Mark Davies

[SaleWolf]

Why was he not in the 16 yesterday?

I haven't heard any news of an injury. He was out on the pitch before the game warming up. Whats the reason for him not being in the squad yesterday???

Davies is by far and away our best player. The only real player with class. He should be starting every week, let alone being given a place on the bench.

I cannot understand the thinking behind leaving him out. Whether or not he was injured yesterday, he hasn't started a game under Mccarthy yet from my recolection. Why not??

Mark Davies must start from now on. We cannot afford to leave players of his ability out of the team, let alone the 16:eek: .

Come on Mick, get him in the side. Surely you don't really think Potter, Mcindoe, Jones or Olifinjana are better players or more worthy of a starting place.

[Bumbamuffin]

Leaving him out is not exactly the action of a manager desperate to get his best player match fit is it? For all his commendable work,McCarthy is now displaying a very worrying blind spot when it comes to the midfield.How an experienced manager can rate Potter and Olofinjana ahead of Davies is quite frankly mystifying.

I personally am bracing myself for a Wolves team without Davies for the forseeable future(unless other midfielders get injured )which is a major,major mistake on Mick's part.

[Powelly]

Heard yesterday that spurs put a late bid in for him.. would make sense as their midfield hasnt been up to much this season.. not as though i think we should sell

Personally i think it may well be a case of MM not rating him..

[Hatch End Wolf]

Agreed, if this club is going to move forward then it's going to be with players in midfield like Mark Davies ( and Gleeson, if the rave reviews from Stockport are accurate ).

It is worrying that Mick seems to favour a midfield with both Henry and Potter. Henry does the holding midfield job quite adequately but it's hard to see why we need another negative player in the team, especially in home games.

[SaleWolf]

I personally am bracing myself for a Wolves team without Davies for the forseeable future(unless other midfielders get injured )which is a major,major mistake on Mick's part.

Agree completely.

[SaleWolf]

Personally i think it may well be a case of MM not rating him..

If Mccarthy doesn't rate Mark Davies then he should not be the manager of Wolverhampton Wanderers.

[Nashie]

If Mccarthy doesn't rate Mark Davies then he should not be the manager of Wolverhampton Wanderers.

It has to be said I am getting very worried about Mark Davies. Everyone can see that this player oozes class and commitment. This is a player we have been looking at for a couple of years now, he has the potential to be a fantastic player, whether at Wolves or at a higher level. Its strange that Gleeson is being called back from loan when Davies can't get in the squad.

It could well be a case of Mick easing him back into things gradually but I have to say I am a little concerned he looks to be our best player by a long way. Ideally him and Henry would be our central pairing.

[Hatch End Wolf]

Potter as first choice for a midfield position,after Henry, is a bit disconcerting. Is he getting a game ahead of Davies because Mick sees something in him that's not obvious to the rest of us? Is it because the club has spent money on him?
Personally I've seen him enough times now to say that he looks like a squad player, that's all. He can't have Karl Henry's place because he doesn't do the defensive work as well and he's too negative to be an attacking midfielder.
He's not as bad as Andrews the crab though!

[Oxford Wolf]

It could well be a case of Mick easing him back into things gradually

I'd say that's exactly what it is, there is no way MM doesn't rate him, his talent is there for everyone to see, he's captained his country and already shown glimpses of what he can do when he has come on this season.

He's a young lad who's been out for a while, I'm sure it's just a matter of time before he is starting week in week out

[scottishwolf II]

Well, he hasn't played for most of the season because he has been out injured.

He is a few weeks into his comeback and has been being eased back in

MM has played Potter and George with Henry for months in 4-5-1. Perhaps he wanted to stand by George when he dropped him for yesterday's game and hence left him on the bench.

I'm not saying I don't think Mark Davies is a very talented player, but I said on a thread a week or so ago - there seems to be this clamour for him having the shirt back straight away. Should he not have to earn it like everyone else? Or is he different and has a right to walk straight back in, in front of say George, who is our leading scorer this season?

[Hatch End Wolf]

I think a fit Mark Davies would have scored more goals than Big George this season. He only looks good on a stats sheet, not when you see him live.

Unfortunately George was not worth the money paid for him, he's not a bad player but he's not got the necessary fire for the hurly burly of English football. Too often he makes fairycake tackles, dwells on the ball too long, makes too many sloppy passes, often gets into really good positions for shots on goal and then doesn't even make the attempt.

[The Bear]

I think a fit Mark Davies would have scored more goals than Big George this season. He only looks good on a stats sheet, not when you see him live.
A bold statement which you can't really back up, well no-one can.

Maybe Mark Davies would look great on the pitch but not really score that many goals, who knows? I certainly don't, and don't remember him being a consistent goal threat last season when he was playing. Perhaps he'd need a run in the team to settle first but it's all ifs and buts.

Whichever way you look at it there's no doubting his talent and I for one trust McCarthy to know when he's ready to be used regularly.

[kennyB]

It is difficult to understand why Mark Davies is not even on the bench some games. How is he supposed to get match fit if he doesn't play since we seem to have very few reserve games these days? Perhaps someone who has access to MM might like to ask him the question. We could well lose him at the end of the season if he doesn't get a game. Maybe he is too attack minded for MM although goodness knows we need decent attacking players. Anyone know when his contract expires? (Not that that seems to make any difference these days).

[molineux man]

MM unfortunately has a history of picking untalented central midfield players. Jeff Whitley and Carl Robinson at Sunderland spring to mind. Potter is the new Robinson.

[Bilston_Wolf]

Robinson was a huge success in a Sunderland side that won the league which we are in, so i'm struggling to see your point to be honest.

[Adrian_Monk]

Robinson was only a huge success because the only time he saw the ball was when it flew over his head.

[wolf of sedgley]

Robinson was only a huge success because the only time he saw the ball was when it flew over his head.

haha.

[Bilston_Wolf]

Robinson was only a huge success because the only time he saw the ball was when it flew over his head.

So Sunderland were that good that season they won the league with 10 men, McCarthy must be even better than we thought.

[I.D.]

So Sunderland were that good that season they won the league with 10 men, McCarthy must be even better than we thought.

No, nine. Whitley was crap as well and just used to watch the ball flying over his head.;)

[Swindon Wolf]

It was a bit disconcerting to see Mark Davies not involved at all.Was he being rested for the international in the week?

As for tactics..I believe that Mick likes to have at least 2 defensive midfielders in his team... so Potter and Henry are the obvious choices from where he is standing.The idea ,I guess, is that it gives the wingers greater freedom to attack.Personally I believe its too negative but thats the way he did it at Sunderland (and it worked) so presumably he's going to repeat the same blueprint here.That could leave Davies struggling to get a place.

