[cite]Posted By: Oggy Red[/cite]It's his loss of pace that worries me about Thatcher, rather than loss of composure or any past reputation he may have.
A fullback without pace is just begging to get exploited by his opponent, which draws team mates out of position to cover for him - and the team can rapidly lose it's shape on the park.
And when his opponent goes past him, that's when Thatcher can't catch him legally - but catches him anyway he can .....
I can accept that and it's a fair point - as we saw with the unfortunate but still dearly loved Chris Powell - but my point was the disproportionate antipathy towards Thatcher in particular.
We have seen the likes of McCarthy having an absolute nightmare at the start of the season and then eventually get voted second in the POTY. Fortune caught out numerous times. Bougherra almost gifting Coventry two goals at the Ricoh Arena. Youga getting turned inside out in the first half at Watford. Moutouakil caught out positionally many times. Basey at Blackpool. Even Sodje had a couple of mares too.
But for some reason they seem to be excused because they came good later or are still young while Thatcher gets the flak. I've never been a fan since his Millsmall days and his assault on Mendes was atrocious but for us I don't think he has been that bad. I just don't see the big problem with him as a Charlton player myself - maybe it is his reputation that colours judgement maybe not. Anyway I've said my piece. I'm sure he can more than stand up for himself if need be!
Spot on Oggy. The team has to accomodate the slow full backs and that often means the midfield playing deeper and too many balls over the top. Our pacy youngsters are going to get turned and give away goals but at least we'll be playing attacking football. When they make mistakes we've got to accept it, cheer them on and believe that in this league we'll win more than lose by playing this way.
I think its obvious Thatcher has gone. The clues are certainly there.
Youga clearly just wants to play football. From what him and others have said, that's more important to him than money. When he was taken out the side for Thatcher, he was upset and looked like he was leaving for pastures new. He got his place back at the end, and has now signed a new contract. I'm pretty sure he would not of signed, and would of gone elsewhere, had Pardew not made it clear to him that he will be going into next season as our number one left back.
Thatcher is simply too expensive to be a back up, and someone else will take a punt on his 'experience'.
Thatcher has been very lucky to escape with so little criticism thus far. His sending off at Blackburn was criminal and cost us dearly. He was supposed to be the old head in the team, the experienced pro. Then came the mistake against Sheff Utd. Every game he just goes through the motions, always taking the easy option of a punt up the line, whilst picking up a very decent wage. I really don't see what he offers us.
I thought he looked very good when he first game in but hasn't lived up to that. Wouldn't be unhappy if he stayed as he does have experience and is said to be a good influence and vocal in the dressing room. Big question is how much money and how many years he wants on a new contract.
[cite]Posted By: Alan Pardew[/cite]Playing in a left-sided midfield role, Basey also scored his first goal for the club. And it's a position Pardew hinted the young left-back could be lining up in next year.
"I think Grant can play there," confirmed the Addicks boss. "His set-pieces were a problem for Coventry all day. We have an abundance of talent at left-back - I'd like to keep Ben Thatcher at the club as well - so Grant might have to play a little further up the field."
One left-back who won't be at The Valley next season seems to be Powell, though, after Pardew admitted the long-serving veteran looked likely to be heading for pastures new.
Think you'll find Thatcher has a release clause in his Contract meaning he could leave if we did not get promoted this season. Not sure who in the Prem will be hammering our door down to sign him but you never know.
Personally pleased Youga has signed seeing our full back doing step overs in the other teams half of the pitch always gives me a buzz, wish he would stop hoofing the ball as high up into the air as he can when defending.
[cite]Posted By: Ketman[/cite]Think you'll find Thatcher has a release clause in his Contract meaning he could leave if we did not get promoted this season. Not sure who in the Prem will be hammering our door down to sign him but you never know.
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I thought this was the last year of his contract anyway.
Anyone remember seeing Thatcher when he first broke into the Millwall first team? He was the most exciting player in the old second division and a full back no less. 15 years later and the wheel has turned full circle, i've no ill feelings towards Thatcher it's just time to give youth its' head. Anyway he's still solid, he could easily play 2-3 more years at this level, just not here.
I don't know. it worked with the Greeks,the Vikings and the Arsenal. If you want to be an 'invincible' it's all about a bit of give and take, isn't that right Ashley?
Pleased to see Youga has signed. I expect him to battle against Thatcher for the LB position. Basey can play central midfield as well as on the left which gives us another option. Looking forward to pre season.
This is excellent news. He needs to cut out the grandstanding/overconfidence and he will be truely the real deal and he can play in central defence as well.
Comments
I can accept that and it's a fair point - as we saw with the unfortunate but still dearly loved Chris Powell - but my point was the disproportionate antipathy towards Thatcher in particular.
We have seen the likes of McCarthy having an absolute nightmare at the start of the season and then eventually get voted second in the POTY. Fortune caught out numerous times. Bougherra almost gifting Coventry two goals at the Ricoh Arena. Youga getting turned inside out in the first half at Watford. Moutouakil caught out positionally many times. Basey at Blackpool. Even Sodje had a couple of mares too.
But for some reason they seem to be excused because they came good later or are still young while Thatcher gets the flak. I've never been a fan since his Millsmall days and his assault on Mendes was atrocious but for us I don't think he has been that bad. I just don't see the big problem with him as a Charlton player myself - maybe it is his reputation that colours judgement maybe not. Anyway I've said my piece. I'm sure he can more than stand up for himself if need be!
Youga clearly just wants to play football. From what him and others have said, that's more important to him than money. When he was taken out the side for Thatcher, he was upset and looked like he was leaving for pastures new. He got his place back at the end, and has now signed a new contract. I'm pretty sure he would not of signed, and would of gone elsewhere, had Pardew not made it clear to him that he will be going into next season as our number one left back.
Thatcher is simply too expensive to be a back up, and someone else will take a punt on his 'experience'.
Every game he just goes through the motions, always taking the easy option of a punt up the line, whilst picking up a very decent wage.
I really don't see what he offers us.
Personally pleased Youga has signed seeing our full back doing step overs in the other teams half of the pitch always gives me a buzz, wish he would stop hoofing the ball as high up into the air as he can when defending.
I thought this was the last year of his contract anyway.
There's team bonding and there's team bonding but even Iain Dowie would think that was going too far : - )
Coat plz.