Friendly match v Doncaster

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Town lost 1-0 in a practice match at Donny Rovers today. We had three trialists playing, a centre-back, a midfielder and a striker.

A striker ? Hmmm...any names ?

Gary O'Connor  

I heard it was Elvis Hammond on trial for you.

Ex fulham.

Quoted from AndyDarloFC

I heard it was Elvis Hammond on trial for you.

Very funny

Quoted from gtfc98

Very funny

explain? i dont get the joke

Quoted from AndyDarloFC

I heard it was Elvis Hammond on trial for you.

Played for sutton united last year, was naff.

Ridley got 90 mins. Hmm,Green about to depart then?

Elding had the best chance and dragged it wide. Sure I've seen that somewhere before...

But why are we looking at centre backs?

Quoted from upthestripes

Ridley got 90 mins. Hmm,Green about to depart then?

Elding had the best chance and dragged it wide. Sure I've seen that somewhere before...

But why are we looking at centre backs?

Because we have 4 and non of them are entirely convincing. I quite like Pearson but he is still learning as is I'anson who has even less experience. Garner is decent but criminally slow and Kempson wanders all over the place misjudging headers and mistiming tackles.

Well you've got to say well done - people rightly wanted it and I was on the verge of calling for it too so they've got the timing spot on.

Interesting Bradbury was on the bench - is that for simply cover or because he's on the verge of the 1st team ?
Probably the former I'd say.

Why did we play a centre back ?
Good question - probably for the same reason we played all the other "trialists" I'd guess - because we didn't have enough fringe/2nd team players in those positions ?

With the youth team playing tonight I guess we couldn't dip into that team to make the numbers up.

Quoted from headingly_mariner

Because we have 4 and non of them are entirely convincing. I quite like Pearson but he is still learning as is I'anson who has even less experience. Garner is decent but criminally slow and Kempson wanders all over the place misjudging headers and mistiming tackles.

Oh ok, fair enough. I thought Kempson and Pearson were starting to look a good pairing though?

Quoted from supertown

explain? i dont get the joke

He was one of the players named as being a coke head

im getting a trialist put on a shirt so I get lucky when we sign him  

Kempson is a decent centre-half at this level. I'm still not quite sure why some people seem to dislike him.

Anyway, he seems to be forming a reasonable enough partnership with Pearson though I suspect they may still struggle a bit against pacy strikers, if we were to encounter some. Let's hope that the defence can perform well again on Saturday. Three clean sheets on the bounce would be very nice!

If the budget is really tight, which position is being looked at and how could any new signing be funded?

Signing Green on an extended contract would be my priority as cover on the left side - good age, good attitude, wants to play for us, could be in the player profile that the twosome are looking to perfect to move forward this year, too good to miss out on, perhaps?

Quoted from Maringer

Kempson is a decent centre-half at this level. I'm still not quite sure why some people seem to dislike him.

Anyway, he seems to be forming a reasonable enough partnership with Pearson though I suspect they may still struggle a bit against pacy strikers, if we were to encounter some. Let's hope that the defence can perform well again on Saturday. Three clean sheets on the bounce would be very nice!

WHS

Green for first choice anyone?

Quoted from upthestripes

Ridley got 90 mins. Hmm,Green about to depart then?
Elding had the best chance and dragged it wide. Sure I've seen that somewhere before...

But why are we looking at centre backs?

Green to depart because a player who is coming back from injury got 90 mins in what is really a Reserve game? Dont really see your logic there.

I'd hazard a guess that we were looking for centre backs because I'anson isn't really very good and we could do with one more decent back up incase worst happens and we had 2 injured.

I'Anson will be fine if he has to play.

On the subjects of trialists and new players, Woking are playing a game against Glenn Hoddle's academy tonight. Hopefully we will have someone their watching Hoddle's lads as we could find ourselves a talented free transfer.

A young Hayes and Yeading player, Luke Williams looked have good potential to me. He played number 10 just behind the front 2. Skinny blonde lad. Good skill on the ball when he got it and seemed to have good awareness and made several clever passes. Not a ball winner though. Having said that this is his first season and has only played 6 or 7 games so far. I think there are some useful players in this league and it is interesting to watch the opposition as well as our own team.

