I do agree that it’s far from clear that Taff is comfortable in the left side role based on what we’ve seen so far - although its early days so too early to draw any firm conclusions.
He just looks a bit exposed pace wise. JJ is a bit too but he seems to get away with it a bit better due to his exceptional reading of the game.
We may just find that we’ve got two very good players (Taff and Alfie) that we can’t shoehorn into the same side because they need to play the same position. Happens from time to time.
On a related matter, its going to be a tough ask for JJ to play Tuesday, Saturday and next Tuesday - 4 league matches in 11 days. I wonder if Gareth might be tempted to give Jack Wakely a game at some point. Maybe tomorrow or Saturday. He seems to be coming on quite well and is unusually two footed for a big centre- half so could play either the left or right side role.
We’ve a lot of defenders out of contact this summer so might just be a good idea to start bringing another one through.
Yes @aloysius, I’m well aware of that but the thread title - “Possession can do one” - struck me as enigmatic to say the least ! Your own phrase - “Possession must do one” - seemed equally obscure. I believe the original phrase was based on, or indeed a verbatim quote from, Gareth Ainsworth’s post-match interview yesterday.
Obscure phrases aside, discussion of the relative merits of direct football versus a more attractive passing style has been more or less constant throughout GA’s reign. The only time (as far as I can recall) when the latter was prevalent was towards the end of the Championship season. And lovely to watch it was.
This season so far seems to have been mainly a mixture of slick passing on the deck and hoofball, occasionally deteriorating into disappointingly scrappy play, usually when struggling to defend a narrow lead.
But, much as many of us would like to see the ball on the deck rather more, as long as we’re winning we cannot really complain.
Max's consistency in the shot stopping stakes has been very impressive, as has his decision making (something that was flagged as being potentially problematic during his spell in Scotland).
His kicking isn't terrible though since we've had Stockdale all keepers in the short to medium term will be measured against the yardstick of his incredible distribution and vision. There have been quite a few occasions since Stocko left where the crowd could see a quick counter was on but Max decided discretion was the better part of valour, while on occasions Max has held onto dangerous shots very few keepers (certainly at this level) would do.
The good news is that Max is still fairly young for a goalkeeperPole in the goal Polecat, he surely has the potential to work on his distribution and really make a name for himself.
As a counter to this, when Martin Taylor first joined, it was initially on loan. He was fantastic during that spell. After he'd signed permanently in the summer of '97, he was less than convincing at the start of the 97-98 season. I remember him being beaten by Conroy (I think) of Fulham from 40 yards. He was getting a bit of stick from the fans. I recall one guy shouting out something like "so that's what we pay you two grand a week for!". He went on to become our greatest ever keeper. So that's why it pays to sometimes take a longer view of things.
Comments
There's a whole thread about it posted today.
@ReturnToSenda ’the polecat’ genius.
Polecat it is then.
Not a cat?
I do agree that it’s far from clear that Taff is comfortable in the left side role based on what we’ve seen so far - although its early days so too early to draw any firm conclusions.
He just looks a bit exposed pace wise. JJ is a bit too but he seems to get away with it a bit better due to his exceptional reading of the game.
We may just find that we’ve got two very good players (Taff and Alfie) that we can’t shoehorn into the same side because they need to play the same position. Happens from time to time.
On a related matter, its going to be a tough ask for JJ to play Tuesday, Saturday and next Tuesday - 4 league matches in 11 days. I wonder if Gareth might be tempted to give Jack Wakely a game at some point. Maybe tomorrow or Saturday. He seems to be coming on quite well and is unusually two footed for a big centre- half so could play either the left or right side role.
We’ve a lot of defenders out of contact this summer so might just be a good idea to start bringing another one through.
Polecats aren't cats; they're glorified weasels.
Good to have ‘Mustard’ back too at the other end of the pitch from The Pole Cat.
Come to think of it, is Max ..
A - The Polecat
or
B - The Pole Cat
Either/or - just not the Cat Pole as that would be something else entirely
Yes @aloysius, I’m well aware of that but the thread title - “Possession can do one” - struck me as enigmatic to say the least ! Your own phrase - “Possession must do one” - seemed equally obscure. I believe the original phrase was based on, or indeed a verbatim quote from, Gareth Ainsworth’s post-match interview yesterday.
Obscure phrases aside, discussion of the relative merits of direct football versus a more attractive passing style has been more or less constant throughout GA’s reign. The only time (as far as I can recall) when the latter was prevalent was towards the end of the Championship season. And lovely to watch it was.
This season so far seems to have been mainly a mixture of slick passing on the deck and hoofball, occasionally deteriorating into disappointingly scrappy play, usually when struggling to defend a narrow lead.
But, much as many of us would like to see the ball on the deck rather more, as long as we’re winning we cannot really complain.
You could shuffle the pack anyway you like. Polecat would know the outcome.
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/7e/Polecat_in_denmark.jpg
Solecat
Sole owner
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BVHqXSJc96I
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=izY2vgfZj-Y&t=108s
I can confirm that the food is indeed delicious.
If the rumours are true, and we sign Lewandowski in the transfer window...Michael Palin is keen to offer his services as co-commentator.
Max would have to work on his distribution.
A well known Prestwood pub, more of a restaurant now. Owned by Oakman Inns & Restaurants, a director of which is Andy Harman.
Max is the best keeper we've had since Taylor! He may not have the kicking ability of Stockdale but he's a much better keeper.
Stockdale made ridiculous mistakes that led to goals on a number of occasions. It feels like Max will save everything.
Fantastic recruitment yet again 👏
Come back in a hundred games, ridiculous shout after 10 or so.
I think a season should be enough.
Will have to be for me. I’m not supposed to be here now !!
Stockdale was a brilliant keeper and we were lucky to have him.
This counter-narrative that seems to have sprung up since he left is really weird.
Totally agree Eric. Stockdale was brilliant for us on and off the pitch.
Max has had a great start but he’s got a little way to go before he’s played enough games and been as consistent.
Far too early to discuss Max as better than Stocko. Ludicrous comparison.
Agree. One of the most outrageous premature statements I've ever seen.
Max's consistency in the shot stopping stakes has been very impressive, as has his decision making (something that was flagged as being potentially problematic during his spell in Scotland).
His kicking isn't terrible though since we've had Stockdale all keepers in the short to medium term will be measured against the yardstick of his incredible distribution and vision. There have been quite a few occasions since Stocko left where the crowd could see a quick counter was on but Max decided discretion was the better part of valour, while on occasions Max has held onto dangerous shots very few keepers (certainly at this level) would do.
The good news is that Max is still fairly young for a
goalkeeperPole in the goalPolecat, he surely has the potential to work on his distribution and really make a name for himself.As a counter to this, when Martin Taylor first joined, it was initially on loan. He was fantastic during that spell. After he'd signed permanently in the summer of '97, he was less than convincing at the start of the 97-98 season. I remember him being beaten by Conroy (I think) of Fulham from 40 yards. He was getting a bit of stick from the fans. I recall one guy shouting out something like "so that's what we pay you two grand a week for!". He went on to become our greatest ever keeper. So that's why it pays to sometimes take a longer view of things.
@ReadingMarginalista ’Pole in the Goal’? Think you must have missed a meeting? Official Gasroom name: Polecat!