Dodds

[Manwell Pablo]

Squads are much bigger than they used to be generally. You only have to look at Leeds squad and there strikers to know that Beckford hasnt a hope of getting by Blake, Healy, Moore, Cresswell and Flo amongst others. Thats why loaning a player out is the best way of a players progression although training amongst a first team squad of quality is another way to go, especially if you have a reserve team and some of the kids can play in competitive matches with senior players. Unfortunately thats a luxury we havent got.

Our squad has seen the likes of Tommy Wright and COG breakthrough in recent times but amonut to not much. Some other kids have come up and done well like Stearman, Weso, Levi and Logan but none seem to have the kind of ability to be able to command a place in a top 8 side in this division. I agree that we should try some of the kids if they are upto this level but RK is shi**ing himself and wants instant results so he doesnt get sacked. I`d put money on the fact that RK would have risked a kid or three if he had a 4 year contract and he had nothing to lose.

Maybe our acdemy kids arent ready for first team football?

Yes but they can't be any worse than what we already have surely???

Heres a better idea than playing the youth team, lets sign half of Farnborough towns players on a free in the summer, they can't be any worse than what we already have.

No better still me and Fez will go and play for us for mimmum wage, we can't be any worse than what we already have.

The second stupidest statement in football that, behind any one can beat any one else on any given day.

[davieG]

Squads are much bigger than they used to be generally. You only have to look at Leeds squad and there strikers to know that Beckford hasnt a hope of getting by Blake, Healy, Moore, Cresswell and Flo amongst others. Thats why loaning a player out is the best way of a players progression although training amongst a first team squad of quality is another way to go, especially if you have a reserve team and some of the kids can play in competitive matches with senior players. Unfortunately thats a luxury we havent got.

Our squad has seen the likes of Tommy Wright and COG breakthrough in recent times but amonut to not much. Some other kids have come up and done well like Stearman, Weso, Levi and Logan but none seem to have the kind of ability to be able to command a place in a top 8 side in this division. I agree that we should try some of the kids if they are upto this level but RK is shi**ing himself and wants instant results so he doesnt get sacked. I`d put money on the fact that RK would have risked a kid or three if he had a 4 year contract and he had nothing to lose.

Maybe our acdemy kids arent ready for first team football?

Two things, we haven't got a big squad so that's not a valid argument for Kelly. As for taking risks the guys on a 1 year rolling contract worth reportedly £250K - where's the risk? He fails he gets £250k, I wished I'd got that money after 30+ years of success, well relatively

[Geo V]

Two things, we haven't got a big squad so that's not a valid argument for Kelly. As for taking risks the guys on a 1 year rolling contract worth reportedly £250K - where's the risk? He fails he gets £250k, I wished I'd got that money after 30+ years of success, well relatively

Someone like RK could go into the football coaches/managers version of the Bermuda triangle. So many caretaker managers or short term bosses have done a job and then dissapeared. RK is probably enjoying his time at Leicester and doesnt want to leave so it panicing that he may not get a job after this one. £250k sounds a lot but after the tax man hits him and then he pays off his post-match speech writer, they`ll be nothing left .

Im not backing his decision to continue to leave academy players out but surely if they were upto it Beaglehole would be banging on the bosses door, itching to get one more of his lads into the first team? I hope this time next season King, Gradel, Chambers and Mattock are in the first team and we are all moaning that they should have been introduced into the team earlier and that one of them is a Giles Barnes but I think we sometimes get a bit too excited and make rash statements and requests because our first team are under-performing without being realistic.

[The People's Hero]

But as Thracian says, these youths are used to playing in a team not unlike that of Brazil in 1970. How would they adapt to playing with our bunch of wan kers where the tactics are non-existant?

[Fez of Mahrez]

But as Thracian says, these youths are used to playing in a team not unlike that of Brazil in 1970. How would they adapt to playing with our bunch of wan kers where the tactics are non-existant?

Brilliant. And true.

[The People's Hero]

Brilliant. And true.

Louis would be saying... where's the inch perfect balls in to my path which I usually expect from Gradel? Why isn't Jarrett winning everything and having a shot every other minute like 'Kingy'? Why are my strike partners alternating between standing offside and snorting the by line?

[Geo V]

But as Thracian says, these youths are used to playing in a team not unlike that of Brazil in 1970. How would they adapt to playing with our bunch of wan kers where the tactics are non-existant?

