The official Lloyd James at RB thread

[Chez]

Harding should be our first choice at RB

 

 

I'd prefer a right footer myself.

[Clifford Nelson]

I don't necessarily think that LJ will set the world alight in any position, but he must surely be a choice utility player. He can play RB, RM, CM, and he does it all rather well. Any squad needs a player who easily takes the place of others when needed. Put him on the bench and you have several options rather than one.

[derry]

It would be well for those criticising Harding to reflect that he has coped on the left side on his own, without any player tracking the full back and has often had to cope with two attackers.

 

Because we are so lop sided we have always had a right midfielder in front of James. He has never had to cope with two attackers on his own.

[hypochondriac]

If the basis for a correct opinion is how many games you have been to then Alan Pardew has been to every game (including Luton) and every training session. Add to that he has played and managed at the top level and I guess he is fairly qualified? And he seems to rate the lad.

 

That aside you stated that you have been to most games so your thoughts are based on some experience and are worth listening to but then you come out with a line like “For anyone to think there is not a lot between them simply doesn't know a lot about football” - that seems a bit arrogant to me and is not likely to bring anyone around to your point of view?

 

My feeling is that Harding is a better fullback but he is not above criticism. After all he has been playing as a fullback a lot longer (all of his career as far as I am aware), plays there every game for Saints and also has an established left side midfielder (AL) in front of him. James is new to the position, keeps being moved to midfield and then back to RB and it seems most games has a different player in front of him in right midfield.

 

Personally I expect a message board to have its fair share of critics but I just feel that it is not a level playing field. James has to be outstanding otherwise every mistake is analysed but Harding can have a poor game but hardly be mentioned. If I thought every player was treated fairly then I may be more open to criticism of James but I reckon many people on here just jump on the bandwagon. I have been to most home games and IMO whilst he is not a superstar the lad is okay and will only get better with experience. I think the whole debate started because many feel we need to sign a RB but with James/Murty/Thomas (and I believe Perry played RB for Luton) I reckon we have plenty of cover at the moment. Murty first choice without question and then debatable between Thomas and James as both have their strengths and weaknesses but for me both are good enough at this level.

 

But then you are just dismissing the views of people like myself who have watched him over a number of games, compared him to the likes of Harding and believe he is an inferior player in defence. I'm not jumping on any bandwagon, in many cases I have had opinions of players which many would say goes against the grain (I liked Rasiak for example when many hated him.) We looking to be signing quality in all areas. I think we have that in most areas or it is something we are looking to bring in this transfer window. (A CM, another striker, another CB.) James is an obvious area of weakness at RB I would expect us to bring someone in sooner rathr than later so that we are rock solid in all areas. By all means play him as backup so that he will have the chance to learn and develop maybe in his best position but he shouldn't be starting every week IMO. Please don't dismiss others views because you believe they are jumping on the bandwagon. I form my views by going to games and watching with my own eyes.

[hypochondriac]

I don't necessarily think that LJ will set the world alight in any position, but he must surely be a choice utility player. He can play RB, RM, CM, and he does it all rather well. Any squad needs a player who easily takes the place of others when needed. Put him on the bench and you have several options rather than one.

 

I agree.

[Legod Third Coming]

Er, how many corners and free kicks does Harding take?

 

All round Harding is a better player and shows how that role should be played. He's a better tackler, quicker, reads the game better, better in the air, better touch, better at taking people on (as in getting to the bar line, therefore getting in a more dangerous cross), has a better shot...seriously, I could go on and on.

 

My evidence for me judging them differently? Well I've been to every game bar Luton.

 

For anyone to think there is not a lot between them simpley doesn't know a lot about football.

 

Ah, I get it. The manager has decided that James should take corners and freekicks evern though Harding's delivery is better...

 

And you have the audacity to say I know nothing about football. Priceless.

[Clifford Nelson]

It would be well for those criticising Harding to reflect that he has coped on the left side on his own, without any player tracking the full back and has often had to cope with two attackers.

