WestBrom.com
West Bromwich Albion FC Forums => West Bromwich Albion FC => Topic started by: DaveWBA on July 27, 2018, 03:51:00 PM
-
http://www.iron-bru.co.uk/exclusive-west-brom-to-win-townsend-race/
Scunthorpe site and a few murmurs on Twitter that we've got a deal in place for Conor Townsend a LB.
-
Yes - Townsend is a WBA player
-
Well, if he turns out to be as good as Sir Ian Botham, I’d say we have a good all rounder on our hands :D
-
Sounds a very capable defender and not coming to just sit on bench either
-
Any idea what he's like ?
Hopefully not a replacement for gibbs and is coming in as cover.
-
Think Kevin Keegan came from Scunthorpe
-
Yes he did.
-
5'6" !!!!
You can tell Pulis isn't here anymore!
I wonder if this means Gibbs is off?
-
Scunthorpe fans say he is a great player, albeit 5, 6 feels very small for a defender in a division that likes a good ball to the back post.
This signing near enough confirms that we are shopping soley in the British market, probably a side effect of sacking all of our scouts without replacing them or the director of football.
Looking forward to seeing somebody a bit fresher come in and with potential. Surprised however we have gone for a left back rather than a right back when we already had Brunt to cover Gibbs. Could Gibbs be going?
-
Their chairman says no agreement with us, according to BBC Humberside.
-
Wasn't the greatest left back ever at WBA only 5'6"?
And I don't mean Graham Williams,
You guys know exactly who I mean don't you?
-
Derek Statham?
-
If he's got the passion on the pitch of that man then get him in.
-
Yes he did.
He was only a little fella ! What was the cup we beat Scunthorpe in years ago ? 3 1 if I remember right
-
Their chairman says no agreement with us, according to BBC Humberside.
. Their Chairman has rubbished Ipwich and Hull's bid £400k and £250k respectively saying championship teams think they can get players on the cheap according to Radio Humberside nothing about us
-
Scunthorpe fans say he is a great player, albeit 5, 6 feels very small for a defender in a division that likes a good ball to the back post.
This signing near enough confirms that we are shopping soley in the British market, probably a side effect of sacking all of our scouts without replacing them or the director of football.
Looking forward to seeing somebody a bit fresher come in and with potential. Surprised however we have gone for a left back rather than a right back when we already had Brunt to cover Gibbs. Could Gibbs be going?
Are we not also after Stacey the young right back from Luton?
-
Think Kevin Keegan came from Scunthorpe
As did John Kaye! And returned there I believe.
-
As did John Kaye! And returned there I believe.
Ripon North Yorks
-
Any idea how much this lad is costing us?
-
. Their Chairman has rubbished Ipwich and Hull's bid £400k and £250k respectively saying championship teams think they can get players on the cheap according to Radio Humberside nothing about us
This was posted on their Twitter feed 3 hours ago.
Contrary to some reports, no deal's been agreed between #SUFC and #WBA for Conor Townsend as far as #Iron chairman Peter Swann knows
-
The Birmingham mail seem to think we are getting him according the Matt Kendrick.
-
From reports I imagine we're close to a deal although it's not quite done yet.
Without sounding like Tony Pulis, I have to say I have my reservations with a LB at 5'6. I know height isn't everything but other than attacking wingers, I think that height is too small for a defensive position these days. Looking back, even Chester struggled at times and he was 5'10 - and 5'6 is quite a big difference especially against some of the target men in the Championship.
-
It isn't the height of the player, but if needed, it is how high they can jump. Also to have the awareness to get in the right position.
-
Statham was 5'5'" just for the record.
-
From reports I imagine we're close to a deal although it's not quite done yet.
Without sounding like Tony Pulis, I have to say I have my reservations with a LB at 5'6. I know height isn't everything but other than attacking wingers, I think that height is too small for a defensive position these days. Looking back, even Chester struggled at times and he was 5'10 - and 5'6 is quite a big difference especially against some of the target men in the Championship.
Chester struggled because he wasn't a full back. If you're 6ft 4in does that make you better equipped to play FB than someone who is 5ft 6in?
Ashley Cole is the best full back I have seen. He was 5ft 9in and THAT perfomance against Ronaldo was against someone who dwarfed him physically. All about ability in my opinion.
-
Sure, there's always going to be world class, smaller players - but that's a biased argument, and these days most aren't - for instance, when was the last quality wing-back at under 5'6 - I assume there's been none in the past 20+ years that I can think of? (and Ashley Cole had 4"s on him which is quite a big difference - we're going from the realms of small to freakishly small)
The general rule in football is that if you're 5'6 then height will be an issue - if he wasn't linked with West Brom then we may be less generous with our opinions on him, but realistically it probably will be an issue. Obviously stuff like positioning and jump are important but sometimes raw height will win, as seen with various, big strikers who lack technique but get by with height and power/muscle. I.e. there will be times as a defender when he has to challenge a header, is he ever going to beat a regular 6'2 striker in the air for instance?
Don't get me wrong, if he does sign I wish him the best, but it's definitely going to be in the back of peoples minds whenever he plays.
-
Derek Statham best left back ever!! :-[ :P absolutely brilliant
-
Wasn't the greatest left back ever at WBA only 5'6"?
And I don't mean Graham Williams,
You guys know exactly who I mean don't you?
Nicky Shorey I presume?
-
Sure, there's always going to be world class, smaller players - but that's a biased argument, and these days most aren't - for instance, when was the last quality wing-back at under 5'6 - I assume there's been none in the past 20+ years that I can think of? (and Ashley Cole had 4"s on him which is quite a big difference - we're going from the realms of small to freakishly small)
The general rule in football is that if you're 5'6 then height will be an issue - if he wasn't linked with West Brom then we may be less generous with our opinions on him, but realistically it probably will be an issue. Obviously stuff like positioning and jump are important but sometimes raw height will win, as seen with various, big strikers who lack technique but get by with height and power/muscle. I.e. there will be times as a defender when he has to challenge a header, is he ever going to beat a regular 6'2 striker in the air for instance?
Don't get me wrong, if he does sign I wish him the best, but it's definitely going to be in the back of peoples minds whenever he plays.
Fabio Cannavaro managed to win the best player in the world award being a 5ft 9in CB. I don't expect Townsend to ever reach those heights so if you're going to be subjective then being a 5ft 6in FB in The Championship isn't the end of the world.
Alan Wright of Villa was 5ft 4in and carved out a very good career for himself.
At present Dani Alves 5ft 7in and Jordi Alba 5ft 7in.
-
Ripon North Yorks
I meant the club he started at and ultimately returned to.
-
I wouldn't get too hung up on Townsend's lack of stature if the opposition decide to target him by launching high balls into the box then great because that is just going to gift possession back to us and stop them sustaining attacks through multiple phases of play which are the thing that grinds defences down.
-
I wouldn't get too hung up on Townsend's lack of stature if the opposition decide to target him by launching high balls into the box then great because that is just going to gift possession back to us and stop them sustaining attacks through multiple phases of play which are the thing that grinds defences down.
Good to know, dare say we'll get to test that theory on August 28th versus Middlesbrough when they launch diagonal balls to isolate the full backs from our centre halves.
-
Good to know, dare say we'll get to test that theory on August 28th versus Middlesbrough when they launch diagonal balls to isolate the full backs from our centre halves.
And why do I know it is a largely ineffective tactic? Because that was his game plan most weeks while he was at the Albion and it largely didn't work. 8)
-
And why do I know it is a largely ineffective tactic? Because that was his game plan most weeks while he was at the Albion and it largely didn't work. 8)
It worked to a degree it was just pooh to watch
-
Chester struggled because he wasn't a full back. If you're 6ft 4in does that make you better equipped to play FB than someone who is 5ft 6in?
Ashley Cole is the best full back I have seen. He was 5ft 9in and THAT perfomance against Ronaldo was against someone who dwarfed him physically. All about ability in my opinion.
Very close between Statham and Cole both brilliant footballers, I was lucky enough to see both of them play but if I had to choose it would have to be Statham simply because he was a Baggie!!
-
And why do I know it is a largely ineffective tactic? Because that was his game plan most weeks while he was at the Albion and it largely didn't work. 8)
It's also a tactic for a good number of clubs throughout the leagues for whom it does work, including the Prem' and the Championship.
Don't ask me to list them as there are too many, but it happened against us several times last season when both TP and AP were in charge.
It also happened on a number of occasions prior to both appointments.
It's fairly rudimentary, entirely predictable and yet still effective.
Many teams use it as and when when required.
If TP sees a short backside full back you can bet he'll be all over it.
Whether it works or not will be down to decent delivery and the spacial awareness of our defence, something which has been sadly lacking from Bartley's play in his admittedly limited appearances for us thus far.
See Aberdeen's goal and both of Barnsley's for evidence of the latter. (Ed: ie spacial awareness)
(Double Ed:
I'm referring to the diagonal ball which splits full back and centre half as originally stated, as opposed to a long ball hump which I believe you alluded to).
-
So, the signing is not true then? ;D
-
Express and star reporting that its happening
-
Danny Rose is 5f 8in
-
Scunthorpe have just confirmed Jackson from Manchester United on loan for the season. Sounds like Townsend is ours.
-
All players have strengths and weaknesses, Townsends weakness would appear to be his height which to be fair, all the coaching in the world, he cant do much about!
I would also imagine assuming he signs, the day he walks through the door, when they see he is 5ft 6", it wont be a massive shock, they will be fully aware of this!
We appear to have good coaches at the club and any decent coach will know that him being isolated / outjumped on the back post is a potential issue and you would hope they will put plans in place to counter that.
Communication will be a big thing as i would imagine the two centre halves will take responsibility especially the left sided one, after we conceded a few goals this way last season with Gibbs being targeted at the back post i would imagine Big Dave and the crew have been working on that.
I know nothing about Townsend except from reading social media that Scunthorpe fans seems really gutted he is going which is a good sign.
I know paying a small fee for a left back from Scunthorpe isnt a glamour signing but he is a good age, he should only improve, and i would rather sign somebody like that than a player coming for his last big payday, in recent years our better signings tend to be the ones we know little about.
-
I actually get quite excited about the prospect of signing somebody like this. One of the best players in the league above so in my eyes has earned his shot at the level above.
Welcome to the club Conor.
-
https://www.wba.co.uk/news/2018/july/albion-add-townsend-to-ranks/
Signed, welcome Conor
-
Good age, sounds like he has "legs" has been in a successful / winning side, whats not to like.
Welcome to the Baggies Conor
Much rather have signings of this ilk than overage, overpaid journeymen
-
If he is back up to Gibbs, rather than a replacement, then you can't complain. Scunthorpe fans really rate him and qere bemused when he was dropped from the team half way thriugh last season. Has been one of their better players and so should give us a good back up alternative should Gibbs get injured.
Hope we do start looking a bit further afield for the last couple of signings though.
-
Welcome aboard the good ship Albion, Conor!
-
I'm happy with this signing, he likes to get forward and is good at taking set pieces - there are a couple of Youtube videos of him scoring from free-kicks.
-
Seems to fit the statement from DM about signing players from the Championship or lower divisions who are talented, the right age and have the right attitude. Also another option for left foot delivery from set pieces when Brunt isn't in the team....and as we know Brunt's corners are effective but he scores from direct free kicks once in a blue moon.
-
I'm happy with this signing, he likes to get forward and is good at taking set pieces - there are a couple of Youtube videos of him scoring from free-kicks.
Did you see the one at the near post?
Scandalous goal ;D .
Anyway, welcome to the Albion Conor, and don't forget your step ladder ;) .
-
Best LB in L1 according to Gary mcsheffery who played together
-
Good age, sounds like he has "legs" has been in a successful / winning side, whats not to like. Welcome to the Baggies Conor. Much rather have signings of this ilk than overage, overpaid journeymen
Spot on. Gibbs has no hunger and limited ability, this lad will be desperate to play and play well, hope he breaks into the team.
-
Hopefully he does well, feels odd to sign a player from league 1 for a change...I think the last one was possibly Simon Cox?
I do wonder if this means Gibbs will be off? Anyway, it's good to get another body through the door. Does anyone know how much he cost?
-
Hopefully he does well, feels odd to sign a player from league 1 for a change...I think the last one was possibly Simon Cox?
I do wonder if this means Gibbs will be off? Anyway, it's good to get another body through the door. Does anyone know how much he cost?
750k apparently.
-
Watching him get interviewed at half time, there is no way he is onlt 5,6. Was a good 2 or 3 inches taller than the bloke interviewing him, and loked reasonably same size as the stewards around him.
He isn't huge, but maybe more 5,8 or 5,9.
-
Welcome to the Albion and good luck Conor.
-
Watching him get interviewed at half time, there is no way he is onlt 5,6. Was a good 2 or 3 inches taller than the bloke interviewing him, and loked reasonably same size as the stewards around him.
He isn't huge, but maybe more 5,8 or 5,9.
This is what a Scunthorpe fan said about him on another site:
"Probs best left back in L1, gets forward and has a good cross on him. Comfortable on the ball and he’s definitely a lot taller than 5’6"
So perhaps you are right.
-
Watching him get interviewed at half time, there is no way he is onlt 5,6. Was a good 2 or 3 inches taller than the bloke interviewing him, and loked reasonably same size as the stewards around him.
He isn't huge, but maybe more 5,8 or 5,9.
exactly what I said, he definitely looks a lot taller than 5ft6
-
Welcome Conor. :)
Now we have a proper backup for Gibbs.
Last season we have to play Nyom at left back when Gibbs was injuried.
-
exactly what I said, he definitely looks a lot taller than 5ft6
Yeah. It's difficult to tell exactly but he's definitely taller than 5'6".
-
Welcome Conor,is he any relation to our former player?
-
Welcome Conor,is he any relation to our former player?
Are you thinking of James O’conner the guy we bought from Stoke?
-
Welcome Conor,is he any relation to our former player?
When Conor ran for his medical he had already covered more ground than the last Townsend did for us!
-
Are you thinking of James O’conner the guy we bought from Stoke?
I’m assuming he meant Andy Townsend. Hard to see how he thought someone with the same Christian name as someone else’s surname were related. Unless it’s Neville Neville .
-
I’m assuming he meant Andy Townsend. Hard to see how he thought someone with the same Christian name as someone else’s surname were related. Unless it’s Neville Neville .
Sorry, my error :)
-
Getting better with every game. I hope he keeps it up.
-
he might be worth a try at left sided midfield in front of Gibbs.If it doesn't work shelve experiment.
-
Very good shift from him last night, some vital last ditch interceptions when Blues had run through our OAP midfield.
-
After a run of games is beginning to look like a very decent signing indeed
-
After a run of games is beginning to look like a very decent signing indeed
Might well be needed if we fail to go up and somebody poaches Gibbs
-
he might be worth a try at left sided midfield in front of Gibbs.If it doesn't work shelve experiment.
maybe the other way round?
-
Thought he did well last night against Costa, not the best but he stopped most things coming into the box on our left side. Personally don t think Gibbs is that much better as a defender.
-
Thought he did well last night against Costa, not the best but he stopped most things coming into the box on our left side. Personally don t think Gibbs is that much better as a defender.
At last.
Townsend gets undeserved stick. No he's not Derek Statham but he's competant enough to do a job when required at this level. Did a decent job last night.
-
I think we should put him on corners, his delivery is very good. What we would
do for Brunts left foot just for corners!
-
I think we should put him on corners, his delivery is very good. What we would
do for Brunts left foot just for corners!
I thought exactly that last night. We should be able to bring him on every time we have a corner. 8)
-
I think we should put him on corners, his delivery is very good. What we would
do for Brunts left foot just for corners!
Generally thought he did pretty well yesterday....and yes he has a good cross on him so could be worth a shot at the corners when on the pitch.
There have been calls of Brunt for the last 20 mins to get crosses in but that's evidently not in our game plan much as Townsend can put a good ball in but we don't see it happening....Pereira got on the end of one top Townsend cross late on against somebody but generally we don't seem to utilise this much.
-
Might well be needed if we fail to go up and somebody poaches Gibbs
To be honest, I'd look to be off loading Gibbs and replace with a version not made out of glass.
townsend did well enough for me when he came on
-
At times yesterday he was left covering two men as Philips either couldn't be arsed or just couldn't make it back to help out with some defensive work. TBH I thought he was blowing out of his rear end fifteen minutes before he got hooked
-
Conor did OK last night. I have to say I am getting totally Pee'd off with using one of our three substitutes to sort out a problem at full-back, every game. What with that , and constantly needing to substitute Phillips every game, it is undermining the flexibility of our bench.
-
He looks useful coming forward, just needs to be a bit less headless.
-
Glad someone else thought he did okay last night, probably should not start, but a useful option off the bench.
-
Pleased with Conor. He has (sometimes severe) limitations in technique etc but has a great attitude and thought he did very well yesterday considering.
He seems ok running into space with the right players in front him (see yesterday and also against Stoke) and sometimes gets unfairly criticised when being played a poor ball into trouble.
Coming on as a sub against Leeds is difficult but pleased for the lad. I go to more away than home games these days and I've been disappointing with the attitude of some fans to him at home. We need to appreciate the ceiling in his ability and use this acknowledgement to offer more patience. Players like Conor need more support from us.
-
Thought he played well yesterday. I was a bit worried as his last couple of performances had been well below the standard he'd set when covering during Ferguson's suspension and Gibbs' injury.
I'd prefer us to go and get a first choice Left back if Ferguson is going to leave and Gibbs can't get properly fit but Townsend is more than adequate cover.
-
This. A decent Championship left back and someone playing to the max of his natural ability so can't ask for more. However, we have been spoilt at times watching Gibbs and Grady on that side, and Ferguson is a wonderfully athletic defender and real prospect. So, with Gibbs having glass hammies and Ferguson possibly on his way we may very well need another left back to come in.
-
Pleased with Conor. He has (sometimes severe) limitations in technique etc but has a great attitude and thought he did very well yesterday considering.
