Reserve ratings

[Thracian]

That's a rather damning indictment, but more of Beaglehole than Kaebi.

Not quite sure what you mean by that. It was hard to see who else could play left-back. Rowe-Turner has played there but the centre-backs were having enough trouble dealing with big guys in the middle.

Seems to me Beaglehole tried to pack the midfield and cut the supply but, with his main midfielders having been injured/replaced and the hard-covering Billy McKay also having gone off injured I'd say SB did remarkably well finish with a victory at all.

[Thracian]

exactly we didn't start to struggle until he put 2 strikers in midfield as holding players having staken both Hayes and Hellings off THEN they started to get the better of us

With Hayes and McKay injured, Marco Ferreira nowhere to be seen and only a specialist striker, goalkeeper and two inexperienced under 18's on the bench once Chambers had taken the field, what were the alternatives? He even pushed Billy Kee into midfield in a bid to stem Walsall's flow and, in the end, he did see the game out and he did register a win. Pity the first team can't do the same.

Besides, deflecting responsibility won't change Kaebi's abilities as a full-back.

[Thracian]

exactly we didn't start to struggle until he put 2 strikers in midfield as holding players having staken both Hayes and Hellings off THEN they started to get the better of us

The departure of Hellings (don't know why) and Hayes (injured) was a blow, no question. But that doesn't in any way alter where Walsall focused on as their main point of attack.

[syston_fox]

The departure of Hellings (don't know why) and Hayes (injured) was a blow, no question. But that doesn't in any way alter where Walsall focused on as their main point of attack.

Maybe they're just better down their right hand side?? Their second goal was a great little move and a quality ball... and if I remember right wasnt their third a ball played through to their striker by a midfielder.... who had too much time and space? Very very harsh to blame all three goals on Kaebi!!

[Thracian]

Maybe they're just better down their right hand side?? Their second goal was a great little move and a quality ball... and if I remember right wasnt their third a ball played through to their striker by a midfielder.... who had too much time and space? Very very harsh to blame all three goals on Kaebi!!

I didn't blame all three goals on him. I said they all came from the right which is the truth. I said Kaebi was at fault for one and might well have been at least partly at fault for the second. I also said Walsall played on his lack of inches - and that was a factor in them being able to apply so much pressure through his department.

If I thought Kaebi was such a brilliant full-back do you seriously believe I would not want him in our underperforming side? Or do you somehow believe I think Stearman is as good as it gets?

To emphasise, I have no idea whether Kaebi can do well further forward because I've never seen him play there for any length of time. But I've seen him quite a lots now at right-back or left-back and, sadly, I am not at all convinced.

With defenders it is not so much about what they do right as what they do wrong.

[syston_fox]

With defenders it is not so much about what they do right as what they do wrong.

Yeah I totally get that but I didn't see him do that much wrong today - a few misplaced passes when he should have done better and maybe out of position a few times but I was expecting him to be worse than he was. I know it was only a reserve game and the quality of the opposition wasnt up to much but I would say Ive seen worse performances from people in our first team squad.

And as for going forward - his was a great bit of skill to keep the ball in play before flicking it through to Chambers to hit the post for Odhiambo's second goal. Sadly that was about the only time he ventured into their half.

[Hullfox]

Seems to me that as Kaebi played at left back someone thought that they'd mark him in such a way that he wouldn't threaten Sheehan's position.

Maybe I'm just an old cynic though.

[Anish]

Seems to me that as Kaebi played at left back someone thought that they'd mark him in such a way that he wouldn't threaten Sheehan's position.

Maybe I'm just an old cynic though.

[Thracian]

Yeah I totally get that but I didn't see him do that much wrong today - a few misplaced passes when he should have done better and maybe out of position a few times but I was expecting him to be worse than he was. I know it was only a reserve game and the quality of the opposition wasnt up to much but I would say Ive seen worse performances from people in our first team squad.

And as for going forward - his was a great bit of skill to keep the ball in play before flicking it through to Chambers to hit the post for Odhiambo's second goal. Sadly that was about the only time he ventured into their half.

I referred to that Kaebi/Djiziri flurry on the touchline but I think you'll find we'd lost the ball when Chambers stole possession back and burst through for his shot, but it matters not really.

As for whether Kaebi's performance was better than some we've seen in the first team I might be inclined to agree at first glance. However when you look at consequences ... and the same might have been said when we played WBA Reserves and lost 6-1 - I'm genuinely sorry but I can't see it. To me, despite his ability, he is far too easily exposed.

Two first teamers have played in the reserves defence this season - Stearman and Kenton. Both looked on top of the job.

