Dodds Watch

[Manwell Pablo]

Our current group of strikers may well be crap, but comparing Louis Dodds is like comparing them to the average man on the street. Dodds has never played a full 90 minutes in the championship and never will, so there’s no point even discussing the matter. It’s evident to the rest of the football world that he’s total crap and has no future in the game. I really don’t understand why you have such an affiliation with Dodds? It’s bizarre.

It's because he once said he would be a good player. Like he did with Chris O'Grady and Levi Porter, now that the three of them are all turning out to be not so good as other people suggested they would'nt, Thracian tries to justify his old opinions that they were once good player by making excuses for them or by insisting that they are still better than what we have even though the evidence is pretty damning. But he's not one to ever admit he's made a mis judgement when it comes to football.

[Thracian]

Our current group of strikers may well be crap, but comparing Louis Dodds is like comparing them to the average man on the street. Dodds has never played a full 90 minutes in the championship and never will, so there’s no point even discussing the matter. It’s evident to the rest of the football world that he’s total crap and has no future in the game. I really don’t understand why you have such an affiliation with Dodds? It’s bizarre.

As he's never played in the Championship I don't see how anything could be "evident".

And his goalscoring record certainly wasn't "crap" in the reserves. Nor has he started badly at Lincoln, despite playing out of position.

Dodds is every bit as good as the playres I mentioned.

That doesn't make him a world beater but it makes him a lot better than he's given credit for.

[Geo V]

As he's never played in the Championship I don't see how anything could be "evident".

And his goalscoring record certainly wasn't "crap" in the reserves. Nor has he started badly at Lincoln, despite playing out of position.

Dodds is every bit as good as the playres I mentioned.

That doesn't make him a world beater but it makes him a lot better than he's given credit for.

A player doesnt have to play in the Championship for us to work out how good he is. Hundreds of players are loaned out into lower leagues , especially from Premiership and Championship clubs but their performances are such that there parent club decide to sell them on before they even play first team football. Thats the beauty of loan deals and thats why I always harp on about letting our younger players leav eon loan to see if they sink or swim.

From the ones we currently have out on loan, it seems that Gradel is looking very sharp and is getting some good reviews and may well be pushing for a place in the first team come January, Logan is not at his best at Stockport and has dropped some clangers and Dodds hasn't set the world alight down at Lincoln but has done OK at best. Early signs are that the latter two are either not yet ready or not good enough.

[Manwell Pablo]

A player doesnt have to play in the Championship for us to work out how good he is. Hundreds of players are loaned out into lower leagues , especially from Premiership and Championship clubs but their performances are such that there parent club decide to sell them on before they even play first team football. Thats the beauty of loan deals and thats why I always harp on about letting our younger players leav eon loan to see if they sink or swim.

From the ones we currently have out on loan, it seems that Gradel is looking very sharp and is getting some good reviews and may well be pushing for a place in the first team come January, Logan is not at his best at Stockport and has dropped some clangers and Dodds hasn't set the world alight down at Lincoln but has done OK at best. Early signs are that the latter two are either not yet ready or not good enough.

Max is there for the rest of the season I think so we wont be seeing him back at Leicester till next season.

If he carries on the way he's going he should be getting into our squad with ease.

[Thracian]

A player doesnt have to play in the Championship for us to work out how good he is. Hundreds of players are loaned out into lower leagues , especially from Premiership and Championship clubs but their performances are such that there parent club decide to sell them on before they even play first team football. Thats the beauty of loan deals and thats why I always harp on about letting our younger players leav eon loan to see if they sink or swim.

From the ones we currently have out on loan, it seems that Gradel is looking very sharp and is getting some good reviews and may well be pushing for a place in the first team come January, Logan is not at his best at Stockport and has dropped some clangers and Dodds hasn't set the world alight down at Lincoln but has done OK at best. Early signs are that the latter two are either not yet ready or not good enough.

Sink or swim? If you were a full-back and they played you at centre-forward you'd probably sink pal.