He seems ok running into space with the right players in front him (see yesterday and also against Stoke) and sometimes gets unfairly criticised when being played a poor ball into trouble.
Coming on as a sub against Leeds is difficult but pleased for the lad. I go to more away than home games these days and I've been disappointing with the attitude of some fans to him at home. We need to appreciate the ceiling in his ability and use this acknowledgement to offer more patience. Players like Conor need more support from us.
Mostly fair comment but I think his problems tend to be more positional awareness and maybe confidence issues rather than any particular technical limitations. Positional awareness is something that can be worked on and improved. Best crosser of a ball out of all our fullbacks, but we don't seem to look to utilise that.
-
Think he's awful, but it's become the done thing to lavish praise on our worst players like some great fan badge of honour.
-
Think he's awful, but it's become the done thing to lavish praise on our worst players like some great fan badge of honour.
Just other people having a different opinion to you is all.
-
Don't think saying a player is a decent stand-in, which is the general consensus, can be considered lavish praise? Didn't make any obvious defensive errors, tried to get forward at times. Not a natural athlete like Gibbo or Ferguson, but then not made of glass or having agents agitating for a move. He'll do as a squad player but if it looks like Gibbo is going to struggle staying fit then we will need to invest at left back sooner rather than later.
-
Think he's awful, but it's become the done thing to lavish praise on our worst players like some great fan badge of honour.
So it sounds like we need an 'x' is rubbish thread, where the good points and bad points of 'x' are no longer open to discussion.
-
He was better yesterday but he's still not good enough. Left back shopping required in the summer or in Jan if Ferguson goes.
-
Think he's awful, but it's become the done thing to lavish praise on our worst players like some great fan badge of honour.
Do you really think that is so, or are you just attention seeking?
Anyway, back on topic and focusing on players not criticising our own fans.
Thought Connor did well yesterday. He needed a good performance as he has been weak recently. Still think his crossing needs to be better but did what was needed yesterday. Needs to maintain that level of performance now.
However it cannot be easy having a different partner in front of him most games.
-
Think its a bit early to be writing off Gibbs on the back of his hamstring not healing properly. Still easily our most effective full back going forward, and has contributed to a fair number of our goals/assists. I've nothing against Townsend, but he's just not at the same standard as Gibbs.
-
Think he did ok when deputising after Fergie red
For some reason he always looks nervous for the first 15 minutes on the pitch, it looked like Bartley did a really good job talking him through last night
He won’t be premier standard...he probably knows that
But I would say I feel better with him starting than Gibbs , because Gibbs has continually broken down in recent times and that disrupts the team and the ability to use substitutions
However, regardless of contract Fergie is way better
-
I thought Conor had a very good game today MOTM for me.
-
I thought Conor had a very good game today MOTM for me.
Game suited him, against a low level opposition. I can't fault his effort but he's a bit lightweight.
-
Bilic needs to drop this lad, he doesn't give us an outlet on wing and has been caught numerous times out of position.
-
Not sure what the scouts saw in him. Seems a nice lad and tries but not good enough for the championship.
-
I think this lad should stick to his restaurant business. Offers us nothing. What's Nicky Shorey and Tininho up to?
-
He's up there with Scott Darton.
If Ferguson isn't going to play or Gibbs isn't going to be fit again anytime soon, we have to bring in a left back. One of the poorest players I have ever seen in an Albion shirt.
-
Bilic needs to drop this lad, he doesn't give us an outlet on wing and has been caught numerous times out of position.
Thing is thats how Bilic sets them up , we have leaked and been exposed for bad goals all season with Ferguson , Gibbs and Townsend in these roles . The only one who seems to cope with how we play is Furlong .
Theres been certain games the side has been a bit stiffer and Townsend has been good enough , Hull away he was man of the match . I don't think he's bad at all , I just don't think he's suited to the attacking style Bilic likes.
-
For me last night shows how, if we haven't got Gibbs, Brunt needs to play there. We looked much better when he came on.
-
For me last night shows how, if we haven't got Gibbs, Brunt needs to play there. We looked much better when he came on.
At home you certainly need a full back who can get forward and provide something.
-
I I thought he just looked horribly exposed on the left, not sure who was supposed to be playing in front of him, but often he was left in his own with no support going forwards or back, and Stoke could double up on him
-
For me last night shows how, if we haven't got Gibbs, Brunt needs to play theere. We looked much better when he came on.
Again how Bilic has had his fullbacks playing so far theres no way Brunt could do 90 mins of that , anybody with pace would be moved in his space . Too easy.
-
He's just not up to Champ standard playing every week. Forget Olsson, we need a fit and ready left back to slot in and to cover the inevitable Gibbs long term injuries every season .........
-
Might not be the best player on the pitch but he’s just donated £250 to the fundraiser to get the homeless man from yesterday a season ticket.
Top gesture.
-
Might not be the best player on the pitch but he’s just donated £250 to the fundraiser to get the homeless man from yesterday a season ticket.
Top gesture.
That shows a great attitude to be fair to him
-
Townsend the least of our worries at the moment. He ain't good enough for prem he's fine as an understudy.
Last night there was no movement or width so as soon as it went wide there was no options or movements so he either slung it in the middle or it went back to the CBS to hoof
-
Townsend the least of our worries at the moment. He ain't good enough for prem he's fine as an understudy.
Last night there was no movement or width so as soon as it went wide there was no options or movements so he either slung it in the middle or it went back to the CBS to hoof
That comes from not playing with an attacking wideman in front of him. Pereira not suited to role, which is why he kept coming inside. Townsend is decent enough cover for left back but he doesn't seem to get past the last defender to deliver crosses.
BTW.. great gesture in forking out for homeless man's season ticket.
-
Does anyone else notice his habit of shaping like he's right footed? Numerous times on Monday he turned to receive the ball and his body shape was all wrong, so, instead of positioning himself to move forward on his left side he sort of turned sidewards as if he would come inside on his right foot. By the time he re-adjusts his position any space is closed down and he's under pressure.
Might be just me but I found it bizarre.
-
Slagged the lad of in last few games but fair play to bloke for getting involved in Sean's season ticket go fund me page. Tip my hat off to You son.
-
A word for Conor. Gets alot of stick, some of it unjustified and some of it plain ridiculous. Got his goal today, pleased for the lad, nowhere near as bad as some people say he is.
-
A word for Conor. Gets alot of stick, some of it unjustified and some of it plain ridiculous. Got his goal today, pleased for the lad, nowhere near as bad as some people say he is.
He did well today Atomic, not just the goal but he looked comfortable on the ball and seemed as though he was thoroughly enjoying himself. Fair play to him.
-
A word for Conor. Gets alot of stick, some of it unjustified and some of it plain ridiculous. Got his goal today, pleased for the lad, nowhere near as bad as some people say he is.
Depends on what level you are talking about.
He is what he is. Does his best and seems a nice lad but not good enough for a team with ambitions of the Premier.
Fair play to him today though, pleased for him.
-
A word for Conor. Gets alot of stick, some of it unjustified and some of it plain ridiculous. Got his goal today, pleased for the lad, nowhere near as bad as some people say he is.
Arguably close to MOTM, together with O'Shea and Krov. He must be the best 3rd choice in his position in the league.
-
Notice a much better performance when we play a bit tighter , he's a much better player than he gets credit for .
As i posted Monday night the issue is how Bilic sets us up at times regarding full backs especially at home .
-
Played extremely well today
Took his goal a treat, if he can play like that most weeks he could become some player
-
Notice a much better performance when we play a bit tighter , he's a much better player than he gets credit for .
As i posted Monday night the issue is how Bilic sets us up at times regarding full backs especially at home .
I think you are spot on. Often left very exposed and therefore gets criticised a bit unfairly at times. I'm happier with him than I am with quite a few others.
-
Everytime a player of ours scores, you can guarantee afterwards it’s claimed they had a good game. He took his goal well today, but I don’t think I’m his overall performance was vastly different to normal.
He does get some unserved stick though, he’s not as bad is as made out at times.
-
Don't give much away mate do you. I thought he had a very good game today and scored an excellent goal.Whats not to like?
-
Everytime a player of ours scores, you can guarantee afterwards it’s claimed they had a good game. He took his goal well today, but I don’t think I’m his overall performance was vastly different to normal.
He does get some unserved stick though, he’s not as bad is as made out at times.
Nothing to do with scoring Today from my point of view , as posted I think he and the team get exposed too much with how Slav has both full backs joining the attack . Gibbs is much better going forward but for me his defending isn't great .
The only one to really fit this style is Furlong.
Townsend's alright in the right system / tactics.
-
Also don't think he's as bad as is made out.
Certainly puts some decent balls into the box. Looked tidy on the ball today and more confident than usual.
Great finish too.
-
Also don't think he's as bad as is made out.
Certainly puts some decent balls into the box. Looked tidy on the ball today and more confident than usual.
Great finish too.
Confidence is the big thing I think - he mentioned it himself in an interview I read. In the Stoke game he didn't really look confident or positive enough. As you say, he can put some high quality balls into the box.
-
He had a good game today. The lad gets a lot of stick on the basis he isn't as good as gibbs. He needs to shoot more...
Better attitude and more bottle than gibbs hopefully the goal and performance has done him the world of good
-
He seems on honest player and a decent human being - maybe this'll be the highlight of his career, scoring the winning goal at the London Stadium, if so, fair enough.
-
For those that say he be no good in the Prem.....where do West Ham play at the mo?
-
Over the last month or two he has grown into his role more & more, keep it up Connor
-
Cracking strike for winner well done lad
-
Vote for Conor!
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/51272216
-
Great strike, still going up as it hit the net
-
Finally saw the highlights on MOTD today, I know it’s hard to tell from a short bit of tv, but seemed to me that having an energetic out and out wide man like Edwards in front of him, made a difference for him defensively and attacking wise. Wasn’t as exposed as he was against Stoke.
-
Finally plays well and Bilic still has the strength to drop him. One swallow doesn't make a summer and i'm glad Bilic did that. 4 academy lads start - people want to see a message to youngsters and a pathway given - well there ya go. 3 starters that have came straight through the academy to the first team (via the odd loan).
-
Finally plays well and Bilic still has the strength to drop him. One swallow doesn't make a summer and i'm glad Bilic did that. 4 academy lads start - people want to see a message to youngsters and a pathway given - well there ya go. 3 starters that have came straight through the academy to the first team (via the odd loan).
On reflection?
-
On reflection?
I said in the systems/personnel topic that i was wrong on this one. The two right-footers on the left side was one of many things wrong tonight, not that Fergie played bad but there's just no balance, less direct.
-
I said in the systems/personnel topic that i was wrong on this one. The two right-footers on the left side was one of many things wrong tonight, not that Fergie played bad but there's just no balance, less direct.
I cannot get my head around some of the decision making ...
Furlong playing well dropped, in favour of a CB to play at rb
Townsend played well and scored, then dropped, in favour of a right footed CB to play at LB ....who had been bombed out of the side
Bonkers
-
In fairness to Bilic, as I am very reluctant to defend him tonight, I think he played two centre backs at full back to combat their set pieces. Worked wonders as we conceded from two set pieces, the first goal was an absolute shambles and they had other opportunities from their long throws. As I was watching I knew eventually they'd score from one, it was inevitable, we just cannot defend.
-
Composed and had some nice balance with Robinson against Luton , getting better on the job .
Top draw ? No but Ok and can do a job.
-
Composed and had some nice balance with Robinson against Luton , getting better on the job .
Top draw ? No but Ok and can do a job.
Played well but you’ve got to look who he is against.
Deserves to keep his place but you know exactly what Millwall are doing next Sunday: Big Matt Smith with big diagonals aimed at Connor. I hope we have a plan to combat it; put it that way.
-
Best player on the pitch yesterday, the boo boys will need to find some one new
-
He had a good game yesterday but let’s face it, Luton are a league one side...
He is not good enough for where we are planning to go - I have also have concerns against when we play the better sides in this division.
-
He had a good game yesterday but let’s face it, Luton are a league one side...
You would expect all our players to look a class above then wouldn't you? Townsend played well at West Ham as well, another league one side ...... oh, wait!
Weak argument.
-
He had a good game yesterday but let’s face it, Luton are a league one side...
He is not good enough for where we are planning to go - I have also have concerns against when we play the better sides in this division.
Played very well at West Ham , played well x 2 at Charlton . When he has a bad game it does tend to be a stinker but overall right now he's doing a job and deserves that shirt.
-
You would expect all our players to look a class above then wouldn't you? Townsend played well at West Ham as well, another league one side ...... oh, wait!
Weak argument.
Yes, I would do.
They posed very little threat on the left hand side which made it a comfortable afternoon for him. He was tidy with possession. Nothing outstanding.
I’m glad he had a good game against West Ham.
He’s an okay full back - nothing more. And one like a few within this club, aren’t good enough for where we are planning to go.
-
For Conor Townsend read Sam Johnstone and Charlie Austin
You are not allowed to give any form of critic without some form of backlash .
All in all he is probably our third choice at LB , I am not expecting the third choice LB for any team in the champ to be Roberto Carlos , I’m also not expecting any of them to be good enough for the prem.
He’s had some good games, he’s had some v bad games....not his fault but he will simply not be good enough if we go up .
-
Played very well at West Ham , played well x 2 at Charlton . When he has a bad game it does tend to be a stinker but overall right now he's doing a job and deserves that shirt.
Also when he came on against Leeds, or is that another weak team
-
He's had a couple of decent games but he clearly has deficiencies in his game and probably shouldn't be a regular in a side at this level chasing promotion. As backup he's probably alright for now.
-
I think he is really improving, should keep the shirt, Gibbs needs to win it back, not given it.
-
Excellent performance today. Really pleased for the lad.
No moaning, just gets on with it and puts 100% in. Didn't shirk a challenge and rarely gave the ball away.
Makes a massive difference whether the player in front of him can keep the ball and also whether they work back.
-
Excellent performance today. Really pleased for the lad.
No moaning, just gets on with it and puts 100% in. Didn't shirk a challenge and rarely gave the ball away.
Makes a massive difference whether the player in front of him can keep the ball and also whether they work back.
Gave the ball away the first 3 or 4 times he had it. Solid thereafter. Decent showing but Gibbs won't be losing any sleep.
-
Gave the ball away the first 3 or 4 times he had it. Solid thereafter. Decent showing but Gibbs won't be losing any sleep.
Gave the ball away the first 3 or 4 times? I don' recall that.
Recorded the game, so when get back, will check.
-
Think Townsend had done very well the last few weeks a demand is worthy of his shirt.
-
Had a good game today against two tricky opponents in Romeo and Wallace.
Well done to the lad.
-
Had a good game today against two tricky opponents in Romeo and Wallace.
Well done to the lad.
Seems to have settled in and started to find some consistency. He was up against 2 decent wingers today and coped well
-
Yes agreed, the lads done good.
Keep it going son
-
;D Thought he had his best game for us. Did not shirk a tackle and went in where the boots were flying. His attacking play was impressive and he was a constant danger. Well done lad.
-
Much better second half, first half his inability to retain possession did not help us as an attacking force.
-
First half he looked all over the place but muhc improved 2nd half.
-
I like him and I wish him all the best, but I just don't feel confident when he plays.
-
I think this guy deserves a mention. He seems to have been one to knock but a run of games has really settled him down. I don’t think we miss Ferguson there at all. Gibbs is class but I think Conor deserves praise for the way he has now settled in.
-
The guy has improved and confidence has grown over the last few weeks, but he always seems to cut inside with the ball and so runs into congestion. Would be so much better if he could sometimes get around the outside of his direct opponent and get crosses in from near the dead ball line which would create more danger.
-
He's been very good of late, fair play to him for proving some of us wrong.
-
He's been very good of late, fair play to him for proving some of us wrong.
And me right.
Said just to wind Fritzl up. ;D
-
Also not a fan of his overall but played well recently.
-
And me right.
Said just to wind Fritzl up. ;D
You reckon he is better than Gibbs...there is nothing right about that ;)
-
You reckon he is better than Gibbs...there is nothing right about that ;)
I think he actually defends better than Gibbs , not as good with the other stuff . Gibbs general basic defending is poor in my view .
-
Not the weak link he once was and improving but for me Gibbs has been really good when he’s played this season.
-
I think he actually defends better than Gibbs , not as good with the other stuff . Gibbs general basic defending is poor in my view .
He's a better crosser of the ball than Gibbs but Gibbs does a lot of linking up down the left and has the more attacking impact.
-
I think this guy deserves a mention. He seems to have been one to knock but a run of games has really settled him down. I don’t think we miss Ferguson there at all. Gibbs is class but I think Conor deserves praise for the way he has now settled in.
give me townsend all day long .improving game by game .if gibbs gets back in how long will he last before injury again ???
-
Gives is a better footballer and would also be a strong voice out on the pitch, Townsend has generally stepped in and had some really good games.
When both fit, Gibbs starts
-
give me townsend all day long .improving game by game .if gibbs gets back in how long will he last before injury again
We wont know unless he starts when he is fit :-\
-
I think it's Townsend's shirt to lose now for the next couple of games, doesn't sound like Gibbs is fully fit yet, so why risk needing to make an early sub.
-
Not his biggest fan at all but he did well today and has been better overall recently.
-
;D Had Lolly in his "pocket"(pardon the pun)....he didn't give him an inch. His attacking support is also very good.
He has come on well the last 4 or 5 games...well done to him and he is winning the fans over after all his critics.
-
He never deserved the criticism he was receiving in the first place. He's playing very well and deserves his place in the team.
-
;D Had Lolly in his "pocket"(pardon the pun)....he didn't give him an inch. His attacking support is also very good.
He has come on well the last 4 or 5 games...well done to him and he is winning the fans over after all his critics.
Chipper thanks for reminding me that Joe Lolley played, I had forgotten their star player ;)
-
Since coming in and keeping his place he has improved massively. He has become a really important part of the side.
He’s come from lower league, has needed time to improve, he’s done that.
