Heroes (Legends)

[davieG]

Ollie reckons we need Heroes like Walshy, Muzzy & Taggs see article below.

Do we have any players that have the potential, after all Walshy & Taggs weren't renowned for their delicate skills or cool heads - were this guys heroes because they were part of a successful team, would they have been heroes irrespective of success?

Who of our current permanently signed players has the potential to be a hero, even through talent (Izzett), never say die attitude ( Walshy) or some other cultist phenomenon?

Note - I've tried to pick players who've had an appearance or two.

For the Sappletizers out there I ran out of options - tough!

WE NEED HEROES!

CITY NEWS

BY ANDY MANN

WWW.THEBLUEARMY.CO.UK

10:30 - 18 March 2008

Ian Holloway wants his players to become the next generation of Leicester City legends by restoring passion to the Championship club.

The City boss said he aims to instil in his squad the desire that singled out terrace idols such as Steve Walsh, Muzzy Izzet and Gerry Taggart.

Indeed, Holloway revealed he received a good luck message from Izzet on the eve of the 4-1 win at West Bromwich Albion, while Walsh issued a rallying call to the Blue Army in his Mercury column ahead of Saturday's excellent victory.

Holloway suggested the passion these legends showed for the blue jersey may have been lacking in recent years because of the turnover of players and staff - but he is determined to bring it back.He said:

"The lads have to understand that Leicester City means so much to these people who buy a ticket every weekend."I am not sure we've had players here like they used to be. If you see our old players - I had a text message from Muzzy Izzet saying 'all the best Ollie' going into Saturday's game - we have some fantastic players around the place."Look at Walshy and (reserve-team manager) Gerry Taggart, who care so much about this club.

I have to make sure this new crop do as well."Did they with all the changes? I am not sure. I am going to make sure this lot do."That's what it's about for me - that passion.

I think it's been lacking over the past few years and we have to bring that back."Holloway believes he saw the beginnings in Saturday's comeback at the Hawthorns that lifted City out of the relegation places.The City boss said his players answered his pre-match call for them to "stand up and be counted".He said:

"Let's talk about the future. I want it to be bright. I want it to be blue and white."I want these people to realise they have a team that wants to play for them, that cares about the club, that fights to take responsibility for the club. That's what I saw on Saturday."I saw people standing up, being men and being counted.

That's what we need now for the next seven games and to carry it on into next season. This is Leicester City Football Club with a magnificent fan-base and a wonderful future. These guys have to earn the right to play for them."

[Kilworthfox]

I'm going for N'Gotty over Kisnorbo as he is most like Tony James IMHO

[Babylon]

Gary Parker... if he isn't in the list i'll go for Oakley.

[davieG]

Seems to be something awry with the poll 9 votes recorded but showing a total of twelve, if your vote doesn't appear can you let me know assuming it's obvious of course.

[mancunianfox]

Many people won't like or agree with this but the only player I can see achieving 'legend' status for us is Richard Stearman.

[Thracian]

Had Gradel been on the list I might have been tempted to vote for him but the rest are just Joe Average footballers to me at best.

And, despite his 3-year contract I can't see Holloway ever picking and sticking with Gradel. Otherwise he'd have been here helping us now.

Heart of hearts he appears to believe there's no substitute for experience and that's the way he turns when push comes to shove.

He's not even stuck with his own choice of wingers. I understand that but it hardly augers well for any other young players. He only sticks with experience. The rest get token involvement, Stearman excepted and he was already established.

Has King been given chance to make any progress this year at Leicester? None.

Wesolowski? None.

Gradel? Sent away.

Mattock? Not really.

It's been a wasted year for all four.

In fact with Weso and King they've rarely even had them fully fit and Mattock found himself displaced.

It's pretty sobering to think we've no heroes at present, no heroes on the horizon and the only possible hero has never been close to playing for us.

[Zingari]

Always liked Kisnorbo but i suspect he will be on his way sooner rather than later

but McAuley seems to be rapidly growing in stature just lately ,so i'll go for him

[Kilworthfox]

Had Gradel been on the list I might have been tempted to vote for him but the rest are just Joe Average footballers to me at best.

And, despite his 3-year contract I can't see Holloway ever picking and sticking with the kid. Otherwise he'd have been here helping us now.

Heart of hearts he appears to believe there's no substitute for experience and that's the way he turns when push comes to shove.

He's not even stuck with his own choice of wingers. I understand that but it hardly augers well for any other young players. He only sticks with experience. The rest get token involvement, Stearman excepted and he was already established.

Has King been given chance to make any progress this year at Leicester? None.

Wesolowski? None.

Gradel? Sent away.

Mattock? Not really.

It's been a wasted year for all four.

In fact with Weso and King they've rarely even had them fully fit and Mattock found himself displaced.

It's pretty sobering to think we've no heroes at present, no heroes on the horizon and the only possible hero has never been close to playing for us.

I can't understand how you can say that!

Gradel is playing every week, Mattock is 17 and playing championship 1st team football. Wesolowski is now cover, but was involved, but is now injured. King has also broken into the team and scored I don't see how the younger players have missed out this season. When we are safe they may get more of a chance.

