Gradel Watch

[Geo V]

Exactly. Why would HE change his system. Not me.

You may be right about January but you may just as easily be wrong.

Do we want more outfield goals or not?

I've said we should use a creative midfielder like King for ages. Result? More fluid play and more chances.

I've said we should use a free-kick specialist. Result. Goals and more chances. And not just today.

And I'm saying we need more people in more positions who can score goals.

I like Newton in some ways but he's scored one one goal for us in 12 games.

Kaebi has shown no signs of being a goalscorer.

The one right midfielder we have who does score and who has lots of shots is Gradel. And just like King last season he's the one guy who doesn't get a chance.

Using any of these players doesn't preclude using others as well.

But if you want to win things you have to score and if you want to score you need to use people who are used to scoring and expect to score.

You have a pop at Newtons scoring record but neither Weso or Clem have managed a league goal this season. I also didn't see King today but from his debut he didn't seem like a goal threat. From what I heard today on the radio and from what I have read in the ratings he today just kept things ticking with simple passes.

As for Gradel, I have admitted to not seeing him but as you will read within this thread, I have been impressed by how often he appears in the highlights via the stats from Match Console and he does seem to be a very good player. I just don't think we should rush our younger players and someone like Gradel really looks like he is developing as a player whilst on loan and he is getting the confidence with it. I`m not into rushing players through and we should look at what has happened with the likes of Stearman who went from a superkid in the making to being barracked relentlessly last season by those who saw his form dip big time.

I`ll ask you one last time although I am certain you wont answer. Can you please kindly tell me what team you would play if you were manager. Thats including current injured and loaned out players as I would be really interested to hear how you would fit in the likes of Mattock, Sheehan, King, Gradel, Weso, Clem and the rest that you rate in the first team.

[Bert]

You have a pop at Newtons scoring record but neither Weso or Clem have managed a league goal this season. I also didn't see King today but from his debut he didn't seem like a goal threat. From what I heard today on the radio and from what I have read in the ratings he today just kept things ticking with simple passes.

As for Gradel, I have admitted to not seeing him but as you will read within this thread, I have been impressed by how often he appears in the highlights via the stats from Match Console and he does seem to be a very good player. I just don't think we should rush our younger players and someone like Gradel really looks like he is developing as a player whilst on loan and he is getting the confidence with it. I`m not into rushing players through and we should look at what has happened with the likes of Stearman who went from a superkid in the making to being barracked relentlessly last season by those who saw his form dip big time.

I`ll ask you one last time although I am certain you wont answer. Can you please kindly tell me what team you would play if you were manager. Thats including current injured and loaned out players as I would be really interested to hear how you would fit in the likes of Mattock, Sheehan, King, Gradel, Weso, Clem and the rest that you rate in the first team.

Fulop

Stearman

Mattock

Kisnorbo

McAuley

Gradel

Sheehan

King

Odihambo

Elvis

Hume

Is my guess.

[Thracian]

You have a pop at Newtons scoring record but neither Weso or Clem have managed a league goal this season. I also didn't see King today but from his debut he didn't seem like a goal threat. From what I heard today on the radio and from what I have read in the ratings he today just kept things ticking with simple passes.

As for Gradel, I have admitted to not seeing him but as you will read within this thread, I have been impressed by how often he appears in the highlights via the stats from Match Console and he does seem to be a very good player. I just don't think we should rush our younger players and someone like Gradel really looks like he is developing as a player whilst on loan and he is getting the confidence with it. I`m not into rushing players through and we should look at what has happened with the likes of Stearman who went from a superkid in the making to being barracked relentlessly last season by those who saw his form dip big time.

I`ll ask you one last time although I am certain you wont answer. Can you please kindly tell me what team you would play if you were manager. Thats including current injured and loaned out players as I would be really interested to hear how you would fit in the likes of Mattock, Sheehan, King, Gradel, Weso, Clem and the rest that you rate in the first team.

If you remembered what I've written on the subject you'd already know. Right from way back I said we didn't need such a huge squad but basically two proper players for each position, these to include utility players.

I would do exactly as Megson seems to be doing, I would utilise them all. I would use Sheehan and Mattock; Gradel and Newton; Fryatt/Hume and Cort/Campbell until I improved the situation.

As for the comment about "rushed" youngsters, they've all had years of preparatory experience and have all coped well. Megson seems well able to decide when they need a rest and well covered with options.

[Flynny]

If you remembered what I've written on the subject you'd already know. Right from way back I said we didn't need such a huge squad but basically two proper players for each position, these to include utility players.

