Poyet feels Sparrow's frustration as loan window shuts (From The Argus)

Feel desperately sorry for Sparrow,at least he was one midfielder who was not afraid to shoot when the chance arose. Its a common theme players falling out of favour.I recall it started with Whing when he gave away tha penalty at Southampton,Poyet can be seen berating him when he came off,don't think he played for first team again,then Vincelot got sent off against Burnley and did not play again and then Sparrow got sent off twice and didn't play again.The only exceptions seem to be Barnes and Greer who are untouchable. What do others think,is there some credence in these facts.

Neville wrote:
Feel desperately sorry for Sparrow,at least he was one midfielder who was not afraid to shoot when the chance arose. Its a common theme players falling out of favour.I recall it started with Whing when he gave away tha penalty at Southampton,Poyet can be seen berating him when he came off,don't think he played for first team again,then Vincelot got sent off against Burnley and did not play again and then Sparrow got sent off twice and didn't play again.The only exceptions seem to be Barnes and Greer who are untouchable. What do others think,is there some credence in these facts.

I'm not sure, to be honest Neville. I don't think we will ever really know what goes on inside the football club, and why certain decisions are made.

But the fact is, we have so many more midfield options now that, for one reason or another, Poyet doesn't think Sparrow has a role to play.

I wouldn't have thought it would have been as clear cut as you suggest, but stranger things have happened.

Cue Spaz featuring on the subs bench tomorrow...

I agree with you Neville (I think Vincelot may have played beyond the Burnley game, but not much). The second sending off for Spaz in a few weeks last spring certainly seemed to be the final straw in his case.

I can accept that Sparrow isn't in Gus's long term plans - if the team is to improve, the personnel needs to change and some previous squad members will be left behind. That said, I don't think he's been well treated by the club. The model pro reference doesn't wash. I doubt that Spaz would reciprocate similar views about the manager!!

I agree with you Neville (I think Vincelot may have played beyond the Burnley game, but not much). The second sending off for Spaz in a few weeks last spring certainly seemed to be the final straw in his case.

I can accept that Sparrow isn't in Gus's long term plans - if the team is to improve, the personnel needs to change and some previous squad members will be left behind. That said, I don't think he's been well treated by the club. The model pro reference doesn't wash. I doubt that Spaz would reciprocate similar views about the manager!!

Neville wrote:
Feel desperately sorry for Sparrow,at least he was one midfielder who was not afraid to shoot when the chance arose. Its a common theme players falling out of favour.I recall it started with Whing when he gave away tha penalty at Southampton,Poyet can be seen berating him when he came off,don't think he played for first team again,then Vincelot got sent off against Burnley and did not play again and then Sparrow got sent off twice and didn't play again.The only exceptions seem to be Barnes and Greer who are untouchable. What do others think,is there some credence in these facts.

Sparrow was in good form before his sendings off and I think like you Neville, he was discarded too quickly by the manager. As far as Greer is concerned, I have a lot of time for him and I would stick with him currently. Barnes is clearly a big favourite with the manager and seems to have immunity from eviction. If Hoskins delivers - and I think he will - that is a new player effectively and then no matter how you shuffle the formation in midfied and upfront, I cannot see a deserved starting place for Barnes on recent form. Fascinating to see the lineup and bench tomorrow.

Dr Baldhead wrote:
I agree with you Neville (I think Vincelot may have played beyond the Burnley game, but not much). The second sending off for Spaz in a few weeks last spring certainly seemed to be the final straw in his case.

I can accept that Sparrow isn't in Gus's long term plans - if the team is to improve, the personnel needs to change and some previous squad members will be left behind. That said, I don't think he's been well treated by the club. The model pro reference doesn't wash. I doubt that Spaz would reciprocate similar views about the manager!!

In what way do you not think Spadge has been well treated by the club? He is way down the pecking order now so isn't going to get a game and he has at least been told that. I can't understand why some League One teams haven't come in for him - he would be exceptional.

Desperate to play ,but not at any cost it would seem !

wiseman of hove wrote:

Neville wrote:
Feel desperately sorry for Sparrow,at least he was one midfielder who was not afraid to shoot when the chance arose. Its a common theme players falling out of favour.I recall it started with Whing when he gave away tha penalty at Southampton,Poyet can be seen berating him when he came off,don't think he played for first team again,then Vincelot got sent off against Burnley and did not play again and then Sparrow got sent off twice and didn't play again.The only exceptions seem to be Barnes and Greer who are untouchable. What do others think,is there some credence in these facts.

