Craig Mackail - Smith - The Dilemma

[brakespear]

He didn't ask to get loaned out, that's absolute bollocks.

I thought Gus said last night that Hoskins wanted to go to Sheff Utd.

 

[terryberry1]

If he were to leave us (which I don't think will happen) I have already made up my mind, I'm going LARGE on him being the top scorer, in whatever division he's in.

 

[terryberry1]

I thought Gus said last night that Hoskins wanted to go to Sheff Utd.

No, said he wanted to play games, i guess it does mean the same thing

 

[seagullsovergrimsby]

Did he really ask to leave? That wasn't my impression.

Gus stated in an interview that Hosky didn't want to bide his time on the sidelines waiting for his chance to get back in the starting 11. Seems strange that he was allowed to go on loan to Sheffield United until the end of the season as his first pro club was Rotherham so he would know the area well.

 

[Pinkie Brown]

Been mentioned earlier in the thread & I agree entirely. A striker who could (?) be available in the Summer seeing as Reading have been promoted is Jason Roberts? We tried to sign him before apparently, but he chose Reading.

He's niggly, he's a wind up merchant, he puts himself about & annoys the life out of defenders & opposition fans alike BUT: He could (?) be the perfect strike partner for CMS? Its been shown CMS struggles playing the lone roll. For him to prosper he needs somebody to play off. I don't think Sam Vokes is the answer sadly.

Suggesting Roberts won't be universally popular but wtf - He may be an annoying twat at times as an opponent, but if he does a job for BHA, who gives a shit?

 

[Rugrat]

Suggesting Roberts won't be universally popular but wtf - He may be an annoying twat at times as an opponent, but if he does a job for BHA, who gives a shit?

But he plays for Reading?

 

[Stat Brother]

What's up Tel?

I think CMS is an excellent striker, who has been hung out to dry by Gus.

In their pre signing meetings, did Gus map out his plans for the future to be:-
'We're going to play 2 defence minded midfielders, 1 winger, and have you at least 20 yards from any other team mate, with only 2 giant centre backs for company'.

If he did and CMS still signed then, he must love his Audi.

 

[essbee]

Pinkie

What makes you think Reading will sell Roberts?

 

[BALDISBEAUTIFUL]

If you listen to Gus's interviews all your questions have been answered. Jason Roberts is he too old??

 

[upthealbion1970]

Pinkie

What makes you think Reading will sell Roberts?

I thought he was on loan at reading

 

[Uncle Spielberg]

If you listen to Gus's interviews all your questions have been answered. Jason Roberts is he too old??

Not too old to play some decent football though apparently.

 

[Seasidesage]

Get another striker in to take some of the pressure off him, both in terms of scoring goals and doing the physical side of things. CMS is not a hold-up player, he hasn't got exceptionally good control and he's not particularly strong. On the rare occasions we actually do play the ball forwards and towards the box, he's usually isolated and in a position that doesn't suit his strengths. If we had Jason Roberts or someone like that who could keep the ball in and around the other team's box I think any flicks or passes to CMS would see him threaten the scorebag more than he seems to now. I don't actually think we need to sign a striker this summer that will guarantee us 20 goals as many people seem to be suggesting, he just needs to be the right man to partner Craig. Even if he only contributes 8 goals himself, he could bring an extra 10 out of CMS.

Totally agree with this. Thought it was noticeable last night that when Watford pressed us and we were forced to go a bit longer that CMS looked much more of a threat. He should've done better with the chance where he shot near post and only a last ditch tackle stopped him midway through the half. He ran the channels very well and looked a handfull all of the 1st half. Conversely, I thought he faded 2nd half as our passing improved and Vincente came into it. You cannot fault the guys commitment or his running, but he is no target man and unless we play 2 up front I fear he will always struggle to score many here.

I said to the guys that I go with last week that if Jason Roberts had played for us we would've beaten Reading and someone of that type is what we need if we are going to challenge next season, playing the way we do now. Gus needs to play to his strengths more or work on his style if he thinks he can to make him more effective for us. For me I cannot see how he can play in a 3 with two wingers and contribute enough...

 

[Vegas Seagull]

Teach him to head the ball & kick with his left peg. Simple

 

[Muzzy]

Just maybe Gus telling all and sundry that he was going to build the whole team around Craig didn't help in the long run... Possibly Craig (in the back of his mind) thought that he would be a shoe in every week and rested on his laurels a bit, therefore creating his own loss of form and has since struggled to regain his confidence and composure??

