Mr Bothroyd.

[PREM.L.L]

Just wondering, for those who have seen the last two matches, what has been the significant difference in him?

I've always thought if you added a bit of flog your guts out to the attributes he has, that goals would result. Great touch, sledgehammer shot but the best one for me is his balance which accentuates (big word for friday morning) all the others.

Is it clear what he's doing differently? is he simply putting himself about more, running the channels etc.

Or is it all a myth and he's got lucky last 2 games??

[Oxford Wolf]

I went to Palace and he just seems fitter, and more interested.

With the undoubted ability he has all he needed was more fitness and more effort and the goals would come.

It's the same for any striker with ability, stand around like a numpty and you aren't going to score any where near as many goals as if you put a shift in.

Long may it continue with Jay.

[cooper_J]

When he came on against Luton away, albeit for the last 20 minutes or so, he looked like a different player.

Chased everything, tracked back, linked up well with Keogh.

Maybe he realises now that he can't afford to spurn another chance.

[wolves85nb]

After being kept out of the team by 2 lower profile players, it probably gave him the kick up the backside he needed..... He now seems to realise that his ability alone won't guarantee him a starting place under MM, even if he his the most talented striker in the division, and for that he wants it more IMO.

Playing well, looks fitter and much sharper, now lets hope he bags in another brace on Sunday!

[Moira Stewart]

It's spring, and there's a spring in the step of Big gay Jay. He'll be ok until the clocks go back again next October.

[Taffywolf]

Jay is a class act who has everything in his game, He is a player that looks as though he could step up to the premiership. The pairing with Keogh has looked good from day 1, It would be nice if Keogh stepped in with a few more goals..

[Redditch Wolves]

Jay is class but I have always said all along that it's his attitude that has probably not seen him progress. But what I have seen from him since he came on against Luton away is that if he is on top of his game then he is one of the best strikers in the divison. I hope he destroys Blues on Sunday

[The Vicar]

He will destroy B-lose on sunday. On his day he in unplayable, Sunday will be a case in point.

[harriswolf]

Maybe he's in love :)

[Exile Wolf]

I think that he likes the way Keogh plays and as such his game as nearly been raised to what it should be every week.

He does look a different player since the Luton game and the goal return proves it, long may it continue

[Bevan]

He does seem to glide around the pitch. Great balance.

Although, IMO, his most impressive attribute is the power of his shooting. None of this side-foot nonsense. Just belt the bally thing as hard as you can. Reminiscent of Hasselbaink.

[BridgnorthWolf Inc]

Reminiscent of Hasselbaink.

That's a great way of summing him up. His attitude is the ONLY thing I find frustrating about him.

[wanderer24]

I think Bothroyd is pivotal to everything that has happened to the club over recent years. He represents everything that was wrong and everything that is potentially fantastic about our future.
He is talented but previously in his career has lacked application and effort. MM has transformed the work ethic of this club and inparticular Bothroyd.
I so hope he can continue to put in a shift consistently as it will spur on the rest of the squad and any potential new signings.

[Pattingham Wolf]

When he came on against Luton away, albeit for the last 20 minutes or so, he looked like a different player.

Chased everything, tracked back, linked up well with Keogh.

Maybe he realises now that he can't afford to spurn another chance.

Think you're spot on with this. I think I made the point in the verdict thread for the Luton game. He looked like a different player. I also think Keogh suits him. He can play his little flicks and touches for Keogh to run on to. He looks good at the moment. I wouldn't write Ward off yet though. I think he'll come good and he must be tired after a run of games at a much higher level and pace than he's ever played at before.

[GoldenHorseshoe]

It's spring, and there's a spring in the step of Big gay Jay. He'll be ok until the clocks go back again next October.

You've got a point there, once the cold weather comes and he gets his gloves and bandage on, he's $$$$e

[ashfordwolf]

His close control and balance is superb, his ability to hold the ball at close quarters whilst under pressure is second to none at this level.

[Powelly]

IMO Mccarthy has got it through to him that he really is in last chance saloon as to how he wants his career to pan out

His talent and ability has never been in question at whichever club he has been at( if it was he wouldnt have started off at Arsenal), its always been his work ethic and willingness to get involved

When he wants to know, in this division he is quite simply unplayable ( as he was for first half hour at palace last week)

The influence of us signed 2 players who have similar "flair" ability in Keogh and more importantly Mcindoe cant be underestimated

Bothroyd is potentially the difference betwen success or disappointment in the next 3-6 weeks

[Dr Wolfenstein]

to put in a shift

Can we have a moratorium on this humdrum DJ expression? Football isn't the same as working at the Patent Shaft (deceased).

[wanderer24]

Can we have a moratorium on this humdrum DJ expression? Football isn't the same as working at the Patent Shaft (deceased).

Your point?

[Dr Wolfenstein]

Your point?

Football is an escape from shift (or any) work, both for the players who probably couldn't hack it & the supporters who want a day off from it & don't want to be constantly reminded of it. I realise the gulf between playing football & actually having a job is a lot wider now; and I remember in the 60s the Walsall captain decorating our next door neighbour's house during the summer : I wasn't prepared to pay to watch him do it on a Saturday though

We all like to see a bit of effort on the pitch, but some players are gifted in ways that transcend this & they're the ones people pay to see. The great ones automatically put in 90 minutes because they also enjoy the opportunity to express their talent. But the dreary expression of putting in a shift suggests only workhorses & journeymen, which would only lead to a tedious & joyless brand of football.

[wanderer24]

The point i was making was when a natural talented footballer such as Bothroyd, is focused and works hard; his and our reward is a performance which pleases me on all levels. Gifted footballers don't always entertain regardless of effort.

[Hatch End Wolf]

Gifted footballers who aren't prepared to work don't usually last long. They get overtaken by the Kevan Keegan's; players who don't have magical ability but do have an extraordinary will to win.