Ryan Harley

[Rugrat]

Contrary to lots of views here I don't think he has got it. Same problems as Dicker in that he lacks a bit of beef, too easily shoved off the ball, can't tackle for toffee misplaces too many passes (not as many as Dicker) and zero pace. His one or two good touches a game don't compensate for the 95% of time he's not involved. Can't see how more game time gets rid of those deficiencies

Just a view

 

[Rugrat]

Gus doesn't seem too worried about getting other players 'in the shop window' - if he doesn't rate them, he leaves them out & makes it clear they are not in his plans rather than jeopardising results.

The difference maybe is that the cost of Vincelot and Sparrow is a fair bit less (if speculation is correct) and Harley still has 2 years on his contract so the need to showcase would be greater.

 

[Rich Suvner]

I don't get what he brings to the team. He was signed as a creative player. But I cannot think of any example of him running at a defence, creating space for others. Most of his passes are simple 5 yard balls sideways. And rarely do they achieve much that is creative or injects any thrust to our play. I simply don't see how Harley can be considered an attacking midfielder of any note.

 

[1901Phil]

As Bruno spends so much time in the opponents half why not play him in midfield and put Indigo at right back

 

[Rugrat]

Most of his passes are simple 5 yard balls sideways.

Yes, he treats the ball too much like a hot potato, often giving straight back (a criticism I'd aim at Dicker too) and we need much more creativity and assurance on the ball to be able to hold it, look up and figure it out, maybe run with it too. He is capable of making the defence splitting pass but it's rare to see.

 

[Turkey]

I maintain what I've always said on here about him. Will be better in a better team and I think we possibly have that now.

 

[stss30]

I personally think he is better than Dicker. More creative and plays at a higher tempo.

 

[BHAFC_AMEX]

I don't get what he brings to the team. He was signed as a creative player. But I cannot think of any example of him running at a defence, creating space for others. Most of his passes are simple 5 yard balls sideways. And rarely do they achieve much that is creative or injects any thrust to our play. I simply don't see how Harley can be considered an attacking midfielder of any note.

Errr, yesterday When he ran through the defence and nearly scored the header?

If anyone is in that position through on goal you would expect them to score. However, Harley is a midfielder and doesn't specialise in heading (like a striker would). As for his other chance, it really was an awkward bounce and it was either going miles over or straight into a player which it did. I thought he played well yesterday, didn't give the ball away and his first touch is quality. You can see he has an eye for a pass just by watching the warm up.

 

[Albion Dan]

Its disgusting that a decent am like Sparrow is cast out and Harley, who has still shown NOTHING, is getting game time. That header yesterday was shockingly poor.

 

[BHAFC_AMEX]

Its disgusting that a decent am like Sparrow is cast out and Harley, who has still shown NOTHING, is getting game time. That header yesterday was shockingly poor.

How many midfielders do you know who can head the ball well in front of goal?

 

[severnside gull]

Errr, yesterday When he ran through the defence and nearly scored the header?

If anyone is in that position through on goal you would expect them to score. However, Harley is a midfielder and doesn't specialise in heading (like a striker would). As for his other chance, it really was an awkward bounce and it was either going miles over or straight into a player which it did. I thought he played well yesterday, didn't give the ball away and his first touch is quality. You can see he has an eye for a pass just by watching the warm up.

Reasonable summary. He has taken time to settle and I suspect part of that is about his attitude but he clearly has the talent and he has shown his application previously (worked his whatsits off week in and week out at Exeter where he was the star man). We will see more of him and better this season.
I think he features in Gus's plans rather than being "showcased". It's a squad game.

 

[jackanada]

Harley was good yesterday. Made a point of mainly watching him when he came on. Missed a sitter which people are giving him grief for - not his fault he didn't get much game time in our previous 'sitter-missing' matches and had to fill his quota against barnsley.

 

[Rich Suvner]

Errr, yesterday When he ran through the defence and nearly scored the header?

I'm talking about running at a defence with a ball at his feet.

 

[chucky1973]

He had a decent cameo yesterday, decent squad player and I for one am happy he is available.

 

[Mackenzie]

Doesn't he play the same position as Gus used to (attacking midfielder). Perhaps Gus sees him as his personal project or something?

That said, I'll support him when he's in the stripes and hope he eventually comes good.

 

[Hungry Joe]

Played well yesterday. Great run for the header and a couple of excellent through balls. He's one of the few players, along with Vicente and JFC, who can play those kind of killer balls through/over the last line. More from him to come this season.

 

[Skaville]

Does anyone else think the only reason he gets game time is to put him in the shop window ?

Do you sit in H Block? Heard someone saying this and moaning every time Harley touched the ball. Some people are unbelievable.

 

[Acker79]

Our midfield options are:

Crofts
Sparrow
Vicente
Harley
Dicker
Vincelot
Bridcutt


Crofts, Bridcutt, Dicker start, Vicente is injured. This leaves us with:


Sparrow
Harley
Vincelot

Of the three, Sparrow is perhaps considered a disciplinary risk (or perhaps he hasn't responded as well to the news Poyet doesn't see him in his plans). I think the red card in his first match back from a suspension for a red card really cost him, leaving Harley and Vincelot, and I think Vincelot is seen more as a utility defensive player.

I think Harley is there because of lack of options.

With a fit vicente, lualua, buckley, a potential new striker, I don't see Harley staying in the match day squad.

 

[Icy Gull]

Could have scored two yesterday - should have scored at least one.

It was a great run to meet Bruno's delightful lofted pass with his head, but you have to be getting those on target.

He needs game time, there were a couple of times yesterday he could have played a killer ball but chose the simple option, presumably because if he got it wrong he'd get shit from the crowd. Things like that have to play on a player's mind.. He is a creative midfielder but he just hasn't had enough time on the pitch when we are in form. I reckon he'll come good once he gets a starting place due to injuries or suspensions. This time he should be ready having had a few runouts as sub.

I think we can take it that Harley is better than some of the more vociferous NSC managers would like us to believe. Swansea and Gus didn't buy him because he had a nice hairstyle.

 

[Hungry Joe]

I think Harley is there because of lack of options.

With a fit vicente, lualua, buckley, a potential new striker, I don't see Harley staying in the match day squad.

I disagree. I think Gus sees Harley as the other natural attacking play-maker with Vicente. A fully fit Vicente will be first choice but that still leaves room for Harley plus two wingers on the bench now we're back to seven subs.