Max Gradel

[ACF]

ahahahahaha!!!

oh you of short memory! YOU raved about him all the time! oh how funny!

Nah mate- King and Porter

[MPH]

Nah mate- King and Porter

oh he love dodds before king was properly around... you should of seen him! its like they were gay lovers or something!

[davieG]

oh he love dodds before king was properly around... you should of seen him! its like they were gay lovers or something!

If you read his posts correctly you would have realised he wasn't saying Dodds was some wonder kid but the he just might have been better than the garbage that was turning out for the 1st team at the time had he been given just one solitary chance

[Webbo]

oh he love dodds before king was properly around... you should of seen him! its like they were gay lovers or something!

The way you're stalking Thracian around the forum I beginning to suspect you're a bit that way yourself.

[General Smuts]

If Max could learn to cross the ball he'd be a definite starter for me.

This comment alone - from the first page no less sums up this entire stupid thread.

I'll say it again so everyone can hear:

MAX GRADEL CANNOT CROSS HIS EYES LET ALONE A FOOTBALL.

Thanks for listening.

[MPH]

The way you're stalking Thracian around the forum I beginning to suspect you're a bit that way yourself.

oh im just loving al the ways he is making a fool of himself! Very entertaining!

[MPH]

If you read his posts correctly you would have realised he wasn't saying Dodds was some wonder kid but the he just might have been better than the garbage that was turning out for the 1st team at the time had he been given just one solitary chance

he's obviously proved us correct! dodds set the world alight since then hasnt he!

[David Guiza]

Why is there so many of these threads about poor players who aren't in the squad for a reason. Gradel looked average to say the least on many occasions last season in a division lower. Hence why he has not had a sniff of first team football this season, simple as.

[Thracian]

he's obviously proved us correct! dodds set the world alight since then hasnt he!

He's done respectably enough in finishing top or second top scorer for the club's he's played for. I'd also emphasise that he was mostly playing in midfield. So a goal roughly every five games or 21 goals in 108 matches represents a perfectly acceptable return for a novice midfielder.

And the blokes who kept him out of our side have contributed next to damn all in the corresponding time - even playing as specialist strikers - and seeing as they were just the same at City I'd say it proves my point categorically, that Dodds would have been a better bet given the options available.

[davieG]

he's obviously proved us correct! dodds set the world alight since then hasnt he!

Still missing the point, what have all those players that stopped him having a chance doing these days?

[Thracian]

Nah mate- King and Porter

I wouldn't argue with that. King did us proud and so too did Porter, by and large, until he somehow lost the plot after recovering from serious injury.

[Scow]

This comment alone - from the first page no less sums up this entire stupid thread.

I'll say it again so everyone can hear:

MAX GRADEL CANNOT CROSS HIS EYES LET ALONE A FOOTBALL.

Thanks for listening.

He can cross a ball - he just doesn't do it very well.

The reason someone like N'Guessan is in front of Gradel is because (in Pearson's eyes) he's taller, better in the air, and has more of a goalscoring threat.

Gradel can occasionally be sublime (albeit at a lower level), but he's mostly average. I'd rather have someone like Gallagher (a proven championship player and scorer) or N'Guessan (3 goals already) in the team than someone who flatters to deceive.

[lou]

My Leeds fan M8 just text me and the rumour up there is Gradel going to Leeds on loan. Have no idea if theres any substance to this but he says its come from a source within Leeds United that theyve asked to borrow him.

[Thracian]

He can cross a ball - he just doesn't do it very well.

The reason someone like N'Guessan is in front of Gradel is because (in Pearson's eyes) he's taller, better in the air, and has more of a goalscoring threat.

Gradel can occasionally be sublime (albeit at a lower level), but he's mostly average. I'd rather have someone like Gallagher (a proven championship player and scorer) or N'Guessan (3 goals already) in the team than someone who flatters to deceive.

If you were suggesting N'Guessan should be tried as a striker I'd say why not? Because he does look dangerous in the box and a lot more likely to head a goal than Howard.

