[Albion] Why has Shane Duffy's return gone so well?

[maresfield seagull]

BW had a great season, deserving of his England call up.

Arteta screwed up in that EPL opener with a straight forward 2 CB’s, both lacking physicality.

Indeed Well merited
The lack of others of this parish getting the call has already been well discussed

Basket case of a club currently , are the Arse
BW will rise to the level needed though Unless I’m very much mistaken
Badly advised in his choice of destination though
As I stated elsewhere , just one of the many regarding that issue

 

[Iford Albion]

Shane has turned a corner and found more maturity, balance and direction in his life. Potter and the squad are providing him with positive support. I am chuffed for him and hope he carries on delivering. Fantastic to see him do this. He has been immense in the opening games. When he scored on Saturday I had a tear in my eye. Well done Shane.

And what a player to have in the squad when you need a rock at the back. I can see veltman coming into the current back 3 but more likely to be wide in a 5. I wouldn't put BDB in for shane. ATM Webster and Dunk are just mopping up around him and are free to make roving runs into the opposition half. Not pure potterball but it is really working well. No strikers are going to be thinking they are going to have an easy game against our current back 3. And all of them can score from set pieces. They will get 10 plus goals between them this season. And plenty of clean sheets with biss sitting in front of them and Sanchez behind them.

 

[Sheebo]

Shane was always fully functional on the pitch in the Dunk-Duffy combo, even while he was a complete social media car-crash off the pitch. Shane Duffy is who he his, manager has to er, MANAGE that. His partnership with Lewis Dunk was just casually tossed aside like it didn't matter, by a rookie manager completely out of his depth. Arguably cost the club a few league places = a couple of million quid last season.

Same with Andone. If Potter wasn't so super-keen to get rid of the player, he'd have an oven-ready replacement for an injured Maupay. Probably a better option also. Then we'd have an equally gormless 'Why has Florin Andone's return gone so well?' thread. Potter doesn't seem to relish having players with strong personalites around the club. Or maybe that's one for next term of his EPL Management For Dummies course

A rookie manager out of his depth?! Really……….? This is the first ridiculous anti Potter post I’ve read this season. I’m literally not sure what more he could have done apart from the formation and personnel first half v Burnley… Heaven help us when we lose a game next! Are you still Potter out?!

 

[herecomesaregular]

Duffy hasn't changed one little bit, it's Potterball that's changed. Dunk'n'Duffy is exactly as effective as it ever was. And now with added Webster! And Sanchez behind them! It's an enviable combination that Potter's lucked into, and one that he casually tosses aside at his peril before seeing how far it can take us

My understanding is that Potter pushed for us to sign Webster and it was Potter who decided that Sanchez was good enough to take the #1 jersey off Ryan (few fans saw that coming?). How exactly is this "lucked into"?!

I had many doubts over Potter but he has really won me over (particularly with this recent beard and black top combo ).

Now he appears to have adapted the defense to bring out the best in Duffy alongside his team mates, surely something to celebrate? And commendable management.

You do really come out with some strange comments nowadays that in years gone by I wouldn't attribute to you. Almost like you've "transitioned"...... into a 14yo attention seeking girl. Or you're now just a wind up merchant but a tiresome one at that.

 

[Stat Brother]

My understanding is that Potter pushed for us to sign Webster and it was Potter who decided that Sanchez was good enough to take the #1 jersey off Ryan (few fans saw that coming?). How exactly is this "lucked into"?!

I had many doubts over Potter but he has really won me over (particularly with this recent beard and black top combo ).

Now he appears to have adapted the defense to bring out the best in Duffy alongside his team mates, surely something to celebrate? And commendable management.

You do really come out with some strange comments nowadays that in years gone by I wouldn't attribute to you. Almost like you've "transitioned"...... into a 14yo attention seeking girl. Or you're now just a wind up merchant but a tiresome one at that.

Hmmmm, there's a little bit of history being rewritten already.

