Secret Site Agent Posted 12 March, 2012 Share Posted 12 March, 2012 I have meant to start this thread a few times but thought someone else is bound to anyway. In you opinion why do you think we are not playing Sharpie? Personally I think it could be down to him not being 'Saints' fit, and the fact that he hasn't picked up on our set pieces and not fully gelled at the moment. Possibly. But surely he should be making a start soon. £ 1.8 million for a bench warmer is a lot, and the little kid in me wants to see him and Rickie blasting them in from Crosses from Steeeeeeeevvvve De Ridder, (another question) and Adam Lallana. On Saturday Dave Merrington and Adam Blackmore both queried the reason for it, especially when Rickie came off and was replaced by Conelly instead of Sharpie. So, what do you think? Can't take anything away from Lee, and I have been impressed with him thus far. But when would/will Billy have a chance to prove what he can do? Also there is the big question dividing Saint supporters. Guly. Why is he picked as a striker when he's supposed to be a Midfielder/Winger? Don't get me wrong, I am as frustrated as the next man, and this is for another thread, but why over Billy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Window Cleaner Posted 12 March, 2012 Share Posted 12 March, 2012 I have meant to start this thread a few times but thought someone else is bound to anyway. In you opinion why do you think we are not playing Sharpie? Personally I think it could be down to him not being 'Saints' fit, and the fact that he hasn't picked up on our set pieces and not fully gelled at the moment. Possibly. But surely he should be making a start soon. £ 1.8 million for a bench warmer is a lot, and the little kid in me wants to see him and Rickie blasting them in from Crosses from Steeeeeeeevvvve De Ridder, (another question) and Adam Lallana. On Saturday Dave Merrington and Adam Blackmore both queried the reason for it, especially when Rickie came off and was replaced by Conelly instead of Sharpie. So, what do you think? Can't take anything away from Lee, and I have been impressed with him thus far. But when would/will Billy have a chance to prove what he can do? Also there is the big question dividing Saint supporters. Guly. Why is he picked as a striker when he's supposed to be a Midfielder/Winger? Don't get me wrong, I am as frustrated as the next man, and this is for another thread, but why over Billy. Pretty simple answer really, W Sharp Esq is not currently one of the 2 best strikers available to SFC. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pingwing Posted 12 March, 2012 Share Posted 12 March, 2012 Lee just is better, seems too simple but Lee was a bit of an unknown quantity and has turned out to be really something quite special. Take nothing away from Sharp he looks a good player and has scored some cracking goals at Donny this season, but he really isn't quite the same package Lee has turned out to be. Give Sharp some more training (time to get his head into the team) and he should be good Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Glasgow_Saint Posted 12 March, 2012 Share Posted 12 March, 2012 Great to have a player like Sharp fighting for a 1st team place - credit to Lee for keeping him out Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thornhill_saints Posted 12 March, 2012 Share Posted 12 March, 2012 I dont think he's Adkins fit, he may well be fit but not what our manager calls fit! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Minty Posted 12 March, 2012 Share Posted 12 March, 2012 Combination of fitness, sharpness, and the role that Adkins would have him play. Don't underestimate Adkins' tendency to pick players for specific scenarios based on individual attributes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jawillwill Posted 12 March, 2012 Share Posted 12 March, 2012 Combination of fitness, sharpness, and the role that Adkins would have him play. Don't underestimate Adkins' tendency to pick players for specific scenarios based on individual attributes. To be fair, he's got more of that than anyone. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ken Tone Posted 12 March, 2012 Share Posted 12 March, 2012 I was surprised Adkins brought on Connolly before Sharp, but less so that he was not in the starting 11, given Lee's form. I thought he had a very promsing first game for us, apart from the one miss that can happen to anyone, but looked off the pace in his second start. I noticed he had some strapping on his thigh. So whether he is carrying a slight niggle or just isn't quite up to scratch yet I'm not sure. Thought he looked fine on his brief appearance on Saturday. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sour Mash Posted 12 March, 2012 Share Posted 12 March, 2012 Yes, he's probably not quite as fit as he could be, but putting that to one side, I think it was a bit of a strange signing, especially as a partner for Lambert up front. A player like Lee is a better partner for Lambert due to his pace and movement. Sharp doesn't really offer that. Still a quality player to have in the squad and good to bring in if Lambert gets injured. Don't know what the player himself will make of being down the pecking order, surprsied he didn't get on earlier on Saturday. