[Archived] Keith Andrews - Rovers Newest Signing

[LeChuck]

Tris - do you honestly think there's been a game so far this season where there has been an alternative to Andrews in midfield who could last the ninety minutes?

Even this week, our only midfield alternative was Emerton, and he was never going to be starting that game.

I honestly don't believe there has been an occasion so far this season where Andrews has been picked ahead of another midfielder for reasons other than injuries/match fitness. It does seem like this will be tested very shortly though, with Reid and Emerton both playing for the reserves and N'Zonzi probably not out for long.

It'll be very interesting to see what happens when at least one of those three are 100% fit.

[Iceman]

Its got to be Grella and Dunny in central midfield if both stay fit. My worry is where does Bert play? Only way to accomodate Bert is in a 4-1-4-1 formation with Grella in front of the back 4 and Emerton alongside Dunn. Again it would mean 1 striker.

[LeChuck]

Sam's always set up his teams in some form of 4-5-1/4-3-3. It's not difficult to see the resemblance to his Bolton team:

Okocha = Dunn (flair)

Campo = Grella (protection)

Speed = Andrews (box-to-box enthusiasm)

Diouf = Diouf

??? = Pedersen (was it Stelios? Can't remember)

I'm pretty sure this kind of line-up is here to stay. I think Benni could probably do a decent job in Dunn's position should he get injured again.

[rebelmswar]

Sam's always set up his teams in some form of 4-5-1/4-3-3. It's not difficult to see the resemblance to his Bolton team:

Okocha = Dunn (flair)

Campo = Grella (protection)

Speed = Andrews (box-to-box enthusiasm)

Diouf = Diouf

??? = Pedersen (was it Stelios? Can't remember)

I'm pretty sure this kind of line-up is here to stay. I think Benni could probably do a decent job in Dunn's position should he get injured again.

I see your point and it is well made.

However, Andrews is no Speed. As much as I like Andrews I would not say that he is what Speed was, nor will ever be.

[den]

Tris, it makes no difference to me whether he plays every game until the end of the season, or doesn't appear at all.

What kind of judge would have to rely on whether KA is playing in the first team or the reserves, to be able to make an assessment? I mean Ashley Ward was a good premier league striker going by Jonno and your criteria. It's a daft way of arguing a case.

It really should be easy to watch a player in a game and see how he looks. Over 47 years I must have seen hundreds of central midfielders playing for Rovers, most of them in the lower leagues. In my opinion, KA would come in the bottom half of that list based on ability.

How's that for a new angle on the debate?

[rebelmswar]

It really should be easy to watch a player in a game and see how he looks. Over 47 years I must have seen hundreds of central midfielders playing for Rovers, most of them in the lower leagues. In my opinion, KA would come in the bottom half of that list based on ability.

To start it would make sense to ask for a list of the central midfielders that you think were worse, so we can see what bracket you have Andrews in.

I am assuming that it will be a pretty short list, would he be above Lars Bohinen as an example?

[den]

To start it would make sense to ask for a list of the central midfielders that you think were worse, so we can see what bracket you have Andrews in.

I am assuming that it will be a pretty short list, would he be above Lars Bohinen as an example?

I opened myself up to that rebelsmwar I expected it though.

No lists I'm afraid, there have been hundreds in the 47 years I've been watching. It was a general assumption of where I thought he would come.

Just a different angle on the discussion. No doubt plenty will doubt.

Let me say this as well. Some don't rate him and say so after a game, some do rate him and say so after a game. If it had been left at that, we wouldn't have three thousand pages on here. The whole continuing debate is caused by one person, now two, that say the doubters are wrong because Sam picks him. All the time. Poor argument.

[mellison24]

I do quite like Andrews, BUT only in the same way I liked Kuqi, Ward, Mokoena. They didn't have too much ability but my GOD they tried very hard. Comparisons with Atkins are slightly unfair on Atko imo. Atko was able to adapt his game as a running midfielder and he was a busybody. I don't even notice Andrews at times, but I certainly admire his effort when I do see him. He may not be a blessed player, but God loves a trier and so should we.

[thenodrog]

I'd keep Andrews over Reid these days, being blunt. Better the Devil you know on this one.

Me too. Reid is not that good and is a sick note. But it's a lousy choice you've offered ozzie. I'd rather both were on their way and replaced by one better come the January sales.

[Exiled in Toronto]

The whole continuing debate is caused by one person, now two, that say the doubters are wrong because Sam picks him. All the time. Poor argument.

:lol: Says the man who has posted the same view 142 times.

