Dobbie challenged to make things happen for Albion

Stephen Dobbie can swing a game with his quality Stephen Dobbie can swing a game with his quality

ALBION chief Gus Poyet has challenged Stephen Dobbie to be the matchwinner if he starts against Birmingham at The Amex tomorrow night.

Dobbie’s chances of making his full debut have been increased by the absence of top scorer Craig Mackail-Smith with a hamstring injury.

Poyet has not confirmed whether his deadline day signing from Swansea will be in the side from the off after two second-half substitute appearances.

But he said: “I want him to be the difference if he plays. I think he has got all the qualities to really make the differences at some points in the game.

“When it is tight and there are too many players behind the ball and if it’s a difficult kind of game he’s got something totally different.

“I would be delighted if he can show that to the fans, because I am sure everybody is excited about seeing him play well and scoring goals for us.”

Poyet believes Dobbie, pictured, can affect a match in similar fashion to the still-sidelined Vicente on the Spaniard’s sporadic appearances for the club.

“Dobbs can play in our system in four different positions,” he said. “Those four are where Vicente can play as well.

“Vicente can play wide right or left, just off the front or up front where we used him against Chelsea. “He would perform and score goals for you.

“I want him (Dobbie) to make an impact, to show on Saturday without any pressure where he can make the difference for us.”

A sixth straight win in the 5.30pm kick-off will ensure Albion stay top of the Championship, regardless of results earlier in the day.

Comments(39)

Jonathan Mouette says...
10:09am Fri 28 Sep 12

It looks as though we may go in to this in true Spanish style with 5 midfield dynamos and one lone striker - maybe AB or TA unless GB gets the nod... Hopefully we'll get through this without too much damage in terms of injuries or cards. Brum's latest emergency recruit, Paul Robinson, is a real clogger and one must ask whether the ref, Oliver Langford, himself from the West Midlands, will provide proper protection to the home team. It is understandably the first time he has officiated a Birmingham game and I think one can be excused for asking why now. All that to one side - the prospect of seeing Dobbie in action is so very exciting - and as usual fingers are firmly crossed.

The Real Ryfish says...
10:47am Fri 28 Sep 12

JM - do you REALLY think TA or GB have ANY chance of starting tomorrow? I'd be surprised if either of them start in any game this season.

Also, I for one am not at all worried about the provenance of the ref - he may well be rubbish but he won't be biased. The west midlands is a very big place.

Too many Harveys says...
11:06am Fri 28 Sep 12

Dobbie certainly has the opportunity to stake his claim tomorrow and I really hope he takes it. From what I've seen and heard from fans of where he's been previously he's a great player but he has been anonymous in the two cameos he's made for us so far. That means nothing though and so I can't wait to see what he's really about tomorrow. Started the week confident we'd have far too much for Brum based on the season so far but have lost my bottle as the week's progressed! 1-0 will do me fine!

zamora123 says...
11:16am Fri 28 Sep 12

hi does any one know if the game tomorrow is being shown live any where on tv

Jonathan Mouette says...
11:30am Fri 28 Sep 12

Maybe, Mr Ryfish, the starting line-up maybe a little more conventional but unless opportunities - and hopefully there will be several - are converted in to goals GP may ring the changes and I shall be interested to see who is on the bench... And as for the ref we'll see. Maybe he's a Villa or WBA supporter or even better a Wolves fan.

fairweathersupporter says...
11:39am Fri 28 Sep 12

GB or TA bench at absolute most. Big day for Dobbie if he starts.
The most interesting thing for me this season is that we have beem able to thus far counter the teams pushing up on us and closing us down (unlike the middle of last season). There is a range of passing that eclipses anything we tried last season whilst generally keeping the ball and the ability to win it back if we lose it. This is generally down to the new signings in the postions that were plainly found wanting last season. I'd like to see Spanish Dave, as i haven't a clue what he can offer us. Orlandi has a killer pass and is good from dead ball but can be a little anonymous (perhaps an upgrade on Dicker?). But looking forward to taking my birth in the West stand Lower. Could be sticky (the game not my seat) but hopefully a win...

