Gallagher

[Koke]

Nigel should know by now where Gallagher's best position is. Considering he's our best creative outlet, it's only right that Nigel plays him up front preferably as a second striker behind whoever is playing up front.

It is really frustrating to see him wasted on the wing. He's yet another player who is a victim of his own versatility. I'm sure many of you share those sentiments.

[maddog]

Nigel should know by now where Gallagher's best position is. Considering he's our best creative outlet, it's only right that Nigel plays him up front preferably as a second striker behind whoever is playing up front.

It is really frustrating to see him wasted on the wing. He's yet another player who is a victim of his own versatility. I'm sure many of you share those sentiments.

Gallagher and Campbell up front on Friday, with Adams and Dyer on the wings.

[Edmund]

It is really frustrating to see him wasted on the wing. He's yet another player who is a victim of his own versatility. I'm sure many of you share those sentiments.

This is one thing that baffles me. Although he is competent on the wing we would benefit more from him up front as a creator and finisher. We have natural wingers at the club who should play instead and Gallagher in his true role up front. The problem was Fryatt and Howard never looked like being dropped for obvious reasons and now that Waghorn has started in place of Howard plus has a few goals to his name I think Nige is a little worried of upsetting certain players by dropping them. It seems he wants to play him but is behind in the pecking order for a position up front.

[Edmund]

As the season progresses it's starting to become more and more evident that signing Gallagher is looking to be a big waste of money and could've been used more effectively elsewhere (especially if were cash strapped as recent reports suggest).

I've got nothing against him personally as the lad obviously has it is in his locker and possesses a great finish as has been evident when he's scored. But I can't help but feel that it's a waste as he doesn't get a look in up front and deservedly so, as Fryatt, Waghorn and lately Howard have been in fine form.

So this is my point, we've seen him play numerous times as an advanced midfielder or on the wing but he's been mediocre at best yet he still gets played in front of players who play the position naturally and have also been on fine form (N'guessan scored on his last outing).

Are we playing him just because of the massive fee he brought with him to the Walkers? I can't see any other reason.

I just can't help but feel with hindsight it looks like we made a major mistake in purchasing him and should have invested the money elsewhere.

Again I can't fault the lad because he tries his best but what's the point when he's in the wrong position. I feel sorry for him to be honest.

[Matt]

Put him upfront for a few matches, consistanly I think he'll score and do a job for us, On the wing, I'm not a fan.

However who are you going to replace? Fryatt? Howard? I like both, not sure who i'd take out.

One option to look at is go 3 in midfield and play him behind the front 2? (I'm not sure i'd risk it but maybe have a look at it)

[Finnegan]

As I've just said in the other thread, technically I think he's one of our best players. I'd find a place for him in my starting eleven.

Quicker than he seems, confindent, intelligent on the ball. I don't really see what there is to criticize? Whether or not he's a pointless signing depends on your interpretation of the phrase, I suppose. Given that Pearson seems to have no interest in starting him then, yes, I suppose he is.

[Bryn]

Deserves a go upfront, has good technique, but yeah I'm not seeing a six figure fee's worth of ability.

[Corky]

Playing him as a winger doesn't help. His close control is useful, as was evident when closing the cup match out last week.

Give him a proper chance up front then judge.

[lou]

Dont think weve made a mistake signing him, and if Fryatt does go he'll be invaluable. Also hes got Premiership experience which must be a positive thing for the younger players to learn from on the training ground?

I rate him and think hes probably the most natural goalscorer weve got BUT do wish he would be played in his right position, hes not a winger!!

Sick of seeing other people slagging him off when hes not been given a fair crack up front.

[lildave3]

I've not been a fan since he arrived. He looks decent on the ball, but there's no place for him. He's not a winger, I personally don't think he'd even make a good striker and even if he is, I wouldn't want him ahead of Waggy, Steve or Fryatt. Probably Yann too. Pretty pointless really.

[Webbo]

When he was bought a lot of people assumed it was because Fryatt was going, perhaps if he goes during the window then Gallagher will get his chance. Not really fair to judge him until he gets a run in the team in his best position.

