Competition for places excites Poyet (From The Argus)

Has Gus been reading my comments or is it a case of great minds think alike.


championshipgull says...
12:13pm Sun 17 Feb 13

Fantastic to have considerable talent pursuing a centre back position. Greer on the bench for me but whoever plays it will keep them focused knowing there is quality ready to take the place. Competition for places, love it.

"Upson, pictured right..."

Hmmm.

While I am on the way Gus thinks and competition for places I will go up front.
Forward players are often judged by the number of goals they score. That is not the case with Gus and a growing number of modern managers. Having a couple of strikers hanging around in the opposition half waiting for the ball to turn up is from the past, we are not going to see it or anything like it while Gus is at the Albion. The kind of forward players Gus has brought to the club have qualities and attributes that are used in other areas, consequently they are not going to score as many goals as forwards at some other clubs.
Is having a high scoring striker the way to success? Top club Cardiff’s highest scorer is Helgeson 8 goals. Burnley’s Charlie Austin has 21 Goals but are exactly mid table. 3rd place Hull’s top scorer is Aluko also with 8 goals. Jordan Rhodes has 21 goals but Blackburn are only 10th. Of course we can name clubs that are being successful with a high scoring forwards but those clubs league potion is very vulnerable if the forwards goals dry up.

Oh Championshipgull, you may have started something here:

"The kind of forward players Gus has brought to the club have qualities and attributes that are used in other areas, consequently they are not going to score as many goals as forwards at some other clubs".

Oh for a striker who can track back, pull the defence out of shape, win headers in his own penalty area and score stacks of goals too!! I'm not going to mention the name but you know who I'm thinking of don't you? :)

Dr Baldhead wrote:
Oh Championshipgull, you may have started something here: "The kind of forward players Gus has brought to the club have qualities and attributes that are used in other areas, consequently they are not going to score as many goals as forwards at some other clubs". Oh for a striker who can track back, pull the defence out of shape, win headers in his own penalty area and score stacks of goals too!! I'm not going to mention the name but you know who I'm thinking of don't you? :)

What's the point? Gus and the Albion have moved on.

Dr Baldhead wrote:
Oh Championshipgull, you may have started something here:

"The kind of forward players Gus has brought to the club have qualities and attributes that are used in other areas, consequently they are not going to score as many goals as forwards at some other clubs".

Oh for a striker who can track back, pull the defence out of shape, win headers in his own penalty area and score stacks of goals too!! I'm not going to mention the name but you know who I'm thinking of don't you? :)

And yet I would STILL rather have Ulloa.

I fancy GG and upson as a pairing, Adam has been great, just lacks 6" ( no smutty jokes) I see virgil side looks safe now.. I wonder if upson has done enough for contract? I think dunk wont be here next year.

mark by the sea wrote:
I fancy GG and upson as a pairing, Adam has been great, just lacks 6" ( no smutty jokes) I see virgil side looks safe now.. I wonder if upson has done enough for contract? I think dunk wont be here next year.

El Abd is (officially) only 7cm shorter than Greer (ie 5'11").

The defence pretty much picks itself and despite some recent average to poor displays from Bruno (still not fully fit?), i do not believe that this will change. As the article alludes to, suspensions and injuries will allow opportunities for those who find themselves temporarily dethroned. Barring a thrashing or glaring errors, i would be very surprised if either of the current incumbents made way for GG.
The midfield and forward line appear to be prone to tactical tinkering but this is also due in part to the availability of players like Buckley and Vicente and the various experiments to provide some potency in attack.
There are options and plenty of them. For all those who criticise acquisitions and departures... We are more than equipped to continue a sustained assault on the play off places. And unlike last season, i think we're owed a little bit of luck...

fairweathersupporter wrote:
The defence pretty much picks itself and despite some recent average to poor displays from Bruno (still not fully fit?), i do not believe that this will change. As the article alludes to, suspensions and injuries will allow opportunities for those who find themselves temporarily dethroned. Barring a thrashing or glaring errors, i would be very surprised if either of the current incumbents made way for GG.
The midfield and forward line appear to be prone to tactical tinkering but this is also due in part to the availability of players like Buckley and Vicente and the various experiments to provide some potency in attack.
There are options and plenty of them. For all those who criticise acquisitions and departures... We are more than equipped to continue a sustained assault on the play off places. And unlike last season, i think we're owed a little bit of luck...

We are ready, fans just need to wake up the vocal cords.. And get behind them.

The defensive set up at present is working, Upson is settling in & his experience especially now at this vital stage of proceedings is absoulute.As reguards G. Ps comment on El Abd( wait for his final red card) its on the cards it wont be long coming.

