Tom Penford is hoping a good Easter will give him the edge in the annual Russian Roulette battle to win a new City contract.
The 23-year-old midfielder is used to scrapping for a fresh deal at this stage of the season. But two strong displays against Rotherham and Chesterfield should have strengthened his hand to show Stuart McCall he is worth another go.
Penford said: "It's getting a bit repetitive having the same situation every year and my aim is to try and break that mould.
"That's been the story of my career and hopefully now it's turned and I believe it has.
"I was really chuffed to start Monday's game because I knew the gaffer was going to make changes. I didn't want to give him any excuses to drop me and I thought it was a big pat on the back to get my chance again."
With eight games to go, Penford knows there is no room for error and has no intention of letting his performance level drop.
"You've got to apply yourself properly all the time, not just in games but in the training as well. But it's a major incentive for me.
"The boss wants to see what the players are made of before he plans for next year and that's fair enough. If he gives out contracts now, it's going to be a bad end to the season for all the players and the fans."
McCall has noticed an improvement in Penford after two heart-to-heart chats earlier in the campaign.
The City boss said: "Tom didn't really perform at a good level in pre-season and that set him back in my thinking.
"But he showed a really good attitude in training and I noticed a little spark which gave him that bit of confidence. He came to see me at Christmas time and I said that if he knuckled down the chance would come and I'm pleased he has taken it.
"Lads like Tom are dedicated to the job; he's a good professional and a good footballer. Now it's up to him to keep that consistency between now and the end of the season."
But Penford is not looking further than Saturday's trip to fourth-placed Darlington.
He added: "My eye is on Darl-ington and then it will be the next one after that.
"I'm not looking to say I'll play in all eight games because I know that anything can happen. I've done it before, thinking that I was in the plans, and then something has gone wrong and I find myself back at square one again.
"But hopefully, with the same gaffer in charge next year, I can come back in and build on the platform of a new contract rather than having to prove myself all over again."
City cannot appeal against Omar Daley's red card at Rotherham. Protests with the FA must be lodged within 24 hours of the offence taking place.
Daley, who plays for Jamaica against Trinidad tonight along with Bantams goalkeeper Donovan Ricketts, has already missed one of his automatic three-match ban.
6:30am Wednesday 26th March 2008
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CommentPosted by: Ali Baba, VP on 7:40am Wed 26 Mar 08
NO, NO, NO AND NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!
[quote]"But two strong displays against Rotherham and Chesterfield"[/quote]
Really? I noticed from set pieces he tried to keep out of the game, wouldn't mark anyone at all, always out in no man's land all by himself.
[quote]Tom didn't really perform at a good level in pre-season[/quote]
When has he?
If we want to move forward, we need to keep the right players and let the crap go basically. Tom offers nothing, too light weight, no goals in him, he does not create goals, his passing is nothing to write home about. Tackling is unnoticeable.
To me Penford is a crap player that we need to release if we want to move up the leagues. Actually he would be my first person to be released, not because of his attitude which can not be faulted, but because of his lack of talent. He is now approaching mid 20s and if there was something about him, he would have been more instrumental by now. He should lead the way to the job centre with Evans right behind in tow.
NO, NO, NO AND NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!
"But two strong displays against Rotherham and Chesterfield"
Really? I noticed from set pieces he tried to keep out of the game, wouldn't mark anyone at all, always out in no man's land all by himself.
Tom didn't really perform at a good level in pre-season
When has he?
If we want to move forward, we need to keep the right players and let the crap go basically. Tom offers nothing, too light weight, no goals in him, he does not create goals, his passing is nothing to write home about. Tackling is unnoticeable.
To me Penford is a crap player that we need to release if we want to move up the leagues. Actually he would be my first person to be released, not because of his attitude which can not be faulted, but because of his lack of talent. He is now approaching mid 20s and if there was something about him, he would have been more instrumental by now. He should lead the way to the job centre with Evans right behind in tow.
Posted by: Ali Baba, VP on 7:46am Wed 26 Mar 08
[quote]City cannot appeal against Omar Daley's red card at Rotherham. Protests with the FA must be lodged within 24 hours of the offence taking place.[/quote]
Think Stuart was a little naive here, surely he should have known about this rule especially bieng an assistant at Sheff U for a while. I wonder if it was "naivety" and using it as an opportunity not to play Omar and give someone else a chance in the closing stages of the season. He was quoted at saying on Monday I believe it was that he will look at appealing if it is still within the time frame. Me sense a bit more of naivety here.
City cannot appeal against Omar Daley's red card at Rotherham. Protests with the FA must be lodged within 24 hours of the offence taking place.
Think Stuart was a little naive here, surely he should have known about this rule especially bieng an assistant at Sheff U for a while. I wonder if it was "naivety" and using it as an opportunity not to play Omar and give someone else a chance in the closing stages of the season. He was quoted at saying on Monday I believe it was that he will look at appealing if it is still within the time frame. Me sense a bit more of naivety here.
Posted by: bradfordcity08, bridlington on 8:02am Wed 26 Mar 08
Disagree with that, i thought Penford played well on Saturday and to say he doesnt create goals is a joke.
In 10 games, 3 from subs bench 7 starts.
Penford has 3 assists,
which is more than EJ, Bullock and Nicky Law.
He tired towards the end of the game but still was one of our better players imo.
Disagree with that, i thought Penford played well on Saturday and to say he doesnt create goals is a joke.
In 10 games, 3 from subs bench 7 starts.
Penford has 3 assists,
which is more than EJ, Bullock and Nicky Law.
He tired towards the end of the game but still was one of our better players imo.
Posted by: tyker, midland road on 8:14am Wed 26 Mar 08
if Thorne signs we have probably no more than a handful of other experienced professionals on the books:therefore I would give Penford another year just to see how he goes for a full season.
Build the team with three or four experienced older heads amd let the younger players such as Penford, Colbeck, Medley, Brown, Taylforth adding Nix, Law, Emmanuel and Starosta--is that spelled correctly- come into their own:
The only way forward is by building a team of a few old hands and a load of eager keen players.
if Thorne signs we have probably no more than a handful of other experienced professionals on the books:therefore I would give Penford another year just to see how he goes for a full season.
Build the team with three or four experienced older heads amd let the younger players such as Penford, Colbeck, Medley, Brown, Taylforth adding Nix, Law, Emmanuel and Starosta--is that spelled correctly- come into their own:
The only way forward is by building a team of a few old hands and a load of eager keen players.
Posted by: Bantman, Bradford on 8:19am Wed 26 Mar 08
Ali...You are so wrong about Penfold.
Some of his football from Midfield is just quality, the pass over the top for Colbeck against Rotherham (premership class)
It may look to you that he isn't in game for set pieces but i bet he's been asked to stand in space looking for a ball out..If he keeps his place from now until the end of the season well see a goal or two struck from out side the area.McCall knows and has acknowledged Tom is a really good striker of the ball.
Hope he proves you wrong,here's waiting.
C.T.I.D
Ali...You are so wrong about Penfold.
Some of his football from Midfield is just quality, the pass over the top for Colbeck against Rotherham (premership class)
It may look to you that he isn't in game for set pieces but i bet he's been asked to stand in space looking for a ball out..If he keeps his place from now until the end of the season well see a goal or two struck from out side the area.McCall knows and has acknowledged Tom is a really good striker of the ball.
Hope he proves you wrong,here's waiting.
C.T.I.D
Posted by: cahbaildon, leeds on 9:00am Wed 26 Mar 08
I am with Ali on this one. Probably gone a little ott in his criticism but the bottom line is: Do we want to get to the business end of the table or not next season? To be fair, Monday was the best I have seen Penford play but I would much prefer a season long Nicky Law loan alongside Bullock with AN Other as back up. Bullock gives us the bite in midfield required at this level and Law would be good for 10 goals from midfield and give a touch of class to proceedings. Ditch Brown, Conlon, Evans, Johnson & Rhodes for starters and get Strevens in from D&R to play up front with Thorne. Tough decisions need making if we are to hit the top 7 next season. Over to you Stuart.....
I am with Ali on this one. Probably gone a little ott in his criticism but the bottom line is: Do we want to get to the business end of the table or not next season? To be fair, Monday was the best I have seen Penford play but I would much prefer a season long Nicky Law loan alongside Bullock with AN Other as back up. Bullock gives us the bite in midfield required at this level and Law would be good for 10 goals from midfield and give a touch of class to proceedings. Ditch Brown, Conlon, Evans, Johnson & Rhodes for starters and get Strevens in from D&R to play up front with Thorne. Tough decisions need making if we are to hit the top 7 next season. Over to you Stuart.....
