He was a foot taller than everyone on Wednesday and barely won a header And when he did it's like a 50p head
Not at the game I was watching! But then, I wasn't watching with a predetermined opinion colouring my view!
4 League starts and 4 goals. Admittedly the image is just one occasion - but it does show that he doesn't always miss out or indeed appear to go from 6ft6 to 5ft10 when he jumps! I don't think he's actually bad at heading, rather it's his perception of where the ball is going and he always tends to be a few yards short so it just goes slightly over his head. Be interesting to watch out for this on Saturday and see if anyone else agrees with me. However, for someone who has only been in professional football for a couple of years to not only have to handle the pressure of playing for us but also the increase in quality of opposition; then his stats and even performances for me are more than acceptable. He definitely needs a lot of work on his awareness though. Whatever peoples views on him are, if this is the worst of him (and he is still quite raw, then I would have thought he would only get better with a consistent run out) I am excited for what he could turn out to be. He offers more for me than Blackstock anyway, but that's just my opinion.
They're two completely different types of player though...it's like comparing Mark Viduka to Billy Paynter
Smith is better than I expected,and he gives us an extra big guy when defending set pieces.LIW If people like you stay off his back you might be surprised.
Football is all about opinions but I think you'd struggle to find someone through the divisions (possibly barring a few robins) that would have ever gone for Billy over Mark, maybe even now despite 'Big Dukes' being 38! Keep in mind I'm not comparing wingers to a cm or a full back to a cb with these being two current players that compete for the same position in the team and I think we are a more effective and versatile side with Smith over Blackstock. Just my thoughts though
Smith has moved on a level. I remember his first couple of performances, his ball control was not the best. He can now hold it up, good passer, and can score with his feet....
Smith works for me in that he gives us alternative options. If everyne was fit, he wouldn't start. But he's very useful off the bench as an alternative option. He will only get better. Now LIW why don't you phark off back to the sad place that is JA. On there, your views might have currency. On here where we can see that we're trying to move in the right direction, your constant and permanent negativity isn't much appreciated and doesn't have much traction.
please log in to view this image Flipping useless. Do agree we could do with another striker through the door in January, I hear Norwich have a handy Argentine on their books who isn't getting a game.
If we need a striker can we get one we haven't seen before, and certainly not one with no match fitness and sharpness. If we sign anyone in January they need to hit the ground running. No time to piss about.
I have said al along the boy is work in progress but he is more than willing to learn and that's what I like about him just get of his back
