[Archived] Judge, Simpson, Dunn, Pedersen And Emerton

[joey_big_nose]

Well the window has closed and I personally feel we have done okay except for the provision of a right winger. Getting McCarthy out and Ollic or someone else in also would have made sense but that could just be down to Keane temporarily recovering from his permanent lunacy.

Rovers didn't get a right winger in obviously which is a disappointment. I thought there was zero chance we wouldn't sign anyone and I thought there was a decent chance we would sign someone good! Not to be. So where do we go from here? Bizarrely we actually have a lot of people who "theoretically" can play there.

Reid - Didn't put him in the title becuase, unfortunately, he is just so so awful I think he is going to find himself terminally benched/out of the squad. Did a decent shift in the first game against Everton but had stinkers against West Ham and Hull. His major talent is imposing himself physically on a game - something anyway more suited to the centre than out wide - but this seems to of escaped him since coming back for injury.

Derbyshire - Again didn't stick him in there because he just doesn't suit RW. Its a shame in a way because he has a cracking cross, but lacks the skill or pace to make up for his slight frame out wide. Plus to be honest we need him to cover the striking roles!

Judge - Supposed to be promising. If he is as good as Treacy I would be delighted. Anyone want to weigh in with an assessment?

Simpson - I know next to nothing about him apart from he is a right back who is supposed to be able to play right wing? Can he play right wing? Anyone got an opinion?

Dunn - Not really a wide player but can do a job there, provided he is given a lot of license to go forward. It works better if you play him in a combo with Emerton who can overlap and provide the width (which he is excellent at) allowing our Dave to cut in. Andrews would take his spot in the centre and play with Grella. This is my personal favourite of the (rather poor) options, although I don't know anything about Judge or Simpson.

Pedersen - Getting a bit desperate here but Pedersen can use both feet and could play right. Also looks soon to be ousted from his berth by Treacy so will be available and, in terms of experience out right, he does quite often swap sides with players during games. However for me he lacks the ability to run at people which I feel is crucial to be able to play on the unfamiliar side of the pitch. If you need to cut in you need to make room for yourself. I can't see the Ped doing that.

Emerton - The current first choice incumbrant. Personally I much much prefer him at Right Back. There he is outstanding on the overlap. At right wing he works hard, covers masses of ground, when he does find the space (very rare) can put in an okay cross. However he literally is the most unimaginative player I have ever seen. Mokoena has more creativity! Stock defending from a left back (show him to the outside, block him off etc.) completely nullifies him. Just not an option in the long term.

So there we have it. Lots to choose from, not neccessarily the end of the world we didn't sign anyone. However in order for us to have anything that looks more than makeshift we are depending on two youngsters to step up - Simpson (who is more billed as a right back anyway) or our own Judge who seems to be enjoying some real form in the Reserves. The Dunn/Emo combination could work but then do we want to move arguably our midfield best player from the centre to wide right?

What are everyones thoughts?

[CAPT KAYOS]

Well the window has closed and I personally feel we have done okay except for the provision of a right winger. Getting McCarthy out and Ollic or someone else in also would have made sense but that could just be down to Keane temporarily recovering from his permanent lunacy.

Rovers didn't get a right winger in obviously which is a disappointment. I thought there was zero chance we wouldn't sign anyone and I thought there was a decent chance we would sign someone good! Not to be. So where do we go from here? Bizarrely we actually have a lot of people who "theoretically" can play there.

Reid - Didn't put him in the title becuase, unfortunately, he is just so so awful I think he is going to find himself terminally benched/out of the squad. Did a decent shift in the first game against Everton but had stinkers against West Ham and Hull. His major talent is imposing himself physically on a game - something more suited to the centre than out wide - but this seems to of escaped him since coming back for injury.

Derbyshire - Again didn't stick him in there because he just doesn't suit RW. Its a shame in a way because he has a cracking cross, but he just lacks the skill or pace to make up for his slight frame out wide. Plus to be honest we need him to cover the striking roles!

Judge - Supposed to be promising. If he is as good as Treacy I would be delighted. Anyone want to weigh in with an assessment?

Simpson - I know next to nothing about him apart from he is a right back who is supposed to be able to play right wing? Can he play right wing? Anyone got an opinion?

