No trouble causing -just to straighten things up as it would seem a lot of this "locking" is down to people perceiving what they think they read - rather than wot is wrote! ..........and the mud is slung
I think if you proof read my posts you will nowhere find that I say Robinson is a top flight scrum half
If you can I apologise
In the hope that this constant bickering comes to an end --and I am being perfectly serious -- I will state my position
My opinions are (sadly) purely based on watching the giants/fartown for 62 years
The game has changed in many ways and the venue simultaneously
I have seen many coaches and many players and differing styles of play that cannot really be compared as there is no "like for like" situation
Rules have also changed and tactics
Supposedly , bottom line- the game fundamentally remains the same --though I would similarly dispute that theory
But it is --despite the tampering of our wonderful reffing system and standards a major part of my interests/ hobbies
So my thoughts on todays game - may, I admit - be slightly distorted and biased by what I have watched over all these seasons and other "younger" posters/fans may not be swayed by such comparisons
Similarly though -- I strongly feel that they cannot / should not make assumptions /opinions on something they have not witnessed on a regular basis "first hand"
This would even apply to Tony Smith and Nathan Brown
I am not seeking to brag - but it is fact
Similarly -- I am not a coach -- have no qualifications - nor have I played professionally
So -- at the risk of repeating myself --the above experience is what formulates my opinions and responses
If someone has a different opinion - I will listen and consider the arguments . I will not necessarily be in agreement
I would listen intently to Smith/ Brown / Kear / Sharpe etc and accept that they are more vastly more suitably qualified -- but it would not mean that I would agree
There are posters on here that similarly have strong viewpoints - and I will read and consider -- but the same applies
They also may be qualified / have played the game/ and by their background/ contacts have a greater knowledge of the tactics and players qualities in relation to the modern/ present game
I am honest enough to admit that
However - whether we chose to agree or disagree - I will accept their point of view - and I expect them to return the compliment
I stress that no amount of sarcasm/ innuendo / table banging /repetition or p----s taking will cause me to change my mind if I think otherwise and that is why I and they sometimes get a "little steamed up" over topics Mr Mod
I hope that clarifies my side of the "discussion" and means you can put the set of keys back in the desk drawer !!
Now -- to return to Luke -- check if you like --(and this is not, Codey ) an attempt to star the merry-go-round again
The point I was making was this
The "topic" raised its head when we were still "in with a shout" of reaching Old Trafford
I know full well that the Carney episode left us wanting and meant that "something" had to be sorted
What got sorted was that Luke "got the job" - whether or not Nathan secretly would have preferred otherwise
It also scripted that KBrown - previously a centre " by trade (only joking MG
) became the SO
Again ( and I believe Mg might have more info on this than me) it may not have been Nathan Browns first preference -and I am fully aware that many fans felt a little dubious about the "arrangement"
Nevertheless - despite the introduction of Fulton as back-up, that is generally how it stayed and despite Lukes perceived "hindrance" by some culminated in a 3rd position and a cup final appearance
With Fridays Catalan match imminent - the point I made/was making was that to single him out as the problem/weak link was completely wrong in my eyes and totally destructive
To criticise any player ( and to be honest that could have included Moore and Mason especially when an Old Trafford final beckoned was the wrong thing for OUR supporters to do "in my opinion"
I was not (intentionally) bulling him up or otherwise pulling him down
I saw first hand what effect "criticism and barracking" had on Thorman - hence the parallel comparisons I made
In my mind there are 17 players who make up the squad every week and I`m pretty sure he has been an ever present or pretty near
I am not saying, nor did I infer, he is in Brett Hodgsons class either ( I stand to be corrected )
I purely said that in a democratic poll by a group of keen fans , he was voted "man of the match" and close on a considerable number of games which meant that prior to Fridays match --he was in the lead
We get back to the fact that there are others who would not have voted for him as such
That is not something I will take points from --they are entitled to that opinion
But the others did--and that, too, is "THEIR" opinion- and a considerable number voted on a democratic basis
So to blame one player (" had Brough, Burrows etc been playing we would have been in the semi") is I would argue extremely harsh and the timing similarly debatable
Deacon, Burrows amd Brough have a stonger kicking game - but the first two have an inherent problem with forward passes (though not always given)
........and yes I do agree that the original plan to recruit a halfback of Carneys quality was probably the preferred option
The topic then drifted onto " a pair of halfbacks"
This brings into question Browns perceived role when he returns from injury as he has just been given quite a lengthy contract
So I presume the same posters arent happy with his game in his recent position either
Again -- I think weve missed the lad - he has improved by leaps and bounds over the season - so what now
Do they see him reverting to a utility role??
I am not party to behind the scenes talk or I may have different opinions
MG and others may well have --in which case they speak from a position of strength I do not possess
However I do acknowledge that Nathan Brown has improved quite a number of players beyond recognition and the team considerably
I will therfore renew my membership and season ticket as I have done for 61 seasons - let him do the job and recruit as he feels fit , and give him, the Giants , and Luke (in whatever role he is chosen) my full support next season
Hope that makes a peace treaty possible mods !