I thought Lincoln would be a worthwhile move for Dodds but I cannot see what earthly good it is doing for Dodds, as a striker, to be playing in midfield.

And it doesn't seem to be doing the club much good either judging by how many goals their chosen strikers are scoring.

Not that it matters. I'll be absolutely amazed if Dodds returns to Leicester. I think he missed what little chance he might have got when he was injured just as the pre-season matches started.

[Geo V]

Max is there for the rest of the season I think so we wont be seeing him back at Leicester till next season.

If he carries on the way he's going he should be getting into our squad with ease.

I know our reserve results or even academy results may suffer when some of the better younger players are loaned out but I hope it continues.

Lets loan a couple more out like say McKay or even Levi!

BTW I forgot about Odhiambo on my last post but he is one of the youngsters that I forgot was even on loan. I wouldn't know if he plays or not to be honest.

[Geo V]

Sink or swim? If you were a full-back and they played you at centre-forward you'd probably sink pal.

I thought Lincoln would be a worthwhile move for Dodds but I cannot see what earthly good it is doing for Dodds, as a striker, to be playing in midfield.

And it doesn't seem to be doing the club much good either judging by how many goals their chosen strikers are scoring.

Not that it matters. I'll be absolutely amazed if Dodds returns to Leicester. I think he missed what little chance he might have got when he was injured just as the pre-season matches started.

There go the words of someone who has been telling us how well Emile Heskey will be at centre-half after playing all his life as a striker!!!

Anyway, I have always said that I prefer to look at a number of things when making a judgment on a player but mainly if its regarding a player that I haven't sen play that has come through the ranks, I look at our capable coaches for bits of information. Lets be fair, if Beaglehole and or Rudkin thought that Dodds was the real deal they would have made the noises necessary to see that the club signed him to a longer deal. Look back to last season when RK was in charge, we were playing poorly and loaned strikers in because the faith in him wasnt evident. Wortho came in and didnt use him either. MA came in and bought forwards but kept the faith with some young kids but Dodds wasn't one of them. Now GM is here we don't know what he thinks about LD but one thing that hasnt come to light as GM criticized our strikers wasn't that he planned on recalling him.

If you look at it logically, maybe Dodds isnt all that after all?

[Thracian]

There go the words of someone who has been telling us how well Emile Heskey will be at centre-half after playing all his life as a striker!!!

Anyway, I have always said that I prefer to look at a number of things when making a judgment on a player but mainly if its regarding a player that I haven't sen play that has come through the ranks, I look at our capable coaches for bits of information. Lets be fair, if Beaglehole and or Rudkin thought that Dodds was the real deal they would have made the noises necessary to see that the club signed him to a longer deal. Look back to last season when RK was in charge, we were playing poorly and loaned strikers in because the faith in him wasnt evident. Wortho came in and didnt use him either. MA came in and bought forwards but kept the faith with some young kids but Dodds wasn't one of them. Now GM is here we don't know what he thinks about LD but one thing that hasnt come to light as GM criticized our strikers wasn't that he planned on recalling him.

If you look at it logically, maybe Dodds isnt all that after all?

=============================================================

I've never said Heskey wasn't any good as a striker - just that he'd make an outstanding centre-half. I stand by that wholeheartedly.

All the points about Dodds have been debated previously.

[Geo V]

All the points about Dodds have been debated previously.

As has already been mentioned in previous months, we haven't released a good youngster who has come back to bite us on the backside and I don't think that anyone from Tommy Wright to the more recent likes of COG will cost us millions either.

All in all, I trust the decisions of the club regarding both the development and deployment of our kids as unlike many clubs, they seemingly haven't made any glaring errors and let a rough diamond go elsewhere!

[Lovejoy]

[Manwell Pablo]

[Thracian]

As has already been mentioned in previous months, we haven't released a good youngster who has come back to bite us on the backside and I don't think that anyone from Tommy Wright to the more recent likes of COG will cost us millions either.

