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Is it just me or is a striker the last position we need to be looking at right now ? Another big centre forward as well when we already have lenny playing week in week out. A nippy tricky striker I would understand but this could be another Nicky Walker signing so in other words pointless

Does this mean Hamish is going?

Quoted from chicaneuk

Any new striker has to be good news. Will reserve judgement till I see him play! :)

I've never heard of him either. Hope everyone else will reserve judgement till they have seen him play but somehow I doubt it.

Quoted from KK_DOG

I've never heard of him either. Hope everyone else will reserve judgement till they have seen him play but somehow I doubt it.

You know people won't most have already said what a pointless signing. We are a judgemental bunch.

Quoted from TheRonRaffertyFanClub

5 goals in 43 games for Mansfield. Just the kind of prolific striker that Town needs?

Wait and see I suppose.

Most appearances from the bench. Give the lad a chance.

or goodbye Ross Hannah ???

A vote of confidence for Watson and Hannah then. Suppose our strike force needs a kick up the bottom since the current lot seem somewhat profligate when presented with goalscoring opportunities of late.

Quoted from diehardmariner

Most appearances from the bench. Give the lad a chance.

Like I said - wait and see.

Fair enough, give the lad a chance. Will the lad get a chance? Where and when? 15 minutes here and there? In place of who?

I think most of us were hoping for (though not expecting) a ready made and proven goalscorer to give us a much needed boost and we get what we expected (and didn't hope for) another squad back up youngster.

Made a decent start for Mansfield from what I can remember before being restricted to the bench. It's not a bad signing but how many 'big strikers' do we really need?

Is this a Rhys Oates-type loan signing i.e. only plays when LJL isn't available? Because, if so, I can see him going back to Mansfield at the end of January without scoring a goal. I mean, will Hurst really have the balls to drop LJL?

And while our results haven't been great of late, Pittman's either been scoring our goals or setting them up, so if he got dropped he'd be entitled to feel miffed.

Maybe it's for competition, but then Ross Hannah's probably going to wonder what his role is now.

Who'd be a manager, eh?

Quoted from RichMariner

Maybe it's for competition, but then Ross Hannah's probably going to wonder what his role is now.

Who'd be a manager, eh?

Good, Hannah is sh!te.

Interested to see him play, clearly a big unit and hopefully a threat in the box!

could be a huge bid coming in for the shop, 1mil or more!

Could be what we have are shite and not good enough so get more of the same in.

UTM - who's going to wembley?

See ya later Ross. Cheers for all the goals (while on loan)

Hang on, people on here have been urging the club to sign a striker. Now all of a sudden we don't need one. Ridiculous. Hannah can go he has not done much for year now. ok he has not started many games but when he has come on how many times has he looked like getting on the score sheet? Hardly any and he is too lightweight for this league. He can score penalties though. Pittman has done ok but we all know about his fitness record. The games over Christmas took their toll and he looked leggy in the last game. Then there is Hamish, well I haven't a clue about him, only the gaffer knows.

Quoted from SamTheMariner

Good, Hannah is sh!te.

Ahhh yes, we must not abuse players unless it's popular to do so....

Hannah just never lived up to the reputation he made for himself on his loan spell. I really thought he was going to become the next Liam Hearn but I guess it wasn't to be. Would love to know what happened there.

Quoted from chicaneuk

Hannah just never lived up to the reputation he made for himself on his loan spell. I really thought he was going to become the next Liam Hearn but I guess it wasn't to be. Would love to know what happened there.

He's not played in the same team that was here when he was on loan and this team is not playing to his strengths. Maybe he is not good enough but I do feel a bit of sympathy that he's been forced to be a square peg.

I know nothing about Ollie Palmer but from what we can read he is just going to be a squad player in case LJL gets injured/suspended. The month on loan is really a month on trial and a month's insurance policy. It is not in my view a quality promotion springboard signing who will make LJL or Pittman worry about their places.

But let's be charitable, maybe the manager has someone else in mind for that.

Quoted from StickfordMariner

Is it just me or is a striker the last position we need to be looking at right now ? Another big centre forward as well when we already have lenny playing week in week out. A nippy tricky striker I would understand but this could be another Nicky Walker signing so in other words pointless

Its January ! we always get a new striker this time of year to keep the bench warm and upset what little moral we have left ;)

Ollie Palmer. Sounds like a gay actor.

We should only sign players with real names like Jim or Nobby.

I've never heard of him. But then I'd never heard of Liam Hearn (or Omar Bogle) either.

give him a chance! welcome olly

Hi Record for H&W is very impressive, similar to Hearn at Alfreton

Hearn scored every 1.4 games on average.