[Bilston_Wolf]

Of course, McCarthy is really good then, best we just trust him to pick the team.

[Bumbamuffin]

One thing that I am sure of is that we will not be challenging for the play offs-this season or next-with Henry and Potter in midfield(assuming we play 442).They are too similar and do not provide any drive going forward.Similarly,I would expect two defensively minded players to give our creaky defence more protection than they are doing.

I genuinely hope that my fears about Davies are unfounded as I for one would be gutted if Mick doesn't fancy him and he is allowed to leave.My 'trust' in the manager will diminish severely if this does happen.

[Hatch End Wolf]

If Big Mick really does like to play with two defensive midfielders, then ok Karl Henry for the job, but in that case we need someone better than Potter for the other position or we are going to to carry on struggling!

[Bilston_Wolf]

But Potter and Henry have played all season and we are challenging for the play offs.

[Stewarton Wolf]

But Potter and Henry have played all season and we are challenging for the play offs.

I think the challenge went pop in the last seven home games.

[GoldenHorseshoe]

I think the challenge went pop in the last seven home games.

If the last 7 home games were anything like the last 7 away games, we would be challenging for auto spot:(

[Hatch End Wolf]

"Challenging" is a slight exaggeration. We haven't been in the top six since the 4th of November! and we are gradually slipping back from any chance of sneaking into the play-offs.Unfortunately we are surrounded by teams with better squads, in better form and with better goal difference. I wish it was different, but it's not.

[Stewarton Wolf]

If the last 7 home games were anything like the last 7 away games, we would be challenging for auto spot:(

True but I fear that our away form will come to grinding halt on Saturday at Preston potentially leaving us 8 points adrift of 6th.

[GoldenHorseshoe]

Well, the last 7 homes=7 pts, the last 7 aways= 12 pts.

[GoldenHorseshoe]

True but I fear that our away form will come to grinding halt on Saturday at Preston potentially leaving us 8 points adrift of 6th.

I agree that it will be a tough game, but you never know, look at the Derby game.

[Bilston_Wolf]

But unbelievably we're still within touching distance, albeit by the skin of our teeth.

[GoldenHorseshoe]

But unbelievably we're still within touching distance, albeit by the skin of our teeth.

I still think we will finish 9th or 10th, but the main thing for my POV is, the team is better now than it was in October, and it was better then than in August. If we can say the same thing in May, then it will be a moderately successful season, with something to look forward to next year.

[Stewarton Wolf]

But unbelievably we're still within touching distance, albeit by the skin of our teeth.

Or Matt Murray's Brilliance...

[gaz kford]

3 more points and we are safe! IMO this season is all about rebuilting, rather than going up this season. And before people start to have ago at me. Just look at what we add, 2 weeks before the start of the season.

[Stewarton Wolf]

3 more points and we are safe! IMO this season is all about rebuilting, rather than going up this season. And before people start to have ago at me. Just look at what we add, 2 weeks before the start of the season.



I agree with the first to fifty bit, I just worry with the rebuilding bit, we have had 16 players in 3 have gone already, he's tried to punt JJ.

Next season it wouldn't suprise me to see Murray sold ala Lescott, Jackie mac will go, Breen will be a year older, I just see another influx of players of limited ability unless we have new owners.

[gaz kford]

I agree with the first to fifty bit, I just worry with the rebuilding bit, we have had 16 players in 3 have gone already, he's tried to punt JJ.

Next season it wouldn't suprise me to see Murray sold ala Lescott, Jackie mac will go, Breen will be a year older, I just see another influx of players of limited ability unless we have new owners.
The first players bough buy MM was to give us time to built a squard. As for Murray he is on a long term contract, so IF he goes we will get some money for him. As for Jack he is getting on, and Breen aint that good anyway to be honest.

[Pengwern]

I've said before that if we put Gleeson out left, we have a playmaker, which allows Davies to play in central midfield.

So - 4-3-3

.......................................Murray..... ............................

Little(or Henry).......our 2 best centre backs...........McNamara (or Jones)

...............Davies/Olo.....Henry/McNamara.......Gleeson

........Kightly (or Gobern).....Keogh............Ward

Subs - McIndoe (change to 4-4-2), Bothroyd, Goalie, one midfielder, one defender

[scottishwolf II]

So er Pengwern, what are you saying our best side is? That is a bit confusing...

[Stewarton Wolf]

The first players bough buy MM was to give us time to built a squard. As for Murray he is on a long term contract, so IF he goes we will get some money for him. As for Jack he is getting on, and Breen aint that good anyway to be honest.



I know Breen aint that good, he just seems to be MM love child and as such I reckon he will get a new contract. Talking of Breen, Claphams headed clearance to set up the equaliser yesterday was textbook, Breens clearing headers are lucky to go more than 10 yards.

[leedswolf]

Why was he not in the 16 yesterday?

I haven't heard any news of an injury. He was out on the pitch before the game warming up. Whats the reason for him not being in the squad yesterday???



Tactical reasons apparently.

http://www.wolves.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/NewsDetail/0,,10307~976821,00.html (http://www.wolves.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/NewsDetail/0,,10307%7E976821,00.html)

[Bumbamuffin]

Tactical reasons apparently.

http://www.wolves.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/NewsDetail/0,,10307~976821,00.html

"He's not had the opportunity to start yet because the other lads in the position have done well"

Open your eyes Mick,for $$$$ sake.:mad:

[wolf of sedgley]

Potter done well! LOL.

Mick what you playing at!

[Bumbamuffin]

If Mick believes that Potter's recent performances are good,I dread to think what he will need to produce to be dropped.These quotes confirm my worst fears about McCarthy's reasoning behind not playing Davies more:it's not due to easing him back from injury but because he believes others can(and are) do a better job.He needs his head examining.

McCarthy has clearly done a good job to date but this blind spot towards the midfield(particularly Potter) is very worrying and will continue to hinder us until our best player is finally picked.

[OldWolvesfart]

Isn't Davies playing in the England under 19 squad tonight at Bournemouth??

[leedswolf]

Isn't Davies playing in the England under 19 squad tonight at Bournemouth??

Yes, hence my post with the link :confused:

[Bumbamuffin]

Isn't Davies playing in the England under 19 squad tonight at Bournemouth??

I think so mate.Hopefully Mick will be watching to remind himself of what a decent attacking midfielder looks like...

[Stewarton Wolf]

"He's not had the opportunity to start yet because the other lads in the position have done well"

Open your eyes Mick,for $$$$ sake.:mad:

Yes Bumba we are walking the league, scoring freely, and keeping it tight at the back why change a winning side....

[OldWolvesfart]

Tactical reasons apparently.

http://www.wolves.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/NewsDetail/0,,10307~976821,00.html (http://www.wolves.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/NewsDetail/0,,10307%7E976821,00.html)
Sorry Leeds was on my way out, now back and seen your post.