 

Because we are so lop sided we have always had a right midfielder in front of James. He has never had to cope with two attackers on his own.

 

I'll stand with you Derry and defend Harding any day. If it hadn't been for Lambert he must stand out as our signing of the season. He cost us nothing!!! He actually did very well indeed when Lallana on the left of the 4-5-1 supported him in the defensive. Mellis and Schneiderlin never understood how to do that properly, which left him exposed at times.

[doggface]

I think we need to get another rb in as a priority.

Murty is top drawer for this level when fit (not very often), Lloyd James has developed well but I feel at rb he is our weakest link defensively.

I see Lloyd as a useful utility player at the moment, glad to have him in the squad but not good enough to be in the 1st eleven week in week out. Should be on the bench every week and ready to step up in case of injury.

Edited 10 January, 2010 by doggface

[hectors house]

But then you are just dismissing the views of people like myself who have watched him over a number of games, compared him to the likes of Harding and believe he is an inferior player in defence. I'm not jumping on any bandwagon, in many cases I have had opinions of players which many would say goes against the grain (I liked Rasiak for example when many hated him.) We looking to be signing quality in all areas. I think we have that in most areas or it is something we are looking to bring in this transfer window. (A CM, another striker, another CB.) James is an obvious area of weakness at RB I would expect us to bring someone in sooner rathr than later so that we are rock solid in all areas. By all means play him as backup so that he will have the chance to learn and develop maybe in his best position but he shouldn't be starting every week IMO. Please don't dismiss others views because you believe they are jumping on the bandwagon. I form my views by going to games and watching with my own eyes.

 

What you say is partly the point I was trying to make. It's like the boy who cried wolf, I suspect that lots who criticise James do it just because he is an easy victim so when someone genuinely does not rate him it's difficult to know if they are just towing the popular line or have a formed opinion. The very fact that he seems to be the latest target just snow balls as more and more people jump on board as they keep hearing that "James is ****", often from people who have only been listening to the radio. We will all have different opinions otherwise life would be pretty boring but I just feel that quite a few people tow the popular line with regard to James rather than form their own opinion.

 

I have been to most home games and I still reckon that James is a young professional making his way in the game and doing a steady job for the team. Like a few others he was probably introduced to first team football before he was ready and on top of that he is being asked to play in a position that until 18 months ago he had never played (I'm only guessing at that but he was certainly a midfielder coming through the junior teams). He's improving (IMO) and he is flexible within the squad and whilst nobody should be immune from criticism he deserves better that what he receives on the message board.

[Leicestersaint]

I don't understand why a small number of people are so very critical of James - he seems Ok to me and with potential to develop.

[CityRanger]

I have been to most home games and I still reckon that James is a young professional making his way in the game and doing a steady job for the team. Like a few others he was probably introduced to first team football before he was ready and on top of that he is being asked to play in a position that until 18 months ago he had never played (I'm only guessing at that but he was certainly a midfielder coming through the junior teams). He's improving (IMO) and he is flexible within the squad and whilst nobody should be immune from criticism he deserves better that what he receives on the message board.

 

My thoughts entirely.

Crouch, Kenwyne, Telfer, Kelvin, Fuller. Now add Lloyd James to the terrace "experts" targets at St Mary's. Quite sad imo.

[Whitey Grandad]

I find the support on here incredible. He is patently not up to the job as RB. he is too slow and has no postional sense and He gets skinned regularly. He is an obvious taregt for any oppposition team that has done its Homework. None of this is his fault, but that is what he is. As a midfielder he is a much better proposition and I have often said so but please, please, please can we have a RB soon?

[Legod Third Coming]

I find the support on here incredible. He is patently not up to the job as RB. he is too slow and has no postional sense and He gets skinned regularly. He is an obvious taregt for any oppposition team that has done its Homework. None of this is his fault, but that is what he is. As a midfielder he is a much better proposition and I have often said so but please, please, please can we have a RB soon?

