Paul B
Well-known member
- Joined
- 14 Dec 2017
- Messages
- 1,261
I am not sure that you can so easily dismiss Moore and Sykes (we can get replacements)A great write up as usual Paul. One comment from me though regarding the window and players leaving for a free, with regards to Moore and Sykes, I’m not sure it is much of an issue. Part of me thinks Moore will sign another deal but if not then I think we will bring in a capable replacement. As for Sykes, if he leaves then he does. Is it any coincidence that he has started to play well 6-7 months before his contract is up? All feels very Jon Ashton like. He has been good this season but overall a very inconsistent player and from what I hear Smyth could be the best NI import we have signed yet. I see Smyth as a replacement for Sykes and long term for Henry.
Both Moore and Sykes will have to keep their form up if they want a big move in the summer so again it’s a positive for us.
I'm being pedantic here but my gut feel is he wanted out then came good. Of course I've got no evidence for that but there were internal rumblings about his attitude and then there was his treatment of NI. Hope I'm wrong and he stays with us, he is fantastic at the moment.It's a bit frustrating that when he finally comes good, he appears to want out.
Robinson knows which buttons to press to get Sykes performing. He responds to what many term as being "thrown under the bus" with improvement when his standards have slipped.It's a bit frustrating that when he finally comes good, he appears to want out.
I have to say I disagree with this 'coincidence' theory - i genuinely think it has taken two years for Sykes to develop as a footballer. He needed to get fitter and stronger (remember how easily he was bowled over and lost challenges initially) and he's worked incredibly hard to improve his final ball and finishing. His decision making has become more consistent and he has terrific engine. He's been very consistent this season with a few indifferent games thrown in (as everybody has) and that's also an improvement from the past two seasons. Good on him and Robbo for hanging on in.A great write up as usual Paul. One comment from me though regarding the window and players leaving for a free, with regards to Moore and Sykes, I’m not sure it is much of an issue. Part of me thinks Moore will sign another deal but if not then I think we will bring in a capable replacement. As for Sykes, if he leaves then he does. Is it any coincidence that he has started to play well 6-7 months before his contract is up? All feels very Jon Ashton like. He has been good this season but overall a very inconsistent player and from what I hear Smyth could be the best NI import we have signed yet. I see Smyth as a replacement for Sykes and long term for Henry.
Both Moore and Sykes will have to keep their form up if they want a big move in the summer so again it’s a positive for us.
A real shame that his obvious talent was not noticed and appreciated by a large number of the Oufc Community instead of virtual blaming him solely for the Swindon collapse and bizarrely one of Blackpools goals in the play off first leg among other defeats.Sykes is good enough for the Championship right now and that’s where he’ll be playing next season. Hopefully with us. But I doubt it.
His attitude throughout his stay with us has been excellent, can’t fault it. His agent of course is another matter. Because it’s a game of percentages for these dudes.
A real shame that his obvious talent was not noticed and appreciated by a large number of the Oufc Community instead of virtual blaming him solely for the Swindon collapse and bizarrely one of Blackpools goals in the play off first leg among other defeats.
So many doubters still had him on their list to be shown the exit door in the early stages of this season.
there was / is nothing wrong with criticism but it often ignored his obvious talent and became a blame culture that exists in modern society. just because a player has the odd perceived poor performance does not mean he should be heading for the exit door and that is what was happening.Sykes has improved hugely, he is now fulfilling his talent. This is excellent for all.
Many of his performances last season were worthy of negative criticism.
I'm not sure what the problem with that is.