Wood

I agree but if you remember Stuart's last stint here he preferred McMahon rather than Darby, and as yourself IMO Darby was the better right back.

 

True that.

We relied pretty heavily on McMahon's set pieces.

Ironically, because McMahon took so many, people actually tried to claim he couldn't cross or take corners

 

You crack on Bowyer. I'll take the promising 23 year old POTY candidate that looks like he can develop to do both aswell as being a threat at set pieces.

 

Wish he’d come and show Mellor how to stop a cross!

 

Didn't realise we had one at right back.

 

Can't believe Bowyer released Caddis and replaced him with Henley. Shocking appointment. What a mess.

 

Except the thread and the whole debate is about Wood, a left back. As was my original post that you replied to.

 

I always thought that Caddis refused to sign because he thought he could get a better club or deal elsewhere. I think he's a bit mercenary that way

 

If he only 'defends' then his crossing isn't used. The fact that he gets forward allows him to be the best crosser in the club.

I don't think he is poor. His defending has improved massively, he is prone to letting a winger cut inside but I think that is more to do with not having a left sided midfielder to come back and help out which does leave him vulnerable at times. For me he's improving all the time and he's made some fantastic last minute tackles this season.

 

Then I guess it made loads of sense to respond to my post about a right back by inventing a player that doesn't exist at City.

 

Probably as much sense as your reply to my original post in which I named Wood and Meredith.

Look, you called out Wood far too early and now you hate me and others reminding you how ridiculous that judgment was. If you want to follow me round the forum though trying to get a rise because I called you out on your nonsense views then feel free. I'm more than happy to keep the debate on Woods ability going.

 

Mezza's crosses were more dangerous. He overlapped, beat defenders and often crossed low. That's harder to defend. Wood's crossing is great for that style of high cross in front of the back line. They're pacey, curling and he hits the right areas - but they're still a lot easier to defend than a ball at waist height behind the line. Mezza's crosses were much more likely to bring goals.

 

Like you've been asked by numerous posters, mate, let it go.

It's weird to obsess about what a poster said last year.

I speak about Wood as the most improved defender at the club, and I haven't slated him for 12 months.

Honestly, try to let it go.

Even when I did 'slate' him, I correctly pointed out how often he was at fault for goals, and how many we conceded with him in the team. I used quantitative, fact-based evidence. I never said he would never have a decent career, I said he was poor last season. He was.

 

Mezza's crosses were more dangerous Wood? Not having that. Mezza was the better defender and could get up and down the line but his crossing was never what i would call an asset. Usually had Reidy in front of him. Wood is far more accurate a crosser but still has a lot to learn defensively.

 

Spot on.

Mezza got further forward more often, but his crosses weren't accurate. They were hit at pace, often drilled, and he didn't get too many assists, although getting the ball into that area is a positive in itself.

Wood crosses from deeper, and generally picks out an area, and does so very well.

Wood can't defend as well as Meredith, but has put a few heroic last ditch tackles in and has probably saved us a few points. There generally aren't many League Two wingers that have given him fits, either. He's more than good enough for this level.

 

Mezza's pace and his workrate allowed him a gig at a higher level. Worked very well with Law in the Wembley playoff season. Wood doesn't have the benefit of Mezza's pace but does have that ability of crossing accuracy and has a good long range shot on him when the chance arises. Wouldn't surprise me if a league one club took a punt on him next season, his crossing would benefit from a decent playing surface.

 

I've got that same impression of him that he will take his time to find the best deal for him even if that means waiting a few months into the season. If he was as good as people make out and wanted to play football he wouldn't have been a free agent until November last season and November as well this season.

 

Exactly

 

Maybe that is true but to my recollection they were not as productive. I found mezza frustrating because on occasions he did not cross when there was the opportunity and was more likely to check, play it to the man behind or just square - where we lost impetus. He was to his credit often left without a midfielder to protect him and has almost do the job of two players. Wood too does whip in lower crosses - they are not all aimed for the centre or far post.It would be interesting to compare the stats of both players.

 

It's definitely not true. Otherwise players like Beckham would have made a career out of crossing the ball at waist height.

Not that Meredith's were always waist height or adjusted behind the line anyway, most were almost hit and hope and certainly didn't produce a great deal that I remember.