The phoney war is over....now for the real thing

[Icy Gull]

I like the idea of a 4-4-1-1 with Lee's passing vision being the link between Reid and Molango.

That is the first complimentary remark about Lee, as an Albion player, that I've seen on NSC in the whole time he's been here.

Here's hoping you are spot on and basking in the reflected glory of a Lee inspired win or draw at 4.45 on Sat.

 

[perseus]

If Gary Hart drops back any further he will play the other team onside.

 

[London Irish]

Icy Gull, having seen a fair bit now of Lee in the pre-seasons, I can see why he frustrates many on NSC. He looks a confidence player and a few mistakes can get on top of him. He is not that robust and, as such, really doesn't fit into the hard-tackling midfields that McGhee has constructed. In some ways he has the same problems as Piercy, both these former Spurs look a little too artistic for their own good at times and can drift out of games.

But the annoying thing about the NSC treatment of him is, and it's the same as the perenniel Oatway discussion, the refusal of people to admit that Lee does have good qualities and strengths. He looks to have a better range of passing than most of our squad. He also has the confidence to have a dig if he's 25/30 yards out. He has had a promising pre-season and has responded well to the 3-month guillotine hanging over him. That his name is the frame for Saturday is a good effort from him.

Many people on NSC fall into the trap of being too absolute in their opinions of players. I can't help feeling that if Lee is picked on Saturday, there will be many on here who will want him to have a bad game because they have become so associated with slagging him off. Reagrdless of the consequences that may have for the Albion on Saturday.

NSC people should always leave open the possibility that players may prove them wrong. Don't reject a players' strengths out of hand even if you think the weaknesses are overriding.

I find myself in this position with Currie. I'm not convinced he has earned a contract, but if he is going to get one, then McGhee must have seen something that I missed, which is more than likely. My judgment was that the passing and crossing skills he provides on the wide right I think could be provided by Piercy playing in that position.

But although I think his lack of pace and movement for a wide player is telling, if Currie is picked on Saturday, I hope his strengths come to the fore, that he grabs the opportunity to become a sudden Albion hero at the Madjet - and proves me totally wrong.

 

[dougdeep]

Well said.There are too many snipers and whingers on here,give the bloke a chance.

 

[Yorkie]

Well said.There are too many snipers and whingers on here,give the bloke a chance.

I agree with LI and this comment

 

[Telscombe Seagull]

i'll second that, how you can form a dislike after one game is beyond me. did we all go off the team when we lost 12 on the bounce? NO because they wear the stripes which means we should be behind whichever player the manager decides to pick.

 

[perseus]

I do not go for this "confidence" lark at all. If the player (I don't know about David Lee) has the technique and skills to pass the ball, think before he passes (a skill Charlie Oatway seems to lack, but it can be learned) he should be OK.

In short the Holland sides of past were strong on technique, but Liverpool won everything in that era, so technique is not everything.

I have always said, there is not such think as a creative midfielder, it is technique, athleticism and brain power, and practice.

Flair, confidence and temperament are not worth a candle.

Take this with a pinch of salt (I don't think I have explained what I meant) but the gist is ....

hell we are going to miss Chippy in the opening matches.