Palmer scored every 1.7 games on average.

Palmer is only 22, so is only improving, maybe league 2 was a step too far at a young age...

Just watched the lengthy video on the club's youtube channel of Palmer's goals.

Observations:
90% of his goals scored from inside 6 yard box.
Some good headed finishes.
Seems capable of making quick adjustments (body position and feet) to react to where the ball falls quickly and get a controlled shot off.

Anyone could be made to look a star in a dvd of clips, but looks like he could potentially do well here if given the chance, by Hurst and by our fans (Clay anyone?).

Quoted from pontoonlew

Ahhh yes, we must not abuse players unless it's popular to do so....

I don't think that's the reason for it. I think the reason he said it was because Hannah has been pretty much useless for over a year now.

Bearing in mind Hurst is unlikely to change his attacking philosophy, he at least has some physical size about him
(6ft 5 acc to GET) and we might actually now win a few of the long balls for a change, it will be interesting to see if he
does make the line up and at who's expense.

A good squad signing. Paul Cox - as one would naturally expect - heaped praise on him mid last year. A tall strong player with a decent record at the non league level. He's only 22 and not a journeyman which is good. He's not going to replace LJL. Sort of player you sling into the fray with 20 mins to go in order to soften up tiring centre backs. Pity we've not got a fox in the box striker for whom he'd be a good foil. Hopefully the lad's up for it and is hungry to show his parent club what he is capable off.

Quoted from petethemariner

Bearing in mind Hurst is unlikely to change his attacking philosophy, he at least has some physical size about him
(6ft 5 acc to GET) and we might actually now win a few of the long balls for a change, it will be interesting to see if he
does make the line up and at who's expense.

I think that's unfair on Pittman and Lenny who actually win their fair share of headers. The problem is that without the men running beyond them on the wings and from the midfield there is little chance of us ever doing anything with these flick ons. So regardless of whether we'll win more or not, unless we start being more positive with our midfield play it won't make a difference.

Ross Hannah is our very own Harry Kane ...............Poch has stuck with him and got the rewards !!! I think Hannah will come back to bite our arses if he is allowed to leave

and before you start I know Kane and Hannah are along way apart in terms of Levels of Skill etc but Kane looked just like Hannah until he got his run of games ...

Quoted from mariner91

I don't think that's the reason for it. I think the reason he said it was because Hannah has been pretty much useless for over a year now.

I agree entirely. Hannah ,as I have said before, has no pace, strength or graph. He is not involved in the build-up because he's no good on the ball or in the air and can't hold it up. His finishing isn't great and the less said about his free kicks the better. He's got gradually worse since we payed £30,000 for him

Quoted from mariner91

I think that's unfair on Pittman and Lenny who actually win their fair share of headers. The problem is that without the men running beyond them on the wings and from the midfield there is little chance of us ever doing anything with these flick ons. So regardless of whether we'll win more or not, unless we start being more positive with our midfield play it won't make a difference.

Valid points, particularly about getting men beyond our forwards and my comments were not cricticism of LJL and
Pittman, they struggle manfully in the air and as you say do win a few, but its tough giving away inches in height and
being expected to outjump huge centre backs from a standing jump, facing your own goal.

Here's my take on Ollie from a Mansfield perspective.

He gives 100% every game, but Ollie's 100% is sadly not enough for Lge 2 hence us only scoring a paltry 18 goals in 23 league games.

He's found it difficult to gain that 'edge' in Lge 2, that bit of something extra a player needs to make his mark, anticipate where to be and what players are doing around him. I hope he does well for you as he will score some because the defenders are not as good as Lge 2 and below say the top 7 teams in the Conference. He has the weirdest style of running also.

Good luck for the play offs

when did we last score a header ?

Am I the only one thinking 4-3-3 here?

Assuming this Palmer lad isn't glacially slow, you could play him as the target man with Pittman playing off him on the left and LJL off him on the right (where he has played in the past).

This would be the tallest, quickest and strongest forward line we've ever had.

Of course, the problem then is that we would have Arnold, Neilson and Mackreth kicking their heels on the bench. I'm also not really convinced that any of our central midfielders are really suitable to play as 3 across the middle.

Those three up front would certainly give the opposition defence something to think about!

Oh, I'm guessing this signing will mean the departure of Watson is more likely than anything else.

Quoted from Jarmo.Is.God

when did we last score a header ?

December 28th.

Quoted from Chrisblor

December 28th.

ooops, of course

At least if nothing else at 6'5 he should actually be able to attack the ball from corners which is something only Pearson has been doing recently.

Quoted from Tom13

At least if nothing else at 6'5 he should actually be able to attack the ball from corners which is something only Pearson has been doing recently.

