Will Smallbone

[Holmes_and_Watson]

1 hour ago, coalman said:

There are some real positives in there as a player. He takes up great positions to receive the ball and is tidy in possession. Rarely misplaces a pass. Makes space for other players in the attacking third. Can receive the ball and move it quickly which is a prerequisite for Martin's system. In contrast Rothwell feels like a liability when he's receiving the ball in his own half.

There are times where it feels like he's not as committed to the out of possession work as, say, Downes. So when we don't have a natural defensive midfielder it can feel like he's not involved. That's something he can add to his game though. There were times on Saturday where some of his tracking back felt a bit half hearted. But then there were also a couple of really committed challenges in there too. I'm hoping this is something that comes with more consistent game time because he'll be some player if he can really take the game by the scruff of the neck.

Whatever your feelings on a player, no one deserves that degree of abuse. The Internet really does bring out the worst in humans.

Agree with much of this. Physically, he doesn't look like he's a tough combative DM type of player. That said, it's yet another part of the game he's got better at. There was chat about it earlier in the season, and in the next game he got in a couple of good challenges. Even if it's just getting a foul in, to take a card if he has to sometimes.

I can't think of games where he's taking it by the scruff either. But he was involved with more than 1 of our goals at the weekend. That isn't the first time. I'm pretty sure if I looked back at other games, it would be Will involved in a move to get it to our game changers like Fraser. Also protecting the spaces behind them.

On his tracking back, I'm just aware of the ground he already covers each game. With changed responsibilities without Downes, that could partly just be adjusting to manage his game. I see a lot of players make a short run, pass and then urge the play to go down the other flank because they're done. Will's pretty much always on the move somewhere. If he's asked to be more of a DM, it might have to at the expense of him being elsewhere.

As people have mentioned about other players, if you were to add tough tackling midfielder or game changing box to box player, he wouldn't be with us. He'd have been snapped up last summer.

Broadly, it's the same as the start of the season. He's not our best DM. He's not our best AM. But he does things neither of those positions do, and adds quite a lot more. But it really clicks when he's got a very good specialist partner.

[egg]

My only real criticism of the lad is that he's not great at playing on the half turn which really slows us down. I like that he gets into good positions, that he uses the ball well, that he makes good runs. He's definitely not a holding midfielder, but I like that he'll do a job for the team. 

There's loads of people who don't understand the game who can't recognise what he does well, but jump all over him for what he doesn't. I met one bloke yesterday who thought he was atrocious at the weekend. I asked if he didn't like the 2 x assists, but apparently they don't count as everything else was apparently shit! Bless.

I like the lad. A bit to work on still, but there's a player there. 

Edited March 6 by egg

[musesaint]

Some fans always want someone to hate. 
 

 

[Miltonaggro]

1 hour ago, egg said:

My only real criticism of the lad is that he's not great at playing on the half turn which really slows us down. I like that he gets into good positions, that he uses the ball well, that he makes food reasons. He's definitely not a holding midfielder, but I like that he'll do a job for the team. 

There's loads of people who don't understand the game who can't recognise what he does wel, but jump all over him for what he doesn't. I met one yesterday who thought he was atrocious at the weekend. I asked if he didn't like the 2 x assists, but apparently they don't count as everything else was shit! Bless.

I like the lad. A bit to work on still, but there's a player there. 

Good summary, he is markedly better and clearly more comfortable with Downes in the side. The real shame is that Downes is the only player we currently have who can compliment in that role.

[egg]

4 minutes ago, Miltonaggro said:

Good summary, he is markedly better and clearly more comfortable with Downes in the side. The real shame is that Downes is the only player we currently have who can compliment in that role.

Agreed that he needs a holding player alongside him, and Downes is the best we've got. It's a shame that Charles has flattered to deceive as, on paper, he'd be a great pairing with Smallbone. On that, I find it surprising that Smallbone gets so much flak but that Charles gets an easy ride despite costing a fortune. 

[coalman]

1 minute ago, egg said:

Agreed that he needs a holding player alongside him, and Downes is the best we've got. It's a shame that Charles has flattered to deceive as, on paper, he'd be a great pairing with Smallbone. On that, I find it surprising that Smallbone gets so much flak but that Charles gets an easy ride despite costing a fortune. 

