Really disappointing news is this, although I think must could see it coming as he’s been away for so long. Who knows what he will come back like..... I think you are right we need to recruit to fill that gap, I don’t think semi has some enough in league one for that position never mind the championship.
I thought that when Ihiekwe was released from his defensive duties into a more defensive midfield role he appeared to relish the freedom. Highly dangerous as a back four defender we might benefit / or even have to push him forward 10 yards to fill that spoiler roll. I could live with that and I think it would suit his and the teams needs. Just keep him away from our goal and let him chase down the opponents # 10.
What's the problem? It was a blessing last season when Potter got injured & Frecks left. We know what Frecks did for us but was time for him to leave. Potter made Smallwood look pacey! Vaulks grew into the role, Jones can play there. We don't know what Wiles can do yet. Got big hopes for him. Ajayi not in this league. Ihiekwe are you having a laugh. Fell short in his preferred position at centre back.
What we need is to keep the ball better. Get Towell back would help. Need a right sided midfield player. Williams can be a luxury, gives ball away in dangerous positions. Forde & Taylor have never look like wingers even in league 1.
T71 - I'm sure you don't deliberately mean to be discourteous to Rotherham players, but you could do with a short course in diplomacy! Potter was one of the most skilful midfielders we've had in years - he didn't need great pace because his reading of the game was first class. I'm afraid your love affair with Vaulks colours your judgement - yes he's enthusiastic and gives 100%, but he is nowhere near as effective as Potter in the creative role. Despite being MoM on many occasions, you castigate Ihiekwe on two poor performances at the end of the season. What happened to developing talent and giving the lad a chance?
I'm really disappointed Potter is injured again. He would have been a very valuable asset in the Championship. However, there's now a chance for Palmer to step up and show us what he's made of. His performances last season showed me that he's got the desire and the skill, so I'm expecting him to really challenge for a permanent midfield role.
No - not having a laugh - it's the brain power and concentration he lacks but as a point and shoot killer / spoiler his long legs can be more effective and simply disrupt....then others sweep up the loose balls. I love a tall central holding midfielder to protect the "D" heading the crosses away so the back line don't have to commit.
We're going to have to defend and break - a discipline Burnley have mastered but Rotherham fans hate that stuff. Prefer a brawler to a boxer does the average MILLER...but I'd prefer some 0-0 / 1-1 / 2-2 etc. Although 1-0 to us is the perfect scoreline for me.
Glenn I don't agree. I deal in facts. Potter: we had to play 3 in midfield to cover his lack of mobility. I couldn't see much creative coming from him. I agree his reading of the game couldn't fault him but that was it couldn't see anything else to his game. Vaulks he's a star, extend his contract pay him whatever the top earner at the club is on. He improved a lot once played in midfield. His passing was best in the club. As I've said him with Towell worked. In the championship I'd like as I've said a right sided midfielder who doesn't give the ball away, can get forward.
Ihiewke Warney won't say it but no way he'll risk him in the championship, we'd get slaughtered. Wouldn't surprise me if he left. Palmer he won't be 1st choice but I haven't totally written him off. He seems low on confidence like he needs something to spark him into action.
My opinion is similar to Glenns. Vaulks is a wholehearted trier who has his qualities but his reading of the game isn't great and his distribution is worse. Give him the ball under a hint of pressure and he often just bangs it forward first time or loses it. The suggestion that Vaulks is the best passer of a ball at the club almost made me choke on my supper. Potter had the habit of knowing where to be, made himself available and looked after the ball well - keeping it nice and simple. T71 you seem to have a different opinion, but please don't assert it as fact. I don't remember Ihiekwe playing in midfield for more than a few minutes on one occasion. Ajayi had more of a go as a shield to see games out. Neither will ever be real midfielders in my opinion. They aren't the answer.
-- Edited by smiler on Monday 23rd of July 2018 10:47:45 PM
-- Edited by smiler on Monday 23rd of July 2018 10:49:27 PM
"Ihiekwe playing in midfield for more than a few minutes on one occasion"
That would be the time - he was like a dog with a hare....he chased down everything - a bit buzurk for that period and he appeared to enjoy the freedom....and the opposition didn't.....not for the purists but it appears we have to shoe horn him into some roll that's dangerous to the opposition and away from our goal....a complete spoiler. We need one at least.
Headlines do my head in - we want a deal with a Premiership midfielder....now that's Towell!
He'll never get anywhere near the Premiership - he's well down the pecking order and has been for some time....think he'll struggle in the championship to be honest.....those big boys are big - strong and fitness is a given...Oh and they can generally play a bit too.....Rabbits - Hats - and a bit of magic required these next two weeks....all seems too laid back at the moment - calm before the storm perhaps - and new manager for Villa...wow.
From last season I'm going on memory. Check passes not sideways passes. Passes that created chances & goals. Vaulks wouldn't be far away supplying most of them. People contradict themselves on here. On one hand your saying support the young players then your knocking best young player we have Vaulks. He can win the ball, use it. Score goals. He's like gold to us. Get his contract extended. If he goes then we don't give him away.
"They aren't the answer" - totally agree but as of now we are a tad short and needs must. The "position" of that - dare I say Halford position is one of my favourites. Protects the back four and ( hopefully ) causes havoc just before the opposition gets too dangerously close. Other than that position he might as well be selling programmes because I wouldn't like him in the back 3 or back 4.
'People contradict themselves on here'. Some do, that's for sure.
I do support young players. I support Vaulks too. But unlike you I see his weaknesses as well as his strengths. All players have them. His passing isn't very good, especially under pressure. Banging it fifty yards forwards because you are under pressure is not a pass, and he does that a lot. He hasn't got Potters (or Palmers) composure on the ball. You yourself have said we need to keep the ball better and you are right. Vaulks isn't the man for that.
That isn't to say he can't still be a useful player for us.
I thought Vaulks looked slightly out of his depth in The Championship last time round, although he was in a team that struggled really badly so it was tough for him. It will be interesting to see how he fares this time round. I think he did improve as last season went on. I have nothing against him at all.
i would like to see vaulks become that attacking midfielder running at the defense and shooting
I agree with that. That's why I'm against bringing Towell back. Ryan Yates is more a holding midfielder. Still need a right sided midfielder who can hold the ball & get forward.