Dr Baldhead wrote:
Oh Championshipgull, you may have started something here:

"The kind of forward players Gus has brought to the club have qualities and attributes that are used in other areas, consequently they are not going to score as many goals as forwards at some other clubs".

Oh for a striker who can track back, pull the defence out of shape, win headers in his own penalty area and score stacks of goals too!! I'm not going to mention the name but you know who I'm thinking of don't you? :)

If you are referring to GM, When Gus arrived at the club he was a lazy stroppy player that wouldn’t track the ball back even if it had a £50 note attach to it, Gus had a lot of success with him but I agree with Old Scrote “would STILL rather have Ulloa”. If “fans” want to go on and on about GM every other post (not you) like a child who’s lost its toy, it’s down to them but they need to grow up before they start stirring criticisms of a the new forward after 4 games. I didn’t start it.
Bit follicly challenged myself btw. :-)

Like Gus we the fans also like competition for places as it tells of a strong squad. The competition for places I am looking forward to is that that could be caused by our development squad players knocking on the door.

Some new faces have arrived recently, it's my hope that the club are still looking to bring in more.

Interesting to see that Lua Lua has just had a run out with the DS, I wonder how long it will be before Greer does too, Gus must keep the players match fit and sharp of mind.

Maybe Lua Lua is being considered for saturday, hence the run out.

Let’s get Calderon in to replace Bruno.

I think Bruno being unfit is a bit of an excuse, I just think he lacks bottle and a bit of commitment. The way he misses headers and ducks out of challenges is embarrassing to watch – and opposing teams are starting to suss this and exploit his weakness.

Calderon is a top pro and is being very patient but I bet he can’t believe he is not in the team. Will give his usual 100% if picked on Saturday.

my worry with upson,greer and el abd is their lack of pace.leroy lita punished their frailties a couple of .weeks ago..

the taffster wrote:
my worry with upson,greer and el abd is their lack of pace.leroy lita punished their frailties a couple of .weeks ago..

It is not always about pace, it can be about reading the game too. Recalling that the late great Bobby Moore didn't have huge pace, but it didn't stop him being world class, and a top bloke too.

Clean Sheet wrote:

the taffster wrote:
my worry with upson,greer and el abd is their lack of pace.leroy lita punished their frailties a couple of .weeks ago..

It is not always about pace, it can be about reading the game too. Recalling that the late great Bobby Moore didn't have huge pace, but it didn't stop him being world class, and a top bloke too.

Indeed - a good point. I'm sure the manager will stick wth El Abd and Upson on current displays. Gordon is a consumate professional and would understand that. Would certainly like to see Upson with us next year, whatever happens this season. Terrific to have these three and clearly like Moore, as you say, top blokes.

Interesting to see JFC not selected for the DS squad... I would have thought a run out could have done him some good. We seem to have an embarrassment of riches in central defence, especially in VVD is still coming in the summer. Any news on that one...?

VVD, what's that, a dose with a stammer.

Who is VVD?

championshipgull wrote:

Dr Baldhead wrote:
Oh Championshipgull, you may have started something here:

"The kind of forward players Gus has brought to the club have qualities and attributes that are used in other areas, consequently they are not going to score as many goals as forwards at some other clubs".

Oh for a striker who can track back, pull the defence out of shape, win headers in his own penalty area and score stacks of goals too!! I'm not going to mention the name but you know who I'm thinking of don't you? :)

If you are referring to GM, When Gus arrived at the club he was a lazy stroppy player that wouldn’t track the ball back even if it had a £50 note attach to it, Gus had a lot of success with him but I agree with Old Scrote “would STILL rather have Ulloa”. If “fans” want to go on and on about GM every other post (not you) like a child who’s lost its toy, it’s down to them but they need to grow up before they start stirring criticisms of a the new forward after 4 games. I didn’t start it.
Bit follicly challenged myself btw. :-)

Great posts, ChampionshipGull.

I actually couldn't work out who Dr Baldhead was referring to until someone mentioned Murray. He didn't spring to mind from any of those descriptions!!! He really does split opinion a bit like Marmite! I was never a fan. He scored a few goals for us but I was pleased when we offloaded him.

On the actual story, it can only be a good thing that we have such competition for places. When (not if) we get to the Prem, this will be vital as you can't afford to suffer from suspensions, injuries and dips in form.

Personally I can't see many of the out of contract players contracts being renewed until we know if we are promoted or not.(ps Don't like saying not as I am very optomistic)

VegasSeagull wrote:
VVD, what's that, a dose with a stammer.