I've not seen that in him when playing for us. Ollie is one of those players that seems to get smaller when he jumps.

Quoted from Maringer

Am I the only one thinking 4-3-3 here?

Assuming this Palmer lad isn't glacially slow, you could play him as the target man with Pittman playing off him on the left and LJL off him on the right (where he has played in the past).

This would be the tallest, quickest and strongest forward line we've ever had.

Of course, the problem then is that we would have Arnold, Neilson and Mackreth kicking their heels on the bench. I'm also not really convinced that any of our central midfielders are really suitable to play as 3 across the middle.

Those three up front would certainly give the opposition defence something to think about!

Oh, I'm guessing this signing will mean the departure of Watson is more likely than anything else.

Clay, Brown and McLaughlin worked well enough as a central 3 when we stuck 6 past Gateshead and 7 past Alfreton in consecutive games. It's frustrating that Hurst seems to have completely given up on playing those three together again (along with Neilson in a 'free' role ahead of them).

Right, all we need know is someone who can take a decent free kick/corner/cross..

Quoted from Chrisblor

Clay, Brown and McLaughlin worked well enough as a central 3 when we stuck 6 past Gateshead and 7 past Alfreton in consecutive games. It's frustrating that Hurst seems to have completely given up on playing those three together again (along with Neilson in a 'free' role ahead of them).

This, quite why it was changed in the first place is absolutely beyond me but even more unexplainable is why it hasn't been re-visited after we destroyed two sides using it. Nielson in particular looked a class apart until he was moved position then Hurst is left scratching his head when he doesn't perform in the same manner on the wing, the answer is right in front of you Paul...

Two years ago we got Brodie and we all thought he will score the goals to take us up,

We were wrong.

Last year we got Jennings and we all thought he will score the goals to take us up,

We were wrong.

This season we have got Ollie, most are saying who ??

Well he just might be the one to score the goals that takes us up,

Lets hope so.

Quoted from Spiritater

I've not seen that in him when playing for us. Ollie is one of those players that seems to get smaller when he jumps.

Oh we've had plenty of those over the years!

Quoted from Tom13

Oh we've had plenty of those over the years!

Think Rob Duffy and you've sort of got where Ollie is at at the moment.

Quoted from Spiritater

Think Rob Duffy and you've sort of got where Ollie is at at the moment.

(eek) Joy

Let's hope he slams in a hat trick on his (league) debut and proves people wrong

Quoted from Spiritater

Think Rob Duffy and you've sort of got where Ollie is at at the moment.

Oh fantastic, I thought we'd made a decent signing here until you mentioned that name ;)

Quoted from Tom13

Oh fantastic, I thought we'd made a decent signing here until you mentioned that name ;)

It's just my take on things boys, I don't mean to dampen things but I've seen Ollie for 18 months now and the general consensus on our forum is he's the ability to improve but shows little sign of doing so. A loan is probably what he needs.

The problem with Duffy was that he just didn't look arsed most of the time, not that he was really lacking ability.

Hopefully, the experience of being 'dropped' will give the lad the kick up the 'arris he needs to make him put the effort in and succeed in his time here!

Quoted from AdamHaddock

(eek) Joy

Let's hope he slams in a hat trick on his (league) debut and proves people wrong

The problem with a months loan is if he does that and scores a few while he is with us,

Mansfield will want him back,

I thought Hurst said he would only sign somebody if they could improve the team,

So why not get him until the end of the season,

Maybe he has to prove he can improve the team.

So he proves his worth we might lose him back to Mansfield,

If he fails then that's another loan wasted.

Mansfield signing Billy Kee who hasnt had much of a look in at Scunny now they have been able to get Palmer out on loan

sodomist, was hoping we might make a move for Kee - or McGurk who hasn't had many games at Burton this season

37 in 64 for Havent and Waterlooville is not to be sniffed at. Fairly regular in League 2 and still young. Could be a good signing.

To be honest though I think we've got the players here with the ability to get us in the play offs (title's gone) they just need to up the game.

Quoted from horsforthmariner

37 in 64 for Havent and Waterlooville is not to be sniffed at. Fairly regular in League 2 and still young. Could be a good signing.

To be honest though I think we've got the players here with the ability to get us in the play offs (title's gone) they just need to up the game.

Why has the title gone ?

Barnet have just been well beaten and we have to play them Twice,

Bristol Rovers still have to come to Blundell Park,

If we can get our form together until the end of the season we just might make it as champions,

I am dreaming aren't I ?

Quoted from grimsby pete

I am dreaming aren't I ?