Sparrow was in good form before his sendings off and I think like you Neville, he was discarded too quickly by the manager. As far as Greer is concerned, I have a lot of time for him and I would stick with him currently. Barnes is clearly a big favourite with the manager and seems to have immunity from eviction. If Hoskins delivers - and I think he will - that is a new player effectively and then no matter how you shuffle the formation in midfied and upfront, I cannot see a deserved starting place for Barnes on recent form. Fascinating to see the lineup and bench tomorrow.

I agree with both of you. Tough on Sparrow, but he just isn't going to get a game here. A good pro who deserves to be with someone. Also agree with Barnes being the Manager's favourite. I too would really welcome Hoskins in the starting line-up tomorrow. In my mind Hoskins & Dobbie are both better players than Ash and I would like to see them play alongside either Will and CMS or just alongside Will, if he isn't brave enough to start with all 4 of them. Either way, Barnes should not be in a starting role at present.

As much as we all agree that Barnes should be left out; I lay odds he is in the starting line up tomorrow again. Hoskins has to play as he is so much better than Barnes; but no doubt will be on the bench again. Still whatever team Gus puts out lets hope it is a winning one.

Regarding Sparrow and his loss of regular games, and whether or not the two red cards influenced Gus to bring that about, maybe they did but is that a bad thing?
I suspect that it was a combination of many things that brought about Sparrows demise and that the red cards were just part of the final decision.

For two seasons now we have been top heavy with mid-field players, it was inevitable that some would would lose their place to make room for others. At the end of this season the same thing will happen again, Harley for one.

Scnthorpe wanted Sparrow but didn't have the money to help pay his wages, I bet if they could have found half the costs he would have gone, did Sparrow offer to take a 50% wage cut so he he go, I guess not, and why should he.

Football is entertainment for us but for those within the game it's a job and a business and both have to be devoid of sentiment and handled with a pragmatic approach.
Scunthorpe can come back in january, a time when they can lose a couple of players and use their wages to pay Sparrow and none of us will give a hoot for the guys that lose their jobs because Sparrow will have found a new one.

.

seagulltess wrote:
As much as we all agree that Barnes should be left out; I lay odds he is in the starting line up tomorrow again. Hoskins has to play as he is so much better than Barnes; but no doubt will be on the bench again. Still whatever team Gus puts out lets hope it is a winning one.

I agree.
There is a good article in today's (Friday) Argus about Hoskins.
Poyet is quite extensively quoted in the article both about how he views Hosko and what he brings to the squad eg the ability to hold the ball.
The report says the club will probably be looking to bring in another striker/target man (someone with physical presence and aerial ability). Apparently signing such a player is still on the agenda for the January window. Poyet also says such a player is different to Hosko.
So it looks as if Poyet wants to increase his striking options. He is in fact quoted as saying "We are going to have plenty to choose from".
Reverting to this thread, I feel for Sparrow and hope something can be sorted out for him in January. I am pleased to see Poyet saying "...so we are going to try (and) help him as much as we can".

ballantrrae wrote:

seagulltess wrote:
As much as we all agree that Barnes should be left out; I lay odds he is in the starting line up tomorrow again. Hoskins has to play as he is so much better than Barnes; but no doubt will be on the bench again. Still whatever team Gus puts out lets hope it is a winning one.

I agree.
There is a good article in today's (Friday) Argus about Hoskins.
Poyet is quite extensively quoted in the article both about how he views Hosko and what he brings to the squad eg the ability to hold the ball.
The report says the club will probably be looking to bring in another striker/target man (someone with physical presence and aerial ability). Apparently signing such a player is still on the agenda for the January window. Poyet also says such a player is different to Hosko.
So it looks as if Poyet wants to increase his striking options. He is in fact quoted as saying "We are going to have plenty to choose from".
Reverting to this thread, I feel for Sparrow and hope something can be sorted out for him in January. I am pleased to see Poyet saying "...so we are going to try (and) help him as much as we can".

share thoughts about Sparrow, as we progress there will be casualties and some blood-letting as well.
As regards Hoskins, i have not had the opportunity to read said article. Is this an Argus 'exclusive' or from one of the press conferences?
I have defended Barnes but agree that it may be time to look at other options. BUT and it's a capital BUT, Hoskins is not a 'fit' for a replacement in what we know is going to be a variation on our overall theme, rather than a formation change. Whether Gus would drop CMS back into the Barnes role with Hoskins leading the line and also whehter this would actually work, remains to be (possibly but probably not) seen. Dobbie is also in the equation and either option would have to see a shift in emphasis, as Barnes does a lot of chasing etc (CMS in my opinion COULD fill this role but i don't think my mate Gus agrees...). So maybe Hoskins on for CMS after 70 minutes then.
Anyway... Hope Bolton give it a go. And if they do we'll beat them. UTA.

