will the real Lee Barnard please stand up ..

[david in sweden]

At a point in time when we are all hoping and praying that Rickie Lambert is fit enough to play out the rest of the season and get a few more vital goals...when Billy Sharp is still finding his feet, David Connolly on one of his injury sojourns and Tadanari Lee is back on the plane to Japan until August (maybe not literally)....whilst Guly is showing his amazing in and out form (as only he can do) .....we still have Lee Barnard.

Injured LAST April, he has made numerous sub.apps. in recent months after his prolonged injury period and yet - when he comes off the bench ...seems to disappear into the mass of players.....and almost becomes invisible.

 

Few people who recall his previous goal-scoring feats would say he is without skill or talent, but somehow he doesn't even seem a shadow of his former self. I've lost track of the details of his court case..has there been a verdict yet?, or can this be affecting his attitude to life and the game ?

 

If ever there was a time for him to recover some form - it is surely NOW. I sense that some fans are losing patience with him too, so let's hope he can get some form going in the last 6 games and get some goals to help us "over the line ".

Edited 3 April, 2012 by david in sweden

[doddisalegend]

Lee Barnard has hardly had numerous sub apperances. When he came on against Donny he was full of running and effort, which is what his game is all about, but it's harsh to expect him to be banging in the goals when he has had a handful of sub apperances (usual the last 10 miniutes of a game) even if he starts every game until the end of the season he is going to be match rusty. I still think he is capable of banging in a couple if he gets to play regularly in the last few games.

[SaintNeil90]

Dont rate him. He Hardly stood out in league one.

[Thedelldays]

Dont rate him. He Hardly stood out in league one.

 

lol

[sfc4prem]

Dont rate him. He Hardly stood out in league one.

 

Hahha...

[Saint Garrett]

He was probably our most consistent striker last season when Lambert wasn't scoring every week.

[Whitey Grandad]

I seem to remember he scored some useful goals for us. Am I wrong?

[Lighthouse]

Step up and scored goals when we needed them most in the past. Got the first ever goal under Adkins up at Wednesday, first time we'd scored in about a month. Has scored numerous last minute winners, equalisers and that goal against MK Dons.

 

I have faith that he can do the job given time, unlike Guly who can run the show one game and vanish the next.

[hypochondriac]

If Lambert is not fit I would rather start him up front with Sharp than Guly.

[jampot]

Barnard is a quality player, could easily do a job at this level but a serious injury has derailed his chances. Seemed loved an respected until he was injured. Dont know why some have turned agaisnt him. Needs a proper run in the side and wont get that this season. If we are promoted maybe a step too far....I would say an equal with Sharp on a level footing and both fit.

[Pugwash]

Seems a bit more mobile than Sharp and has a lot of self-confidence. I think he can do a good job during the run-in.

[S-Clarke]

Barnard is a quality player, could easily do a job at this level but a serious injury has derailed his chances. Seemed loved an respected until he was injured. Dont know why some have turned agaisnt him. Needs a proper run in the side and wont get that this season. If we are promoted maybe a step too far....I would say an equal with Sharp on a level footing and both fit.

 

This has confused me as well, he's not had a chance at this level for anyone to decide he's not up to it - yet quite a few have decided he's not up to it. Bizarre.

 

He will score goals at this level if given the chance and the service, I am 110% sure of that. He hasn't turned crap overnight and he was bought with an eye on the championship too.

[Thedelldays]

This has confused me as well, he's not had a chance at this level for anyone to decide he's not up to it - yet quite a few have decided he's not up to it. Bizarre.

 

He will score goals at this level if given the chance and the service, I am 110% sure of that. He hasn't turned crap overnight and he was bought with an eye on the championship too.

had he been available all season..I doubt we would have bought sharp...barney was excellent last year

[saintscottofthenortham]

If Lambert is not fit I would rather start him up front with Sharp than Guly.

 

Exactly this. Cracking player who has been unfortunate this season.

[Smirking_Saint]

I have always liked him, looked keen when he came on against the pool, much more running than Sharp and seemed to at least try to hold the ball up, not a bad player to have on the back burner

[itchen_dan]

He's a brilliant finisher who definitely knows she the net is. He is also our only real other option, in my opinion, who could partly do Lambert's job (win headers, hold up the ball, drop deep). He is similar to Sharp but they both offer different attributes.

 

Cracking player who gives his all and I would definitely rare have him upfront than Guly. Deserves his chance from here on in.

[itchen_dan]

He's a brilliant finisher who definitely knows she the net is. He is also our only real other option, in my opinion, who could partly do Lambert's job (win headers, hold up the ball, drop deep). He is similar to Sharp but they both offer different attributes.

 

Cracking player who gives his all and I would definitely rare have him upfront than Guly. Deserves his chance from here on in.

 

Bloody iPad! Arghh. "She" is meant to say where and "rare" is meant to say rather!

[The9]

I think he found his limit in the top half of League One, personally.

 

One paced, not quick, not good in the air, not skilful enough to beat players, not especially good at holding up the ball or passing. A decent enough finisher but his limitations (particularly lack of pace) mean that he doesn't get as many chances as better players. Sharp is significantly better in most if not all aspects of his game, and Guly has shown far more signs of being able to play at the top level than Barnard has.

