Now we’ve had a chance for a good look at the lad, I’m wondering what the general opinion of him is... My honest opinion is that he is poor and isn’t good enough for the first team. Games pass him by with him only making a couple of contributions at most in a match. Our players tend to miss him out when passing and he gives the ball away a lot. I see people putting him their starting XI and wondering what they see in him?
I think he's got a decent touch and his movement is good. A couple of times I can think of, his runs have pulled defenders out of the way leading to goals or, at least, chances. He's never going to be a legend but I think he's fine for League 1.
Better than Leadbitter. Had some good games and some average ones, but feel more comfortable with him in the side.
Winchester and Scowen moust be the weakest midfield in L1. Update, Hawkes and Neil have just scored for the U23's 2-1 so far.
I know you're going to dismiss this, but Football Manager 21 stats would suggest that neither Hawkes or Neil are any better than Winchester or Scowen. Clubs do use those databases https://www.footballmanagerblog.org/2018/03/how-football-manager-is-used-in-real-life.html?m=1 And I still think if the various coaches in the club thought they were ready, they'd be in the first team picture.
Not for me. Leadbitter was comfortably the best midfielder on the pitch against Hull on either side. Got time. Thought Winchester was poor on Saturday.
Going back to Portsmouth away when a lot if social media were raving about him. He regularly miscontrols the ball or knocks it too far. That was apparently one of his best games and i thought he was poor. Not seen anything to change my opinion although at least he's not george dobson
He's been in and out the team too much to really get a good idea of what he's capable of. Johnson has tinkered with the team selection and formation so much that the lad hasn't had time to settle. FWIW I think he looks tidy on the ball and has a bit of a nasty edge to him. If we play him in a 2 alongside Power and O'Nien then we may see the best of him
Scowen is the worst player I have seen in front of goal, would make a tremendous penalty taker in Rugby however. Based on Hawkes knowing where the goal is I think he deserves a chance even from the bench. Certainly once we are confirmed a playoff place.
Certainly players that are performing well in the u23s deserve a chance in the first team. But I think the assumption that good performances in the u23s is going to translate to an improvement in the first team's results is a massive one. In the u23s, they're playing against players of u23 level, in the first team, the oponents they face will be of different quality.
I fully agree, no guarantees but I just think he deserves a shot. The kid has been pretty prolific and let’s face it the u23 side is pretty poor which makes the numbers more impressive.
Agree, but I believe he was signed as Leadbitter replacement or cover for the remainder of this season before he possibly ends his playing career. As LJ first signing I thought he'd be better than what he has offered so far.
Not enough fir me though. I was a massive one wanting Ryan Noble to play first team footy! He’s not even good enough fir non league now! And yes wasn’t then. I’m not saying he’s not good enough, just that I haven’t seen enough of him (or any of the others) to pass a sound judgement
Not a chance LJ gives Hawkes a chance over his favourites. No matter how we are playing, Power, O’Brien and Scowen are certs in the side. Pathetic really.
I've seen enough of him, regularly hides, doesn't show for throw-ins, and watches the game going on around him instead of getting into it. We need better.