Dreaming or hallucinating. One of the two. ;)

Quoted from grimsby pete

Why has the title gone ?

Barnet have just been well beaten and we have to play them Twice,

Bristol Rovers still have to come to Blundell Park,

If we can get our form together until the end of the season we just might make it as champions,

I am dreaming aren't I ?

Two years ago we were just one point better off than you at the same point of the season ie 29 games having just lost to Newport. We won the title in the end, it is possible.

If we win our games in hand, beat Barnet twice and beat Bristol Rovers it really is anyone's game of the top 4, which it seems to be becoming.

Quoted from Spiritater

Two years ago we were just one point better off than you at the same point of the season ie 29 games having just lost to Newport. We won the title in the end, it is possible.

It says something when fans of other teams are more opstimistic than we are!! Thanks for the info btw, very nice of you to give us a heads up.

Quoted from grimsby pete

Why has the title gone ?

Barnet have just been well beaten and we have to play them Twice,

Bristol Rovers still have to come to Blundell Park,

If we can get our form together until the end of the season we just might make it as champions,

I am dreaming aren't I ?

If we win the title I'll run round blundell park naked with a hot dog up my backside. NO I REALLY WONT DO THAT.

I hope the title isnt gone - but we are 15 points behind them. We drop to many points against the bottom sides - altringham away comes to mind and to emulate Mansfield from a couple of years ago we are going to have to start smashing sides.

The Mansfield run was the best second half performance by any team since we got into the tin pot league and I just can't see us getting close. I hope I'm wrong.

Quoted from ginnywings

Ollie Palmer. Sounds like a gay actor.

We should only sign players with real names like Jim or Nobby.

Personally prefer the exotic sounding route...Manny Panther or Serge Makofo....

Having watched the video Town have put up of 'Ollie's goals' he'll be alright for us, as long as we get the ball in the box. But to be honest, there's not a goal in that highlights reel that our current strikers couldn't score..

Quoted from oldun

Hang on, people on here have been urging the club to sign a striker. Now all of a sudden we don't need one. Ridiculous. Hannah can go he has not done much for year now. ok he has not started many games but when he has come on how many times has he looked like getting on the score sheet? Hardly any and he is too lightweight for this league.
He can score penalties though. Pittman has done ok but we all know about his fitness record. The games over Christmas took their toll and he looked leggy in the last game. Then there is Hamish, well I haven't a clue about him, only the gaffer knows.

I think most calling for the club to show a bit of ambition and bring in a proven goal scorer what ever that takes and not another guy who may or may not be all that.
Nothing against the bloke don't know anything about him but just look like another Hurst panic signing :(

Quoted from Spiritater

Two years ago we were just one point better off than you at the same point of the season ie 29 games having just lost to Newport. We won the title in the end, it is possible.

Not with this Manager.

Quoted from SamTheMariner

If we win our games in hand, beat Barnet twice and beat Bristol Rovers it really is anyone's game of the top 4, which it seems to be becoming.

If my 6 numbers come up on Wednesday then I will take great delight in telling my boss where he can stick the job (right up his fat bottom).

So I reckon there is more chance of me logging on to the Fishy from a beach in the Maldives than what you said. ;)

Quoted from TAGG

I think most calling for the club to show a bit of ambition and bring in a proven goal scorer what ever that takes and not another guy who may or may not be all that.
Nothing against the bloke don't know anything about him but just look like another Hurst panic signing :(

Call me a cynical old tw@t, but it seems to me to be another nothing signing to appease the masses. No-one we've signed on loan has proven to be a success.

so another 6ft plus striker and odds are he wont get a game ...

PANIC...

he wont drop lenny ,wont play hannah wasted a wage on watson so goes for another panic signing..

god i wish we had a fresh input from a new manager so this lunatic couldnt waste another pissing penny !

A big strong unit who looks a real goal poacher we need somebody capable of taking corners, set pieces and good crosses in BTW LOVE THE THEME TUNE ;D ;D ;D

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kT_eg2F9bZQ#t=448

He has got quick feet and can head a ball,

Could be just the man we have been waiting for.

Quoted from jonnyboy82

so another 6ft plus striker and odds are he wont get a game ...

PANIC...

he wont drop lenny ,wont play hannah wasted a wage on watson so goes for another panic signing..

god i wish we had a fresh input from a new manager so this lunatic couldnt waste another pissing penny !

Here we go again! At least see the guy play before you start playing the same old boring negative tune!

