Lennel John-Lewis.

LJL must feel so low at the moment first 2 games should of won 1-0 with him scoring in both games, he must feel pressure with every shot he has because he knows if he misses the crowd are going to hate him for it.

I think once we get full squad back take him out the firing line for a while.

Here we go again.....

Do people not rate LJL? I don't think anyone has mentioned it...

He is a future Peter Bore/Danny North of this board. (If he isn't already)

Quoted from fiveallive

LJL must feel so low at the moment first 2 games should of won 1-0 with him scoring in both games, he must feel pressure with every shot he has because he knows if he misses the crowd are going to hate him for it.

I think once we get full squad back take him out the firing line for a while.

Must be challenging for him and all the players at Grimsby at times given the pressure they are under to achieve promotion with us(not just on matchdays but with the advent of social media as well).However the only thing we can do as fans is give our support in the stands and hopefully come the end of the season we achieve what we all want promotion

Lennel John-Lewis---will cost Paul Hurst his job  

He never hides on the pitch, despite the fact that he must be aware of how people slag him off

The trouble with town is we dont create enough chances for the strikers to try and put away, particularly ones facing the opposition goal.  His miss last night wasn't an open goal (though i'm sure he would appreciate he should've scored), and he had a few decent efforts from range.

Was there a shot on target by any other player?

(just remembered the Connell follow up to the LJL shot)

I've been trying to keep myself well out of the way of a LJL discussion but I can't resist anymore  
LJL is a trier and I will defend any trier until I'm blue in the face. I would much rather spend money on watching players with potentially less ability but actually care about the cause than some of the wasters that have ability but are more bothered about their next pay cheque. I think that these players with ability have left us in the position we are today and if we had a few more players like LJL in years gone by, we would still be a football league side.
To be honest whether he is good enough or not is not his fault, if he isn't of the standard to play for us surely that is the fault of our scouting team? I'm sure that he wasn't on the phone to HandS every waking second of the day in order to persuade them to bring him here so he can finally wear the famous black and white stripes he has dreamed of since the day he was born or so he can finally relocate to Costa del Cleethorpes (a definate life ambition of his).
This said, if Hurst continues to play him when we have a full strength strike force I don't no what to say? The chance against Bristol I could of scored... lacking both legs and eye sight as well as being half drunk. Last night maybe was a harder chance but I'd still put money on my dog finishing it 9 out of 10 times.  If Hannah isn't fit  on Saturday give Bemrose a chance? With the greatest respect to the shop, he's clearly having a hard time of late. Give someone else a chance and make him have to earn his way back into the side. It won't do him any harm.
Long live the Shop ... UTM

"Lennel John - Lewis he scores when he wants, , , he scores when he wants, , he scores when he wants , , , Lennel John - Lewis he scores when he wants"

Phone conversation between hurst and rob Scott

H " what do I do about Lenny Rob mate ? "

S " keep your faith in him Paul mate , he'll come good and get the goals to send u up "

H " yeah that's what I think too rob mate "

Phones go down .

Rob Scott rolls around on his living room floor in hysterics

Jeez mate, get real.

Bemrose is about 14 and weighs about 12 ounces. He's a junior.

Quoted from fiveallive

LJL must feel so low at the moment first 2 games should of won 1-0 with him scoring in both games, he must feel pressure with every shot he has because he knows if he misses the crowd are going to hate him for it.

I think once we get full squad back take him out the firing line for a while.

Maybe the fans could get behind him and give him a confidence boost.  How must it feel to hear so many moans and groans?  

Isn't he our leading goalscorer after the friendlies?

Quoted from LondonMariner43

Maybe the fans could get behind him and give him a confidence boost.  How must it feel to hear so many moans and groans?  

Exactly right, the fans chanting his name ( in a positive way) would be a great reaction for him to hear. He is just it appears low on confidence and just lacking a bit of luck right now. He is a decent player and u cannot believe I am hearing calls for him to be dropped to give be morse a chance, he is nowhere near ready yet. Keep the faith town fans, we owe him and every other town play that at the very least.

Quoted from northbankmariner

Exactly right, the fans chanting his name ( in a positive way) would be a great reaction for him to hear. He is just it appears low on confidence and just lacking a bit of luck right now. He is a decent player and u cannot believe I am hearing calls for him to be dropped to give be morse a chance, he is nowhere near ready yet. Keep the faith town fans, we owe him and every other town play that at the very least.

It's quite a long spell. Since, ooo, what Feb 2013.