[djackl]

What if Davies really isn't as good as a lot of people are saying he is? I've seen him play 'fairly' well last season, but it hardly changed the season did it? We were still bloody rubbish. Why are we now suddenly talking of Davies as if he is the answer to all of our problems?

[Deutsch Wolf]

I think because he's the one central midfielder we have that has the ability to run with the ball and take a man on.

For me, Potter's done fairly well since he's been played central, but he's going to get stick from certain elements of the support because his game is never going to be spectacular. Olofinjana is abysmal in a 4-4-2 and should never be played in that system again. Henry has done superbly, but he's an exclusively defensive midfielder (or at least, he's told to play that way). Finkler has gone, Rosa is unlikely to feature at first-team level, O'Connor is still injured and doesn't look anything special, Gleeson has been used by Stockport as a wide player.

Sometimes, we lack craft through the middle of the park and Davies is the midfielder most likely to provide that. That's not to say he's the saviour, just that he would probably be a better option than what we have, especially at home.

[wolf of sedgley]

What if Davies really isn't as good as a lot of people are saying he is? I've seen him play 'fairly' well last season, but it hardly changed the season did it? We were still bloody rubbish. Why are we now suddenly talking of Davies as if he is the answer to all of our problems?

Maybe because the two people currently playing ahead of him are misers Potter and olofinjana. Last season- how old was he again? We were rubbish because Hoddle was a clueless $$$$. Is 'Lescott not that good' as well then, because he didn't play any better than Davies? Just from his sub appearances this season it's plain to see he is a special talent and we should be giving him experience, thus improving him as a player. Olofinjana isn't going to get any better is he- Davies can, and will, but he must start playing.

[djackl]

Maybe because the two people currently playing ahead of him are misers Potter and olofinjana. Last season- how old was he again? We were rubbish because Hoddle was a clueless $$$$. Is 'Lescott not that good' as well then, because he didn't play any better than Davies? Just from his sub appearances this season it's plain to see he is a special talent and we should be giving him experience, thus improving him as a player. Olofinjana isn't going to get any better is he- Davies can, and will, but he must start playing.

How many sub appearances has he had this season? Does familiarity breed contempt with Wolves fans?

Olofinjana happens to be our top scorer. Both Henry and Potter, in my opinion, have done very well. We can't base our opinion on all three of those on an occasional 30 minute cameo from somebody else. Why is it suddenly that Mark Davies showing a bit of pace is justifying the removal of Olofinjana, officially one of the best midfielders in the Championship last month?

Mick McCarthy has worked wonders with the side this year, and I trust him to play the right players at the right time.

[Deutsch Wolf]

Olofinjana, officially one of the best midfielders in the Championship last month


OJ Simpson is officially not a murderer.

As for the last comment, you don't have to be anti-McCarthy (I'm certainly not) to criticise some of his decisions.

[The Bear]

I can understand his thinking since Davies was likely to be playing tonight, but I think it's mainly a ploy by McCarthy to keep his feet on the ground.

Let him know he has to earn his place in the team. He's a young lad and if he thinks he can walk into the team ahead of others would he be 100% motivated every week and in training?

I'm in no desperate rush for him to be back in the team. He's talented and he WILL get back in the team it's a matter of not if, but when.

Oh and DW - Didn't Olofinjana play in a 4-4-2 alongside Potter when he came on last Saturday. I seem to remember him playing quite well. It was off the bench when we were pushing for a goal, 'one swallow' and all that, but maybe he won't be as $$$$ as I remember him after all.

[holloholloway]

What if Davies really isn't as good as a lot of people are saying he is? I've seen him play 'fairly' well last season, but it hardly changed the season did it? We were still bloody rubbish. Why are we now suddenly talking of Davies as if he is the answer to all of our problems?


http://www.thefa.com/England/U19s/NewsAndFeatures/Postings/2007/01/U19sPoland.htm

Read this.

[wanderer24]

England u19's 4 - 1 Poland u19's
Mark Davies shows what he's all about. Set's up two goals with great runs taking on players and delivering telling through balls. Also wins penalty for another goal by going at defenders and putting them on the back foot.
Ever see Potter or Olifinjana do that - don't get me wrong they both have their qualities and we will need them in many games; but for most games where we need to break teams down at home, we need one central midfielder who can penetrate. Henry is the holding player and nobody does it better than him, everybody was worried last season that we couldn't replace Ince and Henry just slipped in with no problems.
Mcindoe and Kightly putting defenders on the back foot on the wings and M Davies throught the middle. Keogh and Ward will be lapping it up.
As i've said in other threads, we should use different tactics against stronger teams and away from home, but i think we should be attacking most teams at home.

[Nashie]

http://www.thefa.com/England/U19s/NewsAndFeatures/Postings/2007/01/U19sPoland.htm

Read this.

yea as i thought, sounds rubbish!
booooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo davies out!

;)

[Emperor Wolf]

I cannot understand why Mick is playing Potter either.
I also cannot understand the somewhat harsh critism Olo is getting.This season he has showed a rather great improvement IMO,and I do think he has got some decent quality.
One other thing I cannot understand is why Davies wasn´t even on the bench.
Then again,Mick is the manager for Wolves.Not me..and it is most probably very wise to keep it that way.

[The Prof]

England
4-1
Poland
Hammill 40, Barnes 45, Vaughan 50, pen 66

Mikolajczak 14

England U19 v Poland U19
International U19 Friendly
7.45pm, 6 February 2007
The Fitness First Stadium at Dean Court, AFC Bournemouth

England scored four goals in 26 minutes to royally entertain the biggest ever crowd at the Fitness First Stadium in Bournemouth.

After going a goal down to Radoslaw Mikolajczak's 19th minute strike, the young Lions hit the goal trail to kick off 2007 in fine style.

http://www.thefa.com/NR/rdonlyres/A24A210B-48CA-4FCE-910E-C0E4ACC76348/106031/Vaughan_H.jpgAdam Hammill, Giles Barnes and a brace from James Vaughan sent the 10,375 crowd away with high hopes of the future of English football.

Mark Davies had the first chance of the match, latching on to a Michael Johnson through ball the Wolves midfielder had time to pick his spot but Kazimierczak stood firm and denied England the lead.

The Polish stopper then pulled off an even better save to prevent James Vaughan just moments later. With the visitors holding a high line the Three Lions were finding it easy in the opening stages to find space in behind the defence, but Vaughan was denied but a firm one handed stop from close range.

Despite dominating the opening exchanges England were caught on the counter attack and it was Mikolajczak that punished some indecisive defending at the heart of the defence.

