23-11-2014, 06:56
(This post was last modified: 23-11-2014, 06:57 by Slick_Footwork.)
While I can't see what goes on behind close doors in training or don't follow Ukranian football to know a lot about 2 of our main signings (Blanco and Ideye) from what I can see, the bulk of the blame has to go with Irvine.
He continues to play Dorrans, who hasn't looked like a consistent Premier player for several years. While I loved the guy the season we came up, he really doesn't bring anything to the table this season and I'm godsmacked he's kept his place.
I was chuffed at the prospect of a Lescott and McAuley partnership when Jolean arrived. For me, McAuley has been a great performer over the last couple of years and was let down by Jonas losing form. Instead though, Irvine persists with Dawson, who is slow and mistimes almost every leap and tackle.
It doesn't seem to matter how Brunt plays, he keeps his place...
He has completely ruined Mulumbu and Yacob, who were pretty much our core when we really did look like a proper Premiership side.
Thinking back to early Steve Clarke in 12-13, when we were giving everyone a game. Both Dorrans and Brunt were nothing more than squad players. The fact they seem to be automatic selections now show that something has gone badly wrong.
Blanco was half decent in the Hull game and looked worthy of a chance. He had a bad game against Bournemouth, but who didn't? He wasn't helped by the fact that Irvine paired him with 3 defensive midfielders who were 30 yards behind him...
I can't understand how Baird can be selected in front of Gamboa. Gamboa has looked reasonable in the chances he's had and has been unfortunate to be competing with Wisdom, who has looked good for the best part. But if he's still behind Baird in the pecking order, I'm worried the guy is never going to feature.
While I don't know what goes on behind closed doors, on paper we certainly have the tools at our disposal. But we're not going to improve unless the likes of Samaras and Blanco get a chance in their proper positions.
As for Saido and Ideye not being able to play together - I'd be happy for Saido to play on the left side for the good of the team. Sure, it's probably not his best position, but it's a position that he played in particularly well last season when he first burst onto the scene. Had it not been for his contract dispute, he would've kept his place there IMO.
He continues to play Dorrans, who hasn't looked like a consistent Premier player for several years. While I loved the guy the season we came up, he really doesn't bring anything to the table this season and I'm godsmacked he's kept his place.
I was chuffed at the prospect of a Lescott and McAuley partnership when Jolean arrived. For me, McAuley has been a great performer over the last couple of years and was let down by Jonas losing form. Instead though, Irvine persists with Dawson, who is slow and mistimes almost every leap and tackle.
It doesn't seem to matter how Brunt plays, he keeps his place...
He has completely ruined Mulumbu and Yacob, who were pretty much our core when we really did look like a proper Premiership side.
Thinking back to early Steve Clarke in 12-13, when we were giving everyone a game. Both Dorrans and Brunt were nothing more than squad players. The fact they seem to be automatic selections now show that something has gone badly wrong.
Blanco was half decent in the Hull game and looked worthy of a chance. He had a bad game against Bournemouth, but who didn't? He wasn't helped by the fact that Irvine paired him with 3 defensive midfielders who were 30 yards behind him...
I can't understand how Baird can be selected in front of Gamboa. Gamboa has looked reasonable in the chances he's had and has been unfortunate to be competing with Wisdom, who has looked good for the best part. But if he's still behind Baird in the pecking order, I'm worried the guy is never going to feature.
While I don't know what goes on behind closed doors, on paper we certainly have the tools at our disposal. But we're not going to improve unless the likes of Samaras and Blanco get a chance in their proper positions.
As for Saido and Ideye not being able to play together - I'd be happy for Saido to play on the left side for the good of the team. Sure, it's probably not his best position, but it's a position that he played in particularly well last season when he first burst onto the scene. Had it not been for his contract dispute, he would've kept his place there IMO.