He really isn't helping himself either though. He's at a similar stage of his career to Bowen was a few years ago, Bowen listened to those around him who knew what he needed to improve, got his head down, improved on those things and most importantly didn't let the hype around him effect him at all. From what I've seen, KLP needs to made sure he does all of the above ASAP and not let his potential slip away. He's got all the makings of a good player ( not Bowens kinda level I don't think ) but still a very good player.
Mercurial - barely gave the ball away. Always made himself available for the return pass. Brilliant display.
I agree - first half he was the worst player on the pitch. I was increasingly concerned about our right hand side with Coyle and Longman. It looked very weak and error prone.
Bernard looked easy on the ball - he seems to have confidence and assurance with it and I think he could be a huge asset for us this season. Doc getting back to his best. T Smith looking like he could do a job. Hudd just being Hudd. Higher pressing tempo which we play much better than the slow things down game we’ve tried recently. Lots of positives today, perfect football weather, East stand in full voice, not been as happy for a 0-0 result as this for years.
What a load of rubbish. The fact that is that the pricing structures and changes are because of supporter involvement. All agreed in meetings between supporters and the club. Stop living in the past, find out what the OSC does and how it operates and you might join the many who have been surprised. Let’s take today, we hosted away supporters and their families in the arena bar, they joined in the fund raising, chat and banter. Enjoyed the cheap bar prices and some even asked for pictures with Justin Whittle. So here is a challenge to you directly, come and see me on a Saturday home game when after a 250 mile drive, I spend two hours helping supporters enjoy their day. Before you turn up, read the match review that we post before every game, written by a supporter for supporters, enter the free competitions on our social media accounts, sit and have a chat with ex players and join in the banter. Have a drink at what I am told is the cheapest bar near the stadium ( I don’t drink anywhere else so cannot say myself). You might enjoy the decor that we helped fund, dip you hand in your pocket and help us to fund some more kids training places or contribute to the Jeff Astle Foundation. Whilst with me you might ask what I get from the club for the average of 10 hours a week I put in on behalf of supporters and you might be surprised to learn that it’s diddly squat. One free cup of coffee in 6 years of involvement. You might be surprised how many visiting clubs talk about how they envy us for what we have and wish that they had the same. But it isnt the club it is the supporters that have done and still do this. It isn’t the owners who control the OSC it’s supporters like me. Mind you I know you will not come, your sort never does.
I think Coyle is undroppable as long as Smallwood isn’t in the starting 11. He’s the unofficial vice-captain. Smallwood made way so Huddlestone could drop in alongside M. Smith so Coyle was there to wear the armband. I think Grant feels if neither Smallwood nor Coyle play, he lacks options for a third captain. Naturally, I think it would be Honeyman but he’s out. I don’t think Coyle’s a bad player at all but I think Emmanuel is the more talented of the two on his day. Coyle’s crosses do little in creating chances.
From what I’ve seen of Longman, the kid’s clearly got talent and determination but he’s rawer than a steak on Kitchen Nightmares. Like KLP, he’s in need of ironing out the kinks in his game and mastering the basics. Too often today he got the ball and drove at their defence, only to take a heavy touch out of play or into traffic or make a clumsy misplaced pass.
An enjoyable 0-0 to watch, and on the whole, bar the Derby game, we look capable of coping with this league. Some very good performances today, Bernard, (A. Jones might have to bide his time getting back in) Docherty, and Huddlestone stood out for me, and Greaves, Elder, and Matty Smith also did well. Coyle grew into the game but looked to struggle in the first half. Longman, just back from being out, look rusty, but he impressed in preseason games, so I guess he just needs to get back up to speed. William's looked lively when he came on and was unlucky with his curling shot which just went past the post. Their full-back handled KPL today well, kept him out wide where he is least effective. He has to learn how to deal with this, hopefully, this will come with experience. Tyler Smith did okay for his first game, but needs better service. All in all a good performance, and I'm sure we will get better, particularly when Honeyman and Wilk's are back up to speed. Though being out for the length of time Honeyman has, it may well take him several games to get back to his best.
Seems at this club if youre one of the favourites, your one of the names on the sheet.. irrespective of your abilities..
Totally agree about Hudds, there must of been some player at Derby to keep him out and to let him leave… or maybe they’re just ****ing idiots.. My moneys on the latter…
Are you seriously suggesting that McCann is jeopardizing results by engaging in favouritism? My opinion,for what it's worth,is that McCann is trying to establish his best 11.That in itself is proving extremely difficult due to the injury and suspension situation? The international break has probably came at a very convenient time for us and I would fully expect the starting 11 to become a little clearer over the next 4 or 5 games... You're entitled to your opinion but I think you are some way off the mark on this one...
Wow it seems i owe you an apology. Certainly no offence meant. But i take your point and i shall have a different view in the future. Apologies again and thanks for the effort you put in
I think all this talk of dropping Coyle is weird. He was good yesterday and he was probably our best player in both of the previous home games. His cross yesterday created our only real chance of the game so specifically criticizing his crossing is odd. I think it's great that a local lad is captaining us, playing consistently well and battling for the team like he does.