Yellow Rider

Lots of post about Gary Holt recently and much as I admire the guy as a great professional with phenomenal work rate I have never felt he should be automatic first choice.     Reason - simple. At any level of football, a central midfielder MUST be capable of scoring more than 1 in every 50 games! He is not a playmaker either and you never see him taking free kicks or corners, when was the last time you saw Holt actually create a goal for someone? He''s in the team solely because he runs about all over the place and shows enormous work ''ethic'' (wonder where we''ve heard that one before!). His barnstorming, surging runs so frequent in 2001/2002 season are now far less frequent. The guy has not get the legs to carry on that physical level of performance anymore.   What about Damien Francis then? Totally immune from criticism on this mesage board but may be we should think is he all that he''s cracked up to be? Francis is very frustrating. He has superb physique yet too often looks casual, languid and does not dominate midefield confrontations like he should. The ''English Veira'' some say, Yeah right!! He had a great game at Old Trafford and good again at Newcastle. Since then (even allowing for the Diamond)?? He lacks real pace and creativity. His main attibute is getting up in the opposition box and scoring goals. His record of 7 in 52 games is ok but nothing more. If he ''s up for a game then he can look really good but he always looks as if he needs his backside kicking to get him going!     We clearly need more creativity in midfield and I would try Safri with Mulryne. Safri can put his foot in and create (remember that ball he played for the Hucks chance at Spurs?) whilst we know that Mullers can create and score. It''s worth a try. Also, lets get Brennan back in. He has a great left foot and might provide the crosses we have deperately lacked so far. Finally, it was disappointing to see our ''utility player'' still on the bench on Saturday with Jarvis nowhere in sight. Jarvis can take people on and create and I''m sure he could do it at this level. I did''nt see the game but apparently Boro played many young players at Old Trafford who more than held their own.   

Totally agree with Morph about our style of play. Like it or not , and although we do sometimes mix up the style, Worthy is a long ball merchant. He denies it of course but his team selection and the way we play confirms that preferred approach. This obsession with a ''target man'' will cost is dear. What that means in reality is a continuation of the hoof up the middle to a big fella who spends almost all game with his back to the opposition goal!! At Christmas Worthy replaces one target man (Robbo) with another (Svennson). No wot seems that he is not up to the job so we sign a centre half and play him up front. Whilst Doherty can win the ball in the air he is not a goalscorer and lacks the pace needed to trouble defences. I fear if we sign anyone it will be that geezer from Charlton who I can''t believe is any better than Svennson. Those who favour a target man say that you need ''someone to hold the ball up''. That''s rubbish! Any professional footballer should be able to control a pass and shield the ball which is all a ''target man'' does. Of the names mentioned, Harewood has pace and a good goal scoring record whilst Ashton is a good young talent. Why did''nt Worthy offer Rivers + £750,000 or so to try and get Ashton? Instead we end up PAYING Crewe to take Rivers off our books! That''s another point about Worthy''s transfer record, how much money has he actually raised in sales? Apart from Darrel Russell, has anyone else been sold for cash?