[davieG]

Or Adams, N'Guessan, Kermo, and Ajdarevic. With a squad, especially one that's performing beyond expectations they'll always be players that struggle to make an impact.

I think it's fair to remember that Pearson has repeatedly said about his signings that he wants options not like for like and that is what he's got and enable him to attempt to change the pattern of the game whether we agree or not that his subs/option choices are the correct ones is beside the point he makes a decision and only hindsight can determine whther it proves successful or not.

[Miquel The Work Geordie]

I don't think the original post was actually criticising his ability, more the fact that he is being played in the wrong position when we seemingly have more suitable options on the bench.

Think people have taken this wrongly.

[Guest Mee-9]

Can't beat a boring draw to bring the boo boys/****** out in full force :thumbsup:

[tewkesbury-fox]

I would prefer him to be used as a striker in his correct position so i could judge him on those performances,however he seems to do a job for NP in midfiel..i would like to see weigh in with a few more goals so thats my only gripe with him its all about options for NP,its kermorgant i cant get my head round at the moment he seems to be a pointless signing

[martyn]

It's fairly obvious that Gallagher is a technically gifted footballer. The trouble is, our style of play isn't really conducive to his abilities, as we either tend to lump it long where he'll never be the target man, nor the striker feeding off the knock downs or, we play balls down the channels for 2 mobile strikers which again is not going to play to Gallaghers strengths.

His most effective performance was at Watford when our diamond worked in the first half. We got the ball into his feet centrally where he could either play on the half turn and look to feed ball in behind or, he could distribute intelligently in midfield areas.

All things considered, I think the money could have been used better elsewhere however, he could turn out to be a useful asset for us, and having him in the squad does give us options and adds to a strong bench.

[Karljohn]

I like Gallagher, very clever player but as the OP states, pointless signing to just warm the bench.

Lets not lose sight of the fact that NP has kept faith with Howard, with a return of 2 goals, so that adds weight to the pointless signing comment!

Id still like to see him start 4-5 matches in a row and see what return we get.

[Jimmy]

when he finally gets to play upfront we'll see what he can do

[Guest Mee-9]

The kids near us bummed Gallagher today. Shouting "GALLAGHER" when he was warming up. And going crazy when he touched the ball.

They must have a poster of him up in their bedrooms, and bash one off to him every night. Obsessive much?

[lildave3]

when he finally gets to play upfront we'll see what he can do

He wont and we won't.

[Edmund]

I don't think the original post was actually criticising his ability, more the fact that he is being played in the wrong position when we seemingly have more suitable options on the bench.

Think people have taken this wrongly.

Spot on mate. I've not critisiced him at all, in fact quite the opposite. I'm just pointing out the obvious that I think his signing was a mistake.

And to all those who say he needs to be given the chance up front only back my point further. He will find it hard to be given the chances as we already have an abundance of strikers who are playing well and it's unlikely he will get many more, so what was the point in buying him? To play him on the wing? Like I said I feel sorry for him. He's just putting the shifts in but totally out of position.

Can't beat a boring draw to bring the boo boys/****** out in full force :thumbsup:

I'm not one to over react or boo the team in fact I'm one of the very few who backs the team and manager on these boards when we are doing shit.

I'm just making a logical judgement and I think half way through a season is a fair time to make an assessment.

[Finnegan]

He wont and we won't.

OPTIMIST BEN IS OPTIMISTIC.

[lou]

when he finally gets to play upfront we'll see what he can do

This is my gut feeling too!

[davieG]

Another thing to bear in mind it takes time to build a team and sometimes you get a player in that you need for your 'final solution' too soon because they're available.

Gallagher could well be part of Pearson's future vision on how he wants the team to play.

Having said that Nielson doesn't seem to fit that bill not that I think he's as bad as some on here make out. apart from the odd glitch we're still pretty strong at the back.

[Heart-Shaped Fox]

I never knew why we signed him in the first place and it seems that he does not have one fixed position.