Unbowed and unaffected by going behind early in the game, Brian Eastick's side stuck to their task and continued to play neat attacking football, creating chances from wide positions through both Davies and Hammill who saw a great deal of the ball.

http://www.thefa.com/NR/rdonlyres/A24A210B-48CA-4FCE-910E-C0E4ACC76348/106032/Barnes_H.jpgDespite the pressure from the home side, Poland almost doubled their lead with ten minutes of the first half remaining. Patryk Malecki found space in the box and drilled a low effort past Annerson, but Elliot Omozusi showed great determination and at full stretch he cleared the ball off the line.

Straight from that incident, Hammill made a darting run down the left flank and found Barnes clean through. The Derby County forward struck an early shot with the inside of his foot that seemed destined for the top corner, but unfortunately it drifted narrowly wide of the goal to the delight of the stranded Polish stopper.

Hammill got England back on level terms just five minutes before the interval with a fine left-footed finish, to the delight of a record crowd at Bournemouth's Fitness First Stadium. Vaughan won the flick on and Mark Davies beat two players before slotting Hammill in on goal. The Liverpool midfielder, who captained his club to The FA Youth Cup last season, drilled the ball home with ease to restore parity in the game.

Derby County forward Barnes then gave the Three Lions the lead on the stroke of half time. Mark Davies was again at the heart of the move as he found space on the right flank, before playing in Barnes who held off the covering defender and slid the ball past Kazimierczak to send England into the break on a high.

http://www.thefa.com/NR/rdonlyres/A24A210B-48CA-4FCE-910E-C0E4ACC76348/106033/Haynes_H.jpgFabrice Muamba and Hammill came off at the interval to be replaced by Hogan Ephraim and Danny Haynes, with Seb Hines taking the captain's armband.

Vaughan extended the lead in fortunate fashion as he pounced on flick on from Haynes to divide the keeper and last defender and prod the ball goalwards. Unfortunately for Kazimierczak the ball went smoothly through his legs and into the goal, although there was an element of good fortune it was no more than the home side deserved.

It was almost four, just moments later as Olly Lancashire got on the end of an inswinging free kick and headed the ball towards the top corner, the Polish keeper redeemed his earlier indiscretion with a fine fingertip save.

Vaughan made it four, and doubled his tally for the night from the penalty spot. Davies ran at the Polish defence who were forced into bringing the midfielder down, and the referee had no choice but to point to the spot.

Teams:

England: 1 Jamie Annerson (Sheffield United), 2 Mark Little (Wolverhampton Wanderers) (16 Olly Lancashire (Southampton) 54), 3 Robbie Threlfall (Liverpool) (12 Rossi Jarvis (Torquay United on loan) 72), 4 Fabrice Muamba (c) (Birmingham City on loan) (15 Danny Haynes (Ipswich Town) 45), 5 Seb Hines (Middlesbrough), 6 Elliot Omozusi (Fulham, 7 Mark Davies (Wolverhampton Wanderers), 8 Michael Johnson (Manchester City), 9 James Vaughan (Everton) (14 Sam Hewson (Manchester United) 69), 10 Giles Barnes (Derby County) 11 Adam Hammill (Liverpool) (17 Hogan Ephraim (Colchester United on loan) 45)

Substitutes not used: 13 David Button (Tottenham Hotspur),

Poland: 12 Przemyslaw Kazimierczak, 2 Grzegorz Piesio, 3 Arkadiusz Rys, 5 Blazej Augustyn, 6 Piotr Kasperkiewicz, 7 Maciej Korzym, 8 Radoslaw Mikolajczak, 9 Patryk Malecki, 10 Tomasz Cywka, 11 Kamil Oziemczuk, 16 Dawid Borys

Substitutes: 1 Dawid Pietrzkiewicz, 4 Tobiasz Mueller, 13 Maciej Tomczyk, 14 Sebastian Kurowski, 16 Michal Steinke, 17 Gregorz Goncerz, 18 Dawid Borys

Attendance: 10,375

Match Officials

Referee: Lee Probert

Assistant Referees: Steve Creighton and Steve Cook

Fourth Official: Andrew Sainsbury

[wolfyjoe]

http://www.thefa.com/England/U19s/NewsAndFeatures/Postings/2007/01/U19sPoland.htm

Read this.

:D :D :D Nice that is! Get him in the first team and we have a better chance of reaching the playoffs!

[Muscat]

Wow, can't ask for much more than that. A potential match-winner and he can't even get in the squad as we toil our way to a 2-2 home draw with Plymouth. I think Mick is the Messiah based on what he's done so far, but he's surely got this one wrong.

[holloholloway]

I cannot understand why Mick is playing Potter either.
I also cannot understand the somewhat harsh critism Olo is getting.This season he has showed a rather great improvement IMO,and I do think he has got some decent quality.
One other thing I cannot understand is why Davies wasn´t even on the bench.
Then again,Mick is the manager for Wolves.Not me..and it is most probably very wise to keep it that way.


Daniel jones came straight back without playing any reserve friendlies from a hernia operation into the first team.

[gaz kford]

Thanks for that Prof( copy & paste) & you Holloway(link).

[Deutsch Wolf]

I also cannot understand the somewhat harsh critism Olo is getting.This season he has showed a rather great improvement IMO,and I do think he has got some decent quality.


He gets criticised because he has a heart the size of a pea and does 20 awful things for each good thing that he does. It wouldn't be hard to improve on his performances in the past two seasons. I still don't think I've seen him have 10 good games for Wolves and we signed him two and a half years ago.

[djackl]

http://www.thefa.com/England/U19s/NewsAndFeatures/Postings/2007/01/U19sPoland.htm

Read this.

And of course a single game at Under-19 level makes him our saviour.

I'm not knocking the lad, just saying we may find ourselves disappointed if we call for him to immediately return to the team the moment he is back - surely he has to earn his way in, regardless of quality? If he has a permanent space in the side, what example does that set for other players?

[The Prof]

that if you play a starring role for your national team you are a shoo-in to get into a midtable Championship team midfield?

[holloholloway]

You say it could be a ploy to keep his feet on the ground. Maybe, but he is quality and is better than what we've got. With him in the side we're more of a threat going forward. Looked really good in pre season games before the villa match and looked to have improved from last season.

perhaps mick is right in easing him back in. But he should have been on the bench at least.

[Bumbamuffin]

And of course a single game at Under-19 level makes him our saviour.

I'm not knocking the lad, just saying we may find ourselves disappointed if we call for him to immediately return to the team the moment he is back - surely he has to earn his way in, regardless of quality? If he has a permanent space in the side, what example does that set for other players?

I'd say it's more likely Davies is looking at Potter and thinking this.Whenever Davies has had a slight chance this season,he's looked the proper player anybody with half a brain knows he is.Oldham away,Albion at home-he's made an immediate and impressive impact.Similarly,judging by tonight's report,he looked at home with some of the brightest talent in the country.Meanwhile,Potter puts in one ineffectual performance after another but always keeps the shirt.