If he keeps this level of improvement up he could become a really really good LB
-
The thing I've noticed over the last few games is his increased confidence. Previously, he'd play the simple ball, the safe ball but since that goal at West Ham he's playing first time forward passes, he's cutting inside his opponent when on the ball and he's looking better and better.
-
Chipper thanks for reminding me that Joe Lolley played, I had forgotten their star player ;)
Thats why Gibbs should'nt walk straight back into the team but made to wait for his oppertunity
-
Thats why Gibbs should'nt walk straight back into the team but made to wait for his oppertunity
But I fear he will. Slav will want his experience. I don't agree with it. Just saying
-
Thats why Gibbs should'nt walk straight back into the team but made to wait for his oppertunity
Gibbs should walk back into the team, as he is a better player and makes us stronger.
Towsend is having a good run, but Gibbs will always be a class above him.
-
The one thing that has to be said about Townsend is that he's grabbed the chance that has been offered to him, unlike so many before; Field, Leko, Harper and even Edwards to a degree. Granted most of those had far more competition in their respective positions but, even so, credit to Conor, he has stuck at it and improved with every game.
Whether or not he can or should keep Gibbs out remains to be seen, but he has certainly given Slaven something to think about.
-
Gibbs should walk back into the team, as he is a better player and makes us stronger.
Towsend is having a good run, but Gibbs will always be a class above him.
But he isnt match fit & how can anyone say he will see the season out better than Conor, thats just speculation.
-
In that case how can you say that Townsend would be better, that's just speculation. We do know that Gibbs is the better and more experienced footballer, so assuming he's fit, I'd prefer him to start.
-
Connor to his credit has been quality of late that strike against the spam really has boosted his confidence. Technically not as good as Gibbs but there isn't that gap that was there earlier in season in displays of both players. Gibbs would be my first choice as he and Diangana had a good understanding and he has a goal threat in him, like to see how he and Robinson would link up.
-
Credit where it's due he's really improved of late; I think his main issue was his positioning but it seems more steady in that regard.
-
But I fear he will. Slav will want his experience. I don't agree with it. Just saying
By that reasoning ...furlong wouldn’t be out if the team?
-
Take back what I said about him being one of the most limited left backs we've had. He's been miles better since West Ham, I think having far better wingers than Edwards in front of him has also helped. Not sure he'll ever be better than average Championship standard though.
Still would love a fully fit Gibbs in there though, probably the most comfortable defender on the ball in this league.
-
Was massively critical of him myself - particularly around the period of the Blues game where he had a mare and into the Christmas period, but he's really improved so far in 2020 and long may it continue - no longer the weak link in the team (currently Sawyers)
-
For some players (probably most actually) it takes a few games to get match fit, get used to the players around you, and build confidence. This is clearly the case with Conor and we are now seeing the player that we bought. Remember not long ago he was third choice in his position, which must have been a bit disheartening. But he never seemed to moan, worked hard and waited for his chance, which is exactly what a good professional does. He is now an important part of the squad. His confidence is improving game by game, as is his performance. Fair play to those people big enough to come on here and admit that they misjudged him, but a poor show from the one or two that are conspicuous by their absence.
-
Superb again yesterday. Is there anyone left out there that still thinks Gibbs should walk back into the team? REALLY?
-
Superb again yesterday. Is there anyone left out there that still thinks Gibbs should walk back into the team? REALLY?
Yes...
Townsend has improved, but he is still nowhere near the same level and never will be.
-
Yes...
Townsend has improved, but he is still nowhere near the same level and never will be.
Trust you. Come on be a big enough man to admit you got it wrong. I've done it with Livermore. Come on surely you're big enough to do the same.
-
Trust you. Come on be a big enough man to admit you got it wrong. I've done it with Livermore. Come on surely you're big enough to do the same.
:-X
Not quite sure what I would be wrong about here? One is a defender good enough to make the England squad and still operates at a high level with his injury coinciding with us going on a painful winless streak, the other has now hit his peak by being 'solid' for us.
Always happy to admit when I am wrong, but in this instance, I am not.
-
If I may interject,at their individual peaks Conor is 2nd best, however KG is at his peak quite infrequently mainly due to injury, It’s fairly clear that CT is the most valuable player to the team currently
-
:-X
Not quite sure what I would be wrong about here? One is a defender good enough to make the England squad and still operates at a high level with his injury coinciding with us going on a painful winless streak, the other has now hit his peak by being 'solid' for us.
Always happy to admit when I am wrong, but in this instance, I am not.
Michael Ricketts played for England once. And your winless streak argument just doesn't hold credibility now does it? I wouldn't even try to qualify that comment if I were you.
It's getting silly now mate. Townsend has been the best left back in the league for the last month.
-
Michael Ricketts played for England once. And your winless streak argument just doesn't hold credibility now does it? I wouldn't even try to qualify that comment if I were you.
It's getting silly now mate. Townsend has been the best left back in the league for the last month.
He has been solid at best, but for whatever reason you have a bizarre love for the guy and dislike of Gibbs. It is a bit strange but each to their own.
-
He has been solid at best, but for whatever reason you have a bizarre love for the guy and dislike of Gibbs.
No. I want what is best for West Bromwich Albion Football Club simple as that and at the moment we're looking the real deal.
I'm chuffed to bits. Bring on Preston.
-
Bit of a weird back and forth, especially based on yesterday, when in a game that everybody aside from Johnstone got at least a 7 out of 10 (even our Jake who frankly was excellent) Townsend was probably the worst of our 10 outfield players.
Gibbs is far better than him, it's not even debatable.
-
Bit of a weird back and forth, especially based on yesterday, when in a game that everybody aside from Johnstone got at least a 7 out of 10 (even our Jake who frankly was excellent) Townsend was probably the worst of our 10 outfield players.
Gibbs is far better than him, it's not even debatable.
Our worst outfield player was Sawyers easily.
I sometimes wonder if people have eyes I really do.
I've said the two most over rated players at the club are Gibbs and Phillips. Neither of them in the starting line up now and look at us.
-
Oh and PS Jacko what did Johnstone get?
Cant wait for this lol.
-
If I may interject,at their individual peaks Conor is 2nd best, however KG is at his peak quite infrequently mainly due to injury, It’s fairly clear that CT is the most valuable player to the team currently
He really is not the most valuable player
-
Townsend has come on leaps and bounds, he doesn't always look totally convincing playing the quick triangles along the touchline, but I don't suppose they do that much at Scunthorpe (with all due respect)
-
Come on leaps and bounds with a good run ,the one game his was switched at Cardiff we looked poor down the left .
Keeps the shirt for me due to form and the fact you just know Gibbs won't put 5 games together fit . As i posted elsewhere I feel Townsend's actually a better defender than Gibbs.
-
Townsend has been fine but nothing more in my view. Gibbs a far, far better option.
-
Entering his last year of contract so in the summer should secure another champo contract for himself and for us we should get our money back and a bit more. Win Win
-
. As i posted elsewhere I feel Townsend's actually a better defender than Gibbs.
Comfortably.
-
Oh and PS Jacko what did Johnstone get?
Cant wait for this lol.
5.5-6/10, had absolutely nothing to do but still managed to skew a clearance straight up in the air.
-
5.5-6/10, had absolutely nothing to do but still managed to skew a clearance straight up in the air.
One? That is worth less than 6 out of 10?
;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
-
A fully fit, fully functioning Gibbs, with 3 or 4 matches to get him fully up to speed, is the better of the 2 players. But we don't have a fully match fit Gibbs, so pointless dwelling on the past and wishing. And we don't have a functioning Ferguson either.. So Townsend got his chance, and after a bit of a shaky start (which was very understandable, given his lack of match time), he has been excellent for us the last half a dozen games. He is solid and dependable, which is what you want from a defender, and his passing and crossing have been generally good as well. Some of the above criticism (and I include damning with faint praise) is ridiculously unjust. At the minute I am very happy with him
-
Entering his last year of contract so in the summer should secure another champo contract for himself and for us we should get our money back and a bit more. Win Win
He should stay if we go up.
No reason to look to sell.
-
He should stay if we go up.
No reason to look to sell.
IF we go up, we are going to have a number of players who may or may not not be good enough in the long run, but will feel they have earned at least a chance of a squad place in the Prem - he would be one of them.
-
Townsend has done really well recently but a fully fit Gibbs is by far the best left back in the league in my opinion and when Diangana is back it makes us nearly unplayable down the left, so Gibbs would be straight in for me.
Doesn’t mean I don’t rate Townsend but you play your best players
-
He should stay if we go up.
No reason to look to sell.
l
I believe he's nowhere near PL standard personally.
-
He is 26.
Some players look basic at this level but cope with the step up. See Sheffield united back line.
Be daft to get rid without seeing how he copes
-
He is 26.
Some players look basic at this level but cope with the step up. See Sheffield united back line.
Be daft to get rid without seeing how he copes
If he flops he walks on a free though. Just opinions of course but he's lower champo for me.
-
Gibbs is the better player, no doubt at all. I agree with Atomic about Phillips, I really do, but not on this one. I am not advocating that Gibbs walks back into the team but struggle to see how anyone could argue that Townsend is the better footballer of the two.
-
He really is not the most valuable player
Of the 2, you knew what I meant!
-
Of the 2, you knew what I meant!
You actuall6 said the most valuable layer to the team?
Narrowing down to just the left backs I think you’d still find , when both fit...Gibbs gets the majority vote
I think he’s been a decent stand in, and Gibbs shouldn’t just step back in...but there is a clear gulf in class
-
Gibbs is the better player, no doubt at all. I agree with Atomic about Phillips, I really do, but not on this one. I am not advocating that Gibbs walks back into the team but struggle to see how anyone could argue that Townsend is the better footballer of the two.
Defending wise Gibbs has made the same mistakes under Pulis , Pardew , Moore and Bilic . His lack of basic defending , stopping crosses/ closing down at times is shocking. Arsenal and Wenger at its worse but the other side of the coin attacking wise he's probably the best in the division going forward .
Townsend gives better balance at defending the basics , he is also much improved going forward and clearly been working on his crosses. A very capable player and another who has kicked on in the full back positions under Bilic and co
-
12 games left & some fans want to bring back a player from one of many long tearm injurys & exspect him to hit his old England level from the off. :o
Has Gibbs had a run in the U23's to help with his match fittness,genuine question.
-
Townsend has been superb. Its his shirt now and correctly so.
-
I reckon I could do him with a step-over.
Seriously, it's worrying how far he was out of his depth against a bottom 6 Championship side.
-
A poor player but we got what we paid for so that is our fault. Knew he was dire from last season but stuck with him. Only ourselves to blame.
-
Better than Gibbs... 🥴
-
Useless
-
He was awful today but so were eight or nine of us.
-
He was awful today but so were eight or nine of us.
He's always awful mate, you just refuse to see it.
-
He's always awful mate, you just refuse to see it.
Not true I I judge on merit. Hes been poor last couple of games but had a streak of about seven or eight where he didnt put a foot wrong.
-
Not true I I judge on merit. Hes been poor last couple of games but had a streak of about seven or eight where he didnt put a foot wrong.
He's ******* ****, we've got a decent left back who you deride for this useless Scunthorpe reject. You talk a lot of sense but you've got this badly wrong.
-
Not true I I judge on merit. Hes been poor last couple of games but had a streak of about seven or eight where he didnt put a foot wrong.
Had a good run , played very well at times .
Like others though his form hasn't just dipped its fallen off a cliff.
Got to be looking at Bilic for a few things here.
-
He's ******* ****, we've got a decent left back who you deride for this useless Scunthorpe reject. You talk a lot of sense but you've got this badly wrong.
There's a compliment there somewhere. ;D
I don't deride Gibbs I just say he isnt as good as our fans think he is. Hes never fit either and needs moving out.
Can we both agree that we need to bring in a new left back in the transfer window?
-
Not true I I judge on merit. Hes been poor last couple of games but had a streak of about seven or eight where he didnt put a foot wrong.
He's dreadful, the games he didn't put a foot wrong are the games he never had to do a fat lot against significantly weaker opposition.
-
It’s been said before but he’s a league one player who occasionally plays above himself.
-
He's dreadful, the games he didn't put a foot wrong are the games he never had to do a fat lot against significantly weaker opposition.
Huddersfield are hardly Brazil though are they? Willock gave him the run around. As soon as O'Shea went to left back we never saw Willock again and he ended up getting hooked.
Makes me wonder if Townsend can play under pressure. You find out about players when the stakes are high.
-
Huddersfield are hardly Brazil though are they? Willock gave him the run around. As soon as O'Shea went to left back we never saw Willock again and he ended up getting hooked.
Makes me wonder if Townsend can play under pressure. You find out about players when the stakes are high.
Exactly...and he's had a mare. Nowhere near good enough for a top half championship team... especially one that is fighting for promotion.
-
They, quite rightly, targeted him all game and almost everything they did started on that side of the pitch.
Easily one of the weakest links in the team, Not good enough.
-
Hasn't been good enough from day one.
He tries but he was the cheap option from Justin and Stacey who were also after.
I hope he moves on and has a great career elsewhere.
-
Like so many of our players had a purple patch but that's long gone, but he will be the type of player that Albion will recruit next season in Championship and the seasons to follow.
-
Ffs he is the back up left back that has played so many games as the first choice has been crocked. Can anybody name a better back up left back we have had fir the last few years
-
Ffs he is the back up left back that has played so many games as the first choice has been crocked. Can anybody name a better back up left back we have had fir the last few years
Chris Brunt would be a better option.
-
Ffs he is the back up left back that has played so many games as the first choice has been crocked. Can anybody name a better back up left back we have had fir the last few years
Brunt, Cech, Pocognoli I'm hard pressed not to name a better back up left back. How far back do you want to go?
-
Brunt, Cech, Pocognoli I'm hard pressed not to name a better back up left back. How far back do you want to go?
I agree that the ones listed are better but we are in year 2 of being in the Championship, soon he becomes a starter when we/if we lose our parachute payments. He is OK as a backup but the issue we have is our first choice is injured a lot.
-
Conor hasn't been mentioned regarding his performance last night, but I thought he put in a competent display overall. He was, imo always prompting, supporting, looking to get forward and available as an option for the player with the ball
-
Played alright. Hopefully, he is rising to the challenge of the prem and is of an age to still have improve.
Did as well as our former target Charlie Taylor on the Burnley left side of defence.
-
He has his limitations when defending but overall I quite like him. Can't fault his efforts and he does link up quite well down the left at times. I'm not saying we can't get an improvement in that position but I've seen a lot worse also. I've seen no evidence in recent times that Gibbs should be getting in ahead of him.
-
Think we should utilise his crossing a bit more. It was a good cross last night but Gallagher and Pereira sort of got in each others way a bit and Pereira didn't make a good connection with the attempted volley.
-
He's our most improved player since signing with us 2 seasons ago. I'm still not sold on him in this league but for the price - he's done well.
-
Another good game from him last night. I think wing back suits him really well. Starting to look like a bargain and also a good sign of the coaching paying off perhaps.
-
He's a decent player and at last he's starting to get the respect he deserves. I know a Villa fan that absolutely loves him.
According to some of our fans he's League one level.
It's their judgement of a player that is League one level.
-
Another good game from him last night. I think wing back suits him really well. Starting to look like a bargain and also a good sign of the coaching paying off perhaps.
I was thinking the same last night, good coaching and dedication has paid dividends with him, he also looks super fit, much stronger than when he joined us, you can see he is working really hard to be the best he can be, well done Conor, keep it up.
-
At the start of the season I was concerned he would not be able to make the step up, 100% wrong. He's been our most consistent player this season and has stepped up to the level. He will make the odd mistake, he will get caught out of position and I challenge anyone to name a full back who doesn't even those who have spent their careers at the top level.
I wonder how much Julian Dicks has played in his improvement but whatever it is he is improving week by week.
-
At the start of the season I was concerned he would not be able to make the step up, 100% wrong. He's been our most consistent player this season and has stepped up to the level. He will make the odd mistake, he will get caught out of position and I challenge anyone to name a full back who doesn't even those who have spent their careers at the top level.
I wonder how much Julian Dicks has played in his improvement but whatever it is he is improving week by week.
Re Julian Dicks i thought exactly the same thing!
-
Yes Townsend has been a pleasant surprise this year. quite happy to have him keep Gibbs out the team
-
;D Give the lad credit he has done very well..... almost put one past one of the best goalkeepers in the world. ;)
-
Townsend could be a case for coaching rather than chucking money at problems , sometimes easy to forget that.
-
Any news on the knock he picked up last night?
-
Any news on the knock he picked up last night?
Do you mean the assault he survived?
-
Any news on the knock he picked up last night?
Not yet. It looked quite serious (knee injury). Fingers crossed he's available soon as Gibbs appears to have retired and Townsend has been excellent - 110% from him every game and he's an intelligent player.
-
He's been one of if not our most consistent player this season. We struggled when he went off (whilst Phillips sat in and defended he offered no width) hope its only a knock
-
Do you mean the assault he survived?
How their bloke avoided a booking for that's beyond me.
-
They said dead leg at the time which looked about right, played very well again.
-
I was looking for an update on his injury and hope it is just a dead leg as suggested here.
He has taken his chance very well and although I had hoped he'd rise to the challenge of prem football, he has done better than I expected.
However, we still need proper back up so try to get someone in like on loan like Brandon Williams, before Southampton get him, and pay gibbs off asap as he is a total waster.
-
How their bloke avoided a booking for that's beyond me.
Thats easy SmethD. Mr Dean was the ref : again. How we didn't get our goal ruled out is beyond me ::)
-
Out untill the New Year with a knee injury.
-
Out untill the New Year with a knee injury.
Shame for him - the lad has put in some solid performances this season
-
He was hitting a bit of form too. Proving some of us wrong. Feel sorry for him.
-
It's a blow. He has been playing very well and had pretty much made himself first choice. Big problem. Is Gibbs fit and motivated? We don't know. If he isn't then who fills in?
-
Gutting. No two ways about it.
