Gunter has been nothing other than a massive disappointment. But his age has had nothing to do with it.
Watson was no where near as bad as some people say he was last season and was part of our best midfield then.
Now he seems to have taken up the Andy Hughes role of coaching from the touch line when he is "warming up". I think it says a lot that Jackson has named him in every match day squad but never actually used him.
I always assume Watson being at least on the bench is contractual
Adkins left him out of squads when he was fit, so did Bowyer so it can't be that.
"Charlton set to listen to any offers for Pape Souare.
Former Palace defender has dropped well down the pecking order after the arrival of Juan Castillo."
Should have bought/loaned a proper LB in the summer rather than some unfit 31 year old.
Another failure of our recruitment in the summer.
We could have got a L1 proven & younger Ogilvie or Seddon in the summer on a free instead we waited until the last minute for a lesser player who wasn’t fit.
Its transfer like Soure that make you question our strategy. Hopefully someone in France takes him off our hands
If you have got a squad of nearly 30 players you have got to have someway of getting them and keeping them match fit. I don't know, something like a reserve team might be a good idea.
How many games are you realistically going to get though? With a packed first team schedule and U23 games, you're not going to get more than 3/4 games a season. Plus who do you play? I guess we could play Brentford a few times a season as I don't know of any other teams who want reserve fixtures.
Couldn't we use the u23s more to keep players fit? You can play 3, I think, over age players plus a keeper. I am not suggesting playing a team full of fringe players but you can't have players going months without a game.
Agreed, I don't think we utilise it well. Players coming back from injury like Lavelle recently have obviously played, but don't get why players like Souare, Arter, Watson, Kirk and CBT haven't played.
Something I've mentioned over the past couple of seasons & which I feel strongly would help injured players to get back to match fitness & other fringe players to maintain their focus & desire to gain a 1st team place.
Charlton life loves a good scapegoat, especially left backs or right backs - appears that Gunter is the latest on here. Charlton are a league one team and Gunter is not that bad. He does alright for Wales against higher quality opponents. Maybe because there are better players around him and everyone knows their roles and responsibilities. Gunter is not Luke Young levels of proficiency but what do you expect in League One ? Whilst, I like Clare for example, he has made several poor passes over the last few games and slipped over yesterday, saved by Faemwo near the end of the first half . Don't get me wrong, I like Clare, who is probably better in midfield and is doing a reasonable job playing out of position, but if Gunter made mistakes like that, we would never hear the last of it.
Quite often, players are exposed because the position they are asked to play in doesn't suit them, or one of the other players around them is not giving them any cover. Famewo yesterday was exposed in the first half by lack of support by Corey Blackett Taylor, who was good going forward but provided little defensive cover at wing back. It was fortunate that Morris, was on the subs bench at that point. It is probably not Faemwo's best position as a central defender on the left side of a back 3, but the lack of cover infront of him, doesn't help him. Faemwo hasn't turned into a terrible defender. Gunter is not as bad as is made out on here IMO. Blaming one player for poor team performance or team set up by a manager with a strategy that is not working, is not much use for anything, IMO.
One thing for me is that the recruitment team have taken so many risks over the last 2-3 years.
Look at Soure on paper. Awful career limiting injury and then 20 or so games in 5 years.
Why would you take that risk? Especially as said there were proven L1 left backs out there also on frees.
Going forward we need to be taking less of these risks and in my opinion start bringing in players based on what they can do rather than ‘big names’ that have or used to do it.
It's the unnecessary risks and how much you gamble. Generally speaking most of our signings even the gambles look sensible on face value.
Any signing is a risk that it won't work, Gunter who is being discussed to death is the perfect example. Not too old, not injury prone, not worked. It happens.
What's kick us in the bollocks this season isn't taking gambles on players like Arter and Souare. It's the conditions we took that gamble under. Gallen said we didn't bring in a left back earlier because he knew Souare was coming.......... So no left back for god knows how long then a non match fit Purrington, recovering from injury, and none fit Souare. In other circumstances he could have done a mini preseason and 3 or 4 u23s games then he is fit and ready. Then if it doesn't work unlucky. Move on.
