09 Jul 2019 09:40:16
Some of the posters talk a lot about the need for battle hardened experienced championship defenders. Where do those guys get their championship experience from, someone gives them a chance and they learn and develop. Cooper is the captain and had a great year last year, Pontus going will strengthen his position and authority. Don't think it's impossible for Cooper to be paired with White or Struick to help develop them. Not saying we shouldn't recruit 1 or 2 more CB types, but don't write off other possibilities.
09 Jul 2019 11:07:54
Developing young players is not about throwing them in the first team because you have to, without them being able to get accustomed to it and feel like they have earned the right to be there. Putting the pressure of promotion on them from day one. Yes Struijk could turn into a very good CB but Coops not the one to learn from. And yes if we are going with Coops and either of White or Pascal with no one else brought in we will struggle at the back. I am a big advocate of promoting youth and always have been and have followed the U23s for decades. It was never about we do not have anyone else so you will have to play. I think White will be the one to be fair as he is good on the ball but god help us at free kicks and corners.
09 Jul 2019 11:16:41
I agree they shouldn’t be thrown in because you have to. However if you buy White, have Struick training with the first team, sell Aappo, Kitching, Oconner And let Diaz go, All whilst you know Pontus is leaving, then perhaps it’s not because you have to but because you want to. Let’s see who else comes in and how we lineup in preseason.
09 Jul 2019 12:23:03
There is being positive then having your head in the clouds. Anyone can see with White and Coops we will struggle at high balls into the box. All for Struijk being on bench but then we only have two recognised CBs in rest of academy unless we bring some in. Obviously Bubs has his ideas and i have faith in his ability but i will not blindly follow his reasoning, too old for that, if i think his judgement is wrong.
09 Jul 2019 13:09:31
Sorry Spanish but I personally don't believe that Cooper is good enough. Yes, he did have a decent season last season but he made critical errors in key games last season as he is unable to handle the pressure. As for the captaincy, a strong captain would have managed the team during the second half of the playoff game. It required strong leadership as the majority of players had lost their heads but Cooper was found wanting. Cooper had a good season but I feel that is as good as it gets from a player who is lower Championship or high League 1 quality.
09 Jul 2019 14:03:36
There is a difference between not blindly following someone’s reasoning and making your mind up about someone’s ideas before you’ve even seen what he has in mind. I love these “anyone can see statementsâ€which always are designed to make “ I think ‘ that seem more convincing! I’d prefer to keep an open mind!
09 Jul 2019 14:06:39
No need to be sorry Notts, Cooper is one of those players that really seems to split opnion. Not sure I follow the logic that he improved last year and so can’t be good again. His overall stats against over CBS in the division very good last year. Thing is, I don’t think he’s going anywhere, Captain and anchor CB under Bielsa unless he gets injured early or has a really bad start to the season.
09 Jul 2019 14:08:44
Battle hardened because it’s a long old season and it’s a real grind
You can’t play well every week but you do need to pick up points when you don’t
Bit of nouse, streetwise, whatever you want to call it.
09 Jul 2019 14:57:31
Lost in translation Spanish. Cooper can be good again but will not improve to a level better than last year where he still made crucial errors in key games.
09 Jul 2019 15:14:42
i have no problem with you keeping an open mind Spanish but i think your reasoning is wrong. In earlier posts you have suggested Bubs could go with Berardi, KP, or Ayling at CB and you are happy if he makes that choice. I am not at all happy with that and i am stating in my belief if we do not get another CB in for the first team we will struggle at the back. When i said anyone can see was referring to opposing teams and their coaches. God i am even using spell check now in case you pick up on my poor grammar.