If the reality is we have to let a bigger earner go in order to bring in a senior striker then we should cut Craigy Mac loose.
The guy is allergic to leaving his six-yard box. Pointless individual.
I think he was probably just liking them as a thanks for the show of support. He probably realised it wouldn’t come across that way. For all I think we can do better, he has always come across as a decent bloke.
You're not allowed a level headed take on the situation on the internet!
He improved towards the end of the season once the fans started getting on his back. I don't rate him myself and let too many past him he should have saved last season.
If the reality is we have to let a bigger earner go in order to bring in a senior striker then we should cut Craigy Mac loose.
The guy is allergic to leaving his six-yard box. Pointless individual.
I think he was probably just liking them as a thanks for the show of support. He probably realised it wouldn’t come across that way. For all I think we can do better, he has always come across as a decent bloke.
Fair point. I dm'd Craig to ask whether he liked those tweets as a) a "thanks for the show of support" or b) a petulant reaction to the legitimate consequences of his crap performances.
I don’t dislike CM as a player as much as some, and had he still been our keeper this year then I wouldn’t be too fussed.
But how childish is that? If that’s his attitude, then please just have him gone. We’re trying to build something here, and there shouldn’t be room for people who want to cause a stir publicly just because something hasn’t gone their way.
Twitter is a mouthpiece for arseholes isn’t it? So bizarre.
What I thought was bizarre is how highly rated CM is by some of our fans.
I don’t think he’s terrible at all but we’ve had quite a few good keepers in recent history and he’s got to be one of the weakest.
Perhaps the difference with GKs is you sometimes have to look for what they’re not doing. I’ve never been concerned a Championship club might come in for him, unlike say Dobson and CBT.
Mac's a strange one in that he manages to be simultaneously under and overrated by our fanbase. Obviously it's different sets of people, but he's weirdly polarising. There's a lot of fans who despise him, getting overly upset by him not coming for crosses and making the odd mistake, but there's also those who think he's an unbelieveable keeper and got very - seemingly personally - offended by us bringing in Wollacott. I think the reality is that Mac is just a third division keeper for a reason. He's not a young keeper learning his trade, he's a keeper with some very good attributes and some real glaring flaws that will stop him moving up. He's not great with his feet, though no worse really than your average keeper at this level. He's not going to be part of a 24 pass move, but he can spot a quick long ball on and play it fairly accurately. He's sometimes an excellent shot stopper. Some of the saves he made last season were incredible. He's also capable of having paper wrists and not getting down quick enough for shots and letting in soft ones. He had a big issue with not coming for high balls but it has to be acknowledged that he worked on that and added it to his game towards the end of the season, I just don't understand why it took so long. One thing I will say for him is that he didn't have the annoying weakness Ben Amos had, which is that more or less any long shot on target would go in. I don't remember Mac getting done by too many speculative punts last season. He also seems like a very nice man. I'm not getting too upset about him being the backup or leaving, nor am I delighted with it. It seems like Garner needs a footballing keeper in order to do what he wants and in the modern game that's a fairly big thing, so if Mac doesn't suit that then it's less a judgment on him as a keeper entirely, and more trying to make sure the right kind of player is in the team. It's not hugely different to letting someone like Purrington go to replace him with more of a wingback, it just always seems like much more of a statement when it's a keeper.
Twitter is a mouthpiece for arseholes isn’t it? So bizarre.
What I thought was bizarre is how highly rated CM is by some of our fans.
I don’t think he’s terrible at all but we’ve had quite a few good keepers in recent history and he’s got to be one of the weakest.
Perhaps the difference with GKs is you sometimes have to look for what they’re not doing. I’ve never been concerned a Championship club might come in for him, unlike say Dobson and CBT.