Kaebi has looked vulnerable, and not for the first time or even the second.

He needs to be tried further forward. However he's up against it. Chambers, even below his best, had two assists tonight and has been scoring goals generally. Odhiambo, below his best, had two goals and has long proved his worth. Hayes had a goal and an assist to go with his goal last week.

Injuries might offer an attacking opportunity for Kaebi, but sadly, I don't think we're too well off for alternative left-backs in the reserves, or defenders in general.

[Ultra]

I feel so sorry for the kid. I can't imagine they have too many nights as cold as that in Iran - and our dickwad management put him at left-back.

It's no better than when Maybury or Kenton were playing there for the first team last season.

Seems to me like the club wants him to fail and it's just jobs for the boys. He might not be great in the air but then I'm sure a lot of teams would exploit Levi if we played him in defence.

But no, let's not play to his strengths - let's play him where his weaknesses will be exploited the most and use it as an excuse to carry on with the same dross we've had in the first team for years.

The whole thing makes me sick and I'll make no apologies for that. We finally sign an exciting player and the dourists in charge are determined to see him fail.

Agree totally.

The club don't have enough left-backs, so they pick a square peg for a round hole. And when it proves not to fit, the critics can say the player wasn't good enough.

Let's hope that the new manager has a more enlightened attitude.

[Thracian]

Seems to me that as Kaebi played at left back someone thought that they'd mark him in such a way that he wouldn't threaten Sheehan's position.

Maybe I'm just an old cynic though.

Can't argue with the old cynic bit.

[Cat Burger]

Walsall played on his lack of inches

So not only is he exposed as a poor full back, he's also exposed as having a small dinkle.

[Jimmy]

Agree totally.

The club don't have enough left-backs, so they pick a square peg for a round hole. And when it proves not to fit, the critics can say the player wasn't good enough.

Let's hope that the new manager has a more enlightened attitude.

exactly surely Lee Cox should be the 1 to play out of position concidering Kaebi is the senior pro (in fact he is a pro and cox is a schollar), how refreshing it was to see a 4-4-2 and guess what both wingers proved a thret, so we DO have the players, just not the balls to do it properly

[Bert]

I knew Kaebi would get a wank mark from Thracian.

Everyone has their favourites, and everyone has the players they dislike, this shows throughout the player ratings.

[Thracian]

Agree totally.

The club don't have enough left-backs, so they pick a square peg for a round hole. And when it proves not to fit, the critics can say the player wasn't good enough.

Let's hope that the new manager has a more enlightened attitude.

The reality is that Steve Beaglehole has very little choice that I can see. Ryan Beswick can play left back but he's injured. Rowe-Turner can play left-back but is the only centre-back we have to partner Garner unless you bring in a first teamer.

[Thracian]

I knew Kaebi would get a wank mark from Thracian.

Everyone has their favourites, and everyone has the players they dislike, this shows throughout the player ratings.

I've given reasons for my marks and if you want to dispute those reasons fine. But please don't suggest I "dislike" Kaebi. I was as excited as everyone else about signing such a seasoned international.

I even like his style of play in some ways and have referred to his speed, his energy, his close control, his tackling and his teamwork on several occasions.

It may even be he'll find a niche further forward in the team. I just don't like what I've seen of him as a full-back and, if I remember correctly, those who know him best as a footballer don't think full-back is his best position either.

[Thracian]

Chambers was no where near a 7 and Kaebi was at least a 6

Chambers made two goals, but Walsall broke through Kaebi's patch.

[Bert]

I've given reasons for my marks and if you want to dispute those reasons fine. But please don't suggest I "dislike" Kaebi. I was as excited as everyone else about signing such a seasoned international.

I even like his style of play in some ways and have referred to his speed, his energy, his close control, his tackling and his teamwork on several occasions.

It may even be he'll find a niche further forward in the team. I just don't like what I've seen of him as a full-back and, if I remember correctly, those who know him best as a footballer, don't think full-back is his best position either.

Tongue in cheek in all honesty and i can't really comment as i didn't go. I'm sure you gave your honest opinion on what you saw.

[mmarkie]

Not gonna bother rating cause I dont work for the Sun so wont get paid for it...

Kaebi - Very quick and had a good touch, passing a bit off at times...Slightly concerned at how small he looked against thier winger.. Thought he did ok at Left back although just seen on here some joker gave 8/9.... Hmmm No.