All in all, I trust the decisions of the club regarding both the development and deployment of our kids as unlike many clubs, they seemingly haven't made any glaring errors and let a rough diamond go elsewhere!

There's always a first time. But, no, I don't think it will be the case with Dodds. Or Odhiambo. Or Logan.

Gradel would be the one I'd worry about.

[Thracian]

I know our reserve results or even academy results may suffer when some of the better younger players are loaned out but I hope it continues.

Lets loan a couple more out like say McKay or even Levi!

BTW I forgot about Odhiambo on my last post but he is one of the youngsters that I forgot was even on loan. I wouldn't know if he plays or not to be honest.

It's alright you saying loan all these youngsters out IF we've got seniors in the first team who can do better.

In the recent cases of Stearman, Wesoloswki, Mattock, King and Sheehan that has not been the situation.

Whether Porter will be good enough to regain his place remains to be seen but right now I don't see why he wouldn't be on the bench and I see no reason why Gradel wouldn't justify a place in our first 16 as of now quite simply because we have no-one better as I pointed out in the summer when Newton was signed. The addition of Kaebi has not changed my view.

Odhiambo seems well placed and at the right time.

That leaves McKay. And he's got enough to do this season playing in a weakened academy side and trying to bridge the gap between there and the reserves. As have Sappleton, Ashley Chambers and Beswick.

[Ric Flair]

Sink or swim? If you were a full-back and they played you at centre-forward you'd probably sink pal.

I thought Lincoln would be a worthwhile move for Dodds but I cannot see what earthly good it is doing for Dodds, as a striker, to be playing in midfield.

And it doesn't seem to be doing the club much good either judging by how many goals their chosen strikers are scoring.

Not that it matters. I'll be absolutely amazed if Dodds returns to Leicester. I think he missed what little chance he might have got when he was injured just as the pre-season matches started.

Perhaps it's not just Leicester that don't think Dodds is good enough as a striker for Professional Football? Hence Lincoln playing him 'out of position' i've always thought Dodds is a natural finisher, but would be more suited to an advanced midfield role if he were to progress in to Professional Football. There must be a reason why he's never made a first team appearance for us, yet a 15 year old striker has done, a very, very average Chris O'Grady got a fair few chances and even Odhiambo who hasn't scored anywhere near as many goals at Youth Level as Dodds has also made the odd appearance. I first put it down to bad luck, Dodds was injured when Chambers and Odhiambo made their debuts, but there have been other times when Dodds could have been given a chance if our manager chose to, but they didn't.

Now Lincoln look to be un-impressed with his striking prowess and see his future in midfield, whether that's right or wrong is debatable. Lincoln have now sacked their manager, so it's another clean slate for Louis. I think not making a first team appearance for a crap Championship club for 3 consecutive seasons when he's been at the various Leicester managers disposal is 'evident' that people within football have doubts that he can cut it at this level. Digest that statement how you want, but it's hard to argue against, especially when you look at who's made appearances up front for us in recent years :- de Vries, Dublin, Elvis, O'Grady, Cadamarteri, Horsfield, Glombard and Cort.

It's fairly embarrassing actually.

[Manwell Pablo]

It's alright you saying loan all these youngsters out IF we've got seniors in the first team who can do better.

In the recent cases of Stearman, Wesoloswki, Mattock, King and Sheehan that has not been the situation.

Whether Porter will be good enough to regain his place remains to be seen but right now I don't see why he wouldn't be on the bench and I see no reason why Gradel wouldn't justify a place in our first 16 as of now quite simply because we have no-one better as I pointed out in the summer when Newton was signed. The addition of Kaebi has not changed my view.

Odhiambo seems well placed and at the right time.

That leaves McKay. And he's got enough to do this season playing in a weakened academy side and trying to bridge the gap between there and the reserves. As have Sappleton, Ashley Chambers and Beswick.

Sheehans been out on loan! Mattock, Stearman and Wesolowski were in our first team setup before they were old enough to go out loan, which leaves Andy King!