Mac's a strange one in that he manages to be simultaneously under and overrated by our fanbase. Obviously it's different sets of people, but he's weirdly polarising. There's a lot of fans who despise him, getting overly upset by him not coming for crosses and making the odd mistake, but there's also those who think he's an unbelieveable keeper and got very - seemingly personally - offended by us bringing in Wollacott. I think the reality is that Mac is just a third division keeper for a reason. He's not a young keeper learning his trade, he's a keeper with some very good attributes and some real glaring flaws that will stop him moving up. He's not great with his feet, though no worse really than your average keeper at this level. He's not going to be part of a 24 pass move, but he can spot a quick long ball on and play it fairly accurately. He's sometimes an excellent shot stopper. Some of the saves he made last season were incredible. He's also capable of having paper wrists and not getting down quick enough for shots and letting in soft ones. He had a big issue with not coming for high balls but it has to be acknowledged that he worked on that and added it to his game towards the end of the season, I just don't understand why it took so long. One thing I will say for him is that he didn't have the annoying weakness Ben Amos had, which is that more or less any long shot on target would go in. I don't remember Mac getting done by too many speculative punts last season. He also seems like a very nice man. I'm not getting too upset about him being the backup or leaving, nor am I delighted with it. It seems like Garner needs a footballing keeper in order to do what he wants and in the modern game that's a fairly big thing, so if Mac doesn't suit that then it's less a judgment on him as a keeper entirely, and more trying to make sure the right kind of player is in the team. It's not hugely different to letting someone like Purrington go to replace him with more of a wingback, it just always seems like much more of a statement when it's a keeper.
You summed it up well, mate.
Macca's a decent Third division keeper, capable of some outstanding saves on his day. But he's only Third division for a reason.
As you say, Garner needs a footballing keeper, as good with his feet and passing ability as he is with his hands. That's not really Macca's game. Wollacott has already proven his worth to Garner at Swindon.
I don’t dislike CM as a player as much as some, and had he still been our keeper this year then I wouldn’t be too fussed.
But how childish is that? If that’s his attitude, then please just have him gone. We’re trying to build something here, and there shouldn’t be room for people who want to cause a stir publicly just because something hasn’t gone their way.
On the other hand Mac was number 1 last season. Why upset the applecart by changing that? Woolacott could be any number but could still be first choice. It's comes across as some kind of statement. I mean, I don't actually feel that strongly about it, but I can see why it might cause some awkwardness.
I don’t dislike CM as a player as much as some, and had he still been our keeper this year then I wouldn’t be too fussed.
But how childish is that? If that’s his attitude, then please just have him gone. We’re trying to build something here, and there shouldn’t be room for people who want to cause a stir publicly just because something hasn’t gone their way.
On the other hand Mac was number 1 last season. Why upset the applecart by changing that? Woolacott could be any number but could still be first choice. It's comes across as some kind of statement. I mean, I don't actually feel that strongly about it, but I can see why it might cause some awkwardness.
I can understand that point of view.
Then again, if this is how he acts then maybe the switch is completely justified.
Hopefully, he is one of the ones that go to balance the books. Nothing against him, I just don't think he is anywhere near good enough. I've not seen a keeper spill as many easy saves in a long time. Not massively convinced about the new GK but he had a good game vs Swansea and would much rather give him a chance Liking those tweets as well like he was a top performer last season.. come on Mac
I wouldn’t be shocked if the Club weren’t bothered about Craig Mc being one of the departures to balance the books
I'd take that if we could get a decent keeper in to be back up (who would be aware they were back up and not get petty on Twitter about it!).
He was poor last season and we also have a new manager who has chosen their own keeper, it happens. Not sure if anyone else would take him though.
As for a back up keeper, random thought - is Rob Elliot retiring or just left Watford as his contract is up? Might not mind going from 3rd choice in a higher league to second choice in League 1?
Although he could probably get another job as 3rd choice keeper somewhere, being mid-30s & English. Poor man's Carson/Rob Green.
Anyone who thinks him losing his number 1 shirt is disrespectful obviously didn’t watch him much last season.
I think the point is that there was no reason to upset him for no reason. It’s evident that we’ve brought a new keeper in to play but in an age where being number 13 doesn’t mean you won’t play, it seems a bit pointless to take his number off him. He wasn’t particularly good last season, but the list of who was isn’t very long. He’s probably still one of the best back ups in the division. Wollacott could get injured today and miss the whole season.