But as a winger he's looked awful to me. He doesn't attack people at pace, rarely beats them, doesn't see the passing opportunities around him and so often runs down aimlessly into dead ends. Furthermore his covering back is pitiful and ofte threatens more trouble than defensive relief.

Gradel works hard in his covering duties, perhaps too hard in my view, but almost always persists and makes something happen in every game he plays.

It really is a myth that he can't cross. Even his free-kicks - by far the most dangerous in the club - are little more than highly spun crosses from another angle and he is forever varying his final delivery and asking questions from his corners and attacking crosses.

That we so often fail to capitalise is not just due to Gradel but is also due to not having a single effective aerial player (unless you count N'Guessan), no natural near post runner and no-one who naturally holds drives through to the edge of the penalty area for a cutback.

Of course Gradel can improve his crossing and his finishing - though he was a regular and outstanding finisher at one time - but I don't see anyone doing his job better from the right wing. N'Guessan's only reward comes when he moves inside into a striker role. As a winger his crosses and shots on goal have been very easy to forget.

As for playing Gallagher on the wing that's merely a makeweight decision rather like choosing Oakley.

Gallagher doesn't deliver his crosses with anything like the necessary pace or whip. In fact his whole game looks kind of gentle and mostly played on the fringes at least since he's been here.

He was supposed to be a striker but I've not seen him used there which seems strange. Nor have I seen much evidence either here or at his other clubs to suggest he'd be prolific enough. Thirty-one goals in seven seasons from 166 games according to Wikipaedia although he did do okay on loan at Plymouth so to team him up with DJ might not be a bad idea at some stage.

On the wing he's okay but simply not threatening enough.

[Scow]

If you were suggesting N'Guessan should be tried as a striker I'd say why not? Because he does look dangerous in the box and a lot more likely to head a goal than Howard.

But as a winger he's looked awful to me. He doesn't attack people at pace, rarely beats them, doesn't see the passing opportunities around him and so often runs down aimlessly into dead ends. Furthermore his covering back is pitiful and ofte threatens more trouble than defensive relief.

Gradel works hard in his covering duties, perhaps too hard in my view, but almost always persists and makes something happen in every game he plays.

It really is a myth that he can't cross. Even his free-kicks - by far the most dangerous in the club - are little more than highly spun crosses from another angle and he is forever varying his final delivery and asking questions from his corners and attacking crosses.

That we so often fail to capitalise is not just due to Gradel but is also due to not having a single effective aerial player (unless you count N'Guessan), no natural near post runner and no-one who naturally holds drives through to the edge of the penalty area for a cutback.

Of course Gradel can improve his crossing and his finishing - though he was a regular and outstanding finisher at one time - but I don't see anyone doing his job better from the right wing. N'Guessan's only reward comes when he moves inside into a striker role. As a winger his crosses and shots on goal have been very easy to forget.

As for playing Gallagher on the wing that's merely a makeweight decision rather like choosing Oakley.

Gallagher doesn't deliver his crosses with anything like the necessary pace or whip. In fact his whole game looks kind of gentle and mostly played on the fringes at least since he's been here.

He was supposed to be a striker but I've not seen him used there which seems strange. Nor have I seen much evidence either here or at his other clubs to suggest he'd be prolific enough. Thirty-one goals in seven seasons from 166 games according to Wikipaedia although he did do okay on loan at Plymouth so to team him up with DJ might not be a bad idea at some stage.

On the wing he's okay but simply not threatening enough.

N'Guessan is hot and cold - he'll either have a good or bad game. He's got everything to be an outstanding wide player (pace, skill, height, strength), but lacks consistency - simple as that.

I look at Gallagher's time at Stoke and Plymouth (where he played regularly), where despite playing wide for the large part, he got into double figures.

Gradel doesn't do enough for me. He is your typical traditional winger, but as I say, he flatters to deceive. You talk about him varying his delivery; well, it's a kind way of saying he doesn't cross well enough. His delivery from set-pieces are fine as he's got time to measure it - from open play, not so good.

N'Guessan and Gallagher are preferred as they're more likely to make something happen in the final third, whether that's key passes, assist or goals.