Do you think Duffy would be starting if BDB wasn't injured and Veltman got pinged?

Of course he wouldn't.


As previously said it speaks well of the character of all involved that this is working, so Duffy and Potter can revel in that.

But it most definitely isnt working out of design or through GPotts choosing.

 

[Tyrone Biggums]

When Veltman AND BDB are both fit it will be interesting to see if Duffy still gets a start - I don't think he will - but we shall see.

Webster looked pretty comfortable on the ball and seemed to be making the most of his skills going on runs far further up the pitch than he normally gets the chance too.

We haven't seen a lot of that part of his game since he's arrived.

Would seem with Duffy in the middle it's allowed him to get more involved.

 

[Garry Nelson's Left Foot]

When Veltman AND BDB are both fit it will be interesting to see if Duffy still gets a start - I don't think he will - but we shall see.

I think Veltman starts ahead of Duffy, but Duffy ahead of Burn.

 

[Tom Hark Preston Park]

Hmmmm, there's a little bit of history being rewritten already.

Do you think Duffy would be starting if BDB wasn't injured and Veltman got pinged?

Of course he wouldn't.


As previously said it speaks well of the character of all involved that this is working, so Duffy and Potter can revel in that.

But it most definitely isnt working out of design or through GPotts choosing.

This. That's the exact same point I was trying to make. Duffy was only drafted into the starting line-up through necessity. And, surprise, surprise, he's IMMENSE. Shirt is Shane's to lose now shirley

 

[Swansman]

The question was asked in an earlier post, what on earth did Celtic do to Shane Duffy last season?

As l now understand it, and as the player had admitted himself, it wasn't what Celtic did to Shame Duffy, but what Shane Duffy did to Shane Duffy, that was the major reason for things going terribly amiss last season.

At a low spot in his personal life, the loss of his father, terrible self confidence all playing their part

It was probably a combination of things. Duffy was clearly not at his best, probably mainly because of things outside the pitch. I think if you'd ask him, he wouldnt put all the blame on Celtic.

At the same time... Celtic had Neil Lennon as their manager. He is not a good manager. He is utter garbage, as is or was the whole club. When they loaned Olivier Ntcham to Marseille in January, the new Marseille staff (they had to get a new one since Villalobos or Villas-Boas or whatever the **** his name is resigned over signing some shite from Celtic) were shocked by how poorly trained he was.

Its ridiculous to see some Celtic fans blaming Duffy for their problems when in reality barely a single player performed at the desired level, their manager was a muppet and their board knew **** all to handle it. While Duffy had a poor season, its very obvious that the problems were a lot bigger than that.

 

[Springal]

This. That's the exact same point I was trying to make. Duffy was only drafted into the starting line-up through necessity. And, surprise, surprise, he's IMMENSE. Shirt is Shane's to lose now shirley

He did make 19 appearances in Potters first season...

 

[Guinness Boy]

I think Veltman starts ahead of Duffy, but Duffy ahead of Burn.

I think it's quite possible that Duffy could play in a three with Veltman at RWB.

Against Getafe we experimented with Veltman in the White role and Mwepu at RWB and it was an unmitigated disaster. They ripped us to bits down our right and scored a soft headed goal. Duffy only got a few minutes.

Then not having JV available forced Potter into a rethink that has worked out nicely. Yes, against Burnley, where you need a Duffy, and Watford who look poor, but we still executed really, really well.

I've said it before and I'll say it again, having two binary camps in the fans with regards to the coach is self destructive. Now we already have people on this thread who won't recognise that Duffy was the only option left, rather than a brilliant draft by Potter, but equally people who won't recognise how well he played the cards he was dealt, to get two results we wouldn't have got last season.

You've got to be free to both criticise and praise where due.

 

[Simster]

My understanding is that Potter pushed for us to sign Webster and it was Potter who decided that Sanchez was good enough to take the #1 jersey off Ryan (few fans saw that coming?). How exactly is this "lucked into"?!