I think there's a player there with Charles too. We were spoiled with how good Lavia was so quickly. This time last year Edozie was written off but he's really blossomed. Charles is still a kid who'll get better. And I think a midfield of Charles and Downes in would give Smallbone a real platform and also leave us a lot less open.

[notnowcato]

Charles will be a premier league player, he’s got all the attributes. He’s young and has a lot to learn.

[ErwinK1961]

1 hour ago, egg said:

Agreed that he needs a holding player alongside him, and Downes is the best we've got. It's a shame that Charles has flattered to deceive as, on paper, he'd be a great pairing with Smallbone. On that, I find it surprising that Smallbone gets so much flak but that Charles gets an easy ride despite costing a fortune. 

Not sure Charles gets an easy ride, it’s just that he doesn’t play much. When he has played, he’s generally been slated.

[VectisSaint]

3 hours ago, egg said:

Agreed that he needs a holding player alongside him, and Downes is the best we've got. It's a shame that Charles has flattered to deceive as, on paper, he'd be a great pairing with Smallbone. On that, I find it surprising that Smallbone gets so much flak but that Charles gets an easy ride despite costing a fortune. 

Where on earth do you get that Charles gets an easy ride. He has been slated on here since that start of the season, some of it justifiably. Seems to have redeemed himself a bit in the last couple of weeks. He is actually a very good player, or will be, but his confidence was shattered early in the season, made too many basic mistakes that cost us. He is still very young, needs a consistent run in MF (not as a CB) and he will turn out great.

[Convict Colony]

9 hours ago, egg said:

Agreed that he needs a holding player alongside him, and Downes is the best we've got. It's a shame that Charles has flattered to deceive as, on paper, he'd be a great pairing with Smallbone. On that, I find it surprising that Smallbone gets so much flak but that Charles gets an easy ride despite costing a fortune. 

[egg]

7 hours ago, VectisSaint said:

Where on earth do you get that Charles gets an easy ride. He has been slated on here since that start of the season, some of it justifiably. Seems to have redeemed himself a bit in the last couple of weeks. He is actually a very good player, or will be, but his confidence was shattered early in the season, made too many basic mistakes that cost us. He is still very young, needs a consistent run in MF (not as a CB) and he will turn out great.

This forum.

Charles gets nothing like the flak that Smallbone does, despite contributing a hell of a lot less. 

[Turkish]

9 hours ago, notnowcato said:

Charles will be a premier league player, he’s got all the attributes. He’s young and has a lot to learn.

hungry so guaranteed to improve, yes?

[ScandiSaint]

Must be worth a bump after his contribution on Sunday. Another assist, turned up for the three big games this season (two-semi finals and the final) and for a player who got a lot of stick earlier in the season, his stats aren't bad: 

6 - 7 goals and 4 assists including the plays-off apparently. 

 

[Dusic]

I think he has been excellent for most of the season and also really stepped up and had probably his best spell when it counts.

Looks a really good player for that role in a midfield three and IMO should and likely will start the PL season in the team.

Believe he signed a 3 year contract last summer....I would be looking to add a year or two to that.

Edited May 28 by Dusic

[LegalEagle]

He improved massively in the second half of the season and only got better towards the end. He is worth (and deserves) a starting spot for the first few games of the season to see whether he is up to it or not.

[ally_uk]

Fair play to the lad especially after bouncing back from criticism. 

👏 

 

[Dman]

improved greatly when he was put in his natural position in a more advanced role. Deserevs a shot next season - not sure if he's good enough though. 

[Whitey Grandad]

2 minutes ago, Dman said:

improved greatly when he was put in his natural position in a more advanced role. Deserevs a shot next season - not sure if he's good enough though. 

I was probably his biggest critic but he is much better playing further forward instead of just in front of the back line.

[Saint Fan CaM]

2 minutes ago, Whitey Grandad said:

I was probably his biggest critic but he is much better playing further forward instead of just in front of the back line.

Agree with this - he’s not a natural CDM and has an uncanny knack of arriving in the box at the right time. Also think he’s balked out a bit giving him more upper body strength. Whether he’s good enough for the Prem time will tell (like some other players), but he deserves a shot at it.