The same is true with Arter. Midfield had been outclassed by 3 of the best midfields in the divison, Gilbey and Watson recovering from Covid, Clare injured. Plays 45 minutes and is blowing out his arse.
We started the season with 12 fit players, then added 7 players, almost all of them weren't match fit. That's the real problem.
One thing for me is that the recruitment team have taken so many risks over the last 2-3 years.
Look at Soure on paper. Awful career limiting injury and then 20 or so games in 5 years.
Why would you take that risk? Especially as said there were proven L1 left backs out there also on frees.
Going forward we need to be taking less of these risks and in my opinion start bringing in players based on what they can do rather than ‘big names’ that have or used to do it.
Because other options were limited. We signed the guy outside of a transfer window when we needed a left back. What other options were there. On a 1 year deal, it was a low risk signing. It's failed, but it was still low risk
hopefully ts has learned from the last summer window and we won't have to make these type of signings out side of the window ever again!
Well, I gave two earlier in Seddon who’s now playing for playoff chasing Oxford and doing well and Ogilvie from just down the road at Gills both were L1 hardened, younger and on frees. We could have tied them down for 3 years and added them to the core.
There was Borthwick-Jackson ex Utd who went to Burton (another team doing better than us)
So there’s 3 options off the top of my head. I have no issue in taking a punt on Soure but why did we leave it so late? so he couldn’t feature in preseason, why wasn’t he on trial at least taking Roddy’s mins? Even JJ said he needs a run of games and he’s never gotten that because of Purrington and being awful whenever he’s played.
As I say I’d like to see us taking less risks going forward.
It's not a crime to say a player has been a disappointment.
Talk of 'scapegoat' is nonsense.
We
signed an International right-back and he can't get in ahead of a
league one central midfielder at right-back? That's a disappointment.
-------
Who said it was a crime ? I just don't agree is all. People are entitled to their opinion. over the last couple of pages, oh yes, Gunter is rubbish, happy to see the back of him etc. It appears that there is a succession of people following eachother. There is more to it than that. Gunter is an international but with Wales, there can be not a lot of competition in certain positions. Wales as an international team, was fortunate to have Ramsey and Bale playing that lifted them. They are like a club international side.
Gunter is a right back, not a centre back or a wing back. Clare is quicker than Gunter and more suited to 352 because of that. Similarly Faemwo struggles on the left side as he is not that quick.
Browne had another offer that’s why there a hold up on that deal … nothing to do with medical etc etc
He’s had two successful loan spells at Oxford, he knows the place and let’s be honest it’s more attractive in the short term as they’re in a promotion battle. It’s a complete guess but I reckon it’s them.
One thing for me is that the recruitment team have taken so many risks over the last 2-3 years.
Look at Soure on paper. Awful career limiting injury and then 20 or so games in 5 years.
Why would you take that risk? Especially as said there were proven L1 left backs out there also on frees.
Going forward we need to be taking less of these risks and in my opinion start bringing in players based on what they can do rather than ‘big names’ that have or used to do it.
Because other options were limited. We signed the guy outside of a transfer window when we needed a left back. What other options were there. On a 1 year deal, it was a low risk signing. It's failed, but it was still low risk
hopefully ts has learned from the last summer window and we won't have to make these type of signings out side of the window ever again!
Well, I gave two earlier in Seddon who’s now playing for playoff chasing Oxford and doing well and Ogilvie from just down the road at Gills both were L1 hardened, younger and on frees. We could have tied them down for 3 years and added them to the core.
There was Borthwick-Jackson ex Utd who went to Burton (another team doing better than us)
So there’s 3 options off the top of my head. I have no issue in taking a punt on Soure but why did we leave it so late? so he couldn’t feature in preseason, why wasn’t he on trial at least taking Roddy’s mins? Even JJ said he needs a run of games and he’s never gotten that because of Purrington and being awful whenever he’s played.