Posted by: Bantam Forever, Bingley on 9:00am Wed 26 Mar 08
[quote][bold]Bantman[/bold] wrote:
Ali...You are so wrong about Penfold. Some of his football from Midfield is just quality, the pass over the top for Colbeck against Rotherham (premership class) It may look to you that he isn't in game for set pieces but i bet he's been asked to stand in space looking for a ball out..If he keeps his place from now until the end of the season well see a goal or two struck from out side the area.McCall knows and has acknowledged Tom is a really good striker of the ball. Hope he proves you wrong,here's waiting. C.T.I.D [/quote] couldnt agree more, Penford is the best passer at the club - no doubt about it. Hope he gets a decent run in the team and proves his worth.
CTID
P.S Tyker - Emmanuel?!
Bantman wrote:
Ali...You are so wrong about Penfold. Some of his football from Midfield is just quality, the pass over the top for Colbeck against Rotherham (premership class) It may look to you that he isn't in game for set pieces but i bet he's been asked to stand in space looking for a ball out..If he keeps his place from now until the end of the season well see a goal or two struck from out side the area.McCall knows and has acknowledged Tom is a really good striker of the ball. Hope he proves you wrong,here's waiting. C.T.I.D
couldnt agree more, Penford is the best passer at the club - no doubt about it. Hope he gets a decent run in the team and proves his worth.
CTID
P.S Tyker - Emmanuel?!
Posted by: utters, Skipton on 9:02am Wed 26 Mar 08
I've always thought Tom Penford to be an excellent passer of the ball and watching him in these past few games as well as the others he's played this season, I can see he has excellent vision to go with that ability. My only downer on him has been that he has tended to get out muscled a bit. These past 2 games have changed my mind on that though, I thought Monday in particular he had a very good all round game. His tracking and tackling were superb.
I think if he keeps playing like he has lately, he's sure to get another contract, then my advice would be to hit the weights over the summer!
I've always thought Tom Penford to be an excellent passer of the ball and watching him in these past few games as well as the others he's played this season, I can see he has excellent vision to go with that ability. My only downer on him has been that he has tended to get out muscled a bit. These past 2 games have changed my mind on that though, I thought Monday in particular he had a very good all round game. His tracking and tackling were superb.
I think if he keeps playing like he has lately, he's sure to get another contract, then my advice would be to hit the weights over the summer!
Posted by: Bantman, Bradford on 9:07am Wed 26 Mar 08
And this is all from a youngster that hasn't played enough games yet to be fully match fit/prepared...
And this is all from a youngster that hasn't played enough games yet to be fully match fit/prepared...
Posted by: SHAUN, richmond on 9:10am Wed 26 Mar 08
You cant make this stuff up!!!!!
Big Chuckle having said only 10 days ago he would not keep ONE player, just cant sign em up quick enough?
This bloke U turns so much Im surprised he can stay upright.....Oh maybe thats Little Chuckles job??
You cant make this stuff up!!!!!
Big Chuckle having said only 10 days ago he would not keep ONE player, just cant sign em up quick enough?
This bloke U turns so much Im surprised he can stay upright.....Oh maybe thats Little Chuckles job??
Posted by: tyker, midland road on 9:36am Wed 26 Mar 08
Emmanuel: yes: ex City player who is more than adequate either as left sided midfield or left back who can score the odd goal or two--unlike the aging cack footed incumbent we have at left back now--- and he has about 8 years less on the clock!!
Emmanuel: yes: ex City player who is more than adequate either as left sided midfield or left back who can score the odd goal or two--unlike the aging cack footed incumbent we have at left back now--- and he has about 8 years less on the clock!!
Posted by: Mr T, Bradford on 9:42am Wed 26 Mar 08
Whats the point, its not like he is good enough to win City promotion
Whats the point, its not like he is good enough to win City promotion
Posted by: JOHNBOYES2, BRADFORD on 10:02am Wed 26 Mar 08
Tom Penford has had two decent games for City over easter , back the lad and give him a chance.
Paul Evans didnt even look interested against Mansfield , Penford at least tried and did well, especially Monday against Chesterfield along side my man of the match Kyle Nix.
Ali you do nothing for this site and its constant doom and gloom.
Try visiting www.leedsunited.com/
crowdfacingcityfan/t
akemetoellandroadnex
tyear
Tom Penford has had two decent games for City over easter , back the lad and give him a chance.
Paul Evans didnt even look interested against Mansfield , Penford at least tried and did well, especially Monday against Chesterfield along side my man of the match Kyle Nix.
Ali you do nothing for this site and its constant doom and gloom.
Try visiting www.leedsunited.com/
crowdfacingcityfan/t
akemetoellandroadnex
tyear
Posted by: old spice, pudsey on 10:26am Wed 26 Mar 08
[quote][bold]Ali Baba[/bold] wrote:
NO, NO, NO AND NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!! [quote]"But two strong displays against Rotherham and Chesterfield"[/quote] Really? I noticed from set pieces he tried to keep out of the game, wouldn't mark anyone at all, always out in no man's land all by himself. [quote]Tom didn't really perform at a good level in pre-season[/quote] When has he? If we want to move forward, we need to keep the right players and let the crap go basically. Tom offers nothing, too light weight, no goals in him, he does not create goals, his passing is nothing to write home about. Tackling is unnoticeable. To me Penford is a crap player that we need to release if we want to move up the leagues. Actually he would be my first person to be released, not because of his attitude which can not be faulted, but because of his lack of talent. He is now approaching mid 20s and if there was something about him, he would have been more instrumental by now. He should lead the way to the job centre with Evans right behind in tow.[/quote] Dont like admitting this but have to agree with AC on this one, penford is just not good enough
Been watching Farsley my 2nd club a bit recentley ,and have to admit Bentham as been very impresive , as well as bentham they have Iqbal at the back who is just quality centre half only 25 and a pakistani international playing his trade 4 miles from valley parade.
as for clarke as captain ,he wont get it thorne will get it im sure about that
Ali Baba wrote:
NO, NO, NO AND NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!! "But two strong displays against Rotherham and Chesterfield"
Really? I noticed from set pieces he tried to keep out of the game, wouldn't mark anyone at all, always out in no man's land all by himself. Tom didn't really perform at a good level in pre-season
When has he? If we want to move forward, we need to keep the right players and let the crap go basically. Tom offers nothing, too light weight, no goals in him, he does not create goals, his passing is nothing to write home about. Tackling is unnoticeable. To me Penford is a crap player that we need to release if we want to move up the leagues. Actually he would be my first person to be released, not because of his attitude which can not be faulted, but because of his lack of talent. He is now approaching mid 20s and if there was something about him, he would have been more instrumental by now. He should lead the way to the job centre with Evans right behind in tow.
Dont like admitting this but have to agree with AC on this one, penford is just not good enough
Been watching Farsley my 2nd club a bit recentley ,and have to admit Bentham as been very impresive , as well as bentham they have Iqbal at the back who is just quality centre half only 25 and a pakistani international playing his trade 4 miles from valley parade.
as for clarke as captain ,he wont get it thorne will get it im sure about that
Posted by: Bantam Forever, Bingley on 10:32am Wed 26 Mar 08
[quote][bold]tyker[/bold] wrote:
Emmanuel: yes: ex City player who is more than adequate either as left sided midfield or left back who can score the odd goal or two--unlike the aging cack footed incumbent we have at left back now--- and he has about 8 years less on the clock!![/quote] so you want to bring him back - the guy qho cant tackle and put him at left back?!!?! Id prefer Rhodes or Daley on the left without a doubt!
tyker wrote:
Emmanuel: yes: ex City player who is more than adequate either as left sided midfield or left back who can score the odd goal or two--unlike the aging cack footed incumbent we have at left back now--- and he has about 8 years less on the clock!!
so you want to bring him back - the guy qho cant tackle and put him at left back?!!?! Id prefer Rhodes or Daley on the left without a doubt!
Posted by: tyker, midland road on 11:39am Wed 26 Mar 08
Yes I would have him back as we have no proper left back at all--Hecky is all right foot so put him in there.
As regards Iqbal-- yes get him in--he is presently playing only one league below us but in danger of being relegated.It would cost next to nothing to get him in if anything.
Then we are starting to look to have a nucleus of local players and all of an age where they have a few years left in them.
Shaun--it can be made up:it is being made up. Have to agree with you that there seems to be no consistent thought process coming out at all.
I said a long time ago that SM should keep his mouth shut and just talk about the next game up and coming--you know: the usual ess aitch one stuff about the next game being a tough one, the next game being against a struggling team etc etc--enough to fill the pages with nothingness!!!
Yes I would have him back as we have no proper left back at all--Hecky is all right foot so put him in there.
As regards Iqbal-- yes get him in--he is presently playing only one league below us but in danger of being relegated.It would cost next to nothing to get him in if anything.
Then we are starting to look to have a nucleus of local players and all of an age where they have a few years left in them.
Shaun--it can be made up:it is being made up. Have to agree with you that there seems to be no consistent thought process coming out at all.
I said a long time ago that SM should keep his mouth shut and just talk about the next game up and coming--you know: the usual ess aitch one stuff about the next game being a tough one, the next game being against a struggling team etc etc--enough to fill the pages with nothingness!!!
