What Darren really brings into our squad is he's a leader.
Not necessarily wearing an armband, but watch the things he does on and off the pitch.
After our equaliser on Sunday, got hold of Joe Aribo and made "think!" gestures.
In post match celebrations, he seems to have set himself up as Dillon's "minder". Which, considering what had happened after 5 minutes, was a probably a HUGE help to Dillon.
He didn't have to make those comments about Albie Morgan. Considering how poorly Morgan played in the second game against Doncaster, some players in Pratley's position could have been given it the "Billy Big Bollocks". (Can you imagine how Fosu would have been in the same position? He'd have been unbearable!) Instead, a conciliatory message, that has probably given Albie a big lift.
I made the point in the player marks thread, that at half time, after Pearce was brought on, we had a leader at the back, one in midfield (Pratley), and one up front (Taylor).
A really important squad player, that like Pearce, probably passes on Bowyer's and Jacko's doctrines on to the players in the canteen, down the pub, or in hotels on some of those long away trips...
When Pratley dumped that keepie-uppie pratt on his arse on Sunday, I imagined the ref telling Pratley he was a naughty boy and asking the Sunderland player "well, what did you expect?".
Thought he outstanding again on Saturday. By the sounds of it when Kayal is fully fit he will most likely go straight into the team, but to have Pratley in and around the squad is fantastic. A 'Propa' Professional.
Pratley was certainly excellent on Saturday - seems to have improved since the middle of last season.
First half of last season, he was never match fit as he suffered injuries and niggles and unable to train properly. But he nevertheless still played when needed.
A good pre-season and match fitness makes all the difference.
Pratley was certainly excellent on Saturday - seems to have improved since the middle of last season.
First half of last season, he was never match fit as he suffered injuries and niggles and unable to train properly. But he nevertheless still played when needed.
A good pre-season and match fitness makes all the difference.
He definitely got stronger as the season progressed, a key player at Wembley as we needed an old hand to do the ugly stuff out there and he did it excellently.
Good moment at Wembley when the Sunderland player was fannying around with the ball and Pratley went straight over pushed him away and took the ball.
That was the moment that I thought we still had a chance. We'd just conceded 'that' goal, they were growing in to the game, and boom out of nowhere Pratley lets them know that we're still here with what probably should've been a yellow card. As soon as he got stuck in I started to believe. It felt as though from that moment onwards the team and fans picked up.
Pratley was excellent against Blackburn and Stoke, and the crunch games against Doncaster and Sunderland before that.
I'm happy for Pratley. I know that the modern footballer is supposed to be able to complete 50 step-overs and ping a 70 yard pass onto a penny but there's a reason that players like Darren Pratley still exist, and it's because the game is far more broad and complex than people often give is credit for. I think we've really benefited from Bowyer understanding this and with the youth in our squad having Pratley to guide players through is essential. I bet that if you asked Jack Ross which Charlton player he would have liked to swap onto his team that day at Wembley he would pick Pratley; he was the only one who kept his head after the own goal, and Sunderland's lack of a leader to remind the players to press and kill us off when we were reeling is what allowed us to survive without collapsing and ultimately move past it and grow into the game.
Pratley knows when to throw himself about, when to snap into tackles, when to keep the ball, when to sit and when to push (he was the one throwing himself into the box right after Marquis scored in the semi-final) and even when to start buying fouls and falling on the ball to force the ref to blow his whistle one way or the other. He won't last forever but he's key to our team while we integrate new, young players into the line-up and as long as Bowyer trusts him to come on late to see games out, or start to control how we play the game he's a key player for us
I'm happy for Pratley. I know that the modern footballer is supposed to be able to complete 50 step-overs and ping a 70 yard pass onto a penny but there's a reason that players like Darren Pratley still exist, and it's because the game is far more broad and complex than people often give is credit for. I think we've really benefited from Bowyer understanding this and with the youth in our squad having Pratley to guide players through is essential. I bet that if you asked Jack Ross which Charlton player he would have liked to swap onto his team that day at Wembley he would pick Pratley; he was the only one who kept his head after the own goal, and Sunderland's lack of a leader to remind the players to press and kill us off when we were reeling is what allowed us to survive without collapsing and ultimately move past it and grow into the game.
Pratley knows when to throw himself about, when to snap into tackles, when to keep the ball, when to sit and when to push (he was the one throwing himself into the box right after Marquis scored in the semi-final) and even when to start buying fouls and falling on the ball to force the ref to blow his whistle one way or the other. He won't last forever but he's key to our team while we integrate new, young players into the line-up and as long as Bowyer trusts him to come on late to see games out, or start to control how we play the game he's a key player for us
All over the pitch on Saturday - didn't flag. Kept checking he was No 15...