Quoted from TAGG

Lennel John-Lewis---will cost Paul Hurst his job  

No. Paul Hurst will cost Paul Hurst his job.

it doesn't matter what anybody says, how well or badly he plays or whether he never scores another goal for Grimsby, his name will be first on the teamsheet while ever PH is the manager.

PH will certainly not drop him now because it would make him look weak and under pressure from the stands. The most likely scenario will be a muscle strain or a virus that will keep him out for a week or two.

The funny thing, of course, is that one of our two currently fit strikers hasn't actually scored a goal in his past 42 appearances stretching back almost 18 months (and hasn't looked like scoring in the past 2 games, being barely involved). Seems to have escaped the notice of most people as there has been no real mention of this fact.

Perhaps we need a few hysterical posters pointing out that this is obviously going to lead to the end of the world in every other thread?

Quoted from Maringer

The funny thing, of course, is that one of our two currently fit strikers hasn't actually scored a goal in his past 42 appearances stretching back almost 18 months (and hasn't looked like scoring in the past 2 games, being barely involved). Seems to have escaped the notice of most people as there has been no real mention of this fact.

Perhaps we need a few hysterical posters pointing out that this is obviously going to lead to the end of the world in every other thread?

I've not missed that, nor has most of the moaners (sorry fans) in a section of the Lower Findus.  I thought it was near embarrassing on Tuesday, the roar he got when announced at the start.  Maybe AC will cost PH his job!!!

Quoted from chaos33

Jeez mate, get real.

Bemrose is about 14 and weighs about 12 ounces. He's a junior.

He is good though and can score goals

Quoted from TheRonRaffertyFanClub

it doesn't matter what anybody says, how well or badly he plays or whether he never scores another goal for Grimsby, his name will be first on the teamsheet while ever PH is the manager.

PH will certainly not drop him now because it would make him look weak and under pressure from the stands. .

Hope not the team should come first above any individual

If Bemrose can also play on the wing (as Buckley apparently noted?), it might well have been worth bringing him on for the last 20 minutes or so on Tuesday night. They were really tiring by then and there was a lot more room available down the sides. Perhaps Hurst just doesn't feel he is ready yet, however?

Then why have him on the bench maringer??

What would've happened if one of the forwards had got an injury??
By all accounts the lad is good

Quoted from fiveallive

LJL must feel so low at the moment first 2 games should of won 1-0 with him scoring in both games, he must feel pressure with every shot he has because he knows if he misses the crowd are going to  HATE  him for it.

I think once we get full squad back take him out the firing line for a while.

I do not think people hate him, they just do not like him in the team,

When we have our other strikers back fit,

I am sure Lenny will catch the Flu or have a muscle strain, then he can take a break from all the abuse,

The bottom line is goals. When did he last score (in a competitive game) from open play?

I would have him in the team with any of the other strikers, i tink we will see him and Connell be a good partnership when the wingers come back, the only player who might offer a physical alternative to Lenny is pittman, but i would rather see him running in behind and getting onto the flick ons.

Quoted from MuddyWaters

The bottom line is goals. When did he last score (in a competitive game) from open play?

9th March 2013.

Oh, sorry, I forgot you were talking about LJL and not Connell. His last goal from open play was back in February.

Not quite sure why you are ignoring his penalty in April, though? Don't they count?

Quoted from Maringer

9th March 2013.

Oh, sorry, I forgot you were talking about LJL and not Connell. His last goal from open play was back in February.

Not quite sure why you are ignoring his penalty in April, though? Don't they count?

Probably because he wouldn't have taken it had Hannah been on the pitch.

Quoted from WOZOFGRIMSBY

Then why have him on the bench maringer??

What would've happened if one of the forwards had got an injury??
By all accounts the lad is good

I don't think we had any other players left to put on the bench!

Quoted from MuddyWaters

Probably because he wouldn't have taken it had Hannah been on the pitch.

???

I'm baffled as what this has to do with the price of fish. If goals don't count towards a player's tally because somebody else isn't playing, it's going to make calculating the scoring charts very difficult indeed.

His goal in February doesn't count either because he wouldn't have been playing if we'd signed Sergio Aguero.

I wonder what his goal scoring celebration will be when he does score? If I were him I'd point to the name on my back  

Quoted from GrimRob

I wonder what his goal scoring celebration will be when he does score? If I were him I'd point to the name on my back  

I'd get some meccanno out of an old box of brik a brak and build a shop near the corner flag

This debate reminds me of Bobby Mitchell who played alongside Joe Waters.

