Hendrick rejuvenated...

[Supersub6]

Never had the skill to play on the wing BT, I played centre-forward as a youth but soon switched to right-back, easiest position on the pitch imo, most left wingers were spotty faced teenagers who really didn't like it up 'em. Besides, back in the day full-backs were only expected to cross the half-way line for corners, overlapping full-backs were only just coming into the pro game back then, you never saw one down Towneley or on the Prairie, thank god.

I look at the modern game and wonder just how long I would stay on the pitch these days. You can't slide tackle any more because you are deemed to be endangering an opponent, you daren't put the boot in because this is regarded as using excess force, you can't go to try to block someone clearing the ball in case they kick your upraised foot and hurt themselves which usually results in a caution for absolutely nothing.
Just thinking of these few things, there is so much wrong with the modern game and it is only going to get worse, particularly when you have fans like those at Watford who are moaning because we wouldn't let them play football!

Hopefully, the lower leagues and non-league will retain some of the good things in the game, however, I think that this will also be affected because of the way the young referees are being mentored and expected to referee to the soft, no contact methods which are being introduced.

Thank goodness for Rugby League!!

[sinkov]

Do you know what I really don't like about League Sub, it's all that wriggling, squirming and threshing around when players have been tackled and are trying to get up. It's so...…….inelegant.

[blueheeler1]

"Tall, elegant and great on the ball,"

Was he not tall before ? Or has he grown a bit as well, that could explain his improved form.

"Perhaps SD should stop putting square pegs in round holes and play the lads in their proper positions?"

That's a bit harsh isn't it BT ? There are plenty of us on this forum who think they might have all the answers, me included, we know what team he should pick, what tactics he should use, when the substitutions should be made, etc, etc. but despite this vast accumulation of knowledge and experience, not one person on this msgboard has ever suggested that playing Hendrick on the right wing was the way to improve performances and win football matches.

sinkov

Its only because the goalkeeping position was well under control that no-one thought about playing him in any other field position.

I guess its monkeys and typewriters--eventually you would expect SD to get it right.

All you need is 20 odd games and remaining patient.

[sinkov]

sinkov

Its only because the goalkeeping position was well under control that no-one thought about playing him in any other field position.

I guess its monkeys and typewriters--eventually you would expect SD to get it right.

All you need is 20 odd games and remaining patient.

You're touching on something I'm sure all football managers would prefer to ignore Blue. Quite a few players have found their best position after having been moved there as cover for injury, suspension, or out of sheer desperation, not because that's where their manager thought they should be playing.

[The Bedlington Terrier]

I can tell from our discourse that you are a tad older than me sinkov. I started off as a right winger in the John Connelly mould and could cross a ball really well. After Alf won the World Cup, overlapping full backs became the fashion. I had about twenty seasons running up and down the right wing then age caught up with me and I reverted to Brian O'Neil (BT) mode and kicked everything that moved playing centre midfield. I would give my right arm to be still playing now!

[sinkov]

Seeing as our training regime was a gentle hour down Towneley BT, then a couple of hours in either the Woodman or the Park View, overlapping was not something expected of full backs, after all there were wingers to put the crosses in, that's what they were for. When a full size pitch got too much for me I started playing 5 a side, then when that got too taxing I went in goal, then I needed glasses, so it was best to call it a day.

[The Bedlington Terrier]

I really was as fit as a butcher's dog back in the day, I look in the mirror now and all I can see is Mr Blobby.

[Altobelli]

I really was as fit as a butcher's dog back in the day, I look in the mirror now and all I can see is Mr Blobby.

[The Bedlington Terrier]

Thanks Alto, I can always rely on you to give my confidence a boost!

[Supersub6]

If I was a worrier, it would worry me that you guys are not fit and up for the fight against relegation.
You need to get yourselves up these fells that you keep talking about and work on this fitness ---I can't do it all on my own and, in any case, my knees are giving me hell at the moment --but I never miss a match through injury!