I bet if we scoured the threads over the past 6 months many of the posters will have called for Dodds inclusion? The early facts and it is early days is that he isnt upto it yet. Being subbed by Rochdale all the time isnt something to be proud of and he has hardly set the world alight down there. Maybe leaving him well away from the first team was a good move?

[The People's Hero]

Well, I've argued that he should get a few chances here and there. In fact, I still think he should be.

I just don't think the constant hyperbole which surrounds him does him any good at all.

COG used to score a load at a similar level didn't he? He was a right bag of sh ite.

[Manwell Pablo]

Well, I've argued that he should get a few chances here and there. In fact, I still think he should be.

I just don't think the constant hyperbole which surrounds him does him any good at all.

COG used to score a load at a similar level didn't he? He was a right bag of sh ite.

nah, COG has never scored hatfulls at any level.

[Thracian]

Louis would be saying... where's the inch perfect balls in to my path which I usually expect from Gradel? Why isn't Jarrett winning everything and having a shot every other minute like 'Kingy'? Why are my strike partners alternating between standing offside and snorting the by line?

Why don't you watch em occasionally and give us some informed comment?

You moan about me relying on a BBC match report - which would have been perfectly reasonable once - then come out with comments about COG scoring bagsful of goals. Very convincing.

It would be interesting to know if you've ever watched the Under 18's and whether you could identify a single one of them if they asked you the time of day.

But if you did deign to watch them play I reckon you'd soon find you much preferred watching their football to the first team's - Brazil-like or not. I certainly do. It's a real pleasure and I am fairly sure that view would be echoed by most who visit Belvoir Drive.

And one day perhaps our first team will be set up to play like that. and when it is that's the day we'll start to make some progress.

[The People's Hero]

Why don't you watch em occasionally and give us some informed comment?

You moan about me relying on a BBC match report - which would have been perfectly reasonable once - then come out with comments about COG scoring bagsful of goals. Very convincing.

It would be interesting to know if you've ever watched the Under 18's and whether you could identify a single one of them if they asked you the time of day.

But if you did deign to watch them play I reckon you'd soon find you much preferred watching their football to the first team's - Brazil-like or not. I certainly do. It's a real pleasure and I am fairly sure that view would be echoed by most who visit Belvoir Drive.

And one day perhaps our first team will be set up to play like that. and when it is that's the day we'll start to make some progress.

That's actually a reasonable post.

See what you can do when you don't get too carried away?

To answer your other point, no, I've never been to see the youths play. I don't claim to know anything about their ability.

[Thracian]

There you go again insuating that Dodds has a assist at Rochdale when he doesn't it! Don't think I wont spot these things Thracian!!

Anyway, the boy looks average in League Two and thats where he's heading, argue if you will but you know I'm right.

Undoubtedly if no-one has courage to play him.

It will never happen and it's a pity but I'd have loved to have bet you a skinful that Dodds would score more goals over 20 games than Horsfield in the Championship.

And Hammond too though, as you know, I don't really see Hammond as an out-and-out striker.

Might have been a closer bet with Fryatt but that wouldn't have been fair cos we know Fryatt wouldn't last the course.

[Jonbluefox9]

nah, COG has never scored hatfulls at any level.

Depends what you class as hatfulls. He had 14 for the under 17s by the end of March in the 2002/03 season. That's not bad in my book although I think he's proof that success in the youth team doesn't guarantee success for the first team. Difference is, COG got an opportunity to prove whether he was good enough or not. Dodds hasn't! People could've rubbished Porter (quite a few did) because he'd only done it at youth team level and for the reserves. Where was his successful loan period? He's been one of our more consistent performers and has contributed as much as any of our first team midfielders this season. So who's to say Dodds couldn't make the step-up? Oh and people who say "he can't be that good if x number of management teams haven't given him a chance" might want to ask why he's been kept at the club this long. If he was that poor he wouldn't have been offered new contracts with the club that mean he's still a Leicester City player at the age of 20. Clubs don't keep players for the sake of keeping players. The fact that our squad is quite small plays a part but if he was completely useless he'd have been released years ago.