Posted by: Ali Baba, VP on 11:43am Wed 26 Mar 08
I wasn't keen having Lewis as a LM, he was a better LB for me while he was with us. If looking at ex City players that may be a realistic target, I was always a fan of Simon Francis. Andy O'Brien I can't see ever playing in the 4th division.
As for Johnboyes, nothing but doom and gloom. Funny how you haven't been posting for ages, or I haven't really noticed you, then the first negative comment I make in god knows how long it is nothing but all doom and gloom. Read back on my comments for the past couple of months please if you really want to make a valid opinion. Thank you.
I wasn't keen having Lewis as a LM, he was a better LB for me while he was with us. If looking at ex City players that may be a realistic target, I was always a fan of Simon Francis. Andy O'Brien I can't see ever playing in the 4th division.
As for Johnboyes, nothing but doom and gloom. Funny how you haven't been posting for ages, or I haven't really noticed you, then the first negative comment I make in god knows how long it is nothing but all doom and gloom. Read back on my comments for the past couple of months please if you really want to make a valid opinion. Thank you.
Posted by: Ali Baba, VP on 11:53am Wed 26 Mar 08
The problem is Tyker we all make comments soon after matches, we all do it on here, post something while we are all emotional on the performance. Practically everyone wants Evans out, but if he had say 2 outstanding games, a lot of people would want him to stay. That is what it is like in sport. Boxers say right after a fight that they are going to retire to never stand in the ring, then when they sleep on it they change their mind.
For me to be released, Penford, Evans, Ricketts, Waite, Saynor, but there are a few maybes here too.
Rhodes, Johnson, Williams and Conlon. To me there are still question marks over these and I would only release if I was McCall if there are better targets he has shortlisted. He may release some players, say they are not up to it, and if we play against them and are having a blinder of a season, surely McCall would not be wrong in saying he wished he kept them. Swings and roundabouts really. At the time, these comments are not wrong, but it doesn't mean they are right. It is more emotional than rational thinking at times. In a couple of weeks he will say that he can not wait to get players in that will give it their all. We all change our minds on things, but he needs to have it right when the day comes to when he NEEDS to make the decisions, it is then and only then does it matter.
The problem is Tyker we all make comments soon after matches, we all do it on here, post something while we are all emotional on the performance. Practically everyone wants Evans out, but if he had say 2 outstanding games, a lot of people would want him to stay. That is what it is like in sport. Boxers say right after a fight that they are going to retire to never stand in the ring, then when they sleep on it they change their mind.
For me to be released, Penford, Evans, Ricketts, Waite, Saynor, but there are a few maybes here too.
Rhodes, Johnson, Williams and Conlon. To me there are still question marks over these and I would only release if I was McCall if there are better targets he has shortlisted. He may release some players, say they are not up to it, and if we play against them and are having a blinder of a season, surely McCall would not be wrong in saying he wished he kept them. Swings and roundabouts really. At the time, these comments are not wrong, but it doesn't mean they are right. It is more emotional than rational thinking at times. In a couple of weeks he will say that he can not wait to get players in that will give it their all. We all change our minds on things, but he needs to have it right when the day comes to when he NEEDS to make the decisions, it is then and only then does it matter.
Posted by: JOHNBOYES2, BRADFORD on 12:30pm Wed 26 Mar 08
[quote][bold]Ali Baba[/bold] wrote:
I wasn't keen having Lewis as a LM, he was a better LB for me while he was with us. If looking at ex City players that may be a realistic target, I was always a fan of Simon Francis. Andy O'Brien I can't see ever playing in the 4th division. As for Johnboyes, nothing but doom and gloom. Funny how you haven't been posting for ages, or I haven't really noticed you, then the first negative comment I make in god knows how long it is nothing but all doom and gloom. Read back on my comments for the past couple of months please if you really want to make a valid opinion. Thank you.[/quote] I would love to know where you watch players from Ali because it cannot be from Valley Parade.
Maybe I dont post on here very often , but its strange when I do you always seem to find the worst in players.
I think you are living in cloud cuckoo land , we are a third division side and the sooner we set realistic targets the better , one of which is signing Penford on longer contract.
Simon Francis will not drop down to this division and Emanuel was a better left midfield player than defender , he just got greedy and we had to let him go , I seem to remember his first game at left midfield was against Doncaster where correct me if im wrong he scored twice.
The younger players need a bit of confidence and I just hoep Penford continues where he has left off in his next game and indeed for seasons to come.
Ali Baba wrote:
I wasn't keen having Lewis as a LM, he was a better LB for me while he was with us. If looking at ex City players that may be a realistic target, I was always a fan of Simon Francis. Andy O'Brien I can't see ever playing in the 4th division. As for Johnboyes, nothing but doom and gloom. Funny how you haven't been posting for ages, or I haven't really noticed you, then the first negative comment I make in god knows how long it is nothing but all doom and gloom. Read back on my comments for the past couple of months please if you really want to make a valid opinion. Thank you.
I would love to know where you watch players from Ali because it cannot be from Valley Parade.
Maybe I dont post on here very often , but its strange when I do you always seem to find the worst in players.
I think you are living in cloud cuckoo land , we are a third division side and the sooner we set realistic targets the better , one of which is signing Penford on longer contract.
Simon Francis will not drop down to this division and Emanuel was a better left midfield player than defender , he just got greedy and we had to let him go , I seem to remember his first game at left midfield was against Doncaster where correct me if im wrong he scored twice.
The younger players need a bit of confidence and I just hoep Penford continues where he has left off in his next game and indeed for seasons to come.
Posted by: Beakless, Halifax Road, Bratfud on 1:09pm Wed 26 Mar 08
SEAN - Can you be arsed to make the 10 mile journey on Saturday?
SEAN - Can you be arsed to make the 10 mile journey on Saturday?
Posted by: Ali Baba, VP on 1:36pm Wed 26 Mar 08
Actually JohnBoyes2, we are a 4th division club.
How do you know Simon Francis will not drop down a division?
Who would have thought he would end up at Southend after getting snapped up from us from Sheff U?
Who would have thought Peter Thorne would turn down offers from the Championship to play in the 4th division?
All you have to do is look at say past couple of days posts and see if I post is all doom and gloom. Do NOT be so short sighted and pick up on one comment.
Nobody on here rates every single player in our squad, Penford is one I do not rate and looking at the teams at the top of the 4th division, do you, hand on heart believe Penford could get into the squad on match days?
As for Lewis bieng a goal scorer, 8 goals in 210 appearances in all cup competitions. I remember towards the end while he was playing for us, he came in for a lot of criticism and so did Todd for playing him LM as he is not as gifted attacking as he is defending. Now CORRECT me if I am wrong there. That was the general opinion and I was in the minority that wanted him to stay. Even listening to games on the Pulse the comemtators went on about him bieng played out of position as he was a stronger LB. Anyway, we shouldn't really dwindle on the past, I don't think he would be a fans favourite signing if we went in for Lewis.
His best goal, probably the one away to Cardiff, think that was his maiden goal.
Have I suggested any UNrealistic targets, we need to get a squad of players that can challenge for promotion from the 4th division. I don't even think that Penford could walk into many a squad in the conference let alone our division. I am all for our youngsters breaking through especially seeing how Colbeck has changed this season, like I said last August about him, make or break.
Penford has had long enough at City to make his mark, but in all honesty can you say he HAS. Don't forget he is approaching his mid 20s so he really is not a "youngster" anymore.
I am sure we can pick up some players from the Conference that can do a better job than Penford that we can afford. We need to look at the BEST we can get, not a "he will do" signing, we have had too many of them over the years.
Actually JohnBoyes2, we are a 4th division club.
How do you know Simon Francis will not drop down a division?
Who would have thought he would end up at Southend after getting snapped up from us from Sheff U?
Who would have thought Peter Thorne would turn down offers from the Championship to play in the 4th division?
All you have to do is look at say past couple of days posts and see if I post is all doom and gloom. Do NOT be so short sighted and pick up on one comment.
Nobody on here rates every single player in our squad, Penford is one I do not rate and looking at the teams at the top of the 4th division, do you, hand on heart believe Penford could get into the squad on match days?
As for Lewis bieng a goal scorer, 8 goals in 210 appearances in all cup competitions. I remember towards the end while he was playing for us, he came in for a lot of criticism and so did Todd for playing him LM as he is not as gifted attacking as he is defending. Now CORRECT me if I am wrong there. That was the general opinion and I was in the minority that wanted him to stay. Even listening to games on the Pulse the comemtators went on about him bieng played out of position as he was a stronger LB. Anyway, we shouldn't really dwindle on the past, I don't think he would be a fans favourite signing if we went in for Lewis.
His best goal, probably the one away to Cardiff, think that was his maiden goal.
Have I suggested any UNrealistic targets, we need to get a squad of players that can challenge for promotion from the 4th division. I don't even think that Penford could walk into many a squad in the conference let alone our division. I am all for our youngsters breaking through especially seeing how Colbeck has changed this season, like I said last August about him, make or break.