Nobody is claiming he's the next Rooney,but Kightly,Murray and (potentially) Keogh/Ward aside we haven't many really good players at this level.We need Davies back in the side asap for this reason.

If you are happy with Potter,that's your opinion and you're entitled to it.Just don't expect me to agree-it's Davies all the way for me.Also as Deutsch says,I do support MM but that doesn't mean you have to agree with every decision he makes.I just think that the one to leave Davies out is a dire one.

[Chiswick_Wolf]

If anyone listened to McCarthy's interview after the game on saturday you would have heard him questioning his own tactics and team selection. I think he went into the Plymouth game with a tactic that he thought would work and it didn't quite.

I can understand his thoughts at playing two defensive central midfield players when he has someone like Kightly on one wing and Jones/McIndoe on the other. I'd have thought McCarthy was just trying not to get caught out by being too attacking. I'm sure that there will be a different line up for the next game.

[leedswolf]

I think because he's the one central midfielder we have that has the ability to run with the ball and take a man on.

For me, Potter's done fairly well since he's been played central, but he's going to get stick from certain elements of the support because his game is never going to be spectacular. Olofinjana is abysmal in a 4-4-2 and should never be played in that system again. Henry has done superbly, but he's an exclusively defensive midfielder (or at least, he's told to play that way). Finkler has gone, Rosa is unlikely to feature at first-team level, O'Connor is still injured and doesn't look anything special, Gleeson has been used by Stockport as a wide player.

Sometimes, we lack craft through the middle of the park and Davies is the midfielder most likely to provide that. That's not to say he's the saviour, just that he would probably be a better option than what we have, especially at home.

Good post DW. I stated early season that we didn't have creativity in central midfield and not a lot has changed IMO. Potter is an uninspiring plodder and Olo is VieraLite. We need somebody to dictate the tempo of our game and have some 'vision' to 'unlock' the opposition. Mark Davies has been that player for a couple of years now.

[leedswolf]

England 4-1 Poland

Hammill 40, Barnes 45, Vaughan 50, pen 66 Mikolajczak 14


England U19 v Poland U19
International U19 Friendly
7.45pm, 6 February 2007
The Fitness First Stadium at Dean Court, AFC Bournemouth

England scored four goals in 26 minutes to royally entertain the biggest ever crowd at the Fitness First Stadium in Bournemouth.

After going a goal down to Radoslaw Mikolajczak's 19th minute strike, the young Lions hit the goal trail to kick off 2007 in fine style.

Adam Hammill, Giles Barnes and a brace from James Vaughan sent the 10,375 crowd away with high hopes of the future of English football.

Mark Davies had the first chance of the match, latching on to a Michael Johnson through ball the Wolves midfielder had time to pick his spot but Kazimierczak stood firm and denied England the lead.

The Polish stopper then pulled off an even better save to prevent James Vaughan just moments later. With the visitors holding a high line the Three Lions were finding it easy in the opening stages to find space in behind the defence, but Vaughan was denied but a firm one handed stop from close range.

Despite dominating the opening exchanges England were caught on the counter attack and it was Radoslaw Mikolajczak that punished some indecisive defending at the heart of the defence.

Unbowed and unaffected by going behind early in the game, Brian Eastick's side stuck to their task and continued to play neat attacking football, creating chances from wide positions through both Davies and Hammill who saw a great deal of the ball.

Despite the pressure from the home side, Poland almost doubled their lead with ten minutes of the first half remaining. Patryk Malecki found space in the box and drilled a low effort past Annerson, but Elliot Omozusi showed great determination and at full stretch he cleared the ball off the line.

Straight from that incident, Adam Hammillmade a darting run down the left flank and found Giles Barnes clean through. The Derby County forward struck an early shot with the inside of his foot that seemed destined for the top corner, but unfortunately it drifted narrowly wide of the goal to the delight of the stranded Polish stopper.

Adam Hamill got England back on level terms just five minutes before the interval with a fine left-footed finish, to the delight of a record crowd at Bournemouth's Fitness First Stadium. James Vaughan won the flick on and Mark Davies beat two players before slotting Hammill in on goal. The Liverpool midfielder, who captained his club to The FA Youth Cup last season, drilled the ball home with ease to restore parity in the game.

Derby County forward Giles Barnes then gave the Three Lions the lead on the stroke of half time. Mark Davies was again at the heart of the move as he found space on the right flank, before playing in Barnes who held off the covering defender and slid the ball past Kazimierczak to send England into the break on a high.

Fabrice Muamba and Adam Hammill came off at the interval to be replaced by Hogan Ephraim and Danny Haynes, with Seb Hines taking the captain's armband.

James Vaughan extended the lead in fortunate fashion as he pounced on flick on from Danny Haynes to divide the keeper and last defender and prod the ball goalwards. Unfortunately for Kazimierczak the ball went smoothly through his legs and into the goal, although there was an element of good fortune it was no more than the home side deserved.

It was almost four, just moments later as Olly Lancashire got on the end of an inswinging free kick and headed the ball towards the top corner, the Polish keeper redeemed his earlier indiscretion with a fine fingertip save.

Vaughan made it four, and doubled his tally for the night from the penalty spot. Davies ran at the Polish defence who were forced into bringing the midfielder down, and the referee had no choice but to point to the spot.

Teams:

England: 1 Jamie Annerson (Sheffield United), 2 Mark Little (Wolverhampton Wanderers) (16 Olly Lancashire (Southampton) 54), 3 Robbie Threlfall (Liverpool) (12 Rossi Jarvis (Torquay United on loan) 72), 4 Fabrice Muamba (c) (Birmingham City on loan) (15 Danny Haynes (Ipswich Town) 45), 5 Seb Hines (Middlesbrough), 6 Elliot Omozusi (Fulham, 7 Mark Davies (Wolverhampton Wanderers), 8 Michael Johnson (Manchester City), 9 James Vaughan (Everton) (14 Sam Hewson (Manchester United) 69), 10 Giles Barnes (Derby County) 11 Adam Hammill (Liverpool) (17 Hogan Ephraim (Colchester United on loan) 45)

Substitutes not used: 13 David Button (Tottenham Hotspur),

Poland: 12 Przemyslaw Kazimierczak, 2 Grzegorz Piesio, 3 Arkadiusz Rys, 5 Blazej Augustyn, 6 Piotr Kasperkiewicz, 7 Maciej Korzym, 8 Radoslaw Mikolajczak, 9 Patryk Malecki, 10 Tomasz Cywka, 11 Kamil Oziemczuk, 16 Dawid Borys

Substitutes: 1 Dawid Pietrzkiewicz, 4 Tobiasz Mueller, 13 Maciej Tomczyk, 14 Sebastian Kurowski, 16 Michal Steinke, 17 Gregorz Goncerz, 18 Dawid Borys

Attendance: 10,375 My apologies or the plagerism :o

[Tarcisio Mifsud]

I cannot see MM reasoning on this case. If he can play for England the full 90 minutes he should also be suitable to start for Wolves. Come on MM allow this player to develope further. He will soon be worth a good number of millions.