Joe was the swashbuckling captain who burst forward, went on mazy dribbles and scored goals.

Bobby was the Niven figure, broke up play, won the ball and passed to Joe.

Whenever Bobby misplaced a pass, he was barracked by the crowd.  No-one noticed Joe's mistakes because we wore black tinted specs for Mitchell and rose tinted specs for Joe.

LJL is the hard working ball winner.  He needs a goal scorer alongside him - Connell hasn't scored for months but he is still a hero apparently.

Quoted from LondonMariner43

This debate reminds me of Bobby Mitchell who played alongside Joe Waters.

Joe was the swashbuckling captain who burst forward, went on mazy dribbles and scored goals.

Bobby was the Niven figure, broke up play, won the ball and passed to Joe.

Whenever Bobby misplaced a pass, he was barracked by the crowd.  No-one noticed Joe's mistakes because we wore black tinted specs for Mitchell and rose tinted specs for Joe.

LJL is the hard working ball winner.  He needs a goal scorer alongside him - Connell hasn't scored for months but he is still a hero apparently.

They say strikers do best in pairs. Apparently at Grimsby it applies to non-strikers as well.

Quoted from TheRonRaffertyFanClub

They say strikers do best in pairs. Apparently at Grimsby it applies to non-strikers as well.

Surely you can't be called a striker if your goal ratio is 1 every 8 or 9 games?

What would that make Connell over the past 18 months? A goalkeeper?

Last season LJL scored a goal every 460 minutes on average

http://thefishy.co.uk/story.php?id=8502463

Quoted from MuddyWaters

Surely you can't be called a striker if your goal ratio is 1 every 8 or 9 games?

Connell's record isn't much better over his career. The only time he's scored goals regularly was his season with us and he doesn't seem the same player now.

It is hard to argue with the stats that LJL has a better record over the past couple of years than Connell, but as mentioned previously one is loved and welcomed back as a hero and the other a whipping boy/ hate figure. We are all welcome to our opinions but where and when you voice them can be counter productive. Vocally at a game it should be nothing but 100% praising our players, including our strikers. I am not aware of any professional suddenly becoming better because a loudmouth from the stands states he is SH!T. There is no crisis and absolutely no need to panic, realism please fellow fishies, we are nowhere near full strength not playing our best but it is a long old season, and no I don't think we are champions material and I feel some are deluded with their expectations on here assuming we should be. Play offs would be a huge achievement again this year and players like LJL have shown in the past that they can play an active part in a team capable of achieving this.

If you all got the intercourse off John-Lewis' back then maybe he'd start scoring? You know, not feeling quite under so much pressure? The fishy really is full of complete and utter fucktards these days.

Quoted from gtfc98

If you all got the intercourse off John-Lewis' back then maybe he'd start scoring? You know, not feeling quite under so much pressure? The fishy really is full of complete and utter fucktards these days.

Get off his back ?
He's a grown bloke for gods sake, He is employed by GTFC to score goals which he isn't doing.
Any striker in this country will get stick from the fans if they're not doing what they're employed to do.
If he or anyone else for that matter, cannot take the criticism when it comes his way, and justifiably at the moment, then they might as well pack up and go home.
It's criticism, and everybody gets it from time to time, and for another poster to suggest that LJL is a hate figure is also just as ridiculous. Of course he's not hated.
When you're employed as a striker there's only one way to get people off your back.
UTM

Quoted from northbankmariner

It is hard to argue with the stats that LJL has a better record over the past couple of years than Connell, but as mentioned previously one is loved and welcomed back as a hero and the other a whipping boy/ hate figure. We are all welcome to our opinions but where and when you voice them can be counter productive. Vocally at a game it should be nothing but 100% praising our players, including our strikers. I am not aware of any professional suddenly becoming better because a loudmouth from the stands states he is SH!T. There is no crisis and absolutely no need to panic, realism please fellow fishies, we are nowhere near full strength not playing our best but it is a long old season, and no I don't think we are champions material and I feel some are deluded with their expectations on here assuming we should be. Play offs would be a huge achievement again this year and players like LJL have shown in the past that they can play an active part in a team capable of achieving this.

Well, for one, I posted on several occasions that I didn't want Connell back and for two, LJL isn't exactly a new kid on the block, we've seen his limitations for 18 months now and I seriously don't believe that you can base an attacking threat around someone who is clearly a less that prolific goalscorer. Even when we are full strength, as you put it, LJL will be one of the first names on the team sheet. I'm not going to boo him, abuse him, shout at him or any of that, but I am, like you a GTFC supporter, and perfectly entitled to have an opinion!

