The Bench and our reserves

[MattyRangers]

I thought Connolly played very sensibly when he came on. He knows he's not in the same class as Traore and didn't try anything ambitious - no further than the half way line before he gave the ball to Forlan or Derry and looked solid when he defended. Connolly looked a class player when he joined us, but he seems to have stalled in the last couple of seasons.

My thoughts exactly. He gets alot of flack from some fans IMO. yes last year he wa sh1te at times, no denying that. But credit where credits due, he done well when he came on. 1 stray pass, which all our players done, but it seems only certain players have that held against them.

I, personally, think hes a very good player to have on the bench and be able to bring on.

[LoftusRoadLad]

My thoughts exactly. He gets alot of flack from some fans IMO. yes last year he wa sh1te at times, no denying that. But credit where credits due, he done well when he came on. 1 stray pass, which all our players done, but it seems only certain players have that held against them.

I, personally, think hes a very good player to have on the bench and be able to bring on.

Yes agree 100%. A player who plays like a professional without gimmicks.

[BucksHoop]

although I rate him at CB, I was nervous when he came on Monday and he looked nervous too. As it's been said, he's a good versatile defender to have on the bench, but in the long run, needs replacing.

[Jeffro]

Unfortunately Connolly isnt good enough and despite being "comfortable" on the ball, Monday night showed how he really isnt the answer. Decenet chamnpionship player at best.

[PeterG]

Connolly can play right across the back and in midfield at a push so is a very useful player to have on the bench or in an emergency, of course he is going to look second rate in comparison to the new signings but please remember that we did win at everton without the new players and half a side down with a virus

I am happy that with the new players in we are in with a good shout at staying up and I am sure all the squad players will do there best when called upon, we need to get behind the whole squad and support them, eventually more new players are going to come in, everyone knows that but there is nowt that can be done before january,

[DouDou_87]

Now that we have all had time to reflect on last nights performance, who like me thought Connolly looked second rate and off the pace?

Yesterday's starting line-up would keep us up but after a couple of injuries and suspensions who do we really have to replace Barton, Troare, Ferdinand?

Barton will miss at least 6 games through injury or suspension and if we lose three or four more do we have enough depth in our squad? Personally, looking at last nights bench only Smith would cut it. Surely we must strengthen further in January?

Your (honest) thoughts?

My honest thoughts are that if you can't be optimistic and be incredibly grateful for what we now have at this club then go somewhere else.

It never ceases to amaze me how much some of our fans moan and how they find something negative no matter what is going on. Makes me wonder how much better our club would be if we had fans that really appreciated where we are, pulled in the same direction and got behind the team.

Look at how good our team is compared to 3 years ago, look at it compared to 3 weeks ago ffs!!! Stop all this stuff like 'Connolly looks second rate' (when actually he did ok against Obertan) 'Barton will miss 6 games'. How about enjoying the fact that we have Joey Barton? Realising that we don't have to buy an entirely new team at every transfer window just because we have TF(no doubt if we don't bring in another 6 in January some people will still be moaning).

We will stay up, even without investment in January I think we will be safe. You forget that players like Connolly, Orr, Hall & Smith got us up last season, they will be desperate to prove themselves in the prem and will do their best when called upon.

Rant over

[DouDou_87]

This is what annoys me, next summer you want a brand new team when TF has just given us one. The team we have at the moment is already a mid-table team, the idea of getting another one winds me up. You should be proud of what you saw yesterday and the optimism for a really good season is all there!

Spot on mate

[MattyRangers]

My honest thoughts are that if you can't be optimistic and be incredibly grateful for what we now have at this club then go somewhere else.

It never ceases to amaze me how much some of our fans moan and how they find something negative no matter what is going on. Makes me wonder how much better our club would be if we had fans that really appreciated where we are, pulled in the same direction and got behind the team.

Look at how good our team is compared to 3 years ago, look at it compared to 3 weeks ago ffs!!! Stop all this stuff like 'Connolly looks second rate' (when actually he did ok against Obertan) 'Barton will miss 6 games'. How about enjoying the fact that we have Joey Barton? Realising that we don't have to buy an entirely new team at every transfer window just because we have TF(no doubt if we don't bring in another 6 in January some people will still be moaning).

