Ethan Wheatley

Exactly lol.. those three tight angles where he shoots low at the keeper.. Sarce would have aimed for the top far corner of the net, as we have seen on a few occasions... might not have scored but it would have a better chance.

 

His composure in front of goal is very poor, which is why a 20 yo Manchester United striker has been plying his trade on loan no higher than the 3rd division. If he could finish he wouldn't have been playing for Northampton or laterly us. He'd have at least been up the next division.

 

I thought he led the line very well and contributed to a great team performance. His shielding the ball looked improved, but his finishing is dire, and not putting chances away (especially one on ones) may come back to bite us in games where the game is nip and tuck. I’m guessing the shirt is his until Jackson’s fit again, but I’m not convinced that if he scores, more will follow. His body language when shooting is all wrong, and you see the poor lad beating himself up after each chance goes begging. I guess it’s what he brings against what he doesn’t. On last nights showing, I’m happy for him to continue (for now).

 

One On One...

 

Lads quality.
Keeps getting into goal scoring areas through pace and determination.
Goals will come.

 

what’s that Ballard fellas record like prior to this season?

 

Been around a lot, mostly on loan whilst on Southamptons books. Doesn’t seem to have pulled any trees up until he signed a 3 year contract with Orient last September. He seems to have clicked now and is a very good finisher, and very quick. We (Baldwin) did very well to nullify him at ours last week. Still only 20 years old.

 

well i am sure that is just what he needs to boost his confidence!! Where did you find that lol? I hope he doesn't read this forum!

Whilst we're winning games I care not if he scores, his all round contribution in the last 2 has made up for weak finishes. Can't argue that's the area he needs to improve on but I think on balance his place is justified now.

 

Just checked, he scored 3 in 35 last year in 2 separate loan spells for Blackpool and Cambridge so both league 1 (bit like Wheatley sideways loan move in January). Can't imagine too many Orient fans thought that record smacked of potential for the league's leading scorer when they signed him.

Wheatley has 3 in 29 so far this year (obviously all 3 for Cobblers).

 

To save anyone looking …..CRAP ! 6 goals in total prior to joining Orient over three clubs .

 

I did it.. based on comments in the match thread... just a laugh.... but I guess you're unamused.

 

haha that's funny! I was amused it was more i hope he doesn't read this

 

And that’s the point I’m trying make, right now he doesn’t look like scoring but that doesn’t mean he’s not going to develop into a goal scorer. He certainly gets into positions though. I think the lad will come good in that department, just wish it would start soon.

 

All this thread just points to the reason he's with us on loan.

If he was scoring he would be looking at Man U's first team.

We'll get him going for them.

 

He'd be more upset with the comments I would think.. although later he got some positivety.

 

even Tommy Leigh has started scoring and playing like Rivelino....who next Clark Odour .....Guthrie.....

 

I'm sure I saw that Guthrie had actually scored over the weekend.

 

Wheatley looks to have everything... except finishing. There's a world where he plays really well until the end of the season, the team does brilliantly, but he never gets a goal. As long as the former happens I couldn't care less about the latter (although I'm sure the lad will, despite whatever he says!).

 

Guthrie scored for Queen of the South.

Re Wheatley, he was expected to be a quick replacement sub to maintain high intenscity for Jackson, as Jackson has years of experience, however his injury has thrust him into the first team.

I'd be worried if he wasn't creating chances. I think he will score and become the threat he appears to be.

 

It’s clear to see what Wheatley brings to the same but as SP points out, if we hit a bad run of form and Wheatley continues to miss chance after chance the narrative surrounding him will very different to what it is currently.