Right Back Replacements

[Kingsland Red]

Not sure if it has been covered elsewhere, but if Thomas is out for a while and we have lost Murty for longer, then surely Chris Perry would be a better replacement than James who always gives his man too much space.

[SuperMikey]

I think James should be given a chance. He was one of our best players last season in the CCC, and I think that he could replicate that form in L1. Remember, RB isn't his natural position either, so naturally there will be aspects of his defensive game which will need to be improved on, but i'm sure the coaches will have enough time to work on these with him.

[Saint Fan CaM]

Thing is that James can get forward and track back if attack breaks down. I could imagine Perry either not pushing forward or if he did, leaving a massive hole in defence at RB if the opposing team attacked on the break.

[Phil the Saint]

Solent report that Thomas could well be back for tomorrow's game.

[Wes Tender]

Personally, although James improved at RB last season, he was still a player out of position and as such a weak link. He proved that in the Carlisle match when their LB /winger Matty Robson skinned him several times. Murty was a dedicated RB and was really solid there until his injury. Thomas had been OK there, perhaps because he is a big uncompromising lump, but as both Murty and Thomas are unavailable, why do we have to make do and mend with players like James?

 

We are a wealthy club in terms of our ownership now and do not have to play some of our team out of position as we did when we were paupers under Lowe. Why can't we get in a dedicated quality RB with ability and some pace as an emergency loan?

 

Otherwise, the better managers will have assessed through video evidence that the right flank is our weakness and exploit it. I suspect that has already happened since Murty has been absent.

[Third Division South Days]

James is most effective as a central midfielder. Is a poor right back who also lacks the ability to get far enough forward to get any meaningful crosses in.

[Northam Girls]

Why is everyone so hard on Lloyd? In one game alone he played in 3 differnt positions CM, RM and RB. No wonder he occasionally gets confused as to where he's playing. It is obvious that AP has faith in him, or he wouldn't be playing so can we quit having a dig at the lad and try giving him some encourgement.

[Saint_clark]

Get Spearing in on a short term loan from Liverpool.

[Bailey]

Why do people assume Perry would do a job at right-back? He's getting on a bit, lacks any real pace and he'd struggle to get forward to support the right-midfielder. On top of that, any player running at him with pace would give him a torrid time.

[eurosaint]

Why is everyone so hard on Lloyd? In one game alone he played in 3 differnt positions CM, RM and RB. No wonder he occasionally gets confused as to where he's playing. It is obvious that AP has faith in him, or he wouldn't be playing so can we quit having a dig at the lad and try giving him some encourgement.

 

Personally I do have a bit of sympathy for him! He is used as a utility player and is normally the one to switch position in order to accomodate subs and/or change of system during a match!

My main concern when he plays at RB though, is that he is very slow to turn and has very little pace to recover when the forward gets goalside of him ! If I were the opposition manager I would exploit this weakness and get my winger to skin him whenever possible ! If Murty/Thomas are going to be out for a while then (as someone has already suggested!) I think we need a loan to cover this position !!

Ps. he is a steady CM in my opinion !

[RinNY]

In the first place, Lloyd James does get forward and put in crosses: there have even been occasions when a cross by James has led to a goal. You could look it up.

 

In the second place, what determines what a player's "natural position" is? I'd like to know. Are future football players born with a sign on their bodies somewhere, a kind of birth mark, saying "centre forward" or "left back" or "right winger"? Where a player lines up is determined by a long process of learning the game, assessment of skills by trainers and coaches, and determination based in part on that and in part on the team's needs, as to where a given player can make the best contribution. Like all other football clubs, SFC employs professional trainers, coaches, and a manager to make those determinations. They have decided that Lloyd James is a capable right back or central midfielder, though he can also do a job as right winger if needed. Based on what I have seen and read of his performances last season and this, there's no reason to doubt that judgement. The fact that Murty is a more experienced and better all round right back than James, doesn't mean James can't do a good job for us in that position.

 

I realise as fans it's necessary to find something to have a good whinge about; but I'd have thought there were more important things to be concerned about at SFC (like only 1 win in 9), than James' play as our 3rd choice right back!

[S-Clarke]

Get Spearing in on a short term loan from Liverpool.

 

Isn't he more of a CM though? i saw him playing against Leeds and he was in midfield i think? although i may be thinking of another player...!

[Wes Tender]

In the first place, Lloyd James does get forward and put in crosses: there have even been occasions when a cross by James has led to a goal. You could look it up.

