There was never any doubt in my mind that Dickinson could play well in goal, Grimmer at CB and Wheeler at RB, but across a season when the margins are so small, it's whether they're an improvement on what we had last season when we didn't go up
Wheeler at right back could be a long term masterstroke, but no one can put a true case down for the other two being remotely close
but no one can put a true case down for the other two being remotely close
I don't think anyone's trying are they? Some are saying the transfer window hasn't closed and it's no big deal to make do for a few games until it has, and some are having kittens about Tyla being allowed to play one game.
1 or 2 points could be the difference at the end of the season so I agree with people it is a massive risk even for a couple games.
If we're happy to be a decent league1 outfit who could make the play offs with a good season, that's fine. (I personally would have no problem if that is us as a club because of the financials)
If, as has been suggested, we see ourselves as one of the genuine promotion contenders, every single point is crucial, and going into the first game(s) of the season without a senior keeper and only 1 full senior center back in the squad is mad to me. We might get away with it, and it is likely not what was planned/ was out of our hands at least partly, but it is still a mistake IMO.
I do not see us with the size of the club, attendance and our budget as ' genuine' promotion contenders, but I do think (as has been shown) it is possible. As I have said before, having a well run club with an outside chance of glory every season will do for me.
I do expect the manager, players and chairman to see us as genuine contenders though...so it does not upset me to hear it despite recognising the reality of the down the back of the settee money we have to spend...
The counter argument to the 'well it is a stupid risk as we could lose 1 or 2 points with an inexperienced goalkeeper' is that when in a key game later in the season our No.1 Goalkeeper is sent off (probably for time wasting) our back-up keeper on the bench is a bundle of nerves having never played a minute of league football in their life and lets in 3 howlers that lose us the game.
I've every sympathy with the club for the Bishop saga (assuming it is remotely true) as it just seems to be that something changed from the original agreement they reportedly had to loan him. It may then take time to assess the best option, whether that be a few days or weeks. In the meantime, playing Dickinson is a risk, but one that could benefit us later.
The centre back dilemma is slightly more interesting. I have no problem with Forino and Taff as first choice centre backs (so no direct replacement for Stewart) but another experienced centre back in the squad does seem crucial. Grimmer (and/or JJ) is okay as a temporary fill-in but given that this was arguably where we lost the momentum for automatic promotion last year it is clearly a position we need to fill. If Forino had been playing regularly pre-season I would have shrugged my shoulders at Saturday's line up but his absence seemed predictable (and knowing the injury news we get could mean several months out...).
I am more intrigued than concerned at the moment. We presumably have a target (or targets) and in a way it is reassuring that GA (etc) doesn't need to panic. As a passenger along for the ride however you end up looking at the red light approaching thinking, surely he should start to brake by now... Then you remember that you have a highly skilled driver in charge who knows what they are doing and start to relax... Before starting to wonder who carries out the maintenance on the brakes...
I’m not particularly into hip hop or rap, clever as rap can be ‘lyrically’ (and I’m often amazed by the density/rapid delivery of the words and the ability of the rappers to remember them). Probably about a decade ago, I was very taken with the voice, words and delivery of ‘Eminem’. ‘Music to be Murdered to’ and other delights !
We mainly watch documentaries about musicians in the Imagine and South Bank Show format. Whatever else you may think of Alan Yentob (and mrs micra, for reasons I can never recall, is not at all fond of him), his documentary programmes are consistently excellent.
In recent times we have particularly enjoyed one about a young genius who combines electronic jiggery pokery with vocals and orchestral composition. And also, a brilliant documentary about a remarkable family of black classical musicians whose names typically escape me. The eldest son is a cellist who won the BBC Young Musician of the Year several years ago and played at one of the recent Royal weddings.
Apart from that, as the much missed @EddieMonsoon knows only too well (!), I am very fond of a huge and very varied range of jazz.
Sounds like Henderson had a torrid time at United before going out on loan this season...perhaps the new manager is fire-fighting a lot of fall-out from the last regime and is a bit wary of the deals being done at whatever level.
This is a good question - last year it was Sep 1. If we're now in a situation where we won't know if we've got Bishop until Ten Hag knows he can't use him, there's a good chance it'll be the same for any decent 3rd or 4th choice prospect at another Premier League club. Could Gareth keep Dickinson as no 1 for another month?