[Saint Keef]

I'm really pleased for him. I thought over the two semi-finals and the final, he was immense. A stunning goal in the second leg against WBA (he was actually my MOTM in that game, and others sitting around me agreed he should have got it) which broke the deadlock, and a great  through-ball to Armstrong in the final for an assist, which of course, again broke the deadlock. Having watched the Final at Wembley (from up in the Gods) and twice more on TV since, he never stopped putting the effort in. He's obviously matured from a couple of years ago, and I for one, think he deserves a shot now at the Prem. "Will Smallbone - he's one of our own." Well done lad.

Edited May 28 by Saint Keef

[SaintsFan86]

Will definitely starts for ne next year. He.has been excellent.

[Holmes_and_Watson]

3 minutes ago, Saint Keef said:

I'm really pleased for him. I thought over the two semi-finals and the final, he was immense. A stunning goal in the second leg against WBA (he was actually my MOTM in that game, and others sitting around me agreed he should have got it) which broke the deadlock, and a great  through-ball to Armstrong in the final for an assist, which of course, again broke the deadlock. Having watched the Final at Wembley (from up in the Gods) and twice more on TV since, he never stopped putting the effort in. He's obviously matured from a couple of years ago, and I for one, think he deserves a shot now at the Prem. "Will Smallbone - he's one of our own." Well done lad.

When a like button isn't enough. 🙂

When we've really clicked this season, he's been a part of it. Always on the move, creating passing options, covering, supporting. As the season went on, he supported the attacks more. That also meant picking up different duties, supporting further up.

Chuffed with his success this season. Martin must have been thrilled to have him in the squad once he'd seen him in training.

[SNSUN]

He has definitely improved. I said the other day I notice similaries with JWP, works hard, excellent passing, positionally good and usually available, just without the JWP engine. He's not the quickest and I don't think he's a particularly good tackler but that's why he's better playing further forward. When Downes was out and we sat Smallbone back - that's not his position and we perhaps should have had more faith in Charles but ultimately I think he's earned his place in the Premier League. He's in my first XI over Aribo to start next season.

[The Cat]

I like the unfussy players like him who go about their business quietly and get on with the job.

Smart on the ball, nice weight of pass and links play together. 

The settled midfield 3 of him, Downes and Aribo is one of the main reasons we got promoted. They were excellent in the last 4 games of the season and completely stifled the opposition midfields.

[Saint Keef]

4 hours ago, Holmes_and_Watson said:

When a like button isn't enough. 🙂

When we've really clicked this season, he's been a part of it. Always on the move, creating passing options, covering, supporting. As the season went on, he supported the attacks more. That also meant picking up different duties, supporting further up.

Chuffed with his success this season. Martin must have been thrilled to have him in the squad once he'd seen him in training.

Thanks mate. And agree with everything you've said too.

[Saint_Ash]

Fair play to him. I didn't think he was good enough for a promotion chasing team, although he did well at Stoke last season. Glad to be proved wrong, he has been excellent, especially in the play offs. I hope he can push on further in the prem. 

[verlaine1979]

Good weight of pass and more inclined to look for the through ball than JWP typically was while he was here. Get in Downes and a genuine DM so that Smallbone never has to play deep and I think he'll be a useful part of the squad next year.

Edited May 28 by verlaine1979

[Bad Wolf]

Wasn't a fan earlier in the season but since Feb-March he's really kicked on and proven me wrong!

[Totton Saint]

Why are all you past critics so quick to condemn without waiting to see how how he would develop?

[Osvaldorama]

Love it, so chuffed for him. Been class this season. Great to see after the idiotic abuse he got online. 

[JRM]

17 minutes ago, Osvaldorama said:

Love it, so chuffed for him. Been class this season. Great to see after the idiotic abuse he got online. 

Yeah he's a good lad, very humble, been through some tough times in his career, really hope it goes well and he can become a top flight regular 

[Totton Saint]

Hear Hear !!

[S-Clarke]

Technically he's a really gifted footballer, I just don't want to see him as the deepest CM. As long as he has protection around him he can be a real tool for us further up.

I'm looking forward to seeing him in the PL next year, I think he's got the talent to do well in that league.

[Badger]

There were times last season when Smallbone seemed too lightweight and ineffective when we needed a stronger midfield but credit to him, he certainly stepped up when needed at the critical end of season.

Thought he was flawless in the three play off matches, seemed to add a bit of physicality to his game, not brushed off the ball so easy, and always available to take a pass and move it on.

His goal v WBA reminded me of Chaplow, who I rated.