 

Yes, he is capable of getting forward and putting in a decent cross. Quite why he doesn't seem to put over a corner kick with the same ability is a bit of a mystery, as presumably the moving ball is the more difficult to strike with accuracy.

 

But the primary duty of a RB is defence. Unless he is a pacy wing back, capable of tracking back quickly, then whenever he forages forward, he leaves a task for his team mates to cover for him. He does not possess enough pace to keep up with a fast winger, as was proved against Carlisle.

 

In the second place, what determines what a player's "natural position" is? I'd like to know. Are future football players born with a sign on their bodies somewhere, a kind of birth mark, saying "centre forward" or "left back" or "right winger"? Where a player lines up is determined by a long process of learning the game, assessment of skills by trainers and coaches, and determination based in part on that and in part on the team's needs, as to where a given player can make the best contribution. Like all other football clubs, SFC employs professional trainers, coaches, and a manager to make those determinations. They have decided that Lloyd James is a capable right back or central midfielder, though he can also do a job as right winger if needed. Based on what I have seen and read of his performances last season and this, there's no reason to doubt that judgement. The fact that Murty is a more experienced and better all round right back than James, doesn't mean James can't do a good job for us in that position.

 

James was identified primarily as a right midfielder in the youth team. He played as a right back last season because of expediency. We were not in a position financially to afford to buy or maybe even to pay for a loan RB and anyway, our beloved Chairman dictated that we were to use the youth team as the first team. Your comments regarding the ability of the coaches and manager to assess the capabilities of our players would have been enhanced if they had more ability themselves, but when you are talking about the double Dutch, that in itself can be called into question.

 

I realise as fans it's necessary to find something to have a good whinge about; but I'd have thought there were more important things to be concerned about at SFC (like only 1 win in 9), than James' play as our 3rd choice right back!

 

It could easily be argued that unless we play the players in their best positions, then that situation is unlikely to improve. As I asked, surely as we are not exactly cash strapped, we can now afford to bring in a decent loan signing of a dedicated RB of quality, rather than soldier on with a third choice player who isn't in his strongest position. As has been mentioned, canny rival managers will realise that we are weak down that flank and employ tactics to exploit that. Would we want that?

[miserableoldgit]

Radio Solent saying this morning that Thomas could be bck for tonights game.

[positivepete]

Full backs who struggle when a player runs at them are numerous. Liverpool just paid 18m for one. Until recently Ashley Cole was criticised for his defensive skills. As much as Murty and Thomas are experienced they also struggle when players run at them.

 

James does a pretty good job there and with experience and coaching he will get better.

A players attributes dictate where they are best suited to play, James is not blessed with pace so playing out wide in midfield would not suit him as well as playing CM. His pace does expose him at full back at times, but overall he is an intelligent footballer and his reading of the game works in his favour. He is also probably the best crosser of the ball in the team.

 

Our problems stem from only having four central mid fielders available at times and little pace throughout the side. Before Papa, Harding is probably our quickest player

[hughieslastminutegoal]

Radio Solent saying this morning that Thomas could be bck for tonights game.

 

Whoopee.. the start of another 3 match run before yet another period of injury.

To be frank, I think Pardew left Thomas on the whole game last time he played when he was clearly "struggling", as a coded message saying "no you ain't coming off just because your Elliman's Linament has worn off, so stop the hobbling around...".

[Wes Tender]

Full backs who struggle when a player runs at them are numerous. Liverpool just paid 18m for one. Until recently Ashley Cole was criticised for his defensive skills. As much as Murty and Thomas are experienced they also struggle when players run at them.

 

James does a pretty good job there and with experience and coaching he will get better.

A players attributes dictate where they are best suited to play, James is not blessed with pace so playing out wide in midfield would not suit him as well as playing CM. His pace does expose him at full back at times, but overall he is an intelligent footballer and his reading of the game works in his favour. He is also probably the best crosser of the ball in the team.

 

Our problems stem from only having four central mid fielders available at times and little pace throughout the side. Before Papa, Harding is probably our quickest player

 

Yes, James might learn better positional skill eventually, but can we afford to wait until he gains that knowledge? In the meantime, managers who have studied videos of our past games this season will conclude that our right flank is our weak spot and we will suffer the consequences.

 

Dodd and Murty are very much alike. Both of them lack the pace that they had as youngsters, but both have an extra yard in their heads. James doesn't. I'm quite happy with him in midfield, but please not at RB.

