[Archived] Morten Gamst Pedersen

[gumboots]

Is anyone going to deny that he's had a prolonged dip of a number of years where by and large he's not played very well?

I don't think anyone would deny that since the Chelsea semi he's been well below what we know he can do. He's always wimped out of tackles and sometimes not tracked back as others would like to see him do. However, he has always worked for the team and even when not playing well he doesn't hide. Other teams and their fans are worried about him which takes the pressure off other players and allows them more space, and when he starts playing like he has been recently, we've got a player on our hands. He's rarely injured, doesn't sulk but just works to get his place back if he's dropped and yes, I know there was the pronged contract stuff this summer, but then that's how it goes now that players have more power.

[RibbleValleyRover]

Seems to have found his crossing boots again, time to put him back on the wing imo.

[Amo]

Seems to have found his crossing boots again, time to put him back on the wing imo.

If he's finding form in the centre, leave him there. I don't think he's got the legs to play wide.

[Bobby G]

He doesnt have the legs for sure, so keep him where he is doing well. I'd argue he has been involved in 75% of our goals at the very least. Two corners today, and a free kick which led to goals. He put in an amazing cross in the first half too.

[The Rover of Finland]

Right now JW looks like a genius. He gave Morten the deal which many of us wouldn´t have given. Genius or not but he is the man for Rovers at the moment. I wasn´t a fan but I´m beginning to warm.

[Exiled_Rover]

Stunning free kick for the third goal - really unplayable.

Suddenly we look a danger from set pieces, which is why we're picking up results. Long may this purple patch of Morten's continue.

[Amo]

When he whips set-pieces into the box there's always a danger of them deflecting off someone. Much improved over those slow, lofted balls which are no good to anyone.

[Tom]

This guy is vital to us at present, he plays well and more often than not we will get something from the game.

Would have liked to see him put his boot through that chance at the end ala old school Morten though

Hope he can keep up this form he seems to be hitting his crosses with confidence at the minute, one from deep on the left in the first half was superb, real pace and whip.

[tony gale's mic]

After reading his blog over the last month or so he's definitely moved into the "love him" category, this is coming from someone who was anti-Gamst for quite a while.

He has massive amounts of love for our club and is a true Rover.

[BigNuts]

Absolutely agree. If everyone around the club had his positivity on and off the field we wouldn't go far wrong

[Ossydave]

Must admit I enjoy reading the blog too, I was also a bit anti-MGP previously, through frustration with some of his play more than anything else mind.

[Tom]

I've said it before recently but if everyone put in the effort he does then we would have no problems.

Great lad to have on board.

According to twitter him, Roberts, Mama and Papa Diouf, Junior Hoilett, Nelsen and Givet were out for a meal last night and if Gamst is a happy bunny then maybe that group are.

His latest blog for those who missed it:

http://gamst.co.uk/en/2010/12/23/happy-rovers/

[Neil Weaver]

Bit of a transformation, this. Not long ago he was one of the most reviled amongst our wise posters on here. Some might say this is the power of good PR. Wonder what Venky's make of a change like this..........

[47er]

If everyone put in an effort like Samba does every game, we wouldn't be worried about relegation.

Not taking anything away from Pedersen at all but as someone said he was the most reviled player on the books for quite some time as this thread illustrates.

Conversely everyone now wants to forget what a great asset Samba has been and hopefully will be.

[T4E]

I've been very very critical of MGP in the past, and to be honest I will continue to be so when he underperforms. I've only been so harsh on him previously because he possesses enough talent to be far and away our best player every time he steps on the pitch. I can accept mediocrity from most of our players, but Gamst is better than that.

However, it's only fair to give praise when he deserves it. In my opinion 2010 has probably been MGP's best calendar year as a Rover. Much improved performances in a new position, a new contract signed and a few goals thrown in along the way. Overall he's been excellent. His blog post today signifies how far he has come - he's now a veteran of the team and has become a leader. I have no doubt his comments today were deliberately timed - he deserves all the credit in the World for doing that off his own back.

Recent events have done plenty to disillusion us - well done Gamst for doing your bit to redress the balance. Plenty could learn from you.

[SamTheShrew]

I've always been one for supporting players that give a dam about this club.

MGP and Nelsen are right up there in my opinion. In fact I'm sat here after a few xmas drinks wearing my NZ Nelsen shirt.

Granted MGP hasn't been the best over the past few years, but at least he cares.

I was, and still am one of the few fans of big Lorenzo Amoruso - he was a guy who wore his heart on his sleeve, despite his apparent lack of timing.

At this time of confusion, we need all players to stand up for us fans and be counted, as big Ryan and MGP are doing.

Chris Samba has gone down in my estimation, and he can go without a lot of fuss.

At least some players realise that they exist as a result of normal people

This club needs to stick together right now - thank god some players realise this rather than worrying about their own self inflated egos

[DE.]

I've criticized MGP in the past and before he signed his new contract was not particularly bothered if he stayed or left. At the time I think that stance was justified as Pedersen had been seriously underperforming for nigh on three years and it looked like his best days were past him.

However, he's had a real resurgence of form as of late and I'm now very glad to have him at the club. He seems like a genuinely nice bloke as well, happy to mix with the fans and seems to have the club close to his heart. In the current climate having footballers like MGP and Nelsen who have a genuine affinity towards their club cannot be underestimated. This season he's back to being one of our best players, and long may that continue.

[jim mk2]

Lovely man, excellent character, loyal, genuine affection for the club and a very good player. Wish we had 11 like him.

[roversWASmylife]

Good news that although not too sure about his new position in the centre of midfield.

[Mattyblue]

As a person and a professional I think he is a great role model..

However, he is very much a form player, last season his touch and technique completely deserted him at times, this season he has put in some top notch performances, long may it continue.

[John]

Lovely man, excellent character, loyal, genuine affection for the club and a very good player. Wish we had 11 like him.

Too many are quick to have a go at Pedersen - he admitted himself he went through an awful spell in relation to his form.

He works hard and loves being at the club.

[patrickvalery]

Lovely man, excellent character, loyal, genuine affection..........

Seeks female aged 25-35 with good sense of humour for friendship and fun.

[67splitscreen]

Seeks female aged 25-35 with good sense of humour for friendship and fun.

This is the MGP thread. .

[King Kenny's Magic]

On the whole he#s been a great player for us...although he did have a dodgy couple of seasons. He is also rovers through and through!

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11676_6611281,00.html

[Amo]

I've been on Pedersen's back for awhile now, for much the same reasons as T4E. There was a time when he was one of the PL's most eye-catching midfielders, with his set-pieces, spectacular goals and darting runs into the box. I've never had a problem with him when he plays to the best of ability, but sadly in the past few seasons he's played well under his best and often been a passenger in our side. Fortunately, his form has picked up this year, got some goals back in his game, and his spirit for the club comes at a time when we need everyone to pull together. Good to know there are some happy campers still at Rovers!