As I say I’d like to see us taking less risks going forward.
Maybe the management thought souare on a years contract was less risk than borthwock Jackson on a three year deal. Whatever the rationale, including in the timing, was wrong!
Browne had another offer that’s why there a hold up on that deal … nothing to do with medical etc etc
He’s had two successful loan spells at Oxford, he knows the place and let’s be honest it’s more attractive in the short term as they’re in a promotion battle. It’s a complete guess but I reckon it’s them.
Without knowing finances, I would pick Oxford over us at the moment.
Gunter has suffered for being a good pro and playing in 3 different positions. Unfortunately other that his first half dozen apps he has been disappointing and age isn't the issue. More the Fact that we want wingbacks. Shaw, Chilwell, Walker or James (dream on Sam) would be my choices but we will have to settle for League 1 level with potential to improve.
Can DJ, Leko or CBT really consistently cover in this super fit position ( wing backs) as they are more wingers than backs. TBF all have had decent games in this new position for them, but it will be hit and miss. ( Just like when they are out and out wide men)
My answer would be a resounding NO
A wing back is a specialist position. They need to be well versed in defending but also possess pace and stamina and ideally a trick or two. The best we have had for years was Rhoys Wiggins. CBT, Leko and DJ all lack stamina. That's not necessarily a failing of them as they have other strengths - but a wing back is trained to defend and then taught to beat a man and deliver. The stamina is something most players either have or do not have and cannot be taught.
1 or 2 exciting wingbacks operating properly can be really entertaiingand if this is what Jacko want's to play then I look forward to it. Unfortunately DJ, Leko, Kirk and CBT as well as Matthews, Gunther and to an extent Purrington, are not wingbacks though Purrington is improving in this regard and is well worth keeping. Those players tend to be better suited to a 4-4-2 or 4-5-1 and are likely surplus to requirements
i don't think there's any lack of effot from gunter - in fact i'd go as far to say that based on what i've seen at charlton, his whole career has been based on effort and mental attitude coz i don't see a lot of ability and the sooner the likes of him and watson are out of the squad, the better
I agree Swisdom. Don't think Leko, CBT or Leko could every be good enough or fit enough to be regular wing backs. Would probably need to play 45 minutes and swap ! Hope in the away game Purrington comes back in. Await to see how Castillo shapes up in the LWB position.
If Rhoys Wiggins had stayed fit, he would have emulated Simon Francis (attacking full back until becoming a CB) and played at a higher level as a wing back. Steady defender and lovely sight to see him attacking.
i don't think there's any lack of effot from gunter - in fact i'd go as far to say that based on what i've seen at charlton, his whole career has been based on effort and mental attitude coz i don't see a lot of ability and the sooner the likes of him and watson are out of the squad, the better
Agree with this to me it’s never seemed like Gunter really cares in terms of his body language and effort when tracking back etc. Just my observation
Maybe that’s the difference when he plays for Wales - he genuinely cares about them.
Charlton life loves a good scapegoat, especially left backs or right backs - appears that Gunter is the latest on here. Charlton are a league one team and Gunter is not that bad. He does alright for Wales against higher quality opponents. Maybe because there are better players around him and everyone knows their roles and responsibilities. Gunter is not Luke Young levels of proficiency but what do you expect in League One ? Whilst, I like Clare for example, he has made several poor passes over the last few games and slipped over yesterday, saved by Faemwo near the end of the first half . Don't get me wrong, I like Clare, who is probably better in midfield and is doing a reasonable job playing out of position, but if Gunter made mistakes like that, we would never hear the last of it.
Quite often, players are exposed because the position they are asked to play in doesn't suit them, or one of the other players around them is not giving them any cover. Famewo yesterday was exposed in the first half by lack of support by Corey Blackett Taylor, who was good going forward but provided little defensive cover at wing back. It was fortunate that Morris, was on the subs bench at that point. It is probably not Faemwo's best position as a central defender on the left side of a back 3, but the lack of cover infront of him, doesn't help him. Faemwo hasn't turned into a terrible defender. Gunter is not as bad as is made out on here IMO. Blaming one player for poor team performance or team set up by a manager with a strategy that is not working, is not much use for anything, IMO.
