locksheathsaint101 Posted 29 November, 2011 Share Posted 29 November, 2011 Did he go off because he was injured or was it just to rest him? Certainly noticed when he went off didn't win much up top.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Toomer Posted 29 November, 2011 Share Posted 29 November, 2011 (edited) Precaution, might have taken a slight knock in a block tackle. Edited 30 November, 2011 by Toomer Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
S-Clarke Posted 29 November, 2011 Share Posted 29 November, 2011 He was injured. Limped off and was helped down the tunnel by the physio. Prob a precaution more than anything. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1976_Child Posted 29 November, 2011 Share Posted 29 November, 2011 he needed a burger Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colinjb Posted 29 November, 2011 Share Posted 29 November, 2011 A precaution according to Nigel. Hopefully that's all. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
locksheathsaint101 Posted 29 November, 2011 Author Share Posted 29 November, 2011 Hope he's back for doncaster then! Just shows we rely on him so much hopefully we can get another striker in January incase he does get injured and is out for a while. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thornhill_saints Posted 29 November, 2011 Share Posted 29 November, 2011 Did he go off because he was injured or was it just to rest him? Certainly noticed when he went off didn't win much up top.. I dont think we was injured, he looked p*ssed of being subed from what I saw. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
theboycheese Posted 29 November, 2011 Share Posted 29 November, 2011 More worried about Jos doing a lap of honour? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saint Garrett Posted 29 November, 2011 Share Posted 29 November, 2011 Picked up a knock...will need him fit Saturday. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
S-Clarke Posted 29 November, 2011 Share Posted 29 November, 2011 More worried about Jos doing a lap of honour? He always does. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
James Posted 29 November, 2011 Share Posted 29 November, 2011 Even if Jos was leaving he's on loan until Jan so this wouldn't be his last home game. Wouldn't read into it at all. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VectisSaint Posted 29 November, 2011 Share Posted 29 November, 2011 Even if Jos was leaving he's on loan until Jan so this wouldn't be his last home game. Wouldn't read into it at all. Perhaps he was doing lap of honour to mark that he was signing contract tomorrow when the agent blokey gets off the train early tomorrow morning. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dronskisaint Posted 29 November, 2011 Share Posted 29 November, 2011 'Feeling his hip a bit' Nige said Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wild-saint Posted 29 November, 2011 Share Posted 29 November, 2011 I dont think we was injured, he looked p*ssed of being subed from what I saw. Im sure he had some words with adkins during the match and wasnt happy then he was hauled off. Looked right fooked off at the end. Anyone else spot that? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
St Marco Posted 29 November, 2011 Share Posted 29 November, 2011 Im sure he had some words with adkins during the match and wasnt happy then he was hauled off. Looked right fooked off at the end. Anyone else spot that? Yep totally noticed that too! It looked like Adkins told him to come deeper or something like that and he waved his arm as to say "**** off". Then he got subbed and went straight down the tunnel. I didn't see him get helped down there at all. Looked really ****ed off! Of course i could be wrong but i was sat right in like with the dug out and that is how it looked to me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Surman4no7shirt Posted 29 November, 2011 Share Posted 29 November, 2011 Im sure he had some words with adkins during the match and wasnt happy then he was hauled off. Looked right fooked off at the end. Anyone else spot that? Adkins comments post match about players hiding minor knocks from him was a little worrying. I guess it's good that they all really want to play though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doddisalegend Posted 29 November, 2011 Share Posted 29 November, 2011 Didn't look overly injuried I assumed it was tactical (he didn't look to happy about it either) though if NA is saying he was injuried I believe him. Though why, after Rickie went off, Kelvin was persisting in pinging long balls at 5ft nothing barney was a mystery to me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trousers Posted 30 November, 2011 Share Posted 30 November, 2011 @jordansibley: Gaffer confirmed post match that Rickie was brought off due to "a little niggle with his hip, precautionary & nothing too serious" #saintsfc Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