 

If you could point to a host of goals conceded from the left side, I would be right behind you. But where have the goals against us come from??

 

James has made a couple of errors this season. So have Jaidi, Perry, Trottman and Harding. But for some reason James is singled-out. I don't understand it.

 

Most full backs with the exception of Ashley Cole are skinned regularly. It's the nature of having someone with the ball running at you that they have a considerable advantage over where the choose to go.

 

For League One, James looks adequate to me and he overlaps regularly setting up goals and chances.

[Whitey Grandad]

If you could point to a host of goals conceded from the left side, I would be right behind you. But where have the goals against us come from??

 

James has made a couple of errors this season. So have Jaidi, Perry, Trottman and Harding. But for some reason James is singled-out. I don't understand it.

 

Most full backs with the exception of Ashley Cole are skinned regularly. It's the nature of having someone with the ball running at you that they have a considerable advantage over where the choose to go.

 

For League One, James looks adequate to me and he overlaps regularly setting up goals and chances.

There's the penalty for an obvious one. Every game there are several occasions where he is caught out of position. When we are moving upfield he tends to ball-watch and doesn't position himself to cover his winger and often when our attack breaks down they just one-two the ball past him. Against Luton he went over to our left to cover their right-winger who then just skipped past him and put the ball across goal for that incredible miss. Against Exeter he left his post for their goal. I could go on all night. I use to play at right-back (not as well as him) so I take a special interest in the position. I think he is a much better midfielder and we are losing his services at right-back. There must be plenty of under-employed defenders out there and at least one of them must be available. We have let in 29 goals in 24 games whereas Leeds have conceded 14. That is the standard that we should be aiming for and we are not going to achieve it with James, he's is just not a natural full-back.

[Whitey Grandad]

If you could point to a host of goals conceded from the left side, I would be right behind you. But where have the goals against us come from??

 

James has made a couple of errors this season. So have Jaidi, Perry, Trottman and Harding. But for some reason James is singled-out. I don't understand it.

 

Most full backs with the exception of Ashley Cole are skinned regularly. It's the nature of having someone with the ball running at you that they have a considerable advantage over where the choose to go.

 

For League One, James looks adequate to me and he overlaps regularly setting up goals and chances.

There I beg to differ. He hangs back and crosses from far too deep. He doesn't have the pace to overlap.

[Legod Third Coming]

There's the penalty for an obvious one. Every game there are several occasions where he is caught out of position. When we are moving upfield he tends to ball-watch and doesn't position himself to cover his winger and often when our attack breaks down they just one-two the ball past him. Against Luton he went over to our left to cover their right-winger who then just skipped past him and put the ball across goal for that incredible miss. Against Exeter he left his post for their goal. I could go on all night. I use to play at right-back (not as well as him) so I take a special interest in the position. I think he is a much better midfielder and we are losing his services at right-back. There must be plenty of under-employed defenders out there and at least one of them must be available. We have let in 29 goals in 24 games whereas Leeds have conceded 14. That is the standard that we should be aiming for and we are not going to achieve it with James, he's is just not a natural full-back.

 

I don't think you can blame James for the fifteen goal difference between us and Leeds! I agree his positioning often scares me but you've conveniently neglected all the saving tackles he's made and off-the-line clearences too. Not to mention all his assists.

 

I agree he crosses from too deep for me, but he must be playing to instructions. If you want to see a full back skinned with a one-two take a look at the Brighton game...

 

They all make mistakes. We're a league one side.

 

He just gets his singled out and highlighted for some bizarre reason.

 

Opta or someone will tell you how many goals we've conceded down the left (our right) flank. I bet it's fewer than down the middle and no more than down the other flank.

 

People say Harding doesn't get cover from Lallana, but James doesn't get a hell of a lot from Waigo or Antonio either.

