Thracian Posted 17 October 2006 Posted 17 October 2006 The season's into its third month now, 13 matches have been played so how does everyone rate Kelly's signings so far and what mark would you give to Kelly for his efforts in the transfer market? I'd go: Kenton 7 (An altogether useful option in two or three positions who seems to give his all. Not a great attacker but competent and competitive in what he does do). Johnson 5 (Obviously highly regarded in his halcyon days at West Brom but now seemingly a fast-fading footballer. Odd glimpses of what he used to be but off the pace, no sort of goal threat, offers little up-field support and has generally disappointed.) Low 5 (Started so brightly. Has just gone downhill since as if the Championship is too demanding and robust for his spirit. Rarely gets in the box, never really looks like scoring, not a convincing defender when he has to cover back. Another "miss" as far as I can see). McAuley 8 (Has not played much so his rating may be over-optimistic but on what he's done so far he's a competent centre-back who can pass and is a genuine contender for McCarthy's position because of his passing.) Kelly has added value to the squad both financially and in the football sense if McAuley can maintain the standard he set which has surprised me cos I thought him a bit slow at first. Welsh 6.5 (We know about Welsh and he's got ability and should provide a valuable option on the flanks. Not a great player but reasonably reliable and does keep the width) Kelly 6 (One good, two neutral and two failures - in other words just a bit better than middling. That's not so surprising for a novice manager. It is not easy to get it right on every player you look at, espcially with the funds RK's got to play with. But he's not wasted any fees and has increased the squad value with McAuley and maybe even Welsh will end up worth a little.
Thracian Posted 17 October 2006 Author Posted 17 October 2006 What about Rufus Brevett? I did hope no-one would mention that. I thought if I put Brevett down on Kelly's list people would say I was making an excuse to have a go at the guy.
Fez of Mahrez Posted 17 October 2006 Posted 17 October 2006 I did hope no-one would mention that. I thought if I put Brevett down on Kelly's list people would say I was making an excuse to have a go at the guy. I couldn't resist. I think you've been quite restrained towards him actually. I know people will point out the financial constraints but I couldn't help noticing Middlesbrough's Adam Johnson went to Leeds on loan yesterday. Surely a better option than Welsh. Shame we couldn't have got someone along similar lines. Kelly likes his safe options in the transfer market. There's not much risky business going on in terms of exciting, untested youngsters or potentially difficult players to deal with. Not that that is a terrible thing but it's not like we have set the world on fire with this policy. I have to hand it to him regarding McAuley but I'll never understand why he signed Josh Low. I think he just looked at the fact he was voted into the League Two Team of the Year regardless of what he actually played like last season (poorly, imo.) I think a lot of fans would be worried by what he might bring in were he given transfer funds, especially if they were as a result of selling one of our decent players.
gatesheadfox Posted 17 October 2006 Posted 17 October 2006 Middlesbrough's Adam Johnson went to Leeds on loan yesterday is he actually any good? i've never seen him before. welsh has experience in this league and isnt too bad a winger, i'd rather have him in our team than someone i've never heard of. maybe i have just missed this promising player
Katy Posted 17 October 2006 Posted 17 October 2006 Kenton 6 - Ok, not great not crap Johnson 1 - He gets a one for being bothered to turn up. Awful - get rid Low 6 - Was cracking against Boston but since then hasn't really shone. McAuley 7 - Started off rubbish but seems to be flourishing now Welsh - Ill comment when ive seen him play in his return
Wils Posted 17 October 2006 Posted 17 October 2006 Kenton 7 - Hes done a decent enough job. Johnson 4 - Not impressed me atal. Low 6 - Started of promising but hasnt kept it up. McAuley 8- Some solid displays,done the simple things right. Welsh - No comment until i see him play in our team.
Thracian Posted 17 October 2006 Author Posted 17 October 2006 I couldn't resist. I think you've been quite restrained towards him actually. I know people will point out the financial constraints but I couldn't help noticing Middlesbrough's Adam Johnson went to Leeds on loan yesterday. Surely a better option than Welsh. Shame we couldn't have got someone along similar lines. Kelly likes his safe options in the transfer market. There's not much risky business going on in terms of exciting, untested youngsters or potentially difficult players to deal with. Not that that is a terrible thing but it's not like we have set the world on fire with this policy. I have to hand it to him regarding McAuley but I'll never understand why he signed Josh Low. I think he just looked at the fact he was voted into the League Two Team of the Year regardless of what he actually played like last season (poorly, imo.) I think a lot of fans would be worried by what he might bring in were he given transfer funds, especially if they were as a result of selling one of our decent players. If there's a hint there of saying that talent is talent whether the guy's a choirboy or not I agree. I've no idea whether Leon Knight is a feasible option but he's an example of a player with demonstrable ability to score goals who is perhaps difficult to handle and perhaps has an ego problem. So what? Great managers like MON handled all sorts of whacko types. In many ways a football team to me is like an SAS squad. You need brave people with individual skills. You'll never get that sort of group and find they're all easy going, yes men. To a man they'll be people who believe in themselves and who don't consider coming second. Some might be calm but none will ever react comfortably to mistakes, lack of commitment, lack of performance from others. And almost all will have big egos whether they let it show or not. Being a success in sport is all about being the best at what you do. So I'd take a Roy Keane over a Stephen Hughes, a Collymore over a Fryatt any day.