[Saint Bones]

As Wes's first post states - Is there a reason we can't get in a quality loan ?

 

Surely the 'bigger' clubs would have some players not consistantly playing ?

[Chez]

I can't think of a worse player to play right back. Perry is as slow as they come, has never played there before, is terrible on the ball, doesn't get forward and will not improve most of those facets over the course of the season. Absolutre madness to even think about playing him there.

[Rebel]

the one advantage Perry would have over James is positioning and reading of the game - personally I think Perry would do all right at right back unless he was facing a winger with real pace

 

James is better in central midfield than right midfield or right back. He can pass the ball and has put one or two good crosses into the box - BUT he's not the best tackler, doesn't read the game that well defensively and cannott mark his man or cover the space with his positioning

 

sure these things may come in time - but he needs to be coached in them and spend time in the reserves learning them

 

he does seem to lack a bit of pace and strength as well though

 

I'd take Murty, Thomas and Perry over him at right back (in that order) every time

 

however a 20-something first choice right back should be a priority signing before the loan window closes or in the January window

[yorkiesaint]

Full backs who struggle when a player runs at them are numerous. Liverpool just paid 18m for one. Until recently Ashley Cole was criticised for his defensive skills. As much as Murty and Thomas are experienced they also struggle when players run at them.

 

James does a pretty good job there and with experience and coaching he will get better.

A players attributes dictate where they are best suited to play, James is not blessed with pace so playing out wide in midfield would not suit him as well as playing CM. His pace does expose him at full back at times, but overall he is an intelligent footballer and his reading of the game works in his favour. He is also probably the best crosser of the ball in the team.

 

Our problems stem from only having four central mid fielders available at times and little pace throughout the side. Before Papa, Harding is probably our quickest player

 

lack of pace meant playing wide midfield didn't suit david beckham much either...

[Minsk]

Thomas is back in contention for tonight.

 

At the fan's forum AP said that Murty was about 3 weeks away, which means it should now be two.

 

Perry is certainly more experienced than James at RB but he would offer NOTHING going forward and he has a lot less pace than James, so even moderately paced winger would cause him problems.

 

AP has said a few times now that our squad is to big. So I really don't think we will bring another RB in when we DO have options for that position.

[Charlie2008]

Solent report that Thomas could well be back for tomorrow's game.

 

OS says the same. Emphasis on the word '...may...' followed by a typo (or is he a welcome defender?)!

 

http://www.saintsfc.co.uk/page/PreviewDetail/0,,10280~1811318,00.html

[RedAndWhite91]

I think that if James was played right-back for a few games in a row, just right-back, then he would settle and do alright. When you get played in numerous different positions over a short time it is often difficult to get into the mindset of that position. He is a decent player, and he can get up and down the wing. He shouldn't be taking corners but I reckon that if he got a run at right-back he'd do alright. Saying that, I don't know how long Thomas is out for, but I have been impressed with how Thomas has been playing on the right, and would like to see him back there.

[Um Bongo]

I think that if James was played right-back for a few games in a row, just right-back, then he would settle and do alright. When you get played in numerous different positions over a short time it is often difficult to get into the mindset of that position. He is a decent player, and he can get up and down the wing. He shouldn't be taking corners but I reckon that if he got a run at right-back he'd do alright. Saying that, I don't know how long Thomas is out for, but I have been impressed with how Thomas has been playing on the right, and would like to see him back there.

 

We tried that last season with him. He was still Awful. (I know it's not his normal position). He has no pace and can't tackle.

[RinNY]

We tried that last season with him. He was still Awful. (I know it's not his normal position). He has no pace and can't tackle.

 

 

He wasn't awful last season: he had some poor games, some very good games, and quite a few mixed games. That's hardly unusual for a young player getting accustomed to first team football in a position he hadn't played a lot before. Now he has played a lot at RB, and he does a decent job there. It isn't true that he has "no pace": what you mean is that he isn't as fast as one would ideally like a full back to be. But then, neither is Thomas. Thomas is a more experienced defender, which means that he can make up for his relative lack of pace by his positioning and reading of the game. James doesn't have that , but he certainly offers more going forward. It isn't true to say that he "can't tackle"; if it was, he certainly wouldn't get a look in at the holding miodfielder role, which many consider to be his best position.