Young players improve the more they play and not get burned out as some people. They make mistakes but each time they their learning curve is moving up. Let Mark to play next Saturday, so that Wolves can compete with Preston in the midfield.

[I.D.]

Mark Davies has been held back, partly by bad luck with injuries and partly by Wolves. When he was younger he played for England at higher age levels than his peers, eg. he played for the U17s at 15 etc.. He has gone from being an outstanding young player to being behind such players as Potter, Olofinjana and McIndoe in the pecking order. We all have our least favourite of those 3 players, but Davies could have played instead of any one of them in recent games.

[Taffywolf]

Davies reminds me alot of Jason Koumas, Comportable on the ball, Good passer and can run with the ball.
I can see Davies playing well with Potter or Henry, Both of them 2 are more holding players where as Davies loves to get forward and run at defenders.
I would love to see Davies playing alongside Olofinjana in the middle of the park to see how that works. Olo sitting in the middle of the midfield and Davies getting forward.
Either way Davies is the best central midfeilder we have at the club by far...

[PREM.L.L]

The oracle that is vital football says there was a rumour he was blocked from joining Villa on deadline day and had a spat about it with MM.

Anyone hear anything on this front?? Sounds like utter $$$$ to me.

[EasternWolf]

He gets criticised because he has a heart the size of a pea and does 20 awful things for each good thing that he does. It wouldn't be hard to improve on his performances in the past two seasons. I still don't think I've seen him have 10 good games for Wolves and we signed him two and a half years ago.

I've always admired and appreciated your balanced views on anything and everything.

For Davies ..read Lescott .... For Olofinjana .. read Naylor. Some things never change.

[EasternWolf]

Mark Davies has been held back, partly by bad luck with injuries and partly by Wolves. When he was younger he played for England at higher age levels than his peers, eg. he played for the U17s at 15 etc.. He has gone from being an outstanding young player to being behind such players as Potter, Olofinjana and McIndoe in the pecking order. We all have our least favourite of those 3 players, but Davies could have played instead of any one of them in recent games.

Isn't the truth more that he has been held back by injury? With the injury he suffered he needed to be eased back in and that is what is happening. I dont think anybody denies that he is a brilliant talent or that he deserves his place back in the team .. just when it should happen.

[wolf of sedgley]

The oracle that is vital football says there was a rumour he was blocked from joining Villa on deadline day and had a spat about it with MM.

Anyone hear anything on this front?? Sounds like utter $$$$ to me.

Let's hope it is utter $$$$.

[ProudWolf]

Just seen some of the goals from this under19 game on SSN. Two brilliant through balls from Davies resulting in goals and then a run into the box where he was brought down for an obvious penalty. He's a real classy player. Hope's he involved sooner rather than later. I'd play him left-side much like Koumas does for Albion, with McIndoe on the bench.

[Poole Wolf]

I think you will find that it is Kightly, not Potter or Olofinjana that is keeping Mark Davies out of the side. And when you also consider we have another good right sided midfielder in Gobern to come back we have a bit of an imbalance. It could be MM has bought Kightly (an obviously good player) without looking at the balance of the squad. I don't think McIndoe brings as much to the left and I think Daniel Jones should be looked at as a fullback, so maybe Davies can be tried on that side in the same way that Joe Cole plays.

All in all I am really worried about losing Davies. I bought my season ticket last year mainly to watch him develop. If we start to lose talented players that young then I really don't see the point any more.

[John]

Isn't the truth more that he has been held back by injury? With the injury he suffered he needed to be eased back in and that is what is happening.
If thats true it's shockingly bad injury management.
Either he is strong enough to last 90 mins or he isn't. If his injury is suspect then he shouldn't be playing yet, as he could as easily break down after 5 mins as he could after 20.
If it's down to match fitness, then how come DJ got a start against Plymouth straight after injury?

[wolf of sedgley]

I think you will find that it is Kightly,

Davies is not a right winger.

[Poole Wolf]

Maybe Mark Davies isn't a right winger but he played there for the U19's last night. Also with the two strikers and two defensive midfielders formation, if he wants a game he had better be a right or left midfielder. He is an attacking midfielder and with MM's preferred formation that means out wide.

[wolf of sedgley]

How about Mick plays to our most talented footballers strengths and play him down the middle where he can be most effective? I don't understand why Mick wants to play two defensive midfielders- especially at home.

[EasternWolf]

If thats true it's shockingly bad injury management.
Either he is strong enough to last 90 mins or he isn't. If his injury is suspect then he shouldn't be playing yet, as he could as easily break down after 5 mins as he could after 20.
If it's down to match fitness, then how come DJ got a start against Plymouth straight after injury?

Possibly because they had different injuries and a different recovery?

[John]

Possibly because they had different injuries and a different recovery?
Are you suggesting Mark Davies is NOT fully recovered from his injury or he is not match fit?
If he has not fully recovered from his injury, he should not be on the pitch.
If he has recovered(and playing for England, suggests he has), then only match fitness could be used as an excuse for keeping him out.
DJ would not have been back to match fitness after his lay-off, but Mick chose to start him.
I think the reasons for Mark Davies not starting have nothing to do with his injury.

[holloholloway]

maybe there is something in the villa story. I can't understand why he didn't even make the bench. Who knows?

[PREM.L.L]

I think the reasons for Mark Davies not starting have nothing to do with his injury.


go on then.

[fullmoon]

This is definetly a testing time.God! Why do we always have to go through this harrowing moments season after seasons.Play offs are all to play for now.Oh Moxey! What have you done?

[PREM.L.L]

This is definetly a testing time.God! Why do we always have to go through this harrowing moments season after seasons.Play offs are all to play for now.Oh Moxey! What have you done?

In a nutshell, what does all that mean?

[fullmoon]

We tend to fared better away from home.How i wish we would be able to overcome the home draws into a 3 points....A playoff would at least shed some hope for a better remedy to soothe the ailing fans.Hope it starts at Deepdale.

[fullmoon]

The current spatting between the south bank and the north is not helping the teams morale.As MM puts it,opponents will be having a field day coming to Molineux w/o having to endure the sticks....This has to be put aside for the time being.As for Mark Davies,i would love to see him have a go instead of Potter.