Quoted from mariner tommy

Get off his back ?
He's a grown bloke for gods sake, He is employed by GTFC to score goals which he isn't doing.
Any striker in this country will get stick from the fans if they're not doing what they're employed to do.
If he or anyone else for that matter, cannot take the criticism when it comes his way, and justifiably at the moment, then they might as well pack up and go home.
It's criticism, and everybody gets it from time to time, and for another poster to suggest that LJL is a hate figure is also just as ridiculous. Of course he's not hated.
When you're employed as a striker there's only one way to get people off your back.
UTM

It's not a case of "taking criticism" or not. The constant sniping, moaning, booing and groaning at games could drain any player of confidence and as 98 says, put added unnecessary pressure on a player. And a player low on confidence generally won't play nearly as well as if they were high on confidence.

I'd also suggest that LJL isn't just "employed by GTFC to score goals". He's also there to contribute to team play and offer us an outlet going forward so the ball doesn't keep coming back at us.

I do wonder what Livvo would have had to put up with had he played in this social media and internet forum era. He seemed to me at the time to be a Town hero to most, yet he never scored more than 10 goals in a season, and only actually got to 10 once. It's very rare for both strikers in a front 2 to be prolific scorers.

Quoted from gtfc98

If you all got the intercourse off John-Lewis' back then maybe he'd start scoring? You know, not feeling quite under so much pressure? The fishy really is full of complete and utter fucktards these days.

take a look at yourself

Quoted from northbankmariner

It is hard to argue with the stats that LJL has a better record over the past couple of years than Connell, but as mentioned previously one is loved and welcomed back as a hero and the other a whipping boy/ hate figure. We are all welcome to our opinions but where and when you voice them can be counter productive. Vocally at a game it should be nothing but 100% praising our players, including our strikers. I am not aware of any professional suddenly becoming better because a loudmouth from the stands states he is SH!T. There is no crisis and absolutely no need to panic, realism please fellow fishies, we are nowhere near full strength not playing our best but it is a long old season, and no I don't think we are champions material and I feel some are deluded with their expectations on here assuming we should be. Play offs would be a huge achievement again this year and players like LJL have shown in the past that they can play an active part in a team capable of achieving this.

Eh up thats a bit harsh mate, he`s not either of these, just a figure of conversation regarding his open goal misses, Pittman cannot replace him as a battering ram, he`s not strong enough and not that sort of player perhaps Cook was, until we find another or change our system John Lewis will be first choice mainly because he is the best we have playing the system we do

Quoted from mariner91

Connell's record isn't much better over his career. The only time he's scored goals regularly was his season with us and he doesn't seem the same player now.

Bit early to decide that, he's not match fit and has shown a couple of quality touches, I really think he will start banging them in when the wingers are fit

Quoted from headingly_mariner

Bit early to decide that, he's not match fit and has shown a couple of quality touches, I really think he will start banging them in when the wingers are fit

Yeah true, was a hasty judgement to make. Certainly not fit yet or sharp yet and not getting the sort of service we hope he'll be getting soon. Fingers crossed he'll come good but if not, I think we'll be relying on Arnold and/or Pittman for goals.

Quoted from northbankmariner

It is hard to argue with the stats that LJL has a better record over the past couple of years than Connell, but as mentioned previously one is loved and welcomed back as a hero and the other a whipping boy/ hate figure. We are all welcome to our opinions but where and when you voice them can be counter productive. Vocally at a game it should be nothing but 100% praising our players, including our strikers. I am not aware of any professional suddenly becoming better because a loudmouth from the stands states he is SH!T. There is no crisis and absolutely no need to panic, realism please fellow fishies, we are nowhere near full strength not playing our best but it is a long old season, and no I don't think we are champions material and I feel some are deluded with their expectations on here assuming we should be. Play offs would be a huge achievement again this year and players like LJL have shown in the past that they can play an active part in a team capable of achieving this.

Realistically that is correct. The trouble is that it seems to be the limit of the club's ambitions - get to 5th place and pray for a miracle.

I think it's possible to debate on a fan forum which players we think should be in the team and which shouldn't, without people accusing others of "getting on his back".  We all have our own opinions, it's a game of opinions and there will never be full agreement on things like team preference.

On the other hand, I don't think it's on for people to be openly barracking players at games or labelling them a disgrace or anything like that.  I'm sure that all of the players give it 100%  That shouldn't stop fans from having opinions and discussing them reasonably in open forum.