I don't think for one moment that I am the target demographic for rap. And my under garments are not on display to emphasise that. However this particular documentary charts an amazing parallel story that takes in everyone from Springsteen to NWA. One of those stories well you can't believe two guys were at the centre of so many musical moments.
Duly checked out ! Might have had the words written down, perhaps ?
I’ll stick to Marshall Bruce Mathers, I think.
We had lunch recently with someone who spoke disparagingly about rap and commenting that it wasn’t going to last as long as eg the Beatles and Rolling Stones. I disagreed but I suppose she could be right.
I may not like it or understand it, but the best stuff of whatever musical genre will always stand the test of time...though even the rebellious Stones have had to drop songs that are contentious in a modern setting...
Please explain how you "blood in" a goalkeeper? Bring him on for the last few minutes of every game?
For me - the only way to gain experience as a goalkeeper, and the only way to learn - is to be in the situation. Only then will you know if they are truly good enough.
I bet the number of keepers who could have made it, but didn't, is astounding thinking about it. 92 league positions available to hundreds of thousands of young players dreaming of becoming a goalkeeper. Unless you get a lucky break, you have no chance.
If it wasn't for Allsop getting injured when he did - I would bet that Stockdale's career would be over now.
I mean, I'm sure quite a lot of us have seen him play for Mansfield and are making a judgement based on that. And it was obvious when he was at Southend that he was on the up.
Comments
You've blocked @Wanderers82 and his constructive criticism as well then?
I must admit my trepidation regarding the team sheet last Saturday proved to me I know nothing and it's possible GA and Dobbo do know things...
There was never any doubt in my mind that Dickinson could play well in goal, Grimmer at CB and Wheeler at RB, but across a season when the margins are so small, it's whether they're an improvement on what we had last season when we didn't go up
Wheeler at right back could be a long term masterstroke, but no one can put a true case down for the other two being remotely close
but no one can put a true case down for the other two being remotely close
I don't think anyone's trying are they? Some are saying the transfer window hasn't closed and it's no big deal to make do for a few games until it has, and some are having kittens about Tyla being allowed to play one game.
I think I just zone out
1 or 2 points could be the difference at the end of the season so I agree with people it is a massive risk even for a couple games.
If we're happy to be a decent league1 outfit who could make the play offs with a good season, that's fine. (I personally would have no problem if that is us as a club because of the financials)
If, as has been suggested, we see ourselves as one of the genuine promotion contenders, every single point is crucial, and going into the first game(s) of the season without a senior keeper and only 1 full senior center back in the squad is mad to me. We might get away with it, and it is likely not what was planned/ was out of our hands at least partly, but it is still a mistake IMO.
I do not see us with the size of the club, attendance and our budget as ' genuine' promotion contenders, but I do think (as has been shown) it is possible. As I have said before, having a well run club with an outside chance of glory every season will do for me.
I do expect the manager, players and chairman to see us as genuine contenders though...so it does not upset me to hear it despite recognising the reality of the down the back of the settee money we have to spend...
The counter argument to the 'well it is a stupid risk as we could lose 1 or 2 points with an inexperienced goalkeeper' is that when in a key game later in the season our No.1 Goalkeeper is sent off (probably for time wasting) our back-up keeper on the bench is a bundle of nerves having never played a minute of league football in their life and lets in 3 howlers that lose us the game.
I've every sympathy with the club for the Bishop saga (assuming it is remotely true) as it just seems to be that something changed from the original agreement they reportedly had to loan him. It may then take time to assess the best option, whether that be a few days or weeks. In the meantime, playing Dickinson is a risk, but one that could benefit us later.
The centre back dilemma is slightly more interesting. I have no problem with Forino and Taff as first choice centre backs (so no direct replacement for Stewart) but another experienced centre back in the squad does seem crucial. Grimmer (and/or JJ) is okay as a temporary fill-in but given that this was arguably where we lost the momentum for automatic promotion last year it is clearly a position we need to fill. If Forino had been playing regularly pre-season I would have shrugged my shoulders at Saturday's line up but his absence seemed predictable (and knowing the injury news we get could mean several months out...).
I am more intrigued than concerned at the moment. We presumably have a target (or targets) and in a way it is reassuring that GA (etc) doesn't need to panic. As a passenger along for the ride however you end up looking at the red light approaching thinking, surely he should start to brake by now... Then you remember that you have a highly skilled driver in charge who knows what they are doing and start to relax... Before starting to wonder who carries out the maintenance on the brakes...