I had many doubts over Potter but he has really won me over (particularly with this recent beard and black top combo ).

Now he appears to have adapted the defense to bring out the best in Duffy alongside his team mates, surely something to celebrate? And commendable management.

You do really come out with some strange comments nowadays that in years gone by I wouldn't attribute to you. Almost like you've "transitioned"...... into a 14yo attention seeking girl. Or you're now just a wind up merchant but a tiresome one at that.

Very much this.

Wind your neck in THPP, you've gone from someone who wasn't a sheep and had a healthy propensity to think outside the box to a tedious bell-end in about 12 months. Why? You ok hun?

 

[Neville's Breakfast]

Hmmmm, there's a little bit of history being rewritten already.

Do you think Duffy would be starting if BDB wasn't injured and Veltman got pinged?

Of course he wouldn't.


As previously said it speaks well of the character of all involved that this is working, so Duffy and Potter can revel in that.

But it most definitely isnt working out of design or through GPotts choosing.

I think it unlikely that Potter was unaware of the benefits Duffy could bring to the team if required. The player wasn’t sold despite calls to do so from a lot of the fanbase. This may not be the original first choice defence but it is one of the options. That’s management.

 

[Tom Hark Preston Park]

Very much this.

Wind your neck in THPP, you've gone from someone who wasn't a sheep and had a healthy propensity to think outside the box to a tedious bell-end in about 12 months. Why? You ok hun?

Just saying my piece, in my own way, same as always, same as everybody else does. Nothing's changed in that respect, other than it now appears to be highly inflammatory to suggest, for example, that the emperor isn't wearing any clothes. But carry on with the personal attacks, I do know how much NSC loves a little pile-on

 

[Swansman]

Hmmmm, there's a little bit of history being rewritten already.

Do you think Duffy would be starting if BDB wasn't injured and Veltman got pinged?

Of course he wouldn't.


As previously said it speaks well of the character of all involved that this is working, so Duffy and Potter can revel in that.

But it most definitely isnt working out of design or through GPotts choosing.

This. That's the exact same point I was trying to make. Duffy was only drafted into the starting line-up through necessity. And, surprise, surprise, he's IMMENSE. Shirt is Shane's to lose now shirley

What a bunch of horseshit. As usual from the two of you.

Plenty of people said Östigård should be starting this season with White leaving. GP picked Duffy instead.
Plenty of people said the club will sign a new CB to replace White. GP picked Duffy instead.
Plenty of people said GP will start with a two men central defense of Webster & Dunk. GP picked Duffy instead.

One of you are a weathercock always changing opinions based on what gives you the possibility to moan about something. The other one of you is in a permanent state of fear and confusion.

How to be a winner: to appreciate good stuff, to see positives, to appreciate hard work & cleverness, to like more things than you dislike. How to be a loser: to moan your days away.

THPP... I urge you to try something else. Moaning about TB investing in the academy. Moaning about Chris Hughton year out year in (until he was gone, when he was suddenly the best thing that ever happened so you could moan about him being gone), moaning about TBs lack of investment in the squad, moan about every new player, moan about GP, moan about whoever will replace him (at which time I suppose GP will be the best thing that ever happened so that you can moan about his departure). Maybe try to like things?

Anyway I'll do what is probably the best for all of us from an annoyance perspective and just ignore you guys. Kind of like I would have if I went to a nice party with happy people and free beer and there's two suckers sitting in a corner complaining about the lack of cognac - I wouldnt understand why they could be unhappy because I dont know how to do that in that situation, and they wouldnt understand how I could be happy because they have no idea how to do that.

And yeah I know I'll get the "I've loved this team for x years and blah blah blah". Same thing TSB (last seen logging on to celebrate Palace winning goal in the spring) said. It appears that in the case of some fans that the club-"supporter" relation is more out of necessity than design. Tony Bloom is God. Graham Potter is king. The players are soldiers. And you are the jesters hanging around the castle because you have no other place to go.