Impressed with that video. A big ugly brute who can cause havoc, can run a bit and decent finisher. A partnership with LJL could Bizarrely work
He's almost a cross between LJL and Reddy if that makes any sense

Quoted from AdamHaddock

Impressed with that video. A big ugly brute who can cause havoc, can run a bit and decent finisher. A partnership with LJL could Bizarrely work
He's almost a cross between LJL and Reddy if that makes any sense

Bit harsh are you gods gift I wonder, he has to play Saturday otherwise whats the point

Quoted from Garth

Bit harsh are you gods gift I wonder, he has to play Saturday otherwise whats the point

God's gift? My face is like Gollum's árse

Lets hope he can score a few and become a big hero with the fans i for one am willing to give the lad a chance.

The guy could be a good player, my worry is whether or not Hurst will actually use him. He's excrement scared of bringing new players in and I swear half the time he just does it to please the fans for a few hours before reverting back to what he wants rather than what we need.

We're not threatening enough up front, instead of waiting for his old methods to work, why not try something new? It's a crying shame we're seeing nothing of this Watson, just give the guy a start and see how he does. Palmer has to start Saturday otherwise it's pointless him being here, you bring in loanees because you think they're better than what you already have. Who was the loanee central midfielder we brought in? I don't even know if he's still at the club nevermind his flipping name. ;D

Harry Pell which was a bit of a pointless signing.

Quoted from Mrs Doyle

Lets hope he can score a few and become a big hero with the fans i for one am willing to give the lad a chance.

You maybe but will Hursty?

Quoted from pontoonlew

The guy could be a good player, my worry is whether or not Hurst will actually use him. He's excrement scared of bringing new players in and I swear half the time he just does it to please the fans for a few hours before reverting back to what he wants rather than what we need.

We're not threatening enough up front, instead of waiting for his old methods to work, why not try something new? It's a crying shame we're seeing nothing of this Watson, just give the guy a start and see how he does. Palmer has to start Saturday otherwise it's pointless him being here, you bring in loanees because you think they're better than what you already have. Who was the loanee central midfielder we brought in? I don't even know if he's still at the club nevermind his flipping name. ;D

Nicky Walker from Rotherham? We played him in a friendly against Boston and he looked great, scored a very good brace. So Boston signed him!!!!!!

Will hurst give him more than 20 mins a month on the pitch ???????????

Quoted from Tinymariner

Nicky Walker from Rotherham? We played him in a friendly against Boston and he looked great, scored a very good brace. So Boston signed him!!!!!!

I would guess he was sent on his way because he couldn't see why a winger should spend most of his time holding hands with his own full back as instructed. Arnold will probably be the next one to find that out.

I feel that I need to comment upon the negative comments about Hannah not becoming the player we expected when he signed for us permanently.

For me this is not a case of him simply not being good enough, not interested etc. It comes down to how the team plays. Look at the goals that he has scored for us and the common theme is that the ball has been crossed on the ground quickly, or a slide rule pass has been played into him quickly, and he has reacted quickest and scored. Essentially he is a fox in the box/ quick counter attack striker.

Now look at our style of play, which more often than not is simply a high ball up to the front man, which often comes straight back again. Now I understand that LJL is better at holding up the ball, and so will look better in this role. However, change the tactics with pacey wingers counter attacking, and wiping balls into the box on the deck and Hannah would score a hatful.

Just a thought.....

Porky

Seen him play for Woking a few times was nothing more than a bit part came on with 20 minutes to play etc. was nothing spectacular but that was a few seasons ago now.

Quoted from blundellpork

I feel that I need to comment upon the negative comments about Hannah not becoming the player we expected when he signed for us permanently.

For me this is not a case of him simply not being good enough, not interested etc. It comes down to how the team plays. Look at the goals that he has scored for us and the common theme is that the ball has been crossed on the ground quickly, or a slide rule pass has been played into him quickly, and he has reacted quickest and scored. Essentially he is a fox in the box/ quick counter attack striker.

Now look at our style of play, which more often than not is simply a high ball up to the front man, which often comes straight back again. Now I understand that LJL is better at holding up the ball, and so will look better in this role. However, change the tactics with pacey wingers counter attacking, and wiping balls into the box on the deck and Hannah would score a hatful.

Just a thought.....

Porky

I agree with you.

Quoted from blundellpork

I feel that I need to comment upon the negative comments about Hannah not becoming the player we expected when he signed for us permanently.

For me this is not a case of him simply not being good enough, not interested etc. It comes down to how the team plays. Look at the goals that he has scored for us and the common theme is that the ball has been crossed on the ground quickly, or a slide rule pass has been played into him quickly, and he has reacted quickest and scored. Essentially he is a fox in the box/ quick counter attack striker.