-
Hope he is back soon he has been very consistent. Is gibbs going to be fit or will we see matt Phillips play lwb? Does that mean grosicki might make the bench?
-
Big blow for Conor and us as a side , becoming a key player for us .
-
Hope he is back soon he has been very consistent. Is gibbs going to be fit or will we see matt Phillips play lwb? Does that mean grosicki might make the bench?
Surely there must be a better option than that? If Gibbs isn't in, we can only assume that he has blotted his copybook badly.
-
Fully agree with the comments here his all round play was getting better and better just hope it does'nt derail his improvement.
-
Grosicki has played at left wingback for Hull and Poland, but will not get a look-in
-
This feels like a real setback, which is testament to the really impressive progress Townsend has made. Credit to him and maybe even credit to our recruitment and coaching.
-
Out untill the New Year with a knee injury.
Terrible news, but just as I called it. Obviously a concerning knee injury.
-
Terrible news, but just as I called it. Obviously a concerning knee injury.
You did! It's a shame he was starting to look a lot better. Hope he makes a quick and full recovery.
-
Anyone got any news when he's due back?
-
Just signed a new 3 year deal. The resignings begin.
Edit - fine for the EFL so would understand a 12 month deal with Bartley but beyond that not sure.
https://www.wba.co.uk/news/townsend-pens-new-contract
-
Worthy of that deal ,improved ever season he's been here .
-
To be fair to Townsend he has made strides and is a decent option in the Championship and as a squad player in the Premier League. With the likelihood of Gibbs going in the summer, we didn't want to be recruiting two left backs when there'll be much work to do recruitment wise.
Interesting that decisions are being made on those out of contract now, Townsend resigning was probably the easiest decision so will be interesting to see where we go from here.
-
Yes i agree he's improved but im assuming hes got a pay rise and realistically not good enough for the PL week in week out. All smacks of doing the bare minimum going forward but i hope i'm wrong. I would only give him and Bartley 12 month deals out of those out ot contract end of season.
-
Good news.
He's 27 years old so still a good age. Three year deal seems about right.
-
Should have been out the door 30th June.
Keep kicking those rusty cans down the broken road Albion.
-
He's been our best defensive player this season and has improved massively. I'm happy with this new deal and it makes sense. It's the other ones that worry me.
Interestingly, our dip in form this season came with him out the side, he has been one of the few positives this year.
-
There is a very good player in there. Finally a sensible move by the club.
-
I didn't rate him. Then this year before his injury i felt he was our most improved player. Since he's come back from injury he's not looked great and looks like the poor play from last year.
I'm undecided here, if he can get back to pre-injury form then great but at 27 he's unlikely to vastly improve so maybe pre-injury was just a purple patch but i'll get behind the chap when he's picked.
-
Think he has deserved a new contract personally. But id still like us to buy a new first choice LB
-
Rewarding mediocrity as ever. It's the West Brom way.
-
Rewarding mediocrity as ever. It's the West Brom way.
I think he get's over the line , at the very least he will be a decent squad player next season .
Good age still and would go for a fee if needed , we all know there's 3 or 4 who should be seeing that door before him. No issue with this one .
-
When will we learn that fullbacks are these days a critical position? We must spend more of our budget there and get top quality options, not average Championship level players.
This was an opportunity to cleanly clear a wage (with no '£££paper loss' as his contract would already be written down).
If this is the level of out ambition for 2021/22 we're in for more disappointment.
-
To be fair to Townsend he has made strides and is a decent option in the Championship and as a squad player in the Premier League. With the likelihood of Gibbs going in the summer, we didn't want to be recruiting two left backs when there'll be much work to do recruitment wise.
Interesting that decisions are being made on those out of contract now, Townsend resigning was probably the easiest decision so will be interesting to see where we go from here.
Even with Gibbs going I wouldn't be surprised if we didn't sign another LB. We'll have so much work to do on the rest of the squad it's a position that will be ignored IMO. I expect someone like Peltier as 'cover'.
-
I dont even want to think of Peltier being resigned.
-
I dont even want to think of Peltier being resigned.
What's Tyrone Mears up too? Townsend decent enough to convince me he's worthy of a new contract . Rather him than three or four others .
-
I think im having a break from the Albion soon ;D
-
When will we learn that fullbacks are these days a critical position? We must spend more of our budget there and get top quality options, not average Championship level players.
This was an opportunity to cleanly clear a wage (with no '£££paper loss' as his contract would already be written down).
If this is the level of out ambition for 2021/22 we're in for more disappointment.
He’s our most improved outfield player this season and with a full season of being first-choice next season I think he’ll improve further.
No idea why people are negative about him. He cost us peanuts and is turning into a very decent player, especially at Championship level, and indeed maybe at this level too.
-
Some may want better players but finances after relegation are going to be very tight . We cannot therefore let all those out of contract along with the loans leave it would make building a squad very difficult therefore on that basis it seems to be a sensible move especially with Gibbs likely to be leaving we are going to have get another LB from somewhere .
-
Happy about this. Has certainly improved every year he's been with us and always puts in a shift. Certainly our most improved player this year. Looked a bit rusty when he came back but nearly all players do when they have been out injured for a while.
Just don't understand those people who never have a good word to say about the lad, whilst never having a bad word to say about Gibbs.
-
Happy about this. Has certainly improved every year he's been with us and always puts in a shift. Certainly our most improved player this year. Looked a bit rusty when he came back but nearly all players do when they have been out injured for a while.
Just don't understand those people who never have a good word to say about the lad, whilst never having a bad word to say about Gibbs.
Because people have ego's and some of them will never admit to being wrong. It's an insecurity, a defence mechanism , they see it as a weakness to admit they were wrong.
It isnt. Everyone is human and we all get it wrong from time to time. The people with the real strength are those who accept that and then admit it.
Some wont do that whatever. It's their weakness, not everyone else's.
Its admirable to back your judgement. It"s sad, pitiful, even to keep fighting a battle you've lost and are too "small" to admit it even to yourself.
-
Just signed a new 3 year deal. The resignings begin.
Edit - fine for the EFL so would understand a 12 month deal with Bartley but beyond that not sure.
https://www.wba.co.uk/news/townsend-pens-new-contract
Completely unrealistic. He wouldn't have signed a one year deal and neither will Bartley.
-
Because people have ego's and some of them will never admit to being wrong. It's an insecurity, a defence mechanism , they see it as a weakness to admit they were wrong.
It isnt. Everyone is human and we all get it wrong from time to time. The people with the real strength are those who accept that and then admit it.
Some wont do that whatever. It's their weakness, not everyone else's.
Its admirable to back your judgement. It"s sad, pitiful, even to keep fighting a battle you've lost.
Well I have to admit that I didn't think that Conor Townsend would improve as much as he has and I'm very happy that he has proved me wrong. He will be a real asset in the Championship and has been far from our worst player in the Prem.
-
Well I have to admit that I didn't think that Conor Townsend would improve as much as he has and I'm very happy that he has proved me wrong. He will be a real asset in the Championship and has been far from our worst player in the Prem.
Yep. Townsend is alright.
Is he the best left back in England? No.
Is he in the top five? No.
Is he in the top ten? Hmm. Probably not.
Is he in the top 15 - 20? Yes, certainly.
That"s the thing. He is perfectly good enough at the bottom half of the PL and probably in the top three in the Championship.
-
Of the players out of contract only he and bartley are worthy of any form of renewal.
It was unrealistic for us to let go 9 free agents and lose 4 loan players and do a huge rebuild. For championship both fine and both decent enough understudies for pl.
With gibbs going we didnt want to have to be in market for 2 left backs.
-
Yep. Townsend is alright.
Is he the best left back in England? No.
Is he in the top five? No.
Is he in the top ten? Hmm. Probably not.
Is he in the top 15 - 20? Yes, certainly.
That"s the thing. He is perfectly good enough at the bottom half of the PL and probably in the top three in the Championship.
That's a very fair assessment and one with which I concur.
-
Completely unrealistic. He wouldn't have signed a one year deal and neither will Bartley.
Let them go then.
-
I reckon if I had the inclination I could come up with 20 better left backs than Townsend. So I wouldn’t say he’s in the top 15-20 in the country or the top three in the champ.
-
I reckon if I had the inclination I could come up with 20 better left backs than Townsend. So I wouldn’t say he’s in the top 15-20 in the country or the top three in the champ.
Chelsea alone have got 4 better. If Atomic keeps going to 50th and 60th best he'd be in the ballpark.
-
I reckon if I had the inclination I could come up with 20 better left backs than Townsend. So I wouldn’t say he’s in the top 15-20 in the country or the top three in the champ.
Agreed. How is he in top 20 left backs in the country? Baffling.
-
I reckon if I had the inclination I could come up with 20 better left backs than Townsend. So I wouldn’t say he’s in the top 15-20 in the country or the top three in the champ.
Maybe. Till some of those left backs played in our team then you'd suddenly realise they weren't as good as you thought they were.
Its always different when you're watching something that doesnt affect you..
-
Chelsea alone have got 4 better. If Atomic keeps going to 50th and 60th best he'd be in the ballpark.
Really. Yet they are halfway down the league despite their embarassment of riches.
-
Maybe. Till some of those left backs played in our team then you'd suddenly realise they weren't as good as you thought they were.
Its always different when you're watching something that doesnt affect you..
That’s a fair point. I still don’t think I agree though.
Transfermarkt has roughly 70 left backs playing in England with a higher value that Townsend. Make of that what you will.
-
Blimey, some interesting views in here, one unsurprising as they seem to have a strange fascination with him, but anyone who actually watches him week in week out will see how painfully average he is. I would say, at best, a lower end Championship left back. He was at his level in League One though really.
-
Means absolutely zilch. We bought Oli Burke for 15 million and Pereira fir 8 million. Is Burke twice as good as Pereira?
No, and transfermarkt is not the absolute authority on the matter. However it’s a interesting source that was relative to the debate.
I understand what you are saying though, some of those with a lower value could be better so he could be outside the top 100.
-
That’s a fair point. I still don’t think I agree though.
Transfermarkt has roughly 70 left backs playing in England with a higher value that Townsend. Make of that what you will.
Means absolutely zilch. We bought Oli Burke for 15 million and Pereira for 8 million. Is Burke twice as good as Pereira?
-
As it happens, I can actually understand why we have given him a deal. He would be a fine understudy in the championship. We will be looking for a left back I expect, we could probably do without needing to get two.
-
Chelsea alone have got 4 better. If Atomic keeps going to 50th and 60th best he'd be in the ballpark.
So all the 17 clubs in the prem have left backs better then Townsend? probably + their reserves, possibly? That leaves 26 left backs in the championship better then Townsend.
do you really think so!!
What is that saying ‘pride comes before a fall’!!
-
So all the 17 clubs in the prem have left backs better then Townsend? probably + their reserves, possibly? That leaves 26 left backs in the championship better then Townsend.
do you really think so!!
What is that saying ‘pride comes before a fall’!!
There are 19 other PL teams several with more than 2 better than him. Yes I'd say there are at least double figures better playing Championship football. He's not very good.
-
There are 19 other PL teams several with more than 2 better than him. Yes I'd say there are at least double figures better playing Championship football. He's not very good.
If that is your honest assessment it doesn't say a lot for our squad at the moment because he is far and away the best left back we have at the club at the minute.
-
There are 19 other PL teams several with more than 2 better than him. Yes I'd say there are at least double figures better playing Championship football. He's not very good.
So you're saying that all 19 other Prem teams have 2 better than Townsend and some have 3 or more better than him? ;D
-
So you're saying that all 19 other Prem teams have 2 better than Townsend and some have 3 or more better than him? ;D
It’s not inconceivable though is it.
- Many wouldn’t have him as our best left back
- It’s an area most would say we are weak in
- we are one of the worst sides in the league
-
It’s not inconceivable though is it.
- Many wouldn’t have him as our best left back
- It’s an area most would say we are weak in
- we are one of the worst sides in the league
If I had a really comprehensive knowledge of all 19 other Premier League teams left backs, their reserve left backs, and in several cases their 3rd and 4th choices, I might be able to answer that question.
-
If I had a really comprehensive knowledge of all 19 other Premier League teams left backs, their reserve left backs, and in several cases their 3rd and 4th choices, I might be able to answer that question.
I don’t think you need a comprehensive knowledge of all other teams. If you accept my three statements then it’s entirely logical.
If you disagree with my three statements then fair enough. .
-
Even after the season we’ve had there’s still fans completely oblivious to the lack of quality in the squad.
Townsend is atrocious, scares me at Championship level let alone PL. If he’s being re-signed as second choice LB in the Championship then I’ve not got a problem with it, if the club has him in mind as a starter then I’m worried.
-
Even after the season we’ve had there’s still fans completely oblivious to the lack of quality in the squad.
Townsend is atrocious, scares me at Championship level let alone PL. If he’s being re-signed as second choice LB in the Championship then I’ve not got a problem with it, if the club has him in mind as a starter then I’m worried.
If you think Townsend is atrocious I'd love to hear your opinion of Jason Van Blerk :D
-
Townsend is a perfectly serviceable left back at Championship level he has never been atrocious in an ideal world I wouldn't want him as first choice in the Premier League, but that said he hasn't even been our worst player this season.
I would have much preferred a shorter contract ideally just a one year extension with an option for a further year but definitely not 3.
-
Even after the season we’ve had there’s still fans completely oblivious to the lack of quality in the squad.
Townsend is atrocious, scares me at Championship level let alone PL. If he’s being re-signed as second choice LB in the Championship then I’ve not got a problem with it, if the club has him in mind as a starter then I’m worried.
Don't get that. Much improved IMO, at a higher level as well. With Gibbs on his way, makes sense to keep him and add a second left back.
-
Perfectly fine for the Championship and some decent performances in the Prem. Some outrageous comments about him on here.
-
Perfectly fine for the Championship and some decent performances in the Prem. Some outrageous comments about him on here.
I'd say there have only been 2 outrageous comments to be fair. The one suggesting he was atrocious and the one saying he was one of the best 15 or 20 in the country.
-
Perfectly fine for the Championship and some decent performances in the Prem. Some outrageous comments about him on here.
Yep, "good enough" for now - we have positions we need to strengthen before even thinking of replacing Conor. Congratulations to all concerned on the new contract, I say.
-
Dread us having the atrocious Townsend here for a further 3 years whilst the world beating Gibbs is released.😃
-
I'd say there have only been 2 outrageous comments to be fair. The one suggesting he was atrocious and the one saying he was one of the best 15 or 20 in the country.
I'm in agreement. Would any other Premier League team have him as first choice? No. Would any have him as a back up option? Probably not. Are we a Premier League club? For now. Will we be next season? Probably not and part of that's because a defence which struggled in the Championship at times was always going to be woefully inadequate for the Premier League.
For me he's improved from a fairly low starting point but he's 28 in a couple of weeks and I don't see much room for his ceiling to increase. Fine as back up in the Championship. That Gibbs is seeing out his final days at the club doesn't make Townsend any better than he actually is though. Age isn't everything and we can always look to GMac for reference. But they occupy different positions on the pitch and are at opposite ends of the scale physically.
Should've been a two year contract so we could move him on at the end of next year's promotion push for a small financial return should the worst happen this season. Whichever division we're in next time around we need a better option for the starting eleven.
-
Where Townsend sits within England's domestic based left backs is neither here nor there - we can scout abroad so aren't confined to thinking about our own limited market (for what it's worth, there are tons of back up squad left backs at the top clubs who would walk into most bottom half clubs sides)
We do however need 2 left backs next season and so keeping Townsend as one of them makes perfect sense. We will still need a Gibbs replacement though.
-
Not quite sure how my comment was outrageous. For the level we’re at, he’s atrocious.
I’d argue this is the worst squad in PL history, and Townsend is one of the most limited players in the squad. Let’s not forget he was getting pelters every week on here when we were in the Championship so no idea why everyone’s suddenly so confident he’s an amazing Championship left back?
-
Where Townsend sits within England's domestic based left backs is neither here nor there - we can scout abroad so aren't confined to thinking about our own limited market (for what it's worth, there are tons of back up squad left backs at the top clubs who would walk into most bottom half clubs sides)
We do however need 2 left backs next season and so keeping Townsend as one of them makes perfect sense. We will still need a Gibbs replacement though.
It wasn't English, it was all left backs playing in England... ;D
At the end of the day he's got to.end up as back up to whoever we sign to replace Gibbs who looks like he'll be leaving.
-
It wasn't English, it was all left backs playing in England... ;D
At the end of the day he's got to.end up as back up to whoever we sign to replace Gibbs who looks like he'll be leaving.
Yeah meant everyone domestically, probably wording it poorly
-
Townsend is in his first season in the prem, hes adapted reasonably well, good enough for the chumps for certain.
-
Kept Rashford and Greenwood quiet all game. Definitely not a league one level as some have suggested ;)
-
Top shift today! He was good defensively and going forward. Puts in some great crosses. That was before injury level
-
Kept Rashford and Greenwood quiet all game. Definitely not a league one level as some have suggested ;)
Credit where credit is due - in a shocking season (collectively and individually for many of our squad) he has been a 6 or 7 out of 10 man every week.
Happy to have him competing with a new LB in the Champ next year.
-
The best performing player on our books after Johnstone.
Both should be proud of their performances to date.
-
The best performing player on our books after Johnstone.
Both should be proud of their performances to date.
Back to the very good performances he was producing prior to his injury. Will be an excellent asset next season. A couple of people on here who literally never have a good word to say about him should take a few moments to reassess their opinion in my view.
-
Yes not a massive fan but can't deny his improvement this season. Keep it up Conor.
-
Back to the very good performances he was producing prior to his injury. Will be an excellent asset next season. A couple of people on here who literally never have a good word to say about him should take a few moments to reassess their opinion in my view.
Agreed. Superb.
-
Seems to be cementing that left back position as his own, well done Connor.
-
Seems to be cementing that left back position as his own, well done Connor.
Without doubt. Deserves his new contract and will be a valuable asset nest season.