Bish May Turn says...
11:41am Fri 28 Sep 12

Just in case people are suffering short term memory loss, we are top of the Championship with the best goal difference, most chances created, best football being played by a country mile.No whole sales changes will be happening,not now or even if we hit a poor run,Dobbie for Macca tomorrow,crofts back on the bench,jobs a gooden.

The Real Ryfish says...
11:50am Fri 28 Sep 12

Jonathan Mouette wrote:
Maybe, Mr Ryfish, the starting line-up maybe a little more conventional but unless opportunities - and hopefully there will be several - are converted in to goals GP may ring the changes and I shall be interested to see who is on the bench... And as for the ref we'll see. Maybe he's a Villa or WBA supporter or even better a Wolves fan.
Have we not scored something like 14 goals in the last 5 games? That seems good enough to me :-)

SMF20 says...
11:55am Fri 28 Sep 12

I'd like to see the Christmas tree formation tomorrow although I know it won't happen.

Kuz
Bruno. Greer. El abd. Bridge
Hammond. Bridcutt. Crofts
Buckley. Dobbie
Barnes.

Bench. Lua Lua. Lopez. Orlandi. Ank. Dicker and Calderon.

Tough game tomorrow but I think we will get the win. Uta

smegbuster says...
11:58am Fri 28 Sep 12

Impressive as Dobbie was in Monday's Dev Squad match, I felt George Barker was the best player on the pitch (even without taking the hat-trick into account) so I'm sure he'll get an opportunity at some point this season, even if he doesn't get immediate starts. Perhaps he or Toby might take Harley's place on the bench tomorrow? The quality on show in the Dev Squad highlights the fact that we can now expect a very strong bench, even when we have to deal with injuries.

MackGull says...
12:11pm Fri 28 Sep 12

I am not so sure that Birmingham can write off their hammering by Barnsley as a freak result, it wasn't. One player scores four goals, that is telling. Barnsley were soundly beaten by us, we dominated all aspects of the game, goals coming from different players. Barnsley then go to brummy land and control the match and have one super star, that doesn't make sense to me.
By the time Davies had scored two don't you think Birmingham would have realised that they needed to out a damper on him. You could be forgiven for thinking that Birmingham just switched off, gave up.

If Davies was that good it meant that they just couldn't handle him no matter what they tried, then how will they cope with our fire power.
Barnsley didn't suddenly become a different team, a team full of talent such as we have, they used what they had and Birmingham couldn't cope. I don't see the inclusion of a defender who is short on match time as a solution to their back four problems.
There will be no bounce back, no second coming. They will start the game trying to put us under pressure, they will have hope, and once we withstand their opening gambit we will take control and go on to win the match. It's one thing having a desire to bounce back from a bad beating, it's another to say that they have the players good enough to bounce back against the best defense in the division.
2-0 Brighton, or better.

dave from bexill says...
12:28pm Fri 28 Sep 12

Jonathan Mouette wrote:
Maybe, Mr Ryfish, the starting line-up maybe a little more conventional but unless opportunities - and hopefully there will be several - are converted in to goals GP may ring the changes and I shall be interested to see who is on the bench... And as for the ref we'll see. Maybe he's a Villa or WBA supporter or even better a Wolves fan.
Jonathan, I might be missing the point, but is it you assertion that tomorrows ref is bent?

fairweathersupporter says...
12:47pm Fri 28 Sep 12

Good start and impressive stats do not negate the fact that most of the teams in this division are of a standard to compete with the others. This makes it a very competitive and enjoyable league to play in (unlike the premiership's league within a league, not that I'd say no…). Birmingham are among those who can compete and they have most of their defence out injured. I fully believe that we are equipped to challenge at the top. I am enjoying where we are and how we got there. But IF we lose or draw or fall (hopefully temporarily) from our perch, I will not suddenly think that the wheel has come off. On form etc, we should win comfortably. We are at home in front of another sell out crowd. But just because Brum lost 5-0 to a team we beat 5-1 and just because our hard work and good play sees us 'top of the league, we're top of the league', does not make us immune. Underestimating the opposition is dangerous and I can assure you that my mate Gus will not have done so.
P.S has Vegas changed his name ; )….