Sappleton, could be superb if he could head the ball.. Strong, decent touch and what a ****ing shot... One to watch for the future. Already been mentioned on here but very Heskey like... Keep him away from the pies and on the vitemin drinks and I think we have one for the future

Hayes bossed the midfield for City, looked very good I thought..

Gradel took his goals very well but looked a tad shady defensivly... Jury out...

Chambers looked exciting when he came on, gave us a forward option and tended to drop back into midfield to look for the ball which was encouraging, 2 assists also will help to build his confidence would like to see him given a few games for the first team now..

i think you mean odihambo mate

[Fat Ron]

i think you mean odihambo mate

I know mate, Cheers... Already been corrected in a later post

I think the Chill got to me..

[Thracian]

The point was made to me today that there were worse players in the city team than Kaebi last night.

That is true.

But those players were novices and never in a month of Sundays are any of them likely to be considered for the first team.

I certainly don't intend to draw attention to such players - young people who have barely stepped out of Academy football and weren't necessarily shining lights at that level either.

People like Kaebi, Hellings, Djeziri have been mentioned because they have been touted as prospective first teamers.

There are still some who insist Kaebi played well last night. And, indeed, that he's played well generally.

I don't think that reflects a lack of honesty or even football knowledge.

I think it reflects the desperation there is to replace some of our underperforming first teamers and the hope that a man with a flattering record and misleading YouTube video should be a better alternative.

And so he might prove. But not, in my view, as a full-back.

[danny.]

haven't got a clue which game you were watching thracian, but I was sitting in line with walsall's 18 yard box second half and their goals weren't kaebi's fault, a slide in from 6 yards in the middle (how is that a left back's fault) a header (ditto) and a fantastic through ball down the middle (ditto again)

I don't think Kaebi is a born left back, he'd be much more comfortable left mid, harldy his fault playing out of position. Chambers and Newton are shite in midfield, but everyone says - maybe rightly - "it's not thair fault, they don't play centre mid, give them some slack" so why not the same for kaebi. Seems you have some personal grudge against him Thracian.

Chambers was utter crap, came on ran around all over the place, lost the ball, gave it away, waste or time and you give him 7???

Also Djeziri had a good game, ok he should maybe pass a bit more but he obviously has some natural skill and great pace, flair and ability something we are sadly lacking. Both he, kaebi, hayes, odiahiambo and hellings were passing the ball around better than out first team last night, in fact one of the best games of football (not hoofball) I have seen at the walkers this season sadly.

[mancunianfox]

Both he, kaebi, hayes, odiahiambo and hayes were passing the ball around better than out first team last night, in fact one of the best games of football (not hoofball) I have seen at the walkers this season sadly.

That does seem to support that Beaglehole and Rudkin do play a certain style of football that is very different to the first team.

[S1DDO]

If Kaebi and Djeziri had come through the youth setup Thracian would never say a bad word about them.

[Koke]

haven't got a clue which game you were watching thracian, but I was sitting in line with walsall's 18 yard box second half and their goals weren't kaebi's fault, a slide in from 6 yards in the middle (how is that a left back's fault) a header (ditto) and a fantastic through ball down the middle (ditto again)

I don't think Kaebi is a born left back, he'd be much more comfortable left mid, harldy his fault playing out of position. Chambers and Newton are shite in midfield, but everyone says - maybe rightly - "it's not thair fault, they don't play centre mid, give them some slack" so why not the same for kaebi. Seems you have some personal grudge against him Thracian.

Chambers was utter crap, came on ran around all over the place, lost the ball, gave it away, waste or time and you give him 7???

Also Djeziri had a good game, ok he should maybe pass a bit more but he obviously has some natural skill and great pace, flair and ability something we are sadly lacking. Both he, kaebi, hayes, odiahiambo and hayes were passing the ball around better than out first team last night, in fact one of the best games of football (not hoofball) I have seen at the walkers this season sadly.

That was my over-all conclusion as well. Chambers quite clearly struggled a lot. He lost possession due to bad ball control and his passings were often intercepted. He was no way as good as Thracian is making him out to be last night.

Djeziri was alright. The kid does have some natural ability but he lacks a football brain. His decision making were awful. I believe he can turn into a good player under the right management.

As for Kaebi, Thrac said he was responsible for their 2nd and 3rd goal but unfortunately I had left by then so I can't comment on that. But before that I thought he was steady and tidy defensively. He made some good tackles, sliding tackles and his general play was OK. Although, on that current display he wouldn't be much of an improvement to Stearman, but he was playing out of position and in a rather freezing cold night, something he probably never witnessed in Iran. That should be taken in to consideration. I do feel a tad bit sorry for the lad really. I really do.