Oakley

[Fez of Mahrez]

I think you might be right there son. Oakley piledriver and a Muzzy Izzet Kung-Fu style celebration in front of the masses.

Stop it, you're making me moist.

[lee7]

he's been decent for us so far. when the balls played on the floor to his feet thats when you get to see the best of him. he's got a good touch, finds space well, likes a tackle and is quite creative.

looks like he's a steal at 500k.

quality signing.

[Thracian]

Spot on, I also think he has helped Clemence's game improve.

I don't think Clemence has played particularly well since Oakley's arrival - in fact were he not captain and a senior pro he'd have been dropped.

But he did do well against Norwich and while Oakley certainly helped the main thing - and one which may have affected his form in previous games - was that there were passing options all around him.

Hume and Laczko weren't glued to the wings but they often did provide proper width and when they moved inside someone else went wide, which is how it should be.

This width meant there was lots of space for Campbell to exploit and he provided another good passing option.

Finally, because those things kept Norwich defenders more than occupied they couldn't double up on or easily snuff out Howard who dropped quite deep at times and was almost like an attacking Scholes-type figure helping even more to spread the play.

Quite why we've not done that before and when we've insisted on forever contracting the space I don't know.

Yes, I know Norwich being down to 10 men exaggerated the benefits and contributed to the space but it was happening earlier than that and when we've contracted the space in the past it has always seemed inexplicable to me, and more certainly since we've actually had wingers.

As for Oakley individually he's blown hot and cold but he's always involved and he doesn't hide when things are going wrong nor pass responsibility and that's something I like. For £500,000 he's a free gift although the nailed on starting place these two have got would make the prospects of playing for City pretty bleak for any other central midfielder.

[Ric Flair]

I don't think Clemence has played particularly well since Oakley's arrival - in fact were he not captain and a senior pro he'd have been dropped.

But he did do well against Norwich and while Oakley certainly helped the main thing - and one which may have affected his form in previous games - was that there were passing options all around him.

Hume and Laczko weren't glued to the wings but they often did provide proper width and when they moved inside someone else went wide, which is how it should be.

This width meant there was lots of space for Campbell to exploit and he provided another good passing option.

Finally, because those things kept Norwich defenders more than occupied they couldn't double up on or easily snuff out Howard who dropped quite deep at times and was almost like an attacking Scholes-type figure helping even more to spread the play.

Quite why we've not done that before and when we've insisted on forever contracting the space I don't know.

Yes, I know Norwich being down to 10 men exaggerated the benefits and contributed to the space but it was happening earlier than that and when we've contracted the space in the past it has always seemed inexplicable to me, and more certainly since we've actually had wingers.

As for Oakley individually he's blown hot and cold but he's always involved and he doesn't hide when things are going wrong no pass responsibility and that's something I like. For £500,000 he's a free gift although the nailed on starting place these two have got would make the prospects of playing for City pretty bleak for any other central midfielder.

You've raised a very good issue there. I totally agree with you. Clemence and Oakley are 2 of the most seasoned Championship midfielders you could find and almost every team in this league would be happy with them. I am pleased we have them, I just hope that if either does rest on their laurels that Holloway isn't afraid to show them that just because they are 'big names' that they need to put in the performances to match that. Wesolowski and King need to be pushing them and i've no doubt they will do, I just hope Holloway has the bollocks to pick them on merit if either Clem or Oakley having a bad patch, like Clemence has been known to.

[Maybes]

I like him.

Calm and collected on the ball, has great vision, an eye for goal, not afraid to make a tackle either, has decent experience at the top level, brings the best out of Clem, and hopefully, next season, this partnership will flourish.

arrrh yes! Pretty much echoed. He has definately improved clemence in the midfield and I feel the two work well together.

[Fox You Forest]

I don't think Clemence has played particularly well since Oakley's arrival - in fact were he not captain and a senior pro he'd have been dropped.

But he did do well against Norwich and while Oakley certainly helped the main thing - and one which may have affected his form in previous games - was that there were passing options all around him.

Hume and Laczko weren't glued to the wings but they often did provide proper width and when they moved inside someone else went wide, which is how it should be.

This width meant there was lots of space for Campbell to exploit and he provided another good passing option.

Finally, because those things kept Norwich defenders more than occupied they couldn't double up on or easily snuff out Howard who dropped quite deep at times and was almost like an attacking Scholes-type figure helping even more to spread the play.

Quite why we've not done that before and when we've insisted on forever contracting the space I don't know.

Yes, I know Norwich being down to 10 men exaggerated the benefits and contributed to the space but it was happening earlier than that and when we've contracted the space in the past it has always seemed inexplicable to me, and more certainly since we've actually had wingers.