Quoted from Maringer

The funny thing, of course, is that one of our two currently fit strikers hasn't actually scored a goal in his past 42 appearances stretching back almost 18 months (and hasn't looked like scoring in the past 2 games, being barely involved). Seems to have escaped the notice of most people as there has been no real mention of this fact.

Perhaps we need a few hysterical posters pointing out that this is obviously going to lead to the end of the world in every other thread?

Come on now. You're setting up false dichotomies. Just because someone thinks LJL isn't the answer, it doesn't mean to say they think AC is the answer either.

And how much match time has AC had over that period compared to LJL? Connell has hardly been first choice at higher division clubs.

Quoted from Maringer

The funny thing, of course, is that one of our two currently fit strikers hasn't actually scored a goal in his past 42 appearances stretching back almost 18 months (and hasn't looked like scoring in the past 2 games, being barely involved). Seems to have escaped the notice of most people as there has been no real mention of this fact.

Perhaps we need a few hysterical posters pointing out that this is obviously going to lead to the end of the world in every other thread?

And this is just as much nonsense as these mythical doomsayers. There's more exaggeration in that sentence than in anything anyone has said about our (lack of) hope.

If your focus is only the last two games* then yes, there's still lots of scope. When you take the longer view you'll see there is actually little change in our prospects.

* I think you're actually much more intelligent than that, but are just over-doing the Cod Almighty Diary balancing act.

Quoted from gtfc98

If you all got the intercourse off John-Lewis' back then maybe he'd start scoring? You know, not feeling quite under so much pressure? The fishy really is full of complete and utter fucktards these days.

He must have had fans on his back before he came here then.

The problem is that he's getting slated by a section of the fans for a couple of misses of the sort that all strikers have from time to time. Didn't see the game on Saturday so have to assume that his miss then was bad, but the one on Tuesday simply wasn't as bad as people are making out (from my viewpoint). Cross coming in a bit behind him so had to lean back to get around it. He ought to have hit the target still, but he's received nothing but criticism and the fact he managed a few efforts on target (which forced a couple of good saves) is ignored. Perhaps he's just unlucky that the two 'sitters' have come in close proximity to each other.

To use the Livvo analogy yet again, LJL is not necessarily there to score the goals himself, he's there to help the rest of the team and the better players to do their jobs. Livvo rarely even got close to double figures in a season but I don't ever recall him being endlessly criticised for his lack of goals.

My point about the hysteria on this board is that it is aimed at just one player and completely ignores the failings of any of the others. Scapegoat is the word that comes to mind.

As for our prospects this season, our defence looks a good bit stronger to me, the central midfield is improved with the arrival of Brown (and the departure of Thanoj who I never rated and Kerr who was just too slow), Arnold and Mackreth look to be good signings, we've retained Neilson and the loss of Rodman is the only way in which I think our team is weaker this season. I wasn't disappointed by the departure of Cook who flattered to deceive most of the time and hopefully, Pittman will be able to use his strength and pace to some benefit if he can find some fitness. I've still got my fingers crossed that we'll sign another striker or general attacker before to long to give us further options up front.

All in all, I still think we're better set than last season, despite the less-than inspiring start this year.

We're not likely to blow many teams away, but we can certainly go the Cambridge route and keep things tight at the back whilst grinding victories out. We just need some of our injured attacking players to get back to fitness quickly.

Quoted from MuddyWaters

Well, for one, I posted on several occasions that I didn't want Connell back and for two, LJL isn't exactly a new kid on the block, we've seen his limitations for 18 months now and I seriously don't believe that you can base an attacking threat around someone who is clearly a less that prolific goalscorer. Even when we are full strength, as you put it, LJL will be one of the first names on the team sheet. I'm not going to boo him, abuse him, shout at him or any of that, but I am, like you a GTFC supporter, and perfectly entitled to have an opinion!

Don't be so ridiculous. This is The Fishy, a football message board in which people are slated for having a differing opinion.

Quoted from mariner tommy

Get off his back ?
He's a grown bloke for gods sake, He is employed by GTFC to score goals which he isn't doing.
Any striker in this country will get stick from the fans if they're not doing what they're employed to do.
If he or anyone else for that matter, cannot take the criticism when it comes his way, and justifiably at the moment, then they might as well pack up and go home.
It's criticism, and everybody gets it from time to time, and for another poster to suggest that LJL is a hate figure is also just as ridiculous. Of course he's not hated.
When you're employed as a striker there's only one way to get people off your back.
UTM

Is that your boss says to you if you make a mistake at work?