Pratley does a great job in breaking up play. Average in possession but his mobility and tenacity are so valuable, particularly in games where we have less possession. His performances in the playoff games were quite brilliant - he’s won me over completely
Have to say he seemed like a somewhat dud signing around Feb-March time but since then he’s been invaluable. His experience through the play offs was a big part in our promotion and he’s been massive in our two wins so far.
He’s the kind of player you don’t necessarily need when you’re playing as the strong favourite who is expected to break down the opposition and create the openings like we were through most of last season.
But we aren’t that team this season. The team now is a team that has to battle for every point. And in that aspect, Pratley is one of the best in the EFL.
Have all the time in the world for Pratley. Always guaranteed to put in a shift and his experience will undoubtedly help the younger players. Also, one of the heroes of Wembley
I'm happy for Pratley. I know that the modern footballer is supposed to be able to complete 50 step-overs and ping a 70 yard pass onto a penny but there's a reason that players like Darren Pratley still exist, and it's because the game is far more broad and complex than people often give is credit for. I think we've really benefited from Bowyer understanding this and with the youth in our squad having Pratley to guide players through is essential. I bet that if you asked Jack Ross which Charlton player he would have liked to swap onto his team that day at Wembley he would pick Pratley; he was the only one who kept his head after the own goal, and Sunderland's lack of a leader to remind the players to press and kill us off when we were reeling is what allowed us to survive without collapsing and ultimately move past it and grow into the game.
Pratley knows when to throw himself about, when to snap into tackles, when to keep the ball, when to sit and when to push (he was the one throwing himself into the box right after Marquis scored in the semi-final) and even when to start buying fouls and falling on the ball to force the ref to blow his whistle one way or the other. He won't last forever but he's key to our team while we integrate new, young players into the line-up and as long as Bowyer trusts him to come on late to see games out, or start to control how we play the game he's a key player for us
He was very good but I wouldn't say he was the only one to keep his head after the own goal - Cullen was superb during that period.
Pleased that big match Darren has been given another year contract. Ever since coming back in against Doncaster he’s being brilliant. One of the first players on the team sheet on current form.
Comments
Not necessarily wearing an armband, but watch the things he does on and off the pitch.
After our equaliser on Sunday, got hold of Joe Aribo and made "think!" gestures.
In post match celebrations, he seems to have set himself up as Dillon's "minder". Which, considering what had happened after 5 minutes, was a probably a HUGE help to Dillon.
He didn't have to make those comments about Albie Morgan. Considering how poorly Morgan played in the second game against Doncaster, some players in Pratley's position could have been given it the "Billy Big Bollocks". (Can you imagine how Fosu would have been in the same position? He'd have been unbearable!) Instead, a conciliatory message, that has probably given Albie a big lift.
I made the point in the player marks thread, that at half time, after Pearce was brought on, we had a leader at the back, one in midfield (Pratley), and one up front (Taylor).
A really important squad player, that like Pearce, probably passes on Bowyer's and Jacko's doctrines on to the players in the canteen, down the pub, or in hotels on some of those long away trips...
So glad he will be around next season.
He just wasn't as good as the last game, which he played very well in.
He might have the undisputed worst first touch of anyone in the squad but I’m so glad we have him as an option.
But he nevertheless still played when needed.
A good pre-season and match fitness makes all the difference.
Pratley was excellent against Blackburn and Stoke, and the crunch games against Doncaster and Sunderland before that.
Great game again Saturday, just a day where we had 4 MOM in Midfield.
Edit: Now waiting to be hoist by my own petard
Pratley knows when to throw himself about, when to snap into tackles, when to keep the ball, when to sit and when to push (he was the one throwing himself into the box right after Marquis scored in the semi-final) and even when to start buying fouls and falling on the ball to force the ref to blow his whistle one way or the other. He won't last forever but he's key to our team while we integrate new, young players into the line-up and as long as Bowyer trusts him to come on late to see games out, or start to control how we play the game he's a key player for us
He’s the kind of player you don’t necessarily need when you’re playing as the strong favourite who is expected to break down the opposition and create the openings like we were through most of last season.
But we aren’t that team this season. The team now is a team that has to battle for every point. And in that aspect, Pratley is one of the best in the EFL.
@leuth will be pleased