Grimsby Home 8th Feb

You are correct about Reeves Fordy. First couple of games he came back he was getting into space, picking the ball up and spraying it around the field, picking men up. Since then he has gone right off, so much so as you say he was often the first one to be hooked. Was it a mental thing?, fed up with the manager?, fed up with players around him not finding space to receive the ball? We shall never know but let's hope Stuart can get him back to how he was those first couple of games.

 

Didn’t Devine start under McCall, and from I remember, was actually looking decent?
Maybe Stuart can get him back on form again. He’s certainly got more desire than Akpan.

 

He did and I agree looked quite tidy and thought we'd found a decent young player. Hasn't kicked on unfortunately. Had some great players around him and teams backed off us and didn't dare press us as they knew we'd pick them off at will, so he did have all the time in the world in the midfield which may have helped.

 

Has Danny Devine played as a right fullback in a League match? I am sure he would offer more than some who have been in that position recently.

 

Totally agree re Akpan within the starting XI. We’ve never seen the best of him and I’m really hoping Stuart can get more out of him than the previous managers. For me, hes actually what we’re missing however we’ve barely seen any form to indicate he has what it takes, apart from a short spell earlier this season. If we were to play with three CMs then Akpan, Cooke and Devitt on paper is a very good at L2 level and has a good feel of balance to it.

Be interesting to see how Stuart chooses to set up.

 

I have this bizarre sensation. I don't know what it is but I'm actually looking forward to going to Valley Parade on Saturday.

 

And what is that exactly?

 

I know what you mean, but that's too sweeping a statement.

We had several players who looked bloody awful against Guiseley last summer, and continued to do so once the season started. Yet Reeves stood out as being a class act against players from two divisions above. I don't think you can write that off as completely meaningless.

 

I seem to recall Devine playing a few games at right back before

 

Yes he did in a few games at the beginning of McCall's second stint. He certainly played there when we beat MK Dons away at the beginning of the season. Devine played well in what was a superb team performance.

 

He's played two at right back.

3 nil defeat against Rotherham in the EFL trophy in November 2017.

1 all draw against Oldham August 2016 in League One.

 

He definitely played there away to MK Dons. I don't think I am mis-remembering.

 

He played left midfield. McMahon was RB and Meredith LB.

 

From the couple of times I've seen Jake at training Tuesday and again today he looks to be enjoying it as they all do, I think McCall will play Reeves on Saturday and if they implement what they are doing on the training pitch into the game I think Reeves wont have a problem playing positive balls for runners.

 

That's wrong, swap law and devine

 

Well that is on record so I suppose I must be wrong but I could have sworn he was at right back in that match.

 

Think they've seen the number 4 and just assumed. Poor really.

 

I'm presuming a ball winning midfielder who looks to break up play and feed the creative/wing players.