Opinions and all that. Mine is that neither Harkes nor Pawlett were ever anywhere near the description you've given them.
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I find it interesting that a lot of fans view technology with suspicious and quickly point the finger at it when things don't work out.
In reality it's one of many tools used by managers and coaches these days that without we'd be at a disadvantage, even compared to teams like Forfar. Ultimately none of the stats matter if the manager can't get the players to do what they want.
Nothing is ever straightforward and football management is probably one of the most complex. Most fans would like (and even perceive) it to be simple but the fact is that is really isn't.
There have been worse midfielders at the club but in terms of number of games played yes the impact or lack of it is huge. Apart from the odd flash here and there, no creativity going forward, no steel in winning balls, poor on the ball, no defensive quality, a breeze for any team we were playing.
Think its a bit harsh to be down on Pawlett when he had been injured so much. Was the right player to bring in at the time, and its not his fault for taking another year that was offered to him as he must be nearing the stage where he has to consider hanging up his boots. There is also something morally wrong when a player, who is regularly given injections to make it through games, is just thrown on the scrapheap.
But now he has had an operation, made it back to apparent fitness, thank you and goodbye!
As for Harkes! Ive just listened to his interview on the Dode Fox Podcast, and for a player to say he did not like the manager kinda confirms to me that our players chucked it for 3 managers this season, and i really hope the ringleaders are being rooted out!
If its such a complex game, why do i hear pundits constantly harping on about the Simple Game, and Over Complicating Things?
Im not against technology if its used in the right way, and i believe we have a midfield this season that one set of stats will say they covered nearly every blade of grass in multiple games. Ultimately though, we lost all of those games because they spent most of that time being powder puff in the tackle and loosing the ball!
The keeper from America, im sure again that a lovely dossier was provided to the club, a couple of Youtube links and a stats pack to die for! Gets in the door, JG sees he is way out of shape in so many ways and returns to sender!
Ross Graham, i wonder what the stats say about him as i fully believe there is a cracking defender in there, which we saw to an extent last year. But why has he not played this season? Does his stats say he just strolls about, because that seems to be what he does in games at least.
Pundits? Really? Football players don't tend to be the brightest lights in the box. They've probably spend their whole careers with coaches and managers telling them things in very simple terms and not to over complicate their job. But that's the job of an individual player, management is far more nuanced.