-
Another good performance and offers us an extra option wide going forward, but like Brunt, he never seems to get past his opposite full back. In that respect, Gibbs is the better.
-
Another good performance and offers us an extra option wide going forward, but like Brunt, he never seems to get past his opposite full back. In that respect, Gibbs is the better.
Yes but Gibbs can't defend which is the key role of any defender. Overall, Townsend is far superior. I never thought I'd say that 1-2 seasons ago but that shows his improvement.
-
Yes but Gibbs can't defend which is the key role of any defender. Overall, Townsend is far superior. I never thought I'd say that 1-2 seasons ago but that shows his improvement.
]
I also think that now, on balance, he is the better, but don't underestimate the importance of being able to get around his opposite number and cut balls back from the by-line. The most dangerous ball in football.
-
Another good performance and offers us an extra option wide going forward, but like Brunt, he never seems to get past his opposite full back. In that respect, Gibbs is the better.
In another way Townsend's startjng to cross a pretty decent ball in .
-
Looked very solid today, up against Rashford, Greenwood who both have pace to burn. Made some great tackles.
-
I echo some of the comments about him on the forum - another assured performance.
He deserved a contract extension but I was surprised to see him awarded a three year deal. That being said, we should still be looking at a new first choice left back next season.
-
It has been a funny season. Connor Townsend played really well yesterday, a continuation of the good form prior to his injury. I have to hold my hands up and say I never saw this coming, but there is no doubt about his performances of late. Weird...
-
Really good yesterday, most improved player for me.
-
He seems to have a great attitude and keeps improving. A genuine lower-half PL standard left back. Has turned out to have been an excellent bit of scouting and many of us have been proved wrong.
-
He seems to have a great attitude and keeps improving. A genuine lower-half PL standard left back. Has turned out to have been an excellent bit of scouting and many of us have been proved wrong.
He has what so many of the others have been lacking, desire and commitment. Maybe that's due to the fact that he wasn't involved in most of the maulings, but fair play to him, what he lacks in quality he makes up for with workrate and passion (Jesus, I sound like Pulis :'()
Decent player for next season.
-
He has what so many of the others have been lacking, desire and commitment. Maybe that's due to the fact that he wasn't involved in most of the maulings, but fair play to him, what he lacks in quality he makes up for with workrate and passion (Jesus, I sound like Pulis :'()
Decent player for next season.
I think he's got a good level of quality on the ball. The main thing he lacks is top level pace.
-
Quickly becoming my favourite player, I wouldn't have said that 12 months ago. He also seems to be genuine in his affection for the club. the fans and the foundation. It can be difficult to find grounded players at times but he seems to be one.
-
Quickly becoming my favourite player, I wouldn't have said that 12 months ago. He also seems to be genuine in his affection for the club. the fans and the foundation. It can be difficult to find grounded players at times but he seems to be one.
Have to agree.
He’s changed my mind completely this season.
Becoming a bit of a cult hero
-
Been our most improved player of the past 2 years and has been consistent all season, possibly one to be considered for Player of the Year.
I wonder how much Julian Dicks and Kieran Gibbs have helped him, Dicks on the defensive side and Gibbs on the attacking side.
-
Been our most improved player of the past 2 years and has been consistent all season, possibly one to be considered for Player of the Year.
I wonder how much Julian Dicks and Kieran Gibbs have helped him, Dicks on the defensive side and Gibbs on the attacking side.
Putting jn good crosses too , wonder if Brunt helped him 8)
-
Been our most improved player of the past 2 years and has been consistent all season, possibly one to be considered for Player of the Year.
I wonder how much Julian Dicks and Kieran Gibbs have helped him, Dicks on the defensive side and Gibbs on the attacking side.
Looking very comfortable in the side now - got some pelters on here early doors but the improvement has been evident to all.
-
Looking very comfortable in the side now - got some pelters on here early doors but the improvement has been evident to all.
we will see about the ALL bit, I think someone may be along with a different view shortly. took longer than I thought 18mins!
-
Townsend might have improved a little but he still leaves gaping holes on his side of the pitch,
There were two occasions when the Toons broke and had men unmarked coming in from Townsend’s side who should have scored if Toons passing had been better.
Player of the Season? Nah, that’s got to be Sam Johnstone.
-
we will see about the ALL bit, I think someone may be along with a different view shortly.
Of course they will be..... ;D
I was planning on going fishing today anyway
-
Don't think anyone can dispute his improvement......... can they???? ;)
He's never going to be a world beater but he's doing a decent job in a tough position, in a tough league. Needs competition in the summer though.
-
He has certainly improved and he looks good going forward and as others have said, his delivery into the box is pretty decent.
I do think where he needs to improve is his defensive positional sense and at his age that may not happen. But props to him, he's been good this season.
I still prefer a fit and firing Kieran Gibbs but I'm not so sure that exists any more.
-
Happy to eat my words over this guy. He's having a very good season and well done to him for that.
-
He's worked hard on his game to improve from what in all honesty was a pretty low bar. As previously stated I'd have been offering him a two year deal at the absolute most. Generally dependable upper Championship lower Premier League squad player for me going forward.
-
Yes he has also made me change my tune about him.
In his first season i thought he was awful, a waste of money. Last season he improved to the point where i felt he was fine against 90% of the EFL wingers but struggled with the better ones but this season he has kicked on again. Fine for the champo promotion push and an ok backup at PL level considering our financial limitations going forward.
-
I have pretty much always backed him, I saw the quality of his crossing very early, he has improved all areas of his game, looks super fit, looks like a model pro and a great signing to me.
-
July 2018, I said
Good age, sounds like he has "legs" has been in a successful / winning side, whats not to like.
Welcome to the Baggies Conor
Much rather have signings of this ilk than overage, overpaid journeymen
sadly the club still hasn't learnt the lesson, reducing the odds of bad signings occurring is not rocket science, remove certain known factors from the equation and whilst not guaranteed, the chance of success increases hugely. Anyway the kid has done really well, great to see,
-
I think he is really improving, should keep the shirt, Gibbs needs to win it back, not given it.
What I said :D
-
I wasn’t too sure on him to start and he’s still very limited. However he has been our most improved player for me. Seems to have a great attitude and work ethic.
-
I wasn’t too sure on him to start and he’s still very limited. However he has been our most improved player for me. Seems to have a great attitude and work ethic.
Definitely good enough for the champ next year, so that's one less worry
-
July 2018, I said
Good age, sounds like he has "legs" has been in a successful / winning side, whats not to like.
Welcome to the Baggies Conor
Much rather have signings of this ilk than overage, overpaid journeymen
sadly the club still hasn't learnt the lesson, reducing the odds of bad signings occurring is not rocket science, remove certain known factors from the equation and whilst not guaranteed, the chance of success increases hugely. Anyway the kid has done really well, great to see,
And he only cost a pittance too. I believe we pulled out of the Stacey deal too who then went to Bournemouth and his value went up massively. Another one which could have been.
-
Is he a DOWLING purchase .,if so we may need to wait with the wicker man .
-
Thought Conor had a good game against Chelsea, loved the back heel in the build up to the Diagne goal. Confident display.
-
Thought Conor had a good game against Chelsea, loved the back heel in the build up to the Diagne goal. Confident display.
He has been excellent. Not let us down once this season.
Very much deserving of his new deal.
-
Thought Conor had a good game against Chelsea, loved the back heel in the build up to the Diagne goal. Confident display.
Reminded me of the Grady Diangana back heel Dan, in the Championship last season when we first took Grady on loan - that resulted in a goal but cannot remember who scored and against whom.... it’s my age you know!
-
Reminded me of the Grady Diangana back heel Dan, in the Championship last season when we first took Grady on loan - that resulted in a goal but cannot remember who scored and against whom.... it’s my age you know!
Kieran Gibbs I think.
-
For me he is the most improved player at the club, one of the first on the team sheet I would imagine.
-
For me he is the most improved player at the club, one of the first on the team sheet I would imagine.
Yes, when he first joined us i thought he was honestly poor but he has improved season on season and i will give him much respect for that.
-
He's been excellent for a long time. Very consistent and sorely missed when he was injured. The vision to back heel the ball to Pereira to assist for our fourth goal after bombing on was brilliant. Underrated on the ball. Not the biggest or quickest but also puts himself about to at least make it difficult for the opposition - which is more than sunbathing Gibbs ever gave us.
-
Conor must have sprinted 80 metres to get into space to receive the pass to enable him to make the Back Heel! If it had been a Full Back from the top six clubs, M.O.D. would have been shouting the brilliance from the rooftops.
-
Be very happy with him as first choice in championship and he hasnt done much to say he couldn't and shouldn't be first choice if we stayed up.
Regardless of level 2 cms are required as is a centre forward before anything else. Right back would also be more of a priority
-
Going to say it (and wait for the flack)
He is a keep, If we don't flog him to another Prem club, I can well imagine a promoted club taking him. (Age / experience (now) / upward trajectory / British)
-
Candidate for player of the season.
-
Has really come on this season and proven myself and others wrong. Whilst he did well yesterday, I am not sure that a high octane pressing game like we played first half suits him, it highlights his weaknesses which are average speed and being slow to turn. Much better when we sit in a little more, he is pretty solid competing in duals.
-
Can’t find the report now, but Townsend being Monitored by Southampton as a potential replacement for Ryan Bertrand
-
Can’t find the report now, but Townsend being Monitored by Southampton as a potential replacement for Ryan Bertrand
Fortunately he signed a new 3 year contract with us in March 2021.
If the right offer came in and Townsend wanted to go, I certainly wouldn’t begrudge him his move. He’s been very professional and through hard work and coaching, he’s improved overall as a player.
With the Premier League experience gained this season, I was interested to see if it would make him a key player for us next season in the Championship. But at the same time, if a good offer came in and the money could be used to improve the squad...so be it!
-
With Gibbs going, we would really need to get good money for Townsend. I know he has his detractors, but purely for the fact that we have a big rebuild elsewhere in the squad, and he is our only left back, just means we shouldn't accept a miserly offer.
-
With Gibbs going, we would really need to get good money for Townsend. I know he has his detractors, but purely for the fact that we have a big rebuild elsewhere in the squad, and he is our only left back, just means we shouldn't accept a miserly offer.
Worth about £3.5m I'd say. Anything over that a bonus.
-
Worth about £3.5m I'd say. Anything over that a bonus.
As I say, if we're in the situation where we need two left backs and we're only getting £3.5m for Townsend, then you keep him.
There are bigger areas that are a priority
-
One of the most improved players for me.
Has gone about his work quietly and under the radar
Id be keeping him unless it was an offer that was simply too good to turn down
-
One of the most improved players for me.
Has gone about his work quietly and under the radar
Id be keeping him unless it was an offer that was simply too good to turn down
Agreed. He's perfect for the championship.
Regarding the detractors, some posters on here seem to expect the talent, experience and ability of players far above our position in the league hierarchy.
We really need to remember to not let perfection be the enemy of good.
-
Definitely keep him for next season. Focus on 2 new CMS and a bloke who knows where the net is as priorities.
-
He'll do a job next year but we do need cover for both full back positions
-
Agreed. He's perfect for the championship.
Regarding the detractors, some posters on here seem to expect the talent, experience and ability of players far above our position in the league hierarchy.
We really need to remember to not let perfection be the enemy of good.
Yes you're right. The likes of Townsend, Ajayi and Furlong have been signed for relative peanuts....they could on the whole be viewed as successes in value for money terms.
-
One of the few positive developments of the last few years has been Townsends improvement, definitley good enough for the champ now (as is Furlong).
-
Can’t find the report now, but Townsend being Monitored by Southampton as a potential replacement for Ryan Bertrand
Ryan bertrand is meant to be all but done but supposedly there is one clause holding it up (he wants a position on board on completion of his deal supposedly).
Also the source i have this from said saints have a young left back ready to step in long term anyway. So dont see this being more than paper talk
-
Ryan bertrand is meant to be all but done but supposedly there is one clause holding it up (he wants a position on board on completion of his deal supposedly).
Also the source i have this from said saints have a young left back ready to step in long term anyway. So dont see this being more than paper talk
Townsend is a league one player anyway according to some people.
Someone point it out to the Saints. ;D
Would be absolutely amazed if he goes anywhere. Just signed a new deal, settled, doing well, happy with his lot.
Nah hes going nowhere.
-
See the lad has signed a new 3 year deal today, good to see as he could have moved on a free in the Summer.
Glad he's in the squad
-
See the lad has signed a new 3 year deal today, good to see as he could have moved on a free in the Summer.
Glad he's in the squad
Thought he signed this back in February?
-
Thought he signed this back in February?
Not sure, only just read it
-
Thought he signed this back in February?
Yes think you're right - slightly confusing mention of it in the Mail today....I think they were making the point that he's already been signed up.
-
Yeah, you're right, which I'm very glad about. Conor gets some flak on here from one or two posters who have difficulty changing their view of certain players once they have made their mind up. But for me he deserves a lot of credit. I mean clearly Pereira is by a distance our player of the season, but of the other players who have been with us for the full season, he would get my vote for best of the rest, and I don't mean that in any way negatively
-
Yeah, you're right, which I'm very glad about. Conor gets some flak on here from one or two posters who have difficulty changing their view of certain players once they have made their mind up. But for me he deserves a lot of credit. I mean clearly Pereira is by a distance our player of the season, but of the other players who have been with us for the full season, he would get my vote for best of the rest, and I don't mean that in any way negatively
Another excellent Dowling signing :D
-
Another excellent Dowling signing :D
Darren Moore and before Dowling 8)
-
Come on leaps and bounds since he signed for us 3 years ago. Was a League 1 player out of his depth when he joined but looks like an excellent Champ player now.
Looks perfectly set up for this system as a LWB - mobile, decent engine and v good delivery & will benefit from having Clarke behind him to ease the defensive burden
-
Yeah he was bloody awful when he got here, did not rate him at all but probably the most improved player on our books. At 750k or whatever it was a good signing in the end.
-
Come on leaps and bounds since he signed for us 3 years ago. Was a League 1 player out of his depth when he joined but looks like an excellent Champ player now.
Looks perfectly set up for this system as a LWB - mobile, decent engine and v good delivery & will benefit from having Clarke behind him to ease the defensive burden
A pretty fair assessment. Not as good with the long throw as Furlong but a better crosser of the ball.
-
One of my favourite players now, his development in the last 18 months has been remarkable.
-
There were a couple of comments on here last night about him being out of position. His average pitch position on the Sky graphic was on the half way line due to our style of play. He will be sometimes be out of position for an orthodox fullback but he's obviously doing what the system requires of him.
-
One of my favourite players now, his development in the last 18 months has been remarkable.
Couldn't agree with this more. Been a brilliant player for us.
-
Couldn't agree with this more. Been a brilliant player for us.
Yes, he’s developed superbly when compared to the player he looked on arrival.
-
He's had 2 decent left backs to learn from during his time here in Gibbs and Julian Dicks and he seems to have listed to both of them.
-
Had an excellent game tonight.
-
Brilliant tonight back in his normal position, some excellent deliveries and running.
-
Had an excellent game tonight.
Agreed. Superb back in his true position
-
Missed him at LWB while we had injuries , not sure about that attempt on goal though 2nd half ;D
-
He's a league one player. :P
-
Missed him at LWB while we had injuries , not sure about that attempt on goal though 2nd half ;D
That actually made me chuckle through to full time....I think he managed to head it with his knee. Top lad though and possibly our best player right now and still improving.
-
Excellent tonight. The only decent player we had in the first half.
-
Another small, defensively weak fullback (I thought) when he arrived. But he's improved each season both defensively and offensively. Clearly he has a great attitude, some talent and is brave mentally and physically.
I'd say he's the type of player fans can get behind, a professional in the true sense of the word.
Glad he's one of ours!
-
Had an excellent game tonight.
He did, a couple of almost Stathamesque gallops down the wing.
-
Been saying for ages what an improved player he is, MOM last night.
-
Can we ensure he stays in his proper position and no longer gets pulled in as CB. Only quality player all game last night
-
He’s stood out this season.
He’s become a major asset.
He seems to have bulked up a bit as well which might explain his increase in strength.
On the ball though he is excellent, his crossing is top notch
Really like Connor he’s grown on me the last 2 years
-
Good starter at this level and a decent enough squad player in the PL
-
One of the very best if not the best wingback in this division.
-
Another small, defensively weak fullback (I thought) when he arrived. But he's improved each season both defensively and offensively. Clearly he has a great attitude, some talent and is brave mentally and physically.
I'd say he's the type of player fans can get behind, a professional in the true sense of the word.
Glad he's one of ours!
Reminds me of Billy Jones, came in , not really known, no big expectations, really disappointed when he left.
-
Reminds me of Billy Jones, came in , not really known, no big expectations, really disappointed when he left.
I remember Billy Jones with fondness too. Decent player out of nowhere really.
-
I remember Billy Jones with fondness too. Decent player out of nowhere really.
My memory of Billy Jones was that he was a liability, yes he ran around like a steam train but he had no positional sense or awareness and little football ability, he got done down his side numerous times. Lucky that Roy gave him a chance for a while but was clearly never a premiership standard full back. Townsend is a much better footballer.
-
My memory of Billy Jones was that he was a liability, yes he ran around like a steam train but he had no positional sense or awareness and little football ability, he got done down his side numerous times. Lucky that Roy gave him a chance for a while but was clearly never a premiership standard full back. Townsend is a much better footballer.
I don't remember him like that at all. I was a season ticket holder while he was here as well. He must have had most his decent 45 minutes when he was on my side ;D
-
Won't be surprised if some Premier league types come looking
-
Only just heard the Roberto Conor quip which is great to be fair but he has been outstanding this season he really has. Just add the 35 yard freekicks and happy days ;)
-
;D Does he remind anyone else of a Derek Statham type player?? He seems to power up and down the touchline much like Derek and an eye for a shot on goal.