 

Yes, he gets beaten by pacy wingers now & then, but there isn't a full back alive who doesn't. Yes, he gets caught out of position at times, but that's something you get with young players.

 

I know, when he played at RB on Saturday he just caused us all sorts of problems and we shipped goals as a result, didn't we? Errrr ... no: we had a clean sheet. Obviously James must have been terrible. Errr ... no: he did ok.

 

Sheesh!

 

We don't need another RB at present, we have good cover & Murty will be back before long. We need someone who can score goals, besides Lambert!

[Wes Tender]

He wasn't awful last season: he had some poor games, some very good games, and quite a few mixed games. That's hardly unusual for a young player getting accustomed to first team football in a position he hadn't played a lot before. Now he has played a lot at RB, and he does a decent job there. It isn't true that he has "no pace": what you mean is that he isn't as fast as one would ideally like a full back to be. But then, neither is Thomas. Thomas is a more experienced defender, which means that he can make up for his relative lack of pace by his positioning and reading of the game. James doesn't have that , but he certainly offers more going forward. It isn't true to say that he "can't tackle"; if it was, he certainly wouldn't get a look in at the holding miodfielder role, which many consider to be his best position.

 

Yes, he gets beaten by pacy wingers now & then, but there isn't a full back alive who doesn't. Yes, he gets caught out of position at times, but that's something you get with young players.

 

I know, when he played at RB on Saturday he just caused us all sorts of problems and we shipped goals as a result, didn't we? Errrr ... no: we had a clean sheet. Obviously James must have been terrible. Errr ... no: he did ok.

Sheesh!

 

We don't need another RB at present, we have good cover & Murty will be back before long. We need someone who can score goals, besides Lambert!

 

This is Southampton you are talking about, isn't it? I thought that Carlisle did manage to score against us, or did I dream it? I presume they did, or we wouldn't have scored the last gasp equaliser.

 

You reckon that he did alright on Saturday, whereas as I've stated several times, according to the match commentary I heard, he was skinned several times by Matty Robson. Whether any other player would have done better is debateable, but basically I disagree that we can hang on until Murty gets back. Even when he's overcome his injury, he will still need to get match fit and I don't think that we can take the risk of playing James there, or an injury prone Thomas there as stop-gaps.

 

If we had pace out wide and decent cover at RB to allow wide play, Lambert would score more. The two things are not unconnected.

[Chez]

This is Southampton you are talking about, isn't it? I thought that Carlisle did manage to score against us, or did I dream it? I presume they did, or we wouldn't have scored the last gasp equaliser.

 

You reckon that he did alright on Saturday, whereas as I've stated several times, according to the match commentary I heard, he was skinned several times by Matty Robson. Whether any other player would have done better is debateable, but basically I disagree that we can hang on until Murty gets back. Even when he's overcome his injury, he will still need to get match fit and I don't think that we can take the risk of playing James there, or an injury prone Thomas there as stop-gaps.

 

If we had pace out wide and decent cover at RB to allow wide play, Lambert would score more. The two things are not unconnected.

 

Is your assessment of James based on commentary from Saturday or in general do you not rate him at right back?

 

Also are you suggesting we get a loanee in until Murty comes back or do you not rate him either and feel we need a replacment full stop?

[Gordon Mockles]

Yes, James might learn better positional skill eventually, but can we afford to wait until he gains that knowledge? In the meantime, managers who have studied videos of our past games this season will conclude that our right flank is our weak spot and we will suffer the consequences.

 

Dodd and Murty are very much alike. Both of them lack the pace that they had as youngsters, but both have an extra yard in their heads. James doesn't. I'm quite happy with him in midfield, but please not at RB.

 

Wes, you're absolutely right. I'm often in agreement with most of your posts and, once again, I am here.

 

Whilst I agree football fans are fickle and too many Saints fans are overly cynical and "knee jerk" in their reactions (like the imbeciles calling for change, getting on Pardew's back, labelling Waigo injury prone, etc.), way too many fans of this forum afford the team too much patience, retorting the players are young and need time to gel and learn. Football is about performances but, more importantly, results. Last season should have taught us that. The league is unforgiving and doesn't afford teams much time to experiment, more so with wildly flawed plans as per Cortese's misguided and arrogant predecessor.