[Manwell Pablo]

Depends what you class as hatfulls. He had 14 for the under 17s by the end of March in the 2002/03 season. That's not bad in my book although I think he's proof that success in the youth team doesn't guarantee success for the first team. Difference is, COG got an opportunity to prove whether he was good enough or not. Dodds hasn't! People could've rubbished Porter (quite a few did) because he'd only done it at youth team level and for the reserves. Where was his successful loan period? He's been one of our more consistent performers and has contributed as much as any of our first team midfielders this season. So who's to say Dodds couldn't make the step-up? Oh and people who say "he can't be that good if x number of management teams haven't given him a chance" might want to ask why he's been kept at the club this long. If he was that poor he wouldn't have been offered new contracts with the club that mean he's still a Leicester City player at the age of 20. Clubs don't keep players for the sake of keeping players. The fact that our squad is quite small plays a part but if he was completely useless he'd have been released years ago.

14 goals for the under 17 does not even start to get close to hat fulls in my book, sorry

The difference is there for all to see, porter got his chance because he was good enough, countless others also have broken through into the squad in front of him. I'm sorry I refuse to believe this is without reason, and he's not doing anything up in Rochdale to make me think any different, he's competing for places for players I wouldn't dream seeing in a Leicester City shirt in a million years. The lad can finish but his over all game lacks, he doesn't get involved. I'm guessing he's been kept on as he has potential, but that arguement is nullified by the fact that he's not getting another contract after this one and we're more than likely getting rid of him.

It all boild down to one point, if Louis Dodds was that good he wouldn't be down at Rochdale in the first place never mind struggling to score regularly or even get in the team for that matter.

[Jonbluefox9]

14 goals for the under 17 does not even start to get close to hat fulls in my book, sorry

The difference is there for all to see, porter got his chance because he was good enough, countless others also have broken through into the squad in front of him. I'm sorry I refuse to believe this is without reason, and he's not doing anything up in Rochdale to make me think any different, he's competing for places for players I wouldn't dream seeing in a Leicester City shirt in a million years. The lad can finish but his over all game lacks, he doesn't get involved. I'm guessing he's been kept on as he has potential, but that arguement is nullified by the fact that he's not getting another contract after this one and we're more than likely getting rid of him.

It all boild down to one point, if Louis Dodds was that good he wouldn't be down at Rochdale in the first place never mind struggling to score regularly or even get in the team for that matter.

Players get a chance if the manager likes what he sees of them and feels that they will fit into his plans. Unfortunately, Rob Kelly thought players like Andy Johnson, Josh Low and most of his loan signings would be good enough for us. I think he's been wrong, so who can say he's been right to not give Dodds a go, even from the bench? I think Louis Dodds is at Rochdale to get games, impress and earn a move there but if he'd been sent out on loan from the very beginning of the season and not re-called for apparently no purpose at all when he eventually did go out on loan then he might've been able to impress Kelly.

[Thracian]

14 goals for the under 17 does not even start to get close to hat fulls in my book, sorry

The difference is there for all to see, porter got his chance because he was good enough, countless others also have broken through into the squad in front of him. I'm sorry I refuse to believe this is without reason, and he's not doing anything up in Rochdale to make me think any different, he's competing for places for players I wouldn't dream seeing in a Leicester City shirt in a million years. The lad can finish but his over all game lacks, he doesn't get involved. I'm guessing he's been kept on as he has potential, but that arguement is nullified by the fact that he's not getting another contract after this one and we're more than likely getting rid of him.

It all boild down to one point, if Louis Dodds was that good he wouldn't be down at Rochdale in the first place never mind struggling to score regularly or even get in the team for that matter.

He is better than what's been in our team and he is down at Rochdale. Put any explanation you like on it. But don't ask me to respect Kelly's judgement cos I don't. And the evidence for that would fill a book.

[Manwell Pablo]

He is better than what's been in our team and he is down at Rochdale. Put any explanation you like on it. But don't ask me to respect Kelly's judgement cos I don't. And the evidence for that would fill a book.

Whats this? A pre attack before I mention that tonight he didn't score, again. And was subbed off, again. not impressive stuff.

[Thracian]

Whats this? A pre attack before I mention that tonight he didn't score, again. And was subbed off, again. not impressive stuff.

Impressive results run continued and a 0-0 draw proves nothing. Horsfield, with all his experience, has scored in one game out of nine and Fryatt twice in the League all season. You're miles off proving your case to me.

[Manwell Pablo]

Impressive results run continued and a 0-0 draw proves nothing. Horsfield, with all his experience, has scored in one game out of nine and Fryatt twice in the League all season. You're miles off proving your case to me.

