Most liked posts in thread: Joe Riley

Hes a young lad. Last season was a tough one, we had no leaders and it was probably a shock to the system after living in a more sheltered world at Man United. Maybe he just handled it poorly? Maybe in a properly organised club, with proper men in the side to mentor him, he could flourish?

 

Regardless of what went on last season J Riley is a City player this season and I want him to do well for no other reason that it benefits the team as a whole.
I understand the bitterness and resentment towards last season's rosta of players. They let themselves, the club and us, the people who pay their wages, down.
But I'm personally prepared to draw a line under all of this if they show the commitment to the cause this season. If they don't show spirit (regardless of their abilities) then they can expect the grief they'll no doubt get.
But until then, I won' t be booing or heckling any player for what he's done in the past. It serves no purpose than undermining them and the team as a whole.

 

He's been quite impressive so far this pre season, with Bowyer who is a good man manager and a clean slate we may well see what all the fuss was about. Might be worth paying the wages

 

It's between him and Jermaine Anderson to win the 'Will Atkinson used to be shit then turned out okay' award.

 

You're a very forgiving lot aren't you. Just a few weeks ago you wanted them all away - no if's no buts. Suddenly in a few short weeks Riley has suddenly learnt how to be a footballer (in friendlies at least) and has weedled his way back in. Not for me. Happy to give those that put their heads above the parapet week after week another chance. Those that cowered away because it all got too much can push off. They all know who they are.

 

I think the shirts had the Darby Rimmer Foundation stitched on and he was kissing that.

 

I was impressed with him Sunday, he played with confidence on the ball, tackled well, kept his position well, and when he did get forward put some good passes in. He looked a different player, plus he is a young player. I am happy to go with him if Bowyer thinks he fits in well as a player and his attitude is ok and not disruptive to the team, he may well turn into a good asset.

 

Feel bad for the young man.

Coming here must feel like the biggest mistake he ever made.

Hope he can recover and find first team football somewhere.

 

Aww no Atkinson was a solid okay!

 

OTT.

 

Never nice to see a player lose a big chunk of his career with bad injury.

 

I thought he played very well at left back yesterday. If he puts in performances like that regularly then Bowyer will want to keep him. I hope he takes his chance.

 

Could be wrong but I think fans wanted rid of the higher earners to mainly be able to fund new players coming in.

How do you know he cowered away? He barely played a game and seemed to be grouped in the naughty boys list until Bowyer came in and tried to get everyone back involved. Think fans understand that if there is a decent player in him its better for us to have him than not.

 

Do you think that the shambles we'd become suddenly righted itself the moment Rahic left the building? The atmosphere in the club must have been toxic, and that doesn't change overnight. The disastrous January transfer window and Hopkin's poor decision-making in January was not down to Rahic, but prolonged the agony.
It's hard to imagine how much of a culture shock it must have been for Riley, moving from being cosseted at Man U and quickly discovering that he'd walked blindly into a horror movie. It's not really surprising that his initial form was poor, given what was going on around him early last season. Then he got frozen out by Hopkin and wasn't given a chance to prove himself.
I've no idea whether he's good enough, but I think he deserves cutting a bit more slack by supporters than some of the other shirkers, because, despite his age, he is very inexperienced.
Akpan, however, can do one. Never seen such a waste of talent due to lack of effort.

 

We’ve already got 2 right-backs. As sad as it is for Riley, we shouldn’t be blowing any budget on a 3rd

 

Mellor is no way a CB, just not good enough defensively.

Riley has done well so far but he will probably only be backup and on a hefty wage which is better spent elsewhere imo.

 

people giving the shirkers a 'fresh start, 'clean slate' baffles me.

these people stole a living off our club, downed tools and hid when the going got tough, had no stomach for a fight, and disrespected the shirt and the badge.

2 months without football and suddenly we should give them a chance.


sod that.

 

I don't buy into that (totally) @Ricc ....... But fair to say I get the point and sentiment. However ....... Let's not forget the release list from last year ! The majority who fall into your argument have since departed. Players such as Riley only played a minor role in your general address.
So for me ...... The 'bit part' players are rightfully offered a chance to redeem themselves.