Albie is a very neat and tidy player and his work rate is good, but at the moment he is a bit of neither-one-thing-or-the-other type of player. He doesn't get enough goals or assists to be classified as an attacking midfielder, doesn't make enough tackles or defend well enough be a more defensive playmaker, and I don't think he has the physique to be a modern box to box player. I said it before, but he reminds me a bit of the young Scott Parker in that respect. There was a lot of expectation around Parker as a youth player and he was an attacking midfielder at youth level who got a lot of goals and assists. He struggled to covert that into the first team, though, and eventually (very successfully) reinvented himself as an all action but predominantly defensive midfielder who loved a tackle.
Albie needs to decide what he wants to be (play deeper or more advanced) and then really focus hard on either improving defensively or getting more end product in attack. This isn't a criticism of Albie, he's well ahead of some players his age, but it's what he needs to do if he really wants a good career. The game is littered with tidy midfielders who don't really influence games and have so-so careers (Christ knows we've had plenty in recent seasons) but ones who really get a game by the scruff of the neck are the ones who stand out. I think Albie can be that way, but he has to improve and at 21 it's getting around the time when you want to start seeing that step-change from him. Next season looks a big opportunity for him - perform and he could well find himself a regular for us in the Championship too. Have another decent, but not standout, season and he might get left behind if we get promoted (assuming we do get promoted - big if, of course)
There is a brilliant bit in Keith Peacock's book about exactly this. Gavin was obviously a good football but they worked so hard on his game to make sure he wasn't just neither one thing or another.
I've heard the club have been in talks with a lot of the players over the past few days. Some are to be kept and some are going to be let go. Announcements coming today.
I've heard the club have been in talks with a lot of the players over the past few days. Some are to be kept and some are going to be let go. Announcements coming today.
Millwall have offered an contract to Matt Smith, but which one Chris Kamara?
I don't know Jeff, I must have missed it 🤣🤣
Of course he’s staying with them, how else could we take him on loan on 31st January 2022?
This is very true, but I feel you should go on the next windows list early 🤣
There are three guarantees in life - death, taxes and Charlton loaning Matt Smith at the end of the January transfer window.
Something that has always bothered me... If your last name is Smith, why would you call your son Matt? Could at least try to give him a hint of individuality!
No offence to any of the 12 Matt Smith's on this board.
I've heard the club have been in talks with a lot of the players over the past few days. Some are to be kept and some are going to be let go. Announcements coming today.
I've heard the club have been in talks with a lot of the players over the past few days. Some are to be kept and some are going to be let go. Announcements coming today.
Lovely jubbly
🤪
Expect he probably invoiced the club a grand for that.
I wasn't impressed with Kirk in the recent game at the Valley. Seems a bit lightweight and indecisive.
Kirk, Dale and Lowery are definitely the three Crewe are going to struggle to keep hold of in the summer. Might be a fair bit of interest in jaaskelainen too. The club are keen to grow on the impressive season they’ve had, so will fight to keep these top players, rather than cash in (although some of these are out of contract soon anyway).
Yep, just saying that I watched him closely in our game V Crewe and was not impressed by him, in that game.
I think we will be prioritising a left footed midfielder/forward, as we do not possess a single one. Without JFC this season, that does make play more predictable and impacts balance.
I've heard the club have been in talks with a lot of the players over the past few days. Some are to be kept and some are going to be let go. Announcements coming today.
Lovely jubbly
🤪
Expect he probably invoiced the club a grand for that.
I've heard the club have been in talks with a lot of the players over the past few days. Some are to be kept and some are going to be let go. Announcements coming today.
Lovely jubbly
🤪
He certainly knew how to throw a party. Tight twat.
I've heard the club have been in talks with a lot of the players over the past few days. Some are to be kept and some are going to be let go. Announcements coming today.
Lovely jubbly
🤪
He certainly knew how to throw a party. Tight twat.
That's what he was saving up for with his next purchase.
Comments
I don't know Jeff, I must have missed it 🤣🤣
No offence to any of the 12 Matt Smith's on this board.
🤪
I think we will be prioritising a left footed midfielder/forward, as we do not possess a single one. Without JFC this season, that does make play more predictable and impacts balance.
Had a great season and was really highly rated by Wolves as a youngster but plagued by injuries, could be worth a punt on a free.
Hopefully its because he's aiming for the likes of Charlton and not a move to the Championship