[Thracian]

Perhaps it's not just Leicester that don't think Dodds is good enough as a striker for Professional Football? Hence Lincoln playing him 'out of position' i've always thought Dodds is a natural finisher, but would be more suited to an advanced midfield role if he were to progress in to Professional Football. There must be a reason why he's never made a first team appearance for us, yet a 15 year old striker has done, a very, very average Chris O'Grady got a fair few chances and even Odhiambo who hasn't scored anywhere near as many goals at Youth Level as Dodds has also made the odd appearance. I first put it down to bad luck, Dodds was injured when Chambers and Odhiambo made their debuts, but there have been other times when Dodds could have been given a chance if our manager chose to, but they didn't.

Now Lincoln look to be un-impressed with his striking prowess and see his future in midfield, whether that's right or wrong is debatable. Lincoln have now sacked their manager, so it's another clean slate for Louis. I think not making a first team appearance for a crap Championship club for 3 consecutive seasons when he's been at the various Leicester managers disposal is 'evident' that people within football have doubts that he can cut it at this level. Digest that statement how you want, but it's hard to argue against, especially when you look at who's made appearances up front for us in recent years :- de Vries, Dublin, Elvis, O'Grady, Cadamarteri, Horsfield, Glombard and Cort.

It's fairly embarrassing actually.

O'Grady was asked to do a specific job but was never given a proper chance at Leicester as a striker any more than Dodds - yet COG has scored eight in 23 games with the presumably crap players of Rotherham in what might be considered his first full season season. One in three over 23 games doesn't suggest he was anything like the rubbish player people claimed.

Kelly categorically told Dodds that the only reason he wasn't picked was because he "preferred to stick with experience". That all round policy came back to haunt him cos he lost his job and rightly so.

I can only guess that Lincoln have used Dodds in midfield because their previously signed "star" strikers couldn't sensibly be moved anywhere else in the team despite not apparently doing anything special as strikers. But I don't know that.

To me your list of "failed" only emphasises the lack of attacking ambition demonstrated by our management over recent seasons. Because Fryatt and Campbell have done little better when you look at the stats.

Even the best strikers would find it hard to flourish in a team with no wingers, and no creative midfield players and defensive full-backs like Nils.

Dodds is a natural finisher, more natural than COG who has managed well enough. In a team that creates chances and supports high, Dodds would always take a good proportion of them.

[Thracian]

Sheehans been out on loan! Mattock, Stearman and Wesolowski were in our first team setup before they were old enough to go out loan, which leaves Andy King!

I didn't say Sheehan and Stearman hadn't been out on loan. Just that I wouldn't loan them or anyone else if they were the best first team option at the time.

[Ric Flair]

O'Grady was asked to do a specific job but was never given a proper chance at Leicester as a striker any more than Dodds - yet COG has scored eight in 23 games with the presumably crap players of Rotherham in what might be considered his first full season season. One in three over 23 games doesn't suggest he was anything like the rubbish player people claimed.

Kelly categorically told Dodds that the only reason he wasn't picked was because he "preferred to stick with experience". That all round policy came back to haunt him cos he lost his job and rightly so.

I can only guess that Lincoln have used Dodds in midfield because their previously signed "star" strikers couldn't sensibly be moved anywhere else in the team despite not apparently doing anything special as strikers. But I don't know that.

To me your list of "failed" only emphasises the lack of attacking ambition demonstrated by our management over recent seasons. Because Fryatt and Campbell have done little better when you look at the stats.

Even the best strikers would find it hard to flourish in a team with no wingers, and no creative midfield players and defensive full-backs like Nils.

Dodds is a natural finisher, more natural than COG who has managed well enough. In a team that creates chances and supports high, Dodds would always take a good proportion of them.

I'm not convinced, time is running out for Louis. I'm sure he's setting his sights on making a name for himself as a lower league regular scorer. Tommy Wright is starting to do it regularly and he and Dodds both had similar records at Youth and Reserve level here, I wonder who will achieve more in the game? Neither made it here though sadly.

[Thracian]

I'm not convinced, time is running out for Louis. I'm sure he's setting his sights on making a name for himself as a lower league regular scorer. Tommy Wright is starting to do it regularly and he and Dodds both had similar records at Youth and Reserve level here, I wonder who will achieve more in the game? Neither made it here though sadly.

His settling for Lincoln was exactly the wrong response at the wrong time.

True it was a reflection of his understandable frustration but it is so ironic to me that Sheehan - a write off in many minds - chose to stick it out and back his ability at Leicester instead of taking a loan-out to oblivion while Dodds opted out.

Such a shame for Dodds but I'm as certain you're right as anyone can be in football about anything.

[Tevez]

Doddsy Doddsy Doddsy.

[sdb]

As he's never played in the Championship I don't see how anything could be "evident".

And his goalscoring record certainly wasn't "crap" in the reserves. Nor has he started badly at Lincoln, despite playing out of position.

Dodds is every bit as good as the playres I mentioned.

That doesn't make him a world beater but it makes him a lot better than he's given credit for.

Hold on, this quote totally contradicts with your argument against the selection of Kaebi doesn't it? You're saying Dodds needs to play in the Championship to be judged? So surely that applies to Kaebi? Even if Dodds was good at reserve level. He can't start for a team that are a million miles from our league. Not saying he's crap but please, please take of those tinted shades!!

[Thracian]

Hold on, this quote totally contradicts with your argument against the selection of Kaebi doesn't it? You're saying Dodds needs to play in the Championship to be judged? So surely that applies to Kaebi? Even if Dodds was good at reserve level. He can't start for a team that are a million miles from our league. Not saying he's crap but please, please take of those tinted shades!!

Already answered elsewhere. It's you and the rest of the Kaebi lobby who should take the tints off because Kaebi's performances simply don't do justice to the campaigning. And it's a pity you haven't seen that for yourselves.

[sdb]

Already answered elsewhere. It's you and the rest of the Kaebi lobby who should take the tints off because Kaebi's performances simply don't do justice to the campaigning. And it's a pity you haven't seen that for yourselves.

yeh yeh, you go to reserve games. we know!! i enjoy reading a lot of your feedback from the games but you are so impartial it's very difficult for me to take what you say seriously. Dodds is doing ok at best in a lower league. he could prove to be a very good player but the signs aren't great. you should consider setting up a shelter for players who you've tipped for the top and never made it. if you've access to a huge warehouse.

[Geo V]

There's always a first time. But, no, I don't think it will be the case with Dodds. Or Odhiambo. Or Logan.

Gradel would be the one I'd worry about.

No one has written of Gradel though have they? I think I am right in saying that this is his first loan and by all accounts he is getting good reviews. He is scoring goals, creating goals and playing on the left at times and his team are BOTTOM of the division!

I think that if a player goes out on loan and does well we will almost get a little excited about his progress and Gradels performances are giving us reason to be hopeful of him being another one to come through the academy and be a major first team player.

[Thracian]

yeh yeh, you go to reserve games. we know!! i enjoy reading a lot of your feedback from the games but you are so impartial it's very difficult for me to take what you say seriously. Dodds is doing ok at best in a lower league. he could prove to be a very good player but the signs aren't great. you should consider setting up a shelter for players who you've tipped for the top and never made it. if you've access to a huge warehouse.

a) I have never tipped Dodds for the top. Or anything like.

b) Who are these people that I have tipped for the top but "haven't made it".

Among the young ex-Academy players I've (with others) have said at various times that Wesolowski, Logan, Mattock, Sheehan, Porter, King, Dodds and, occasionally Gradel were our best available choices. That's it.

Far from tipping them for the top I've not even tipped all of those to retain their place in the City first team this season. Porter has been a bit less effective than I imagined, Sheehan and Mattock a bit more.

But who hasn't justified themselves as the best available at the time?