Claude Back says...
12:55pm Fri 28 Sep 12

MackGull wrote:
I am not so sure that Birmingham can write off their hammering by Barnsley as a freak result, it wasn't. One player scores four goals, that is telling. Barnsley were soundly beaten by us, we dominated all aspects of the game, goals coming from different players. Barnsley then go to brummy land and control the match and have one super star, that doesn't make sense to me.
By the time Davies had scored two don't you think Birmingham would have realised that they needed to out a damper on him. You could be forgiven for thinking that Birmingham just switched off, gave up.

If Davies was that good it meant that they just couldn't handle him no matter what they tried, then how will they cope with our fire power.
Barnsley didn't suddenly become a different team, a team full of talent such as we have, they used what they had and Birmingham couldn't cope. I don't see the inclusion of a defender who is short on match time as a solution to their back four problems.
There will be no bounce back, no second coming. They will start the game trying to put us under pressure, they will have hope, and once we withstand their opening gambit we will take control and go on to win the match. It's one thing having a desire to bounce back from a bad beating, it's another to say that they have the players good enough to bounce back against the best defense in the division.
2-0 Brighton, or better.
All very true but just one slight flaw....Barnsley were a different team from the one that played us. When we played them they had 4 or 5 players out through injury.

pte says...
1:16pm Fri 28 Sep 12

The absence of CMS may work in our favour. With CMS we might think we are world beaters and fall flat on our face. Without CMS we know nothing less than 100% will do.

If that makes any sense to anyone

campotolox says...
3:40pm Fri 28 Sep 12

No it dont mate,pte?

ballantrrae says...
4:35pm Fri 28 Sep 12

SMF20 wrote:
I'd like to see the Christmas tree formation tomorrow although I know it won't happen.

Kuz
Bruno. Greer. El abd. Bridge
Hammond. Bridcutt. Crofts
Buckley. Dobbie
Barnes.

Bench. Lua Lua. Lopez. Orlandi. Ank. Dicker and Calderon.

Tough game tomorrow but I think we will get the win. Uta
Orlandi or Lopez will start instead of Crofts as the latter is eased back into action after his injury.
Only 6 subs in your selection SMF20. Who would you add Angestein, Barker or Dunk who I am pretty certain Poyet will have on the bench ?
There is an article about the two forgotten men, Vincelot and Sparrow in today's Argus. Poyet is v complimentary about them and their professional attitude. They are training with the squad.
Hopefully the Albion won't be complacent re Birmingham tomorrow and will maintain their current momentum. I still think it's a tricky encounter since Birmingham have nothing to lose given the expectations surrounding both sides based on current positions and form.

ballantrrae says...
6:14pm Fri 28 Sep 12

I have just seen an article in The Independant tipping Birmingham to 'Bounce Back'
They quote odds of 19/5 for Birmingham to win being offered at Bet Victor and clearly fancy the odds.
I find it worrying that the odds on Birmingham are that generous, it is after all only a '2 horse race'. Sure things don't always happen - look at Camelot in last Saturday's St Ledger. UTA

IRISHGULL says...
6:22pm Fri 28 Sep 12

were going to miss macca tomorrow. But really looking forward to seeing dobbie. Just feel we will have abit to much for brum tomorrow, a side that do look a little in turmoil at the moment. We have the tightest defence in the championship, a international back five!

bruce beckett says...
6:45pm Fri 28 Sep 12

Bruno also out tomorrow according to a post on his Facebook page. That's a blow.

Falmer Wizard says...
7:01pm Fri 28 Sep 12

Bruno out?that is a problem particularly as we have also lost CMS.