seagulltess wrote:
As much as we all agree that Barnes should be left out; I lay odds he is in the starting line up tomorrow again. Hoskins has to play as he is so much better than Barnes; but no doubt will be on the bench again. Still whatever team Gus puts out lets hope it is a winning one.

No, Tess, we don't all agree. There can't have been many issues more contentious on this site than AshleyBarnes; but some of us actually rate him as a player, and recognise his contribution. It seems Gus rates him as well. Hosko is a good player but has yet to prove he can handle this level and stay fit. Dobbie may be emerging but his performance at Derby was way below expectation in terms of alertness and pace.

BTW, on the subject of cards, we seem to be getting a lot less this season than we did last year.

I think w.e are on a roll at the moment. seven points from the next three games will see us right in the thick of it. Three points up at the campsite next week would be a wonderful early christmas present. I tend to agree with the hoskins in debate, his power and presence could be the missing link to the puzzle. Apparently next saturday we are being kept in the ground for ninety minutes after the game, lets hope the right result makes it a party

Regarding Sparrow's character, a friend of mine and his family live next to him in Hassocks, and by all accounts he's the typical cocky Billy Big Bllks...but more importantly, has in the past made no secret of the fact that he's playing out his contract for the money, and isn't bothered if he plays or not...Just thought I'd throw this in......Up The Seagulls!

Seagull over Brasil wrote:
Regarding Sparrow's character, a friend of mine and his family live next to him in Hassocks, and by all accounts he's the typical cocky Billy Big Bllks...but more importantly, has in the past made no secret of the fact that he's playing out his contract for the money, and isn't bothered if he plays or not...Just thought I'd throw this in......Up The Seagulls!

Sound like nice neighbor's to have

dave from bexill wrote:

Seagull over Brasil wrote:
Regarding Sparrow's character, a friend of mine and his family live next to him in Hassocks, and by all accounts he's the typical cocky Billy Big Bllks...but more importantly, has in the past made no secret of the fact that he's playing out his contract for the money, and isn't bothered if he plays or not...Just thought I'd throw this in......Up The Seagulls!

Sound like nice neighbor's to have

When they moved in, they asked him (in the morning) if it was ok for the removal van to park in front of his house whilst unloading..he said no, as he was expecting guests and would need the space for parking - they arrived in the evening. Helpful, welcoming guy, eh?

I can think of six players that will have the same conversation that Sparrow and Vincelot had with Gus. Last year and this were never meant to be the years that we challenged for promotion, I am a feeling pretty sure that next year is, hence something of a clearout.
Two years of consolidation followed by a real run at the prem div.

Seagull over Brasil wrote:
Regarding Sparrow's character, a friend of mine and his family live next to him in Hassocks, and by all accounts he's the typical cocky Billy Big Bllks...but more importantly, has in the past made no secret of the fact that he's playing out his contract for the money, and isn't bothered if he plays or not...Just thought I'd throw this in......Up The Seagulls!

Really, I live a few doors along and he's always happy to say hello to me unlike his neighbours.

Are your friends the ones who think its ok to leave a pushchair out the front of their house all night any chance, if so I know which neighbour I prefer.

Hmm, that's rather snidey... just relaying what I was told. I'm sure he's a really top bloke really etc.

Seagull over Brasil wrote:
Hmm, that's rather snidey... just relaying what I was told. I'm sure he's a really top bloke really etc.

By the way, can you get me his autograph then, I collect them...worth a couple of quid I'd say

Why didnt we sign Barnett from Peterbourough ,i see he has gone to Ipswich.Might have been our missing link,we certainly do not have anybody who can head the ball,also we have a lack of height up front so all crosses are wasted.

pjwilk wrote:
Why didnt we sign Barnett from Peterbourough ,i see he has gone to Ipswich.Might have been our missing link,we certainly do not have anybody who can head the ball,also we have a lack of height up front so all crosses are wasted.

It's certain that the Albion were well aware of Barnett during his time up the road at Crawley, but obviously didn't rate him any higher than those already at the club.