[saint1977]

I have no problem with him in midfield, I still think he would be quite good as a right sided midfield player so he could provide cover for the right back.

 

But at right back - he is too slow if anyone with any pace is up against him, his positional play is not all it should be, he tends to ball watch at times and he isn't very good at holding the line.

 

Now in this league you can probably get away with it 50%, maybe more, of the time but if we intend to take this league by the scruff of the neck next season Lloyd at right back would be a very big weakness unfortunately.

 

Very much my view as well, actually I think he's looked ok in the centre in the cameos that he's had there.

[sidthesquid]

Cannot argue with any of the above. So frustrating see to crosses coming from nearer the halfway line than byeline. There does not appear to have to have been any attempt to improve that aspect of his game so I'm starting to think he's under instruction to play that way.

 

It doesn't actually ,matter where the cross is from if it is directed at someone in space and with a bit of pace. How many times have pacy wingers like Antonio skinned their full-back only to blaze the ball into the crowd. Personally I think he is a much better footballer than he gets credit for, who seems to take a lot of stick, whilst Harding, who is pretty hit and miss at times, is hero-worshipped however bad a game he's having. I'm happy having both of them in the team.

[krissyboy31]

It doesn't actually ,matter where the cross is from if it is directed at someone in space and with a bit of pace. How many times have pacy wingers like Antonio skinned their full-back only to blaze the ball into the crowd. Personally I think he is a much better footballer than he gets credit for, who seems to take a lot of stick, whilst Harding, who is pretty hit and miss at times, is hero-worshipped however bad a game he's having. I'm happy having both of them in the team.

 

But it does matter where the cross comes from. From 40 meters out the defenders (or goalkeeper) see the whole flight of the ball and are therefore are in pole position to meet it and head it away (or catch/punch) . From nearer the byline the defender has to turn to see the flight of the ball and therefore loses sight of the striker he is marking. Conversely it is the attacker that sees the full flight of a byline cross and that makes him favourite to get the header.

 

James doesn't attack the byline because he hasn't got the pace to beat the opposing full-back and hasn't the pace to get back into position if the other teams break. Harding on the other hand, regularly attacks the penalty area on the other side.

[shurlock]

But it does matter where the cross comes from. From 40 meters out the defenders (or goalkeeper) see the whole flight of the ball and are therefore are in pole position to meet it and head it away (or catch/punch) . From nearer the byline the defender has to turn to see the flight of the ball and therefore loses sight of the striker he is marking. Conversely it is the attacker that sees the full flight of a byline cross and that makes him favourite to get the header.

 

James doesn't attack the byline because he hasn't got the pace to beat the opposing full-back and hasn't the pace to get back into position if the other teams break. Harding on the other hand, regularly attacks the penalty area on the other side.

 

Agree. On top of that, hard to deliver a ball with pace and power from 40 yards out. similarly if you attack the byline and the box, you're more likely to suck opponents in, dragging them out of position. and finally, getting to the byline -rather than crossing deep and necessarily early- gives more time for runners from midfield to flood the box.

[Third Division South Days]

Agree. On top of that, hard to deliver a ball with pace and power from 40 yards out. similarly if you attack the byline and the box, you're more likely to suck opponents in, dragging them out of position. and finally, getting to the byline -rather than crossing deep and necessarily early- gives more time for runners from midfield to flood the box.

 

And don't forget causing the occasional og.

[derry]

I just don't get why James has become an issue. He is a stopgap defender and will be dispensed with in due course. We are building a team to get us to the Premier league sooner rather than later and James is not quick enough to be in that team.

 

He is a weak link and is out of position, we need a strong defence and are working towards that, James would not hold his place in that defence.

[Chez]

It would be well for those criticising Harding to reflect that he has coped on the left side on his own, without any player tracking the full back and has often had to cope with two attackers.

 

Because we are so lop sided we have always had a right midfielder in front of James. He has never had to cope with two attackers on his own.

