Hungbo had a half-decent spell at Ross County (in the Scottish Premiership, but for argument's sake, let's say League 2 level, lower League 1 level at a push), but Pollock was pretty impressive (YPotY I think?) for Cheltenham in L1 so I don't think it's a push to say he can have a solid career at that level in future. He is young, and with experience I am sure he can improve, but any higher than L1 might be a push with his lack of pace tbf
Too slow and lacks any kind of positional sense - it’s not often this is said. But I honestly suspect he will regress from his current level instead of improve. Should never have been bought by a team at a higher level like us. Grimsby (close to being related to non-league) to Watford was a huge jump in training class. And it’s clearly been a factor. He’s just really bad. Despite his accolades last season, even Cheltenham fans pointed to his obvious weaknesses.
That would make sense if Pollock hadn't already shown himself to be decent at League One level. He's still young, the mobility isn't there but the basics are. He'll have a decent career at League One level imo.
I think he showed himself to be okay in a poor L1 team. He didn’t stand out in a league-wide level. I just think he shows some many glaring weaknesses that won’t be improved by age. But genuinely happy to agree to disagree on this one.
Pace can get you out of a whole heap of trouble but if you are slow to sluggish then you need to be one of the "Greats" to play at Champ\Prem level.
Always seemed an odd signing. Didn’t seem to have demonstrated enough to warrant the signing given his obvious lack of pace. It’s as though someone said “sign a young English defender- tick”.
All sorts of cubs interested in him on loan. Exeter , Barnsley for example. https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/l...er-barnsley-in-race-for-watford-defender/amp/ And Sheffield Wednesday .
Barnsley, Exeter and Sheffield Wednesday all play with a back 3. For Pollock's sake, if he's going to improve as a player and kick on in his career I think he should be aiming to play at a club in League One which plays a back 4. He's already done quite well in a back 3 in League One, but it's also an easier role with his deficiencies being partly covered for by 2 other defenders. If he wants to learn and develop then being one of only 2 CBs would showcase him more as a player and be more rewarding.
Maguire has managed to make a good career, although Pollock is even slower. Maybe it'll ultimately be the case, but neither he nor we will find out if he's always playing in a back 3 - otherwise it could become too much of a crutch for him.
Looks like Exeter won the race to sign Pollock on loan. Exeter City agree loan deal to sign Watford defender Mattie Pollock (footballinsider247.com)
Hopefully we’ve included an offer where we can make some of our money back, as he is absolutely pony.
Good move for the lad. Clearly has the passion and leadership potential to make a good career for himself, but will never be more than a Championship player unfortunately
Pollock was part of the squad today. He was seen getting off the bus and walking into the changing rooms. So I guess this WTE transfer has happened quickly, and we’re holding back on the loan to Exeter for now.
Other than being slow and unable to pass to a teammate, how did he get on ? Actually doesn't sound too bad in the BBC report " It was not until the last 10 minutes of the game that Aberdeen caved in, and that can be put down to tiredness given McCrorie's early departure. For much of the match, MacDonald and Pollock launched themselves at high balls and blocked speculative shots by Alex Greive and Strain. They got lucky with Main's miss and Kiltie's header that struck the bar, but for all the disappointment at a ninth defeat in 11 games, there are grounds for some hope that Aberdeen can solve their defensive lapses."
Sounds like he did alright at the actual defending aspect. Looks like he attempted and failed to complete quite a few long passes which might explain the poor passing accuracy. Aberdeen probably went long after going down to ten men early on.
Well his only game at the Vic was against MK Dons in front of about 7k so probably hasn't heard a big crowd cheer. I bet they weren't so vocal and supportive the other night when Aberdeen lost.
