James. Posted 12 August 2008 Posted 12 August 2008 Steve Howard is masterminding our transfer dealings?!? I'd ignore it if I were you. It's just the same old babble. It's been boring for quite some time.
Benji Posted 12 August 2008 Posted 12 August 2008 You've made my point. However well Porter plays he'll be overlooked as first choice because other players like Dyer or the lamentable Howard have more experience, have played more games and are doubtless on more money.It's invariably the case with kids who come through the ranks as Gradel found out last season when he wasn't wanted at all because we preferred outside signings with more experience and as Dodds found out when he didn't get a chance at all for the same reason. I can just imagine Howard explaining the situation to Porter: "Okay son, yes, you ran Chelsea ragged before your injury, you've had a terrific pre-season, probably better than anyone else on the left what with the goals you scored and made but I've signed Dyer, I've got to play him, so hard luck." I've always felt it's harder for resident players to get a break with in a new regime because the incoming manager usually takes over in a crisis, blames the residents for the club doing badly and signs his own preferred players. The fact that Porter didn't play last season will be incidental. With his age/experience/wages he makes an easier fall guy than others. But if Gradel is one guarenteed winger, how can both Adams and Levi also play? Adams apparently can play centre mid but I see no point in putting someone there just for the sake of them playing which is what you would do if you sacrificed one of king/oakley/kish in the middle. So other than Dyer being swapped for one it really is a case of you can't play everyone, no matter who the manager is.
Thracian Posted 12 August 2008 Posted 12 August 2008 But if Gradel is one guarenteed winger, how can both Adams and Levi also play?Adams apparently can play centre mid but I see no point in putting someone there just for the sake of them playing which is what you would do if you sacrificed one of king/oakley/kish in the middle. So other than Dyer being swapped for one it really is a case of you can't play everyone, no matter who the manager is. Gradel plays either wing, Porter plays on the wing or in the centre though no-one believes me and Adams is supposed to be versatile too. Don't forget Adams and Porter weren't even on the bench. Yet Howard got his game and for what reason? He's hardly shone pre-season and his injury looked like one that suggested fitness problems rather than a knock. At least assuming it was a tight or damaged hamstring. I've nothing against Howard as such - he's big and he can be a threat - but compared to several others in the preparatory period I just couldn't see a case for his inclusion and especially the way we played. I did wonder if Pearson might try and utilise everyone fairly evenly over the season particularly where there are players of roughly equal ability contesting different places and that might prove to be the case and if so, I'm in favour, because it will keep everyone sharp and foster really good team spirit. It's not so daft either especially with us having no proper reserves side. Ferguson puts great emphasis on making sure non of his players get too tired and play more often than necessary but I'd still say our bench looked more negative than positive and that, unless injured, Adams and Porter could feel hard done by not being involved.
The People's Hero Posted 12 August 2008 Posted 12 August 2008 Knee-jerk rubbish ONE GAME! We've played ONE GAME.
Tommy G Posted 12 August 2008 Posted 12 August 2008 You've made my point. However well Porter plays he'll be overlooked as first choice because other players like Dyer or the lamentable Howard have more experience, have played more games and are doubtless on more money.It's invariably the case with kids who come through the ranks as Gradel found out last season when he wasn't wanted at all because we preferred outside signings with more experience and as Dodds found out when he didn't get a chance at all for the same reason. I can just imagine Howard explaining the situation to Porter: "Okay son, yes, you ran Chelsea ragged before your injury, you've had a terrific pre-season, probably better than anyone else on the left what with the goals you scored and made but I've signed Dyer, I've got to play him, so hard luck." I've always felt it's harder for resident players to get a break with in a new regime because the incoming manager usually takes over in a crisis, blames the residents for the club doing badly and signs his own preferred players. The fact that Porter didn't play last season will be incidental. With his age/experience/wages he makes an easier fall guy than others. If Porter was gods gift to mankind then he would be playing alongside Dyer. He just simply can't cut it in NP eyes. Im not convinced he would be effective in the middle anyway
Thracian Posted 12 August 2008 Posted 12 August 2008 ONE GAME!We've played ONE GAME. Didn't stop Howard getting injured and failing to complete the match. If we've played one game it seems logical that it's the one that will be commented on.
Father Ted Posted 12 August 2008 Posted 12 August 2008 Should be an entertaining match. I'm looking forward to seeing Adams / Porter stake their claims for the first team. I would prefer to see one of them two instead of Dyer.