We will stay up, even without investment in January I think we will be safe. You forget that players like Connolly, Orr, Hall & Smith got us up last season, they will be desperate to prove themselves in the prem and will do their best when called upon.

Rant over

Rant applauded and wholey agreed with. Superb post

[Sotonsuperhoop]

My honest thoughts are that if you can't be optimistic and be incredibly grateful for what we now have at this club then go somewhere else.

It never ceases to amaze me how much some of our fans moan and how they find something negative no matter what is going on. Makes me wonder how much better our club would be if we had fans that really appreciated where we are, pulled in the same direction and got behind the team.

Look at how good our team is compared to 3 years ago, look at it compared to 3 weeks ago ffs!!! Stop all this stuff like 'Connolly looks second rate' (when actually he did ok against Obertan) 'Barton will miss 6 games'. How about enjoying the fact that we have Joey Barton? Realising that we don't have to buy an entirely new team at every transfer window just because we have TF(no doubt if we don't bring in another 6 in January some people will still be moaning).

We will stay up, even without investment in January I think we will be safe. You forget that players like Connolly, Orr, Hall & Smith got us up last season, they will be desperate to prove themselves in the prem and will do their best when called upon.

Rant over

DouDou87 what a great reply!! Do you really not cope when someone has a different opinion than yours? I have been following our club for many many years and know the highs and lows (some were very low!) and I'm fully behind NW, the team, board etc but I have an opinion like you and everyone else.

In answer to some of your questions I am not particulary pleased we have Barton, and I would feel the same if we'd signed the likes of Marlon King or Lee Hughes, but thats just my opinion. I thought Barton looked average at best compared to Faurlin, Derry and Taarabt. He has a big ego and history has shown that wherever he goes trouble is not far behind. It will be interesting to see if NW can tame him as the season wears on.

I am not moaning just bringing up a subject that I and others discussed after the match and as it happens has been up near the top of the board since I started the thread, so some people share my concerns.

If you want me to go elsewhere then sorry you will be disappointed. I have backed our team for almost 40 years so grow up, and if you aren't able to join in relevant debate, then don't join in on such threads. There are plenty of other topics you might be able to comment on.

[DouDou_87]

DouDou87 what a great reply!! Do you really not cope when someone has a different opinion than yours? I have been following our club for many many years and know the highs and lows (some were very low!) and I'm fully behind NW, the team, board etc but I have an opinion like you and everyone else.

In answer to some of your questions I am not particulary pleased we have Barton, and I would feel the same if we'd signed the likes of Marlon King or Lee Hughes, but thats just my opinion. I thought Barton looked average at best compared to Faurlin, Derry and Taarabt. He has a big ego and history has shown that wherever he goes trouble is not far behind. It will be interesting to see if NW can tame him as the season wears on.

I am not moaning just bringing up a subject that I and others discussed after the match and as it happens has been up near the top of the board since I started the thread, so some people share my concerns.

If you want me to go elsewhere then sorry you will be disappointed. I have backed our team for almost 40 years so grow up, and if you aren't able to join in relevant debate, then don't join in on such threads. There are plenty of other topics you might be able to comment on.

I am more than happy to listen to others opinions, you asked for my honest response and I gave you it.

I appreciate that you are just bringing up a subject but the way I, and clearly others on the thread interpreted it, was that you were being overly negative at what is actually a very good time at our club.

I'm not exactly sure why I'm being asked to grow up after simply following your request and offering you an honest response to your post. Perhaps in future you shouldn't ask for an honest opinion as you appear to take offense to them.

Finally I am more than capable and happy to join in a relevant debate, however for me this topic is fairly pointless and so requires little debate.

[LoveRs]

He came on and done what was asked of him no frills no risks. Give the kid a chance he's played out of position most weeks. He is our defensive utility man and all the flak he gets can't help his confidence!

[Kimimar0]

Connolly is still reasonably young for a CB, I think we should be hoping that he can improve into a better CB than Gabbidon.