Has it not occured to you that your opinion, to which you are perfectly entitled as are we all, is an even poorer argument? A opinion is not an argument as in being a reasoned case supported by facts. All you keep saying is that you know a crap football player when you see one. It's like a copper standing up in court saying, 'I know a villain when I see one' and that being the entire case for the prosecution!

[T4E]

It's like a copper standing up in court saying, 'I know a villain when I see one' and that being the entire case for the prosecution!

Its a perfectly fine case for the prosecution if 20,000 people watch that thief nicking stuff every Saturday afternoon.

[Fife Rover]

"It's pointless arguing", so just accept my version?

Oh, OK Miker.

To be honest Den, any of the many protagonists in this particular pointless argument could use the same line you have just used. I realise that in this case you were speaking metaphorically, but others could use the same words and actually mean them, and to the many long suffering readers the distinction can easily become blurred.

It REALLY is time this completely fruitless debate was ended once and for all by everyone agreeing to disagree and accept that any selection of 100 viewers are each going to have differing opinions on whatever they are all watching, whether it is Keith Andrews or any other player. So why argue and get to ill feelings with each other? Just leave it and move on all of you.

[T4E]

I don't even notice Andrews at times

Thats my issue with him. You can easily go 20 minutes without seeing him anywhere near the play. That to me suggests we could do better.

[den]

To be honest Den, any of the many protagonists in this particular pointless argument could use the same line you have just used.

Yes Fife and there wouldn't be an argument in that case just a difference of opinion. To be told your wrong because he's in the team, by someone who's not able to discuss the strengths and weaknesses, is the difference.

For example.

[Exiled in Toronto]

Its a perfectly fine case for the prosecution if 20,000 people watch that thief nicking stuff every Saturday afternoon.

Well they didn't last saturday; in fact most of them seemed to applaud him several times for carrying an old codger's shopping, as in doing Dunn's tracking back, defending and tackling.

Still, once a villain, always a villain!

[den]

:lol: Says the man who has posted the same view 142 times.

Says the man who can't follow a discussion.

I suppose you go along with the "manager knows best" argument as well? :D

EDIT, well of course you do.

[Exiled in Toronto]

I can't follow your 'argument' that's for sure. I know you have an opinion, but that's about all I've gleaned so far.

As to my views, you are wrong, but after 143 posts I'm not surprised you are beginning to make stuff up

[Exiled_Rover]

Well they didn't last saturday; in fact most of them seemed to applaud him several times for carrying an old codger's shopping, as in doing Dunn's tracking back, defending and tackling.

Still, once a villain, always a villain!

That's a fair trade, Dunn did all of Andrews' attacking.

[jim mk2]

Where's Andrews's mum / dad / brother / agent etc etc ?

[den]

Where's Andrews's mum / dad / brother / agent etc etc ?

He's watching.

Bet you can't guess what he's going to say.

[jim mk2]

He's watching.

Bet you can't guess what he's going to say.

Um, let me see.

Opta stats blah blah, Sam Allardyce knows best right blah blah, Trapattoni picks him blah blah, new 4-year contract blah blah, he's always right and everyone else is wrong blah blah ??

[Stuart]

I wouldn't be surprised if Sam is playing Andrews just to ###### us all off. We should start cheering him on and make him a bit of a cult hero.

Then Sam would probably drop him!

[rebelmswar]

I wouldn't be surprised if Sam is playing Andrews just to ###### us all off. We should start cheering him on and make him a bit of a cult hero.

Then Sam would probably drop him!

Sam is a good judge of players, he must play him for a good reason.

If the reason is he is the best we have......

I just had one of those fading moments.

[joey_big_nose]

Sam is a good judge of players, he must play him for a good reason.

If the reason is he is the best we have......

I just had one of those fading moments.

I can't see Grella getting dropped and NZonzi, Emerton, Reid and Salgado (who Sam will certainly find a place somewhere) are all going to be available. If Andrews survives the next three games then he is officially certified as Sam approved.

Personally I think Andrews is okay but I would put Emerton well ahead of him. NZonzi and Reid it is far less clear cut, but I would give the french lad the experience. Salgado is an unknown in midfield. If jug ears manages to hang on I will be impressed.

[Miker]

"It's pointless arguing", so just accept my version?

Oh, OK Miker.

Sorry for giving a reasonable and neutral view on the matter. I should just take Jonno's stance and worship the ground Andrews walks on or continually slate him for no good reason.

All the points I made were valid observations of what has occured so far with Andrews, rather than biased opinions you've been throwing out on every thread.

Sorry for contributing a mature response to this topic