 

Don't misunderstand me, I'm not calling for undue criticism of the club but I'm highlighting the first team squad and ironing out the main weakness. After all, we now have the luxury and power to correct a glaringly obvious chink in our armour . We are in League One. 2 divisions below the Premier League. Whilst I didn't expect us to drop from the CCC (and I hoped we'd win many more games than we did), when Lowe returned and totally upset the wonky apple cart (removing Pearson followed by nothing but a constant of p*ss poor decisions, all but destroying our club), it was clear things weren't right at St Mary's and we would get relegated. However, I did hope we'd be winning a few more games in this lower league. After all, combine that with being the richest club in the league, decent new players brought in, having a new coaching set-up run by a decent manager and seemingly prudent and decent chairmen...results should now start coming. I am not impatient. I believe we are at the cusp of improvement and Pardew has had much to do in little time. The pre-season being the critical factor. I just didn't realise the player's would have such a relegation hangover, lack of winning mentality and we'd become peppered with morale guarding excuses from Pardew (many of which I agree with). Something mentally needs to be put right, which I am hoping for this week with our 2 crucial home games. We've got to win our home games. We've always drawn too many games. Part of the reason for our relegations (as well as the lack of ideas in the final third)

 

We now have a squad which is blessed with depth, all bar a few minor improvements which I am hopeful we can make in January (if we can loan out or offload the poor quality acquisitions Lowe & his Dutch muppets tarnished us with - Forecast, Pullis, Molyneaux, etc.)

 

I agree with Wes that our weaknesses are very clear and apparent and seeming to be exposed as per the Swindon game (a strong example which springs to mind although maybe unfair on individuals as the entire team needing substituting that day). In other games, pacey forwards have caused problems down the left flank, attacking Saints (and right on occasions but we look much weaker down the right defensive position). No pace at Right Back. Murty reads it well but is slow, as it Thomas and James. Also the commonly questioned need for speed on the wings. Mills offers us pace (I like the look of him a lot) and Waigo too, unless he's played as a forward. One other pacey addition (winger/forward or utility attacking player that can cross and take corners would be good, to offer competition to Waigo, Mills, esq.)

 

As correctly questioned, does James have time to learn this role? In essence, NO! He's had ample time playing at RB. It's not his position as performances have illustrated although Lloyd's done well in midfield and he can cross a decent ball and does have attributes to be a decent footballer. Just not a right back. Whilst it may sound harsh, he's a professional and should be open to criticism. This is football. We shouldn't be making do when he's given away too many attacks or even given away goals. James is painfully slow on the turn and accelerating to catch his marker. His main weakness imho and one which is most dangerous to the squad. I hope he proves me wrong tonight. Pardew should identify this weakness and act accordingly. Maybe, he's not afforded the finances to approach this problem and loan in a dedicated RB until the sh*t Lowe and Wilde sanctioned can be disposed of. Maybe we will sensibly review the situation in January. However, while we continue to play and misplace passes, as soon as the opposition pick up that misplaced pass and come at us, the right back position leaves us vulnerable and exposed (which has been continually evident in most games in which James has played there).

 

This is not a negative post or harsh criticism at the club as I am happy with the new structure, from top to bottom. I just agree with Wes that we have a glaringly obvious and major weakness (unless Murty is nearer fitness than we realise) at RB and we DO have the power to address that problem. The question being, why not plug the leak, seal and sort it now and drives forwards, rather than allowing dampness to set in?!

[Wes Tender]

Is your assessment of James based on commentary from Saturday or in general do you not rate him at right back?

 

Also are you suggesting we get a loanee in until Murty comes back or do you not rate him either and feel we need a replacment full stop?

 

A reasonable question, Chez.

 

My opinion on James goes right back to the start of the last season when Poortvliet was forced by our precarious financial position to throw James and others into the first team before he was ready. Things were exacerbated by the fact that RB was not his preferred position.

 

Admitted that after a poorish start, he did improve until he was reasonably competent, but is that goor enough? Murty was the purchase of the good player deliberately for that position. Thomas has proven to be OK there and IMO James is third choice. Why do we have to go for third choice when we could get in an emergency loan of a dedicated RB from a division or two above?

 

Does anybody on here that attended the Carlisle match disagree with the commentators on Radio Solent? Were they mistaken about him being skinned for pace several times by Robson?

 

The reason I call for a loanee is not at all because I don't rate Murty, I do. But both he and Thomas are possibly more prone to injuries at this stage of their careers, so it is a reasonable precaution to have some cover for them. IMO, James is not that cover, especially as he hasn't done too badly in midfield and might be needed there as cover.