Hovite says...
7:13pm Fri 28 Sep 12

Hopefully Calde will have learnt a few few things from Bruno in training. I suspect he has been training very hard to be ready for this. Bruno can only be an inspiration to him.

saraman says...
7:17pm Fri 28 Sep 12

MackGull wrote:
I am not so sure that Birmingham can write off their hammering by Barnsley as a freak result, it wasn't. One player scores four goals, that is telling. Barnsley were soundly beaten by us, we dominated all aspects of the game, goals coming from different players. Barnsley then go to brummy land and control the match and have one super star, that doesn't make sense to me. By the time Davies had scored two don't you think Birmingham would have realised that they needed to out a damper on him. You could be forgiven for thinking that Birmingham just switched off, gave up. If Davies was that good it meant that they just couldn't handle him no matter what they tried, then how will they cope with our fire power. Barnsley didn't suddenly become a different team, a team full of talent such as we have, they used what they had and Birmingham couldn't cope. I don't see the inclusion of a defender who is short on match time as a solution to their back four problems. There will be no bounce back, no second coming. They will start the game trying to put us under pressure, they will have hope, and once we withstand their opening gambit we will take control and go on to win the match. It's one thing having a desire to bounce back from a bad beating, it's another to say that they have the players good enough to bounce back against the best defense in the division. 2-0 Brighton, or better.
Wow MackGull, what a rousing rallying call that is. The last time such a call was made was before the battle of Balaclava. Onwards, onwards. Seriously though, I agree with your analysis, Brum will not become a renewed threat within seven days. The flaws will remain. I have every confidence that The Albion will prevail by at least a two goal margin.

ballantrrae says...
7:41pm Fri 28 Sep 12

Hovite wrote:
Hopefully Calde will have learnt a few few things from Bruno in training. I suspect he has been training very hard to be ready for this. Bruno can only be an inspiration to him.
I wonder Hovite who will take Calde's spot on the bench, Painter or Vincelot ?
Bruno will be missed possibly more than CMS. I hope he will be fit for Tuesday.
The benefits of a stronger squad are beginning to show whatever the result tomorrow.

Hovite says...
7:49pm Fri 28 Sep 12

Interesting to see who takes to the bench.

Ringmer Rich says...
8:39pm Fri 28 Sep 12

The flair is missing from the team - no Vicente and no Bruno - imo a draw would be a good result.
I really think that a lot of people are over estimating the Albion on this thread, it's far to early to compare teams - remember the similar start to last season? I think we need to be a little bit more realistic, if we're in a similar position still at Christmas, then we will have every right to consider how we will beat teams, but not just yet.
Blues will have to click at some point, hopefully it's not tomorrow. UTA and keep the faith!!

MackGull says...
8:40pm Fri 28 Sep 12

bruce beckett wrote:
Bruno also out tomorrow according to a post on his Facebook page. That's a blow.
If this is correct, and it might be, Gus could be annoyed that the message has got out, Birmingham didn't need 24 hours notice.

brightonup says...
8:52pm Fri 28 Sep 12

pte wrote:
The absence of CMS may work in our favour. With CMS we might think we are world beaters and fall flat on our face. Without CMS we know nothing less than 100% will do. If that makes any sense to anyone
pte
I think you made a good point here. Players with something to prove (I include Hammond, Lopez, Dobie - and to a certain extent Orlandi) have a bit of an edge to their game. It could benefit us tomorrow. Let's hope so... UTA

DorsetSeagull says...
9:11pm Fri 28 Sep 12

smegbuster wrote:
Impressive as Dobbie was in Monday's Dev Squad match, I felt George Barker was the best player on the pitch (even without taking the hat-trick into account) so I'm sure he'll get an opportunity at some point this season, even if he doesn't get immediate starts. Perhaps he or Toby might take Harley's place on the bench tomorrow? The quality on show in the Dev Squad highlights the fact that we can now expect a very strong bench, even when we have to deal with injuries.
Agree about George Barker, I wasn't there for Monday's game, but have seen him a few times including the pre-season match at Dorchester, very talented player, pacey, skillful, always threatening and an eye for goal. When he was on the bench recently at the Amex, I was surprised by others reaction who didn't appear to know of him. Very promising.

andyp123 says...
9:12pm Fri 28 Sep 12

Falmer Wizard wrote:
Bruno out?that is a problem particularly as we have also lost CMS.
Only reason to worry about the absence of CMS is that his goals seem to come against bottom half teams, like Birmingham. Gives an opportunity to see if we have a better goal scorer. UTA.