Who is VVD?

vergil van dijk the dutch lad from groinigen

WestStander17 wrote:

championshipgull wrote:

Dr Baldhead wrote:
Oh Championshipgull, you may have started something here:

"The kind of forward players Gus has brought to the club have qualities and attributes that are used in other areas, consequently they are not going to score as many goals as forwards at some other clubs".

Oh for a striker who can track back, pull the defence out of shape, win headers in his own penalty area and score stacks of goals too!! I'm not going to mention the name but you know who I'm thinking of don't you? :)

If you are referring to GM, When Gus arrived at the club he was a lazy stroppy player that wouldn’t track the ball back even if it had a £50 note attach to it, Gus had a lot of success with him but I agree with Old Scrote “would STILL rather have Ulloa”. If “fans” want to go on and on about GM every other post (not you) like a child who’s lost its toy, it’s down to them but they need to grow up before they start stirring criticisms of a the new forward after 4 games. I didn’t start it.
Bit follicly challenged myself btw. :-)

Great posts, ChampionshipGull.

I actually couldn't work out who Dr Baldhead was referring to until someone mentioned Murray. He didn't spring to mind from any of those descriptions!!! He really does split opinion a bit like Marmite! I was never a fan. He scored a few goals for us but I was pleased when we offloaded him.

On the actual story, it can only be a good thing that we have such competition for places. When (not if) we get to the Prem, this will be vital as you can't afford to suffer from suspensions, injuries and dips in form.

i thought he was refering to barnes personally....

albionfan33 wrote:

VegasSeagull wrote: VVD, what's that, a dose with a stammer. Who is VVD?

vergil van dijk the dutch lad from groinigen

Ok I got ya now.

One would have to think that Dijk is a target just as Ulloa was, I think we will go back for him come the summer window.

With this lad we faced paying over the odds during the last window and if we get promoted we might be asked for more than value simply because we will have the money.
I think Gus sees this lad as one for the prem so lets hope we get him before another club does.

His club held on to him because of their relgation issues, if it turns out they are resolved, one way or the other, before the season is done, I wonder if we could get a deal agreed prior to the window.

VegasSeagull wrote:
VVD, what's that, a dose with a stammer. Who is VVD?

Virgil van Dijk you dick. Sorry Vegas I just couldn't help that.

I have solved all the problems,Re our Spaniards feeling the cold.

Put the under soil heating on when they play ,its works wonders when I put the under floor heating when I am cold and in this City, It`s Bloody cold .

Poplar Seagull wrote:
Let’s get Calderon in to replace Bruno. I think Bruno being unfit is a bit of an excuse, I just think he lacks bottle and a bit of commitment. The way he misses headers and ducks out of challenges is embarrassing to watch – and opposing teams are starting to suss this and exploit his weakness. Calderon is a top pro and is being very patient but I bet he can’t believe he is not in the team. Will give his usual 100% if picked on Saturday.

I agree. Bruno was a problem against burnley and most of their attacks came down that side... not surprisingly as nobody gets any change out of WB. Calderon is a better defender, reads the game beautifully and scores goals. He should be playing, end of. Also thought it was a weird decision to make Bruno skipper????

saraman wrote:

VegasSeagull wrote: VVD, what's that, a dose with a stammer. Who is VVD?

Virgil van Dijk you dick. Sorry Vegas I just couldn't help that.

I smiled

Saraman we have two games that should interest us today.

I want, and fancy, Huddersfield to get beat today, Burnley have enough about them to win at home today. Huddersfield might fight even harder against us if they get beat but I would rather that than have then get a confidence boost that a win would bring.

Leicester at home to Blackburn looks set for a draw, I would not write off Blackburns chances of getting a win but a draw looks more likely.
I think Leicester will be looking for, and expecting, a win today but Blackburn are no mugs and might still fancy a top six finish. Leicester might win this one but I don't think it will be easy, hence in my mind a great chance for a draw.

VegasSeagull wrote:
Saraman we have two games that should interest us today. I want, and fancy, Huddersfield to get beat today, Burnley have enough about them to win at home today. Huddersfield might fight even harder against us if they get beat but I would rather that than have then get a confidence boost that a win would bring. Leicester at home to Blackburn looks set for a draw, I would not write off Blackburns chances of getting a win but a draw looks more likely. I think Leicester will be looking for, and expecting, a win today but Blackburn are no mugs and might still fancy a top six finish. Leicester might win this one but I don't think it will be easy, hence in my mind a great chance for a draw.

