Is Dale Stephens the new Brian Horton?

[hans kraay fan club]

Have every respect for Nobby and consider him better than Stephens at present.
.

I disagree with that. I think Horton struggles with the pace a little these days.

 

[TSB]

I'm genuinely excited at seeing a midfield three of Ince, Crofts and Stephens next season.

Can't see there's enough passing ability in that midfield. Maybe against the better teams, but Ince doesn't do it for me at DM in games where we have possession. Yet.

 

[Grombleton]

Can't see there's enough passing ability in that midfield. Maybe against the better teams, but Ince doesn't do it for me at DM in games where we have possession. Yet.

I think 'yet' is the key part - he's still raw in some areas and it is his first year in the senior squad. I may revise my initial midfield and see two of those with the third on the bench, with Orlandi, Kemy or JFC in their place. Or a new midfielder.

 

[PILTDOWN MAN]

He'd better practice penalty taking then.

Not sure nobby did much of that

 

[TSB]

I think 'yet' is the key part - he's still raw in some areas and it is his first year in the senior squad. I may revise my initial midfield and see two of those with the third on the bench, with Orlandi, Kemy or JFC in their place. Or a new midfielder.

I agree. He has all the attributes to be an excellent DM currently, except for vision and that will take years to perfect. High hopes for the boy. Ditto Jake.
I guess it depends which league we're in. Probably a new signing needed if top level and, much as I love Crofts, he may need upgrading also as probably a little too slow.

 

[saafend_seagull]

I agree. He has all the attributes to be an excellent DM currently, except for vision and that will take years to perfect. High hopes for the boy. Ditto Jake.
I guess it depends which league we're in. Probably a new signing needed if top level and, much as I love Crofts, he may need upgrading also as probably a little too slow.

Vision?

That's his best attribute.

 

[The Mole]

Does he go drinking in the Hesketh?

 

[dejavuatbtn]

There was one moment when he was running with the ball on saturday when he reminded me of one of our greats - and yes, I think that may have been Horton. Trouble is, he is going to to have a lot more 'moments" during a game before he could possibly be classed as that good. He shows some potential.

 

[Blackadder]

Many people's favourite ever Albion player? No pressure then, Dale!!!

Yep, he was mine. Over Wardy and Lawro.

Dale is a good player but, at the moment, nah!

 

[fat old seagull]

Has the promise I'm pleased to say, but too early to compare the two. Nobby was our engine for years, but we can live in hope.

 

[bobby baxter]

On yesterday's first half evidence especially, I reckon so.

Hope so, ask me again after two seasons.

 

[Marshy]

Comfortably our Best centre midfielder

 

[Goldstone Rapper]

Surely you are not suggesting that Nobby wasnt a box to box midfielder. I asked the same question on here 3 or 4 weekd ago and was slated. Not sure he will emulate Nobby but he will be the man we build our midfield around next season and he will be a big player for us

I missed that discussion. However, it's fair to say that Horton became less of an attacking force in Albion's First Division days. He had a more defensive role to play, particularly in 1980/81.

 

[Bakero]

Vision?

That's his best attribute.

Ince?

 

[Simster]

I wonder whether Stephens will end up being sold to Luton Town for £3.50 like most of our other good players used to be?

 

[Blue3]

He's only been here five mins

 

[golddene]

Voted no but the option should have had a not yet choice as when Nobby came he was already the finished article and his midfield dominance was there for all to see admittedly it was in the old third tier of the football league but he was head and shoulders above any other midfielder in that league winning balls with tackles or cutting out passes whenever they were within yards of where he was on the pitch with instant control he was one amazing player, Dale is very good and i hope and believe he can emulate Nobby but he is not there just yet but if he was to be as dominant as Nobby we will struggle to hold on to him.

 

[wunt be druv]

Not yet but showing signs of getting there,another season improving and he won't be far off.

 

[One Teddy Maybank]

Surely you are not suggesting that Nobby wasnt a box to box midfielder. I asked the same question on here 3 or 4 weekd ago and was slated. Not sure he will emulate Nobby but he will be the man we build our midfield around next season and he will be a big player for us

I must have missed that thread, because no way was he a box to box player. I would suggest the nearest we had to that type of player was Paul Clark.

 

[maltaseagull]

The game has changed a lot since Nobby would storm through the midfield with the ball at his feet. I don't think we will ever see one like him again. (Sadly)