As for Oakley individually he's blown hot and cold but he's always involved and he doesn't hide when things are going wrong no pass responsibility and that's something I like. For £500,000 he's a free gift although the nailed on starting place these two have got would make the prospects of playing for City pretty bleak for any other central midfielder.

He's no Andy King but he will do.

[Vo Rogue]

I don't think Clemence has played particularly well since Oakley's arrival - in fact were he not captain and a senior pro he'd have been dropped.

But he did do well against Norwich and while Oakley certainly helped the main thing - and one which may have affected his form in previous games - was that there were passing options all around him.

Hume and Laczko weren't glued to the wings but they often did provide proper width and when they moved inside someone else went wide, which is how it should be.

This width meant there was lots of space for Campbell to exploit and he provided another good passing option.

Finally, because those things kept Norwich defenders more than occupied they couldn't double up on or easily snuff out Howard who dropped quite deep at times and was almost like an attacking Scholes-type figure helping even more to spread the play.

Quite why we've not done that before and when we've insisted on forever contracting the space I don't know.

Yes, I know Norwich being down to 10 men exaggerated the benefits and contributed to the space but it was happening earlier than that and when we've contracted the space in the past it has always seemed inexplicable to me, and more certainly since we've actually had wingers.

As for Oakley individually he's blown hot and cold but he's always involved and he doesn't hide when things are going wrong no pass responsibility and that's something I like. For £500,000 he's a free gift although the nailed on starting place these two have got would make the prospects of playing for City pretty bleak for any other central midfielder.

Hope you can get to Ressies tonite Thracian and give us an updater on King and Wesolowski and how far away from the 1st 16 they may be. Thanx.

[Simi]

I like him.

Very high work rate, decent passer of the ball as well. Looks for short simple passes more than something extravagant, which is good I feel. At times though, he'll not get on the ball for ages which can affect us a little.

I hope him and Clemence can form a strong partnership, but would not be against giving him a run with King or Weso for example.

[Staf]

I like him he is steady and does a good job i think for the money we paid he is quality

[Joe.]

So far I like him.

Does the simple things well, tries to keep possession and doesn't try too much fancy stuff. I think you could call him a tidy player. I think we'll see the best of him next season if I'm honest.

[lildave3]

My only worries with him if the fact he's tended to go missing in games so far.

Like him though, can't wait to see him become a big part of this team.

[scrivins2]

one of ou best players i'd say

[Thracian]

Hope you can get to Ressies tonite Thracian and give us an updater on King and Wesolowski and how far away from the 1st 16 they may be. Thanx.

I'll be there but I don't think it will make much difference how they play.

Clemence was allowed a month of indifferent performances before the Norwich game and didn't get dropped.

Weso had a cracking all-action 90 minutes against Wolves Reserves yet didn't even get on the first team bench.

I can see him getting restless if he's out of the picture much longer because, despite his long contract, I cannot see someone of his age and capabilities relishing Reserves football.

[Chimp]

My only worries with him if the fact he's tended to go missing in games so far.

This is only in games where we've resorted to hoofing. It's hardly his fault he can't get involved in a game if the ball is continually sailing 20ft over his head.

If the team, as a whole, are commited to playing the ball to feet and use the midfield (as we did vs Norwich) then we'll see how good he can really be. Ditto with Clemence.

[Super Arj]

good player so far

he spreads the ball very well and i have noticed his ability in slide tacking is top notch!!

[Father Ted]

How would we assess his performances so far?

Ive been quite impressed and still feel there is more to come. In the long run i think he will be the answer to our creative problems, providing we have two decent wingers.

He also gets his fair share of goals and in the past i can recall him scoring some beauties - hes due one, maybe against Coventry? Hope so.

Discuss...

He is great. I've even got his name on the back of my shirt. He will create chances, get forward and breaks quickly on the counter attack. Although if i'm right he's not got a great goalscoring record but he is class.

[Cobbo]

Oakley has class - he's a calming influence on the team and possesses real quality on the ball.

Him and Clemence on their day could be the best central midfiel partnership in the league but that may take a little time. Certainly will help us to become a better passing side.

[STUHILL]

If honest, I was expecting a bit more from Oakley. Derby Captain etc, who was playing every week in the Prem and awesome last year in this league. Hopefully, there is more to come from him though. i was impressed with his game on Saturday. Probably been hard for him being rushed into to an underperforming team. His class should start to shine when the whole team begins playing better.

[reynard]

Pretty much what I've always thought about him.

He's a slightly better than average player though short of being top quality. 500k is about his right value and he should be a steady signing for us.

[Guest]

I've been impressed with Oakley

[Bert]

He is great. I've even got his name on the back of my shirt. He will create chances, get forward and breaks quickly on the counter attack. Although if i'm right he's not got a great goalscoring record but he is class.

You'll be pissed off next season when he takes the number 8 shirt.