I don't think he will ever be a success as a lone striker and Gus has to rectify this or let him go IMHO!

 

[durrington gull]

In theory, great, but aren't you a bit alarmed by the fact he seems to have done bugger all at Sheffield United?

This. What has he actually done at Sheff Utd - Nothing!, should sell in the summer imo

 

[oldalbiongirl]

I LOVE Craig. I want him to stay and succeed at the club. He started off every bit the £ 3.2m stiker but lost his way quickly. Whether this is down to our style of play, team selections, management or lack of ability at this level I am not sure but I want him to be here next season. I feel it is unfinished business and he has not fulfilled his potential yet.

No player that finds the Onion Bag 36 times in a season is short of ability, no matter what level it is.

I have found however that more and more he seems to make up for lack of goals and not playing very well with running EVEN FASTER every match. Sometimes he runs so FAST to EVERY ball , he loses it or miscontrols it when a more less intense sytle of play may be beneficial to him.

Craig's game seems to be based on running VERY VERY fast now and even FASTER than the start of the season.

I am sure there are more facets to his game but that's all I see nowadays.

Can Gus please give Craig some Valium before he starts a game to make him chill out a bit as he seems to be like a Turkey on Xmas Eve most games.

I feel sorry for Mrs Mackail-Smith as if he is like this in the bedroom it is likely to be a very short episode each time.

What are your solutions to make Craig thrive next season with us ?

He needs an older woman to teach him to slow down a little.

Seriously I'd be gutted to see him go. Think that we really havn't got the best out of him

 

[elbowpatches]

I love Hoskins, think he is a quality player and that goal against Cardiff at the start of the season (I think it was Cardiff? correct me if I am wrong) was a top goal. I don't think he is getting the playing time he expected at Sheffield United though...but I would love to see him with us next season and performing to the ability everyone knows he is capable of.

Yes it was and what I thought would be the start of a great partnership, cms and hoskins linked up really well when he came on
But then he got injured again! Having previously been at Rotherham (?) I suspect he wouldn't mind staying at Sheffield utd but I he this has been about getting him match fit. Fans I know of brizzle rovers rate him highly and I think he c old be a great partner with cms - it just needs time!

 

[Mutts Nuts]

I LOVE Craig. I want him to stay and succeed at the club. He started off every bit the £ 3.2m stiker but lost his way quickly. Whether this is down to our style of play, team selections, management or lack of ability at this level I am not sure but I want him to be here next season. I feel it is unfinished business and he has not fulfilled his potential yet.

No player that finds the Onion Bag 36 times in a season is short of ability, no matter what level it is.

I have found however that more and more he seems to make up for lack of goals and not playing very well with running EVEN FASTER every match. Sometimes he runs so FAST to EVERY ball , he loses it or miscontrols it when a more less intense sytle of play may be beneficial to him.

Craig's game seems to be based on running VERY VERY fast now and even FASTER than the start of the season.

I am sure there are more facets to his game but that's all I see nowadays.

Can Gus please give Craig some Valium before he starts a game to make him chill out a bit as he seems to be like a Turkey on Xmas Eve most games.

I feel sorry for Mrs Mackail-Smith as if he is like this in the bedroom it is likely to be a very short episode each time.

What are your solutions to make Craig thrive next season with us ?

No dilema, he needs to go,1/ for the good of his carreer 2/to enable us to purchase a striker that fits in to Gus football

 

[Foolg]

Get another striker in to take some of the pressure off him, both in terms of scoring goals and doing the physical side of things. CMS is not a hold-up player, he hasn't got exceptionally good control and he's not particularly strong. On the rare occasions we actually do play the ball forwards and towards the box, he's usually isolated and in a position that doesn't suit his strengths. If we had Jason Roberts or someone like that who could keep the ball in and around the other team's box I think any flicks or passes to CMS would see him threaten the scorebag more than he seems to now. I don't actually think we need to sign a striker this summer that will guarantee us 20 goals as many people seem to be suggesting, he just needs to be the right man to partner Craig. Even if he only contributes 8 goals himself, he could bring an extra 10 out of CMS.

Lukas Jutkievitz would have been ideal. Strong, good with his feet, and chips in a few goals. Simply an upgrade from Vokes.

Someone like Ricardo Fuller, Kevin Davies, dare I say it Emile Heskey!

 

[Big G]

If he were to leave us (which I don't think will happen) I have already made up my mind, I'm going LARGE on him being the top scorer, in whatever division he's in.

I'm with you on that. You just fvcking know that will be the case!