 

[Simster]

Just saying my piece, in my own way, same as always, same as everybody else does. Nothing's changed in that respect, other than it now appears to be highly inflammatory to suggest, for example, that the emperor isn't wearing any clothes. But carry on with the personal attacks, I do know how much NSC loves a little pile-on

But where your "piece" used to be backed up with facts (your opinion of Ashley Barnes, for example), now they are just pure drivel driven by some pointless agenda that has no basis in fact.

Your bullshit over Duffy, where you seem to suggest Potter booted him because he's a strong personality is case in point. You ignore that he played 19 games for Potter before Celtic. Then you say that decision cost the club a couple of million pounds. Again, ignoring the fact that a) our goals conceded went DOWN after Duffy went on loan and b) playing Ben White last season instead of selling him to Leeds for £25m has meant we got an additional £25m for him a year later.

Funny idea of costing the club £2m you have.


A motivated Duffy's return to form after a terrible time at Celtic has been the success story of the early part of the season and is clearly in part down to GOOD MANAGEMENT from Potter. Only someone with agenda against him would say otherwise.

And this idea that blooding White and bringing in Sanchez was Potter getting lucky is absurd.

 

[Stat Brother]

As said it speaks very well to the character of both.

Duffy could easily have said 'f**k this I'm off to Forest', for example.

But if he's found it in himself to say 'no I really want this and will change X,Y & Z to make it happen', then well done him.
That can't be easy, esp after earning a life time wage for a few years.


GPott could easily have said 'nah you just don't fit, why don't to try your luck at Forest', for example.

I'd be amazed if any promises were made, after all Veltman and BDB are integral to GPotts plans.
But I'm sure positive words were said, to get Shane to this point now.

There's no doubting we missed a Shane Duffy in some games last season.
And for that matter needed him in some games this season.

Everyone comes out in credit.
I'm just struggling to believe this was plan A, or plan B.

 

[herecomesaregular]

Hmmmm, there's a little bit of history being rewritten already.

Do you think Duffy would be starting if BDB wasn't injured and Veltman got pinged?

Of course he wouldn't.


As previously said it speaks well of the character of all involved that this is working, so Duffy and Potter can revel in that.

But it most definitely isnt working out of design or through GPotts choosing.

Maybe I should have put "adapted" in bold for you. Potter has seen the challenge faced through the absence of BDB and Veltman and adapted what he's got with Dunk, Webster and Duffy and lo and behold it's working quite well. Good management imo and yes maybe some luck but odd view to shout out it's only luck.

What World Cup was it that Beardsley was suddenly paired with Lineker and "bang" the team suddenly started playing really well? (note - I can't remember if this is fact or just my warped memory before someone lays an egg about it). Luck or good judgement by the manager or a bit of both? (he had to pair them together though).

 

[Stat Brother]

Maybe I should have put "adapted" in bold for you. Potter has seen the challenge faced through the absence of BDB and Veltman and adapted what he's got with Dunk, Webster and Duffy and lo and behold it's working quite well. Good management imo and yes maybe some luck but odd view to shout out it's only luck.

What World Cup was it that Beardsley was suddenly paired with Lineker and "bang" the team suddenly started playing really well? (note - I can't remember if this is fact or just my warped memory before someone lays an egg about it). Luck or good judgement by the manager or a bit of both? (he had to pair them together though).

You probably should have done, as what you wrote wasn't the sentiment I was replying too.
I didn't recognize the context of you parroting THPP.

As you can see since we're pretty much saying the same thing.

 

[Silverhatch]

From Duffy’s interview: ditched some bad behaviours and influences; reset his ambitions with Brighton and focused only on the now; was the beneficiary of Veltman’s Covid infection; has really shown his POTS form of two seasons ago and reminded everyone what an International defender of 50 caps and a Brighton player with 100 PL appearances is capable of. Great story so far.