Penford has had long enough at City to make his mark, but in all honesty can you say he HAS. Don't forget he is approaching his mid 20s so he really is not a "youngster" anymore.
I am sure we can pick up some players from the Conference that can do a better job than Penford that we can afford. We need to look at the BEST we can get, not a "he will do" signing, we have had too many of them over the years.
Posted by: Luke, Leeds on 2:32pm Wed 26 Mar 08
I am still of the thought that Penford is not good enough for a promotion chasing side in this division. However if he can hit the heights of Mondays game consistently and bulk up a bit he may be able to prove me wrong. I was a massive fan of Gareth Whalley who was much like Penford, couldn't tackle, not the strongest, but his passing was sublime.
I still think Bentham is the better option though. In the games I have seen him play (he hasn't had as much of a chance as I believe he deserves) he rarely misplaces a pass but can also tackle and scrap. The type of player you need in this division.
Bentham along with Colbeck, Ainge who I believe both have futures at the club, should be kept. Then Taylforth and O'Brien who I haven't really seen enough of to judge we can build a team of homegrown players with undoubted commitment alongside some more experienced players to guide them through. A bit like that team from the Gayfarm did not so long ago to get out of this division!
I am still of the thought that Penford is not good enough for a promotion chasing side in this division. However if he can hit the heights of Mondays game consistently and bulk up a bit he may be able to prove me wrong. I was a massive fan of Gareth Whalley who was much like Penford, couldn't tackle, not the strongest, but his passing was sublime.
I still think Bentham is the better option though. In the games I have seen him play (he hasn't had as much of a chance as I believe he deserves) he rarely misplaces a pass but can also tackle and scrap. The type of player you need in this division.
Bentham along with Colbeck, Ainge who I believe both have futures at the club, should be kept. Then Taylforth and O'Brien who I haven't really seen enough of to judge we can build a team of homegrown players with undoubted commitment alongside some more experienced players to guide them through. A bit like that team from the Gayfarm did not so long ago to get out of this division!
Posted by: maccy, Bradford on 3:21pm Wed 26 Mar 08
I never write on here but felt i needed to have a say after reading some of the comments. I can not people are saying Penford isn't good enough for us!! At the moment there aren't many players in that squad that perform to a decent enough standard for us to be pushing for promotion, but out of the few that are good enough, Penford is definatly on that list. He might not be a goal scorer but everything else in his game is excellent! His passing is first class and on Monday he was everywhere on the pitch attacking when we were on the counter and making the tackles in our box, I can't believe some people didn't see this!!
One of the signs of a good player is what he does without the ball, (supporting the player on the ball, creating spaces with dummy runs, etc) unfortunatly these things are easy to miss when your watching a live game as most people just follow the ball, but please before you say anything else about Penford, just watch him in the next match and see how good his movement is in supporting his team mates. I am a UFEA A qualified coach who has worked with a lot of the youngesters at crewe and that is one of the hardest things to teach and for the player to do, but Penford does it.
People say hes not good at tackleing because he's not strong enough, this is so far from the truth it's unbelieveable!! Fair enough he is quite skinny and can be known to get knocked off the ball, but that doesn't happen often and the last 2 games even proved that! and he goes in strong with the tackles which you don't have to be bulky to be able to do. Most people are judging him without seeing him play many games and so can not give a fair account of his abilities. Someone said above that he's had his chance but that is a joke!! How has he had a chance to prove himself by playing 4 games at a time in a season? He needs the first team experience to help him improve instead of just the reserves because there is a whole lot of difference between the two and this is the time for him to get this experience.
Penford ran his socks off on monday, for the team he supports and even showed how committed and pumped up he was by being the first player out after half time, sprinting past all the others who were jogging and didn't really seem that bothered, watch him next game and see if he does that again. Its little things like that, that shows who is interested in playing for the club and who just doesn't care, so why would we want to get rid of the players that do care?!?
I probably wont ever write on here again but needed to defend Penford after reading some of the comments on here and really hope he gets the new contract!
I never write on here but felt i needed to have a say after reading some of the comments. I can not people are saying Penford isn't good enough for us!! At the moment there aren't many players in that squad that perform to a decent enough standard for us to be pushing for promotion, but out of the few that are good enough, Penford is definatly on that list. He might not be a goal scorer but everything else in his game is excellent! His passing is first class and on Monday he was everywhere on the pitch attacking when we were on the counter and making the tackles in our box, I can't believe some people didn't see this!!
One of the signs of a good player is what he does without the ball, (supporting the player on the ball, creating spaces with dummy runs, etc) unfortunatly these things are easy to miss when your watching a live game as most people just follow the ball, but please before you say anything else about Penford, just watch him in the next match and see how good his movement is in supporting his team mates. I am a UFEA A qualified coach who has worked with a lot of the youngesters at crewe and that is one of the hardest things to teach and for the player to do, but Penford does it.
People say hes not good at tackleing because he's not strong enough, this is so far from the truth it's unbelieveable!! Fair enough he is quite skinny and can be known to get knocked off the ball, but that doesn't happen often and the last 2 games even proved that! and he goes in strong with the tackles which you don't have to be bulky to be able to do. Most people are judging him without seeing him play many games and so can not give a fair account of his abilities. Someone said above that he's had his chance but that is a joke!! How has he had a chance to prove himself by playing 4 games at a time in a season? He needs the first team experience to help him improve instead of just the reserves because there is a whole lot of difference between the two and this is the time for him to get this experience.
Penford ran his socks off on monday, for the team he supports and even showed how committed and pumped up he was by being the first player out after half time, sprinting past all the others who were jogging and didn't really seem that bothered, watch him next game and see if he does that again. Its little things like that, that shows who is interested in playing for the club and who just doesn't care, so why would we want to get rid of the players that do care?!?
I probably wont ever write on here again but needed to defend Penford after reading some of the comments on here and really hope he gets the new contract!
Posted by: albion, west riding on 3:36pm Wed 26 Mar 08
Thats one hell of a first post, lets have more!
Thats one hell of a first post, lets have more!
Posted by: JOHNBOYES2, BRADFORD on 4:13pm Wed 26 Mar 08
[quote][bold]maccy[/bold] wrote:
I never write on here but felt i needed to have a say after reading some of the comments. I can not people are saying Penford isn't good enough for us!! At the moment there aren't many players in that squad that perform to a decent enough standard for us to be pushing for promotion, but out of the few that are good enough, Penford is definatly on that list. He might not be a goal scorer but everything else in his game is excellent! His passing is first class and on Monday he was everywhere on the pitch attacking when we were on the counter and making the tackles in our box, I can't believe some people didn't see this!! One of the signs of a good player is what he does without the ball, (supporting the player on the ball, creating spaces with dummy runs, etc) unfortunatly these things are easy to miss when your watching a live game as most people just follow the ball, but please before you say anything else about Penford, just watch him in the next match and see how good his movement is in supporting his team mates. I am a UFEA A qualified coach who has worked with a lot of the youngesters at crewe and that is one of the hardest things to teach and for the player to do, but Penford does it. People say hes not good at tackleing because he's not strong enough, this is so far from the truth it's unbelieveable!! Fair enough he is quite skinny and can be known to get knocked off the ball, but that doesn't happen often and the last 2 games even proved that! and he goes in strong with the tackles which you don't have to be bulky to be able to do. Most people are judging him without seeing him play many games and so can not give a fair account of his abilities. Someone said above that he's had his chance but that is a joke!! How has he had a chance to prove himself by playing 4 games at a time in a season? He needs the first team experience to help him improve instead of just the reserves because there is a whole lot of difference between the two and this is the time for him to get this experience. Penford ran his socks off on monday, for the team he supports and even showed how committed and pumped up he was by being the first player out after half time, sprinting past all the others who were jogging and didn't really seem that bothered, watch him next game and see if he does that again. Its little things like that, that shows who is interested in playing for the club and who just doesn't care, so why would we want to get rid of the players that do care?!? I probably wont ever write on here again but needed to defend Penford after reading some of the comments on here and really hope he gets the new contract![/quote] Spot on
maccy wrote:
I never write on here but felt i needed to have a say after reading some of the comments. I can not people are saying Penford isn't good enough for us!! At the moment there aren't many players in that squad that perform to a decent enough standard for us to be pushing for promotion, but out of the few that are good enough, Penford is definatly on that list. He might not be a goal scorer but everything else in his game is excellent! His passing is first class and on Monday he was everywhere on the pitch attacking when we were on the counter and making the tackles in our box, I can't believe some people didn't see this!! One of the signs of a good player is what he does without the ball, (supporting the player on the ball, creating spaces with dummy runs, etc) unfortunatly these things are easy to miss when your watching a live game as most people just follow the ball, but please before you say anything else about Penford, just watch him in the next match and see how good his movement is in supporting his team mates. I am a UFEA A qualified coach who has worked with a lot of the youngesters at crewe and that is one of the hardest things to teach and for the player to do, but Penford does it. People say hes not good at tackleing because he's not strong enough, this is so far from the truth it's unbelieveable!! Fair enough he is quite skinny and can be known to get knocked off the ball, but that doesn't happen often and the last 2 games even proved that! and he goes in strong with the tackles which you don't have to be bulky to be able to do. Most people are judging him without seeing him play many games and so can not give a fair account of his abilities. Someone said above that he's had his chance but that is a joke!! How has he had a chance to prove himself by playing 4 games at a time in a season? He needs the first team experience to help him improve instead of just the reserves because there is a whole lot of difference between the two and this is the time for him to get this experience. Penford ran his socks off on monday, for the team he supports and even showed how committed and pumped up he was by being the first player out after half time, sprinting past all the others who were jogging and didn't really seem that bothered, watch him next game and see if he does that again. Its little things like that, that shows who is interested in playing for the club and who just doesn't care, so why would we want to get rid of the players that do care?!? I probably wont ever write on here again but needed to defend Penford after reading some of the comments on here and really hope he gets the new contract!