Anyone who thinks him losing his number 1 shirt is disrespectful obviously didn’t watch him much last season.
I think the point is that there was no reason to upset him for no reason. It’s evident that we’ve brought a new keeper in to play but in an age where being number 13 doesn’t mean you won’t play, it seems a bit pointless to take his number off him. He wasn’t particularly good last season, but the list of who was isn’t very long. He’s probably still one of the best back ups in the division. Wollacott could get injured today and miss the whole season.
But Wollacott is clearly going to be first choice, and I can understand wanting to give the No.1 shirt to the first choice.
Anyone who thinks him losing his number 1 shirt is disrespectful obviously didn’t watch him much last season.
I think the point is that there was no reason to upset him for no reason. It’s evident that we’ve brought a new keeper in to play but in an age where being number 13 doesn’t mean you won’t play, it seems a bit pointless to take his number off him. He wasn’t particularly good last season, but the list of who was isn’t very long. He’s probably still one of the best back ups in the division. Wollacott could get injured today and miss the whole season.
But Wollacott is clearly going to be first choice, and I can understand wanting to give the No.1 shirt to the first choice.
To be honest, so can I, but I can see it from Mac's perspective. I guess we don't know what conversations are being held behind closed doors but if I were him I'd be looking for a move too. Wollacott isn't suddenly Courtois and I would feel like I'm being pushed out too. In fairness to the club, the goalkeeper situation is unique in the sense that you can't really get 10-15 mins to show what you can do and earn a starting place so if you're No2 you're essentially waiting for the first choice to either get injured or have a bad run.
I wouldn’t be shocked if the Club weren’t bothered about Craig Mc being one of the departures to balance the books
I'd take that if we could get a decent keeper in to be back up (who would be aware they were back up and not get petty on Twitter about it!).
He was poor last season and we also have a new manager who has chosen their own keeper, it happens. Not sure if anyone else would take him though.
As for a back up keeper, random thought - is Rob Elliot retiring or just left Watford as his contract is up? Might not mind going from 3rd choice in a higher league to second choice in League 1?
Although he could probably get another job as 3rd choice keeper somewhere, being mid-30s & English. Poor man's Carson/Rob Green.
Is replacing Mac with Elliot going to balance the books that much? I think the club would get rid of Mac, use Harness as No2 and explore the emergency loan option when Wollacott goes to the World Cup.
I wouldn’t be shocked if the Club weren’t bothered about Craig Mc being one of the departures to balance the books
I'd take that if we could get a decent keeper in to be back up (who would be aware they were back up and not get petty on Twitter about it!).
He was poor last season and we also have a new manager who has chosen their own keeper, it happens. Not sure if anyone else would take him though.
As for a back up keeper, random thought - is Rob Elliot retiring or just left Watford as his contract is up? Might not mind going from 3rd choice in a higher league to second choice in League 1?
Although he could probably get another job as 3rd choice keeper somewhere, being mid-30s & English. Poor man's Carson/Rob Green.
Is replacing Mac with Elliot going to balance the books that much? I think the club would get rid of Mac, use Harness as No2 and explore the emergency loan option when Wollacott goes to the World Cup.
I don't know, and it was a bit of a random thought more than anything.
Maybe not, given Elliot would be coming down from (back-up) PL wages, but who knows?
But outside of the wages etc, I'd rather have someone happier to come in as second choice (not saying Elliot necessarily) and try to take any chances that come their way for the No1 spot than someone who may be sulking about it. Happy camp and all that.
I wouldn’t be shocked if the Club weren’t bothered about Craig Mc being one of the departures to balance the books
I'd take that if we could get a decent keeper in to be back up (who would be aware they were back up and not get petty on Twitter about it!).
He was poor last season and we also have a new manager who has chosen their own keeper, it happens. Not sure if anyone else would take him though.