As I said Vegas we are entering the crazy season. From here on in we will witness results that will leave us reeling. I still feel trepidation about the Bristol game. Cheers my freind.

saraman wrote:

VegasSeagull wrote:
Saraman we have two games that should interest us today. I want, and fancy, Huddersfield to get beat today, Burnley have enough about them to win at home today. Huddersfield might fight even harder against us if they get beat but I would rather that than have then get a confidence boost that a win would bring. Leicester at home to Blackburn looks set for a draw, I would not write off Blackburns chances of getting a win but a draw looks more likely. I think Leicester will be looking for, and expecting, a win today but Blackburn are no mugs and might still fancy a top six finish. Leicester might win this one but I don't think it will be easy, hence in my mind a great chance for a draw.

As I said Vegas we are entering the crazy season. From here on in we will witness results that will leave us reeling. I still feel trepidation about the Bristol game. Cheers my freind.

There are going to be some shocks on the way, just spoke to one of my customers, palace season ticket holder . In his words, " they have lost there way" I reckon we will be above them and boro in next few weeks...

VegasSeagull wrote:
Saraman we have two games that should interest us today.

I want, and fancy, Huddersfield to get beat today, Burnley have enough about them to win at home today. Huddersfield might fight even harder against us if they get beat but I would rather that than have then get a confidence boost that a win would bring.

Leicester at home to Blackburn looks set for a draw, I would not write off Blackburns chances of getting a win but a draw looks more likely.
I think Leicester will be looking for, and expecting, a win today but Blackburn are no mugs and might still fancy a top six finish. Leicester might win this one but I don't think it will be easy, hence in my mind a great chance for a draw.

Tough to pick any result in this division with any confidence, especially at this end of the season.

VegasSeagull wrote:

albionfan33 wrote:

VegasSeagull wrote: VVD, what's that, a dose with a stammer. Who is VVD?

vergil van dijk the dutch lad from groinigen

Ok I got ya now.

One would have to think that Dijk is a target just as Ulloa was, I think we will go back for him come the summer window.

With this lad we faced paying over the odds during the last window and if we get promoted we might be asked for more than value simply because we will have the money.
I think Gus sees this lad as one for the prem so lets hope we get him before another club does.

His club held on to him because of their relgation issues, if it turns out they are resolved, one way or the other, before the season is done, I wonder if we could get a deal agreed prior to the window.

If we are promoted our targets are likely to change considerably!

With regards to the defender situation, and those who have mentioned to possibility of dropping El Habd (as Warren 'dodgy match summariser' Aspinall would say!!), I think, a bit like Barnes, that he gives us something we don't have a lot of but certainly need in this division...some steel!! Look at the winner v Hull as an example, only he would've made that happen!!

Sorry to bring up the subject of strikers again but I must mention Chris Wood who scored again last night (now 9 in 9).Whilst Ulloa quite rightly needs more time to adapt one wonders whether, by the time he's adapted,we might rue not going for Wood, for example, if we don't make the play offs! I 'm not a negative person as I do think we are well covered in defence and midfield but need another striker on loan as we've also lost Hoskins and Dobbie.

SeagullOverSelsey wrote:
Sorry to bring up the subject of strikers again but I must mention Chris Wood who scored again last night (now 9 in 9).Whilst Ulloa quite rightly needs more time to adapt one wonders whether, by the time he's adapted,we might rue not going for Wood, for example, if we don't make the play offs! I 'm not a negative person as I do think we are well covered in defence and midfield but need another striker on loan as we've also lost Hoskins and Dobbie.

I honestly doubt whether Chris Wood would have scored 9 in 9 for us. We don't play to his style and strengths and I doubt whether we would have adapted straightaway, if at all. Ulloa is more used to a continental style and his main problem is match fitness, adapting to the speed of the English game and its physical requirements. From what I've seen that will come quicker than many may think. Especially if he is given the chance to link up with CMS. Fingers crossed in any case.

VegasSeagull wrote:
Saraman we have two games that should interest us today.

I want, and fancy, Huddersfield to get beat today, Burnley have enough about them to win at home today. Huddersfield might fight even harder against us if they get beat but I would rather that than have then get a confidence boost that a win would bring.

Leicester at home to Blackburn looks set for a draw, I would not write off Blackburns chances of getting a win but a draw looks more likely.
I think Leicester will be looking for, and expecting, a win today but Blackburn are no mugs and might still fancy a top six finish. Leicester might win this one but I don't think it will be easy, hence in my mind a great chance for a draw.

Don't become a tipster vegas :)