Spot on
Posted by: Ali Baba, VP on 4:14pm Wed 26 Mar 08
Agree totally with you there Albion, think my first post was about half a dozen words lol.
[quote]I probably wont ever write on here again[/quote]
Don't be silly Maccy, we need more people like you on here posting comments and backing your opinions up, I may not agree with them, but it was a very interesting read and I understand why you think we should retain Penford. Looks like Tom is one of those players, you either think he is crap or is a very integral part of the squad.
More posts of the same please Maccy.
Agree totally with you there Albion, think my first post was about half a dozen words lol.
I probably wont ever write on here again
Don't be silly Maccy, we need more people like you on here posting comments and backing your opinions up, I may not agree with them, but it was a very interesting read and I understand why you think we should retain Penford. Looks like Tom is one of those players, you either think he is crap or is a very integral part of the squad.
More posts of the same please Maccy.
Posted by: tyker, midland road on 4:43pm Wed 26 Mar 08
great post Maccy.
One of the best footballers ever was a player who rarely tackled , rarely or never hard with the ball and was rarely/never tackled. Nor did he often go into crunching tackles or compte in the air.However is dead ball play was beyong belief.
He created space often by just standing still and letting others run around and past him.
Brian Glanville once said of him that television actually did him a massive disservice and that to watch him, instead of the ball for the whole 90 minutes was a joy in itself.
Everytime he got the ball and that was often he passed it on effectively to others and simply moved into space or stood still as the mood took him ready to take the next pass.
That player--Socrates of Brazil.
Now I am not saying Penford is or ever will be good enough to have been this guy's boot boy just that there is far more to football than crunching tackles, running hard, etc etc.
great post Maccy.
One of the best footballers ever was a player who rarely tackled , rarely or never hard with the ball and was rarely/never tackled. Nor did he often go into crunching tackles or compte in the air.However is dead ball play was beyong belief.
He created space often by just standing still and letting others run around and past him.
Brian Glanville once said of him that television actually did him a massive disservice and that to watch him, instead of the ball for the whole 90 minutes was a joy in itself.
Everytime he got the ball and that was often he passed it on effectively to others and simply moved into space or stood still as the mood took him ready to take the next pass.
That player--Socrates of Brazil.
Now I am not saying Penford is or ever will be good enough to have been this guy's boot boy just that there is far more to football than crunching tackles, running hard, etc etc.
Posted by: BRADFORDSUNWIN, Grove House on 4:49pm Wed 26 Mar 08
[bold]bold[/bold] PENFORD WAS SOLID AND HARD WORKING ON SATURDAY!
PENFORD WAS SOLID AND HARD WORKING ON SATURDAY!
Posted by: SHAUN, richmond on 5:31pm Wed 26 Mar 08
[quote][bold]Beakless[/bold] wrote:
SEAN - Can you be arsed to make the 10 mile journey on Saturday?[/quote] As always, BEEKLES, as always!!
Beakless wrote:
SEAN - Can you be arsed to make the 10 mile journey on Saturday?
As always, BEEKLES, as always!!
Posted by: Oxford Bantam, Oxford on 5:50pm Wed 26 Mar 08
[quote][bold]albion[/bold] wrote:
Thats one hell of a first post, lets have more![/quote] Numpty.
albion wrote:
Thats one hell of a first post, lets have more!
Numpty.
Posted by: JM, Skipton on 5:57pm Wed 26 Mar 08
[quote][bold]SHAUN[/bold] wrote:
You cant make this stuff up!!!!!
Big Chuckle having said only 10 days ago he would not keep ONE player, just cant sign em up quick enough?
This bloke U turns so much Im surprised he can stay upright.....Oh maybe thats Little Chuckles job?? [/quote] what are you on about?! he never said he would not keep any player on in the summer.
"you couldn't make this stuff up" doesn't apply to you, you're living in a fantasy land and finding tedious things to complain about that aren't even ture. I don't understand why you hate stuart mccall so much? please explain rationally why you have come to this view point? I can accept you might not think he's done a decent job so far, but he's still a club legend and at least deserves more respect than to give him such a demeaning nickname and ridicule him for nothing. you must have been gutted about the weekend's results!
to add my weight into the penford debate, he was brilliant at Rotherham on Saturday and if he can play like that every week he can be a big player for us next season. that is a very big 'if', but I'd keep him on as squad player and see if he can do it.
SHAUN wrote:
You cant make this stuff up!!!!!
Big Chuckle having said only 10 days ago he would not keep ONE player, just cant sign em up quick enough?
This bloke U turns so much Im surprised he can stay upright.....Oh maybe thats Little Chuckles job??
what are you on about?! he never said he would not keep any player on in the summer.
"you couldn't make this stuff up" doesn't apply to you, you're living in a fantasy land and finding tedious things to complain about that aren't even ture. I don't understand why you hate stuart mccall so much? please explain rationally why you have come to this view point? I can accept you might not think he's done a decent job so far, but he's still a club legend and at least deserves more respect than to give him such a demeaning nickname and ridicule him for nothing. you must have been gutted about the weekend's results!
to add my weight into the penford debate, he was brilliant at Rotherham on Saturday and if he can play like that every week he can be a big player for us next season. that is a very big 'if', but I'd keep him on as squad player and see if he can do it.
Posted by: SHAUN, richmond on 6:12pm Wed 26 Mar 08
[quote][bold]JM[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]SHAUN[/bold] wrote: You cant make this stuff up!!!!! Big Chuckle having said only 10 days ago he would not keep ONE player, just cant sign em up quick enough? This bloke U turns so much Im surprised he can stay upright.....Oh maybe thats Little Chuckles job?? [/quote] what are you on about?! he never said he would not keep any player on in the summer. "you couldn't make this stuff up" doesn't apply to you, you're living in a fantasy land and finding tedious things to complain about that aren't even ture. I don't understand why you hate stuart mccall so much? please explain rationally why you have come to this view point? I can accept you might not think he's done a decent job so far, but he's still a club legend and at least deserves more respect than to give him such a demeaning nickname and ridicule him for nothing. you must have been gutted about the weekend's results! to add my weight into the penford debate, he was brilliant at Rotherham on Saturday and if he can play like that every week he can be a big player for us next season. that is a very big 'if', but I'd keep him on as squad player and see if he can do it. [/quote] Sorry to burst your balloon JM, but after the Mansfield debacle SM told a group of supporters including myself he wouldnt keep any players who turned out that day.....from his own lips!!
JM wrote:
SHAUN wrote: You cant make this stuff up!!!!! Big Chuckle having said only 10 days ago he would not keep ONE player, just cant sign em up quick enough? This bloke U turns so much Im surprised he can stay upright.....Oh maybe thats Little Chuckles job??
what are you on about?! he never said he would not keep any player on in the summer. "you couldn't make this stuff up" doesn't apply to you, you're living in a fantasy land and finding tedious things to complain about that aren't even ture. I don't understand why you hate stuart mccall so much? please explain rationally why you have come to this view point? I can accept you might not think he's done a decent job so far, but he's still a club legend and at least deserves more respect than to give him such a demeaning nickname and ridicule him for nothing. you must have been gutted about the weekend's results! to add my weight into the penford debate, he was brilliant at Rotherham on Saturday and if he can play like that every week he can be a big player for us next season. that is a very big 'if', but I'd keep him on as squad player and see if he can do it.
Sorry to burst your balloon JM, but after the Mansfield debacle SM told a group of supporters including myself he wouldnt keep any players who turned out that day.....from his own lips!!