derry Posted 30 November, 2011 Share Posted 30 November, 2011 After his long absence Barnard understandably looks well off the pace, more worryingly he didn't show that he had the ability to step up a league, he certainly isn't worth a place at the moment. We really have no replacement for Lambert without changing the tactics, also there is no quality cover for either of the centre backs especially the left sided Hoiveldt. Martin is still a tyro and needs to go out on extended loan to get games under his belt, unfortunately he is the only cover. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Window Cleaner Posted 30 November, 2011 Share Posted 30 November, 2011 Picked up a knock...will need him fit Saturday. In fact as it's Doncaster we might get away with trying something different if Rickie really isn't fit . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wade Garrett Posted 30 November, 2011 Share Posted 30 November, 2011 In fact as it's Doncaster we might get away with trying something different if Rickie really isn't fit . Can't believe we would be arrogant enough to under-estimate any team after what happened at Bristol last week. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lambertsrightleg Posted 30 November, 2011 Share Posted 30 November, 2011 After his long absence Barnard understandably looks well off the pace, more worryingly he didn't show that he had the ability to step up a league, he certainly isn't worth a place at the moment. We really have no replacement for Lambert without changing the tactics, also there is no quality cover for either of the centre backs especially the left sided Hoiveldt. Martin is still a tyro and needs to go out on extended loan to get games under his belt, unfortunately he is the only cover. you're being serious aren't you................. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saint_clark Posted 30 November, 2011 Share Posted 30 November, 2011 After his long absence Barnard understandably looks well off the pace, more worryingly he didn't show that he had the ability to step up a league, he certainly isn't worth a place at the moment. We really have no replacement for Lambert without changing the tactics, also there is no quality cover for either of the centre backs especially the left sided Hoiveldt. Martin is still a tyro and needs to go out on extended loan to get games under his belt, unfortunately he is the only cover. Surely your second statement is premature given your first? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hypochondriac Posted 30 November, 2011 Share Posted 30 November, 2011 After his long absence Barnard understandably looks well off the pace, more worryingly he didn't show that he had the ability to step up a league, he certainly isn't worth a place at the moment. We really have no replacement for Lambert without changing the tactics, also there is no quality cover for either of the centre backs especially the left sided Hoiveldt. Martin is still a tyro and needs to go out on extended loan to get games under his belt, unfortunately he is the only cover. This is why some of your opinions are laughable. There is no way that Barnard can be judged after such a short time in this league and having been out for so long. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doddisalegend Posted 30 November, 2011 Share Posted 30 November, 2011 After his long absence Barnard understandably looks well off the pace, more worryingly he didn't show that he had the ability to step up a league, he certainly isn't worth a place at the moment. We really have no replacement for Lambert without changing the tactics, also there is no quality cover for either of the centre backs especially the left sided Hoiveldt. Martin is still a tyro and needs to go out on extended loan to get games under his belt, unfortunately he is the only cover. LOL yeah would that be the same Martin we gave kevin Davis a hard time last season? I take you haven't watched much tyro league in a while? I don't think Araon has disgraced himself any time he's been called upon to represent the club. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
James Posted 30 November, 2011 Share Posted 30 November, 2011 Whilst I don't agree with how strongly Derry put it - there were a few things about Barnard which worried me last night. He doesn't have a great deal of pace or skill (not that he doesn't have any but not blessed with either in abundance) and he seemed to have a hard time holding it up effectively. The reason (IMO) why Lambo and Guly have adapted so well is because they have a particular trait which we emphasise in our play. Guly is skilful and can hold it up whilst Rickie wins it in the air and then has some intelligent build up play to back it up. Whilst I recognise that Barnard looked well off the pace it did worry me that he has no standout trait that we can use effectively. He isn't a target man and he isn't particularly pacey or skilful. For me, he will only ever be a cover option - even though he wasn't 100% last night you can usually make some kind of judgement about a player's effectiveness and he did not look like he would be particularly effective against some of the more organised/physical defences in this league. I'm glad to see him back and hope that he (as some many of our players have this season) proves me wrong. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VectisSaint Posted 30 November, 2011 Share Posted 30 November, 2011 After his long absence Barnard understandably looks well off the pace, more worryingly he didn't show that he had the ability to step up a league, he certainly isn't worth a place at the moment. We really have no replacement for Lambert without changing the tactics, also there is no quality cover for either of the centre backs especially the left sided Hoiveldt. Martin is still a tyro and needs to go out on extended loan to get games under his belt, unfortunately he is the only cover. I guess you haven't actually seen him play recently then. Have no doubts about Martin as backup at all, he is very assured and exactly what is needed as backup for Jose & Jos. We could however do with another backup because we lost Seaborne of course, but I think NA believes he has this covered with Cork or Morgan in an emergency. As for Barney, clearly too soon to judge after his long lay-off, but have said all along that we needed a backup for Lambert. Barney is not a backup for Lambert type player, but is probably more than capable of being effective in the Championship in his own way, and hopefully DC will be available again soon to give competition for that spot. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
derry Posted 30 November, 2011 Share Posted 30 November, 2011 This is why some of your opinions are laughable. There is no way that Barnard can be judged after such a short time in this league and having been out for so long. Usual know all drivel from the armchair, you won't see a lot sat at a keyboard but that never stopped you making an ass of yourself. Unlike you I was at the game and Barnard looks a long way from being ready for starting. As for Martin he has a distribution problem despite being a physically decent stopper and not playing isn't improving him. Tyro doesn't apply to children's leagues it is used in the context of apprentice / improver / inexperienced etc. He has only made a handful of appearances and loans are how the big clubs develop their improvers by getting them into more competitive environments where they can develop. He is our only centre back in reserve and anybody who thinks Schneiderlin or Cork would cope as starting centre backs for a month or more at the top of the Championship are deluding themselves. Our experienced, competent backup for central defence and central striker/targetman is a bit thin on the ground at the moment. An injury to either or even both positions could well and truly derail our excellent position before we could do anything about it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hypochondriac Posted 30 November, 2011 Share Posted 30 November, 2011 Usual know all drivel from the armchair, you won't see a lot sat at a keyboard but that never stopped you making an ass of yourself. Unlike you I was at the game and Barnard looks a long way from being ready for starting. As for Martin he has a distribution problem despite being a physically decent stopper and not playing isn't improving him. Tyro doesn't apply to children's leagues it is used in the context of apprentice / improver / inexperienced etc. He has only made a handful of appearances and loans are how the big clubs develop their improvers by getting them into more competitive environments where they can develop. He is our only centre back in reserve and anybody who thinks Schneiderlin or Cork would cope as starting centre backs for a month or more at the top of the Championship are deluding themselves. Our experienced, competent backup for central defence and central striker/targetman is a bit thin on the ground at the moment. An injury to either or even both positions could well and truly derail our excellent position before we could do anything about it. You know nothing about how many games I have been to. Ive probably been to more than you actually, considering the amount of home and aways i have done this season, not that that has anything to do with your judgement on Barnard based on a short sub appearance after a long term absence. I don't have to have been at the game to realise that that is a ridiculous thing to say. I never said he should be starting, simply that saying he has not shown he is good enough for this league based on the tiny tiny amount of football we have seen so far is nonsense. But then you think you are superior to the average fan as you have a coaching badge. Good for you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