Dunn - Not really a wide player but can do a job there, provided he is given a lot of license to go forward. It works better if you play him in a combo with Emerton who can overlap and provide the width (which he is excellent at) allowing our Dave to cut in. Andrews would take his spot in the centre and play with Grella. This is my personal favourite of the (rather poor) options, although I don't know anything about Judge or Simpson.

Pedersen - Getting a bit desperate here but Pedersen can use both feet and could play right. Also looks soon to be ousted from his berth by Treacy so will be available and, in terms of experience out right, he does quite often swap sides with players during games. However for me he lacks the ability to run at people which I feel is crucial to be able to play on the unfamiliar side of the pitch. If you need to cut in you need to make room for yourself. I can't see the Ped doing that.

Emerton - The current first choice incumbrant. Personally I much much prefer him at Right Back. There he is outstanding on the overlap. At right wing he works hard, covers masses of ground, when he does find the space (very rare) can put in an okay cross. However he literally is the most uminaginative player I have ever seen. Mokoena has more creativity! Stock defending from a left back (show him to the outside, block him off etc.) completely nullifies him. Just not an option in the long term.

So there we have it. Lots to choose from, not neccessarily the end of the world we didn't sign anyone. However in order for us to have anything that looks more than makeshift we are depending on two youngsters to step up - Simpson (who is more billed as a right back anyway) or our own Judge who seems to be enjoying some real form in the Reserves. The Dunn/Emo combination could work but then do we want to move arguably our midfield best player from the centre to wide right?

What ae everyones thoughts?

JUDGE - as I have posted on other threads - to me this guy has something to offer and I feel is a diamond just waiting to be polished. Probably not an out and out wide player in the sense of the word but is industrious skillful can cross a ball and is a little nippy rather than super fast with an eye for goal.

IMO we have more than enough to cover the role dependent on how Ince sets up the team until the next transfer window - maybe not be ideal but is sufficient.

[CrazyIvan]

I can see us putting Emo there for some games with Judge on the bench bringing him on later in the game to see how he copes. That does seem to be Ince's way, one of which I heartily approve. 'Blooding' youngsters can only be a good thing for the future of Rovers as a club, for the first team, the reserves, the Academy and the transfer budget.

Personally, I'd love to see Emo back at right back with Dunn out there. We can do that now we have Grella and Andrews as additional cover in midfield.

As an aside, can't see a lot of room for Tugay now, at least not on a regular basis. Hope he hangs around for a lot longer though, I think he has the makings of a decent coach.

[briansol]

You forgot Treacy! He's got two good feet and I think he's even played right winger for the reserves several times. Can anybody confirm this?

[joey_big_nose]

You forgot Treacy! He's got two good feet and I think he's even played right winger for the reserves several times. Can anybody confirm this?

I thought about that, but he has looked so good on the left I would be inclined to just let him work his way into the team from there rather than messing him around whilst he is building his confidence.

[Martin]

Simpson - a right back so no.

Emerton - Will do a job. He is becoming a victim of his own versatility. He'd be my no.1 choice.

Treacy - Keep on the left as back up for Mort.

Reid - Not convinced he's worth a place on the bench let alone the right wing.

Judge - Give him a chance. Reminds me of David Thompson.

Dunn - He's been our best midfielder in pre season and the early games. Why move him to the wing?

Pedersen - Keep him on the left. He gives us balance.

Derbyshire - Will never make it on the wing.

[Bobby G]

Emerton is the most gifted of the lot but we have seen time and again that he flatters to deceive from the higher up position on the right. He is much more solid defensively and it makes more sense having him as an attacking right back than a winger.

I would consider putting Judge in, especially if Emerton plays right back.

[joey_big_nose]

Emerton is the most gifted of the lot but we have seen time and again that he flatters to deceive from the higher up position on the right. He is much more solid defensively and it makes more sense having him as an attacking right back than a winger.

What do you mean "gifted"?! Surely not in terms of skill? Perhaps in the athletic sense but certainly not in the footballing sense....

[Wing Wizard Windy Miller]

Me, Me I can do it

[ihateburnley]

Emerton is the most gifted of the lot but we have seen time and again that he flatters to deceive from the higher up position on the right. He is much more solid defensively and it makes more sense having him as an attacking right back than a winger.

I would consider putting Judge in, especially if Emerton plays right back.

