Calling the Shots!

[Killerkline]

It's bang on topic mate. I've been quite vocal in my support of Jim in the past so to have Waleed talk about him in the pod was unexpected and very nice.

I jumped in with the comments before listening to episode 7, so was a bit conscious I gone off at a tangent.

Anyway, good listen. Waleed comes across really, well. Particularly liked the comment ‘making good people first’ or words to that effect. Based on Saturday, I would suggest that Aldershot will soon be climbing the table and suspect they’ll take a few point of the supposedly bigger clubs.

[Killerkline]

That happened a few times in the first half against Aldershot, where JOB made some great runs into space inviting the pass. Every time though the ball went backwards or sideways, to his obvious frustration.

This is where supporters need to be patient and trust in Burchnall. He will give the right instructions and make the changes if required. The positives are Jim continued to make the runs and the team, eventually, adapted.

I've always liked him because of his 100% attitude, and his willingness to try something in an attacking sense rather than play the safe backwards ball. It doesn't always come off, if it did he wouldn't be playing at this level!

Agree and, again, this is where supporters need to be patient. It’s inevitable that if you try and play the ball forward the amount of times Jim does, you will give the ball away.

And, I know. Supporters and patience, I’m being unrealistic.

[crazyfists]

Some good posts on here and banjo is right, he has a footballing brain, maybe one of the best in our squad to work under more detailed instruction from IB. Also agree with Elite, he tries to make things happen, doesn't always work but does sometimes and unless you try it never will.

[ncfcog]

I jumped in with the comments before listening to episode 7, so was a bit conscious I gone off at a tangent.

Anyway, good listen. Waleed comes across really, well. Particularly liked the comment ‘making good people first’ or words to that effect. Based on Saturday, I would suggest that Aldershot will soon be climbing the table and suspect they’ll take a few point of the supposedly bigger clubs.

Waleed is a very good friend and knows his stuff. They are doing a great job down their in the shadow of some very big clubs around London and of course Hampshire. They will only get better this season.

[jackal2]

There seemed to be widespread appreciation of JOB in his first half season with us, which is saying something because that was in a team that got relegated. He was one of very few shining lights in a very gloomy season and most people were of the opinion that he was too good for the National League but we were happy to have him.

Last season his form was more variable, but that can happen to any player. One thing you can always say about JOB is that whether he's having a blinder or a stinker or something in between, he never stops working and showing for the ball. They say the man who never made a mistake never made anything, and here we have a player who is willing to gamble on making a few 'mistakes' in order create a moment of magic. He's an intelligent, selfless player who makes things happen.

The related point I'd make is the energy he bring to the team overall. We generally look a more purposeful team when he's on the pitch, and in that sense he reminds me of Alan Judge and maybe Luke Rodgers too. The running and work-rate of players like these catches your eye, and they seem to have an infectious effect on the players around them.

[laddo]

Would like to hear from fans who aren't fans of JOB and why and there are plenty out there.

Overall I like JOB although late in the games that he starts he often looks like he's running in thick treacle and although his effort and attempt to get back is valiant it's often futile as the counter attack quickly bypasses him and he's unable to influence anything. He looks more than his 33 years.

[Magpies1959]

Having JOB in the sort of form he is in, is in my view buying us some time for Ed Francis and Frank Vincent. In Francis' case it is enabling to play less minutes and learn from the sidelines, and in Vincent's case, it is taking pressure off his return from injury. I am hopeful both these players will play their part in us having a very successful season.

[jackal2]

Having JOB in the sort of form he is in, is in my view buying us some time for Ed Francis and Frank Vincent. In Francis' case it is enabling to play less minutes and learn from the sidelines, and in Vincent's case, it is taking pressure off his return from injury. I am hopeful both these players will play their part in us having a very successful season.

A good point, which raises a related further point.

Some fans seem to be quite critical of Ed Francis already, which again is harsh considering that he's a young player in the early stages of integrating into the team. I wouldn't say he has played badly in any of his appearances so far. Perhaps a truer observation is that he hasn't set the world alight so far, perhaps being one of those a little too willing to play safe passes rather than seeking to impose himself and be creative. Yes, we will need to see more from him in due course, but it's far too soon to be overly critical. Some new signings make an immediate impact while others take time to bed in, and he would appear to fit the latter description.

[Killerkline]

A good point, which raises a related further point.

Some fans seem to be quite critical of Ed Francis already, which again is harsh considering that he's a young player in the early stages of integrating into the team. I wouldn't say he has played badly in any of his appearances so far. Perhaps a truer observation is that he hasn't set the world alight so far, perhaps being one of those a little too willing to play safe passes rather than seeking to impose himself and be creative. Yes, we will need to see more from him in due course, but it's far too soon to be overly critical. Some new signings make an immediate impact while others take time to bed in, and he would appear to fit the latter description.

Absolutely.

Supporters can play a massive part in making Meadow Lane a great place for our players to play. We don’t want our players to avoid making the forward pass out of fear of how the fans will react. Particularly the younger players like Francis.

I know, I’m probably being unrealistic.

[the_anticlough]

Would like to hear from fans who aren't fans of JOB and why and there are plenty out there.

Overall I like JOB although late in the games that he starts he often looks like he's running in thick treacle and although his effort and attempt to get back is valiant it's often futile as the counter attack quickly bypasses him and he's unable to influence anything. He looks more than his 33 years.

That's a good description, the eye test is unflattering especially when he loses the ball and has to recover...

Matches are so thoroughly analysed now, JOB has to be doing many things right to earn the starts he's been getting. And maybe we do have to allow him to show us what he can do now he's recovered from those accidents and injuries.
I just wish Notts fans would rein it in on the praise for him, we're not talking about a crucial player like Cal or Ruben, and it makes me kick back against him cos it's unwarranted really. Very happy to see him ticking along as a supporting player this year. If he has a great season, it'll contribute to our promotion push, so go JO'B