 

P.S. Thanks for your support, GM.

[jasonbenali]

I can't think of a worse player to play right back. Perry is as slow as they come, has never played there before, is terrible on the ball, doesn't get forward and will not improve most of those facets over the course of the season. Absolutre madness to even think about playing him there.

 

Let's not forget that Perry is also left footed. Let's no go there again after the last few seasons...

[Chez]

A reasonable question, Chez.

 

My opinion on James goes right back to the start of the last season when Poortvliet was forced by our precarious financial position to throw James and others into the first team before he was ready. Things were exacerbated by the fact that RB was not his preferred position.

 

Admitted that after a poorish start, he did improve until he was reasonably competent, but is that goor enough? Murty was the purchase of the good player deliberately for that position. Thomas has proven to be OK there and IMO James is third choice. Why do we have to go for third choice when we could get in an emergency loan of a dedicated RB from a division or two above?

 

Does anybody on here that attended the Carlisle match disagree with the commentators on Radio Solent? Were they mistaken about him being skinned for pace several times by Robson?

 

The reason I call for a loanee is not at all because I don't rate Murty, I do. But both he and Thomas are possibly more prone to injuries at this stage of their careers, so it is a reasonable precaution to have some cover for them. IMO, James is not that cover, especially as he hasn't done too badly in midfield and might be needed there as cover.

 

P.S. Thanks for your support, GM.

 

James' major improvement last seaosn coinscided with us reverting to a 4-4-2 adn actually having cover in front of him. Prior to that he was absolutely bloody terrible, suceptocal to pace, trickery, the ball over the top and over his shoulder. He was especially weak in the air costing us numerous goals to crosses where quite simply he did not do enough to prevent a clean header. As I mentioned he did improve and his ability and composure on the ball (attributes of a midfielder) were clear to see.

 

The position is a slight concern, but Thomas looks a reasonable option - although he will get done from time to time I'm sure (he was easily beaten in the Yoevil game for instance) - but he offers height and strength and is OK on the ball. His injury is not serious so I don't see the need for a loan.

[Chez]

Let's not forget that Perry is also left footed. Let's no go there again after the last few seasons...

 

agreed.

 

Just for the record I'll say it again that I believe Perry to be one of the main reasons why we have struggled over the last few years. There is no doubting his comittment but the number of goals we have conceded because we didn't have a Jardi or someone of his ilk clearing things out from set peices and crosses is unbelievable. Pardew is to be praised for identifying that weakness immediately and actually doing something about it.

[Greenridge]

I think that if James was played right-back for a few games in a row, just right-back, then he would settle and do alright. When you get played in numerous different positions over a short time it is often difficult to get into the mindset of that position. He is a decent player, and he can get up and down the wing. He shouldn't be taking corners but I reckon that if he got a run at right-back he'd do alright. Saying that, I don't know how long Thomas is out for, but I have been impressed with how Thomas has been playing on the right, and would like to see him back there.

 

To be fair he had a long run of games at RB last season and whilst there was some improvement there is no doubt he struggled badly in that position. If Murty and Thomas are going to be injury prone, and age suggests this might be the case, then we need to seriously consider bringing in a loan of a specialist RB.

[derry]

James like a number of the existing players will be playing somewhere else or permanent reserves in the not too distant future.

 

The ambitions of the owner dictate that any players with weaknesses are replaced sooner rather than later.

 

The side lacks pace, that too will be rectified and when it is, a fair number of the players that are being talked up will be gone. We can't expect to dominate this league and then move seamlessly up the next one unless there is an influx of better players.

 

The team is in transition and as better players come in there will be no place for the likes of James, sad but that is the price of building a successful team.

[RinNY]

This is Southampton you are talking about, isn't it? I thought that Carlisle did manage to score against us, or did I dream it? I presume they did, or we wouldn't have scored the last gasp equaliser.

 

You reckon that he did alright on Saturday, whereas as I've stated several times, according to the match commentary I heard, he was skinned several times by Matty Robson. Whether any other player would have done better is debateable, but basically I disagree that we can hang on until Murty gets back. Even when he's overcome his injury, he will still need to get match fit and I don't think that we can take the risk of playing James there, or an injury prone Thomas there as stop-gaps.

 

If we had pace out wide and decent cover at RB to allow wide play, Lambert would score more. The two things are not unconnected.