[Fosse Boy]

My Leeds fan M8 just text me and the rumour up there is Gradel going to Leeds on loan. Have no idea if theres any substance to this but he says its come from a source within Leeds United that theyve asked to borrow him.

There's a Gradel thread doing the rounds on WACCOE at the moment.

Yes, I am that bored.

[Thracian]

a) Gradel doesn't do enough for me. He is your typical traditional winger, but as I say, he flatters to deceive. You talk about him varying his delivery; well, it's a kind way of saying he doesn't cross well enough. His delivery from set-pieces are fine as he's got time to measure it - from open play, not so good.

b) N'Guessan and Gallagher are preferred as they're more likely to make something happen in the final third, whether that's key passes, assist or goals.

a) I think it is vital to vary the height, pace and angle of crosses into the box Gallagher's crosses are usually high and hang too long, rather like Morrison's and I can't really remember N'Guessan crossing very well at all.

b) As wingers I don't think either have made much happen. And their absense from the team on Saturday doesn't suggest that Pearson's over impressed.

If I played N'Guessan and Gallagher it would be as strikers and I believe Gallagher himself said he thought he was best in that role and he should know.

[lou]

There's a Gradel thread doing the rounds on WACCOE at the moment.

Yes, I am that bored.

cheers!

[Scow]

a) I think it is vital to vary the height, pace and angle of crosses into the box Gallagher's crosses are usually high and hang too long, rather like Morrison's and I can't really remember N'Guessan crossing very well at all.

b) As wingers I don't think either have made much happen. And their absense from the team on Saturday doesn't suggest that Pearson's over impressed.

If I played N'Guessan and Gallagher it would be as strikers and I believe Gallagher himself said he thought he was best in that role and he should know.

A good winger needs to vary his crosses - Gradel doesn't do that as he struggles to delivers a good ball.

N'Guessan's crossing hasn't been particularly good either, but for reasons stated, offers more of a threat. I could say that N'Guessan varies his crossing to defend him, but I won't, because it's not true.

I agree that Gallagher should be played upfront. However, I still think we gain more from him playing wide than Gradel - we'll have to agree to disagree on that point.

Gradel rarely gets in the squad, which shows what Pearson thinks of him. I'm not inclined to disagree with Pearson's opinion after his success so far and his judgement in players (based on his transfer dealings), but that's not to say I agree with everything he does.

[breadandcheese]

Gradel doesn't do enough for me. He is your typical traditional winger, but as I say, he flatters to deceive. You talk about him varying his delivery; well, it's a kind way of saying he doesn't cross well enough. His delivery from set-pieces are fine as he's got time to measure it - from open play, not so good.

Whilst you're right, he brings pace into our team and gives the opposition something to think about. Too often, I find we're a bit too predictable, and our quick breaks usually come to a standstill as we have no outlet to release the ball to.

I'm not saying Max is the definitive answer, but he addresses those issues and will chuck an opposition full-back out of his comfort zone. I'd at least like to see him being given a try, if only comng off the bench. Yesterday would have been a perfect game to throw him on in the second half and try something a little different to get that goal.

It also gets to the point where, either he's not good enough, in which case sell him. Or he has potential, in which case, give him game time to improve.

[Thracian]

Gradel rarely gets in the squad, which shows what Pearson thinks of him. I'm not inclined to disagree with Pearson's opinion after his success so far and his judgement in players (based on his transfer dealings), but that's not to say I agree with everything he does.

I'm not at all sure about the wisdom of his transfer dealings although I'm happy to concede that what he's signed might be the best he thought he could get given the deeper pockets of some of his rivals.

But let's take this season's signings:

Weale: 10/10 so far. Everything you'd want of a signing. Fit, reliable and focused. He's not had that much to do so far but has maintained his concentration and been there to make the odd outstanding save when needed. No complaints whatsoever.

Neilson 4/10. Disappointing. And a player who has been around quite long enough for everyone to know his limitations. Not a hopeless defender by any means but not the quick, mobile, all-action full-back we need.