[EasternWolf]

Are you suggesting Mark Davies is NOT fully recovered from his injury or he is not match fit?
If he has not fully recovered from his injury, he should not be on the pitch.
If he has recovered(and playing for England, suggests he has), then only match fitness could be used as an excuse for keeping him out.
DJ would not have been back to match fitness after his lay-off, but Mick chose to start him.
I think the reasons for Mark Davies not starting have nothing to do with his injury.

I have not suggested that he is not fully recovered.

Mick has now given his reasons which were tactical and to do with match fitness and age. It follows that having recovered from his long injury it has something to do with that injury.

What you THINK is largely of no concern to me.

My previous point was that comparisons ( Jones' injury and recovery against Davies' injury and recovery) are odious.

[wanderer24]

How about Mick plays to our most talented footballers strengths and play him down the middle where he can be most effective? I don't understand why Mick wants to play two defensive midfielders- especially at home.

Spot on..........

[John]

Mick has now given his reasons which were tactical and to do with match fitness and age. It follows that having recovered from his long injury it has something to do with that injury.
.
He is over his injury or he wouldn't be playing. He has had enough run out's to start if Mick wanted himto.
He doesn't rate him over Olo or Potter.
End of story

[stever]

anyone got mm's email? worth sending him the poland link!!

[ooh la la]

How about Mick plays to our most talented footballers strengths and play him down the middle where he can be most effective? I don't understand why Mick wants to play two defensive midfielders- especially at home.

Spot on..........

Because our defense is cr*p!!!!!!!!

[holloholloway]

I'm speculating that maybe davies threw his toys out of the pram.

“We’ve got five strikers so if Jemal wants to go out on loan and we get an offer we will consider it,” said McCarthy. “He came in from reserve team football and did make a good impact but for whatever reason then not so much.


“Rohan would be the same, he’s out of contract at the end of the season and sometimes it’s better to be out somewhere for a month playing a bit of football.


“But while they are here, they are both our players and they want to play. What people can’t do when they’re not playing, and I’m not saying this applies here, is throw their toys out of the pram.


“If a goalkeeper threw his toys out of the pram when he wasn’t playing we’d never have a reserve keeper. I can only play 10 outfield players, and those that aren’t in should continue working hard to try and get back in the team.


“It’s very simple for me, those are the rules of the job, and infact they should work that little bit harder than the rest if they want to get back in.”

[wolf of sedgley]

Because our defense is cr*p!!!!!!!!

We should therefore forget defending and play all out attack!

[ooh la la]

We should therefore forget defending and play all out attack!

Was that theory taken from Clausewitz?

[wolf of sedgley]

Was that theory taken from Clausewitz?

Heinz Guderian actually.

[hambaps]

How about Mick plays to our most talented footballers strengths and play him down the middle where he can be most effective? I don't understand why Mick wants to play two defensive midfielders- especially at home.

One of the best Manure teams involved 2 defensive midfielders and two attacking wingers, played at home and away. Don't get me wrong, its not like we have Giggs Ince Keane Kanchelskis across the middle, but having two defensive cm's is ok if you play with attacking wingers imo

[EasternWolf]

He is over his injury or he wouldn't be playing. He has had enough run out's to start if Mick wanted himto.
He doesn't rate him over Olo or Potter.
End of story

I think you have an outstanding brain so you must be right .. remind me to tell Mick that he couldnt have meant what he said about him being a talented player ... also, Mick said he was of the opinion that he needed to ease him back in and that he preferred him to play for England for his 90 mins than against Plymouth ... how crass of Mick to lie like that when he really means he doesn't rate him ...

Alternatively, you are a tedious little person John.

[SaleWolf]

Open your eyes Mick.

Potter and Olifinjana have done ok this season but neither of them have exactly been spectacular. Henry has been outstanding and probably player of the season so far.

Mark Davies should be in the side, there's no way he should be kept out by anyone. He is by far and away the best player at this club.

Give him a bit of a run in the side and i can guarantee the goal problem we have had will certainly diminish. He can create, run with the ball, tackle and control a game.

Now when was the last time you saw a Wolves midfielder do that?

[The Weasel]

I'm speculating that maybe davies threw his toys out of the pram.

“We’ve got five strikers so if Jemal wants to go out on loan and we get an offer we will consider it,” said McCarthy. “He came in from reserve team football and did make a good impact but for whatever reason then not so much.


“Rohan would be the same, he’s out of contract at the end of the season and sometimes it’s better to be out somewhere for a month playing a bit of football.


“But while they are here, they are both our players and they want to play. What people can’t do when they’re not playing, and I’m not saying this applies here, is throw their toys out of the pram.


“If a goalkeeper threw his toys out of the pram when he wasn’t playing we’d never have a reserve keeper. I can only play 10 outfield players, and those that aren’t in should continue working hard to try and get back in the team.


“It’s very simple for me, those are the rules of the job, and infact they should work that little bit harder than the rest if they want to get back in.”

If this quote is unedited then am I being thick or isnt Mick talking about Ricketts not Mark Davies here? These lines are just way too thin to read between for my liking!

[John]

I think you have an outstanding brain so you must be right .. remind me to tell Mick that he couldnt have meant what he said about him being a talented player ... also, Mick said he was of the opinion that he needed to ease him back in and that he preferred him to play for England for his 90 mins than against Plymouth ... how crass of Mick to lie like that when he really means he doesn't rate him ...

Alternatively, you are a tedious little person John.
So despite all the evidence, you think Mick rates Davies as a better player than Potter and Olo?
Are you able to critisise the club or would it make you die?

[Deutsch Wolf]

For Olofinjana .. read Naylor. Some things never change.

I'd love you to direct me to all the posts I've made where I had a go at Naylor. Unfortunately, I don't think you'll be able to, because there aren't any. I think the strongest thing I ever said against him was that he was out of his depth in the Premiership, which I don't think any right-minded person could disagree with.

Still, Eastern Wolf getting things wrong, eh? Some things never change.

[Sheriff Woody]

Sometimes things aren't as black and white as 'he's our best player, so he should play'. Last week against Plymouth we were missing both of our 1st choice centre-backs, maybe Mick wanted to use two defensive midfielders to protect them. When you have players like Kightly and Keogh in the team we already have players who can carry the ball forward and create chances. In hindsight maybe it was the wrong decision to play Potter and Henry together, I think Big Mick has already said that he may have got it wrong and we looked better when Olofinjana and McIndoe came on.

I think we can all understand why he wasn't put in for the Albion game, you don't want your bright young star who's coming back from injury to get booted all over the pitch in a derby game.

McCarthy has already said that players get picked on merit, not just the talent they've got or the performance the previous week, it's about what they do in training in the week as well. We all know how good Davies is and I think we all know that at some point he'll get his chance and show everybody what he can do and it'll then be up to the others to get him out but for the time being he's going to have to wait for his chance.

