Ashford

[WJ99mobile]

One positive recently is Ashford growing into the team.

Makes a mistake now and again but probably focused on because he's young.

I do wonder what position he'll end up in as he's been tried in a few different roles now.

[NinianKnight]

Re: Ashford

I really hope he develops into the player we all believe he can be. I remember seeing him score a wonder goal for the u 21 (against Bristol City I think) where he ran the length of the pitch to score.

[Tuerto]

Re: Ashford

From the little I have seen of him he looks like the most composed and rounded player out of the group that has come through over the past few years. He doesn't seem to rush things, doesn't panic in possession, and he doesn't think that he has to do something special every time he receives the ball. Like I said, I haven't seen a great deal of him and there are definitely others who can elaborate on his abilities, but from what I have seen, I like it.

[2b2bdoo]

Re: Ashford

Certainly given us something we needed wide.

I’m not sure he’s a natural winger, but he’s got the work rate spot on, always thought he may end up being a 10.

[Rjk]

Re: Ashford

last 5 games
Goal
Assist
Assist
X
Goal

must be close to a Wales call up with form like that

[Rock_Flock_of_Five]

Re: Ashford

From the little I have seen of him he looks like the most composed and rounded player out of the group that has come through over the past few years. He doesn't seem to rush things, doesn't panic in possession, and he doesn't think that he has to do something special every time he receives the ball. Like I said, I haven't seen a great deal of him and there are definitely others who can elaborate on his abilities, but from what I have seen, I like it.

..... "he doesn't think that he has to do something special every time he receives the ball".

Colwill could learn from him regarding this.

[BlueArmy 86]

Re: Ashford

..... "he doesn't think that he has to do something special every time he receives the ball".

Colwill could learn from him regarding this.

It was definitely said with Colwill in mind :hehe:

[the other bob wilson]

Re: Ashford

Ashford just looks like a good footballer with or without the ball.

[Trigger]

Re: Ashford

Looks promising, if he just improved his speed of thought he could have had even more goal contributions.

Gets into good positions, decent technique, decent speed. Will only improve with more first team football.

Well done to the lad.

[PontBlue]

Re: Ashford

Ashford just looks like a good footballer with or without the ball.

Looks genuinely two footed and not afraid to shoot with either foot

[North Cardiff Blue]

Re: Ashford

Excellent player, he's making great progress, like a new signing!

[Tuerto]

Re: Ashford

It was definitely said with Colwill in mind :hehe:

It wasn't. There seems a tendency for young players to do things with the ball that are completely unnecessary, and very annoying, and more importantly, not in any way productive or helpful. Ashford doesn't do that because he seemingly has a brain, he's comfortable and mature in his game, he doesn't take the extra touch when he doesn't need to, he doesn't attempt things that have a low chance of coming off, he looks to play the simple ball when it's on and he takes risks when the risk factor is I. His favour. He's intelligent. That's not to say that he doesn't make mistakes and is still developing, but he seems to understand his abilities and his shape and he can pop up with a goal or two. Football clubs like players who can do all of that stuff,football fans like players who don't, but look like they're actually being creative when they're not. We are suckers for it, and why not I suppose...

[the other bob wilson]

Re: Ashford

It wasn't. There seems a tendency for young players to do things with the ball that are completely unnecessary, and very annoying, and more importantly, not in any way productive or helpful. Ashford doesn't do that because he seemingly has a brain, he's comfortable and mature in his game, he doesn't take the extra touch when he doesn't need to, he doesn't attempt things that have a low chance of coming off, he looks to play the simple ball when it's on and he takes risks when the risk factor is I. His favour. He's intelligent. That's not to say that he doesn't make mistakes and is still developing, but he seems to understand his abilities and his shape and he can pop up with a goal or two. Football clubs like players who can do all of that stuff,football fans like players who don't, but look like they're actually being creative when they're not. We are suckers for it, and why not I suppose...

Interesting stuff and it’s taken me almost a lifetime to realize it, but your line about what football clubs like and what fans like is absolutely spot on. I’m still not convinced that the clubs are 100 per cent right and fans 100 per cent wrong by any means though as it breeds a cautious approach that I’d argue has held City back when it comes to attitudes towards younger players especially. Ashford is combining what the two parties want as he is good at the off the ball work that Colwill gets criticised about. As for Colwill, I’m loath to be critical about him for his performances in the last few games because he’s being asked to do a job that specialists in the striker’s position have failed with at Cardiff, but I believe he’s struggling currently because he’s lost confidence in his finishing and is trying to integrate some of the things football clubs want from their ‘flair” players.

[North Cardiff Blue]

Re: Ashford

It wasn't. There seems a tendency for young players to do things with the ball that are completely unnecessary, and very annoying, and more importantly, not in any way productive or helpful. Ashford doesn't do that because he seemingly has a brain, he's comfortable and mature in his game, he doesn't take the extra touch when he doesn't need to, he doesn't attempt things that have a low chance of coming off, he looks to play the simple ball when it's on and he takes risks when the risk factor is I. His favour. He's intelligent. That's not to say that he doesn't make mistakes and is still developing, but he seems to understand his abilities and his shape and he can pop up with a goal or two. Football clubs like players who can do all of that stuff,football fans like players who don't, but look like they're actually being creative when they're not. We are suckers for it, and why not I suppose...

Good post :thumbup:

[North Cardiff Blue]

Re: Ashford

Interesting stuff and it’s taken me almost a lifetime to realize it, but your line about what football clubs like and what fans like is absolutely spot on. I’m still not convinced that the clubs are 100 per cent right and fans 100 per cent wrong by any means though as it breeds a cautious approach that I’d argue has held City back when it comes to attitudes towards younger players especially. Ashford is combining what the two parties want as he is good at the off the ball work that Colwill gets criticised about. As for Colwill, I’m loath to be critical about him for his performances in the last few games because he’s being asked to do a job that specialists in the striker’s position have failed with at Cardiff, but I believe he’s struggling currently because he’s lost confidence in his finishing and is trying to integrate some of the things football clubs want from their ‘flair” players.

True :thumbup: