Don Tmatter
Well-known member
If he as good in that role as you say he should start v Leicester and the question should be why doesn’t he get on the bench more often?
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[Albion] Viktor Gyokeres, Aaron Connolly and .......Max Sanders?
- Thread starter AZ Gull
- Start date
If he as good in that role as you say he should start v Leicester and the question should be why doesn’t he get on the bench more often?
GT49er
Well-known member
clippedgull
Hotdogs, extra onions
No. You misheard.
They said if he was to pick up a booking today then he would be banned for the Leicester game.
Algernon
Well-known member
That must be why he hasn't replied.
Was there any positive news about Locadia? Do we know if he was injured.
LamieRobertson
Not awoke
Reported to be ill
Perhaps but very much a proven player against unproven, so actually a considerable difference.
Unless you think potentially Norman is as big a game changer as Knockaert, which I don’t think you are saying.
Sanders? Why not, does little wrong and similar to Stephens.
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LamieRobertson
Not awoke
So nearly two weeks to get fit....certainly at the very least on the bench imho
BensGrandad
New member
Sorry I misheard and have just checked it was Bissouma who got booked not Kayal.
LamieRobertson
Not awoke
Easy mistake to make...names sound very similar
Yes I agree re midfield being a concern, but wonder if that is the Gross factor, as we can’t comfortably switch to a midfield 5 with Solly.
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AZ Gull
@SeagullsAcademy Threads: @bhafcacademy
- Thread starter
- #32
I haven't advocated Normann - in this thread or elsewhere - not least because (as has already been pointed out) he isn't even eligible to play in the Premier League before January 1st because he is too old to qualify as un U-21 player and he wasn't named in the 25. I was merely commenting that, in itself, the criticism that he might have poor decision-making would equally disqualify a number of established players.
But your first sentence here is the crux of the matter, isn't it? By definition, EVERY up-and-coming youngster is unproven. There will ALWAYS be sound, rational reasons to pick and play a member of the established squad rather than a rookie. It requires an act of faith to put your trust in the youngsters; it is a risk and, in a league match, at worst it might cost points. Mr Hughton, in his four years at the club, has proven he is unwilling to make that commitment.
GT49er
Well-known member
This. In two weeks time, barring injuries, we will have Kayal, Bissouma and maybe one of Gross or Propper available for the CM places. If Gross and Propper aren't back, we'll need a CM on the bench - and if Kayal or Bissouma get a knock we'll need somebody else to play in midfield. I'm team Hughton through and through, but honestly, if he then decides to try and shoehorn Bernardo - or, heaven forbid, Balogun or Bruno - into that role instead of promoting a youngster (Sanders being the obvious choice) I would start to have serious misgivings.
And, as you say, Uncle Tony would need to have a serious think about whether running an academy was worth the considerable money he has invested in it. Other teams in the PL are playing teenagers; it's not as if there's a law against it!
AZ Gull
@SeagullsAcademy Threads: @bhafcacademy
- Thread starter
- #34
I'm conscious that some of my posts in this thread could be construed as anti-Hughton. For the avoidance of doubt, I think Chris is arguably the best manager we have had in our history. He kept up a side that was in SERIOUS danger of suffering relegation when he first joined; made additions that summer (and following January) and built a side that came within a gnat's cock of promotion, and then went straight back to work and achieved what the 3 previous incumbents couldn't and got us over the line. He then ensured safety at the higher level last season with, in the end, comparative ease.
I'm not calling for his head; I think he is probably the most secure manager in the Premier League. But I do think that his cautious, safety-first personality (which, of course, has formed the basis of his achievements at the club) also precludes the advancement of the youngsters (except in rare and unavoidable circumstances). It is what it is and, in all honesty, I can't see any reason why it might change in the future.
I'm not calling for his head; I think he is probably the most secure manager in the Premier League. But I do think that his cautious, safety-first personality (which, of course, has formed the basis of his achievements at the club) also precludes the advancement of the youngsters (except in rare and unavoidable circumstances). It is what it is and, in all honesty, I can't see any reason why it might change in the future.
No, but IMO, whilst the others mentioned are possibly deserving, decision making is an inherent weakness in Normanns game hence my comment, so he needs to develop.
Re your second para; the step from U23s to PL is massive so it has to be done correctly. IMO there should be a rule whereby ALL teams have at least two U23 squad players on the bench every game.
Out of the three mentioned Sanders is the most likely to make it. I do believe Connolly and Gypkores (also White, Cox and Alzate) have a chance, need to physically develop and the loan path is the way forward.
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Super Steve Earle
Well-known member
I bow to the superior knowledge of AZ Gull, but last time I saw Daniel Mandroiu, I thought he looked like a young Gross.
Is he injured, for some reason I can’t recall seeing him as much this year. Another player with promise.
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Don Tmatter
Well-known member
Was disappointing not to see Gyokeres thrown on after the winner went in yesterday, still had 6 or 7 minutes to play.
nwgull
Well-known member
I’ve never seen an U23 game, but from what I’ve heard the difference is massive, and the results against League 1&2 teams in the checkatrade seem to endorse this. I imagine most would struggle at Championship level, so I don’t go with this notion of ‘give em a chance’ over the established players. CH will see them in training 5 days a week and will be fully aware of when players are ready, and the next step for most will be a loan to a Champ or lower team. Reality is that the majority won’t ever be good enough to play for us at either PL or Championship level. It’s the one or 2 that do make it through every 3-4 years that will make the academy a worthwhile investment.
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GOM
living vicariously
Just being picky but is not wide midfield still midfield, the clue being in the description. I understood what BG was saying and and agree with him, although the thread was mainly about CM.