In my opinion, Emerton is not as good technically as some would like to think. His strengths lie on being off the ball and winning back possession - and therefore is more suited to a defensive role. However, there are different off the ball attributes requires to make a good winger, and his positioning is very average. I have been watching Emerton very closely so far this season, and I don't think he has got what it takes for right midfield. For a start, he just isn't confident running at people and likes to cut back/pass back in order to retain possession. He isn't quick enough - his physique is more designed to hold people off the ball and to put his weight around a little - yet in todays game you need wingers that are like ###### off a shovel. You just watch when he gets the ball on the right, has no other options as such, and is urged by supporters to run with the ball - it just doesn't happen convincingly.

So I was very disappointed that we didn't sign a right-winger this window. However I have never seen Judge play and the comments on here sound very convincing. I think though that both Emerton (too defensive) and Reid (not quite good enough, lacks creativity) are not our solutions to the right-wing spot, certainly at home. If and when Villanueva is ready to start playing regularly I would fancy finding him a space in the middle/on the left and rejigging the midfield to incorporate Pedersen, Carlos, Dunn and Grella - but in which ever roles they see fit.

Maybe it would be worth going to a 5-3-2 with attacking fullbacks. Now I'm not usually a big fan of tactics like this, and quite often I believe there's too much read into what formation we play. But if we have Warnock and Emerton/Simpson as full backs with Samba, Nelsen and Ooijer as a back three unit, I think that could work. We then have Dunn, Pedersen and Grella/Vogel/Reid/Whoever playing more centrally. That would admittedly not give the team much width, but we our blatant lack of any kind of pace, maybe we shouldn't be utilitising width just for the sake of it.

Just a thought.

[Veevs]

In my opinion, Emerton is not as good technically as some would like to think. His strengths lie on being off the ball and winning back possession - and therefore is more suited to a defensive role. However, there are different off the ball attributes requires to make a good winger, and his positioning is very average. I have been watching Emerton very closely so far this season, and I don't think he has got what it takes for right midfield. For a start, he just isn't confident running at people and likes to cut back/pass back in order to retain possession. He isn't quick enough - his physique is more designed to hold people off the ball and to put his weight around a little - yet in todays game you need wingers that are like ###### off a shovel. You just watch when he gets the ball on the right, has no other options as such, and is urged by supporters to run with the ball - it just doesn't happen convincingly.

So I was very disappointed that we didn't sign a right-winger this window. However I have never seen Judge play and the comments on here sound very convincing. I think though that both Emerton (too defensive) and Reid (not quite good enough, lacks creativity) are not our solutions to the right-wing spot, certainly at home. If and when Villanueva is ready to start playing regularly I would fancy finding him a space in the middle/on the left and rejigging the midfield to incorporate Pedersen, Carlos, Dunn and Grella - but in which ever roles they see fit.

Maybe it would be worth going to a 5-3-2 with attacking fullbacks. Now I'm not usually a big fan of tactics like this, and quite often I believe there's too much read into what formation we play. But if we have Warnock and Emerton/Simpson as full backs with Samba, Nelsen and Ooijer as a back three unit, I think that could work. We then have Dunn, Pedersen and Grella/Vogel/Reid/Whoever playing more centrally. That would admittedly not give the team much width, but we our blatant lack of any kind of pace, maybe we shouldn't be utilitising width just for the sake of it.

Just a thought.

Given the squad we have 5-3-2 might be our best chance...

===Simpson (or Emerton) - Ooijer Nelson Samba (or Zuru)- Warnock===

=================Grella Emerton (or Reid)================

=================Dunn or Carlos======================

=================Roberts Santa=======================

[frosty]

It'll have to be Emerton, although he is much better at RB. Then put Simpson at RB because Ooijer isn't one.

[Billy Castell]

I'd give Judge a go.

[Plastic Head]

I'd give Judge a go.

Judge is better in the middle.

[Teemu]

Reid - Didn't put him in the title becuase, unfortunately, he is just so so awful I think he is going to find himself terminally benched/out of the squad. Did a decent shift in the first game against Everton but had stinkers against West Ham and Hull. His major talent is imposing himself physically on a game - something anyway more suited to the centre than out wide - but this seems to of escaped him since coming back for injury.

IMO, people are a little harsh on him. He did actually put in at least two good crosses for Roque to miss against Everton and did pass the goal against Hull.

Can't remember that much of the Wham game. But by no means he is Bentley or my first choice winger but Rovers aren't either relegation fodder with Reid in the wing.

It may turn out that he is the next Jason Roberts in a way...