Now look at our style of play, which more often than not is simply a high ball up to the front man, which often comes straight back again. Now I understand that LJL is better at holding up the ball, and so will look better in this role. However, change the tactics with pacey wingers counter attacking, and wiping balls into the box on the deck and Hannah would score a hatful.

Just a thought.....

Porky

Spot on Porky, when came on loan along with Neilson, he put a few away with assists from Neilson. Sort it out Hurst and play the players to their strengths.

Quoted from Tinymariner

Spot on Porky, when came on loan along with Neilson, he put a few away with assists from Neilson. Sort it out Hurst and play the players to their strengths.

That's because Neilson thinks quickly and plays the ball to him at the right time. The others are too slow and by the time they pass Hannah is offside.

Let's hope this new kid is another Ryan Bird, not a turkey. He must be decent though as Hurst said he would only sign improvements. Needs a game of three before we see what he's made of but will he get a good run at it?

Quoted from ginnywings

That's because Neilson thinks quickly and plays the ball to him at the right time. The others are too slow and by the time they pass Hannah is offside.

Hang on a minute, are we talking about the same player here?

Neilson tends to hold on to the ball much too much and invariably ends up trying to dribble across the field instead of laying off early passes. It's one of the main weaknesses in his game.

Hannah had a great original loan spell where he stuck the ball away practically every chance he got. Unfortunately, he's never looked like being anywhere near accurate since he signed permanently. As a lightweight sort of player without great pace or great skill, he's not going to be creating too much on his own so needs to be more clinical when the chances come his way. His scoring record over the past couple of seasons shows that this just hasn't been the case.

I can't fault his workrate as he absolutely runs his socks off, but personally, I think he's playing just a level too high. He'd probably score plenty in the Conference North/South which is where I expect he will end up playing.

Quoted from Maringer

I can't fault his workrate as he absolutely runs his socks off, but personally, I think he's playing just a level too high. He'd probably score plenty in the Conference North/South which is where I expect he will end up playing.

Like Cook, Southwell, Bogle and Nicky Walker?

Quoted from Maringer

Hang on a minute, are we talking about the same player here?

Neilson tends to hold on to the ball much too much and invariably ends up trying to dribble across the field instead of laying off early passes. It's one of the main weaknesses in his game.

Hannah had a great original loan spell where he stuck the ball away practically every chance he got. Unfortunately, he's never looked like being anywhere near accurate since he signed permanently. As a lightweight sort of player without great pace or great skill, he's not going to be creating too much on his own so needs to be more clinical when the chances come his way. His scoring record over the past couple of seasons shows that this just hasn't been the case.

I can't fault his workrate as he absolutely runs his socks off, but personally, I think he's playing just a level too high. He'd probably score plenty in the Conference North/South which is where I expect he will end up playing.

Ok then, when he does play a through ball, he gets it right more often than others as he did in his initial spell with Hannah. Lately though, he is disappearing up his own backside and going backwards as a lot of our players seem to do.

I still think we play the ball too slowly, to Hannah's detriment.

Quoted from MuddyWaters

Like Cook, Southwell, Bogle and Nicky Walker?

Yes, yes, no and yes. Bogle will probably end up at Peterborough!

Quoted from MuddyWaters

Like Cook, Southwell, Bogle and Nicky Walker?

Well, yes.

Most of the teams in the Conference Premier are full-time, most of the teams on the Conference North and South aren't. There's a big difference between playing against full-time pros or not.

Hannah scored a lot of goals before at Buxton, but these were in the Northern Premier League Premier Division - this is two levels beneath us and I don't imagine that there will be any full-time pros at that level.

Quoted from ginnywings

I still think we play the ball too slowly, to Hannah's detriment.

I agree entirely with this point. Our central midfielders are lacking dynamism, to say the least. It's all well and good having flicks and tricks (lots of twists and turns from Clay and Brown, but they are invariably static when they receive the ball), but the first-time pass is often the better option. We don't have the players to do this often enough.

Quoted from SamTheMariner

Good, Hannah is sh!te.

What and the world class goal scorer isn't.

Give your head a wobble

Our midfield lacks creativity and you'd hope that player could play balls to the wings in space. MacKreth on the right Aza on the left. Neilson in behind Lenny with Pittman wide left. This would leave plenty of room for Aza with the full back so concerned about a narrow Pittman. They swing in crosses. Lenny, Disley and Palmer score a hat ful simple.

Quoted from ackomariner

Give your head a wobble

Probably my favourite Fishy saying.

Quoted from ackomariner

What and the world class goal scorer isn't.

Give your head a wobble

Yeah I need to change that. Put it on after the Torquay game.

Quoted from MuddyWaters

Like Cook, Southwell, Bogle and Nicky Walker?