 

However, even a blind pig can find a truffle, and in a top of the league side with home games against 2 of the bottom 4, there could be a few truffles about.

[dubai_phil]

Let us not forget, that it was another forgotten striker who wasn't match fit who helped get us over the line last season.

 

DC stood up in the run in, we have no idea what the status is with his injury this time round, but last year many doubted he would "add value"

 

LB probably has that role to play this season. Let us hope Lightning can strike twice

[RobM]

Barnard was the one of only two players who looked up for the game against Blackpool, when he came on. While everyone else was stood around watching and waiting, he was running and looked a threat.

 

He deserves a chance in this league. I'm not 100% convinced he can do it, but he'll damn well try hard.

[ottery st mary]

If Rikee is out..hope not.

 

Then I would start Barnard and Sharp up front..

 

4-0 and another 3 more points to the mighty Saints...

 

WIFM

[Saint Garrett]

He's no worse than Ormerod was for us.

[Leicestersaint]

This year he has not looked up to it.

[Saint Garrett]

This year he has not looked up to it.

Don't understand how you can say that? He's been injured and hardly played, and when he has it's been for 5/10 minutes.

[Clifford Nelson]

To me he looked fairly one-dimensional last year. Works hard, runs a lot, plays for freekicks and immediately irritates every referee who then will give him little or nothing. Playing with RL and with plenty of service in a very offensive team he scored a number of goals, for which we are all grateful. I'll be a bit surprised if he is still with us next season, but maybe NA sees something in him which I'm not.

Edited 4 April, 2012 by Clifford Nelson
Spelling bee contender

[Lord Duckhunter]

Sharp is a better player than Barnard, so to suggest a fit Sharp sits on the bench whilst Barnard plays is barmy. Maybe they could start together, but a 20 min cameo is about it as far as I'm concerned.

[Avenue Saint]

Sharp is a better player than Barnard, so to suggest a fit Sharp sits on the bench whilst Barnard plays is barmy. Maybe they could start together, but a 20 min cameo is about it as far as I'm concerned.

 

Sharp is a much better overall striker than Barnard and I am sure he will come good. Just taking time to get fit and settle.

 

Ironic as the forum know it alls, not mentioning any names (HYPOCHONDRIC) were arguing for sharp in place of lee on grounds that he sharp would settle quicker...

[Avenue Saint]

Barnard was the one of only two players who looked up for the game against Blackpool, when he came on. While everyone else was stood around watching and waiting, he was running and looked a threat.

 

He deserves a chance in this league. I'm not 100% convinced he can do it, but he'll damn well try hard.

 

Agreed here. One thing you could guarantee is he will not shy away from giving 100%

 

Whether this is good enough is however a different matter.

 

Good honest pro, however he is.

[The9]

He's no worse than Ormerod was for us.

 

He is significantly worse than Ormerod was for us, given that he's not even scored in the Prem in his career, hasn't played in an FA Cup Final for Saints, or played in our most successful league team of the Premier League era, etc. Just because they both run around a bit and score the occasional goal doesn't mean the one who's proven it in the Prem is on the same level as the one who's only proven it in League One.

 

In fact, Ormerod was a better League One level striker than Barnard before we signed him from Blackpool too - he scored 20 goals before December for them in 2001/2, Barnard only got 15 for Saints all last season.

[The9]

Agreed here. One thing you could guarantee is he will not shy away from giving 100%

 

Whether this is good enough is however a different matter.

 

Good honest pro, however he is.

 

Can't argue that he's a trier.

[doddisalegend]

I've not seen much to suggest the Sharp is massivly better than Barnard....at least Barney works hard off the ball and defends from the front, Sharp looks to knackered after five minutes to close anyone down.

[Avenue Saint]

Can't argue that he's a trier.

 

True, and you know what, at his level, he would do a great job for the right team.

 

He did a great job for us at the time we when needed him and for that I'm grateful.

[Avenue Saint]

I've not seen much to suggest the Sharp is massivly better than Barnard....at least Barney works hard off the ball and defends from the front, Sharp looks to knackered after five minutes to close anyone down.

 

Sharp is a leading championship striker with the record to prove it.

 

Form is temporary...

[The9]

I've not seen much to suggest the Sharp is massivly better than Barnard....at least Barney works hard off the ball and defends from the front, Sharp looks to knackered after five minutes to close anyone down.

 

I haven't seen Sharp look knackered for Saints yet and I saw him play 83 minutes at Upton Park. He's certainly added some muscle and slimmed down a bit since he joined as well.

Not sure why our failure to pass to him last weekend is his fault either.

[The9]

True, and you know what, at his level, he would do a great job for the right team.

 

He did a great job for us at the time we when needed him and for that I'm grateful.

 

Yeah, that's fair enough, and he might even be pivotal in this season like Forte was last year, I'm still not convinced he's got what it takes for the Prem or top of the Championship.