Not saying he is as good but he has come on in leaps and bounds the last couple of seasons. :D
-
My memory of Billy Jones was that he was a liability, yes he ran around like a steam train but he had no positional sense or awareness and little football ability, he got done down his side numerous times. Lucky that Roy gave him a chance for a while but was clearly never a premiership standard full back. Townsend is a much better footballer.
Agree that Townsend is a better footballer than Billy Jones but I don't recall Jones being a liability. I thought he improved defensively each season but that improvement was to the detriment of his attacking forays. Strange how we remember the same player!
I remember his debut against Wolves back in 2011 when he produced a lovely cut back for Brunt to score.
-
Signed another deal on top of last one. Now here till 2025
"Joe Chapman
@ChapmanJ92
Extension to the contract of Conor Townsend confirmed White heavy check mark Only extended his deal last February, but that’s been lengthened to 2025. Been in largely good form this season. #wba"
EDIT - from Athletic article just gone up on his new deal it says:
"Are West Brom looking to tie anyone else down?
The club have held initial discussions with goalkeeper Sam Johnstone about extending his deal but it still seems likely that the England man will allow his contract to run down and become a free agent at the end of the season.
Elsewhere, West Brom are in talks with promising youth team forward Reyes Cleary about a first professional contract and are likely to speak soon to wing-back Taylor Gardner-Hickman, whose current deal is due to expire at the end of next season."
-
;D Does he remind anyone else of a Derek Statham type player?? He seems to power up and down the touchline much like Derek and an eye for a shot on goal.
Not saying he is as good but he has come on in leaps and bounds the last couple of seasons. :D
Yep! Connor is doing well, consistent good levels of performance. Closest thing to a Deka Statham we have had for many a year. Not yet there, as you say but agree he is getting closer. Seems he is an intelligent type who can learn and put into practice what he learns. Long may he continue, no longer a youngster but a genuine pro who will truly be a future asset.
-
Excellent news. Player of the season so far.
-
I wonder if there is a release clause written into his contract. I bet there is but I hope the fee is high enough
-
I wonder if there is a release clause written into his contract. I bet there is but I hope the fee is high enough
He's 28 years old I wouldn't worry too much about that.
Good news.
Need to get Gardner-Hickman signed up and O'Shea also a priority as his contract is up at the end of next season as well unless I'm mistaken.
-
Good business by us.
Tie up cleary. TGH and make sure we have oshea and Griffiths on good deals.
Just shows when somebody wants to stay a deal is pretty quick and easy to get done..
-
Good business by us.
Tie up cleary. TGH and make sure we have oshea and Griffiths on good deals.
Just shows when somebody wants to stay a deal is pretty quick and easy to get done..
In fairness, Townsend will not get a bigger gig than the Albion unlike the academy graduates who will see us a stepping stone to bigger things.
-
That's good news.
Townsend seems to have learned from his season in the PL and again improved as a player. A very consistent performer at LWB, we lack something when he covers in the back 3.
Hopefully we can get Cleary, Gardener-Hickman and O'Shea signed up too.
-
Good news , with Dowling gone it makes you wonder who is doing these deals right now .
Hopefully playing Townsend at CB stops , utter waste.
-
Fantastic news this is. Connor Carlos is a player thats really come on leaps and bounds in the last 18 months.
-
Great improvement to me
I think he's captain material
-
Another very good performance. and he is maintaining that standard week in week out. Often an unsung hero, but player of the season so far. A ray of light amongst the clouds.
-
Great improvement to me
I think he's captain material
Think that's a good shout he was man of match again for me tonight.
-
Conor Townsend, Man of the Match for me with Sam Johnstone alongside him on account of the world-class double save. None of the rest were in the same league and as for Hugill, he even makes Diagne look good and he was a cart horse type player.
-
A fully list of Championship defenders with 30+ Tackles and Key Passes this season:
𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐫 𝐓𝐨𝐰𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐝 (36, 37)
End of List
-
A fully list of Championship defenders with 30+ Tackles and Key Passes this season:
𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐫 𝐓𝐨𝐰𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐝 (36, 37)
End of List
There's no better one v one defender against a wide man.
I just wish he had a bit more of an eye for a goal its the only thing that let's him down really. I don't expect him to score loads but I do think he should be getting a few.
-
The stat demonstrates his work rate which is consistent game after game. He'd probably have a couple more assists if we had bodies in the box, maybe that's coming soon.
-
There's no better one v one defender against a wide man.
I just wish he had a bit more of an eye for a goal its the only thing that let's him down really. I don't expect him to score loads but I do think he should be getting a few.
You could say that about most of them Atomic, only Grant comes out with any credit on that issue, but I know what you mean
-
I don't like tackling stats. There's a famous line about "If you have to tackle, you've already made a mistake".
Of course, it's not usually his own mistakes he's covering for.
-
Have seen a rumour that West Ham are expressing interest in buying Townsend. One of our best and most consistent players (slight blip over the past month) but given his contract situation (he recently signed a new one) we could probably get over £10m in the current market, so it could well be seriously considered.
Reach as left wing-back could do a decent job but we are supposedly being linked with Neil Taylor.
It wouldn’t be a total surprise if we end the window without either Townsend or SJ, but with extra cash to strengthen further after signing Dike.
-
I'm not surprised clubs are expressing an interest. Townsend hasn't been the same since he came back from his Covid absence but I'd still do everything possible to keep him at the club. We know he can hold his own in the PL whereas whilst Reach is a perfectly good wing back in the Championship he'd come up short defensively in the PL.
It all comes down to money in the end everyone has their value and if a club is willing to pay over the value we set a player at then sometimes it can be wise to accept their offer.
We certainly don't actively want to sell Townsend and I don't think we will.
-
Would not be selling Townsend now. He's on a long term deal. No need to upset any chance of promotion. Reach is ok but nothing more.
-
I would be inclined to give the rumour more credit if it had not been West Ham. The londonicentric sports press usually have them linked with every half decent champs player and especially any from us.
By the way are the soft porn mob still providing the money there? if so it is a ploy they have been using since their days in the real world at Blues.
Anyway CT is on a long term contract so would raise a fair bit if actually true. Much prefer to keep him though.
-
I would be inclined to give the rumour more credit if it had not been West Ham. The londonicentric sports press usually have them linked with every half decent champs player and especially any from us.
By the way are the soft porn mob still providing the money there? if so it is a ploy they have been using since their days in the real world at Blues.
Anyway CT is on a long term contract so would raise a fair bit if actually true. Much prefer to keep him though.
They still hold the reins but a wealthy Czech recently bought a largish stake in the club
-
Cheers sir! Thought they might still be connected 8)
-
Would not be selling Townsend now. He's on a long term deal. No need to upset any chance of promotion. Reach is ok but nothing more.
Whilst not in a rush to sell him,you have to balance what someone offers vs his long term potential if we went up
Anything north of 10m and I’d sell...I just don’t think he’s prem quality
-
Whilst not in a rush to sell him,you have to balance what someone offers vs his long term potential if we went up
Anything north of 10m and I’d sell...I just don’t think he’s prem quality
Well ifi ts 10m plus thats a different story but i can't see that being true personally. If it is then lets talk.
-
His ability to cross a football seems to have disappeared.
Looked a shadow of himself in recent weeks.
-
Nobody is paying anywhere near £10m. Anything over £6m and I’d sell though. He’s done ok for us, but he’s very limited, and 29 in two months.
-
Could just be a physical thing as wing back is the most demanding of positions to play. He was still involved in most of the better situations we found ourselves in . As for his crossing it must be very difficult when there are so few targets to pick out in the box , majority of the time smash it across and hope is his best option !
-
If we got an offer of between £6M-£10M for Townsend I'd be very tempted to cash in. If this Taylor bloke's the one who played for Swansea and the Vile I'd be very tempted to NOT spend a penny of it on him.
That young lad at Derby didn't look too shabby the other day and Derby are up to their eyeballs in debt. A cheeky bid for him based on potential might be worth a shout were West Ham to come calling for Conor.
-
I believe the young player Derby moved to left back and did well vs us is actually a right back.
Derby have a young left back (Lee Buchanan) who has been first choice and is highly rated, but he didn’t play against us. I think he’s out injured He was linked with forest in the summer.
-
I believe the young player Derby moved to left back and did well vs us is actually a right back.
Derby have a young left back (Lee Buchanan) who has been first choice and is highly rated, but he didn’t play against us. I think he’s out injured He was linked with forest in the summer.
Probably worth remembering who he was up against as well. Oh well, scratches promising looking young defender off the list ;D .
-
CT bang out of form like most the squad.
-
His ability to cross a football seems to have disappeared.
Looked a shadow of himself in recent weeks.
I think he's been poor the last month or so. Crossing has been sub-standard at best (although there are few targets in the box and we've lacked that front man). He's also done a few mad things in front of the Smethwick end that have nearly cost us goals.
My biggest gripe though is that in Val's system we need goals and assists from wing backs on a fairy regular basis. How many does he have exactly? Can't be more than 2/3 assists and no goals.
-
I think he's been poor the last month or so. Crossing has been sub-standard at best (although there are few targets in the box and we've lacked that front man). He's also done a few mad things in front of the Smethwick end that have nearly cost us goals.
My biggest gripe though is that in Val's system we need goals and assists from wing backs on a fairy regular basis. How many does he have exactly? Can't be more than 2/3 assists and no goals.
We’ve got one of the top 2/3 left-footed crossers of a ball since the PL began coaching our Academy youngsters. Surely we can utilise Brunty to also be a specialist coach for crossing and corners/free kicks!
-
I don't have anything particularly against Townsend, he seems to be a decent lad who works hard and gives his best but I just don't see a huge amount of technical ability at a high level. I think he does a decent enough job for us, as he would in most Championship sides, but his inability to beat the man with his crosses really is frustrating. I never feel like when he has the ball down the wing that anything good delivery-wise is going to happen and the best I hope for is a ricochet out for a corner.
I don't hold too much distain for any of our defenders at this level, but I don't think any are likely to be premiership survival standard players.
-
This isn't a knock at Conor in particular but when it comes to stats crosses are only as good as the players on the end of them. Here's hoping Dike's arrival coincides with an upturn in the quality of balls played in from both flanks.
-
This isn't a knock at Conor in particular but when it comes to stats crosses are only as good as the players on the end of them. Here's hoping Dike's arrival coincides with an upturn in the quality of balls played in from both flanks.
Good point. Seems a waste of time putting in an aerial cross as none of our “strikers†are any good with their head. All too often it’s a low cross with too much pace on to get a touch. Happens a couple of times each game.
-
Yes I suppose I get where you're coming from with that, often it flashes across the box in a decent place with nobody there as we seem to have no real recognised striker, but for me the frustration is we often don't meet the first man, pluck it straight to the goalies hands or quite often recently out for a goal kick the other side of the goal!
-
Rumours are that he is off to the Hammers.
I hope this isn't true. But we have also been linked to Neil Taylor.
Would be very disappointed if true. From someone who also knew the Dike news. I hope this is wrong...
-
Rumours are that he is off to the Hammers.
I hope this isn't true. But we have also been linked to Neil Taylor.
Would be very disappointed if true. From someone who also knew the Dike news. I hope this is wrong...
Maybe he knows he's off and thats why his performances have been down but who knows. Anyway if its a good fee then fair enough but if it's a few million it ain't worth it.
-
Maybe he knows he's off and thats why his performances have been down but who knows. Anyway if its a good fee then fair enough but if it's a few million it ain't worth it.
We should be ok price wise........ so long as those pesky Arabs stay out of the running.
-
We should be ok price wise........ so long as those pesky Arabs stay out of the running.
Lai needs to turn his phone off now!
-
Maybe he knows he's off and thats why his performances have been down but who knows. Anyway if its a good fee then fair enough but if it's a few million it ain't worth it.
Too good to be true to believe we could afford Dike without some sort of sale...
Connor is the only player we have who can beat a man.
-
It will mess up Val's 3-4-3 a lot if we lose Townsend. Reach will have his work cut out to match Townsend's consistency, unless we can find an adequate replacement. (unlikely).
-
It will mess up Val's 3-4-3 a lot if we lose Townsend. Reach will have his work cut out to match Townsend's consistency, unless we can find an adequate replacement. (unlikely).
SELL HIM NOW
-
SELL HIM NOW
Selling our better players isn't going to help. Whichever system we play, we need good players.
-
Selling our better players isn't going to help. Whichever system we play, we need good players.
Let me flip that and suggest we need a better system.
-
........Connor is the only player we have who can beat a man.
Not if that player's standing at the near post he can't. In fairness to Conor though Sam Johnstone couldn't even strike a Flint yesterday never mind beat a man ;D ;) .
-
Rumours are that he is off to the Hammers.
I hope this isn't true. But we have also been linked to Neil Taylor.
Would be very disappointed if true. From someone who also knew the Dike news. I hope this is wrong...
Would make some sense, with Cresswell's injury they haven't been as effective and certainly in my mind Toensend brings a lot of similar things to the table as Cresswell although I haven't looked up the stats to confirm this.
He'd be a big loss for us, for the last two season he has been one of our main progressors of the ball up the field and you'd expect would be more effective having a target man to play in to and find with crosses. However, this system probably does suit wing backs with great athleticism and physical prowess so if we had somebody in that mould lined up, it might be ok. The burden would be on a centre back to help us progress the ball better up the field although perhaps with Dike we have someone who can be that outlet and make ball progression a much easier task.
-
Does anybody genuinely think that this guy is anything else other than a poor/average Championship full back?
Hardly contributes offensively and often loses his man defensively.
He was God awful today. And the worrying thing: Bruce and the club are happy to have him playing 46 league games this year with no serious competition.
-
Does anybody genuinely think that this guy is anything else other than a poor/average Championship full back?
Hardly contributes offensively and often loses his man defensively.
He was God awful today. And the worrying thing: Bruce and the club are happy to have him playing 46 league games this year with no serious competition.
Think Ashworth deserves a run. Townsend steady midtable championship poor technically.
-
Seems to have regressed massively since the PL season.
Ashworth is a very promising young player. I don't think he will get in ahead of ADAM FLIPPIN REACH though.
Blackburn started a 17 year old at CB, we'd have sent him on loan or left him in the kids team.
-
He needs to vary his crossing a bit. Too many outswinging crosses in the air aiming for someone at the far post. He needs to try cut backs along the ground, which might suit our forwards better. (If they are clever enough to find spaces).
-
Has gone backwards over the past 12 months and seems to going backwards each week, very little in the squad to replace him as the only like for like is probably Ashworth and we know how Bruce favours the old guard so more likely to see Reach replacing him..
-
Blackburn started a 17 year old at CB, we'd have sent him on loan or left him in the kids team.
This is true. Caleb Taylor being an obvious example.
It seems to have become a default thing now, every kid needs to go on loan. I don't agree with it, some do, some don't.
-
This is true. Caleb Taylor being an obvious example.
It seems to have become a default thing now, every kid needs to go on loan. I don't agree with it, some do, some don't.
If they have never played a senior game and they are young i understand it. When we see our kids play and hold their own against decent EFL opposition like in the cup against Sheff Utd it makes no sense to freeze them out.
Bruce seems insistant on putting square pegs in round holes. When the square pegs are Reach and Phillips and they are put ahead of them it's a disgrace.
-
If they have never played a senior game and they are young i understand it. When we see our kids play and hold their own against decent EFL opposition like in the cup against Sheff Utd it makes no sense to freeze them out.
Bruce seems insistant on putting square pegs in round holes. When the square pegs are Reach and Phillips and they are put ahead of them it's a disgrace.
Agree.
A kid makes an error and they are "not ready yet". Senior players do the same and worse and they keep playing.
It's not right.
-
Townsend tries.
He’s just not very good. Might be OK at Walsall.
-
Agree.
A kid makes an error and they are "not ready yet". Senior players do the same and worse and they keep playing.
It's not right.
It's just a total cop out. It's Sunday league level management. The amount of times i'd watch managers pick their mates even in positions they didnt play and not give others a chance, always failed but nothing ever changed.
-
Blackburn started a 17 year old at CB, we'd have sent him on loan or left him in the kids team.
I believe that's down to injuries. When he went down the Blackburn commentators were suggesting they were experiencing an injury crisis at centre back. That said, he played very well when given his opportunity
-
I believe that's down to injuries. When he went down the Blackburn commentators were suggesting they were experiencing an injury crisis at centre back. That said, he played very well when given his opportunity
I appreciate it's due to injuries but my point is we (likely) still wouldnt do it. We'd find an old pro to stick there
-
He has regressed in the last 12 months but he is what it says on the tin. An average full back who will have average games of football more often than not.
I’d love to source a replacement but let’s face it, with our very limited budget the money is not there to replace him whilst we have other pressing concerns in the side.
-
Has gone backwards over the past 12 months and seems to going backwards each week, very little in the squad to replace him
I agree with this. Ever since he had that one game off with Covid he hasn't been the same player for whatever reason. All players have spells where their form dips but how long do you put up with it? Townsend is showing no sign of his PL form or his form at the start of last season.
If I were young Ashworth I'd keep gently nagging Brucey.
-
Time for Ashworth to have a go for me. Might give Townsend the kick up the backside he needs
-
Not sure it is a kick up the backside he needs, he just isn't particularly good. I said it four years ago and stand by it today, very ordinary footballer who was at home in League One before we signed him
-
Not sure it is a kick up the backside he needs, he just isn't particularly good. I said it four years ago and stand by it today, very ordinary footballer who was at home in League One before we signed him
I didn't rate him when he got here, thought he was atrocious however he improved bit by bit until last season when everyone dropped off a cliff.
He certainly needs dropping though.
-
I didn't rate him when he got here, thought he was atrocious however he improved bit by bit until last season when everyone dropped off a cliff.
He certainly needs dropping though.
I'm the same, wasn't impressed when we signed him but then suddenly seemed to be improving but now gone massively backwards.
He's gone from having the likes of Kieran Gibbs and Julian Dicks giving him advice to absolutely no-one which may have played a part in it.
-
I'm the same, wasn't impressed when we signed him but then suddenly seemed to be improving but now gone massively backwards.
He's gone from having the likes of Kieran Gibbs and Julian Dicks giving him advice to absolutely no-one which may have played a part in it.
Lack of competition and lengthy new contracts given out to both full backs and no surprise their performances drop off since.
They know they are virtually certain to start under SB as things stand, complacency has set in
-
Because people have ego's and some of them will never admit to being wrong. It's an insecurity, a defence mechanism , they see it as a weakness to admit they were wrong.
It isnt. Everyone is human and we all get it wrong from time to time. The people with the real strength are those who accept that and then admit it.
Some wont do that whatever. It's their weakness, not everyone else's.
Its admirable to back your judgement. It"s sad, pitiful, even to keep fighting a battle you've lost and are too "small" to admit it even to yourself.
Still standing by this in relation to Conor, Atomic? ;D
Awful, awful footballer as I have maintained throughout. Last night summed him up really, he was terrible
-
Still standing by this in relation to Conor, Atomic? ;D
Awful, awful footballer as I have maintained throughout. Last night summed him up really, he was terrible
It’s a sign of where we are as a club that he is set to play 46 games this season. For a team that needs to be on the front foot, he contributes zilch; loses the ball regularly, too.
No competition for places and these are the performances you get. Rubbish.
-
If only we had a promising young left back to try.
-
Still standing by this in relation to Conor, Atomic? ;D
Awful, awful footballer as I have maintained throughout. Last night summed him up really, he was terrible
If you read my recent posts I've said Townsend hasn't played well for a long time now. That doesn't mean he wasn't playing well before.
Footballers are like racehorses they are all different. Some are precocious, some peak at older ages, some have short peaks, some retain their peak for years.
I judge objectively and fairly. Townsend, currently, is not the player he was.
-
Remember how much Gibbs was disliked (unneccessarily in my view)? That was why people were pushing for Townsend so much. Quite clear now that Gibbs was far better and Townsend has made it this far into the team on the back of "he's not Gibbs".
-
Gibbs was brilliant, by comparison.
Remember his marauding runs up the pitch at this level and the fact he actually scored goals. Townsend had one spell where he was not as awful as he had been and people began raving about him, it was just bizarre really.
-
I'm more with Atomic than Fritzl here, Townsend improved significantly and was really good for us. Sure, he has dipped this calender year but he is still one of our better ball progressors.
What this does show is giving contract extensions to players coming out of their peak and covering their post peak years,is a mistake.
-
Remember how much Gibbs was disliked (unneccessarily in my view)? That was why people were pushing for Townsend so much. Quite clear now that Gibbs was far better and Townsend has made it this far into the team on the back of "he's not Gibbs".
Gibbs was excellent in my view. In the early days under Bilic, Gibbs, Pereira and Diangana wreaked havoc in the championship. Townsend did have a good spell but it was some time ago now.
-
As a wing back I thought the lad did well. He's not as effective in a back 4.
-
Gibbs was excellent in my view. In the early days under Bilic, Gibbs, Pereira and Diangana wreaked havoc in the championship. Townsend did have a good spell but it was some time ago now.
The goal where Grady(?) backheeled it into Gibb's path to slot home was one of my favourites.
-
The goal where Grady(?) backheeled it into Gibb's path to slot home was one of my favourites.
Yes, superb stuff. And it was Grady.
-
I would like to Ashworth given a go. We need to be planning for long term and using 2 and 5 year plans not just floating along like we do.
Best case Ashworth really kicks on and we improve an area on the pitch that needs improving. Worse case Townsend gets a kick up the backside and performs better as he knows his spot is up for grabs. The moment he is playing like a man who knows he has the shirt
-
Maybe being a bit picky, but I wish Townsend would look up a bit more before he crosses. The crosses all seem to be aimed at the far post. As we saw especially last season, there's virtually never anybody coming in to meet them. Wallace is a far better crosser, though not perfect, but at least he tries to pick out a runner or has the awareness to cut it back to around the penalty spot.
-
I cite my earlier post. Still would like to see Ashworth get a go. Enough experience on the pitch to see him through
-
Maybe being a bit picky, but I wish Townsend would look up a bit more before he crosses. The crosses all seem to be aimed at the far post. As we saw especially last season, there's virtually never anybody coming in to meet them. Wallace is a far better crosser, though not perfect, but at least he tries to pick out a runner or has the awareness to cut it back to around the penalty spot.
Yeah, he needs to be a bit more thoughtful with the ball I think. It's also noticable he's the one of the back 4 now that opts to smash it long as (what feels like) first choice.
-
Gotta give a special mention. SmethDan will be distraught if I don't. ;D
First league goal today.
Pleased for him as he gets far more stick than he deserves.
-
Gotta give a special mention. SmethDan will be distraught if I don't. ;D
First league goal today.
Pleased for him as he gets far more stick than he deserves.
Frightening that it’s taken him this long to get his first league goal. Hopefully first of a few more before he is replaced, be it this month or in the summer
-
Did score a nice goal in the FA cup I seem to recall.
The league goal is well overdue, he's had plenty of chances, I'd say he couldn't really miss today, but he's not exactly clinical
-
Frightening that it’s taken him this long to get his first league goal. Hopefully first of a few more before he is replaced, be it this month or in the summer
He's got 2.5 years left if that helps cheer you up ;D
-
A player who has suffered from lack of competition in his position and poor coaching. Hes slowly getting back to levels he was at before. Hopefully that goal gives him a further lift
-
He's got 2.5 years left if that helps cheer you up ;D
I have complete faith in CC to replace those that need replacing, if we keep him for long enough for him to do so ;D
-
Thought he was defensively poor with some positioning last night. Corberan may be tempted to bring Ajayi in and shift Piteres left, I'd be considering it.
-
Throw him upfront, he's our current in form goal-scorer.
-
Rumoured he’ll be club captain this season.
-
Rumoured he’ll be club captain this season.
Shows just how far we have fallen
-
Shows just how far we have fallen
If so, it would be the managers choice, are you not backing Carlos?
-
Looking round there doesn’t seem to be too many alternatives
-
Club captain is just a figurehead at the club and not necessarily going to be one of the better players or regular starters. Although we could improve on CT there are still a few other areas that need to be improved on first.
-
Rumoured he’ll be club captain this season.
I actually think it will be Jed personally
-
Club captain is just a figurehead at the club and not necessarily going to be one of the better players or regular starters. Although we could improve on CT there are still a few other areas that need to be improved on first.
They are usually regular starters when they get given the captaincy. They then become more of a ‘club captain’ rather than playing captain when they age or suffer injuries.
-
They are usually regular starters when they get given the captaincy. They then become more of a ‘club captain’ rather than playing captain when they age or suffer injuries........
........ and get a contract extension ;D .
-
Looking round there doesn’t seem to be too many alternatives
Okay?
-
Okay?
He doesn’t need that nonsense. Let him just do what he does.
-
Model Pro, no problem with him being captain.
The role of captain these days is more of a figurehead role than anything else.
Bit like Kings and Queens. Old Charlie doesn't have the same role as Henry V111 did, which is rather a relief for Camilla as she can wake up each morning knowing she ain't going to have her bonce chopped off. ;D
-
Model Pro, no problem with him being captain.
The role of captain these days is more of a figurehead role than anything else.
Bit like Kings and Queens. Old Charlie doesn't have the same role as Henry V111 did, which is rather a relief for Camilla as she can wake up each morning knowing she ain't going to have her bonce chopped off. ;D
Med me loff
-
Model Pro, no problem with him being captain.
The role of captain these days is more of a figurehead role than anything else.
Bit like Kings and Queens. Old Charlie doesn't have the same role as Henry V111 did, which is rather a relief for Camilla as she can wake up each morning knowing she ain't going to have her bonce chopped off. ;D
Nevertheless, I strongly suggest she steers well clear of any glue factories whilst out on the hoof lest she comes to a sticky end regardless ;) .
-
Please, please get a new LB
-
Please, please get a new LB
The scary part is that despite a very poor performance from him, he was probably our best player of the back four that started the game!
-
The scary part is that despite a very poor performance from him, he was probably our best player of the back four that started the game!
Cannot disagree - sadly
-
he always tries but really he is only a squad player at best.
-
Townsend and furlong have it to easy for so long with no competion,desperatly need competion for both positions
-
Both goals came from left sided mistakes
-
For some reason, whoever our manager has been over several seasons , they have never felt the need to have serious competition for places at fullback. If we had world beaters there then I could understand it , but we are far from it .
-
Never stops crosses, always out of position and just generally a really poor full back
I’m thinking I’d rather have a steady Eddie Pieters there
I mean let’s face it Townsend offers nowt the other way so I’d rather a defender who can defend
-
Never stops crosses, always out of position and just generally a really poor full back
I’m thinking I’d rather have a steady Eddie Pieters there
I mean let’s face it Townsend offers nowt the other way so I’d rather a defender who can defend
I don't think Pieters has the legs to play fullback anymore. Although he would be an upgrade in the middle of the defence on the two that started today.
-
I don't think Pieters has the legs to play fullback anymore. Although he would be an upgrade in the middle of the defence on the two that started today.
Maybe but if he was just asked to defend not bomb on.
I’m 55 and I was a centre half and I’d improve the 2 who played today
-
I don't think Pieters has the legs to play fullback anymore. Although he would be an upgrade in the middle of the defence on the two that started today.
Trouble is Townsend only bombs on 2 or 3 times a game. And his successful cross rate, as in, it's vaguely near one of our players, is like 1 in 10. 1 half decent cross every 3 or 4 games. I'd happily sacrifice that for someone who isn't caught out of position easily.
-
It’s a shame that some players can get away with murder with their constant mistakes whilst some of the younger players are seemingly in the bomb squad for their solitary mistakes.
It’s worrying that he’s the only left back at the club. Not sure who we turn to if he gets injured or his form nose dives.
-
What on earth do you mean mate, if his form nosedives?
How low can it possibly get, ill say again both goals came from the left hand side, enough said really
I want him replaced but who have we got who can?
-
The only time Townsend has looked anything like a decent left back is when Julian Dicks was a coach, thats when he played his best football for us.
I think the fact the captaincy was given to Wallace suggests Townsend is on the list to be replaced by Corberan as he did captain the side quite a bit last season.
-
Ni saw Kippers poor pass but i dont blame him for the goals, but i do blame Townsend his lost ball and out of positioning for both goals were totally his fault, i dont suppose he'll be sold but we should definitely get in a new left back, its vital, this is the weakest part of our defence
-
Dire, dire footballer who needs replacing before the window closes desperately.
-
We've had problems with both sides at the back for years. On the left since... well, I want to say Derek Statham, but Neil Clement was decent too. On the right? I'm struggling to remember the last decent one.
-
Batson
-
We've had problems with both sides at the back for years. On the left since... well, I want to say Derek Statham, but Neil Clement was decent too. On the right? I'm struggling to remember the last decent one.
Balis
-
Always makes me laugh they call him 'Conor Carlos', jesus wept. We've needed to upgrade our full backs for years but unfortunately in the financial position were in i think we're going to have these pair for a while.
-
Please, please, please I beseech you CC, never pick this awful excuse for a footballer again.
-
A lot of goals come from his side of the pitch and primarily because he has given too much room to an opposition player or he's positioning was terrible.
Should be nowhere near the captaincy imo.
-
Please, please, please I beseech you CC, never pick this awful excuse for a footballer again.
Every single week you take the opportunity to berate CT, even when we win and even when we don't concede any goals. You don't rate him, we get it. But he's been a loyal servant and a true professional over several years. Like most of the team (in fact all of the team) he has some games where he plays better and some games where he struggles, but he keeps getting picked by a succession of managers and there is good reason for that. Your continual unbalanced diatribe against him is wearing more than a little thin imo.
-
He always suffers without Phillips to help out
-
Every single week you take the opportunity to berate CT, even when we win and even when we don't concede any goals. You don't rate him, we get it. But he's been a loyal servant and a true professional over several tears. Like most of the team (in fact all of the team) he has some games where he plays better and some games where he struggles, but he keeps getting picked by a succession of managers and there is good reason for that. Your continual unbalanced diatribe against him is wearing more than a little thin imo.
I always hate the ‘loyal servant’ comments in relation to players. He has been extremely handsomely rewarded by us over years despite his mediocrity. It’s not as though a string of clubs would have been queuing up to take him off our hands, if only.
-
"Mediocre" is fair enough as an opinion. Personally I think he has been, and is, better than that, but opinions differ and I respect that. "An awful excuse for a footballer", however, is completely over the top.
-
Terrible mistake today , effectively cost us a point .
-
Please, please, please I beseech you CC, never pick this awful excuse for a footballer again.
Definitely in the running for the most over the top post of the season. Your repeated tirades against CT are tiresome and boring at this stage
-
Terrible mistake today , effectively cost us a point .
Good grief. "Terrible mistake"? He slipped !! Never mind that there wasn't a single player on the other side of the pitch, allowing Neil a free run on goal.
-
Definitely in the running for the most over the top post of the season. Your repeated tirades against CT are tiresome and boring at this stage
You spelt accurate wrongly ;D
Stand by it. He is awful. Darton and Lilwall had more to offer and that is going back to some seriously dark days.
-
I always hate the ‘loyal servant’ comments in relation to players. He has been extremely handsomely rewarded by us over years despite his mediocrity. It’s not as though a string of clubs would have been queuing up to take him off our hands, if only.
We don't have any player that a string of clubs are queuing up to take of our hands. we've no-one else to play at LB besides having no money to replace him.
-
We don't have any player that a string of clubs are queuing up to take of our hands. we've no-one else to play at LB besides having no money to replace him.
Assuming he is fit I would prefer to see Reach at left back before Townsend. And yes I realise he is not great and certainly not a left back.
-
I think Townsend is about mid level championship when playing at his best. As a team pushing for those last two playoff spots he’s a liability when we come up against sides with wingers of any worth. In this league there aren’t too many thankfully.
-
Can we keep it civil guys? Having differing opinions is fine but argue your point and not the person.
For what it’s worth I’m not a Townsend fan, I think defensively his positional sense just isn’t there. I don’t think he’s a bad excuse for a player and he tries however we’ve been poor in full back areas for so long now. Kind of like a microcosm of our fall from grace.
-
We don't have any player that a string of clubs are queuing up to take of our hands. we've no-one else to play at LB besides having no money to replace him.
We have Pipa who if deemed no better then begs the question why on earth did we sign him?
-
Can we keep it civil guys? Having differing opinions is fine but argue your point and not the person.
For what it’s worth I’m not a Townsend fan, I think defensively his positional sense just isn’t there. I don’t think he’s a bad excuse for a player and he tries however we’ve been poor in full back areas for so long now. Kind of like a microcosm of our fall from grace.
And yet we have the third best defensive record in the division, behind only Leicester and Leeds. You really wouldn't expect this if our full backs were so poor. Perhaps, just maybe, they aren't as bad as you think :D
-
We have Pipa who if deemed no better then begs the question why on earth did we sign him?
He was signed for his versatility "Pipa is a player we signed as a right-back but we know he can play left-back, right wing-back and left wing-back," Corberan said of him. "He's not natural to play as a winger, but when you don't have more possibilities he is one player that has a level of versatility that can help the team in different circumstances."
-
I’ve never been a huge fan of Townsend. However, there’s no such thing as a bad footballer playing football at this level for so long. It’s all relative. He’s had good matches and poor ones. He’s made mistakes and been a hero. It’s just the way sport goes. Quite often players look good or bad based on who they are up against that day, the formation and who they have playing around them in support.
-
I think he is, at best, mediocre as an attacking player. He doesn't provide enough variety with his crosses. These trademark high floating crosses to the far post would be ideal if we had a striker like Astle moving in on goal. The reality is though, that none of our forwards are any good at heading. He needs to cut the ball back more often. Wallace and Swift have combined to score a fair number of goals just by passing to feet.
-
And yet we have the third best defensive record in the division, behind only Leicester and Leeds. You really wouldn't expect this if our full backs were so poor. Perhaps, just maybe, they aren't as bad as you think :D
Just my opinion but I’d say we’ve done well defensively because of the way we play as a unit and not because of the individuals at our disposal. It can, however help to have better individuals and I’d argue that with the way we play that if we had James Justin we’d probably have the best defence in the league.
-
Just my opinion but I’d say we’ve done well defensively because of the way we play as a unit and not because of the individuals at our disposal. It can, however help to have better individuals and I’d argue that with the way we play that if we had James Justin we’d probably have the best defence in the league.
Wriggle wriggle :D :D We play well as a unit because we have the players who have the skills necessary to put CC's tactics into practice I would say. None of Townsend, Furlong, Kipre, Bartley or any other defenders at our disposal are world beaters but they are more than adequate at this level.
-
I don't want to move this conversation too far away from Conor, but I was looking back through our full backs from recent seasons, and there aren't many good ones, or least, few that have universally been appreciated.
Before Townsend and Furlong we had:
Gibbs - some would say lightweight in the tackle and injury prone
Ferguson - generally well rated, but left under a cloud
O'Shea - out of position and didn't offer much going forward
Holgate - generally well rated
Nyom - very up and down
Tosin Adarabiyo - out of position and not rated
Dawson - played out of position by Pulis, not good going forward
Brunt - played of position by Pulis, not enough pace
Gamboa - not played a lot
Pocognoli - not played a lot
Lescott - out of position by Pulis, a lot of ups and downs
Ridgewell - very up and down
Going back further you have the likes.of Billy Jones who people used to criticise for being a poor defender
I suppose the point is, either we have had fairly poor full backs for a long time, or, fans expect too much from full backs, including the likes of Townsend.
-
From that list I was a fan of Gibbs, Holgate, Nyom for the onomatopoeia alone and I would’ve loved to see Gamboaand Pocognoli have more of a chance. I think Ridgewell was good at the time and Dawson actually but they’re good examples of working within the system and unit (and my god was it a big unit when they were involved!)
-
Another solid performance from Conor tonight, along with all the other defenders. Second best defence in the division now. Maybe some of the detractors will lay off for a bit now, but not holding my breath.