OBO Posted 17 October 2006 Posted 17 October 2006 Kenton 8 - I think he's been brilliant defensively, my only complaint being that a lot of the time when he finds himself in a forward position he seems to just hoof it somewhere and nothing ever really comes of it. Johnson 3 - Somewhat improved on Saturday I thought but STILL absolute rubbish. Low - 5 He looked really good for a while I thought, but it may just have been that I was happy to see SOMEONE crossing the ball. I don't think we've scored from a Josh Low cross this season (although I may well be wrong) and it seems like where he originally looked promising, now he's just not bothered about trying any more. McAuley 6.5 (and rising) - I think he looked really slow and a bit clumsy to start off with (ie against Macclesfield), but the last couple of games I've seen him play he's been brilliant and hopefully the more first team games he gets the better he'll be! Welsh 7 - I thought he really added something to the team last season when he played, I realise he's not a TOP class winger, but he seems to have a go and make it difficult for defenders and I hope he'll do the same for the time he's here this season.
Fez of Mahrez Posted 17 October 2006 Posted 17 October 2006 Kenton 8 - I think he's been brilliant defensively, my only complaint being that a lot of the time when he finds himself in a forward position he seems to just hoof it somewhere and nothing ever really comes of it. Johnson 3 - Somewhat improved on Saturday I thought but STILL absolute rubbish. Low - 5 He looked really good for a while I thought, but it may just have been that I was happy to see SOMEONE crossing the ball. I don't think we've scored from a Joah Low cross this season (although I may well be wrong) and it seems like where he originally looked promising, now he's just not bothered about trying any more. McAuley 6.5 (and rising) - I think he looked really slow and a bit clumsy to start off with (ie against Macclesfield), but the last couple of games I've seen him play he's been brilliant and hopefully the more first team games he gets the better he'll be! Welsh 7 - I thought he really added something to the team last season when he played, I realise he's not a TOP class winger, but he seems to have a go and make it difficult for defenders and I hope he'll do the same for the time he's here this season. Elvis at Birmingham! Not that I'm Low's biggest fan.........
OBO Posted 17 October 2006 Posted 17 October 2006 Elvis at Birmingham! Not that I'm Low's biggest fan......... Oh well, one all season! My point still stands.. sort of! (This is the bit where someone tells me the other matches in which he's had crosses converted! )
Fox in a Box Posted 17 October 2006 Posted 17 October 2006 Kenton 6 - Trusted in defence Johnson 1 - I had hopes but he has fizzled out, needs a really good game or 10 Low 6 - Needs to tackle more and is a little poor at this level. McAuley 7 - Quality... Rio Ferdinand move over Welsh - Crosses were spot on last year, lets hope for more of the same
Fez of Mahrez Posted 17 October 2006 Posted 17 October 2006 Kenton 7 Johnson 4 Low 5 McAuley 8 Welsh based on last year 6
Foxello Posted 17 October 2006 Posted 17 October 2006 Kenton- 7 Low- 6 McAuley- 6 Johnson- 3 Welsh N/A ( comment when seen)
Floating Fox Posted 17 October 2006 Posted 17 October 2006 I'd say: Kenton 8 - SOlid defender. At least he tries and helps when we attack. Johnson 5 - Nt as bad as people say, can play well when he wants to. Low 3 - How this guy plays proffesional football is beyond me. McAuley 8 - Top defender. Started really well Welsh 6.5 - A proper winger, has the ability to do well
Chimp Posted 17 October 2006 Posted 17 October 2006 Oh well, one all season! My point still stands.. sort of! (This is the bit where someone tells me the other matches in which he's had crosses converted! ) Or one, not just 4 days ago, where it should have been converted... stand up Mr.Hammond. Anyhoo... Kenton 6 - Defensively sound but doesn't offer anything going forward. Johnson 4 - Has consistently failed to do anything other than frustrate me. Low 6 - I'm (maybe naively) hoping he can regain some of his previous form. McAuley 7 - Started a bit shakily but has performed consistently well since. Welsh ? - Um, how can anyone rate a player they've not seen yet this season?