I'm not paticularly enjoying seeing Dodds coming off after 65 minutes not scoring. I thought he might make the grade here too a couple of years ago. I do enjoy winding you up though.

We can talk stats if you want Thracian, one goal in eight for Dodds, 24 Championship games for the awfull Geoff Horsfield, 4 goals, one in six. or if you prefere 2 in 9 at Leicester.

Of course Mattys a differnt story this season, but then you are taking his goal against Premiership Fulham away from him in order to fit with your Propaganda campaign, as that goal would mean he has a similar goal ratio. He is also something Louis doesn't, a decent past record of scoring goals and playing games at the age of 20/21.

Oh and heres the killer, their both playing two leagues above Louis.

and anywaywhat have Geoff Horsfield and Matty Fryatt got to do with Louis Dodds not being good enough to play at this level. Horsfield will be gone and Fryatt will have to show what he's worth or he will be replaced, the likes of cadders, Horsfield and hopefully Hammond will be making way for players who can actually do it at this level consistently. Either way theres no future for Louis Dodds here. Fortuantley I don't need to prove my case to you he'll be gone in. You must know he's leaving, Half of the reason I come down on him so hard it because I know he's leaving

[Flynny]

Who needs Dodds at all with Elvis 'Wayne Rooney' Hammond on the books?

[Thracian]

I'm not paticularly enjoying seeing Dodds coming off after 65 minutes not scoring. I thought he might make the grade here too a couple of years ago. I do enjoy winding you up though.

We can talk stats if you want Thracian, one goal in eight for Dodds, 24 Championship games for the awfull Geoff Horsfield, 4 goals, one in six. or if you prefere 2 in 9 at Leicester.

Of course Mattys a differnt story this season, but then you are taking his goal against Premiership Fulham away from him in order to fit with your Propaganda campaign, as that goal would mean he has a similar goal ratio. He is also something Louis doesn't, a decent past record of scoring goals and playing games at the age of 20/21.

Oh and heres the killer, their both playing two leagues above Louis.

and anywaywhat have Geoff Horsfield and Matty Fryatt got to do with Louis Dodds not being good enough to play at this level. Horsfield will be gone and Fryatt will have to show what he's worth or he will be replaced, the likes of cadders, Horsfield and hopefully Hammond will be making way for players who can actually do it at this level consistently. Either way theres no future for Louis Dodds here. Fortuantley I don't need to prove my case to you he'll be gone in. You must know he's leaving, Half of the reason I come down on him so hard it because I know he's leaving

One goal in eight - his first three games totalled about 20 minutes!

Horsfield, Fryatt and Hammond are the people Dodds is competing with at Leicester. No-one's making a case for him getting a regular first team place if we sign a new side - how could they?.

My only view on that has been to say he would be worthwhile back-up. I wouldn't contest he's leaving - I heard that around Christmas - but he should have had his chances from the start of the season.

I just think it's a waste. But it hasn't surprised me. His style was never going to suit Kelly.

[Hullfox]

I think you're missing the point here MP.

Although he didn't score in the 0-0 draw, he did get two assists.

[Hullfox]

One goal in eight - his first three games totalled about 20 minutes!

But this is where you get people's goat Thrach.

You quote that stat but then in previous posts youdelight in the fact that Rochdale have not been beaten since he got there implying that his contribution has been massive when quite clearly it hasn't.

[Manwell Pablo]

One goal in eight - his first three games totalled about 20 minutes!

Horsfield, Fryatt and Hammond are the people Dodds is competing with at Leicester. No-one's making a case for him getting a regular first team place if we sign a new side - how could they?.

My only view on that has been to say he would be worthwhile back-up. I wouldn't contest he's leaving - I heard that around Christmas - but he should have had his chances from the start of the season.

I just think it's a waste. But it hasn't surprised me. His style was never going to suit Kelly.

His style, that would be sitting around waiting for it to be put on a plate for him, yes I can see how that wouldn't suit him tbh.

[Thracian]

His style, that would be sitting around waiting for it to be put on a plate for him, yes I can see how that wouldn't suit him tbh.

Lots of brilliant strikers didn't charge all over the place wasting energy where it didn't count. And we're never short of such energy at Leicester so there's no need for more anyway. And when did Horsfield do any running?