I don't think the balme lies at any managers door on this as the pressure to win from MM is immense, and taking the risk of playing a player who is green to 1st team championship football is a risk which could get the manager the sack.

[Ric Flair]

May I ask where Hendrie is, or is it because we only have him on loan? I believe he and Oakley will be taking the bull by the horns in the next 7 matches.

[Thracian]

I can't understand how you can say that!

Gradel is playing every week, Mattock is 17 and playing championship 1st team football. Wesolowski is now cover, but was involved, but is now injured. King has also broken into the team and scored I don't see how the younger players have missed out this season. When we are safe they may get more of a chance.

I don't think the balme lies at any managers door on this as the pressure to win from MM is immense, and taking the risk of playing a player who is green to 1st team championship football is a risk which could get the manager the sack.

I said "progress at Leicester". Gradel has not even been playing at Leicester.

Yes Holloway may well play these people "when we are safe". That doesn't suggest any faith and trust in them. It suggests faith and trust in experience and, of course, no-one will get experience if they don't play in matches that matter.

I've discussed the point of your last sentence many times and the reality of what you say is not bourne out by the facts.

Senior players have been more than prone to serious gaffs in City colours during important games.

Fryatt, surely considered a senior by now, missed from six yards only the other week. I've already mentioned Maybury at Stoke last year and Henderson at home to Sunderland last season.

I can't recall ANY of our young players dropping bricks like those.

I'm not even sure we want "heroes" any more at Leicester and that comment was mirrored by a scout I spoke to recently who said it's not so much eyecatching individuals the club wants, it is people who will function in a unit as required, listen and do as they're told.

Which explains, I suppose, the bland and unimaginative football we play for far too much of the time.

How long is it since we had a genuinely outstanding individual who was picked with any regularity at Leicester?

[Master Fox]

Whoever votes for Richard Stearman as their potential hero, should hang their pitiful heads in shame.

[Ric Flair]

I said "progress at Leicester". Gradel has not even been playing at Leicester.

Yes Holloway may well play these people "when we are safe". That doesn't suggest any faith and trust in them. It suggests faith and trust in experience and, of course, no-one will get experience if they don't play in matches that matter.

I've discussed the point of your last sentence many times and the reality of what you say is not bourne out by the facts.

Senior players have been more than prone to serious gaffs in City colours during important games.

Fryatt, surely considered a senior by now, missed from six yards only the other week. I've already mentioned Maybury at Stoke last year and Henderson at home to Sunderland last season.

I can't recall ANY of our young players dropping bricks like those.

Impossible to say given the lack of chances some have had. Mattock, Stearman and Wesolowski have all had some bad games for us this season, they've also had their share of good games as well. Stearman probably being our best player since Christmas. The others that haven't played much, we have to presume that's due to Holloway and the coaches not thinking they are up to it yet. Gradel aside, none of the youngsters (King, Beswick, McKay) are better than the players we already have in their positions.

[Babylon]

Whoever votes for Richard Stearman as their potential hero, should hang their pitiful heads in shame.

I presume you mean after the people who voted for fecking "HUMMMMMMMMMMMEEEEEEE". If that dicks name was more than one syllable he wouldn't even be liked.

[Ric Flair]

Whoever votes for Richard Stearman as their potential hero, should hang their pitiful heads in shame.

If you can't accept that Stearman has stepped his game up tremendously since Xmas then I shall be questioning whether you've been to watch us this year.

[The People's Hero]

I've got a penis and I'm not afraid to use it to pi ss all over this thread.

Oakley.

[Tevez]

Stearman for me. He's turned around his season round alot.

[Thracian]

Impossible to say given the lack of chances some have had. Mattock, Stearman and Wesolowski have all had some bad games for us this season, they've also had their share of good games as well. Stearman probably being our best player since Christmas. The others that haven't played much, we have to presume that's due to Holloway and the coaches not thinking they are up to it yet. Gradel aside, none of the youngsters (King, Beswick, McKay) are better than the players we already have in their positions.

Beswick's not better than Hendrie's been so far but, Saturday excepted, I'd sooner have had him attacking wide left than Mattock because he's more consistently dangerous and takes good free-kicks, although Mattock is undoubtedly a better left-back.

McKay looks too lightweight and although capable and enthusiastic as he is, I doubt he'll get a chance at City any more than Dodds did.

It really isn't simply a case of coaches not rating these lads. When you sign the likes of Hendrie, Oakley, Clemence for the sort of money they command, you really have to play them. They wouldn't join otherwise as Clemence as much as said in an interview on his arrival.

And if that wasn't the case, there's no way Clemence would have been virtually ever present this season bar injury. Because if any young player had played so many anonymous matches they'd have been out of the side, no question.

Gradel in some ways is the lucky one. He's Bournemouth's nearest thing to a hero and that's already been noticed by such as Crewe and therefore I'm sure he'll have some sort of decent professional career irrespective of what happens to him at Leicester.

Kingy and Beswick badly need some exposure and someone to show some faith in their undoubted ability.