Quoted from pontoonlew

Green to depart because a player who is coming back from injury got 90 mins in what is really a Reserve game? Dont really see your logic there.

Logic? Was this any kind of argument? I was asking a question as some seem to think he was just a temp replacement for Ridley who seems to be, judging by his getting a full game in, on the way back.

If nothing else, it has served as a 90 minute run out for the fringe players and those coming back from injury - in hindsight, probably not a judgement game for any trialists at all !

Oh for goodness sake I've already given you the answer of who played and why ?

Take out the 1st team starters from Saturday and look at who's left - missing a centre back, midfielder(a right one I'd guess), striker(Mulready is out on loan !) - fit's a treat !

We might get Green we might not, but if you think there might be money for centre backs or Glenn Hoddle academy players I'd think again.

If we sign anyone other then Green until he goes back I'll be amazed - it's credit to Marhsall that he's here when we're not even paying him a wage !

Makes you worry if the clubs have got "cashflow" problems or if this courtcase is knackering up our chances of making further signings ?  
Was the club's recent appeal to "use it or lose" a sign of this ?

http://www.thisisgrimsby.co.uk.....35-detail/story.html

"Both this and the tribunals for the two players are clouds hanging over the club.
"These matters are unsettling and get in the way of the job we have to do on the field."
"A lot of people have spent a lot of time sifting through papers and legal advice and all this while we still have a football club to run and all the financial worries that come with that."

If the Boston chairman hasn't got a leg to stand on then I hope we screw him for every penny he's got !  
If he has, I dread to think what might happen.

Based on greens 2 games ,  can anyone whose seen them both say Ridley is better than green ? From what I've read the answer is probably no . Therefore it must be a no brainer that we keep him .
As for signing anyone else I don't no . I'd say the squad is ok at the minute .

Quoted from oldun

I'Anson will be fine if he has to play.

costs us at least a goal every time he plays in my opinion

Any defender will make the odd mistake but think his performance vs Barnsley wasn't actually that bad at all and he's generally looked as solid as a rock in most pre-season games I've seen him play in.
The lad has a very bright future IMO - yes he's still learning but I wouldn't think twice before choosing him in the team.  
And maybe the fact he's young, the mistakes get highlighted a lot more but every defender makes occasional errors.

Quoted from 1600

Any defender will make the odd mistake but think his performance vs Barnsley wasn't actually that bad at all and he's generally looked as solid as a rock in most pre-season games I've seen him play in.
The lad has a very bright future IMO - yes he's still learning but I wouldn't think twice before choosing him in the team.  
And maybe the fact he's young, the mistakes get highlighted a lot more but every defender makes occasional errors.

But on the flip side, poor players seem to get a longer stay of execution if they are local.

Did I'Anson get a 6 month deal or 12 months deal?

@ 80's: with regards the Glenn Hoddle academy players. It would do no harm to scout them in a match against a team only one level (I think) below ours. Hoddle was a great player and supposedly a very good coach who likes players to play the right way. It helps to have a good knowledge of what players are out and about in case a sudden need for a player in a certain position arises - such as our left back problem and H&S bringing in a player they were already aware of. It can also help you plan for the future, maybe they would keep an eye on the progress of one or two that catch their eye and bear them in mind when fine-tuning/improving the squad in the summer when there will undoubtedly be a few departures. That was more my trail of thought as opposed to bringing someone in immediately. I know the budget is stretched as it is but would love to see Green stay with us. And after him I don't think we need anything else just yet anyway.

I'd like to see Green to provide competition for the left back slot and ensue injuries down that side do not result in an instant crisis!

Has seemed more with the pace of things than Ridley to me

Quoted from Tommy

Did I'Anson get a 6 month deal or 12 months deal?

12 months I think ? Only guessing though.