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dubai_phil Posted 12 March, 2012 Share Posted 12 March, 2012 Saints manager in "picking players / choosing subs to fit a tactical situation" shocker Sharp will bring a great deal to the team. His time will come. Lee is more technical and more ready to start. Connolly is more aware of the shape movement and work ethic of the team and bringing him on was less of a risk in the game. Right now NA is picking teams to win the 6 games and draw 2 that should get us up. Once that is done I can see him giving Sharp a start in place of RL to get him ready for next season when he will be vital to us Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Minty Posted 12 March, 2012 Share Posted 12 March, 2012 Adkins also knows that he has players who are hungry to get on and play their part. Freezing David Connelly out wouldn't help, so he probably gave him a chance to see what he could do to keep him on his toes also. He's still a quality player and as Adkins continually says, it's about the whole squad, not just 11 or 16, and having them all involved and hungry is important. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Whitey Grandad Posted 12 March, 2012 Share Posted 12 March, 2012 It takes time to fit into a pattern of play and to 'gel' with an established team. Just look at Lee's runs into an offside position. When the whole team is looking for them it will be a different matter. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The9 Posted 12 March, 2012 Share Posted 12 March, 2012 I actually think we're working Sharp extra hard in training to get him up to Saints' fitness levels and he's getting rested on Saturdays so we can unleash him on the run-in, by which time he'll be up to speed and raring to go. At the moment having Tadanari Lee running around the place like a loon and trying to get in behind all the time seems to be worrying Championship defences enough, but I really think Sharp is more suited to our kind of build-up and he makes better runs to create space for himself and Lambert. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The9 Posted 12 March, 2012 Share Posted 12 March, 2012 It takes time to fit into a pattern of play and to 'gel' with an established team. Just look at Lee's runs into an offside position. When the whole team is looking for them it will be a different matter. Adkins was quite clear in his comments to Solent that Lee's direct runs are designed to stretch the defence. The defenders are always having to look for him and it creates space in the hole for Saints as defenders drop off to go with him. I'm sure our midfield know he's making the runs, I'm not so sure they're being told to actually pass to him in those positions. As has been discussed before, those straight runs are not easy to time right, and we're all about possession, especially when we're leading. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
for_heaven's_Saint Posted 12 March, 2012 Share Posted 12 March, 2012 He's doing what he did with Connolly last season. Leave him out of the starting 11 and just bring him on for the odd few minutes; giving him a taste for playing but leaving him desperate for more. Continue to do so, winding him up like a tightly wound spring until he's at the point of desperation. Then, with 5 or 6 games to go, unleash him into the team! He goes on a run of scoring games and fires us to the Premier League! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The9 Posted 12 March, 2012 Share Posted 12 March, 2012 Yes, he's probably not quite as fit as he could be, but putting that to one side, I think it was a bit of a strange signing, especially as a partner for Lambert up front. A player like Lee is a better partner for Lambert due to his pace and movement. Sharp doesn't really offer that. Still a quality player to have in the squad and good to bring in if Lambert gets injured. Don't know what the player himself will make of being down the pecking order, surprsied he didn't get on earlier on Saturday. From what I've seen of Sharp so far, his movement is excellent - he's not as fast as Lee but he's quick with the ball and makes his runs at the right time and in the right places. He was pulling West Ham's back line all over the place. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
70's Mike Posted 12 March, 2012 Share Posted 12 March, 2012 needs to lose a few pies then he will start Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Micky Posted 12 March, 2012 Share Posted 12 March, 2012 Coz 'e is fat 'n lazy. Wasn't SRL a bit of a porker when we first got him...? After he went through the Saintssportssciencefitnessprogram, he came out a lean mean scoring machine - Billy will do the same. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Whitey Grandad Posted 12 March, 2012 Share Posted 12 March, 2012 Adkins was quite clear in his comments to Solent that Lee's direct runs are designed to stretch the defence. The defenders are always having to look for him and it creates space in the hole for Saints as defenders drop off to go with him. I'm sure our midfield know he's making the runs, I'm not so sure they're being told to actually pass to him in those positions. As has been discussed before, those straight runs are not easy to time right, and we're all about possession, especially when we're leading. Makes sense. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimbojones10 Posted 12 March, 2012 Share Posted 12 March, 2012 it's simple really, Lee is a better player than him Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saintalan Posted 12 March, 2012 Share Posted 12 March, 2012 Think it's all pretty much been said above. To my mind Ricky is such a great player now compared to when he came, not just a striker but his whole game. I think it a testament to our fitness regime that it makes Sharp look a little out of shape and of the pace. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