If any of these players (excluding Bogle who may be on the way up) were tearing up trees at our level or above I'd concede the point but guess what?

Didn't Bogle turn down our interest?

Quoted from barralad

If any of these players (excluding Bogle who may be on the way up) were tearing up trees at our level or above I'd concede the point but guess what?

Didn't Bogle turn down our interest?

But we didn't give Walker or Southwell a chance! Instead we signed an idle waste of space called Arnold.

Quoted from SamTheMariner

Yeah I need to change that. Put it on after the Torquay game.

That's better Sam ;)

Quoted from MuddyWaters

But we didn't give Walker or Southwell a chance! Instead we signed an idle waste of space called Arnold.

Dale had 44 appearances over 4 seasons, 31 of those appearances in one season admittedly 20 odd off the bench.
I think he had a chance allot of lads at his age would have loved to have taken.
Walker on the other hand I think was unlucky not to get more of a chance

Quoted from MuddyWaters

But we didn't give Walker or Southwell a chance! Instead we signed an idle waste of space called Arnold.

Southwell had plenty of chances. This board of experts was full of people saying that he wasn't up to it last season......

I'll concede my surprise at Walker's position-especially as P.H. said he was closer to the first team than others at the Fans Forum...

Quoted from barralad

Southwell had plenty of chances. This board of experts was full of people saying that he wasn't up to it last season......

I'll concede my surprise at Walker's position-especially as P.H. said he was closer to the first team than others at the Fans Forum...

I'd hardly call a dozen starts ( mostly Trophy) in 4 years plenty, would you?

Quoted from MuddyWaters

Like Cook, Southwell, Bogle and Nicky Walker?

What has Bogle got to do with anything?

Quoted from MuddyWaters

I'd hardly call a dozen starts ( mostly Trophy) in 4 years plenty, would you?

tbh yes I bet Walker would have loved a dozen starts, How many chances do you give someone to prove themselves.

Quoted from MuddyWaters

I'd hardly call a dozen starts ( mostly Trophy) in 4 years plenty, would you?

You were one of the posters who said Southwell wasn't up to it at the time! You can't say a player isn't up to it and when he's released use the fact he's doing well in a lower division to beat PH with.

Quoted from mariner91

You were one of the posters who said Southwell wasn't up to it at the time! You can't say a player isn't up to it and when he's released use the fact he's doing well in a lower division to beat PH with.

Oh he can.... :)

Quoted from MuddyWaters

But we didn't give Walker or Southwell a chance! Instead we signed an idle waste of space called Arnold.

Arnold is a good player when he can be bothered to put the effort in,

There was a reason Cambridge did not want him and were pleased we took him off their hands.

The odd thing about Arnold over the past few home games is that he's barely attempted to take on his man or have a shot. I'm not quite sure why this should be the case as he's previously been willing to get a shot in given half a chance.

this thread soon turned into another anti player thead.

I might just go on Sat now to see Ollie do the business. Base on the video of his goals, we will need to find a way to get the ball into the box for him though, otherwise he will struggle to score

Quoted from oldun

I might just go on Sat now to see Ollie do the business. Base on the video of his goals, we will need to find a way to get the ball into the box for him though, otherwise he will struggle to score

We've needed to find a way to get the ball into the box for the last 4 seasons , this is the reason some decent strikers have looked shite playing for us.
They are lucky to get one or two chance a game so when they miss that one chance everyone remembers

Quoted from grimps

We've needed to find a way to get the ball into the box for the last 4 seasons , this is the reason some decent strikers have looked shite playing for us.
They are lucky to get one or two chance a game so when they miss that one chance everyone remembers

Havent we had the most efforts on goal in the league? (or at least had up to mid Dec)

Quoted from oldun

I might just go on Sat now to see Ollie do the business. Base on the video of his goals, we will need to find a way to get the ball into the box for him though, otherwise he will struggle to score

Another fine mess you got me into Hursty

Quoted from oldun

I might just go on Sat now to see Ollie do the business. Base on the video of his goals, we will need to find a way to get the ball into the box for him though, otherwise he will struggle to score

Another fine mess you got me into Hursty ;D

It passed the boredom away...

[img]http://i.imgur.com/zwcM9zS.png[/img]

We make loads of chances, but need a natural goalscorer to take them.

We have completely changed how we play from when Hannah was on loan and scoring for fun, so he's out in the cold.

Get Scott Brown back fully fit & on form and this team will vastly improve - his injury and poor recovery from it has been noticeable in team play and tactics.

The spine was in place when he started this season in strong midfield form - took a lot of strain off Disley, worked well with Clay as well - gone down after his injury, in my own humble opinion, others may think differently !