Quoted from Tommy

@ 80's: with regards the Glenn Hoddle academy players. It would do no harm to scout them in a match against a team only one level (I think) below ours. Hoddle was a great player and supposedly a very good coach who likes players to play the right way. It helps to have a good knowledge of what players are out and about in case a sudden need for a player in a certain position arises - such as our left back problem and H&S bringing in a player they were already aware of. It can also help you plan for the future, maybe they would keep an eye on the progress of one or two that catch their eye and bear them in mind when fine-tuning/improving the squad in the summer when there will undoubtedly be a few departures. That was more my trail of thought as opposed to bringing someone in immediately. I know the budget is stretched as it is but would love to see Green stay with us.

Sure I would love to see Green stay too and certainly agree we should be keeping a watchful eye on players out there.
When you said we could get someone on a free transfer I assumed you meant now.
Not that it would be a bad thing anyway - would be a shame if we missed out on a great player(regardless of position) because we had to wait until the summer but maybe we can't do anything until then because of the revenue generated from season ticket sales.
If I sounded frustrated or critical I didn't mean to be with you or the other poster, it was just with the situation the club now finds itself in.
Have to be honest I do wonder if we've overstretched ourselves too much with some signings(e.g. Elding AND Spencer not that I'm writing them off but we've now got 3 similar target men) yet conversely, this whole idea of a small squad now looks impractical ?

Maybe I'm being unfair cos hindsight is a wonderful thing and I wouldn't expect single every decision to be spot on first time.
And I can understand if finances are tight then you may not want to pay a teams worth of reserve players to sit twiddling their thumbs but come the summer it's almost like we've got money to burn, then later we've got nothing - the contrast just seems a bit disappointing (and sad) I suppose...  

Quoted from Tommy

And after him I don't think we need anything else just yet anyway.

Well I'm all in favour all for opening the purse strings (if we can) to find backup for every position(right midfield ?) but if the club is strapped for cash then so be it.
At the end of the day it's almost impossible to know what we can afford and what we can't.
No doubt time will tell - maybe after the court case & tribunals we might even be in a stronger position.

Quoted from louth_in_the_south

Based on greens 2 games ,  can anyone whose seen them both say Ridley is better than green ? From what I've read the answer is probably no . Therefore it must be a no brainer that we keep him .
As for signing anyone else I don't no . I'd say the squad is ok at the minute .

Ridley is a very capable left back at this level and probably our best most experienced defender, if he can stay fit he will play ahead of green.

I'Anson definitely got a 12 month deal.

Quoted from headingly_mariner

Ridley is a very capable left back at this level and probably our best most experienced defender, if he can stay fit he will play ahead of green.

Whilst Green is still to be properly tested defensively he certainly has more energy and desire/ability to get forward in support than Ridley can manage. I wouldn't be in the least bit surprised given the high energy type of game the managers seem to favour to see Green as first choice.
However I'd agree about Ridley's experience in a pretty inexperienced back four.

On a side note I often wonder what the critics of Kempson expect from a BSP level centre half. He's bound to make mistakes but he plays the game with a determination to do well and always gives his all.

Ridley was fantastic at times last year and I'm a big fan but this season thus far has looked well and truly out of sorts. I'm certain he would struggle to play every game in a long season hence we need another option in there. Bradley Wood is a utility man but over on the left he is not at his most comfortable and we become exposed.

As for the too many strikers, I'm of the opinion we already had Connell's replacement in Hearn but rather than admit this and bowing to supporter pressure (probably on Fenty's advice) for action once sold Elding was brought in. It is common knowledge now Connell had stated his intent to leave since January I just wish they had been a bit more truthful and pointed to this to explain the Hearn signing as a 'covering of bases'. Now Elding is under immense unneccessary pressure as the official Connell replacement -but to me he is and always was back-up for Hearn's role with Spencer and Duffy battling it out for the other target man position.

Quoted from Rik e B

Ridley was fantastic at times last year and I'm a big fan but this season thus far has looked well and truly out of sorts. I'm certain he would struggle to play every game in a long season hence we need another option in there. Bradley Wood is a utility man but over on the left he is not at his most comfortable and we become exposed.

As for the too many strikers, I'm of the opinion we already had Connell's replacement in Hearn but rather than admit this and bowing to supporter pressure (probably on Fenty's advice) for action once sold Elding was brought in. It is common knowledge now Connell had stated his intent to leave since January I just wish they had been a bit more truthful and pointed to this to explain the Hearn signing as a 'covering of bases'. Now Elding is under immense unneccessary pressure as the official Connell replacement -but to me he is and always was back-up for Hearn's role with Spencer and Duffy battling it out for the other target man position.