I would do exactly as Megson seems to be doing, I would utilise them all. I would use Sheehan and Mattock; Gradel and Newton; Fryatt/Hume and Cort/Campbell until I improved the situation.

As for the comment about "rushed" youngsters, they've all had years of preparatory experience and have all coped well. Megson seems well able to decide when they need a rest and well covered with options.

Bit of a dodge there. He asked what TEAM would you play, not "make some general observation about the depth of our squad".

You can't just say "I'd use them all".

[Bryn]

Played left wing apparently

Gradel 10. (the goal earns him an extra whole point!) Helped out Pearce and tracked back all the time. Caused mayhem on the left as they didn't know if he was gonna cut inside to cross/shoot, or go outside them and pull the ball back. 2 fantastic goals and applauded off by nearly every [Crewe] fan.

Gradel left foot this time [having scored the first with his right].

On a sourer note, he went off injured.

[Mark]

Gradel, absolutely fantastic. Probably one of the best individual performances I've seen ever, the ovation by the Crewe fans says a lot about his performance, and his two amazing goals (especially the first, one of the best I've ever seen).

[Kilworthfox]

I wonder if Bond reads this or gets passed on the views of fans? As he started with a side that many on here (myself included) have been asking for today.

442 formation

Moss

Telfer Gowling Wilson Pearce

Kuffour Anderton Hollands Gradel

Bradbury Vokes

Bench: Begovic, Newman, Pitman, Cooper, O'Connor

The game started off with both teams having some reasonable possession, and creating some half chances. Crewe probably had the better openings, and should have scored first when through one on one, but their forward fired low and wide from 18 yards.

We had some very nice build up play which led to some good chances, but it started to feel like another day where we would struggle to finish them off.

Badbury opened the scoring, heading in from about 6 yards in a crowded box from a Hollands cross.

First half ended with Crewe being booed off and us looking comfortable.

Crewe made a change at half time, and also made a couple of other subs quite early as well. We kept exactly the same formation that did well in the first half.

We started quite brightly and managed to restrict Crewe to mostly long range efforts. Vokes and Bradbury both did very well at holding the ball up and linking the play up with the whole midfield.

Then (and I don't want to over hype this!) but we scored possibly the best goal I've seen in years 10+ years of watching AFCB.

Gradel, who had been working really hard defensively and also looking dangerous when attacking, won the ball off their player near our own corner flag. He dribbled it up to the half way line and fed it to Bradbury, who held off his marker, and then turned and played a brilliant ball across their back 4 to Gradel who had cut inside and beaten their back line. With the ball sitting up about 20 yards out and a couple of defenders closing in, the only option was to shoot first time. That he did, and it ended up in the corner - the keeper beaten by power and precision.

During his celebration the majority of their main stand applauded the goal, which sums up how good it was.

They had a few more half chances from distance but we controlled most of the game, with Anderton and Hollands being given loads of time and space to pick out balls to both the wingers and forwards. We passed the ball across the midfield with ease at times, and kept the ball for long periods.

The third arrived with some more nice build up play and players interchanging positions. Gradel cut inside and was looking to shoot, but was forced onto his left foot. Not that it mattered as he struck it with venom anyway and found the bottom corner from outside the box.

Gradel picked up a knock during this move, and just after the restart hobbled off for Cooper, to a standing ovation from the home fans. I've seen us applauded by opposition fans before - but nowhere near on the scale that he was.

Fourth goal was a scramble that Anderton eventually bundled in. Pitman came on for Vokes but didn't have any time to make an impact.

Crewe scored near the end when Moss parried an effort that was tucked away at the 2nd attempt. They then found a second wind (a bit late) and attacked us with a few corners and goal mouth scrambles, hitting the post at one point I think.

Crewe began chants of how s*** they were, and were booed off at the end, whilst we were jumping up and down with delight!

Their consolation took a bit of the gloss of the scoreline, but I'd have taken 4-1 before the game!!!!

Moss 7. Nothing much to do, but a couple of smart saves during the game.

Telfer 7. Beaten for pace a couple of times, but generally did ok and got a couple of decent crosses in.

Gowling 8. Won most of his headers and distribution was as good as ever.

Wilson 7. Distribution not as good as I'd have though, but did ok. From what I've seen is a better CM than CB.

Pearce 7. Did reasonably well.

Kuffour 7. Cut inside a bit and was strong on the ball. Pace was a threat when we countered but not much of a threat.

Anderton 8. Crewe fans on the radio afterwards bemoaned the amount of time and space he was given. Contolled the game with ease and also got stuck in when needed.

Hollands 8. Involved in much of the build up play and energy was important to help Anderton. Box to box - both defending and overlapping the forwards.

