Bagan

[Hilts]

Re: Bagan

If he's starting for the reserves and not the first team it can't be because of talent, because we know what he is capable of with a good run.

Any ideas what else it could be?

I just think the last 3 managers dont rate him enough and prefer experience.

And its not going well. Monday in particular the LB/LWB situation was farcical.

If O Dowda is fit or even Ralls then id probably go with them. But I think Bagan has to be given a chance before the 3 who played there Saturday.

[logic]

Re: Bagan

If, as you say, he so far back in the pecking order, could it be the case that the manager has said all this because he has no option but to play Bagan over the next few games? Saying such positives publicly as a motivational tool, especially after Bagan being no where near the first team.
We only have to look at the farcical events of the last game, where we had our right back starting at left back, getting exposed early on in the game, being shifted over to his usual position. Then hoping that Ojo can do some sort of miracle defensively on the left (because he is left footed!? Who knows what the thought process behind that was… other than desparation?

Given Bagan hasn't signed a new deal ("That's why we asked months ago, weeks ago, to sign a contract with him."), there's little point using him now if he's mentally out the door already.

[jon1959]

Re: Bagan

I'd guess the reason Lamouchi hasn't played him is because we're in a relegation fight and he doesn't want to bring in someone from the u21s who's barely played this season. He showed last season that he's capable of playing at this level, but perhaps with so little time left Lamouchi doesn't want to risk a player who's being brought up to speed

I agree. Although Lamouchi didn't appear to realise how many first team games Bagan has played when he spoke about him today. He gave the impression that Bagan was an academy prospect who might break into the first team squad next year (not last year!).

[NYCBlue]

Re: Bagan

It's too late to be giving people "chances". We have to field our strongest possible team. With as many players with a good head on their shoulders as possible.

[Loramski]

Re: Bagan

If, as you say, he so far back in the pecking order, could it be the case that the manager has said all this because he has no option but to play Bagan over the next few games? Saying such positives publicly as a motivational tool, especially after Bagan being no where near the first team.
We only have to look at the farcical events of the last game, where we had our right back starting at left back, getting exposed early on in the game, being shifted over to his usual position. Then hoping that Ojo can do some sort of miracle defensively on the left (because he is left footed!? Who knows what the thought process behind that was… other than desparation?

Ojo played left wing back against Reading when O'Dowda went off. Me and Pont Blue pointed out that Lamouchi had messed up with a few things that night (we ended with 9 fit players too) but Sawyers' late winner stopped too many questions being asked. One of which would've been why haven't we got any cover at left back in the 18.

Philogene has done well as a wing back at home so far but one obvious problem has been that it means Romeo being left out. Monday gave a chance to play them both with a plan B that if Romeo couldn't cope as a left back then Philogene could move forward and Ojo fill in on the left again. Lamouchi's luck ran out this time though and now the questions are being asked.

Interesting that he's chosen now to big Bagan up and I think you've hit the nail on the head for the reasons behind that. He's realised he may have to call on him at some point soon. At least we'll have a decent option if we need to put an outfield player in goal again.

[the other bob wilson]

Re: Bagan

If, as you say, he so far back in the pecking order, could it be the case that the manager has said all this because he has no option but to play Bagan over the next few games? Saying such positives publicly as a motivational tool, especially after Bagan being no where near the first team.
We only have to look at the farcical events of the last game, where we had our right back starting at left back, getting exposed early on in the game, being shifted over to his usual position. Then hoping that Ojo can do some sort of miracle defensively on the left (because he is left footed!? Who knows what the thought process behind that was… other than desparation?

It looks like O'Dowda will be okay for tomorrow and, hopefully, for the rest of the season. Despite my criticism of the manager for ignoring Bagan on Monday and my general championing of younger players, O'Dowda is the best left back/wing back option we have available at the moment and he has to start if fit.

[KingOfSiamIAm]

Re: Bagan

It looks like O'Dowda will be okay for tomorrow and, hopefully, for the rest of the season. Despite my criticism of the manager for ignoring Bagan on Monday and my general championing of younger players, O'Dowda is the best left back/wing back option we have available at the moment and he has to start if fit.

While I agree with the points you make about O’Dowda, I think his better qualities are from a starting point further up the pitch. I would like to see him first and foremost creating attacking opportunities from that advanced starting point, and I think he has showed that he is mindful of his defensive responsibilities as well.

While not a fan of our Neil’s style of football, he always recognises the need, when necessary, to fit the round pegs into round holes when the square pegs don’t fit. I say that as a general comment about our squad as a whole, and not aimed at O’Dowda.

[logic]

Re: Bagan

I just don't see what motivation Bagan has for signing a new deal with us.

He'd be better off looking to maybe drop a division to get game time and be back in the Championship in a few seasons.

[pipster]

Re: Bagan

I just don't see what motivation Bagan has for signing a new deal with us.

He'd be better off looking to maybe drop a division to get game time and be back in the Championship in a few seasons.

The times Ive seen him play - he looks decent enough - just needs game time - which he isnt going to get when we are in a fight to stay up. Needs a season long loan where he'll get lots of games in League 1

[dembethewarrior]

Re: Bagan

The times Ive seen him play - he looks decent enough - just needs game time - which he isnt going to get when we are in a fight to stay up. Needs a season long loan where he'll get lots of games in League 1

I think he will be just fine being around the first team next season, on the bench as understudy to Jamilu Collins.

We can then push O'Dowda back up the pitch.

Only my way of thinking mind.

[Trigger]

Re: Bagan

If O'Dowda isn't fit he should be paying.

Ralls isn't a lb, a lwb or anything other than a cm.

It feels like Lamouchi would sooner play anyone there than our only fit actual lb.

Feels like we are always trying to squeeze players in where they aren't suited.

If colwill, Davies and Bagan can't get in this team they may as well move on.

[2b2bdoo]

Re: Bagan

If O'Dowda isn't fit he should be paying.

Ralls isn't a lb, a lwb or anything other than a cm.

It feels like Lamouchi would sooner play anyone there than our only fit actual lb.

Feels like we are always trying to squeeze players in where they aren't suited.

If colwill, Davies and Bagan can't get in this team they may as well move on.

Ralls has been excellent last twice he’s played LWB recently while Bagan has looked nothing more than average in the U21 games I’ve seen.

[logic]

Re: Bagan

I think he will be just fine being around the first team next season, on the bench as understudy to Jamilu Collins.

We can then push O'Dowda back up the pitch.

Only my way of thinking mind.

Footballers want to play - if he'd be content to sit on his arse picking up the pay, he can do one imo.

Collins is currently out injured, we loaned a shit LB from Everton and have put anyone at LB/LWB whilst not even putting Bagan on the bench.

So again, why would he want to stay when he can get regular game time even if at a lower level? He's at the age where he needs to be playing.

[WJ99mobile]

Re: Bagan

If we stay up I hope he stays and gets a good run next year as I don’t think Campbell will ever come good.

Personally I don’t think he’s good enough defensively to make it at championship level but unless we give players chance to try we’ll end up doing what we always have done.

On the other hand if he does go I’d not be too concerned if Jamilu Collins showed the promise he originally did

[WJ99mobile]

Re: Bagan

So again, why would he want to stay when he can get regular game time even if at a lower level? He's at the age where he needs to be playing.

Why doesn’t every premier league sub or reserve drop down to the championship?

Sometimes dropping down a league doesn’t work. There’s many who drop down and stay there.