-
He had a good game! Don’t worry Timdom, I don’t criticise players for the sake of it. I’m not one of those kind of fans. I just have an opinion that he’s not the best positionally. Much like how I have an opinion that Kipre is blooming brilliant and I was banging that drum when he was facing absolute pelters at the start of the season. It’s ok for people to see things differently and have opposing opinions. You could just compliment Townsend without having to have a salty end to your post. Just saying.
-
He had a good game! Don’t worry Timdom, I don’t criticise players for the sake of it. I’m not one of those kind of fans. I just have an opinion that he’s not the best positionally. Much like how I have an opinion that Kipre is blooming brilliant and I was banging that drum when he was facing absolute pelters at the start of the season. It’s ok for people to see things differently and have opposing opinions. You could just compliment Townsend without having to have a salty end to your post. Just saying.
Not getting at you in the slightest as your posts are always fair and balanced.
-
I don't want to move this conversation too far away from Conor, but I was looking back through our full backs from recent seasons, and there aren't many good ones, or least, few that have universally been appreciated.
Before Townsend and Furlong we had:
Gibbs - some would say lightweight in the tackle and injury prone
Ferguson - generally well rated, but left under a cloud
O'Shea - out of position and didn't offer much going forward
Holgate - generally well rated
Nyom - very up and down
Tosin Adarabiyo - out of position and not rated
Dawson - played out of position by Pulis, not good going forward
Brunt - played of position by Pulis, not enough pace
Gamboa - not played a lot
Pocognoli - not played a lot
Lescott - out of position by Pulis, a lot of ups and downs
Ridgewell - very up and down
Going back further you have the likes.of Billy Jones who people used to criticise for being a poor defender
I suppose the point is, either we have had fairly poor full backs for a long time, or, fans expect too much from full backs, including the likes of Townsend.
for me i think it's an issue with the direction the club has been going in the last 10 years.
when we signed Townsend, he was a backup option. general feeling was he wasn't good enough for our team.
6 years on from that signing he's now our recognised left back.
same season we signed Bartley, we all know how that rollercoaster has gone. but it's at the point now our defence is better with him in it.
4 of our 5 main defensive options have been at the club 5 or more years.
if Kipre doesn't play it's the same back 4 we had under Bilic in 2019/20.
-
CC says he's hopeful that CT injury isn't serious. From the E+S
https://www.expressandstar.com/sport/football/west-bromwich-albion/2024/03/02/carlos-corberan-delivers-injury-update-on-west-broms-conor-townsend/
Corberan said: "The medical staff told me he had some tiredness, it was fatigue, in the hamstrings.
One minute before he asked for the change we asked him how he was feeling and he was feeling fine.
"My idea was to put Reach as a winger before the injury but with the injury we put Reach as a left-back.
He added: "Hopefully (just fatigue and not more) but I don't know yet, they will see how he is tomorrow and I don't know if they will make a scan or not, I didn't speak (about it) yet with the medical staff.
"Hopefully it's fine because he's been an excellent player for us and if he's not fine we need to find another solution with the other ones."
-
CC says he's hopeful that CT injury isn't serious. From the E+S
https://www.expressandstar.com/sport/football/west-bromwich-albion/2024/03/02/carlos-corberan-delivers-injury-update-on-west-broms-conor-townsend/
Corberan said: "The medical staff told me he had some tiredness, it was fatigue, in the hamstrings.
One minute before he asked for the change we asked him how he was feeling and he was feeling fine.
"My idea was to put Reach as a winger before the injury but with the injury we put Reach as a left-back.
He added: "Hopefully (just fatigue and not more) but I don't know yet, they will see how he is tomorrow and I don't know if they will make a scan or not, I didn't speak (about it) yet with the medical staff.
"Hopefully it's fine because he's been an excellent player for us and if he's not fine we need to find another solution with the other ones."
I completely agree with CC. He has been an excellent player for us for most of the season. He could do with a break for a week or so, but hopefully he's not out for any longer than that, as he's easily the best we have in his position.
-
I completely agree with CC. He has been an excellent player for us for most of the season. He could do with a break for a week or so, but hopefully he's not out for any longer than that, as he's easily the best we have in his position.
Agreed. He's not perfect (his inability to deal with crosses frustrates me) but he's better than most at this level and, as you say, he's the best we have.
-
I imagine Townsend out with lead to Pieters replacing him with Bartley coming back in. That or a straight swap with Reach who I think is much better suited defensively than as an attacking winger.
-
Agreed. He's not perfect (his inability to deal with crosses frustrates me) but he's better than most at this level and, as you say, he's the best we have.
He needs a CT scan.
-
I imagine Townsend out with lead to Pieters replacing him with Bartley coming back in. That or a straight swap with Reach who I think is much better suited defensively than as an attacking winger.
Yes, this is interesting. I've seen it suggested on occasions that Townsend only plays so regularly because of a lack of options, but this is demonstrably not true. CC could play either of the two you suggest, or indeed Pipa, but he chooses not to. Why? Simply because, as he says, "Townsend has been excellent for us". As Gazberg correctly points out, he's not perfect, but then again, which of our players are?
-
He needs a CT scan.
I like it ;D .
-
Noticably worse after he went off on Friday, for all the moaning we are much worse without him in the team. Pieters who can barely jog let alone keep up with speedy wingers is not an option and to be fair neither is Reach. Pipa surely is the best alternative even if he is an 100% match for LB role.
-
Out for next 2 games, QPR and Huddersfield as per CC in today's presser and OS.
Minor hamstring issue
-
I imagine Townsend out with lead to Pieters replacing him with Bartley coming back in. That or a straight swap with Reach who I think is much better suited defensively than as an attacking winger.
Makes sense isn't that why Val bought him in the first place?
-
Out for next 2 games, QPR and Huddersfield as per CC in today's presser and OS.
Minor hamstring issue
will we see the lesser spotted Pipa ??
-
will we see the lesser spotted Pipa ??
Doubt it. CC said "we have Adam Reach, Erik Pieters and finally Pipa"
Sounds to me like Pipa is last choice out of those 3 but it's just a printer interview so hard to tell
-
Please come back soon. Lightyears ahead of Reach
-
Please come back soon. Lightyears ahead of Reach
Agreed. We really missed him tonight. Reach was lucky not to be sent off frankly - was pulling his man's shirt all night.
-
Reach is not a fullback, have we ever played him in his Sheff wed position. he always stood out playing for them against us, anyways i cant believe i am saying we missed Townsend
-
Reach was desperate last night and Pipa when he came on was even worse. Watching him getting run ragged by their winger was a hard watch.
Maybe people will realise how good Townsend is now. No, he's not perfect and his lack of invention in forward areas irritates me a bit sometimes but he's the best 1 v 1 left back in the Championship.
-
Reach was desperate last night and Pipa when he came on was even worse. Watching him getting run ragged by their winger was a hard watch.
Maybe people will realise how good Townsend is now. No, he's not perfect and his lack of invention in forward areas irritates me a bit sometimes but he's the best 1 v 1 left back in the Championship.
Welcome back, have you been away and if so was the weather nice ;D ?
-
Reach was desperate last night and Pipa when he came on was even worse. Watching him getting run ragged by their winger was a hard watch.
Maybe people will realise how good Townsend is now. No, he's not perfect and his lack of invention in forward areas irritates me a bit sometimes but he's the best 1 v 1 left back in the Championship.
I think everyone knows how good Townsend is…and it’s still ‘not very’ ;D
Comparing him to an attacking midfielder and a right back playing in that position doesn’t change that fact.
As for the last comment. Blimey. He…just…isn’t, is he?
-
I think everyone knows how good Townsend is…and it’s still ‘not very’ ;D
Comparing him to an attacking midfielder and a right back playing in that position doesn’t change that fact.
As for the last comment. Blimey. He…just…isn’t, is he?
I can concede that he has some good games,I’m willing to accept he may be the best option we have (because Pipa hasn’t been given a run)
But best 1v1 ??????
People got closer during Covid ..
-
I can concede that he has some good games,I’m willing to accept he may be the best option we have (because Pipa hasn’t been given a run)
But best 1v1 ??????
People got closer during Covid ..
Check out his stats over a period of time.
-
I think everyone knows how good Townsend is…and it’s still ‘not very’ ;D
Comparing him to an attacking midfielder and a right back playing in that position doesn’t change that fact.
As for the last comment. Blimey. He…just…isn’t, is he?
I think "Yes" is the answer to your question. If not the best, certainly one of the top 3 or 4 without any doubt. Other people, including all the managers since he's been here and many on this forum, can see what a good player he is and how important to the team he is. It's just you and a couple of others that can't see it, for reasons that are frankly a bit of a mystery.
-
I think "Yes" is the answer to your question. If not the best, certainly one of the top 3 or 4 without any doubt. Other people, including all the managers since he's been here and many on this forum, can see what a good player he is and how important to the team he is. It's just you and a couple of others that can't see it, for reasons that are frankly a bit of a mystery.
I'm in the pro CT camp for the record, He does have a problem defending crosses to the back post, but his overall game is more than adequate for the level we are currently at.
Our last season in prem, I would say he was one of our most consistent performers.
We have had some right dross in his position and CT is better than most of them, then again we had Dekka Statham.
-
I think "Yes" is the answer to your question. If not the best, certainly one of the top 3 or 4 without any doubt. Other people, including all the managers since he's been here and many on this forum, can see what a good player he is and how important to the team he is. It's just you and a couple of others that can't see it, for reasons that are frankly a bit of a mystery.
I’m presuming we must have been the only ones who have been to Specsavers recently? ;D
I think you overestimate the amount of forum members who think he is actually good as opposed to him being the best of a particularly poor few options that we have in that position.
-
I agree. Statham was outstanding though, probably one of the top 2 in the country at the time, so that's a very high bar to set. Arguably Gibbs at his best was also better than Conor, but he was also an international standard. Other than that, I can't off the top of my head think of any better left backs that we've had.
-
I’m presuming we must have been the only ones who have been to Specsavers recently? ;D
I think you overestimate the amount of forum members who think he is actually good as opposed to him being the best of a particularly poor few options that we have in that position.
Not at all. If he was as poor as you say, we would have got a replacement for him several years ago. I just think that you're blinded by your own prejudice. You never have a good word to say for the guy. "The best of a particularly poor few options" is high praise indeed from you compared to some of your previous posts.
-
I agree. Statham was outstanding though, probably one of the top 2 in the country at the time, so that's a very high bar to set. Arguably Gibbs at his best was also better than Conor, but he was also an international standard. Other than that, I can't off the top of my head think of any better left backs that we've had.
Statham was the best at the time, but Kenny Sansom played for Arsenal and got all the caps
Back to CT, as far as we know, he hasn't attracted significant interest from prem clubs but he has been a constant part of a statistically high performing championship defence for a number of seasons, so he is in my opinion a good / very good championship defender. Maldini or Ashley Cole he aint.
-
Statham was the best at the time, but Kenny Sansom played for Arsenal and got all the caps
Back to CT, as far as we know, he hasn't attracted significant interest from prem clubs but he has been a constant part of a statistically high performing championship defence for a number of seasons, so he is in my opinion a good / very good championship defender. Maldini or Ashley Cole he aint.
That's very true, but as you pointed out in a previous post, he more than held his own when we were in the Prem. He's just turned 31 and is here for one more season I think, when we will probably need to replace him and I for one will be sad to see him go when the day comes.
-
Check out his stats over a period of time.
I wouldn't class myself as anti CT and I've little doubt he's our best current option defensively at left fullback. But your wording suggests his stats aren't what they were and in the here and now it doesn't really matter what they were three or four years ago.
If you could provide a reference source (please) for your stats that would be greatly appreciated. And what metric are you using to define 'best one on one left back in the Championship'?
Does he top the charts defensively in tackles, blocks, interceptions, crosses prevented and successful aerial challenges or score a steady average? Does he top the charts in progressive plays, crosses, successful crosses goals and assists for his position?
Not having a pop here as I've spent zero seconds cross checking his stats across the other 22 first choice left backs in the Championship. Do we then consider how his piers at other clubs would fare in our set up or he in theirs'? Genuinely intrigued.
-
I wouldn't class myself as anti CT and I've little doubt he's our best current option defensively at left fullback. But your wording suggests his stats aren't what they were and in the here and now it doesn't really matter what they were three or four years ago.
If you could provide a reference source (please) for your stats that would be greatly appreciated. And what metric are you using to define 'best one on one left back in the Championship'?
Does he top the charts defensively in tackles, blocks, interceptions, crosses prevented and successful aerial challenges or score a steady average? Does he top the charts in progressive plays, crosses, successful crosses goals and assists for his position?
Not having a pop here as I've spent zero seconds cross checking his stats across the other 22 first choice left backs in the Championship. Do we then consider how his piers at other clubs would fare in our set up or he in theirs'? Genuinely intrigued.
That's a bit below the belt, bringing up the piers at other clubs' locations. Obviously we don't have a decent pier, stuck as we are about as far from the sea as it's possible to get in the UK. ;D ;D
-
That's a bit below the belt, bringing up the piers at other clubs' locations. Obviously we don't have a decent pier, stuck as we are about as far from the sea as it's possible to get in the UK. ;D ;D
Ha ha. I was looking at CCTV footage of Brixham Harbour earlier. I'm hoping I've got out of Jail with that one but fully expect I haven't. In fairness it would explain how he's out at sea positionally at times ;D .
-
Not at all. If he was as poor as you say, we would have got a replacement for him several years ago. I just think that you're blinded by your own prejudice. You never have a good word to say for the guy. "The best of a particularly poor few options" is high praise indeed from you compared to some of your previous posts.
Not prejudiced in the slightest, there are few people I dislike in life and none of the Albion players fall into that category. As with any player we have, I call it based on their ability and how they perform for us, which is why I rave about the likes of Yokuslu, and why i call it as I see it with the likes of CT. He just isn’t particularly good, it’s not a slight on him as a person, he has maximised the lack of talent he has to the point where he is punching way above his weight playing for us. I watched the Ipswich game the other night and Leif Davis for them was everything CT dreams he could be
-
I think he’s okay at the level we are. Certainly not the best in the division though. We regularly see better fullbacks, even in this league.
-
Not prejudiced in the slightest, there are few people I dislike in life and none of the Albion players fall into that category. As with any player we have, I call it based on their ability and how they perform for us, which is why I rave about the likes of Yokuslu, and why i call it as I see it with the likes of CT. He just isn’t particularly good, it’s not a slight on him as a person, he has maximised the lack of talent he has to the point where he is punching way above his weight playing for us. I watched the Ipswich game the other night and Leif Davis for them was everything CT dreams he could be
I have to agree, it's not a personal issue, you can't really fault him on effort/commitment but that's about it.
-
Check out his stats over a period of time.
There are stats on how many touches opposing wingers get before he attempts a challenge?
-
I agree. Statham was outstanding though, probably one of the top 2 in the country at the time, so that's a very high bar to set. Arguably Gibbs at his best was also better than Conor, but he was also an international standard. Other than that, I can't off the top of my head think of any better left backs that we've had.
David Burrows was better than Townsend.
-
David Burrows was better than Townsend.
Fair comment, forgot about Burrows, though from memory he didn't play that many games for us. Wasn't he still a teenager when he was transferred to Liverpool? He certainly went on to become a very good left back though.
-
Clement , Robinson, Ridgewell and Graham Williams (second only to DS) all much better than Townsend
-
Don’t forget Steve Lilwall 8)
-
Don’t forget Steve Lilwall 8)
How could I ? ;)
-
All well and good saying x is better than Townsend and while that maybe factually the case when comparing player to player you have to add the context, for Townsend it’s that our level is probably 6-12th Championship (I honestly feel we’re overachieving at the moment).
Is Townsend a 6-12th Championship quality left back? I’d say he definitely is. We missed him Weds night.
Is he a top championship or lower PL quality left back? Probably not.
He’ll make mistakes but he’s fine for our level and I think his determination and professionalism makes him greater than the sum of his parts. would probably need replacing if we were promoted. Phillips was ahead of him before his injury.
-
All well and good saying x is better than Townsend.
My X is certainly not better than Townsend :D ;D
-
Clement , Robinson, Ridgewell and Graham Williams (second only to DS) all much better than Townsend
& Ray Wilson!
-
All well and good saying x is better than Townsend and while that maybe factually the case when comparing player to player you have to add the context, for Townsend it’s that our level is probably 6-12th Championship (I honestly feel we’re overachieving at the moment).
Is Townsend a 6-12th Championship quality left back? I’d say he definitely is. We missed him Weds night.
Is he a top championship or lower PL quality left back? Probably not.
He’ll make mistakes but he’s fine for our level and I think his determination and professionalism makes him greater than the sum of his parts. would probably need replacing if we were promoted. Phillips was ahead of him before his injury.
We missed him Wednesday night because his replacement was Reach. It says more about Reach than CT ;D
I think things like determination and profressionalism should be the bare minimum we expect from players really - not attributes that let us overlook weaknesses. All too often we get caught down that side because Connor gets dragged out of position too easily and it causes mayhem with the rest of the defence.
-
I wouldnt say he is the best LB in the division but he definately is not a million miles away.
-
Stats aren't everything, but they do give indications:
https://fbref.com/en/players/4dc4f138/scout/12193/Conor-Townsend-Scouting-Report
These seem to suggest he's average to poor defensively, but is good at progressing the ball. This is vs all full backs in the Championship this year.
-
Looks like he's very good at getting booked and losing possession when he takes players on.
-
Stats aren't everything, but they do give indications:
https://fbref.com/en/players/4dc4f138/scout/12193/Conor-Townsend-Scouting-Report
These seem to suggest he's average to poor defensively, but is good at progressing the ball. This is vs all full backs in the Championship this year.
This simply cannot be true. Atomic has spent years trying to convince us all that CT is the best thing since sliced bread, how dare the stats contradict that.
As I said before, the eyes do not lie, he’s a poor fullback even at this level