To be honest I have tried to ignore this debate but a few pints and I cannot resist giving my view.

Firstly, I would not want ljl to leave the club as I think he has a role to play but I would see this as playing in a number of away fixtures where his work rate would be an asset and then as a substitute coming on later in the game, particularly when we are holding on to a slender lead. His goal scoring record is all for there to see but IMO his overall contribution is overrated by many on here. Yes he works his socks off and I admire his commitment to the club, something we all know has been lacking in many of our players in recent years, but in reality does he hold the ball up well? Does he bring in pick out colleagues with quality passes and or good flick ons? Does he win more headers then he loses? Does he create havoc in the oppositions box? Does the fact that he is in the side dictate some of the negative style football we witnessed last year? I have four no's and one yes in response to these and it is this which is the difference between play offs and championships.

Finally, I have read on other threads that we continued same as same as in our style on Tuesday but I, who am not PH's greatest fan, do not agree with this. I thought we tried to keep the ball on the ground far more and with no wide players it was not a night to assess how we will play this year or where we will finish in the league.

Hopefully, come saturday some of these are back and both our strikers have scored a brace, now the beers taking over so off to bed.

This argument seems to be between fans who think LJL works his socks off to lead the line (which is true),
and those who think he doesn't score enough goals (which is true).

Can't see it being resolved any time soon...  

Quoted from 137

This argument seems to be between fans who think LJL works his socks off to lead the line (which is true),
and those who think he doesn't score enough goals (which is true).

Can't see it being resolved any time soon...  

Sums 18 months up so well .

LJL didn't hold up the ball overly well on Tuesday night. However, most of the reason for this is because the standard ball he was receiving was coming at head height whilst he was marked by 2 or 3 players! In fact, this has been a big failing of our play in the last season or so as the passing to the forwards (whoever they are) hasn't been good enough. I'm hoping that this will improve as the midfield gels and we get the pacier wingers back in the team to create more options. That said, some of the passing on Tuesday was pretty horrible with straightforward passes from midfield being underhit and intercepted on numerous occasions, especially in the first half.

On Tuesday, I think a big problem was that the gap between the midfield and forwards was just too big because of our lack of attacking midfielders and don't forget they had 7 men back defending pretty much all of the time so neither of the forwards got much of a kick.

LJL is clearly never going to be a great goalscorer, but at this level, forcing defensive errors from opposition players is a big part of attacking and he's currently the only one of our strikers who has the physical presence to achieve this. A fit Pittman would offer a different proposition as he also looks strong but with an extra turn of pace.

I do feel that criticism of LJL goes over the top most of the time - fair enough criticising misses, but he's even getting blamed for our players punting it forward too often as an easy out ball! Hardly his fault if the other players aren't doing their jobs properly, is it?

Just hope things improve shortly with injuries so we get some more of the attacking players coming back and can create some more chances.

Quoted from Maringer

LJL is clearly never going to be a great goalscorer, but at this level, forcing defensive errors from opposition players is a big part of attacking and he's currently the only one of our strikers who has the physical presence to achieve this. A fit Pittman would offer a different proposition as he also looks strong but with an extra turn of pace.

It's maybe wishful thinking but I'm hoping that Pittman will turn into our major goal threat. He's got the pace and by most accounts, has the ability when he's fit. Just got to get him fit!

We can always hope...

Quoted from HackneyHaddock

I think it's possible to debate on a fan forum which players we think should be in the team and which shouldn't, without people accusing others of "getting on his back".  We all have our own opinions, it's a game of opinions and there will never be full agreement on things like team preference.

On the other hand, I don't think it's on for people to be openly barracking players at games or labelling them a disgrace or anything like that.  I'm sure that all of the players give it 100% That shouldn't stop fans from having opinions and discussing them reasonably in open forum.

Very true - we have had one poster call LJL " a clown " which is completely over the top. LJL clearly gives 100% but is lacking in his ability to put the ball in the net on a regular basis. This is no basis for personal insults and does the poster no favours at all.

I didn't hear too much in the way of verbal attack with regard to LJL on Tuesday, even when he missed the best chance.

Funny about opinions and "hate figures", there was a guy behind me in the Upper Findus who moaned about how sh** Magnay was from start to finish, irrespective of what he actually did.  I mean, that's ridiculous, as most (me included) think he's a good signing.