 

[Hatch]

On the same pitch as Ronaldo tonight.  
 

HCDAJFU

[SNSUN]

That Republic side would probably do well in the Championship. Good keeper, Szmodics banging them in...

Then you look at the Portugal line up...

[Ted Bates Statue]

He's taken a lot of criticism for having done nothing in his sub appearance but my understanding is that Will Smallbone was injured soon after he came on last weekend. Unfortunately as all five substitutions had been made, the only choice was for him to remain on the pitch. Maybe Lallana might have been better option but I think he's taking a lot of flak for the crime of having been unlucky.

[Wade Garrett]

Why on earth was he brought on for Fernandes in the first place?  He was having a good game.

Madness.

[tdmickey3]

49 minutes ago, Wade Garrett said:

Why on earth was he brought on for Fernandes in the first place?  He was having a good game.

Madness.

Because Martin is happiest when he`s on the pitch, or some other pathetic nonsense Martin waffles about

[SWLondon Saint]

1 hour ago, Ted Bates Statue said:

He's taken a lot of criticism for having done nothing in his sub appearance but my understanding is that Will Smallbone was injured soon after he came on last weekend. Unfortunately as all five substitutions had been made, the only choice was for him to remain on the pitch. Maybe Lallana might have been better option but I think he's taking a lot of flak for the crime of having been unlucky.

Well, since he just came back from injury, bringing him on in a high-intensity, super high stakes PL match doesn't seem the smartest move in the book then surely?

[disconnect]

21 minutes ago, SWLondon Saint said:

Well, since he just came back from injury, bringing him on in a high-intensity, super high stakes PL match doesn't seem the smartest move in the book then surely?

Especially when it's for one of our best players

[Kenilworthy]

34 minutes ago, SWLondon Saint said:

Well, since he just came back from injury, bringing him on in a high-intensity, super high stakes PL match doesn't seem the smartest move in the book then surely?

Yes its not Smallbone that was at fault on Saturday, it was the manager. 

[lambtiss]

3 hours ago, SWLondon Saint said:

Well, since he just came back from injury, bringing him on in a high-intensity, super high stakes PL match doesn't seem the smartest move in the book then surely?

As wasn’t starting Ross Stewart against Arsenal after months out.

[Holmes_and_Watson]

On 22/10/2024 at 14:17, Ted Bates Statue said:

He's taken a lot of criticism for having done nothing in his sub appearance but my understanding is that Will Smallbone was injured soon after he came on last weekend. Unfortunately as all five substitutions had been made, the only choice was for him to remain on the pitch. Maybe Lallana might have been better option but I think he's taking a lot of flak for the crime of having been unlucky.

Hard to know what impact he would have had. Will's played DM last season, and it didn't work then. RM trusts Will to do a number of roles, sometimes outside his skillset.

Against PL opposition, it was a bigger ask. But if tasked with shutting down a certain player, the injury could have played a part. I guess we won't know if Les or Lallana were the obvious subs, since we didn't see Will do much.

Possibly, RM could have shuffled it up again to make it more compact and take Will put of that role. Sometimes, it's worse than a man down having someone there, but unable to stop anything.

I hope he's back fit soon.

[bpsaint]

52 minutes ago, Holmes_and_Watson said:

Hard to know what impact he would have had. Will's played DM last season, and it didn't work then. RM trusts Will to do a number of roles, sometimes outside his skillset.

Against PL opposition, it was a bigger ask. But if tasked with shutting down a certain player, the injury could have played a part. I guess we won't know if Les or Lallana were the obvious subs, since we didn't see Will do much.

Possibly, RM could have shuffled it up again to make it more compact and take Will put of that role. Sometimes, it's worse than a man down having someone there, but unable to stop anything.

I hope he's back fit soon.

I don’t. He’s not good enough for this league.

[Holmes_and_Watson]

23 minutes ago, bpsaint said:

I don’t. He’s not good enough for this league.

That Baz, Cap'n Shoehorn, Will, Sule spine of the team, just doesn't get the respect it deserves. What a different season it would be, had they all been fit.

[vectraman]

1 hour ago, Holmes_and_Watson said:

That Baz, Cap'n Shoehorn, Will, Sule spine of the team, just doesn't get the respect it deserves. What a different season it would be, had they all been fit.

Could only have been a point worse off I guess…mind you the goal difference would have been a different story…😱