Ric Flair Posted 12 August 2008 Posted 12 August 2008 Gradel plays either wing, Porter plays on the wing or in the centre though no-one believes me and Adams is supposed to be versatile too. Don't forget Adams and Porter weren't even on the bench. Yet Howard got his game and for what reason? He's hardly shone pre-season and his injury looked like one that suggested fitness problems rather than a knock. At least assuming it was a tight or damaged hamstring. I've nothing against Howard as such - he's big and he can be a threat - but compared to several others in the preparatory period I just couldn't see a case for his inclusion and especially the way we played. I did wonder if Pearson might try and utilise everyone fairly evenly over the season particularly where there are players of roughly equal ability contesting different places and that might prove to be the case and if so, I'm in favour, because it will keep everyone sharp and foster really good team spirit. It's not so daft either especially with us having no proper reserves side. Ferguson puts great emphasis on making sure non of his players get too tired and play more often than necessary but I'd still say our bench looked more negative than positive and that, unless injured, Adams and Porter could feel hard done by not being involved. All well and good Thracian, but Howard is a centre forwad, something Porter and Adams are not. The other options up front right now are Dickov and DJ. Dickov isn't 100% match fit and DJ Campbell is equally as bad as Howard. The academy strikers aren't yet ready either IMO. Porter is up against it really, finally we seem to have 4 wingers that will be a danger at this level (Porter being one of them). He might well be able to play in the centre, but I can't find room for him there. Who do you play him alongside? You need a very robust and disciplined midfielder to be alongside Porter as I think he'd be over run at times, even if you do think he's as strong as anyone when challenging for the ball. I'd much rather continue with King in the centre and see how he develops than Porter, purely because I think King has the better attributes for central midfield.
The People's Hero Posted 12 August 2008 Posted 12 August 2008 Didn't stop Howard getting injured and failing to complete the match.If we've played one game it seems logical that it's the one that will be commented on. Yes but most of us can retain a little perspective.
Thracian Posted 12 August 2008 Posted 12 August 2008 If Porter was gods gift to mankind then he would be playing alongside Dyer. He just simply can't cut it in NP eyes.Im not convinced he would be effective in the middle anyway I don't believe he thinks that at all. Someone said pre-season that neither would be involved with the first team friendlies but it simply wasn't the case. Literally everyone I've spoken to at the club rates Porter.
Tommy G Posted 12 August 2008 Posted 12 August 2008 All well and good Thracian, but Howard is a centre forwad, something Porter and Adams are not. The other options up front right now are Dickov and DJ. Dickov isn't 100% match fit and DJ Campbell is equally as bad as Howard. The academy strikers aren't yet ready either IMO. Porter is up against it really, finally we seem to have 4 wingers that will be a danger at this level (Porter being one of them). He might well be able to play in the centre, but I can't find room for him there. Who do you play him alongside? You need a very robust and disciplined midfielder to be alongside Porter as I think he'd be over run at times, even if you do think he's as strong as anyone when challenging for the ball. I'd much rather continue with King in the centre and see how he develops than Porter, purely because I think King has the better attributes for central midfield. I think if it was down to Thrac he would play Levi left back just to get him on the teamsheet. Lets hope he plays tonight and shows us all what an amazing player he is and why he should be playing either left winger or in the middle.
The People's Hero Posted 12 August 2008 Posted 12 August 2008 Porter is so-so. He has his strengths and his weaknesses. I won't go through them all now. Seriously through Thracian, we've noted that you've got an inflated and unrealistic view and expectation of the lads abilities. We know that. Can we move on now without you mentioning Porter all the sodding time?
Bryn Posted 12 August 2008 Posted 12 August 2008 Thracian have you actually got worse as our team has got better? Seriously. I imagine O'Neill and Cox should both be hovering around the first team, because we don't have many fullbacks. This O'Neill kid must be pretty tidy to be hitting the squad so rapidly.
The People's Hero Posted 12 August 2008 Posted 12 August 2008 I've already claimed Jorrin John. Boy, he should be in team already. He's quicker than a cheetah, stronger than a bear and wilier than even the wiliest fox. If players were traffic lights, he'd be one of those funky ones in the States hanging from a wire and he'd ALWAYS be green. Bloody chosen men on more money getting selected before him just because they have more stubble. Make me want to go and beat the World Champion at Squash (which I did) - and I'm not even saying I'm good.
