|
Post by Andrewlang on Mar 31, 2024 16:00:11 GMT
Its probably Tony Dennis or someone from that era who was never quite first choice but always always excellent.
As mentioned, John Sheffield was an excellent back up. One of the best goalkeepers we've had in my 40 years but rarely played.
Mannion is fine, though. I think he's a bit suss with long range shots but other than that he's ok. I don't think I'd class (m)any goals this season as a goalkeeper 'mistake' as such but both are or have been prone to the odd soft goal and I think that's where we may be able to improve next season (poor positioning, soft palm saves, slow off their line, poor communication, etc) a mistake for me is dropping it or letting it slip between your fingers.
His kicking isn't always that good either, but I've never worried too much about that so long as he gets distance. Not sure he's that good with his feet in the 'modern' way keepers are, and in the way early-Stevens was, but again that doesn't really bother me as we don't play out from the back. If we ever wanted to he might be a bit of a liability.
Andrew
|
|
|
Post by martinjohn on Mar 31, 2024 16:38:23 GMT
No, not bait. Not sure what you could disagree with? Mitov was one heck of a character and great shot stopper, but he was prone to a lot of mistakes. I disagree with you about Mitov, and I disagree with you about Stevens. Both were the considered first choice for the manager and his goalkeeping coach, who see far more of them in training than any of us do. With Mannion only getting his chance because Stevens is injured, its fair to say that he is another of those players who fall into the bracket of enhancing his reputation when he is out of the starting line up. I have no doubt he is a decent keeper who will serve us well for the remainder of the season (or until Stevens is fit), but he wouldn't be my number 1. Here's his chance to prove to me (and much more importantly the manager) that he deserves to keep his place should Stevens be fit before the season ends. Also, to say that Mannion was 'one of the best players we've had to never nail down a place in the starting 11' is a wild statement considering the hundreds (and thousands!) of players who have worn our shirt. I can think of many that might better fit that accolade - Liam Hughes and Rory Macauley would certainly feature in that list way ahead of Mannion for me. I haven't really said anything about Stevens. I actually think he's getting a lot more stick than he deserves. I think he's been fairly reliable this season and earned his place as number 1 soon into the season, even though I thought Mannion was more than good enough to be first choice at the beginning of the season. RE Mannion: he's barely put a foot wrong. He was doing well last season when Mitov was injured and was unfortunate to lose his place. I feel sorry for him - as I said, he should be someone's number 1 and that could easily be a league 1 side. I don't get this deference to the coaching staff... 'they know best'. I mean, sure, they are more qualified than us lowly fans. But it's OK to question decisions they make re player choices etc. As for Hughes and Macauley. Hughes definitely became a first team regular in our promotion season and played 30 games in two other seasons. Macauley... my memory is hazy (apart from his goal at Luton!). But his stats suggest he was pretty regular for a few seasons.
|
|
Wingco's Boy
Reserve team substitute
Posts: 2,109
Favourite CUFC player: Dion Dublin
Favourite CUFC match: Newcastle FAC 3rd round 2022
|
Post by Wingco's Boy on Mar 31, 2024 16:40:44 GMT
Both MaCauley and Hughes are first team regulars in their time, weren't they? No, squad players mostly; Hughes especially never nailed down a place, he was used in just about every position on the field. But he played practically every week in our promotion season, IIRC.
|
|
camloyal
Reserve team regular
Posts: 3,591
|
Post by camloyal on Mar 31, 2024 17:07:49 GMT
No, squad players mostly; Hughes especially never nailed down a place, he was used in just about every position on the field. But he played practically every week in our promotion season, IIRC. Yes 40 appearances that year with 36 and 30 either side.
|
|
imp566
Cult hero
Posts: 15,991
|
Post by imp566 on Mar 31, 2024 17:20:42 GMT
My point about Hughes wasn't about how much he played, but how he never nailed down one position as his own for the team, he was very much a versatile asset who played anywhere and everywhere, which hampered his time with us somewhat. I appreciate that this isn't quite what the OP was alluding to though.
|
|
andyrt
Youth team star
Posts: 1,595
|
Post by andyrt on Mar 31, 2024 21:04:45 GMT
Liam Hughes, Cambridge United’s very own Scott McTominay.
|
|
belly77
Reserve team substitute
Posts: 2,722
|
Post by belly77 on Apr 1, 2024 9:53:03 GMT
Hughes was used as winger by Dickie mainly to lump the ball onto his head from goal kicks. It worked a treat as he was often towering over a short full back. I used to think he was a decent player. Had a good touch, could pass and shoot, hell of a shot. He was also mobile for a big lad. Almost the perfect conference / L2 player.
|
|
|
Post by amberely on Apr 4, 2024 11:27:46 GMT
Poor old Liam, still remember the dogs abuse he used to get from DIckie. He used to get ranted at and called a f@@@@ c@@@ most games despite always putting in a shift.
|
|