[Avenue Saint]

Yeah, that's fair enough, and he might even be pivotal in this season like Forte was last year, I'm still not convinced he's got what it takes for the Prem or top of the Championship.

 

Sadly I think the prem would be a bridge too far for his talents.

[david in sweden]

Perfectly capable if he gets his chance. Doubt he'll be here next season though.

 

.....he still has a " newish" 3 year contract signed last year.

[doggface]

he has not had a shot at championship yet, I think he would be more than capable at this level. Prem? not so sure, he needs to step up to the plate now.

[david in sweden]

Lee Barnard has hardly had numerous sub apperances. When he came on against Donny he was full of running and effort, which is what his game is all about, but it's harsh to expect him to be banging in the goals when he has had a handful of sub apperances (usual the last 10 miniutes of a game) even if he starts every game until the end of the season he is going to be match rusty. I still think he is capable of banging in a couple if he gets to play regularly in the last few games.

 

 

I admit I sounded a bit pedantic there. He was first (back) on the bench in the Brighton (H) game.

Thereafter he got on, and then came on 3 times more before being injured AGAIN. He started the first MILLWALL cup game, and was sub in the second. More recently, he came on in the game v. Donnie and Blackpool.

 

I haven't counted the minutes, but your right that it hasn't added up to be HOURS and HOURS! ..maybe it just seems more. But having got used to De Ridder's goal-scoring sub. appearances it would be nice to think that an established player (such as LB is) might have popped in a goal or two when he got the chance. I'm first to admit that it takes time for an injured player to re-discover his form, but if there was ever the time to do it - it's surely got to be now !

[Window Cleaner]

I admit I sounded a bit pedantic there. He was first (back) on the bench in the Brighton (H) game.

Thereafter he got on, and then came on 3 times more before being injured AGAIN. He started the first MILLWALL cup game, and was sub in the second. More recently, he came on in the game v. Donnie and Blackpool.

 

I haven't counted the minutes, but your right that it hasn't added up to be HOURS and HOURS! ..maybe it just seems more. But having got used to De Ridder's goal-scoring sub. appearances it would be nice to think that an established player (such as LB is) might have popped in a goal or two when he got the chance. I'm first to admit that it takes time for an injured player to re-discover his form, but if there was ever the time to do it - it's surely got to be now !

 

Barnard has played a total of 195 minutes in 9 appearance for the 1st team this season.A fact.He has scored 0 goals again a fact.

As for the rest I don't give a dump, he's not Premier League standard and thus his future with the club is limited.

Only players of PL standard have a future with the club if they want to actually play and not just get paid.One of the hasards of rapid progression through the leagues I'm afraid.

[Whitey Grandad]

PL quality or not he's about all we've got right now.

[SNSUN]

I like him. He's a real try hard and has shown he can put the ball in the back of the net, albeit in League One. The problem I have with Lee is that he's a red card waiting to happen - and we need 11 players every game.

[austsaint]

I'd rather have De Ridder starting up front than Lee B. Quite apart from the debate about whether LB is up to Championship level is the lack of playing time he has had this season and his modest performances when he has come on.

[doddisalegend]

I'd rather have De Ridder starting up front than Lee B. Quite apart from the debate about whether LB is up to Championship level is the lack of playing time he has had this season and his modest performances when he has come on.

 

God no If SDR has proved one thing this season it's that if he starts a game he does very little. SDR is at his most effective coming on with 20 mins to go were he can run at tired defenders.

[CHAPEL END CHARLIE]

An in form Lee Barnard would be a real asset for us this season - unfortunately due to his injury problems this season I not sure we have a in form Lee Barnard at the moment. As for those opining that he's not very good anyway ... well I can only take that as confirmation that some on here the memory faculty of a concussed goldfish.

 

Nevertheless, as long as he's fully fit then I'd take a chance and start him alongside Billy Sharp - if Lambert is out of course.

[Leicestersaint]

I'd rather have De Ridder starting up front than Lee B. Quite apart from the debate about whether LB is up to Championship level is the lack of playing time he has had this season and his modest performances when he has come on.

 

Neither should start IMHO. I would though start with Puncheon if available.

[david in sweden]

I like him. He's a real try hard and has shown he can put the ball in the back of the net, albeit in League One. The problem I have with Lee is that he's a red card waiting to happen - and we need 11 players every game.

 

whilst I agree that Lee B. is "boisterous" in his approach to the game. I don't think he's got any worse disciplinary record than a few others we've had. Admitedly, Ricky isn't so bad as some, but we need someone (like LB), who can needle defenders a bit and not just wait to be cut down from behind and win a free kick which gains nothing. I like his playing style, and he played many good games before his terrible injury.

[Lighthouse]

Neither should start IMHO. I would though start with Puncheon if available.

 

Puncheon has been largely ineffective since his return and has been frozen out of some of the tougher games, like the trip to Leeds. I think I might actually start Barnard tomorrow ahead of Guly, who can also go missing quite often, and Sharp, who hasn't really done it yet.

 

I don't think he is a red card waiting to happen. Other than one wreckless challenge at the start of last season (Swindon in the JPT was it?) I can't remember him doing too much wrong.