I hate to say it, but I do think we have a higher % or moronic "fans" than most

Another thing, when we are short of wingers, should we play LJL slightly wider?, as his pace looks to have improved, and when missing Neilson, MacKreth etc. he looks to be the only guy with the pace and strength to beat a man in a chase down the wing

He could still tuck in to be the target from goal kicks, or even look to a high wide ball (Calvin Andrew style from when he was on loan and we often hit him in wide areas from keepers kicks)
This changes the angle of attack too

Quoted from lee65

I didn't hear too much in the way of verbal attack with regard to LJL on Tuesday, even when he missed the best chance.

Funny about opinions and "hate figures", there was a guy behind me in the Upper Findus who moaned about how sh** Magnay was from start to finish, irrespective of what he actually did.  I mean, that's ridiculous, as most (me included) think he's a good signing.

I hate to say it, but I do think we have a higher % or moronic "fans" than most

There is an old guy in front of me in the Upper Findus who constantly says " you're rubbish goalie " if ever any of McKeowns kicks goes wide or if he makes any kind of slip at all.

Quoted from gtfc98

If you all got the intercourse off John-Lewis' back then maybe he'd start scoring? You know, not feeling quite under so much pressure? The fishy really is full of complete and utter fucktards these days.

It is not just his goal scoring record at Town but throughout his career but you are clearly a cluelessfucktard to even check.

My view is playing LJL for 90 mins over 46 games will not get you a league title. People compare him to Livvo, not only is it a ridiculous camparison of a much better player but Livvo didn't play anywhere near the ammount of games LJL did. He also played for a team battling relegation, not going for a league title.

Could we win a title with LJL in the SQUAD? I'm pretty sure we could.

Quoted from rancido

There is an old guy in front of me in the Upper Findus who constantly says " you're rubbish goalie " if ever any of McKeowns kicks goes wide or if he makes any kind of slip at all.

Well I am entitled to my view.

Quoted from pontoonlew

My view is playing LJL for 90 mins over 46 games will not get you a league title. People compare him to Livvo, not only is it a ridiculous camparison of a much better player but Livvo didn't play anywhere near the ammount of games LJL did. He also played for a team battling relegation, not going for a league title.

Could we win a title with LJL in the SQUAD? I'm pretty sure we could.

Livvo appeared in 59 games during the 97-98 promotion season scoring 9 goals

Quoted from BIGChris

Livvo appeared in 59 games during the 97-98 promotion season scoring 9 goals

Quoted from BIGChris

Livvo appeared in 59 games during the 97-98 promotion season scoring 9 goals

Difference being he had a goal scorer alongside him. Sadly Lennie doesn't.

Quoted from MuddyWaters

Difference being he had a goal scorer alongside him. Sadly Lennie doesn't.

Not sure he did to be honest: only Donovan hit double figures in the league.

Livvo's different though, because he played centre back too (although LJL will no doubt end up as our holding midfielder )

IMO John Lewis should not start against Gateshead! He's had his chance, now it's time to release the pitbull.

Connell hasn't had a pre-season, give the guy at least a chance ffs.

He's now had 3 games and has he managed an effort on target as yet? Actually, I remember he had an effort on the follow-up to a save from LJL in the Nuneaton game. Other than that I can't even remember him having a shot in the past 2 home games.

Quoted from Maringer

He's now had 3 games and has he managed an effort on target as yet? Actually, I remember he had an effort on the follow-up to a save from LJL in the Nuneaton game. Other than that I can't even remember him having a shot in the past 2 home games.

He can d a lot if the supply is not there.
As for LJL, if we had a decent option I'm not sure he'd be starting, we don't, so he does. We must fix these two issues if we are to go up, it looks like we have the players in the squad to do so if fit/not suspended. Three games is not enough to be screaming and shouting, however bad we've been, and in the two games I've seen, we've not been too bad apart from the final third, where due to aforesaid injuries and suspensions, we have not had nearly our first eleven out there. This is not LJLs fault, nor is it Hursts.

I'm worried that the team are now becoming stuck in some mindset..play the front line around LJL and the supporters are (quite rightly) not going to be happy if/when we fail to score, the nerves set in, the goal won't come and the play isn't even exciting to watch....I don't know how we got ourselves into this situation but Lenny has to be dropped, we have to have a fresh approach. I still don't think we've been playing anything like the system that would suit Connell, who I believe will become more sharper with games.
Connell and Pitbull, hopefully with Hannah hopefully just around the corner.

IMHO, Gateshead is the ideal sort of game for LJL to be playing him. Using his strength against a couple of defenders, not when there are 3 surrounding him

Quoted from Theimperialcoroner

He can d a lot if the supply is not there.