Gradel 10. (the goal earns him an extra whole point!) Helped out Pearce and tracked back all the time. Caused mayhem on the left as they didn't know if he was gonna cut inside to cross/shoot, or go outside them and pull the ball back. 2 fantastic goals and applauded off by nearly every home fan.

Bradbury 8.5. Held the ball up very well and laid it off to the midfield, which helped us keep possession. Benefit of him and Vokes together is that they can both interchange rolls between target man / link man / front man.

Vokes 7.5. Missed a couple of good chances, one in each half, but otherwise his all round game was good. Won his headers and linked well with Bradbury and the midfield.

[Milky]

Give the lad a longer contract!

[Thracian]

Bit of a dodge there. He asked what TEAM would you play, not "make some general observation about the depth of our squad".

You can't just say "I'd use them all".

You couldn't say what team you'd play either. It would depend on all sorts of factors. Including new information that Gradel can play on the left and to such effect that he scores two goals and earns a 10 rating.

[Bert]

League 2 people. League 2.

We know the lad is class, but let's not get carried away.

[Flynny]

League 2 people. League 2.

We know the lad is class, but let's not get carried away.

Erm no League One actually. You know the one only one level below us?

[Bert]

Erm no League One actually. You know the one only one level below us?

Ooh sorry snappy pants.

I actually thought Bournemouth were in League 2.

Just shows that i don't really pay attention to the lower leagues.

[ASH17LCFC]

A winger who can score goals is always a huge bonus for any team. Sounds like the lad has gain his confidence and his ripping defences apart. Loans don't always work out but this seems to be building this lad into a good player. I think we should let him have a season their and then bring him back for pre season.

[Flynny]

You couldn't say what team you'd play either. It would depend on all sorts of factors. Including new information that Gradel can play on the left and to such effect that he scores two goals and earns a 10 rating.

Of course I could. For a game that was, say, Tuesday, I'd go for:

Fulop

N'Gotty-McAuley-Kisnorbo

Chambers------------------------Sheehan

Newton---King---Kishishev

Hume---Fryatt

Not hard really.

[Flynny]

Ooh sorry snappy pants.

[Bert]

You couldn't say what team you'd play either. It would depend on all sorts of factors. Including new information that Gradel can play on the left and to such effect that he scores two goals and earns a 10 rating.

That's just someone else's opinion though.

[Geo V]

Bit of a dodge there. He asked what TEAM would you play, not "make some general observation about the depth of our squad".

You can't just say "I'd use them all".

No surprise their is no team selection because if he is honest, he`d have to maybe drop Clemence and Fryatt to fit in Elvis and Gradel and wouldn't want the same level of ridicule he was on the receiving end on after suggesting we bought Heskey and played him at centre-back

Back to Gradel, am I right in thinking he played on the left in his latest game? I thought he was an attacking right-mid who was right-footed? I know plenty of players play that position like Joe Cole and Ashley Young but had never heard of anyone mentioning him as a potential left-mid.

[Ric Flair]

Fantastic to see Gradel putting in some quality performances for Bournemouth, he's also showing that his impressive scoring record in the academy and reserves is being replicated at first team level as well. All the signs of a youngster who could go far. Isn't he on loan there for the whole season now? So calling him back might not be an option. I'd leave him there for the time being anyway, he's playing in a team that desperately needs him and he'll play week in, week out. The experience of a full season will be hugely beneficial to him and to us in the long run.

I know we are seriously lacking some attacking threat from midfield, but unless Gary is going to change the formation, Gradel wouldn't fit in at present anyway. I don't see him as a central midfielder, but I suppose he might be able to adapt.

This could be the start of something big, they love him down there. I just hope Megson is well aware of how highly rated this kid is and that he's a Megson sort of player come next season or later on this season.

[Thracian]

No surprise their is no team selection because if he is honest, he`d have to maybe drop Clemence and Fryatt to fit in Elvis and Gradel and wouldn't want the same level of ridicule he was on the receiving end on after suggesting we bought Heskey and played him at centre-back

Back to Gradel, am I right in thinking he played on the left in his latest game? I thought he was an attacking right-mid who was right-footed? I know plenty of players play that position like Joe Cole and Ashley Young but had never heard of anyone mentioning him as a potential left-mid.

Picking a theoretical team is so ridiculous as there would be factors to consider like the strengths/weaknesses of the opposition, the form of players at the time, perhaps whether you would wish to make adjustments home or away, your position in the table at the time and therefore the degree of risk you might wish, the system you might want to adapt, whether you would wish to attack early, late or all the time. Do you honestly not understand that?