Finnegan Posted 17 October 2006 Posted 17 October 2006 Welsh ? - Um, how can anyone rate a player they've not seen yet this season? Because expecting a magical transormation is a tad optimistic. That said, if he is going to play as a striker that's going to be something new and interesting. But correct me if I'm wrong, wasn't his finishing completely wank?
Foxello Posted 17 October 2006 Posted 17 October 2006 I'd say: Kenton 8 - SOlid defender. At least he tries and helps when we attack. Johnson 5 - Nt as bad as people say, can play well when he wants to. Low 3 - How this guy plays proffesional football is beyond me.McAuley 8 - Top defender. Started really well Welsh 6.5 - A proper winger, has the ability to do well Low is'nt that bad SUAS. He played really well against Burnley and Ipswich and can provide very good crosses
bald reynard Posted 17 October 2006 Posted 17 October 2006 Johnson 4 - Shocking signing; waste of money (wages) - almost an 'Adams' type signing ('nuff said ?) Low 3 - Absolutely shocking signing, waste of paper drawing up his contract (MIGHT be OK for L2 ?) McAuley 8 - Promising, too soon to say - but did we REALLY need to sign a(nother) big Central Defender ? Kenton 7 - OK, but once again, did we REALLY need to sign a(nother) Right Back ? Welsh ? - I'll reserve judgment on how good he is this season Logan 9 - Our best 'newcomer' - why did it take so long to bring him in ? Porter 6 - I've got doubts, but he's still young
lookwhaticando Posted 17 October 2006 Posted 17 October 2006 Johnson 4 - Shocking signing; waste of money (wages) - almost an 'Adams' type signing ('nuff said ?) Low 3 - Absolutely shocking signing, waste of paper drawing up his contract (MIGHT be OK for L2 ?) McAuley 8 - Promising, too soon to say - but did we REALLY need to sign a(nother) big Central Defender ? Kenton 7 - OK, but once again, did we REALLY need to sign a(nother) Right Back ? Welsh ? - I'll reserve judgment on how good he is this season Logan 9 - Our best 'newcomer' - why did it take so long to bring him in ? Porter 6 - I've got doubts, but he's still young Yes. Absolutely. Nils-Eric is off to the Premiership in about 7 months time, don't you know. The lure of the premiership will be too much for him, our contract renewal offer will fall well short - especially as all we can guarantee is regular football in the wrong position. McAuley was available on a free, so we grabbed him while we could. Smart move, I say. We wanted him, he was freely available, it made sense. I was a bit concerned by the defender overload we seemed to have when Kenton and McAuley joined, but now it's all making sense. McAuley is a solid replacement for Kisnorbo - so he can cover for McCarthy too, no doubt. He's the future. If he plays his cards right, he might replace one of them full time.
gatesheadfox Posted 17 October 2006 Posted 17 October 2006 Yes. Absolutely. Nils-Eric is off to the Premiership in about 7 months time, don't you know. The lure of the premiership will be too much for him, our contract renewal offer will fall well short - especially as all we can guarantee is regular football in the wrong position. I was a bit concerned by the defender overload we seemed to have when Kenton and McAuley joined, but now it's all making sense. McAuley is a solid replacement for Kisnorbo - so he can cover for McCarthy too, no doubt. He's the future. kenton & stearman are our rightbacks, paddy paddy & mcauley & nils as decent centrebacks. there is good cover there, with a left back we'd easily boast the best defence in the league. maybury should drive up the A1 to sunderland asap as I can't imagine a use for him now
lookwhaticando Posted 17 October 2006 Posted 17 October 2006 Kenton can play across the back four - he's our true utility man. We could probably lose a CB (Nissa) without too much trouble as we'd still have cover there. The most sensible thing to do with a squad with so much cover at CB is to lose a CB (Nissa) and replace him with a proper LB. Kenton can cover LB if needed, and we'd still have plenty of options for CB.
Joe. Posted 17 October 2006 Posted 17 October 2006 Our defence is really pretty solid. It's nicely balanced really and most of the players play well, especially Paddy and McAuley who I've been very impressed with. Anway- Johnson- 4 terrible Low-5 not much better but there are odd glimpses of what he can do Kenton-7/8 pretty solid defensively (apart from the own goal) McAuley- 8 very impressive. doesn't put much of a foot wrong
chili_con_carne Posted 17 October 2006 Posted 17 October 2006 Why is everyone slating Josh Low? I reckon hes a decent player, hes one of very few players at the club that can actually run down the wing and put a cross in. 7 I agree with Johnson he's poor. 3 Kenton is just there when you need him, not too good not too bad. 7 McAuley from what i have heard had a good game on Sat but just a squad player at best. 7 Welsh is a decent player. 8
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