I'd also just like to wait out and see how things turn out when we get that Pineapple man fit. We've actually created quite a few chances even know in the games we have played. Perhaps more than in some games last season with Bentley

[Billy Castell]

Is he? Just like all the other players we have. Typical. OK then, I am going to say Pedersen, with Treacy on the left.

[Plastic Head]

Is he? Just like all the other players we have. Typical. OK then, I am going to say Pedersen, with Treacy on the left.

He certainly played well in the centre last night.

As for Pedersen my favoured position for him would be sub.

I was hoping for better from Simpson and maybe let Emerton play on the right but haven't been too impressed so far.

[MarkBRFC71]

Let's be honest - we're clutching at straws because of the club's failure to fill a key position, which has needed filling for nigh on 2 months. None of the names mentioned are good enough to be a first choice right winger, and we've struggled to create anything down the right in 3 games - so I'm not hopeful for the next 15 or so until January.

Emerton is a right back, as is Simpson, Reid is not good enough, ditto Derbyshire, Judge looks ok but lacks experience, and if Peds is as bad on the right as the left then forget it.

Pennant - and I'm not his biggest fan - would have been a HUGE improvement on what we've got know, and would have been worth a go. Other than that we've had plenty of time to loan someone until we could make up our mind who we wanted to buy.

We had a chance to show the better players at the club we are ambitious, but the only signing we've made which may even come close to meeting expectation is Carlos - the rest are underwhelming to say the least.

Top 10 with the current squad? I don't think so.

[RoverRich]

I reckon Judge should be given a go sooner rather than later. He may be better in the middle but he is unlikely to make it in the middle for us and looked to have potential on the wing during pre season. Can't be much worse than what we have already seen so he should be given a chance but probably not against the Arse!

[andrew92]

................................Robinson

.....simpson........nelson.........samba........warnock

.....emerton.......dunn........grella.........pedersen

.............................villavenueva

..............santa cruz

thats the team i would lay with the team we have now, but we have far to many CMs, we need a right mid.

[joey_big_nose]

Well, since we are getting into making up formations (which is one of my favourite pastimes) this is what I would go for:

---------------------Cruz

---Treacy----Carlos----Andrews----Dunn

---------------------Grella

Warnock----Nelsen----Ooijer----Emerton

--------------------Robinson

(Got the GK right just for you Le Chuck)

It all depends whether Andrews and Treacy are really as good as they looked against West Ham or not. But for me they were both decent and look like they could slot in at the expense of Pedersen and Reid who are far too pedestrian to make a 451 effective. For the formation to work Emerton would just get a licence to hammer down the right flank all the time, like he did when Bentley was here. Dunn would tuck in on the right and look to get in to support Cruz and create room for Emerson on the overlap, and once big Dave tires Judge could be introduced to "blood" him. Warnock on the other hand would be expected to be a little more defensive and let Treacy roam forward with the only genuine pace in the team!

It would be a shame to leave out Roberts as he has been excellent but it hard to see how we can play two up top and accommodate Carlos who we really really need to get into the side.

Could be a good attacking formation which would allow us to win the ball in midfield and hopefully retain it.

[Bazrakats]

Doesnt ince prefer a 4231 formation.

Iv never seen Judge play but sounds promising. Youth is always worth a chance he could hardly be worse than playing Reid there.

On Emerton he does sometimes make good run in to the box and probably will be more likely to chip in with goals.

[Billy Castell]

How about a sort of Brazilian 4-2-2-2?

Robinson

Simpson or Emo/Ouijer/Nelsen/Warnock

Grella/Andrews

Villaneuva/Pedersen

Derbs/RSC

It may seem a little narrow, and we are lacking a Kaka, but if our full backs are up to bombing up and down for 90 minutes it may work. The personnel I have quoted were just off the top of my head.

[tcj_jones]

Time to give the youth a chance. Treacy on the left and Judge on the right. For the record, I've thought that Treacy should be starting since West Ham on Saturday when I thought he looked quality.

I'd line up:

Robinson

Emerton / Oiijer / Nelsen / Warnock

Judge / Andrews / Dunn / Treacy

Villanueva

Santa Cruz

[RoverRich]

Its quite funny how lots of Rovers fans slated the signing of Andrews yet a lot of them now want him in the starting line up. I would agree with andrew92's team for now but in time the team tcj_jones suggested could be well worth a try with Judge and Treacy especially if Pedersen doesn't improve and our right wingers don't look too good.