the full-back (making his pace redundant). I think he should seriously consider trying to play behind the striker (as an attacking midfielder/second-striker) if he wants a career in the game. Danny Haynes, whilst he has blistering pace has a habit of drifting in too much (not 'cutting inside', rather he is just seemingly unaware of a winger's positioning on the field). His crossing doesn't seem great either to be honest. His pace can literally tear defences apart though, so I'm hoping we see a lot more of him next season.
I managed a vote for great Scott, I have great faith in his abilities and he's had another successful season.
There is your answer. Out-and-out wingers are a luxury in the modern game. It's like playing with 10 men for 70% of the season. Unless your name is George Best or Garrincha I don't want you in my team. Now if we could surgically combine Wagstaff and Green into one, we would have a hell of a player on our hands, because each is stongest where the other is weakest. Wagstaff's speed, willingness to support his full-back, and knack of poaching goals, and Green's ball skills, crossing ability and long-range shooting. But unfortunately we cannot (unless we add Dr Frankenstein to the back-room staff) so they both remain stamped "NOT GOOD ENOUGH". Not for the Championship, anyway. Our getting promoted did neither a favour because with another season in Div One one of them might have worked on his game enough to seal a regular place. As it is, we need to sign a new "right midfielder" and by that I don't mean some fancypants winger who shines as often as Halley's Comet, but a player who has all the midfield assets, can pass neatly (no need for Hollywood), can tackle and take a tackle himself without collapsing like a soggy paper bag, head the ball, has a good motor, and can break forward and score now and then. Nearest thing we have to that on the books is Bradley Pritchard. He seems a fast learner. With a bit of coaching on playing wide he might cut it there because he is not rugged enough to play CM. But, if we have the money, we need to buy as well. Sell Green to Swindon to link up with Benson again, and send Wagstaff out on loan because the coaching staff at Charlton have messed up his natural game. Let's see if other coaches can restore his promise.
The bit I've highlighted I've been thinking ALL season Wagstaff's Pace, Goalscoring knack and commitment to challenges + Green's crossing, willingness to go past the full-back and set pieces would make a pretty perfect winger! I'm hoping Danny Green will come good in The Championship, I have more faith in him than I do in Wagstaff sadly I guess we'll just have to wait and see what happens. Whats that old cliche? Ah yes, "In Chris Powell we trust".
I believe that both could do their part in the championship. Wagstaff to play when the enemy fullback is decent attacking threat, Green when defending is as much of a worry.
Keep Green and sign a new winger to compete with him. Haynes is (and should be) a striker - the last 2 games when he got to play up top, he actually scored 2 very good (and different) goals. Could well be maturing at a perfect time for us.
He did indeed. I just felt some might appreciate the choice of Haynes as a RM on the poll. After some consideration I've gone for Green, but I'd like us to sign another RM to push him.
He said that one of the reasons he signed was to get a chance as striker. He felt that being played as a winger had held back his development. Obviously every player should be prepared to do their best in whatever postion the manager selects them or get their coat, but no point in looking for trouble.
eddie, I don't think Pritchard is a right-winger. He did play there a couple of times this season, and from memory it was one of the home games against Bury or Rochdale when we really struggled to get our game together (not that I'm laying the blame at his door in particular). What would people think of a Johnnie Jackson-type player on the right? Or are we looking for a speedster?
I wasn't suggesting him as a "winger". I hate bloody wingers. I was suggesting him as a wide midfielder like Jackson. As I said, he would need to get used to the position and be coached into it. Otherwise, good player as he is, I don't know where he could fit in our team. He would be doomed to sit on the bench as utility cover. But we really need to sign someone, if necessary getting rid of Green or Wagstaff or both. Marc Pugh from Bournemouth is the right sort and wants a move to a higher level. May be out of our price range though.
The right midfield will not be a problem in the Championship and the two players we have are more than adequate, there are no plans to sign a RM except for back-up. Central midfield is the area that needs concentrating on especially in the Championship where an enforcer role a la Bailey is needed.
Don't see us being successful with Green and Stephens both in the team. Would bring in a new RM with Wagstaff as backup/competition. There's a reason Green lost his place and the Championship isn't going to be any easier for him. Would be great if he stepped up to it of course, but based on last season he's a long way off.
Really?!! I can understand the criticism of Green (though personally I think he's much better than most people suggest), but Stephens in my opinion will be one of our most important players in The Championship. He has all the attributes which make up a great Championship midfielder and his style of play suits that division a lot more than League One. He'll have more time on the ball, and thus more time to pick out killer passes - switching the ball to the other flank or tearing the defence apart with a through ball.
I think Stephens will step it up next season. Some were quick to dismiss the notion of having more space in the Championship, but Kermo did an interview shortly after promotion and said that was the main difference he noticed between the two divisions. However, it does depend on where CP sees Stephens. I'm not a fan of him playing this ''quarterback'' role. I want to see him forward, splitting defences and getting more shots on goal as it's evident he has a strike on him. As for Green - he has the ability, he just needs to get over this mental block that CP openly addressed in the fans meeting.