Clean Sheet says...
9:32pm Fri 28 Sep 12

Bish May Turn wrote:
Just in case people are suffering short term memory loss, we are top of the Championship with the best goal difference, most chances created, best football being played by a country mile.No whole sales changes will be happening,not now or even if we hit a poor run,Dobbie for Macca tomorrow,crofts back on the bench,jobs a gooden.
Well said sir!

Cabin fever says...
9:41pm Fri 28 Sep 12

Personally I'd be interested to hear the thoughts of Vegas Seagull on this debate...

Think Dobbie could make a big impression tomorrow, his experience of the championship counting for a lot in games like this.

Bruno is quite a loss, but the strength in depth is there to compensate.

bruce beckett says...
9:58pm Fri 28 Sep 12

If this is correct, and it might be, Gus could be annoyed that the message has got out, Birmingham didn't need 24 hours notice.

This is true.

Here's his post:

Hola a todos, hello Seagulls!!!! Tomorrow i can't play but I hope to be for next game!!! (Sorry my english)hahaahahha!! I'm learning!!! Abrazos amigos!!! I enjoy with you!

hannover seagull says...
10:01pm Fri 28 Sep 12

fairweathersupporter wrote:
Good start and impressive stats do not negate the fact that most of the teams in this division are of a standard to compete with the others. This makes it a very competitive and enjoyable league to play in (unlike the premiership's league within a league, not that I'd say no…). Birmingham are among those who can compete and they have most of their defence out injured. I fully believe that we are equipped to challenge at the top. I am enjoying where we are and how we got there. But IF we lose or draw or fall (hopefully temporarily) from our perch, I will not suddenly think that the wheel has come off. On form etc, we should win comfortably. We are at home in front of another sell out crowd. But just because Brum lost 5-0 to a team we beat 5-1 and just because our hard work and good play sees us 'top of the league, we're top of the league', does not make us immune. Underestimating the opposition is dangerous and I can assure you that my mate Gus will not have done so.
P.S has Vegas changed his name ; )….
Yes back to HPR?

albionbloke says...
10:12pm Fri 28 Sep 12

Cabin fever wrote:
Personally I'd be interested to hear the thoughts of Vegas Seagull on this debate...

Think Dobbie could make a big impression tomorrow, his experience of the championship counting for a lot in games like this.

Bruno is quite a loss, but the strength in depth is there to compensate.
I wouldn't.

saraman says...
10:36pm Fri 28 Sep 12

Has anyone noticed that there are a record number of teams (8) in our league or any league in history that have the same initial, ie B? Brighton have thus far beaten two B's by a sizable score. It is written in the runes that tomorrow Brum will be our hattrick of B's defeats. By a big score I'm not sure but a defeat nonetheless. Goodnight all and enjoy the game tomorrow.

Cabin fever says...
8:59am Sat 29 Sep 12

albionbloke wrote:
Cabin fever wrote:
Personally I'd be interested to hear the thoughts of Vegas Seagull on this debate...

Think Dobbie could make a big impression tomorrow, his experience of the championship counting for a lot in games like this.

Bruno is quite a loss, but the strength in depth is there to compensate.
I wouldn't.
No, I wouldn't really. In fact, I stopped reading the guff he spouts about 10 days ago.

Hovite says...
9:36am Sat 29 Sep 12

It has been good to read everyone elses posts and thoughts, without anyone distracting from them in between.

Claude Back says...
2:37pm Sat 29 Sep 12

Hovite wrote:
It has been good to read everyone elses posts and thoughts, without anyone distracting from them in between.
Yes, well said.

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