8th Aug 2015, Crewe Alex v Port Vale, pre match, the match itself.

[FATBOYSTEVE]

Crucial

 

What's "this early start of the season"? Is there an optional late start?

 

Relegation six pointer with the two nailed on favourites for the drop and we never beat crewe so relegation Rob will be living up. To his name right from the off

[stupers]

You crack me up FBS

[valiant_593]

Relegation six pointer with the two nailed on favourites for the drop and we never beat crewe so relegation Rob will be living up. To his name right from the off

 

:boring::boring:

 

Bore off

[Andyregs]

He has his favourites.

I know it may not mean anything but in that Sky interview earlier Birchall asked a daft question and Pages reply was "Do you want to play on Saturday?"

It was good banter to be honest but i really hope he hasnt got Birchall in mind and unleashes Andoh.

However i think he will play it cautious.

Hope he doesnt.

 

It's depressing but very possible that he rates birchall ahead of andoh and Kelly. I think the side that starts against Crewe will tell us a lot about what to expect this season. He retained list has made me very wary, but we can hope.

[leedsvaliant]

It's depressing but very possible that he rates birchall ahead of andoh and Kelly. I think the side that starts against Crewe will tell us a lot about what to expect this season. He retained list has made me very wary, but we can hope.

 

Sadly I think you might well be right.

 

It strikes me that Page likes to play it ultra cautious and will often bring on 'game changers' when it is too late.

 

He won't have resigned birchall without wanting to use him.

[valiant_593]

It's depressing but very possible that he rates birchall ahead of andoh and Kelly. I think the side that starts against Crewe will tell us a lot about what to expect this season. He retained list has made me very wary, but we can hope.

 

Listening to him on radio stoke last night also suggests a similar outcome.

[Rampant Zebra]

And why wouldn't he rate a player who has made around 180 appearances at League 1 and league 2 level plus playing for a national team against players who haven't played more than a handful of games at this level. We need to develop Andoh and Kelly not throw them in at the deep end.

[valiant_593]

And why wouldn't he rate a player who has made around 180 appearances at League 1 and league 2 level plus playing for a national team against players who haven't played more than a handful of games at this level. We need to develop Andoh and Kelly not throw them in at the deep end.

 

National team - trinidad. That is not a good standard.

 

Yes he has played games at this level but that dosent mean he is a good league 1 player! If you think he is then you clearly missed the majority of his showings last season. Andoh and Kelly can hurt teams, teams will look at the teamsheet and identify trickery and pace with the likes of Andoh, they will potentially be worried. With Birchall its the lad will work hard, that is it.

[Andyregs]

And why wouldn't he rate a player who has made around 180 appearances at League 1 and league 2 level plus playing for a national team against players who haven't played more than a handful of games at this level. We need to develop Andoh and Kelly not throw them in at the deep end.

 

THats an easy one to answer.

Because we have better! What he did 10 years ago is irrelevant, unless they can still do it. Its what they can do now which is important.

[Rampant Zebra]

Although skill and trickery are a benefit to a player there is also a requirement to be able to tough it out against experienced opposition, talented but inexperienced players can suddenly lose confidence and make mistakes during a game. Especially when it is raining and freezing cold and they have been hacked down by a cynical old defender.

[Andyregs]

Although skill and trickery are a benefit to a player there is also a requirement to be able to tough it out against experienced opposition, talented but inexperienced players can suddenly lose confidence and make mistakes during a game. Especially when it is raining and freezing cold and they have been hacked down by a cynical old defender.

 

So you would start with Birchall? I dare say you were unhappy williamson didnt stay too.

[Rampant Zebra]

No, I think it was time for Ben to move on for a new challenge. He will either thrive at his new club or end up in non league. He wasn't really doing it for us.

[valiant_593]

Although skill and trickery are a benefit to a player there is also a requirement to be able to tough it out against experienced opposition, talented but inexperienced players can suddenly lose confidence and make mistakes during a game. Especially when it is raining and freezing cold and they have been hacked down by a cynical old defender.

 

There is I agree. But I don't think birchall is good at that either.

[Guest]

Been told on.good authority that Crewe have a plan and a secret weapon up there sleeves.

Not that we should be worrying about them .

Pick the eleven who want it the most ,pre season means nowt its all about the 11 who take to the field now .

Dreadful record against them need to play to win from the off

[Andyregs]

Been told on.good authority that Crewe have a plan and a secret weapon up there sleeves.

Not that we should be worrying about them .

Pick the eleven who want it the most ,pre season means nowt its all about the 11 who take to the field now .

Dreadful record against them need to play to win from the off

 

They have a secret weapon, which someone decided to share only with valefaninalsager?