Posted by: JM, Skipton on 6:17pm Wed 26 Mar 08
[quote][bold]SHAUN[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]JM[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]SHAUN[/bold] wrote: You cant make this stuff up!!!!! Big Chuckle having said only 10 days ago he would not keep ONE player, just cant sign em up quick enough? This bloke U turns so much Im surprised he can stay upright.....Oh maybe thats Little Chuckles job?? [/quote] what are you on about?! he never said he would not keep any player on in the summer. "you couldn't make this stuff up" doesn't apply to you, you're living in a fantasy land and finding tedious things to complain about that aren't even ture. I don't understand why you hate stuart mccall so much? please explain rationally why you have come to this view point? I can accept you might not think he's done a decent job so far, but he's still a club legend and at least deserves more respect than to give him such a demeaning nickname and ridicule him for nothing. you must have been gutted about the weekend's results! to add my weight into the penford debate, he was brilliant at Rotherham on Saturday and if he can play like that every week he can be a big player for us next season. that is a very big 'if', but I'd keep him on as squad player and see if he can do it. [/quote] Sorry to burst your balloon JM, but after the Mansfield debacle SM told a group of supporters including myself he wouldnt keep any players who turned out that day.....from his own lips!!
[/quote] not calling you a liar but...well I can't finish that sentence!
feel sorry for Stuart if he had to come face to face with you. were you two-faced and said nice things to him or did you call him a pointy chuckle brother?
one thing with stuart is he's very passionate about this club, which I know you seem to have a problem with but I actually like. I can imagine him saying such statements in heat of the moment but he'd be stupid not to keep some existing players on and you'd be stupid to demand he gets rid of them all. we need a lot of improvements but there are some players on the books who can play a big part in a better promotion push next season
SHAUN wrote:
JM wrote:
SHAUN wrote: You cant make this stuff up!!!!! Big Chuckle having said only 10 days ago he would not keep ONE player, just cant sign em up quick enough? This bloke U turns so much Im surprised he can stay upright.....Oh maybe thats Little Chuckles job??
what are you on about?! he never said he would not keep any player on in the summer. "you couldn't make this stuff up" doesn't apply to you, you're living in a fantasy land and finding tedious things to complain about that aren't even ture. I don't understand why you hate stuart mccall so much? please explain rationally why you have come to this view point? I can accept you might not think he's done a decent job so far, but he's still a club legend and at least deserves more respect than to give him such a demeaning nickname and ridicule him for nothing. you must have been gutted about the weekend's results! to add my weight into the penford debate, he was brilliant at Rotherham on Saturday and if he can play like that every week he can be a big player for us next season. that is a very big 'if', but I'd keep him on as squad player and see if he can do it.
Sorry to burst your balloon JM, but after the Mansfield debacle SM told a group of supporters including myself he wouldnt keep any players who turned out that day.....from his own lips!!
not calling you a liar but...well I can't finish that sentence!
feel sorry for Stuart if he had to come face to face with you. were you two-faced and said nice things to him or did you call him a pointy chuckle brother?
one thing with stuart is he's very passionate about this club, which I know you seem to have a problem with but I actually like. I can imagine him saying such statements in heat of the moment but he'd be stupid not to keep some existing players on and you'd be stupid to demand he gets rid of them all. we need a lot of improvements but there are some players on the books who can play a big part in a better promotion push next season
Posted by: Big Mal, Bradford on 8:02pm Wed 26 Mar 08
Ali, I don't agree. Penford is probably the best passer in the club. I always thought he was a lightweight but he has other qualities that we're lacking.
I think he's worth another year which will probanly be make or break for him.
Ali, I don't agree. Penford is probably the best passer in the club. I always thought he was a lightweight but he has other qualities that we're lacking.
I think he's worth another year which will probanly be make or break for him.
Posted by: albion, west riding on 9:06pm Wed 26 Mar 08
[quote][bold]Oxford Bantam[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]albion[/bold] wrote: Thats one hell of a first post, lets have more![/quote] Numpty.[/quote] Ditto.
Oxford Bantam wrote:
albion wrote: Thats one hell of a first post, lets have more!
Numpty.
Ditto.
Posted by: jaffalaffa, middle of the hills on 9:21pm Wed 26 Mar 08
I have always thought that Tom is a quality player BUT gets knocked off the ball and can drift out of games. Do I think he is worth a contract then yes I do. He can get stronger and add that to his game perhaps diet, and constructive work outs could add soild but athletic toning.
THE BIG QUESTION SHOULD BE THE WHOLE WAGE STRUCTURE. PERHAPS FRINGE AND INDEED 'LEAD' PLAYERS SHOULD BE ON A REDUCED BASIC SALARY WITH HIGHER BONUS BEING PAID FOR APPEARANCES, PLUS ADDITIONAL PAYMENTS FOR WINS/PLAY OFF/PROMOTION. EFFECTIVELEY HAVE A WAGE STRUCTURE WHICH PROVIDES A DECENT BASIC BUT GREAT INCENTIVE TO PERFORM. A FRIENDS NEPHEW WHO PLAYED FOR A LEAGUE 2 TEAM LAST SEASON AT AGE 21 WAS ON £1800 A WEEK WITH ADDITIONAL PAYMENTS FOR BEING ON THE BENCH/PLAYING/WINNIN
G ETC.
I have always thought that Tom is a quality player BUT gets knocked off the ball and can drift out of games. Do I think he is worth a contract then yes I do. He can get stronger and add that to his game perhaps diet, and constructive work outs could add soild but athletic toning.
THE BIG QUESTION SHOULD BE THE WHOLE WAGE STRUCTURE. PERHAPS FRINGE AND INDEED 'LEAD' PLAYERS SHOULD BE ON A REDUCED BASIC SALARY WITH HIGHER BONUS BEING PAID FOR APPEARANCES, PLUS ADDITIONAL PAYMENTS FOR WINS/PLAY OFF/PROMOTION. EFFECTIVELEY HAVE A WAGE STRUCTURE WHICH PROVIDES A DECENT BASIC BUT GREAT INCENTIVE TO PERFORM. A FRIENDS NEPHEW WHO PLAYED FOR A LEAGUE 2 TEAM LAST SEASON AT AGE 21 WAS ON £1800 A WEEK WITH ADDITIONAL PAYMENTS FOR BEING ON THE BENCH/PLAYING/WINNIN
G ETC.
Posted by: albion, west riding on 9:30pm Wed 26 Mar 08
That sounds a lot of money for a 21yr old in division 2, i cant imagine how clubs can afford such wages.
That sounds a lot of money for a 21yr old in division 2, i cant imagine how clubs can afford such wages.
Posted by: J0539H, Bradford on 10:55pm Wed 26 Mar 08
[quote][bold]old spice[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]Ali Baba[/bold] wrote:
NO, NO, NO AND NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!! [quote]"But two strong displays against Rotherham and Chesterfield"[/quote] Really? I noticed from set pieces he tried to keep out of the game, wouldn't mark anyone at all, always out in no man's land all by himself. [quote]Tom didn't really perform at a good level in pre-season[/quote] When has he? If we want to move forward, we need to keep the right players and let the crap go basically. Tom offers nothing, too light weight, no goals in him, he does not create goals, his passing is nothing to write home about. Tackling is unnoticeable. To me Penford is a crap player that we need to release if we want to move up the leagues. Actually he would be my first person to be released, not because of his attitude which can not be faulted, but because of his lack of talent. He is now approaching mid 20s and if there was something about him, he would have been more instrumental by now. He should lead the way to the job centre with Evans right behind in tow.[/quote] Dont like admitting this but have to agree with AC on this one, penford is just not good enough
Been watching Farsley my 2nd club a bit recentley ,and have to admit Bentham as been very impresive , as well as bentham they have Iqbal at the back who is just quality centre half only 25 and a pakistani international playing his trade 4 miles from valley parade.
as for clarke as captain ,he wont get it thorne will get it im sure about that[/quote] Didn't Bentham cause FC to concede 2 goals on Saturday? According to the report, he was the worst player on the pitch. If he cannot regularly stand out in that division, why would we want to give him another chance?
That said, I don't think he was given a fair crack of the whip at City. If it was a toss up between Bentham, Penford, Evans or Johnson for a midfield place, my choice would definitely by Penford.
old spice wrote:
Ali Baba wrote:
NO, NO, NO AND NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!! "But two strong displays against Rotherham and Chesterfield"
Really? I noticed from set pieces he tried to keep out of the game, wouldn't mark anyone at all, always out in no man's land all by himself. Tom didn't really perform at a good level in pre-season
When has he? If we want to move forward, we need to keep the right players and let the crap go basically. Tom offers nothing, too light weight, no goals in him, he does not create goals, his passing is nothing to write home about. Tackling is unnoticeable. To me Penford is a crap player that we need to release if we want to move up the leagues. Actually he would be my first person to be released, not because of his attitude which can not be faulted, but because of his lack of talent. He is now approaching mid 20s and if there was something about him, he would have been more instrumental by now. He should lead the way to the job centre with Evans right behind in tow.
Dont like admitting this but have to agree with AC on this one, penford is just not good enough
Been watching Farsley my 2nd club a bit recentley ,and have to admit Bentham as been very impresive , as well as bentham they have Iqbal at the back who is just quality centre half only 25 and a pakistani international playing his trade 4 miles from valley parade.
as for clarke as captain ,he wont get it thorne will get it im sure about that
Didn't Bentham cause FC to concede 2 goals on Saturday? According to the report, he was the worst player on the pitch. If he cannot regularly stand out in that division, why would we want to give him another chance?