 

when we played he 4-3-3- last season James didn't have one in front of him and boy was he exposed and he got burned a few times that lead directly to goals. Its always going to be tough as a full back if you don't have a midfielder tracking their runners.

 

2 v 1 on numerous occasions last season. Not nearly as bad this season as Waigo has tracked back ever so well when we have played 4-3-3.

[Chez]

But it does matter where the cross comes from. From 40 meters out the defenders (or goalkeeper) see the whole flight of the ball and are therefore are in pole position to meet it and head it away (or catch/punch) . From nearer the byline the defender has to turn to see the flight of the ball and therefore loses sight of the striker he is marking. Conversely it is the attacker that sees the full flight of a byline cross and that makes him favourite to get the header.

 

James doesn't attack the byline because he hasn't got the pace to beat the opposing full-back and hasn't the pace to get back into position if the other teams break. Harding on the other hand, regularly attacks the penalty area on the other side.

 

Absolutely spot on. The only thing I could add is that Pardew may ask him to deliver early rather than attempt to get to the byeline. Either way your reasons why are accurate.

[hughieslastminutegoal]

This topic was starting to take over other threads so I thought it should have one of its own.

 

SO what do the majority of ppl think? is he wasted RB? is he letting the team down at RB? How desperate do we need a replacement?

 

FWIW I really rate LJ. He will never set the world alight, but all last year he did a job and is doing it consistently now. I think people forget that we are a L1 team, and just because the majority of our team is CCC standard then we expect that in every position. imo LJ is (and proved last year) that he is, or will be a solid CCC right back. James will learn from Murty too.

 

I also dont think RB is a priority for us. We have three very capable players who can fill that role in Murty, James and Thomas, all of which are perfectly solid AT THIS LEVEL. By all means find a top RB in the summer but for now we need cover for other positions, and not one for which we have three suitors

 

I think many people dismiss the importance of having good fullbacks, it seems to stem from schoolboy attitudes about them not being glamorous or spectacular positions. However even at this level you need them to be able to defend against speedy wingers, cover across for CDs, protect the back and front posts, support wingers, join in triangles with midfield, deliver good set pieces, be good tacklers and headers, etc etc. You can't skimp at fullback if you really want to suceed as a team.

 

Oh and yes, I used to play as a fullback, but I'm not biased, honest!

[West End Saint]

I think James is a decent squad player with the chance to improve & get better I dont think he is a right back he try's and always gives everthying but his positional play is a worry constantly getting caught wrong side.

 

I think right midfield suites him better and if you play him there 4 4 2 it makes us more solid he has got a decent cross on him but he lacks consitincey with his crossing.

 

Defo worth his place in the squad as he can do a good job in 3 positions but not a first team player when everyone is fit and AP gets some more quality in I do like him but would like to see Murty fit and back in the team

[Golden Balls]

Ah, I get it. The manager has decided that James should take corners and freekicks evern though Harding's delivery is better...

 

And you have the audacity to say I know nothing about football. Priceless.

 

When it comes to taking a player on and putting in a dangerous cross. Yes, Harding is far better. All James ever does is have the ball laid back to him and he floats a cross in from 35-40 yards out.

 

James does put an ok ball in when the ball is dead. But Dan Harding is far more dangerous to have in or around the box when a corner is coming in. It would be laughable to put James in there. And to be honest, I would hate to see him left one on one with someone at the back (like Palace away last season) Therefore, great decision from AP.

 

Anyway, I can't believe anyone would think James is anywhere near the player Harding is. Thats priceless!

Edited 11 January, 2010 by Golden Balls

[Golden Balls]

I just don't get why James has become an issue. He is a stopgap defender and will be dispensed with in due course. We are building a team to get us to the Premier league sooner rather than later and James is not quick enough to be in that team.

 

He is a weak link and is out of position, we need a strong defence and are working towards that, James would not hold his place in that defence.