No one is blaming one player. They are saying Gunter has been disappointing and he most definitely has been. He's had a handful of decent games and was poor in around at least half.
i don't think there's any lack of effot from gunter - in fact i'd go as far to say that based on what i've seen at charlton, his whole career has been based on effort and mental attitude coz i don't see a lot of ability and the sooner the likes of him and watson are out of the squad, the better
Yeah I'm completely with Doucher on 'the Gunter question' I think part of the problem was when we signed him, we all thought wow an international with 50+ caps for Wales, is going to be a great player. He's been terrible in my opinion, in fact surprisingly bad, he's not even a 6/10 in games, he's often a 4-5/10. We're easily a lot better team without him in it.
Comments
Talk of 'scapegoat' is nonsense.
We signed an International right-back and he can't get in ahead of a league one central midfielder at right-back? That's a disappointment.
Any signing is a risk that it won't work, Gunter who is being discussed to death is the perfect example. Not too old, not injury prone, not worked. It happens.
What's kick us in the bollocks this season isn't taking gambles on players like Arter and Souare. It's the conditions we took that gamble under. Gallen said we didn't bring in a left back earlier because he knew Souare was coming.......... So no left back for god knows how long then a non match fit Purrington, recovering from injury, and none fit Souare. In other circumstances he could have done a mini preseason and 3 or 4 u23s games then he is fit and ready. Then if it doesn't work unlucky. Move on.
The same is true with Arter. Midfield had been outclassed by 3 of the best midfields in the divison, Gilbey and Watson recovering from Covid, Clare injured. Plays 45 minutes and is blowing out his arse.
We started the season with 12 fit players, then added 7 players, almost all of them weren't match fit. That's the real problem.
So there’s 3 options off the top of my head. I have no issue in taking a punt on Soure but why did we leave it so late? so he couldn’t feature in preseason, why wasn’t he on trial at least taking Roddy’s mins? Even JJ said he needs a run of games and he’s never gotten that because of Purrington and being awful whenever he’s played.
As I say I’d like to see us taking less risks going forward.
Talk of 'scapegoat' is nonsense.
We signed an International right-back and he can't get in ahead of a league one central midfielder at right-back? That's a disappointment.
A wing back is a specialist position. They need to be well versed in defending but also possess pace and stamina and ideally a trick or two. The best we have had for years was Rhoys Wiggins.
CBT, Leko and DJ all lack stamina. That's not necessarily a failing of them as they have other strengths - but a wing back is trained to defend and then taught to beat a man and deliver. The stamina is something most players either have or do not have and cannot be taught.
1 or 2 exciting wingbacks operating properly can be really entertaiingand if this is what Jacko want's to play then I look forward to it. Unfortunately DJ, Leko, Kirk and CBT as well as Matthews, Gunther and to an extent Purrington, are not wingbacks though Purrington is improving in this regard and is well worth keeping. Those players tend to be better suited to a 4-4-2 or 4-5-1 and are likely surplus to requirements
Don't think Leko, CBT or Leko could every be good enough or fit enough to be regular wing backs. Would probably need to play 45 minutes and swap !
Hope in the away game Purrington comes back in. Await to see how Castillo shapes up in the LWB position.
If Rhoys Wiggins had stayed fit, he would have emulated Simon Francis (attacking full back until becoming a CB) and played at a higher level as a wing back.
Steady defender and lovely sight to see him attacking.
Ayr also have an exciting left wingback called Patrick Reading so I might just keep half an eye on them for a month or so now
Maybe that’s the difference when he plays for Wales - he genuinely cares about them.
Who knows
They are saying Gunter has been disappointing and he most definitely has been.
He's had a handful of decent games and was poor in around at least half.