That said, I don't think he was given a fair crack of the whip at City. If it was a toss up between Bentham, Penford, Evans or Johnson for a midfield place, my choice would definitely by Penford.
Posted by: J0539H, Bradford on 10:58pm Wed 26 Mar 08
[quote][bold]SHAUN[/bold] wrote:
You cant make this stuff up!!!!!
Big Chuckle having said only 10 days ago he would not keep ONE player, just cant sign em up quick enough?
This bloke U turns so much Im surprised he can stay upright.....Oh maybe thats Little Chuckles job?? [/quote] You really do not read do you. Penford said he is hoping for a new contract. The article does not say McCall has offered him one. Also, as I have asked under the 'Thorne' article, where did McCall state NONE of the players would be kept on?
SHAUN wrote:
You cant make this stuff up!!!!!
Big Chuckle having said only 10 days ago he would not keep ONE player, just cant sign em up quick enough?
This bloke U turns so much Im surprised he can stay upright.....Oh maybe thats Little Chuckles job??
You really do not read do you. Penford said he is hoping for a new contract. The article does not say McCall has offered him one. Also, as I have asked under the 'Thorne' article, where did McCall state NONE of the players would be kept on?
Posted by: J0539H, Bradford on 11:05pm Wed 26 Mar 08
[quote][bold]JOHNBOYES2[/bold] wrote:
Tom Penford has had two decent games for City over easter , back the lad and give him a chance.
Paul Evans didnt even look interested against Mansfield , Penford at least tried and did well, especially Monday against Chesterfield along side my man of the match Kyle Nix.
Ali you do nothing for this site and its constant doom and gloom.
Try visiting www.leedsunited.com/
crowdfacingcityfan/t
akemetoellandroadnex
tyear
[/quote] Are you taking the p!55? I don't agree with Ali on this subject as I feel Penford has a lot to offer this football club. He breaks up so many moves, is decent in the air and is one of the best passers at the club.
However, to suggest Ali is all doom and gloom is laughable. He is forever being slated for his 'rose tinted glasses' and 'positive outlook' on City. Perhaps you should be pointing your poison pen at Shaun. Now he NEVER has anything positive to say!
JOHNBOYES2 wrote:
Tom Penford has had two decent games for City over easter , back the lad and give him a chance.
Paul Evans didnt even look interested against Mansfield , Penford at least tried and did well, especially Monday against Chesterfield along side my man of the match Kyle Nix.
Ali you do nothing for this site and its constant doom and gloom.
Try visiting www.leedsunited.com/
crowdfacingcityfan/t
akemetoellandroadnex
tyear
Are you taking the p!55? I don't agree with Ali on this subject as I feel Penford has a lot to offer this football club. He breaks up so many moves, is decent in the air and is one of the best passers at the club.
However, to suggest Ali is all doom and gloom is laughable. He is forever being slated for his 'rose tinted glasses' and 'positive outlook' on City. Perhaps you should be pointing your poison pen at Shaun. Now he NEVER has anything positive to say!
Posted by: J0539H, Bradford on 11:09pm Wed 26 Mar 08
[quote][bold]tyker[/bold] wrote:
Yes I would have him back as we have no proper left back at all--Hecky is all right foot so put him in there.
As regards Iqbal-- yes get him in--he is presently playing only one league below us but in danger of being relegated.It would cost next to nothing to get him in if anything.
Then we are starting to look to have a nucleus of local players and all of an age where they have a few years left in them.
Shaun--it can be made up:it is being made up. Have to agree with you that there seems to be no consistent thought process coming out at all.
I said a long time ago that SM should keep his mouth shut and just talk about the next game up and coming--you know: the usual ess aitch one stuff about the next game being a tough one, the next game being against a struggling team etc etc--enough to fill the pages with nothingness!!![/quote] [quote]enough to fill the pages with nothingness!!![/quote]
Unlike your posts eh Tyker?
Replace an average left back with one that is even worse. Where is the logic in that. Why don't we blow all the wages budget on LE and forget about Thorne. Afterall, I am sure LE will sign for us on next to no wages, won't he??
tyker wrote:
Yes I would have him back as we have no proper left back at all--Hecky is all right foot so put him in there.
As regards Iqbal-- yes get him in--he is presently playing only one league below us but in danger of being relegated.It would cost next to nothing to get him in if anything.
Then we are starting to look to have a nucleus of local players and all of an age where they have a few years left in them.
Shaun--it can be made up:it is being made up. Have to agree with you that there seems to be no consistent thought process coming out at all.
I said a long time ago that SM should keep his mouth shut and just talk about the next game up and coming--you know: the usual ess aitch one stuff about the next game being a tough one, the next game being against a struggling team etc etc--enough to fill the pages with nothingness!!!
enough to fill the pages with nothingness!!!
Unlike your posts eh Tyker?
Replace an average left back with one that is even worse. Where is the logic in that. Why don't we blow all the wages budget on LE and forget about Thorne. Afterall, I am sure LE will sign for us on next to no wages, won't he??
Posted by: J0539H, Bradford on 11:21pm Wed 26 Mar 08
[quote][bold]Ali Baba[/bold] wrote:
Actually JohnBoyes2, we are a 4th division club.
How do you know Simon Francis will not drop down a division?
Who would have thought he would end up at Southend after getting snapped up from us from Sheff U?
Who would have thought Peter Thorne would turn down offers from the Championship to play in the 4th division?
All you have to do is look at say past couple of days posts and see if I post is all doom and gloom. Do NOT be so short sighted and pick up on one comment.
Nobody on here rates every single player in our squad, Penford is one I do not rate and looking at the teams at the top of the 4th division, do you, hand on heart believe Penford could get into the squad on match days?
As for Lewis bieng a goal scorer, 8 goals in 210 appearances in all cup competitions. I remember towards the end while he was playing for us, he came in for a lot of criticism and so did Todd for playing him LM as he is not as gifted attacking as he is defending. Now CORRECT me if I am wrong there. That was the general opinion and I was in the minority that wanted him to stay. Even listening to games on the Pulse the comemtators went on about him bieng played out of position as he was a stronger LB. Anyway, we shouldn't really dwindle on the past, I don't think he would be a fans favourite signing if we went in for Lewis.
His best goal, probably the one away to Cardiff, think that was his maiden goal.
Have I suggested any UNrealistic targets, we need to get a squad of players that can challenge for promotion from the 4th division. I don't even think that Penford could walk into many a squad in the conference let alone our division. I am all for our youngsters breaking through especially seeing how Colbeck has changed this season, like I said last August about him, make or break.
Penford has had long enough at City to make his mark, but in all honesty can you say he HAS. Don't forget he is approaching his mid 20s so he really is not a "youngster" anymore.
I am sure we can pick up some players from the Conference that can do a better job than Penford that we can afford. We need to look at the BEST we can get, not a "he will do" signing, we have had too many of them over the years.[/quote] As Nathan Doyle has still to break into the Hull first team, couldn't we make an offer for him? He is a solid right-back and his versatility would allow him to cover centre-back too.
As for Penford having enough chances, I disagree. He has battled into the side numerous times only to pick up an injury or lose his place under a new manager. He needs to play games before we can really judge him. Personally, I don't think he has ever let us down, unlike Evans and Johnson.
Had most people got their wish this season, Colbeck would have been booted out. Now he has got his act together, he is a more consistent performer. Give the guy (penford) a proper chance and another contract.
Ali Baba wrote:
Actually JohnBoyes2, we are a 4th division club.
How do you know Simon Francis will not drop down a division?
Who would have thought he would end up at Southend after getting snapped up from us from Sheff U?
Who would have thought Peter Thorne would turn down offers from the Championship to play in the 4th division?
All you have to do is look at say past couple of days posts and see if I post is all doom and gloom. Do NOT be so short sighted and pick up on one comment.
Nobody on here rates every single player in our squad, Penford is one I do not rate and looking at the teams at the top of the 4th division, do you, hand on heart believe Penford could get into the squad on match days?
As for Lewis bieng a goal scorer, 8 goals in 210 appearances in all cup competitions. I remember towards the end while he was playing for us, he came in for a lot of criticism and so did Todd for playing him LM as he is not as gifted attacking as he is defending. Now CORRECT me if I am wrong there. That was the general opinion and I was in the minority that wanted him to stay. Even listening to games on the Pulse the comemtators went on about him bieng played out of position as he was a stronger LB. Anyway, we shouldn't really dwindle on the past, I don't think he would be a fans favourite signing if we went in for Lewis.
His best goal, probably the one away to Cardiff, think that was his maiden goal.
Have I suggested any UNrealistic targets, we need to get a squad of players that can challenge for promotion from the 4th division. I don't even think that Penford could walk into many a squad in the conference let alone our division. I am all for our youngsters breaking through especially seeing how Colbeck has changed this season, like I said last August about him, make or break.