As for a back up keeper, random thought - is Rob Elliot retiring or just left Watford as his contract is up? Might not mind going from 3rd choice in a higher league to second choice in League 1?
Although he could probably get another job as 3rd choice keeper somewhere, being mid-30s & English. Poor man's Carson/Rob Green.
Is replacing Mac with Elliot going to balance the books that much? I think the club would get rid of Mac, use Harness as No2 and explore the emergency loan option when Wollacott goes to the World Cup.
I don't know, and it was a bit of a random thought more than anything.
Maybe not, given Elliot would be coming down from (back-up) PL wages, but who knows?
But outside of the wages etc, I'd rather have someone happier to come in as second choice (not saying Elliot necessarily) and try to take any chances that come their way for the No1 spot than someone who may be sulking about it. Happy camp and all that.
Agree with your last paragraph although I think this has been blown out of proportion either way. I can see why Mac was a little cheesed off, but Twitter isn't the answer. I also feel that perhaps he was just liking tweets backing him rather than using it to be pissed off, just didn't really think it through. Context is everything, and we don't have the facts behind conversations with Garner etc.
In a struggling team the keeper should have lots of opportunities to shine and he rarely did last season. Too often he looked awkward and nervous. Never warmed to him.
I appreciate the ruthlessness of the SMT in wasting no time to bring in a new #1.
Bloody hell, it’s a number. If he is miffed about it so what, just needs to knuckle down and try to win his spot back. If he doesn’t want to do that then he can fuck off.
In a struggling team the keeper should have lots of opportunities to shine and he rarely did last season. Too often he looked awkward and nervous. Never warmed to him.
I salute the ruthlessness of the manager and SMT in wasting no time to bring in a new #1.
I don't think that's a fair comment at all. Having a shit team in front of you just adds to the pressure. It might inflate the shots saved stats but I do think Mac had it difficult last season. My brother tells me we changed our defence (whether that be formation or personnel) from the previous game on 36 out of 45 occasions last season. That's a mental stat. How can your goalkeeper and defence build up any sort of understanding? I'm not saying he deserved to start this season nor would I be shedding many tears if he leaves, but just like under Amos (the title winning Ben Amos), we've been overly critical of our keeper IMO
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He confirmed it was the latter 😅
No need to change numbers. Numbers mean shit, unless you play silly games like this
I actually can't remember us having a number 1 keeper as bad as him.
Reflects the division in our fan base on every aspect now.
Macca's a decent Third division keeper, capable of some outstanding saves on his day.
But he's only Third division for a reason.
As you say, Garner needs a footballing keeper, as good with his feet and passing ability as he is with his hands. That's not really Macca's game.
Wollacott has already proven his worth to Garner at Swindon.
For what it's worth, I think he is bang average at best and should be no where near our number 1 spot.
Why upset the applecart by changing that? Woolacott could be any number but could still be first choice.
It's comes across as some kind of statement.
I mean, I don't actually feel that strongly about it, but I can see why it might cause some awkwardness.
Nothing against him, I just don't think he is anywhere near good enough. I've not seen a keeper spill as many easy saves in a long time.
Not massively convinced about the new GK but he had a good game vs Swansea and would much rather give him a chance
Liking those tweets as well like he was a top performer last season.. come on Mac
He was poor last season and we also have a new manager who has chosen their own keeper, it happens. Not sure if anyone else would take him though.
As for a back up keeper, random thought - is Rob Elliot retiring or just left Watford as his contract is up? Might not mind going from 3rd choice in a higher league to second choice in League 1?
Although he could probably get another job as 3rd choice keeper somewhere, being mid-30s & English. Poor man's Carson/Rob Green.
Maybe not, given Elliot would be coming down from (back-up) PL wages, but who knows?
But outside of the wages etc, I'd rather have someone happier to come in as second choice (not saying Elliot necessarily) and try to take any chances that come their way for the No1 spot than someone who may be sulking about it. Happy camp and all that.
I appreciate the ruthlessness of the SMT in wasting no time to bring in a new #1.