david in sweden Posted 12 March, 2012 Share Posted 12 March, 2012 I didn't think we WEREN'T playing Billy Sharp! (not deliberately anyway). Why aren't we playing Puncheon and Chaplow?... The manager makes the call and (thankfully) we have a very good squad for him to choose from. We can still only play eleven at a time, and if the game is going well, NA may /may not decide to sub. some of them. At a rough check, NA has used 2 or 3 subs. in ALL but ONE game. (only Harding used v. Pompey).The rest of the time he rings the changes every game. IMO.. whilst Billy is a good signing, like Lee - is struggling a bit to find his feet (and fitness) Saints style. I think we'll see him a bit more in the coming weeks and if he scores a few vital goals he'll become a fan-favourite very quickly. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
david in sweden Posted 12 March, 2012 Share Posted 12 March, 2012 Coz 'e is fat 'n lazy. Wasn't SRL a bit of a porker when we first got him...? After he went through the Saintssportssciencefitnessprogram, he came out a lean mean scoring machine - Billy will do the same. Amen to that ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Turkish Posted 12 March, 2012 Share Posted 12 March, 2012 Another example of foreign labour taking the jobs of good, honest, hard working Brits. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SuperMikey Posted 12 March, 2012 Share Posted 12 March, 2012 Apparently he's lost over a stone in weight since he's been at the club. He'll be lean and mean for the run-in, but he must have been frustrated to see DC get a run-out before he did. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Professor Posted 12 March, 2012 Share Posted 12 March, 2012 Not playing him?? Maybe that was that a Lookalike wearing a shirt with SHARP on the back who was on the pitch at the end of the game on Saturday? But how can Adkins not start with Lee when he's proving to be a brilliant player. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cabrone Posted 12 March, 2012 Share Posted 12 March, 2012 At the moment Lee is preferred but Billy Sharp's time will come. Sooner or later there will be an injury\loss of form or just general tiredness amongst our front 2 and then Sharp gets his turn. It's just part of being a squad player. It's a great position for us to be in. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lord Duckhunter Posted 12 March, 2012 Share Posted 12 March, 2012 It's obvious that Lee has hit the ground running, so Nigel cant leave him out. What message would that send out? Since he's been at the Club one thing that has stuck out is the fairness over selection. He doesn't appear to have any favourites but will also leave guys out/sub them if they're tired or got a knock.I thought Sharp would hit the ground running and Lee would need time to adjust, but it seems to be the other way round. The great thing about Nigel is he doesn't seem to have an ego. Other managers would have played his big money signing whether he deserved a start or not. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
for_heaven's_Saint Posted 12 March, 2012 Share Posted 12 March, 2012 Apparently he's lost over a stone in weight since he's been at the club. He'll be lean and mean for the run-in, but he must have been frustrated to see DC get a run-out before he did. According to who? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dronskisaint Posted 12 March, 2012 Share Posted 12 March, 2012 Adkins was quite clear in his comments to Solent that Lee's direct runs are designed to stretch the defence. The defenders are always having to look for him and it creates space in the hole for Saints as defenders drop off to go with him. I'm sure our midfield know he's making the runs, I'm not so sure they're being told to actually pass to him in those positions. As has been discussed before, those straight runs are not easy to time right, and we're all about possession, especially when we're leading. Makes excellent sense...it also provides that option to play to the runner (this came in to the repertoire more in the second half on Saturday)...it must be a nightmare for defenders to be playing us with the skill and options we have on the pitch let alone the quality changes we are able to make. Billy Sharp's turn will come...I'm intrigued about the weight loss stat - if accurate it proves that we demand nothing less than the fittest players in the league. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pressingon Posted 12 March, 2012 Share Posted 12 March, 2012 Why do people presume Lee and Sharp are fighting for the same spot? I think Sharp was bought as a direct replacement for Barnard/Connolly and back up to Lambert/Guly ie we can play any 2 of those 5 together. Lee is replacement for Oxo/Holmes/Forte but could also fill in for AL. I think Lee is fighting for same berth as SDR. I hope to see Lee/Sharp & SRL in a starting line up soon! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wiggles31 Posted 12 March, 2012 Share Posted 12 March, 2012 We are yet to see the real Sharp yet. I agree with others Adkins is getting Sharp 'Saints fit'. I think like what Adkins did with Lambert he is adapting his game and improving his fitness. I think we have some special moments yet to come from Sharp. Also Lee is keeping him out of the team on merit. Isn't it lovely to have so much competition for places. Blood marvellous. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Turkish Posted 12 March, 2012 Share Posted 12 March, 2012 Why do I get the feeling that the expression "saints fit" is going to be the new irritating adjective of choice for the discerning Internet mongboarder? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lets B Avenue Posted 12 March, 2012 Share Posted 12 March, 2012 Why do I get the feeling that the expression "saints fit" is going to be the new irritating adjective of choice for the discerning Internet mongboarder? Because you are using it? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
moonraker Posted 12 March, 2012 Share Posted 12 March, 2012 I think Sharps main role at the moment is back up for RL, he is different type of player to Lee who as other have said above is about pace and stretching defences. Connolly understands what is required when he comes on as a sub BS is still bedding in and getting Saints fit, he will get his chance and I am sure will make an impression. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
This Charming Man Posted 12 March, 2012 Share Posted 12 March, 2012 I wonder if Sharp knew that we'd invented a whole new level of fitness called 'Saints fit' before signing? Might have put him off otherwise... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alain Perrin Posted 12 March, 2012 Share Posted 12 March, 2012 Game was safe on Saturday. IIRC Sharp has appeared since Connolly's last appearance so I'm sure in part it was about giving people a run out. I think Billy will settle in and do the business. Time, opportunity and competition from the others will all play a part. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sour Mash Posted 12 March, 2012 Share Posted 12 March, 2012 I wonder if Sharp knew that we'd invented a whole new level of fitness called 'Saints fit' before signing? Might have put him off otherwise... I wonder how Doncaster beat us without it back in December? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wiggles31 Posted 12 March, 2012 Share Posted 12 March, 2012 Either way its clear as crystal that we have high fitness levels. Look at the transition of Lambert under Pardew to Adkins. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KelvinsRightGlove Posted 12 March, 2012 Share Posted 12 March, 2012 It's a great thing to be able to say isn't it? A proven goal-scorer in this division, wanted by other clubs, is struggling to get into the first team at the moment! Can't really complain, we have been getting decent results during Lee's run in the team & 2 saturday's in a row the lad has picked up assists. Completely agree with the above that leaving Lee out at the moment would be very harsh, he deserves his spot in the stating XI. Hopefully, as has been said, this will fire up Billy. I'm sure he can be successful for us, and fingers crossed Lee's form will galvanize Billy to take his chances at the next opportunity! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sotonjoe Posted 12 March, 2012 Share Posted 12 March, 2012 Because he can't get in the team. It's that simple. I don't think Connolly should above Sharp in the pecking order and bringing him on first at the weekend was a bit of a surprise. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Turkish Posted 12 March, 2012 Share Posted 12 March, 2012 Either way its clear as crystal that we have high fitness levels. Look at the transition of Lambert under Pardew to Adkins. Yeah because he was awful in his first season here under Pardew wasn't he. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wiggles31 Posted 12 March, 2012 Share Posted 12 March, 2012 Any internet mongboarder could have seen the change in Lamberts fitness under Adkins. Lambert even said so himself. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SaintNeil90 Posted 12 March, 2012 Share Posted 12 March, 2012 When you lot were overhyping Sharp in January, I said he was an average player & nothing special. I still hold that opinion. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dark Munster Posted 12 March, 2012 Share Posted 12 March, 2012 I reckon we ought to loan him out to Donny for their match against Reading tomorrow. Purely to get him match fit of course. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shurlock Posted 12 March, 2012 Share Posted 12 March, 2012 Can't fault Sharp's movement - makes some intelligent runs off the ball -not unlike Lee in that regard, though he doesn't have the same pace or pull as wide (not necessarily a bad thing). Above all, have been disappointed by Sharp's touch/link-up play which has been pretty laboured. Its a massive drawback for someone like NA who makes a fetish out of retention/possession. It didn't surprise me that Connolly got the nod against when we were defending a lead. Match fitness (or lack of it) is a red herring IMO. If anything, it smacks of wishful thinking as it implies the only thing holding back Sharp is fitness and once that's addressed, he'll slot in seamlessly. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paulwantsapint Posted 12 March, 2012 Share Posted 12 March, 2012 Can see a 4 man strike force being unleashed soon sharp up front with Chung, rickie & Adam just behind Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dannysfc Posted 12 March, 2012 Share Posted 12 March, 2012 Great to have a player like Sharp fighting for a 1st team place - credit to Lee for keeping him out I agree with the above as it's simple as Lee's doing Better and will hopefully keep it up and i'm sure that Sharp will get another go! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StVince1966 Posted 12 March, 2012 Share Posted 12 March, 2012 thought sharp was our best player at upton park believe he will come good at the moment lee edges it for me due to basic pace both in feet and head Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dellman Posted 12 March, 2012 Share Posted 12 March, 2012 We've been moaning because we thought the squad needed strengthening, now its been strengthened we have to understand we can't have 16 on the pitch at the same time, so they'll all be bench warmers at some time. Get used to it. And be happy about it! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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