McGivern ?. What can anyone say. Said to be playing brilliantly on the training pitch but must be getting fast disillusioned by now if that's the case. Good man management of a young, ambitious player? Maybe giving him a period to acclimatise will prove wise but I have my doubts. Young people need and want to play. Why Pearson can't find him some match time I can't understand - unless he's not sure he's good enough in which case, what's he doing here?

Dany N'Guessan 5/10. The only plus is his three goals in what has been a lean season for everyone else but Fryatt. I really had high hopes of the guy but, particularly as a winger, he's been a disappointment. Indifferent control, rarely beats his full-back, fails to se the "out" balls and doesn't easily bring others into play. Judged solely as a winger it would be 3/10 or even worse. Ability in the air the only asset I've noticed so far.

Martyn Waghorn 6/10. One great goal at Coventry and an excellent assist at Watford. Otherwise has mainly huffed, puffed and chased lost causes without actually achieving much. Has a thunderbolt of a shot on his left foot but often seems to be too hurried to control the ball comfortably and tends to miss the pictures by not getting his head up. Promising but that is all as yet.

Richie Wellens 6/10 Another whose performance has not yet matched his promise. Undoubted ability but somewhat careless on the ball and rarely a personal threat to goal.

Yann Kermorgant Neutral 5/10 (Is he a midfielder or a striker? Either way I'm not sure he's quick enough. Yes there's skill to be seen but his languid style may prove too laid back to be effective. Definite ability to hover in the air at the top of a good leap but seeing as we don't play with a right winger and since Dyer is not really a crosser of the ball it is hard to see where his serice will come from even if he somehow gets picked for the team ahead of other contenders.).

Paul Gallagher 6/10 Disappointing for a former Premiership player. Hasn't as yet made any position his own and is another who seems to be man of all parts rather than a craftsman in any. Believes striker is his best position but weeks into his arrival he's still not played there. How silly is that? Some nice moments but too periphery for me so far.

Astrid Ajdarevic 3/10 up to now. Just seems to be plodding through duties in the reserves with no obvious direction.

Nick Adams 3/10 up to now. Yes I know he was here last season and didn't get a serious sniff of a first team place. However, he briefly emerged at the start of this season but was then strangely discarded for no apparent reason. Fans seem to rate him a bit higher than the manager but I don't know.. He has skill and directness but has hardly had the chance to show he can come up with an end product.

As for Pearson signings who remain in the team from last season:

Hobbs 7/10. Wonderful in the air. Has some presence and the determination to recover too. Passing highly questionable.

Morrison 6/10 Has adapted well to the defensive side of being a right-back but definitely has his limitations in that position. Sound cover as centre-back.

Wayne Brown 7/10 Good understanding with Hobbs. Tenacious tackler, decent reader of the game, demanding leader. Only his lack of pace and iffy passing have let him down but signs on Saturday that he can pass.

Bruno Berner 6.5/10 Better than I expected. Determined tackler, responsible attitude and has the engine to get forward even if he's not especially effective.

Lloyd Dyer 7/10 Erratic but still one of our main threats and always capable of a goal or an assist. Tends to fade in a busy game.

Apologies for anyone I've forgotten but I wouldn't say there's any world beaters there and an average mark of just under 6/10 for signings can certainly be improved.

[orangecity23]

Conviniently enough, you've forgotten arguably the best Pearson signing - a Mr Aleksander Tunchev.

[Tilley]

a Pearson signing - Mr Aleksander Tunchev.

A Pearson signing? Hmmmm.

[Heart-Shaped Fox]

I'd give Gradel a go, NP isnt happy with N'Guessan whilst Oakley hasnt really performed there. At least with Gradel we get half decent corners and free kicks.

[Thracian]

Conviniently enough, you've forgotten arguably the best Pearson signing - a Mr Aleksander Tunchev.

I've not conveniently forgotten him at all. He's not been playing and its not fair to judge him in the circumstances.

He certainly didn't look very good at all in the one match he has played this season so accolades are just wishful thinking.

His first job is to show he can stand the strains of regular Championship football. Plenty find they can't.