Morgan Fox and humble pie

I was with you until the asterisk bit.

Tutt-Tutt said:

He's got George Boyd to contend with next week. This time last year Matt Ritchie took him to the cleaners in a similar situation. Let's see if he has improved from twelve months ago.

No problem, just another Charlton youth player that was not good enough

Could easily have done a Mooney/Francis and crumbled under all the abuse.

Fair play to him.

Have never really understood the stick he got. It's no coincidence that when he has a settled back four, and more to the point experienced decent players, around him he performs.

Fox has the most appearances of any Charlton player this season...

He does deserve credit, as despite the criticism he's shown a lot of character by coming back and giving some much better performances.

That said, it's a bit sad if this turns in to (yet another.) opportunity at digging out sections of the fanbase with different views. I was hardly a "boo boy" as I never boo'd the lad, but the fact he's had such an impressive improvement is a testament in itself to the quality of his performances a few months back.

His game had some very frustrating elements to it - notably his inability to take people on (preferring to boot the ball in to them for a throw in) when attacking, and sometimes he didn't seem to be completely up for it either - giving up on 50/50s etc. In hindsight, both of these issues could most likely be attributed to a lack of confidence in the players around him.

In some ways it's a similar situation with Pope. I never felt too confident when he was in goal because I never felt he was too confident either. I always had a feeling that once he gained that confidence he could really kick on and nail the #1 spot. With a settled defence to his front and a few good performances under his belt, I think he's got that confidence now and we're seeing what he's really capable of.

I feel chuffed for both of them, knowing that they now seem confident enough to go out there and put in some decent performances after the mistakes of a few months ago. It's just a shame that the squad was never settled enough to provide them with that confidence before it was too late in the season.

Fox did a great bit of work last Saturday as well, a great piece of skill and excellent cross that JBG nearly scored from.

So his attacking abilities are sometimes there...

He has shown great character this season. His biggest problem has been inconsistcy, which is is not surprising for as young player. Expect he could do well next year in the right set up (which may be unlikely if KM has her way).

Maybe the boooo's have what's improved him , I thought I'd read that they would ruin him , appears not

I wish him well at Man U next year

RedChaser said:

Why do the Fox lovers have to make excuses for the lad? A good defensive player in front of him, a settled back four WTF, assess him on his ability. He's bottom Champ standard or L1, sorry but them's the facts. Will do a job for us next season, end of.

It's not making excuses, it's recognising what the player needs around him to succeed. If you've got a little striker you don't play him up front on his own with no support. If you've got an experienced, slow centre half you try and pair him with a quicker one to cover against players running in behind. If your full backs bomb forward you have a holding midfielder who can cover them while they push up. Fox isn't very fast, so he benefits from a LM in front of him when he's up against a quick winger and full back. Understanding what a player needs so you can get the best out of him isn't making excuses, it's simple football tactics

RedChaser said:

Garrymanilow said:

RedChaser said:

Why do the Fox lovers have to make excuses for the lad? A good defensive player in front of him, a settled back four WTF, assess him on his ability. He's bottom Champ standard or L1, sorry but them's the facts. Will do a job for us next season, end of.

It's not making excuses, it's recognising what the player needs around him to succeed. If you've got a little striker you don't play him up front on his own with no support. If you've got an experienced, slow centre half you try and pair him with a quicker one to cover against players running in behind. If your full backs bomb forward you have a holding midfielder who can cover them while they push up. Fox isn't very fast, so he benefits from a LM in front of him when he's up against a quick winger and full back. Understanding what a player needs so you can get the best out of him isn't making excuses, it's simple football tactics

Righto, let's build the the team around Fox, I rest my case.

Your case being what? Who builds a team around a left back? Are you feeling ok? Fox has talents, he has weaknesses. That's what happens in the Championship, League One and most of the Premiership because sadly David Alaba doesn't want to set up in SE7. With that in mind you play to your players' strengths. If you don't understand that a settled, balanced team is central to footballing success then I'm terrified. You might be our next manager.

Garrymanilow said:

RedChaser said:

Garrymanilow said:

RedChaser said:

Why do the Fox lovers have to make excuses for the lad? A good defensive player in front of him, a settled back four WTF, assess him on his ability. He's bottom Champ standard or L1, sorry but them's the facts. Will do a job for us next season, end of.

It's not making excuses, it's recognising what the player needs around him to succeed. If you've got a little striker you don't play him up front on his own with no support. If you've got an experienced, slow centre half you try and pair him with a quicker one to cover against players running in behind. If your full backs bomb forward you have a holding midfielder who can cover them while they push up. Fox isn't very fast, so he benefits from a LM in front of him when he's up against a quick winger and full back. Understanding what a player needs so you can get the best out of him isn't making excuses, it's simple football tactics

Righto, let's build the the team around Fox, I rest my case.

Your case being what? Who builds a team around a left back? Are you feeling ok? Fox has talents, he has weaknesses. That's what happens in the Championship, League One and most of the Premiership because sadly David Alaba doesn't want to set up in SE7. With that in mind you play to your players' strengths. If you don't understand that a settled, balanced team is central to footballing success then I'm terrified. You might be our next manager.

Look there's no need for the condescending remarks take a chill pill.

All professional footballers have to have a certain amount of ability to make the grade and fair play to the lad. Of course tactics will play a part but you shouldn't have to construct your team to accommodate a certain player's weaknesses that's all I'm trying to say. Ideally try and improve him with coaching. Building the team around him was tongue in cheek, however when I do become manager I'll recommend you as my assistant, it'll be a match made in heaven .