When do the Premier League clubs announce squad lists
I’m not particularly into hip hop or rap, clever as rap can be ‘lyrically’ (and I’m often amazed by the density/rapid delivery of the words and the ability of the rappers to remember them). Probably about a decade ago, I was very taken with the voice, words and delivery of ‘Eminem’. ‘Music to be Murdered to’ and other delights !
We mainly watch documentaries about musicians in the Imagine and South Bank Show format. Whatever else you may think of Alan Yentob (and mrs micra, for reasons I can never recall, is not at all fond of him), his documentary programmes are consistently excellent.
In recent times we have particularly enjoyed one about a young genius who combines electronic jiggery pokery with vocals and orchestral composition. And also, a brilliant documentary about a remarkable family of black classical musicians whose names typically escape me. The eldest son is a cellist who won the BBC Young Musician of the Year several years ago and played at one of the recent Royal weddings.
Apart from that, as the much missed @EddieMonsoon knows only too well (!), I am very fond of a huge and very varied range of jazz.
Sounds like Henderson had a torrid time at United before going out on loan this season...perhaps the new manager is fire-fighting a lot of fall-out from the last regime and is a bit wary of the deals being done at whatever level.
I’m often amazed by the density/rapid delivery of the words and the ability of the rappers to remember them
@micra You should check out Alphabet Aerobics by Blackalicious https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zlynqOgBAUw
This is a good question - last year it was Sep 1. If we're now in a situation where we won't know if we've got Bishop until Ten Hag knows he can't use him, there's a good chance it'll be the same for any decent 3rd or 4th choice prospect at another Premier League club. Could Gareth keep Dickinson as no 1 for another month?
I don't think for one moment that I am the target demographic for rap. And my under garments are not on display to emphasise that. However this particular documentary charts an amazing parallel story that takes in everyone from Springsteen to NWA. One of those stories well you can't believe two guys were at the centre of so many musical moments.
Duly checked out ! Might have had the words written down, perhaps ?
I’ll stick to Marshall Bruce Mathers, I think.
We had lunch recently with someone who spoke disparagingly about rap and commenting that it wasn’t going to last as long as eg the Beatles and Rolling Stones. I disagreed but I suppose she could be right.
Yes
I may not like it or understand it, but the best stuff of whatever musical genre will always stand the test of time...though even the rebellious Stones have had to drop songs that are contentious in a modern setting...
Sadly (I think sadly) I wasn’t able to access the videos you posted (I assume) links to. It wasn’t for want of trying.
Pesky BBC. It’s now on Netflix. Was on iplayer.
Please explain how you "blood in" a goalkeeper? Bring him on for the last few minutes of every game?
For me - the only way to gain experience as a goalkeeper, and the only way to learn - is to be in the situation. Only then will you know if they are truly good enough.
I bet the number of keepers who could have made it, but didn't, is astounding thinking about it. 92 league positions available to hundreds of thousands of young players dreaming of becoming a goalkeeper. Unless you get a lucky break, you have no chance.
If it wasn't for Allsop getting injured when he did - I would bet that Stockdale's career would be over now.
Even Sunderland fans gave Anthony Patterson a chance at 20 years old. They has numerous loans - all failed.
He is now their number 1 in the Championship.
They had alternate "senior" keepers on the books though
If we bring in a keeper who on paper is "league 1" with the experience to back it up, and GA still picks Dickinson, that's a very different situation
@micra The Kanneh Mason family
Alternative keepers that they paid money for/loaned and the real answer to their crisis came from their youth team.
Nobody has seen Bishop play. We weren't screaming about him when he was at Sarfend. It's only because he's at Man United that we assume he's good.
George Clegg anyone....?
No we weren't looking out for alternatives keepers last season, but Bishop had decent reviews at a decent standard
It's just a different level of risk than going with Dickinson, who could be great, but could also be 5 divisions out of his depth right now
I mean, I'm sure quite a lot of us have seen him play for Mansfield and are making a judgement based on that. And it was obvious when he was at Southend that he was on the up.
That’s the one. Thank you. And Sheku Kanneh-Mason is the cellist who won Young Musician of the Year. Such an amazing and thoroughly likeable family.
Yes, a remarkable and lovely family indeed.
Jordon Ibe videoed keeping fit in a Wycombe shirt with the caption "the comeback is on"
Can he play in goal?