You or others can ridicule me all you like about Heskey but I think he would ake a brilliant centre-back. The fact he has re-emphasised capabilities as centre-forward that I never for a moment is only a bonus.

Heskey has always been able to do what he did for England recently and I would never have left him out of the international picture. But he's still not a particularly natural scorer of goals and as a centre-back he would still score some from being so dangerous at set plays. If you disagree I couldn't give a toss.

A lot of people disagreed about youth players who are now helping to win matches for us in the first team, so I'm used to it.

As for Gradel I've never seen him on the left. He's always been a right winger but playing on the left doesn't seem to have stifled the effect he has and is just a big bonus as far as I am concerned.

[Fez of Mahrez]

Picking a theoretical team is so ridiculous as there would be factors to consider like the strengths/weaknesses of the opposition, the form of players at the time, perhaps whether you would wish to make adjustments home or away, your position in the table at the time and therefore the degree of risk you might wish, the system you might want to adapt, whether you would wish to attack early, late or all the time. Do you honestly not understand that?

That didn't stop you posting a 4-3-3 practically every single week last season with all the usual suspects (Sheehan, Porter, King, Hammond...), regardless of who we were playing, and going on about attacking from the first whistle and then keeping it up even if we went ahead.

[Thracian]

That didn't stop you posting a 4-3-3 practically every single week last season with all the usual suspects (Sheehan, Porter, King, Hammond...), regardless of who we were playing, and going on about attacking from the first whistle and then keeping it up even if we went ahead.

For a start I posted mainly 4-4-2 last season - because that was the system likely to be used rather than the one I'd necessarily favour because we never did have any real wingers. And the players I mentioned last season would have been the best I thought were available which is not necessarily the case now.

However the principle of pressing throughout is the one I'd generally follow although I have openly said on many occasions that there are other ways of winning football matches and Megson, so far, would seem to have every right to believe in the system he is using.

Dull as it can be it seems far better suited to the players we have than our previous approach as far as results are concerned.

Others like Cobbo and RicFlair suggested a different system long ago and I always saw some merit in what they said.

[Fez of Mahrez]

For a start I posted mainly 4-4-2 last season - because that was the system likely to be used rather than the one I'd necessarily favour because we never did have any real wingers. And the players I mentioned last season would have been the best I thought were available which is not necessarily the case now.

However the principle of pressing throughout is the one I'd generally follow although I have openly said on many occasions that there are other ways of winning football matches and Megson, so far, would seem to have every right to believe in the system he is using.

Dull as it can be it seems far better suited to the players we have than our previous approach as far as results are concerned.

Others like Cobbo and RicFlair suggested a different system long ago and I always saw some merit in what they said.

I've banged on about 3-5-2 on here for as long as I care to remember. It's always been our best bet.

[Thracian]

I've banged on about 3-5-2 on here for as long as I care to remember. It's always been our best bet.

I didn't intentionally miss you out. Although the system with Megson, while flexible, is more 5-3-2 than 3-5-2, certainly in consequence and judging by the number of goals we score from open play.

Apart from the attack-threat of Sheehan at Sheffield we've always had two principally defensive wide men. Stearman and Mattock try extremely hard to get forward and Stearman occasionally makes something happen or even nips in with a goal.

But I don't see either as having great attacking effect although a more potent strike force might help.

[Manwell Pablo]

Picking a theoretical team is so ridiculous as there would be factors to consider like the strengths/weaknesses of the opposition, the form of players at the time, perhaps whether you would wish to make adjustments home or away, your position in the table at the time and therefore the degree of risk you might wish, the system you might want to adapt, whether you would wish to attack early, late or all the time. Do you honestly not understand that?

You or others can ridicule me all you like about Heskey but I think he would ake a brilliant centre-back. The fact he has re-emphasised capabilities as centre-forward that I never for a moment is only a bonus.

Heskey has always been able to do what he did for England recently and I would never have left him out of the international picture. But he's still not a particularly natural scorer of goals and as a centre-back he would still score some from being so dangerous at set plays. If you disagree I couldn't give a toss.

A lot of people disagreed about youth players who are now helping to win matches for us in the first team, so I'm used to it.

As for Gradel I've never seen him on the left. He's always been a right winger but playing on the left doesn't seem to have stifled the effect he has and is just a big bonus as far as I am concerned.

What? You've spent the last two years saying things like "I couldn't care less about the Sheffield team we're about to face" and "We have nothing to worry about, let Plymouth worry about us"

[Fez of Mahrez]

I didn't intentionally miss you out.

Fair play. For what it's worth I am glad King is taking his chance. It shows an all-round quality to his game that he can slot into a first-team playing a system unfamiliar to him in such an assured way, especially in a more defensive role.