Quote Originally Posted by AucklandRover View Post
I have high hopes for Davenport too.
Johnson is a classic example of how generalisations don't work. In his first month with us, he looked very good. Then he faded very badly - as you were the first to note on here. Suddenly, he is extremely effective again.
The big question is WHY? - but I honestly don't believe there is a straightforward answer to that question.
"Form" is a simple word, but it's actually a very complex and puzzling attribute. This is part-and-parcel of my general reluctance to accept simple "solutions" in football (like "It's all down to the manager"). All too often, fans believe they "know" the answers!
If you look at our players, these same variations in form have happened with most of them.
Evans is the perfect example. It's only a few months since he was finding it hard to get into the team. Many of us concluded he was nearing the end of the road (as with Bennett), but his form just before the injury was a revelation.
All of this is why I am reluctant to write players off, and why I don't always go with, "We must play 'A' because he's younger and represents the future."
As far as I'm concerned, you pick the best combination for a particular match, even if that does involve minor changes from game to game. As things stand, there is absolutely no need to consider changing the back five, but there is definitely an argument for adjusting the attacking options (in a minor way), according to the strengths and qualities of the opposition. This is particularly true because we have so MANY possibilities in the forward positions (and - to some extent - in midfield).
A final word on the Bennett saga: he will continue to be in the match-day squad because he has the versatility to cover many positions in the event of injury.
Good points well made. Hard to argue any of that. I did say the other week, despite my reservations of certain players, everyone now has a part to play. Whether is Bennett, Brereton or Buckley.
Every result fell our way last night. And expectancy is in the air. I prefer it when we have been written off,but if we really want this and it is our time, then we will find a way of winning tonight.
Looking at last night's results, made me relook our remaining fixtures. Are Leeds & West Brom Bristol the tough games? Or is it Luton, Wigan, Barnsley away? Or Stoke tonight who all need points.