Tommy G Posted 12 August 2008 Posted 12 August 2008 Levi Porter will be this seasons version of Sheehan last season, you mark my words!!
Miquel The Work Geordie Posted 12 August 2008 Posted 12 August 2008 Thracian, I'll agree that Porter has had a decent pre-season, but hopefully, if he is consumate pro, he'll try and continue to cause Pearson problems.
The People's Hero Posted 12 August 2008 Posted 12 August 2008 Levi Porter will be this seasons version of Sheehan last season, you mark my words!! I don't think Levi produces as many goals, assists, near things or Thrurges as Sheehan did. If he is consumate pro, he'll try and continue to cause Pearson problems. Like letting his tyres down, messing with his mail and tying his shoelaces together?
Benji Posted 12 August 2008 Posted 12 August 2008 Gradel plays either wing, Porter plays on the wing or in the centre though no-one believes me and Adams is supposed to be versatile too. Don't forget Adams and Porter weren't even on the bench. Yet Howard got his game and for what reason? He's hardly shone pre-season and his injury looked like one that suggested fitness problems rather than a knock. At least assuming it was a tight or damaged hamstring. I've nothing against Howard as such - he's big and he can be a threat - but compared to several others in the preparatory period I just couldn't see a case for his inclusion and especially the way we played. I did wonder if Pearson might try and utilise everyone fairly evenly over the season particularly where there are players of roughly equal ability contesting different places and that might prove to be the case and if so, I'm in favour, because it will keep everyone sharp and foster really good team spirit. It's not so daft either especially with us having no proper reserves side. Ferguson puts great emphasis on making sure non of his players get too tired and play more often than necessary but I'd still say our bench looked more negative than positive and that, unless injured, Adams and Porter could feel hard done by not being involved. I understand your gripes with Howard but I don't agree that you should compare him to Porter and Adams. DJ, Dickov, and a fit A. Chambers are the ones who should contest him unless of course you are wanting a 4-5-1? My only problem with trying to employ all three of Gradel, Adams and Porter is that you have to use one in centre midfield, and personally I believe all three are best at what they do, on the wing. Even if you had Porter or Adams in the centre, I don't think they could do a better or equally as good job as King, Oakley (EDIT: forgot about Weso) and to a degree Kish. So you'd have to drop one of those and weaken the team, just to compensate one of the former. I kind of hoped that Adams would have started for Dyer with Porter coming on after 60 minutes, but I'm not being paid to make the decisions. Tonight will be a good chance for both but I actually thought Dyer played very well on Saturday and really wanted to be part of the game. It cannot be easy for a player on the left when the teams attacking tactic is so blatantly give it to Gradel on the right.
Dr The Singh Posted 12 August 2008 Posted 12 August 2008 I don't think Levi produces as many goals, assists, near things or Thrurges as Sheehan did.Like letting his tyres down, messing with his mail and tying his shoelaces together? I love this forum, and I love this thread!!! If you already didn't know: Singh is King!!
James. Posted 12 August 2008 Posted 12 August 2008 Porter's performance against Chelsea has officially become the new 4-1 victory against Watford.
The People's Hero Posted 12 August 2008 Posted 12 August 2008 You can't play Gradel, Adams and Porter, they are all too lightweight surely? This is a physical league. This is why I'd like Weso and Oakley in the middle.
Babylon Posted 12 August 2008 Posted 12 August 2008 Seriously through Thracian, we've noted that you've got an inflated and unrealistic view and expectation of the lads abilities. We know that. Can we move on now without you mentioning Porter all the sodding time? Here here, every sodding thread I read.
Dr The Singh Posted 12 August 2008 Posted 12 August 2008 You can't play Gradel, Adams and Porter, they are all too lightweight surely?This is a physical league. This is why I'd like Weso and Oakley in the middle. Porter did ok against CHelsea but he has been more of a donkey on many occassion, many players raised there game that game including the likes DJ, so IMO Porter has been very mediocre last season and the one before that!!! I would like to see King and weso, adams, that centre back hobbs, and SIngh is KIng!!!
James. Posted 12 August 2008 Posted 12 August 2008 Here here, every sodding thread I read. ThracianTalk is back and it's better than ever folks. Brilliant.
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