 

 

Hell, meant to say the single goal we conceded was by no means his fault, but obviously got what I was saying confused. Main point still stands though: we have three players who can do a decent job at RB, plenty good enough for this division, and our defence is not the area of concern this season ... for a change! Actually, just going on defensive record, we're one of the better teams in the division. Now if we could just score a few goals ... and there James actually helps, because he IS, as some have acknowledged, one of the very few decent crossers of the ball we have.

[CHAPEL END CHARLIE]

agreed.

 

Just for the record I'll say it again that I believe Perry to be one of the main reasons why we have struggled over the last few years. There is no doubting his comittment but the number of goals we have conceded because we didn't have a Jardi or someone of his ilk clearing things out from set peices and crosses is unbelievable. Pardew is to be praised for identifying that weakness immediately and actually doing something about it.

 

Just for the record let me add that this (low) opinion of Chris Perry is yours alone and is not a view that seems to be widely held on here or more importantly at the club .

[John B]

James like a number of the existing players will be playing somewhere else or permanent reserves in the not too distant future.

 

The ambitions of the owner dictate that any players with weaknesses are replaced sooner rather than later.

 

The side lacks pace, that too will be rectified and when it is, a fair number of the players that are being talked up will be gone. We can't expect to dominate this league and then move seamlessly up the next one unless there is an influx of better players.

 

The team is in transition and as better players come in there will be no place for the likes of James, sad but that is the price of building a successful team.

 

 

I would have thought that most of the players will not be here if we are to challenge in the Championship.

[positivepete]

lack of pace meant playing wide midfield didn't suit david beckham much either...

 

Quite right! A point I made in another thread about crossing and where effective crosses come from! However he has also played in teams with more movement, and teams that did not have four central mid fielders playing at the same time, and there was also pace elsewhere in the sides he has played in.

[Kingsbridge Saint]

I think James should be given a chance. He was one of our best players last season in the CCC, and I think that he could replicate that form in L1. Remember, RB isn't his natural position either, so naturally there will be aspects of his defensive game which will need to be improved on, but i'm sure the coaches will have enough time to work on these with him.

 

No chance. He's a total liability at right back and his last chance came and went some time ago. Midfield or nowhere for James. As you say, RB isn't his natural position. No sh1t Sherlock.

[Chez]

Just for the record let me add that this (low) opinion of Chris Perry is yours alone and is not a view that seems to be widely held on here or more importantly at the club .

 

everyone is entitled to their opinion and I don't see how you came to the conclusion about Pardews' opinion of him seeing as he signed two centre backs immediately and dropped Perry thereafter.

[Gordon Mockles]

Why is everyone so hard on Lloyd? In one game alone he played in 3 differnt positions CM, RM and RB. No wonder he occasionally gets confused as to where he's playing. It is obvious that AP has faith in him, or he wouldn't be playing so can we quit having a dig at the lad and try giving him some encourgement.

 

I don't think the populous are against him or overly hard on Lloyd. Right back just isn't his position for the reasons I, & many more, have stated. He's slow, very slow turning & defensively tracking wingers (which is kind of critical as a full back) & more suited to midfield. I think he has some good attributes, deft touches, he played well central with Hammond & I like his one party trick of crossing a ball through his opponents legs but full backs need to be defensive as well as coming from defence & firing balls forward.

 

FWIW, Lloyd won some decent headers against Bristol but our very nature of letting in late goals, losing leads & sloppy marking of players is perpetuated by inadequate players in certain positions. Sadly, Lloyd James at Right Back is one of those chinks in our armour (ironically, it was one of my favoured Saints players, Harding, that got run ragged during Bristol).

[Crab Lungs]

Moritz Volz, George Abbey, Richard Jackson...

[Saint Fan CaM]

Thing is that James can get forward and track back if attack breaks down. I could imagine Perry either not pushing forward or if he did, leaving a massive hole in defence at RB if the opposing team attacked on the break.

 

Having seen James put in a terrible performance against Rovers, I have to say I think Perry might actually be a better bet. At least he will do a decent job in the primary role - put a boot in and defend which is something that James seems unable to do. On many occasions James lets the ball bobble over the top of his foot rather than make a good hard clean connection.

 

Also, critically to the team, he is slow - I think it is actually his brain that is really slow, so he reacts FAR too slowly either when about to release the ball from his feet or when taking a throw-in. I lost count of the number of crosses that hit the first man or where he got run-down by an opposing player. He is a liability - we need a RW more than a LW now.