If I knew how to work these boards i would post a poll on a Fossie / Rich "who should play against Reading if fit." On the other hand we could just wait til Saturday and see what Aidy thinks.
I was a bit nervous when he came to catch the ball (always have because of past experiences unfortunately). But he made up for it with some outstanding reflex saves. His kicking has also improved a lot since 2 seasons ago (wonder if Ben is helping him?). Just needs better communication with the defence – for example his misunderstanding with Shittu (who was the player in the wrong imo should have just hoofed it clear).
I have always been a big fan of Ben, even in the early days, when many of you lot used to slate him, but I have to say that he may struggle to get back in the team. Lee has done a brilliant job since Ben has been out, culminating in what I consider the MOM performace tonight. Its fantastic that Richard is playing so well, I'm sure that having Ben around has brought him on in leaps and bounds (no pun intended) ;D . Right now we have two excellent keepers at our disposal, and as Ben is most likely not going to be around next season, maybe it is time to give Richard a run in the team? I would not have suggested this before Richards recent run of performances, but I think he is now good enough. If Lee remains as consistant as he has been of late, I no longer think that we need to bring in a new keeper when Ben has to leave us, Richard has come good, and I think Ben may well have helped Lee to do that.
Several points. 1. I have and will continue to be Lee's biggest critic. 2. He was superb last night. I don't recall anyone saying he is a rubbish player? he has always been a very good shot stopper, this was proven last night when he excelled! However yet again we still had the indecisive moments, see row with Shittu when he froze and should have come and collected. people say his kicking has improved vastly, which is questionable. Distance wise yes it has, accuracy no it hasn't, for those with short memories please remember last Tuesday night and 90% of kicks searching out our giants of wingers. i don't want to take anything away from a superb performance but it was only one game. Would Ben have pulled of all the stops Lee made last night, hard to tell, may be not?
Hi Jon, Fair play to you giving Rich the plaudits he deserves for last night. Just one point - the error with Shittu was more down to Danny being indecisive than Rich imo.
Interesting point Colin, we had the luxury of Dan shouting at him to come, something i guess not picked up on the TV?
Didn't get to see the game I'm afraid, but glad that Rich is recieving rave reviews from those who did (even Jobr!). I think that between the sticks is not one of our problem areas, with two great 'keepers at present. Having witnessed the likes of Digweed and Cherry in the past, I am very happy with our custodians at present and would be more than happy to see Rich installed as 1st choice when Foster goes back oop narth next season.
Certainly didn't hear a call on the tv and that would make a difference but it would have been a long way to come with a forward bearing down. All's well etc.
Well Done Lee. Will Come Good For Us. Just Behind Were He Should Be, Cause He Wasted His Opp At Blackburn. He S Young And Will Make Mistakes, But Still Has The Skill To A Good Keeper
Jon, absolutley spot on fella! Pretty much word for word was i was going to say! Lee was superb last night, his shot stopping has NEVER been questioned by ANYONE...however, there were still moments of indecision as there were at Pompey! He's improving though and he's great to have as a SECOND CHOICE, unfortunatley i think his frame and height lets him down, he's not very commanding! There was an instance in the first half where he had to tip a ball over the bar, where Foster would have caught it! His kicking has improved in terms of distance but not accuracy! Do people forget last week against sheff utd where he picked Mcnamee out with 75% of his kicks?! A very much deserved MOTM last night for Rich...he and Shittu in paticular were fantastic!
To be honest it looked six of one half a dozen of the other... Lee was expecting it to be passed back to him Shittu was expecting him to come for it.. lack of communication at worst. We saw Danny shouting at Lee after the event however that doesnt make it Lee's error, Lee would have been justified IMO to shout at Shittu in the same vein for not passing it back to him sooner... but lets be fair.. would you shout at Shittu?? i wouldnt.. hes a monster!! lol
the point is wfchornet2 was Shittu called for him to come in the first instance, lee didn't. So i don't see the communication bit being an issue. Afterwards Lee did give Dan some back, so it wasn't one sided.
Big Dan is built like a brick dannyhouse but he strikes me as a gentle giant. I would like to see him being more physical along the lines of a Malky. I just think he needs to be a bit meaner and scare the hell out of the forwards.
To be fair i was of the opinion watching it that Lee should have come for it once Shittu had got so far in.. was the obvious thing to do.. though Shittu should have played it back to him to clear in the first instance to prevent any possibility of him being muscled off the ball and Lee being rounded... the idea is to clear the ball in the fastest and best way possible at the time.. like i said in the begining.. 50/50... they both were at fault.. not either or... both made a mistake in that play... as it is.. nothing came of it so no harm was done.
I have always rated Lee. Some have judged him harshly but it is difficult to build on your performances when you don`t get an extended run in the side. Alec can do it but I thgink it is pretty rare. I estimated he was about 10% behind Ben in performance terms, but with more games he has the potential to be great (he is no midget). Blackburn have lost a potential bargain buy - he never wanted to leave, and will be at Watford after Ben goes home.
He's a good reflex shot stopper, and is definately competant enough to be Fosters number 2, coming in when Bens injured. However, is he good enough to be a premiership sides no.1 ? His performance yesterday was fantastic.
I still think Lee is too short and flaps to much on crosses, I've always said he is a fantastic shot stopper, but thats as far as it goes, Ben is and always will be a better goalkeeper, unless Lee has a late growth spurt.
