Ajayi

[baggieal]

I actually think Reach is a decent back up because of his versatility.

He can play anywhere down the left hand side and in midfield. We need 7 subs, 5 can come on. I think he's fine as a back up player.

Reach is versatile but sadly consistently poor or non existent - bit like Livermore and Phillips! Swift and Wallace made the huge difference yesterday and Okay must start sooner rather than later. Dike seems to want it for me but Grant is like Robinson - no desire or heart!

TGH would be better than Furlong!

[WBA123]

Reach is versatile but sadly consistently poor or non existent - bit like Livermore and Phillips! Swift and Wallace made the huge difference yesterday and Okay must start sooner rather than later. Dike seems to want it for me but Grant is like Robinson - no desire or heart!

TGH would be better than Furlong!

I think Grant has a bit more about him than Robinson. But he needs to play deeper, in one of the attacking midfield positions. There's no point sticking him up front on his own and launching the ball high to him.

And I would take any other player at the club at right back now, over Furlong.

[baggieal]

I think Grant has a bit more about him than Robinson. But he needs to play deeper, in one of the attacking midfield positions. There's no point sticking him up front on his own and launching the ball high to him.

And I would take any other player at the club at right back now, over Furlong.

Don't disagree with that! Grant does not work hard enough though whatever the position but yes better than Robinson!

[Bombers right foot]

It’s a shame about Furlong because at times his defending is very good, over the last couple of seasons he seems to be going backwards, maybe a confidence thing, Bruce needs to do his job and coach him

[saltnshake]

I've said already I can't believe we haven't managed to bring in a replacement for Furlong, and although I agree TGH would be a far better option I think if we are going to play a back 4 we need a specialist right back.

[Albionic68]

Better second half than first but you just know Semi will leave you feeling a little flat and floppy sooner or later. I'm hoping his form firms up so he puts it in on a more consistent basis for the Albion. Boro's lads certainly didn't like it up 'em when he got stuck in that's for sure. COYB 😎 .

[boingy]

I must be one of the only ones who likes furlong, he hasn’t performed at his level though recently. Maybe if he was really good at just one thing instead of being useful front and back he would be liked more. Changing managers and their preferences not only for who they like but also how they want you to play must irritate players. Mowatt for example was brought here by Val, and now Bruce is here and has a different style (still trying to work out what it is btw) so Having a secure long term set up would suit everyone. We know though a new manager can be here after a few bad results and it starts all over again.

[Prando]

I hope that the AJ - O’Shea partnership is maintained. They deserve a decent run of starts accordingly will continue to improve as they play more alongside one another.
Furlong is an enigma. Has produced some good performances in the past both in terms of defending and attacking. Seems to have a lost his way somewhat at present. I would persist with him for at least another game.

[SwedishBaggie]

Furlong is a very good athlete, and I think his athleticism often has ”saved” him and ”hidden” football deficencies such as poor positioning, deliveries, defending etc.

[Albionic68]

Furlong is a very good athlete, and I think his athleticism often has ”saved” him and ”hidden” football deficencies such as poor positioning, deliveries, defending etc.

Exactly. I've stated this before and did so again at length only for my post to disappear when I hit the reply button.

To his credit Furlong does at least try and if a few others were to apply themselves as he does they'd be better for it.

But let's not pretend he's better than he is. He's NEVER delivered consistently well at this or any other level.

He wasn't a regular starter at QPR and struggled to impose himself over two academy centre backs in his first season.

Most were poor in the Prem and he was largely poor last season both defensively and going forward. His standout game last season was Coventry away and he soon reverted to type.

For all his creditable enthusiasm he lacks defensive positional sense and quality on the ball.

He was brought in because he was young, had the potential to develop with us and he was a cheap squad filler.