david in sweden Posted 30 November, 2011 Share Posted 30 November, 2011 Ricky's subbing ; injury, precaution or whatever ... only highlights what I.. (and a minority of others)..were posting a week ago when the Lukas on loan story was in full flight - and we were mercilessly condemned for even suggesting that we should have / needed another striker in the squad. Whether it was /should have been Lukas, or someone else..IMHO there should have been a " someone else ". " Ricky has missed only two games in four season " (someone's quote I recall) ..well unless let's all hope it is only a "twinge " and he gets over it. To my knowledge hip injuries are never simple. If Nigel is lucky enough to guide us through the next five games until January (with or without Lambert) then fine.. if not there are 15 points at stake before we can find another striker as cover. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doddisalegend Posted 30 November, 2011 Share Posted 30 November, 2011 Usual know all drivel from the armchair, you won't see a lot sat at a keyboard but that never stopped you making an ass of yourself. Unlike you I was at the game and Barnard looks a long way from being ready for starting. As for Martin he has a distribution problem despite being a physically decent stopper and not playing isn't improving him. Tyro doesn't apply to children's leagues it is used in the context of apprentice / improver / inexperienced etc. He has only made a handful of appearances and loans are how the big clubs develop their improvers by getting them into more competitive environments where they can develop. He is our only centre back in reserve and anybody who thinks Schneiderlin or Cork would cope as starting centre backs for a month or more at the top of the Championship are deluding themselves. Our experienced, competent backup for central defence and central striker/targetman is a bit thin on the ground at the moment. An injury to either or even both positions could well and truly derail our excellent position before we could do anything about it. On the other hand maybe he is better off here learning to play the Southampton way under the guidence of Nigel (and Jos and Fonte) rather than going to some lower league club were hoof ball clearances become the norm for him............ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doddisalegend Posted 30 November, 2011 Share Posted 30 November, 2011 Ricky's subbing ; injury, precaution or whatever ... only highlights what I.. (and a minority of others)..were posting a week ago when the Lukas on loan story was in full flight - and we were mercilessly condemned for even suggesting that we should have / needed another striker in the squad. Whether it was /should have been Lukas, or someone else..IMHO there should have been a " someone else ". " Ricky has missed only two games in four season " (someone's quote I recall) ..well unless let's all hope it is only a "twinge " and he gets over it. To my knowledge hip injuries are never simple. If Nigel is lucky enough to guide us through the next five games until January (with or without Lambert) then fine.. if not there are 15 points at stake before we can find another striker as cover. God it's like your just waiting for Rickie to get injuried.................. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hypochondriac Posted 30 November, 2011 Share Posted 30 November, 2011 On the other hand maybe he is better off here learning to play the Southampton way under the guidence of Nigel (and Jos and Fonte) rather than going to some lower league club were hoof ball clearances become the norm for him............ I wouldn't argue with him, he has coaching badges you know and you'll just get accused of not going to games. Lol. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
david in sweden Posted 30 November, 2011 Share Posted 30 November, 2011 God it's like your just waiting for Rickie to get injuried.................. Don't be daft !..I've been a Saints fan since the 1950's .. don't you think this type of situation has occured before .. and not just with us! . Not having back-up / cover for your best player is just asking for trouble. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smirking_Saint Posted 30 November, 2011 Share Posted 30 November, 2011 Lambert didn't really have the best of games IMO, he played ok, he won a lot in the air but he was hardly against the biggest, nastiest of defenders. Not an aweful lot of his play came off, and Guly, Lallana and Adkins all appeared to have a word with him at some point. He is still a very good player though, and vital to the way we play, a big injury will have us reeling. As for this Martin debate, he isn't technically ready for a long run in the side IMO. He is a decent enough stopper but I feel a prolonged run in the side will show us some of his weaker traits, namely his distribution. And Barnard, I don't know Derry, the lad has been out for what ? 6 months ? He is bound to be a bit behind the pace, he done okish, its a little early to judge, and TBF he was a decent enough player in the NPC. And Hypo, who's footballing knowledge is built up in the confines of his school Library, though I expect he is striking today, making sure everyones signs are grammatically correct. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smirking_Saint Posted 30 November, 2011 Share Posted 30 November, 2011 I wouldn't argue with him, he has coaching badges you know and you'll just get accused of not going to games. Lol. As apposed to argueing with yourself ? which obviously just results in countless posts posturing, trying to convince everyone that you are correct and then denying you actually spend any time on this forum ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smirking_Saint Posted 30 November, 2011 Share Posted 30 November, 2011 God it's like your just waiting for Rickie to get injuried.................. I can see our selling point to Lukas aswell 'Wanna come to Soton ? Just incase Ricky gets injured ?" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doddisalegend Posted 30 November, 2011 Share Posted 30 November, 2011 Don't be daft !..I've been a Saints fan since the 1950's .. don't you think this type of situation has occured before .. and not just with us! . Not having back-up / cover for your best player is just asking for trouble. And where are we going to find this second rickie (one whose happy to bench warm until he is needed)? If Lambert gets injuried we are better off coming up with a system that plays to the strengths of the players we already have than try to replace rickie with a sub standard copy IMO. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doddisalegend Posted 30 November, 2011 Share Posted 30 November, 2011 Lambert didn't really have the best of games IMO, he played ok, he won a lot in the air but he was hardly against the biggest, nastiest of defenders. Not an aweful lot of his play came off, and Guly, Lallana and Adkins all appeared to have a word with him at some point. He is still a very good player though, and vital to the way we play, a big injury will have us reeling. As for this Martin debate, he isn't technically ready for a long run in the side IMO. He is a decent enough stopper but I feel a prolonged run in the side will show us some of his weaker traits, namely his distribution. And Barnard, I don't know Derry, the lad has been out for what ? 6 months ? He is bound to be a bit behind the pace, he done okish, its a little early to judge, and TBF he was a decent enough player in the NPC. And Hypo, who's footballing knowledge is built up in the confines of his school Library, though I expect he is striking today, making sure everyones signs are grammatically correct. Actually it was quite frustrating watching Lambert win a lot of ball in the air (something he doesn't always do againt big CB if i'm honest) yet none of the saints players around him seemed to be picking up the second ball. so he's headers and flicks on end up going to no one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
derry Posted 30 November, 2011 Share Posted 30 November, 2011 After his long absence Barnard understandably looks well off the pace, more worryingly he didn't show that he had the ability to step up a league, he certainly isn't worth a place at the moment. We really have no replacement for Lambert without changing the tactics, also there is no quality cover for either of the centre backs especially the left sided Hoiveldt. Martin is still a tyro and needs to go out on extended loan to get games under his belt, unfortunately he is the only cover. This is why some of your opinions are laughable. There is no way that Barnard can be judged after such a short time in this league and having been out for so long. Usual know all drivel from the armchair, you won't see a lot sat at a keyboard but that never stopped you making an ass of yourself. Unlike you I was at the game and Barnard looks a long way from being ready for starting. As for Martin he has a distribution problem despite being a physically decent stopper and not playing isn't improving him. Tyro doesn't apply to children's leagues it is used in the context of apprentice / improver / inexperienced etc. He has only made a handful of appearances and loans are how the big clubs develop their improvers by getting them into more competitive environments where they can develop. He is our only centre back in reserve and anybody who thinks Schneiderlin or Cork would cope as starting centre backs for a month or more at the top of the Championship are deluding themselves. Our experienced, competent backup for central defence and central striker/targetman is a bit thin on the ground at the moment. An injury to either or even both positions could well and truly derail our excellent position before we could do anything about it. You know nothing about how many games I have been to. Ive probably been to more than you actually, considering the amount of home and aways i have done this season, not that that has anything to do with your judgement on Barnard based on a short sub appearance after a long term absence. I don't have to have been at the game to realise that that is a ridiculous thing to say. I never said he should be starting, simply that saying he has not shown he is good enough for this league based on the tiny tiny amount of football we have seen so far is nonsense. But then you think you are superior to the average fan as you have a coaching badge. Good for you. I wouldn't argue with him, he has coaching badges you know and you'll just get accused of not going to games. Lol. You really are a prat. My coaching qualifications really **** you off, don't they? All you do with most of your 13000 odd posts is reinforce the only conclusion one can come to, you are a nutter. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hypochondriac Posted 30 November, 2011 Share Posted 30 November, 2011 (edited) You really are a prat. My coaching qualifications really **** you off, don't they? All you do with most of your 13000 odd posts is reinforce the only conclusion one can come to, you are a nutter. No attempt I see to challenge my assertion that to state that Barnard is not up the championship after a tiny amount of sub appearances is ridiculous. Couldn't care less about the qualifications you say you have, it is annoying though when you act as if your opinion is superior to others because of them. Edited 30 November, 2011 by hypochondriac Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
derry Posted 30 November, 2011 Share Posted 30 November, 2011 On the other hand maybe he is better off here learning to play the Southampton way under the guidence of Nigel (and Jos and Fonte) rather than going to some lower league club were hoof ball clearances become the norm for him............ He's all we've got at the moment after starting the season with four centre backs and bringing in Hoiveldt. What I am saying is that we are dangerously exposed down to three including the inexperienced Martin. Four experienced centre backs is right plus Martin. If we hadn't had the unavailability of Seaborne and Jaidi I suspect Martin may already be out on loan. If Hoiveldt is unavailable we have a problem both Fonte and Martin are very right sided, Fonte looks poor on the left, Martin despite a poor left foot does a more workmanlike job there. In my opinon we need to get either / both back asap or bring in a competent backup. Martin could go on loan further down the Championship or a decent side in div 1. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hypochondriac Posted 30 November, 2011 Share Posted 30 November, 2011 He's all we've got at the moment after starting the season with four centre backs and bringing in Hoiveldt. What I am saying is that we are dangerously exposed down to three including the inexperienced Martin. Four experienced centre backs is right plus Martin. If we hadn't had the unavailability of Seaborne and Jaidi I suspect Martin may already be out on loan. If Hoiveldt is unavailable we have a problem both Fonte and Martin are very right sided, Fonte looks poor on the left, Martin despite a poor left foot does a more workmanlike job there. In my opinon we need to get either / both back asap or bring in a competent backup. Martin could go on loan further down the Championship or a decent side in div 1. And I agree with you there that we need more cover at the back. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
derry Posted 30 November, 2011 Share Posted 30 November, 2011 No attempt I see to challenge my assertion that to state that Barnard is not up the championship after a tiny amount of sub appearances is ridiculous. Couldn't care less about the qualifications you say you have, it is annoying though when you act as if your opinion is superior to others because of them. I certainly have no intention of spending the rest of the evening in a meaninless argument fest with you as I find your stupidity boring. All I have done is put in my opinion as I see it which is what this forum is for. Your obnoxious meanderings ruin most of the threads you post on. I said more worryingly he didn't show that he had the ability to to step up a league. It's what I saw, there is a question mark due to his lack of physical presence and pace. Last night he struggled and was looking for fouls whilst being well marked by the Hull defenders. Albeit for a short time it was still easy to see that he was below the mark at the moment. Given time he may well score goals.Time will tell. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hypochondriac Posted 30 November, 2011 Share Posted 30 November, 2011 I certainly have no intention of spending the rest of the evening in a meaninless argument fest with you as I find your stupidity boring. All I have done is put in my opinion as I see it which is what this forum is for.Your obnoxious meanderings ruin most of the threads you post on. I said more worryingly he didn't show that he had the ability to to step up a league. It's what I saw, there is a question mark due to his lack of physical presence and pace. Last night he struggled and was looking for fouls whilst being well marked by the Hull defenders. Albeit for a short time it was still easy to see that he was below the mark at the moment. Given time he may well score goals.Time will tell. A much more reasoned response. It is clearly much too early to tell if Barnard is up to this league yet. Lets hope he is given the chance by the fans to step up as we have given our other players. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Genk Posted 30 November, 2011 Share Posted 30 November, 2011 Usual know all drivel from the armchair, you won't see a lot sat at a keyboard but that never stopped you making an ass of yourself. Unlike you I was at the game and Barnard looks a long way from being ready for starting. As for Martin he has a distribution problem despite being a physically decent stopper and not playing isn't improving him. Tyro doesn't apply to children's leagues it is used in the context of apprentice / improver / inexperienced etc. He has only made a handful of appearances and loans are how the big clubs develop their improvers by getting them into more competitive environments where they can develop. He is our only centre back in reserve and anybody who thinks Schneiderlin or Cork would cope as starting centre backs for a month or more at the top of the Championship are deluding themselves. Our experienced, competent backup for central defence and central striker/targetman is a bit thin on the ground at the moment. An injury to either or even both positions could well and truly derail our excellent position before we could do anything about it. I think it is harsh judging Barnard on three late appearances, especially yesterday when, as someone pointed out, Kelvin was lumping long balls to him when he was up against a 6ft + defender. Give Barnard time, he has been out for a while so will be lacking match sharpness. He needs Rickie to feed off and I firmly believe, given time, he will come good and score some vital goals for us this season. If the worst came to the worst, I'm sorry, but I think Cork could easily do a job at CB in the Championship. However I agree that come January we should be looking for another centre half to add to Fonte & Jos. As this thread is about Rickie, I'm sure he will be back on Saturday and will score a couple hopefully! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shurlock Posted 30 November, 2011 Share Posted 30 November, 2011 (edited) A much more reasoned response. It is clearly much too early to tell if Barnard is up to this league yet. Lets hope he is given the chance by the fans to step up as we have given our other players. Agree - its ridiculous to write Barney off after a grand total of 39 mins on the pitch (plus injury time); he isn't quick but he's an intelligent player with good close control -and commits defenders. I saw him enough last season, especially away from home where he was often a better target than Lambert to believe he can offer something in NPC. Edited 30 November, 2011 by shurlock Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hypochondriac Posted 30 November, 2011 Share Posted 30 November, 2011 Nice to see the majority agreeing here. Shurlock I think you make a good point, Barnard impressed me last year and had a decent scoring record. I think that given a run in the side or off the bench he will regain that sort of form. It can only be beneficial for us! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
david in sweden Posted 30 November, 2011 Share Posted 30 November, 2011 (edited) And where are we going to find this second rickie (one whose happy to bench warm until he is needed)? If Lambert gets injuried we are better off coming up with a system that plays to the strengths of the players we already have than try to replace rickie with a sub standard copy IMO. Firstly I don't expect to find a " second Rickie " as the finished article, of course (whoever) will get better coaching and have to wait their turn.... and I wasn't expecting the " someone " to REPLACE Rickie either...at least not right away Go back 10 years and we had " third division Kevin Davies" and " Blackburn reserve James Beattie" on the bench for a season whilst David Hurst and Egil Östenstad were first choices, but at least we had back-up ! Now we don't ! In our present squad we have 5 full backs (NA included Dickson in his interview after Hull game). We have 5 central defenders (all of whom has first team experience). At least half a dozen midfieders and the interchangeable front pair of (Connolly / Barnard)...but there is no obvious replacement for Lambert in case of .. injury (like yesterday). All these players know that only 11 can play at any one time and are resigned to being on the bench waiting for his chance. Bart has been second choice keeper ever since he came, but isn't screaming to leave because Kel is first choice. The manager's choice depends on form / fitness / and availability. No-one is on form ALL the time, and several players have been rested for a game so far this season, but serious injuries don't go away easily or quickly: If Rickie's hip is a serious job then sh*te (say I). Edited 1 December, 2011 by david in sweden Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
david in sweden Posted 30 November, 2011 Share Posted 30 November, 2011 I can see our selling point to Lukas aswell 'Wanna come to Soton ? Just in case Ricky gets injured ?" If Lukas (or anyone else) comes, do you really think that they would expect to come in and replace the divisons leading scorer? Surely no-one would be that naive ! IF... Lukas he's 22 , and Ricky is already 29?. ...so who do you think will finish their career first ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now