But, in the past 2 games, LJL has managed half a dozen efforts on target (and a few off!) with the same supply.

Much as I'd like to see Connell do well, he's just not looked anything like a threat in the past 2 games.

Quoted from Theimperialcoroner

He can d a lot if the supply is not there.
As for LJL, if we had a decent option I'm not sure he'd be starting, we don't, so he does. We must fix these two issues if we are to go up, it looks like we have the players in the squad to do so if fit/not suspended. Three games is not enough to be screaming and shouting, however bad we've been, and in the two games I've seen, we've not been too bad apart from the final third, where due to aforesaid injuries and suspensions, we have not had nearly our first eleven out there. This is not LJLs fault, nor is it Hursts.

Beg to differ. My impression is that if we signed Messi and Ronaldo they would have to alternate for the one spare place alongside LJL.

Quoted from Theimperialcoroner

He can d a lot if the supply is not there.
As for LJL, if we had a decent option I'm not sure he'd be starting, we don't, so he does. We must fix these two issues if we are to go up, it looks like we have the players in the squad to do so if fit/not suspended. Three games is not enough to be screaming and shouting, however bad we've been, and in the two games I've seen, we've not been too bad apart from the final third, where due to aforesaid injuries and suspensions, we have not had nearly our first eleven out there. This is not LJLs fault, nor is it Hursts.

I'm not sure I agree LJL would be dropped even if we had other options.

I'd actually play LJL on Saturday as I think he is more suited to away games against tougher oppos. He has though got to be on the bench on Monday, otherwise we will be in the same position as last season, where Hurst simply has to stand by both the player and his decision to play him or else he'd look weak and lie he's pandering to the crowd. This stance though could cost him his job, much as it did with AB standing by that shitbag Butler.

Quoted from Theimperialcoroner

I'd actually play LJL on Saturday as I think he is more suited to away games against tougher oppos. He has though got to be on the bench on Monday, otherwise we will be in the same position as last season, where Hurst simply has to stand by both the player and his decision to play him or else he'd look weak and lie he's pandering to the crowd. This stance though could cost him his job, much as it did with AB standing by that shitbag Butler.

Understand your point - not sure I agree. We desperately need to be more prolific otherwise we will not get out of this league and for me LJL is taking the place and the wages of someone who would hopefully be better than a goal every 8 games.

Quoted from MuddyWaters

LJL is taking the place and the wages of someone who would hopefully be better than a goal every 8 games.

Not in the first 3 games. We didn't have any other strikers fit enough to play, so LJL had to play.

Now Pittman is back, there is another option but, of our 3 fit strikers, you'd have to say drop Connell for the next game as he's not looked anything like scoring as yet. At least LJL is getting into shooting positions and is forcing some saves from the opposition keepers.

Hopefully, Hannah will be back for next week, but I'd still expect to see LJL start in a tough away game for his workrate and presence alone.

Quoted from Maringer

Not in the first 3 games. We didn't have any other strikers fit enough to play, so LJL had to play.

Now Pittman is back, there is another option but, of our 3 fit strikers, you'd have to say drop Connell for the next game as he's not looked anything like scoring as yet. At least LJL is getting into shooting positions and is forcing some saves from the opposition keepers.

Hopefully, Hannah will be back for next week, but I'd still expect to see LJL start in a tough away game for his workrate and presence alone.

We agree on something. Our away record last year was very good and i think LJL was a big part of that. He is ideal for tough away fixtures but not so good when the onus is on us to attack at home against packed defences.

Quoted from ginnywings

We agree on something. Our away record last year was very good and i think LJL was a big part of that. He is ideal for tough away fixtures but not so good when the onus is on us to attack at home against packed defences.

Agreed LJL is ideal for the Gateshead game, who will play alongside him though, unless Hurst goes one up top for a draw, which in these circumstances would have to be OK, IMO a respectable result is necessary to relieve pressure on him and he will see it that way and set up accordingly

Anyone think I'm totally nuts?  What about LJL in a 5 man midfield alongside Disley and Brown?

Yeah, mad as a fish.

Box of frogs

Quoted from Nelly GTFC

Anyone think I'm totally nuts?  What about LJL in a 5 man midfield alongside Disley and Brown?

why ?

that's the kind of thinking that will cost paul his job !




























actually, genius idea lets do it.

The thing is we know what Connell is capable of doing and we know what John Lewis is not capable of doing. Connell and Pitbull to start IMO. UTM