 

Exactly. I don't understand why people think it's ok to have someone so average/poor in the defence. These are likely to be the same people who said 'Mis table would be a good result' at the begining of the season.

 

We have to get out of this losing mind-set.

[CWD]

At the end of the day, it is clear that AP does rate Lloyd quite highly and i reckon he will continue to start him. He clearly sees something that many others dont and for that reason i rate LJ because i trust AP.

 

Not having a dig and suggesting people dont trust AP, its interesting to hear what ppl think of him, its a very interesting debate.

[SaintBobby]

Overall, I'm not sure that opinion is enormously divided.

 

For me LJ gets a 6/10. Or a C+.

 

He's okay. Not great. Not embarrassing.

 

He does alright at RB. RM and CM. But if I heard he'd left Saints or was out for the rest of the season, I wouldn't be paricularly upset.

 

The reason I'm in the "anti-LJ" camp is on practical terms. Right back strikes me as a position where we could credibly - and cheaply - improve our starting XI.

 

Obviously, for the right amount of cash, we could buy a better player in EVERY position. But as we stand now, I'd say it would be very difficult and/or very expensive to find players willing to come to Saints who would be measurably better than our current GK, LB, CBs, Midfielders and CF.

 

(My other issues are whether we need a better left midfielder/winger and who is the 2nd striker with Rickie (if Connolly isnt going to be fit for at least 80/90%+ of our games))

 

I think I'd be saying that Davis, Harding, Fonte, Jaidi, Lallana, Waigo, Scheiderlin, Hammond, Lambert and Connolly are a tough "starting ten" to improve on. In most of these positions, we also have good cover.

 

But for, say, 750K I think we could get a MUCH better right back than LJ.

[Legod Third Coming]

When it comes to taking a player on and putting in a dangerous cross. Yes, Harding is far better. All James ever does is have the ball laid back to him and he floats a cross in from 35-40 yards out.

 

James does put an ok ball in when the ball is dead. But Dan Harding is far more dangerous to have in or around the box when a corner is coming in. It would be laughable to put James in there. And to be honest, I would hate to see him left one on one with someone at the back (like Palace away last season) Therefore, great decision from AP.

 

Anyway, I can't believe anyone would think James is anywhere near the player Harding is. Thats priceless!

 

I like Harding, don't get me wrong. But factually despite all our opinions, who has more assists? And where have most goals come from - right or left flank?

 

James is not the same type of player Harding is - Harding is 'flashy' and those kind of players always appeal to fans. James is simply workmanlike - and still learning. And those kind of players are always at the bottom of the popularity contest.

 

He's by no means the worst right back in this league and his accuracy from set-pieces and delivery into the box is excellent - where he hits the ball from is a matter for the manager.

 

How Harding and James go about their games is miles apart. The results are not. If anything, James is ahead on points.

Edited 12 January, 2010 by Legod Third Coming
dislexyia...

[Andy_Porter]

When it comes to taking a player on and putting in a dangerous cross. Yes, Harding is far better. All James ever does is have the ball laid back to him and he floats a cross in from 35-40 yards out.

 

James does put an ok ball in when the ball is dead. But Dan Harding is far more dangerous to have in or around the box when a corner is coming in. It would be laughable to put James in there. And to be honest, I would hate to see him left one on one with someone at the back (like Palace away last season) Therefore, great decision from AP.

 

Anyway, I can't believe anyone would think James is anywhere near the player Harding is. Thats priceless!

 

I don't think Harding ever goes into the box for a corner or free kick bar maybe the last minute of injury time.

 

He's usually one of the two we leave back.

[Teddy Nutkins]

I think many people dismiss the importance of having good fullbacks, it seems to stem from schoolboy attitudes about them not being glamorous or spectacular positions. However even at this level you need them to be able to defend against speedy wingers, cover across for CDs, protect the back and front posts, support wingers, join in triangles with midfield, deliver good set pieces, be good tacklers and headers, etc etc. You can't skimp at fullback if you really want to suceed as a team.

