chris_ktf

What's been said that's unexplainable? The heading point is one facet of his all round game. An his all round game is dire.

Is it service, our style of play, the opposition, he's to small, he doesn't like it in the air, he doesn't like it near him. He can't see the ball properly. Is it just not a lack of desire?

He hasn't played man mountains every week. I don't necessarily expect him to win every header, but I do expect him to compete. To look for the second ball, if he loses the initial header. He's very cute at giving the impression he's being lent on- he will be when he tucks himself under a guys chest. As you say he even worse in the box where his lack movement and/or anticipation is frightening. He hardly ever gambles. I've been to nearly every home game, an he's produced once. Against vale. Not good enough.

The thing is with them three, they've got a modicum of talent, they have a performance in them. It's just once in a blue moon.

So we don't expect him to win headers an flick ons- but we do expect him to be on the end of a cross with his head? What's the difference? Heading IMO is a massive part of a strikers game. We seem to be actively defending the fact he can't/ won't jump. He shrinks.

Both replies on about service again. Always other people's fault. The team, the set up, the manger, the service. What about him?? Credit to Johnson I think he agrees. Rooney has been played less an less. When needed a goal yesterday our main striker got subbed for a kid. I'll be stunned if they don't try an move him on in the summer.

He's been mentioned a bit on another thread, but can't believe he hasn't come in for a more thorough analysis. Can we have a debate About HIS responsibility for HIS performance. The service point is valid to a point, but to me it's totally masking the issue. He doesn't appear to have a first touch. He can't / won't jump. He doesn't bring others in. His passing is poor. He doesn't win headers. He's lightweight. He looks 'busy' but won't challenge. He actually looks like he can't run. Nearly all of the above are about desire. An he's got none. He's slowly morphing into keigan Parker. For the wage he's on- the biggest dissapontment of the squad by a country mile.

Without a doubt.

All the players are up for debate are they not? I support them by proxy- because they play for my club. But unqualified support? Are they immune from discussion? Isn't that why we all come on here? For whatever reasons these lads are hit an miss. As are others in the squad. I hope they can find some consistency, an develop into the players we hope.

Tarky is testament to that. His development has been quality. The question is why haven't they had a decent run. Bad luck, poor form, not quite ready? If I take my rose tinted specs off, maybe they aren't as good as we think or hope.

Tarky wasn't far off. Debut season in an out. Last season played a hell of a lot wiv mvoto. Undroppable this season. Generally if there good enough they do break through- certainly by the end of their second season. Kirk. Good impact player. Bury away last season he won us the game with his assist for smith. When he starts he's disappointing, never really affects the game in the same way as he does from the bench; a la Sid. I wouldn't keep. Mellor. IMO has had opportunities, but from the outside looking in, it's seems like a lot of varying issues. One step forward, two back. Strange one. Worth persevering. Winchester- great squad player. Lovely touch. For me he has broken through. Or is very close. Definitely keep.

Agreed. Particularly after the hour mark, where Johnson kept looking down the touchline looking for a bit of inspiration.

If you need a defensive shift, an a full ninety minutes, don't pick him. If you need him to change a game or give the side fresh impetus, bring him on. In short. Impact player. A very good one for our level.

Agree with the vast majority of that- but Rooney is a tart. I know he's not a target man but he's up there with keigan Parker for the ability to 'look busy' without doing sweet FA.

Spot on. Our best chance (gone) at some silverware this season IMO.

Gutted with t'nite. Really fancied us before hand. Beating Mansfield is great for the coffers. But a day out at anfield or possibly wembley? No brainier for me.

Spot on.

I've seen him a fair amount, and while the service point is spot on. His all round game more often than not is really poor. JCH got no service yesterday but he made impact when he came on. Philip got moved out to the left an yet all our work came through him. Both of them are strikers but when things aren't going there way, they don't drift out of the game. Rooney does. He can't be solely reliant on others to have a good game, surely he's got to take some responsibility for his own game?

Do you rate him from what you've seen?

What is it with Rooney? He was so poor today, but now an again he really looks the part. Port Vale springs to mind. He has bagged a few, an yet more often than not he is completely ineffective. Perplexing.

Are you bored? I couldn't give a toss. You think Baxter is better. I don't.

E I E I E I O. . . The one thing that seperates him from others is his ability to be part of the group but also their manager. Very hard. Dickov- to matey. Ronnie- to much of a manager. If you can mix the two; where players like you, but respect you, your onto a good thing. He isn't afraid to big calls, but tempers that with arm round the shoulder. Very clever. To early to say anything. . But the signs are positive.

E I E I E I O. .

I understand what your saying, an for the most I'd agree. However goals is one of the main things that you can compare forwards on. My point is even if Philly get 12 goals, that only 3 short of Jose, an not bad for someone as not seen in Jose class. It's just interesting to me that Jose is rated by some as a farrr superior player. . When in truth, both spent time at prem club academy, were let go- an play in the same division, is he really that much better? Not for me. We all like flair players like Baxter. They are good to watch- they are also incredibly frustrating. IMO you had to put with sulking, poor work rate, an trying to win games on his own- hoping for the moment of Magic. Philly isn't as exciting to watch, but makes for that with his workrate, and teamplay. Different players- that could end up with similar goals count.