[wolf of sedgley]

Leaving Mark Davies out of our team when he is perfectly able to play is a$$$ (a.k.in- why is that filtered?) to albion leaving Koumas out of their team.

[Chiswick_Wolf]

McCarthy has already said that players get picked on merit, not just the talent they've got or the performance the previous week, it's about what they do in training in the week as well. We all know how good Davies is and I think we all know that at some point he'll get his chance and show everybody what he can do and it'll then be up to the others to get him out but for the time being he's going to have to wait for his chance.


Perhaps between Albion and Plymouth in Mick's eyes Davies didn't train hard enough/well enough to deserve a place in the 16. If that is the case then I'd have to say well done to him - players however good they are shouldn't be bigger than the team.

[holloholloway]

“But while they are here, they are both our players and they want to play. What people can’t do when they’re not playing, and I’m not saying this applies here, is throw their toys out of the pram.


“If a goalkeeper threw his toys out of the pram when he wasn’t playing we’d never have a reserve keeper. I can only play 10 outfield players, and those that aren’t in should continue wor$$$g hard to try and get back in the team.


“It’s very simple for me, those are the rules of the job, and infact they should work that little bit harder than the rest if they want to get back in.”

[wanderer24]

Because our defense is cr*p!!!!!!!!

our defenders getting beat one on one, being punished for individual errors, poor positioning and communication; has nothing to do with our defensive abilities in midfield. We are not getting hit on the break and with Henry sitting there it's not a problem.
In fact if you look at the facts our defence is doing quite well, it's out attack that's crap and poor finishing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[ooh la la]

our defenders getting beat one on one, being punished for individual errors, poor positioning and communication; has nothing to do with our defensive abilities in midfield. We are not getting hit on the break and with Henry sitting there it's not a problem.
In fact if you look at the facts our defence is doing quite well, it's out attack that's crap and poor finishing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I will agree that we have not been scoring goals, but since the opening few weeks of the season our defense has been wanting; to put it mildly. This is why MM has resorted to filling the midfield and playing only one striker up front. It wouldn't be so bad if we were scoring goals but with a weak defense and no goals we are where we are. I’ll guarantee that you won't be seeing many defenders here now next season i.e. Breen, Clapham, McNamara (although I would like him to stay) and possibly even Craddock will go.

[Stewarton Wolf]

The current spatting between the south bank and the north is not helping the teams morale.As MM puts it,opponents will be having a field day coming to Molineux w/o having to endure the sticks....This has to be put aside for the time being.

What utter toss what about the previous 6 home games MM misjudged, the mans clueless and despite his so called popularity on here more and more seem to be questioning his tactics and team selection.

[Stewarton Wolf]

Perhaps between Albion and Plymouth in Mick's eyes Davies didn't train hard enough/well enough to deserve a place in the 16. If that is the case then I'd have to say well done to him - players however good they are shouldn't be bigger than the team.

I think he has a blind spot to real talent as he was a carthorse of a player. He picked craig davies often enough the most useless player i have ever seen who cannot even control a football as long as you run round aimlessly thats good enough for thick mick.

[Swindon Wolf]

I think he has a blind spot to real talent as he was a carthorse of a player. He picked craig davies often enough the most useless player i have ever seen who cannot even control a football as long as you run round aimlessly thats good enough for thick mick.


Who told him to sign (and play) Kightly then?

[Deutsch Wolf]

I think he has a blind spot to real talent as he was a carthorse of a player.

Whereas Arsene Wenger, who is widely considered to have been the Zidane of his day, can appreciate skill and craft in a way no other current manager can.

[Stewarton Wolf]

Who told him to sign (and play) Kightly then?

With a strike rate of 1 out of 16 anyone can get that lucky.

[Stewarton Wolf]

Whereas Arsene Wenger, who is widely considered to have been the Zidane of his day, can appreciate skill and craft in a way no other current manager can.

You cannot compare Wenger to Mick, French football is technical and crafted, meanwhile in the Barnsley Sunday League ......

Sometimes you rise above your background and better yourself, others just carry on doing the same old same old.

Wenger is talented and sucessful, Mick is just crap, sorry, you might not agree but i have been consistant on this. 1 promotion 2 premier league humilliations, and further seasons of nothing ness at Millwall, + a riot in Saipan. Yet he's going to lead us to promotion, No chance.

Do the medal count....

[Deutsch Wolf]

Stewarton, you're embarrassing yourself.

[djackl]

Stewarton, you're embarrassing yourself.

Seconded.

[scottishwolf II]

I'm speculating that maybe davies threw his toys out of the pram.

“We’ve got five strikers so if Jemal wants to go out on loan and we get an offer we will consider it,” said McCarthy. “He came in from reserve team football and did make a good impact but for whatever reason then not so much.


“Rohan would be the same, he’s out of contract at the end of the season and sometimes it’s better to be out somewhere for a month playing a bit of football.


“But while they are here, they are both our players and they want to play. What people can’t do when they’re not playing, and I’m not saying this applies here, is throw their toys out of the pram.


“If a goalkeeper threw his toys out of the pram when he wasn’t playing we’d never have a reserve keeper. I can only play 10 outfield players, and those that aren’t in should continue working hard to try and get back in the team.


“It’s very simple for me, those are the rules of the job, and infact they should work that little bit harder than the rest if they want to get back in.”

Get what you're saying and an interesting reading between the lines. Also a good way of giving someone a talking to through the media without saying a word about it. Clever Mick if that is the case.

[Stewarton Wolf]

Stewarton, you're embarrassing yourself.

I'm not embarrassed, its just you dont agree, we will just have to wait and see, but for me its like watching a car crash in slow motion.

[Elvis Wolf]

Just a thought and as I've mentioned on another thread, why don't people e-mail their cocerns re the non inclusion of Davies, directly to The Club rather than just in the postings on here?
There again maybe they already do?:confused:
Ew

[Sheriff Woody]

So because McCarthy wasn't perhaps the most gifted player in the world technically it means that he's unable to spot or play gifted players in his team? What a load of rubbish, why did he play Robbie Keane and Damien Duff for Ireland then, are they not gifted? Why has he bought in Kightly, Keogh and to some extent McIndoe (when he pulls his finger out)?

McCarthy wasn't exactly a carthorse either was he. 57 international caps, he even captained them. His playing career saw him play for Barnsley, Manchester City, Celtic, Lyon and Millwall, hardly Barnsley sunday league is it?

Give the guy a break, maybe just maybe he believes that a player shouldn't just walk into the team because of who he is. He's been injured and has to prove himself in training and 'reserve team' fixtures first before being elevated to the first team, just because he's an England under 19 international doesn't mean he should automatically play him...................... although I think he's a better option than Potter!