Billy Clarke confirmed

I think so. A good level of maturity as well. He knew he was out of his depth at Championship level. His willingness and desire to see the job through is admirable. Plus Doyle did an interview in December sometime, and stated how hard George works off the ball, and that it makes easier for him as he takes defenders away. So yes it would be nice to see him score more, but it will come as he learns. I am pleased for him.

 

Oh Granby, I'm going to enjoy saying I told you so when Super Billy rips the league up.

 

What happened last time?

 

he ripped the league up.

 

I Must've missed that, I remember him being quite wasteful with chances and possession. I'll take your word for it

 

Nah man. you're mis remembering. Clarke was excellent for us. created loads. and scored a decent number from his position.

 

He scored 25 goals in 3 years as a forward and directly assisted even less..

 

24 goals in 100 games is that good for his position? just feel he's a waste of as wage as he doesn't improve on the midfield and he's too lightweight to play Doyle's role. Just totally underwhelmed and think his wage could've been used in a more pressing position.

 

he's not a forward though. he's an attacking midfielder. that's not TOO bad.

 

He scored against Sunderland which probably paid for his wage

 

Kai had enthusiasm

 

Payne will most likely have half his tally in 3 seasons by the time the season is over in a way poorer team than what Billy played in. Just think he got an easy ride for someone with his ability should've produced a lot more than he did. We've got a 2 year older version and has barely kicked a ball in that 2 year. Just think it whiffs of desperation when his wage could've been spent better.

 

It may have been better spent elsewhere but with a few hours of the window left I doubt we would have got anybody else in.

1 in 4 for an attacking midfielder is a decent return. Payne's 1 in 3 at the moment. I think Clarke will mostly be used as a sub but he's a very good sub to have for different situations.

 

What situation is this? As he brings nothing different to the party than what we already have?

 

He's a better out ball than Doyle is and can hold the ball up, he's got more experience than both Ball and Payne and can use that late on in games if we're in a winning position (if). Payne doesn't seem to play 90 minutes, I think he'll be a straight replacement for him in games late on. He could play up top with Doyle too, for me he's a much better option than Miller is.

 

Clarke and Butterfield were standouts in training yesterday.

Hopkin was full of praise for them.

Butterfield took two practice shots from 25 yards, left foot and right. Both beat the keeper into the top corner and the players were amazed watching them go in.

Another titbit. Parkinson loved Clarke because he kept the play flowing and was good in possession. In the playoff final, we took him off after 75 minutes. Parkinson and Karl Robinson who were commentating both said that they were surprised the move. Until that point, we were the better team. After that Millwall took control.

His position is a link player - not an out an out striker.

 

The problem Clarke had in his time here before was that he played in the same team as Hanson and he isn't and out and out striker, as Eric says above. His ideal position is as a number 10. He is a very influential player with an eye for a pass. He was our top scorer a few years ago with about 14 if memory serves me correctly, but his influence is generally more creating goals than scoring.

Imagine if you were an opposing defender and have had to deal with Payne for an hour, then Clarke gets chucked in off the bench? he could be a great impact player in the short term.

Longer term, if he can prove he is over his injury, he's the ideal replacement for Payne who, let's be honest, we cannot afford to keep beyond May. Succession planning from Hopkin with this loan, me thinks.

 

I completely agree, though just a small pedantic correction - he's not on loan. its a permanent deal til at least the end of the season.

 

You could have Clarke and Payne in the same team, both playing off a central striker. With Ball also able to play in all 3 of those positions we definitely have options.

The big drawback in that system though is that we're don't seem to have a player who can play the loan striker well enough at present.