Lets not confuse common knowledge with something Fenty has said they are not always the same thing, he often slates a player when they have left.

Or when he's trying to sell them.

Quoted from barralad

Whilst Green is still to be properly tested defensively he certainly has more energy and desire/ability to get forward in support than Ridley can manage.

I don't think Ridley shows any lack of desire to get forward when he can - think he's got forward well this season.
He's not the most mobile but he's quite skillful and I'm convinced had he played vs Hayes we'd have seen him push forward too.

Quoted from Rik e B

I'm certain he would struggle to play every game in a long season hence we need another option in there.

Think this is a very good point indeed.

Wouldn't say I think Ridley has been out of sorts this season but am in complete agreement with all of your other points.

The way that the team is set out now, the more mobile Green looks favourite to stay in for a while, or at least until the end of his short term contract.

If the team then start losing and Ridley becomes this season's non flavour of the month, we are no further forward.

A genuine left back cover seems more like what this team needs now for balance and cover, and both players should be fighting for their place!

Look at the Duffy / Mafoko situation, both currently worth their money each week, whereas they both could have gone by now !

Where does that leave Spencer and Elding, as the new odd ones out, or battling in the background for a starting place?

Everyone should be keen to get in, and stay in, this team !

Could green slot in at left mid if needed ?

Quoted from louth_in_the_south

Could green slot in at left mid if needed ?

My thoughts as well, Green can fill in both at left back and left midfield and seems to be one of those players that is a must  signing.
Ridley at left back and Green left midfield would be hell of a defensive choice against the likes of Luton away IMO

Word of warning from a Boston point of view. Green started in much the same fashion for Boston when he came on loan last season. After the first couple of games i seem to recall his form dipped dramatically and then became average to say the least. Now i aint saying that will happen and i hope it dont. All im stating is fact about his loan period at Boston. Hold your plaudits just for a few more games.

Quoted from headingly_mariner

Lets not confuse common knowledge with something Fenty has said they are not always the same thing, he often slates a player when they have left.

Just about to say the same, Fenty would lie to his own nanna if it meant saving face
ear, The rest of his face is buried in mud

Quoted from boston fan

Word of warning from a Boston point of view. Green started in much the same fashion for Boston when he came on loan last season. After the first couple of games i seem to recall his form dipped dramatically and then became average to say the least. Now i aint saying that will happen and i hope it dont. All im stating is fact about his loan period at Boston. Hold your plaudits just for a few more games.

Totally disagree. Green's form never dipped and continued to give 100%, but the team changed playing style from pass and go to too much big boot. Don't forget he was playing left wing most of the time, and the teams insistence on booting to ball up the middle of the pitch all the time was frustrating. Green is a footballer who plays well with the ball at his feet. We should have kept him here; might have got promoted!

Thanks Bostonians. Dunno which one's right but S&H will know what to expect in any case (if we end up signing him).

Quoted from upthestripes

Thanks Bostonians. Dunno which one's right but S&H will know what to expect in any case (if we end up signing him).

If they were there when he was on loan they knew what they were doing when he came here, perhaps they are thinking of playing him on the wing

Was hoping someone might find out the identities of the trialists, or indeed if they will be asked to come back for another viewing. I miss the Reserve games for this aspect, knowing when they would play and who might be trialling.

Quoted from boston bill

Totally disagree. Green's form never dipped and continued to give 100%, but the team changed playing style from pass and go to too much big boot. Don't forget he was playing left wing most of the time, and the teams insistence on booting to ball up the middle of the pitch all the time was frustrating. Green is a footballer who plays well with the ball at his feet. We should have kept him here; might have got promoted!

HAHA good post greenie. If we played the hoof ball it was because when the ball was played wide he didnt do anything with it. You lot on here know how i post by now, i give a unbiased opinion on how i see things. I think someone has posted all ready that he didnt set the world alight in the BSN while on loan. Perhaps someone can repost it. Read what Wembley85 said in the post under Jamie Green signs.