Quoted from acko338

We make loads of chances, but need a natural goalscorer to take them.

We have completely changed how we play from when Hannah was on loan and scoring for fun, so he's out in the cold.

Get Scott Brown back fully fit & on form and this team will vastly improve - his injury and poor recovery from it has been noticeable in team play and tactics.

The spine was in place when he started this season in strong midfield form - took a lot of strain off Disley, worked well with Clay as well - gone down after his injury, in my own humble opinion, others may think differently !

Same happened to Scott Kerr last season.

Quoted from acko338

We make loads of chances, but need a natural goalscorer to take them.

We have completely changed how we play from when Hannah was on loan and scoring for fun, so he's out in the cold.

Get Scott Brown back fully fit & on form and this team will vastly improve - his injury and poor recovery from it has been noticeable in team play and tactics.

The spine was in place when he started this season in strong midfield form - took a lot of strain off Disley, worked well with Clay as well - gone down after his injury, in my own humble opinion, others may think differently !

I think you are spot on regarding Brown, he has really struggled for form since his injury, I think it is a similar situation with clay who has been in and out with a few niggling injuries, I would say that Disley has been excellent since he came back in though.

Quoted from SamTheMariner

Good, Hannah is sh!te.

Hannah is shite!!!!!!!!! this from someone with a picture of the magnificent free scoring LJL. I assume its a joke ;D

Quoted from 4055

Hannah is shite!!!!!!!!! this from someone with a picture of the magnificent free scoring LJL. I assume its a joke ;D

Maybe not free scoring but he's scored more than any other player in our league bar three.

Quoted from mariner91

Maybe not free scoring but he's scored more than any other player in our league bar three.

Nine goals behind Akinde in the league and his 12 includes penalties. Hardly prolific but just about acceptable for a target man. Someone else alongside him should have scored as many if not more by now.

Quoted from TheRonRaffertyFanClub

Nine goals behind Akinde in the league and his 12 includes penalties. Hardly prolific but just about acceptable for a target man. Someone else alongside him should have scored as many if not more by now.

Therein lies the problem. LJL has many assets but prolific goalscorer isn't one of them. Someone alongside him with the same amount plus a few more from midfield/defence would see us top of the table.

Quoted from TheRonRaffertyFanClub

Nine goals behind Akinde in the league and his 12 includes penalties. Hardly prolific but just about acceptable for a target man. Someone else alongside him should have scored as many if not more by now.

I agree to an extent. Only Disley and LJL have been doing enough in the goalscoring stakes so far this season. LJL's goals with a couple of extra each from the other attacking players would have put us in a much better position. I think LJL will end up just shy of 20 for the season but considering not even Reddy or Lump got more than that I'd say that is more than acceptable. Certainly expecting a target man to be scoring many more than 12 (plus the 2 in other competitions) at this stage of the season is asking a bit much in my opinion.

Quoted from TheRonRaffertyFanClub

Nine goals behind Akinde in the league and his 12 includes penalties. Hardly prolific but just about acceptable for a target man. Someone else alongside him should have scored as many if not more by now.

Genuine question; How many of Akinde's goals have been penalties? I dont know the answer but Barnet seem to get a lot of penalties

Quoted from TheRonRaffertyFanClub

Nine goals behind Akinde in the league and his 12 includes penalties. Hardly prolific but just about acceptable for a target man. Someone else alongside him should have scored as many if not more by now.

Twelve goals for a target man halfway through the season is well above par.

Quoted from BIGChris

Genuine question; How many of Akinde's goals have been penalties? I dont know the answer but Barnet seem to get a lot of penalties

He's scored 6 penalties in the Conference this season. Therefore, he's only scored 15 goals this season as, apparently, penalties don't count towards a striker's tally.

I read it in this thread so it must be true. ;)

Quoted from Maringer

He's scored 6 penalties in the Conference this season. Therefore, he's only scored 15 goals this season as, apparently, penalties don't count towards a striker's tally.

I read it in this thread so it must be true. ;)

So if LJL had taken all our penalties this season he would be a bit closer to Akinde's total wouldn't he? Doesn't that mean he's as good a player? ;)

I can confidently state that, had we won more penalties and had LJL converted them, he would certainly be closer to Akinde's total. However, I'm becoming confused as to how much they would count. :)

Even if you deign to count his 6 penalties, Akinde looks like he's going to be the Liam Hearn/Matt Tubbs/Jamie Vardy of the Conference this season. Just a pity we didn't manage to sign him ourselves!

If LJL can get to 20, he'll have done pretty well this season, but we need the other strikers to chip in more as well. One or two others reaching double figures would be most handy.