I want to see goals from him. He does give energy and it was something we needed at times last season, but we need goals from midfield this season. Of course you can't judge that on one game, but his record suggests that it is a big ask. Still early days though.
3 in 28 and 4 in 26 in the league with Hearts isn’t the worst record, and we don’t know the roles he played in. We seem to be giving him freedom to get forward, I’m expecting him to get a decent return in goals and assists.
Here’s the video of his goals at Hearts. There’s a few good finishes in there and some penalties. He wouldn’t be a penalty taker if he had no shooting technique or composure in front of goal.
He made a fair number of Aribo-like runs into the box on Saturday, particularly in the 2nd half. I have no doubt if he continues to do that he will pick up a handful of goals this season.
I like the way he and Dobson seem to complement each others' games fairly well. Dobson seems more content to sit back as a shield which gives Clare licence to drive forward more. It's clearly a very new partnership and it shows but there's promising signs I think.
Hopefully Morgan and/or a fit again Gilbey can complete the trifecta as the only thing notably lacking presently is goals (either scoring directly or assists.) But hopefully Albie getting into the right places will fix that one.
I thought he improved 2nd half on Saturday and can clearly pick a pass. I'm expecting good things from him and Dobson this season, we already look a lot more mobile in midfield.
I always said Clare and Dobson could do a job if we managed to improve our attacking options and play - which we now have.
If are playing 4-3-3 I'd like to see them both start against Bolton, now with Gilbey next to them (Lee) otherwise. With Leko/CBT/Lee/Kirk whoever also supporting I think we would see an improvement from them.
If they do play and are shit, happy to hold my hands up and sack this season off.
He made a few sloppy passes but we need those legs in midfield, especially with the gaping holes that Watson leaves. Looks like he could be a good player if he tidies up.
Good performance for Clare, changed the game. Had way more energy. But then what do you expect when you half the total age of our granddad central midfield when you bring him on.
He made a few sloppy passes but we need those legs in midfield, especially with the gaping holes that Watson leaves. Looks like he could be a good player if he tidies up.
Or Clare has the right player or combination of players around him.
Watson leaves those 'gaping holes' not because he's a bad player - but because he's now an old knacker with slow feet. Again, Watson needs an energetic quick player beside him. That could be Clare.
We saw today, playing Watson and Arter together (combined age 67) is too one paced and pedestrian.
Like Dobson there’s potentially something there, but they’ll need game time and the right balance in midfield if they’re going to get to the level we need. Would make a massive difference if either can make that step up, they have the legs Watson and Arter don’t. Clare’s shown he can drive through the middle with the ball, something most of our other CMs aren’t capable of.
He needs to be tasked with running around, winning the ball back and giving it simply. He is passing isn’t good enough to do anything else. 442 with him and Gilbey might work
Thought we’re signing an attacking box to box midfielder, turns out we got a solid centre back. Best compliment I can pay him, considering he was playing fairly radically out of position against the league leaders, is I hardly noticed him today, which means he was just quietly effective. With him and DJ our right side of defence should be a bit of a soft spot but the pair of them were comfortably in control of their opponents all afternoon.
He’s clearly a right back, even if he wants to play in midfield. Matthews, Gunter and him have all done well in that right centre back role, but he has the benefit of having a bit of pace and athleticism . His place to loose now.
My positioning in the stadium allowed me to watch him closely first half. I felt he was a little uncomfortable at times and looked like someone playing out of position.
I'm nit picking because they were all good today but felt he was our weakest link 1st half.
My positioning in the stadium allowed me to watch him closely first half. I felt he was a little uncomfortable at times and looked like someone playing out of position.
I'm nit picking because they were all good today but felt he was our weakest link 1st half.
I disagree respectfully, I thought he seemed a little over eager to win the ball back at the start but soon settled down and read the game well. Agreed they were all good.👍
Played well. But made the biggest contribution of all at the end in getting @Tracey to do the tunnel jump. He must have been secretly logged in to the CAST AGM.
My positioning in the stadium allowed me to watch him closely first half. I felt he was a little uncomfortable at times and looked like someone playing out of position.
I'm nit picking because they were all good today but felt he was our weakest link 1st half.
I disagree respectfully, I thought he seemed a little over eager to win the ball back at the start but soon settled down and read the game well. Agreed they were all good.👍
My positioning in the stadium allowed me to watch him closely first half. I felt he was a little uncomfortable at times and looked like someone playing out of position.
I'm nit picking because they were all good today but felt he was our weakest link 1st half.
Comments
Hopefully Morgan and/or a fit again Gilbey can complete the trifecta as the only thing notably lacking presently is goals (either scoring directly or assists.) But hopefully Albie getting into the right places will fix that one.
If are playing 4-3-3 I'd like to see them both start against Bolton, now with Gilbey next to them (Lee) otherwise. With Leko/CBT/Lee/Kirk whoever also supporting I think we would see an improvement from them.
If they do play and are shit, happy to hold my hands up and sack this season off.
He makes mistakes but he does bring some energy.
Glad for him getting his goal and hope he kicks on from here.
Watson leaves those 'gaping holes' not because he's a bad player - but because he's now an old knacker with slow feet.
Again, Watson needs an energetic quick player beside him. That could be Clare.
We saw today, playing Watson and Arter together (combined age 67) is too one paced and pedestrian.
is passing isn’t good enough to do anything else. 442 with him and Gilbey might work
he was a good honest pro who is very fit for his age, he had dropped down a level which may be why he is doing well.
he was a bit of a donkey last season, needless fouls and yellow cards. How about the two unnecessary sendings off that cost us points.
he couldn’t do a 46 game job for us last season and he definitely couldn’t this year
time to move on
I'm nit picking because they were all good today but felt he was our weakest link 1st half.