Re: Wood V John : Sun Apr 15, 2012 7:26 pm  

Would like to smith when we have a pack actually going forward. Smith will be ok I have faith. John im not so sure about.

Re: Wood V John : Sun Apr 15, 2012 7:52 pm  

newgroundb4cas wrote:

Would like to smith when we have a pack actually going forward. Smith will be ok I have faith. John im not so sure about.

TBF on John he has far less to prove than Smith. John was a gamble and at 20? there is plenty left on the clock for this lad. What I don't get is why such an inexperienced player gets the nod every week - I see nothing wrong with him battling it out with Wildie and Wood. Just because he's overseas doesn't mean he has to play especially as he is clearly a project player (whether you think you should use a quota spot up on a speculative player like John is another matter).

It's a gamble that may pay off in spectacular fashion or may be a complete flop - what shouldn't happen is that it hampers the chances of others to get a chance. Frankly if Wood turns out to be the star despite being a pretty underwhelming signing at the time who cares - just so long as the real best man wins and not just the one with the right accent.

Smith on the other hand came with a big reputation and price tag, sadly he needs to perform every week and he isn't. He's not the worst I've ever seen and there are flashes of brilliance but the clock really is ticking for him.

Re: Wood V John : Mon Apr 16, 2012 7:53 am  

Think wood has been outstanding, agree about both johns and smith, but at minute cant work out what johns has done that would make woods second choice. Similarly what have ellis and mariano got to do to get a game ?

Re: Wood V John : Mon Apr 16, 2012 8:19 am  

Lorrys daily strap wrote:

Think wood has been outstanding, agree about both johns and smith, but at minute cant work out what johns has done that would make woods second choice. Similarly what have ellis and mariano got to do to get a game ?

I can only assume he plays Wood of the bench as a utility player as he can cover 6,7 and 9 and thus gives options. That I kinda get, what I don't get is bringing him on with 10 minutes to go - what is the point. In almost every game John or Smith have needed subbing IMO however it's usually Aiton who makes way long after the game is lost.

Re: Wood V John : Mon Apr 16, 2012 9:30 am  

I rate Wood, i'd have him in my starting 13 each week.

Re: Wood V John : Mon Apr 16, 2012 9:46 am  

vastman wrote:

TBF on John he has far less to prove than Smith. John was a gamble and at 20? there is plenty left on the clock for this lad. What I don't get is why such an inexperienced player gets the nod every week - I see nothing wrong with him battling it out with Wildie and Wood. Just because he's overseas doesn't mean he has to play especially as he is clearly a project player (whether you think you should use a quota spot up on a speculative player like John is another matter).

It's a gamble that may pay off in spectacular fashion or may be a complete flop - what shouldn't happen is that it hampers the chances of others to get a chance. Frankly if Wood turns out to be the star despite being a pretty underwhelming signing at the time who cares - just so long as the real best man wins and not just the one with the right accent.

Smith on the other hand came with a big reputation and price tag, sadly he needs to perform every week and he isn't. He's not the worst I've ever seen and there are flashes of brilliance but the clock really is ticking for him.

If its a choice between Smith and John, I would have no hesitation about choosing John. Like you say he is young and has a career infront of him.I also like his attitude, he took on the kicking role when no one else wanted it. He obviously worked very hard on it because his improvement was obvious after a few games. He also seems a more all round player than Smith. I think the raw material is there to work with but like you say he needs coaching and management. He needs to see Wildie and Wood as credible threats to his position . When those two are playing well he should have a run out in the reserves from time to time, it would not do him any harm.

Re: Wood V John : Mon Apr 16, 2012 12:49 pm  

vastman wrote:

TBF on John he has far less to prove than Smith. John was a gamble and at 20? there is plenty left on the clock for this lad. What I don't get is why such an inexperienced player gets the nod every week - I see nothing wrong with him battling it out with Wildie and Wood. Just because he's overseas doesn't mean he has to play especially as he is clearly a project player (whether you think you should use a quota spot up on a speculative player like John is another matter).

It's a gamble that may pay off in spectacular fashion or may be a complete flop - what shouldn't happen is that it hampers the chances of others to get a chance. Frankly if Wood turns out to be the star despite being a pretty underwhelming signing at the time who cares - just so long as the real best man wins and not just the one with the right accent.

Smith on the other hand came with a big reputation and price tag, sadly he needs to perform every week and he isn't. He's not the worst I've ever seen and there are flashes of brilliance but the clock really is ticking for him.

Well said Vastman- your comments are spot on. My views are that the size of our squad should encourage competition for places and players not up to scratch should be replaced regardless of reputation.

Re: Wood V John : Mon Apr 16, 2012 1:59 pm  

jack in the box wrote:

If its a choice between Smith and John, I would have no hesitation about choosing John. Like you say he is young and has a career infront of him.I also like his attitude, he took on the kicking role when no one else wanted it. He obviously worked very hard on it because his improvement was obvious after a few games. He also seems a more all round player than Smith. I think the raw material is there to work with but like you say he needs coaching and management. He needs to see Wildie and Wood as credible threats to his position . When those two are playing well he should have a run out in the reserves from time to time, it would not do him any harm.

You cannot have been to the games. Hes a more allround player than Smith are you on drugs?

Re: Wood V John : Mon Apr 16, 2012 2:35 pm  

newgroundb4cas wrote:

You cannot have been to the games. Hes a more allround player than Smith are you on drugs?

OMG, you never learn do you.

Your desire to prove every overseas BIG REPUTATION player as an unmitigated success is touching and creepy at the same time. He certainly has a better kicking game and at least the rest of the team seem to know what he's doing, unlike Smith.