 

Oh and yes, I used to play as a fullback, but I'm not biased, honest!

 

100% agree Hughie, lots of clubs including our own think that any old player can slot in at full-back, and do a job, but for me that is not good enough.We as a team have suffered over the last few years by playing any old ball player in at right back, it may be ok as a stop-gap, but not when we have the funds to get in a specialist right=back to cover for Murty.

I am not a fan of Lloyd James, and i think he is a very lucky boy to have played so many games for the first team, i've seen better players languishing in the reserves, over the years and not get a look in.

 

This is the one thing that puzzles me about Alan Pardew and his obvious rating of the lad.Still i know nothing,which is why i am not the Saints manager.

[derry]

100% agree Hughie, lots of clubs including our own think that any old player can slot in at full-back, and do a job, but for me that is not good enough.We as a team have suffered over the last few years by playing any old ball player in at right back, it may be ok as a stop-gap, but not when we have the funds to get in a specialist right=back to cover for Murty.

I am not a fan of Lloyd James, and i think he is a very lucky boy to have played so many games for the first team, i've seen better players languishing in the reserves, over the years and not get a look in.

 

This is the one thing that puzzles me about Alan Pardew and his obvious rating of the lad.Still i know nothing,which is why i am not the Saints manager.

 

I think you would have looked forward to playing against him. By the way there is a photo of you in the Pink this week, if you can't get one, let me know, I probably can but will bring mine in on the 19th.

[Golden Balls]

I don't think Harding ever goes into the box for a corner or free kick bar maybe the last minute of injury time.

 

He's usually one of the two we leave back.

 

Most of the time that is the case. Good to keep back as he has pace and can tackle/hold up play, but also useful to have around the box. As he showed in the last minute at Leeds.

[John B]

I think you would have looked forward to playing against him. By the way there is a photo of you in the Pink this week, if you can't get one, let me know, I probably can but will bring mine in on the 19th.

 

Who is Teddy Nutkins I forget I know he was around in the Jim Steele Peter Osgood era

[Golden Balls]

I like Harding, don't get me wrong. But factually despite all our opinions, who has more assists? And where have most goals come from - right or left flank?

 

James is not the same type of player Harding is - Harding is 'flashy' and those kind of players always appeal to fans. James is simply workmanlike - and still learning. And those kind of players are always at the bottom of the popularity contest.

 

He's by no means the worst right back in this league and his accuracy from set-pieces and delivery into the box is excellent - where he hits the ball from is a matter for the manager.

 

How Harding and James go about their games is miles apart. The results are not. If anything, James is ahead on points.

 

Factually I don't know. I haven't looked.

 

By no means am I suggesting LJ is the worse RB in the league. That would be awful! But I do feel he is one of (if not the) weak links in our team.

 

It is indeed a matter for the manager of where LJ crosses the ball from, and it's clear that AP has realised James does not have the pace or ability to beat someone to make a cross, or get back in time for a quick attack. Because of this, crossing from 35-40 yeards is the only choice.

 

As someone has said, we could replace him with better quality for not a great deal of money.

 

The only player I can compare James to this season is Harding, as its a similar role. And in my opinion, I would like someone like Harding on the right side too.

[SNSUN]

I'd rather have him at right back playing, than not playing at all, growing disillusioned and being shipped out. James is a player we don't want to be losing, a real asset to the team. Every team needs a utility player, and James seems to be ours.

[Huntingdon]

I hate his running style

 

He moves up & down the touchline, like a mentally challenged guy chasing after an ice-cream van

[kpturner]

I hate his running style

 

He moves up & down the touchline, like a mentally challenged guy chasing after an ice-cream van

It is true, he does have a "mincing" sort of running style :-D

[saintjinksie]

his corners are shocking, we never score from them. in fact, most dont beat the first man...