[FleckneyFox]

I wouldve gone for Hendrie if he was there but i think im going to go for Stearz

[Fat Ron]

Can we rename this thread "Thracians Academy Dream Team"

Just what we need, a team full of 17 year old 'Heroes'. Sod the development, just get em in quick!!

[Ric Flair]

Beswick's not better than Hendrie's been so far but, Saturday excepted, I'd sooner have had him attacking wide left than Mattock because he's more consistently dangerous and takes good free-kicks, although Mattock is undoubtedly a better left-back.

McKay looks too lightweight and although capable and enthusiastic as he is, I doubt he'll get a chance at City any more than Dodds did.

It really isn't simply a case of coaches not rating these lads. When you sign the likes of Hendrie, Oakley, Clemence for the sort of money they command, you really have to play them. They wouldn't join otherwise as Clemence as much as said in an interview on his arrival.

And if that wasn't the case, there's no way Clemence would have been virtually ever present this season bar injury. Because if any young player had played so many anonymous matches they'd have been out of the side, no question.

Gradel in some ways is the lucky one. He's Bournemouth's nearest thing to a hero and that's already been noticed by such as Crewe and therefore I'm sure he'll have some sort of decent professional career irrespective of what happens to him at Leicester.

Kingy and Beswick badly need some exposure and someone to show some faith in their undoubted ability.

I understand what your saying, but that is how football works. To earn the sort of wages, Oakley, Clemence & Hendrie get is due to them being proven footballers for many years. The King's, Beswick's and so on, obviously haven't proven themselves and therefore if they do play and have a series of poor games, they'll be deemed not good enough or not ready yet. It's harsh in a way because it's using past glories for established players, but you have to go on that at times otherwise what's the criteria managers use to pick a team? I agree wholeheartedly about picking players on merit, I also want to see our academy lads get a chance when they perform at the other levels they play at, but i've watched football for long enough to know that the only way youngsters get to prove themselves is by taking their sometimes limited chances when they come their way.

That's why loaning these lads out is often a great way for them to prove it hard for the managers of their permanent clubs to ignore them when they come back to them, Gradel being a prime example. Whether you believe Gradel will get a chance or not, this is the thinking behind managers decisions and I do believe Gradel will be playing in the first team for us next season. The only way I don't see that happening is if we sign 2 quality right sided wingers and as we haven't even had one that fit's that bill for as long as I can remember, Maxi doesn't have too much to worry about.

Being an established footballer counts for something, being established in any profession counts for something. It means you've earnt the right for the profession your in to deem you a well respected and often quality worker. If your a young gun starting out in that field, you know that you don't have the luxury of people knowing and thinking that of you, so any chance that comes your way has to be taken. Making an impression, it can be cruel, especially if you don't even get that chance to prove yourself. It's also cruel when you see proven footballers not making the most of their ability and getting away with under performing, that's where a good manager comes in. Not afraid to make an example out of the said under achiever, perhaps by giving an unproven lad a chance to impress. This has happened at our club over the past few seasons, possibly not enough in your eyes. But youngsters do get a chance here, the ones that often don't, hardly go on to prove we've made a mistake. I'm yet to see one of our youngsters perform at a level close to ours at a different club due to being unfairly treated here. I hope that never happens and all the quality we have through our ranks is used and retained.

I like how this has turned in to the old favourite when other hot topics don't seem to need to be discussed right now, which have been hot on the agenda in recent weeks.

[davieG]

May I ask where Hendrie is, or is it because we only have him on loan? I believe he and Oakley will be taking the bull by the horns in the next 7 matches.

I wouldve gone for Hendrie if he was there but i think im going to go for Stearz

Poll Question

Who of our current permanently signed players has the potential to be a hero?

[Fat Ron]

Poll Question

Who of our current permanently signed players has the potential to be a hero?

So, hyperthetically speaking.. if Hendrie is by far the best player we have from now until the end of the season, scoring in every game and scores the winner on the last day of the season to keep us up, we cant class him as a Hero?

Your a hard man to please davie G

[Master Fox]

If you can't accept that Stearman has stepped his game up tremendously since Xmas then I shall be questioning whether you've been to watch us this year.

No, but I feel the term hero is being used rather loosely in the topic. I wouldn’t disagree with the notion of Steraman’s overall team/performance contribution has improved, and bloody well about time too! But I’m finding it extremely difficulty to view anyone who plays professional football in this current age as heroes. What exactly have any of the thickest over-paid incompetent cretins done to deserve such a title? Especially Leicester players, who’ve failed and under achieved over the years on a consistent basis.

[Ric Flair]

So, hyperthetically speaking.. if Hendrie is by far the best player we have from now until the end of the season, scoring in every game and scores the winner on the last day of the season to keep us up, we cant class him as a Hero?

Your a hard man to please davie G

:laugh:

I echo this, I want Hendrie added to the gig.

[davieG]

So, hyperthetically speaking.. if Hendrie is by far the best player we have from now until the end of the season, scoring in every game and scores the winner on the last day of the season to keep us up, we cant class him as a Hero?

Your a hard man to please davie G

Well it was a lose/lose situation with only 20 nominees allowed something had to give, Id I'd have left any of the permanents out someone would have said where's "*********"?

Besides Hendrie a hero pah!!!