Bartley and Kanu

[Prando]

In my assessment there has been an improvement in form with both of these players.

I considered Kanu a last resort substitution and only justifying a start in case of need. His recent form now places him at the top of the list. Great persistence and determination to prove himself. Nice one Hal.

Bartley has similarly carved a niche by doing the simple things well and becoming a tower of strength in the air. I’m still a bit nervous with some of his short passes, but to be fair he varies it now with the occasional decent long ball. Keep it up Kyle.

Congratulations to both of them for their efforts and no doubt to Bilic and his coaching team for recognising and building on their strengths.

[Yarmbaggie]

Have to agree that marked improvement has been seen from both of them this season. I know Leeds fans who were sorry to see KB sign for us and to be honest for some time I was wondering what they saw in him. A lot better this season though.

[Leicesterbaggie]

Have always been a fan of Robson-Kanu but thought that Bartley was a disaster. I could never understand why Leeds's fans thought so highly of him. I can now, as he has been excellent this season. What a difference in last night's back four as opposed to Saturday!

[saltnshake]

In my assessment there has been an improvement in form with both of these players.

I considered Kanu a last resort substitution and only justifying a start in case of need. His recent form now places him at the top of the list. Great persistence and determination to prove himself. Nice one Hal.

Bartley has similarly carved a niche by doing the simple things well and becoming a tower of strength in the air. I’m still a bit nervous with some of his short passes, but to be fair he varies it now with the occasional decent long ball. Keep it up Kyle.


Congratulations to both of them for their efforts and no doubt to Bilic and his coaching team for recognising and building on their strengths.

As you say it's all about playing to players strengths and not asking them to do things they aren't good at or comfortable with we still play out from the back but Sawyers has made that so much easier with his calmness and ability to take the ball under pressure, also what I did like about Bartley last night was when Pereira was getting stick of the Bristol players he was one of the first there to protect him a sign of the team spirit we have.

[WBA1955]

Don't forget Livermore too and the youngsters who are straining at the bit to get into the side.
What a difference a good manager makes. I would go as far to say that Bilic is the best manager we have had for years. We have had some great players down the years but poor managers who couldn't get the best out of them, the likes of Wylie, Saunders, Pulis, Mowbray, Pardew and dear old Darren Moore. Even Fatkinson took all the credit for a team built by others then totally ruined it before he buggered off.
I think Bilic is the best manager we have had for years, possibly in my lifetime, very tactically aware and not frightened to change it or drop players. He understands the Albion traditions and what Albion fans want to see.
As for Bartley he was asked to play like Franz Beckenbauer in a back three by a nice dimwit of a manager, you have to be very good to do that, how many centre backs can you name who can do it and what are they worth?
Bartley along with Ajayi are now keeping Hegazi out of the side, everyone wants to be on the pitch.
I was never a fan of HRK, i thought he was a panic signing on the last day of a window, which he probably was, but he is fast becoming a fans favourite. I don't think i have ever seen a player here go to hero from zero before.
He is reminding me a lot of Ally Brown in the 78-79 season, a player who was overshadowed by Cyrille, Laurie, and Bomber, but who worked tirelessly and finished up the leading scorer of a very good side.
I must admit i enjoyed the game and the beer around the pub last night, it is fun being an Albion fan again.

[Dubbag]

We seem to be steadily improving each game. Bilic has proven himself correct in opting to come here. A lot of tactical challenges in each game. So far so good.

[mickd1961]

Don't forget Livermore too and the youngsters who are straining at the bit to get into the side.
What a difference a good manager makes. I would go as far to say that Bilic is the best manager we have had for years. We have had some great players down the years but poor managers who couldn't get the best out of them, the likes of Wylie, Saunders, Pulis, Mowbray, Pardew and dear old Darren Moore. Even Fatkinson took all the credit for a team built by others then totally ruined it before he buggered off.
I think Bilic is the best manager we have had for years, possibly in my lifetime, very tactically aware and not frightened to change it or drop players. He understands the Albion traditions and what Albion fans want to see.
As for Bartley he was asked to play like Franz Beckenbauer in a back three by a nice dimwit of a manager, you have to be very good to do that, how many centre backs can you name who can do it and what are they worth?
Bartley along with Ajayi are now keeping Hegazi out of the side, everyone wants to be on the pitch.
I was never a fan of HRK, i thought he was a panic signing on the last day of a window, which he probably was, but he is fast becoming a fans favourite. I don't think i have ever seen a player here go to hero from zero before.
He is reminding me a lot of Ally Brown in the 78-79 season, a player who was overshadowed by Cyrille, Laurie, and Bomber, but who worked tirelessly and finished up the leading scorer of a very good side.
I must admit i enjoyed the game and the beer around the pub last night, it is fun being an Albion fan again.

That analogy with Ally Brown is a good one Des.

If I remember correctly he scored the opening goal of the 78-79 season in British football as we beat Chelsea 3-0.

I was a big fan of Ally.

For me it’s no coincidence that Bartley isn’t playing alongside Hegazi this season but alongside a quality player in Ajayi.

It’s amazing how a dodgy centre half can drag his partner’s form into the gutter.

Hegazi is not a good footballer,I’m amazed others can’t see this.

[baggieal]

In my assessment there has been an improvement in form with both of these players.

I considered Kanu a last resort substitution and only justifying a start in case of need. His recent form now places him at the top of the list. Great persistence and determination to prove himself. Nice one Hal.

Bartley has similarly carved a niche by doing the simple things well and becoming a tower of strength in the air. I’m still a bit nervous with some of his short passes, but to be fair he varies it now with the occasional decent long ball. Keep it up Kyle.

Congratulations to both of them for their efforts and no doubt to Bilic and his coaching team for recognising and building on their strengths.

Great post Prando and totally agree with you. What’s good about Kanu is the effort and running. Both improvements will be down to a damn good manager in Bilic as opposed to the two numpties last season too!

[Dubbag]

Talking to Leeds guy over here today...goes to plenty of the games....was hugely surprised about how lowly he was help by Baggies....
Believed him to be a quality player...and disappointed they missed out on him....
I am delighted for Kanu...as many have said...puts in a huge effort....things are working......

[Prando]

Talking to Leeds guy over here today...goes to plenty of the games....was hugely surprised about how lowly he was help by Baggies....
Believed him to be a quality player...and disappointed they missed out on him....
I am delighted for Kanu...as many have said...puts in a huge effort....things are working......

My take on Bartley, for what it’s worth DB buddy (!) is...in his early days here, he considered he was better than he was. Additionally, he was played out of his comfort zone. He remonstrated and endeavoured to apportion blame elsewhere for his errors.
NOW, that is behind him. He is focussed on his role and is able to do a job for us.
I still worry with his short play out of defence and almost ‘hospital’ short passes - inevitably passing the buck to Sam when really under pressure. Notwithstanding, Kyle deserves support as he has become more of a team player.
Tremendous to see a number of bench players, in all positions, that are worthy of a start.