Andy Gray

Weegie Addick

First time I saw him play 'live' on Friday night. Good flick on for the first goal. Otherwise felt he was very quiet - nearly all the creativity upfront came from Luke's energy and darting runs. I'm hoping he's just a slow starter, and will improve as he and Varney build a partnership.

ISawLeaburnScore

I remember andy hunt taking a good while to get going...

mart77

I thought Gray was good and links us up better than Iwelumo did. Think he'll get better especially if new wingers Cook and possibly Sinclair can give him any decent service.

pete_tong1

Remember like young Reg Andy is a notherner and needs time to settle. Varney said that he has had trouble settling down here but now is ok.

Interesting reading Greg Halford in the programme. He said he is glad to be back down in the London area. Wearnt so happy at Reading or Sunderland. We could have a great player there he was very good on Friday. Credit to Pards once again he doesnt muck around replacing player who has recently made mistakes.

Weegie Addick

Certainly didn't sound from the programme like Halford would be keen to return to Sunderland at the end of his loan.

He looked Prem class to me - a couple of perfect long passes straight to feet, and solid defensively.

C_f_W

Agree with Mart, I'm not convinced with Gray yet, I hope he'll settle in, but he's far better than Iwelumo at doing the job he's doing.

As for Halford, I can't remember the last time I saw a debutant that lively, I thought he was amazing, what a plus he is.

TEL

Too much is usually expected of new strikers...especially when a reasonably large fee is involved. Unfortuantely very few "Hit the ground running" and it takes time to adjust to how the team plays....and where he expects his team mates to be when making runs etc....he holds the ball up very well. He isnt one for the spectacular...just looking at his goals on YouTube showed he is more of a fox in the box type poacher. Lets see how he fares in another 5-6 games before we start to judge...just look at the difference in Luke lately. Halford was very impressive.....good feet for a big bloke.

golfaddick

I agree that I havn't been that impressed with him in front of goal - although he did have a few shots in the Stoke game at the covered end.

More impressed with his hold up play - often recieving the ball on half way line, shielding it and then laying off to Holland/Zz etc.......better than most of our recent strikers who couldn't trap a bag of cemen & often saw the ball bounce from them straight to the opposition.

LenGlover

Flick on for the first goal, header over the bar and won a few throw ins for Halford.

Not earth shattering but if we're winning it doesn't matter.

Hopefully as he plays more he will show up more.

kinveachyaddick

Gray's link-up play is something we really need and Iwelumo couldn't give - not mobile enough, poor first touch and control

All Gray needs is a goal and people will start to appreciate him fully.

Halford looked good and his long throws and height at corners also give us extra attacking options

Salad

Impressed with Halford, I wonder how much he will cost to buy, or if we have an option to buy in May?

bibble

I thought Gray held it up well, also he was very tightly marked which gave Varney more room, thought Gray did well.

Oggy Red

Playing Gray is the difference between playing the ball to him to control or otherwise hopefully lumping it vaguely in the direction of Iwelumo.

We play a better passing game with Gray - and generally retain posession better.

The goals will come.

Off_it

[cite]Posted By: golfaddick[/cite]More impressed with his hold up play - often recieving the ball on half way line, shielding it and then laying off to Holland/Zz etc.......better than most of our recent strikers who couldn't trap a bag of cemen & often saw the ball bounce from them straight to the opposition.

Just checking Golfie, was that supposed to read "cement" or "semen"?

ShootersHillGuru

I think Gray will be at his best when he has his back to goal and the ball is played to his feet. Bit like Sir Clive ! He makes room for himself and or has ability to hold ball up and bring others into play. I like him alot already.

bingaddick

[cite]Posted By: Weegie Addick[/cite]First time I saw him play 'live' on Friday night. Good flick on for the first goal. Otherwise felt he was very quiet - nearly all the creativity upfront came from Luke's energy and darting runs. I'm hoping he's just a slow starter, and will improve as he and Varney build a partnership.

Varney was given a free role to roam including running into channels like Nelson used to and putting in crosses. You can't have both your strikers doing that and I thought that Gray was much more disciplined, got some headers in but his best work, other than the flick for the goal was his hold up play. There were several occasions when his close control enabled him to instantly bring the ball down and lay it off. Bearing in mind that he's still getting to know his team-mates names let alone being totally au fait with how they play.

My verdict so far is that he's got plenty of ability in the air and on the ground and his performances will definitely improve.

Imissthepeanutman

I have not been impressed with Mcleod so far but if there is an opportunity I wouldnt mind seeing Varney,Gray and Mcleod on the pitch at the same time (with either Ambrose or Sam making up the attacking 4). I think Grays hold up play and the pace of the other 2 could be quite intimidating.

Bexleyheath_Red

andyyy grayyyyyyy