Penford has had long enough at City to make his mark, but in all honesty can you say he HAS. Don't forget he is approaching his mid 20s so he really is not a "youngster" anymore.
I am sure we can pick up some players from the Conference that can do a better job than Penford that we can afford. We need to look at the BEST we can get, not a "he will do" signing, we have had too many of them over the years.
As Nathan Doyle has still to break into the Hull first team, couldn't we make an offer for him? He is a solid right-back and his versatility would allow him to cover centre-back too.
As for Penford having enough chances, I disagree. He has battled into the side numerous times only to pick up an injury or lose his place under a new manager. He needs to play games before we can really judge him. Personally, I don't think he has ever let us down, unlike Evans and Johnson.
Had most people got their wish this season, Colbeck would have been booted out. Now he has got his act together, he is a more consistent performer. Give the guy (penford) a proper chance and another contract.
Posted by: jaffalaffa, middle of the hills on 11:23pm Wed 26 Mar 08
Albion you are correct £1800 is a lot. However I understand that some of the 'stars' were on £3000 a week, if the team had won(the team in question is now in League 1). Will we ever see the pay structure at VP being made public? Freedom of Info and all that? I would offer Penford a contract, but it would only become lucrative if he was regularly appearing in a winning team.
Albion you are correct £1800 is a lot. However I understand that some of the 'stars' were on £3000 a week, if the team had won(the team in question is now in League 1). Will we ever see the pay structure at VP being made public? Freedom of Info and all that? I would offer Penford a contract, but it would only become lucrative if he was regularly appearing in a winning team.
Posted by: J0539H, Bradford on 11:28pm Wed 26 Mar 08
[quote][bold]maccy[/bold] wrote:
I never write on here but felt i needed to have a say after reading some of the comments. I can not people are saying Penford isn't good enough for us!! At the moment there aren't many players in that squad that perform to a decent enough standard for us to be pushing for promotion, but out of the few that are good enough, Penford is definatly on that list. He might not be a goal scorer but everything else in his game is excellent! His passing is first class and on Monday he was everywhere on the pitch attacking when we were on the counter and making the tackles in our box, I can't believe some people didn't see this!!
One of the signs of a good player is what he does without the ball, (supporting the player on the ball, creating spaces with dummy runs, etc) unfortunatly these things are easy to miss when your watching a live game as most people just follow the ball, but please before you say anything else about Penford, just watch him in the next match and see how good his movement is in supporting his team mates. I am a UFEA A qualified coach who has worked with a lot of the youngesters at crewe and that is one of the hardest things to teach and for the player to do, but Penford does it.
People say hes not good at tackleing because he's not strong enough, this is so far from the truth it's unbelieveable!! Fair enough he is quite skinny and can be known to get knocked off the ball, but that doesn't happen often and the last 2 games even proved that! and he goes in strong with the tackles which you don't have to be bulky to be able to do. Most people are judging him without seeing him play many games and so can not give a fair account of his abilities. Someone said above that he's had his chance but that is a joke!! How has he had a chance to prove himself by playing 4 games at a time in a season? He needs the first team experience to help him improve instead of just the reserves because there is a whole lot of difference between the two and this is the time for him to get this experience.
Penford ran his socks off on monday, for the team he supports and even showed how committed and pumped up he was by being the first player out after half time, sprinting past all the others who were jogging and didn't really seem that bothered, watch him next game and see if he does that again. Its little things like that, that shows who is interested in playing for the club and who just doesn't care, so why would we want to get rid of the players that do care?!?
I probably wont ever write on here again but needed to defend Penford after reading some of the comments on here and really hope he gets the new contract![/quote] Please do post again. This is one of the most logical and sensible comments we have seen on here.
I agree totally that the 'unseen' work that Penford does is excellent. He has an engine and defends our back four before supporting our front two. His assist at Rotherham was superb and shows his capabilities as a passer of the football.
All in all Maccy, an excellent first post. Make sure it ISN'T your last.
maccy wrote:
I never write on here but felt i needed to have a say after reading some of the comments. I can not people are saying Penford isn't good enough for us!! At the moment there aren't many players in that squad that perform to a decent enough standard for us to be pushing for promotion, but out of the few that are good enough, Penford is definatly on that list. He might not be a goal scorer but everything else in his game is excellent! His passing is first class and on Monday he was everywhere on the pitch attacking when we were on the counter and making the tackles in our box, I can't believe some people didn't see this!!
One of the signs of a good player is what he does without the ball, (supporting the player on the ball, creating spaces with dummy runs, etc) unfortunatly these things are easy to miss when your watching a live game as most people just follow the ball, but please before you say anything else about Penford, just watch him in the next match and see how good his movement is in supporting his team mates. I am a UFEA A qualified coach who has worked with a lot of the youngesters at crewe and that is one of the hardest things to teach and for the player to do, but Penford does it.
People say hes not good at tackleing because he's not strong enough, this is so far from the truth it's unbelieveable!! Fair enough he is quite skinny and can be known to get knocked off the ball, but that doesn't happen often and the last 2 games even proved that! and he goes in strong with the tackles which you don't have to be bulky to be able to do. Most people are judging him without seeing him play many games and so can not give a fair account of his abilities. Someone said above that he's had his chance but that is a joke!! How has he had a chance to prove himself by playing 4 games at a time in a season? He needs the first team experience to help him improve instead of just the reserves because there is a whole lot of difference between the two and this is the time for him to get this experience.
Penford ran his socks off on monday, for the team he supports and even showed how committed and pumped up he was by being the first player out after half time, sprinting past all the others who were jogging and didn't really seem that bothered, watch him next game and see if he does that again. Its little things like that, that shows who is interested in playing for the club and who just doesn't care, so why would we want to get rid of the players that do care?!?
I probably wont ever write on here again but needed to defend Penford after reading some of the comments on here and really hope he gets the new contract!
Please do post again. This is one of the most logical and sensible comments we have seen on here.
I agree totally that the 'unseen' work that Penford does is excellent. He has an engine and defends our back four before supporting our front two. His assist at Rotherham was superb and shows his capabilities as a passer of the football.
All in all Maccy, an excellent first post. Make sure it ISN'T your last.
Posted by: big neil, bury on 7:52am Thu 27 Mar 08
time to go back to basics flat back four with a destroyer in front of them like storey used to do for arsenal that frees up the more creative players look for a poacher to play alongside thorne if the spine of the side is strong the rest falls into place nearly every successfull side use these basic principles might not be pretty but it is effective
time to go back to basics flat back four with a destroyer in front of them like storey used to do for arsenal that frees up the more creative players look for a poacher to play alongside thorne if the spine of the side is strong the rest falls into place nearly every successfull side use these basic principles might not be pretty but it is effective
Posted by: peter, skipton on 3:18pm Thu 27 Mar 08
[quote][bold]SHAUN[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]JM[/bold] wrote: [quote][bold]SHAUN[/bold] wrote: You cant make this stuff up!!!!! Big Chuckle having said only 10 days ago he would not keep ONE player, just cant sign em up quick enough? This bloke U turns so much Im surprised he can stay upright.....Oh maybe thats Little Chuckles job?? [/quote] what are you on about?! he never said he would not keep any player on in the summer. "you couldn't make this stuff up" doesn't apply to you, you're living in a fantasy land and finding tedious things to complain about that aren't even ture. I don't understand why you hate stuart mccall so much? please explain rationally why you have come to this view point? I can accept you might not think he's done a decent job so far, but he's still a club legend and at least deserves more respect than to give him such a demeaning nickname and ridicule him for nothing. you must have been gutted about the weekend's results! to add my weight into the penford debate, he was brilliant at Rotherham on Saturday and if he can play like that every week he can be a big player for us next season. that is a very big 'if', but I'd keep him on as squad player and see if he can do it. [/quote] Sorry to burst your balloon JM, but after the Mansfield debacle SM told a group of supporters including myself he wouldnt keep any players who turned out that day.....from his own lips!! [/quote] Not true!
The retained list will prove that is a complete and total fabrication.
SHAUN wrote:
JM wrote: SHAUN wrote: You cant make this stuff up!!!!! Big Chuckle having said only 10 days ago he would not keep ONE player, just cant sign em up quick enough? This bloke U turns so much Im surprised he can stay upright.....Oh maybe thats Little Chuckles job??
what are you on about?! he never said he would not keep any player on in the summer. "you couldn't make this stuff up" doesn't apply to you, you're living in a fantasy land and finding tedious things to complain about that aren't even ture. I don't understand why you hate stuart mccall so much? please explain rationally why you have come to this view point? I can accept you might not think he's done a decent job so far, but he's still a club legend and at least deserves more respect than to give him such a demeaning nickname and ridicule him for nothing. you must have been gutted about the weekend's results! to add my weight into the penford debate, he was brilliant at Rotherham on Saturday and if he can play like that every week he can be a big player for us next season. that is a very big 'if', but I'd keep him on as squad player and see if he can do it.
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