Reserves - now the Fonz debate

[Merv]

Yep. Not only was it his first PL start, it was also a pretty rare first team outing for him this season; he hasn't had much of a look-in and that came back to bite us - and him. With a bit more action under his belt before the Fulham game, I bet he'd have snapped one of those chances up.

I thought he did okay, all things considered. Should have probably scored with both the headers, but if we keep creating chances like that, he'll be fine.

It was actually nice to see one of our strikers on the end of some chances....

[barrysleftfoot]

i agree with most things Mazrim says, and i agree on this point as well.

  I think Fonz will make it, he has a good touch, reasonable pace, and a good finish.On another day he could have scored a hattrick.I think he will turn out to be a bigger player for us than nGabby, and i really rate Gabby.

[SoccerHQ]

In fairness the Fonz has in the last 18 months has had a decent scoring record when he's started games in the europa and FA cup.

However on saturday he seemed to me to lack belief. Take that chance he had in the second half when he was completely unmarked 30 yards from goal, he hestitated and never looked like he thought he could scored and hit a tame shot at Schrwarzer.

I'm less confident he'll make it than I was 6 months ago.

[TimTheVillain]

I hope I'm wrong, but I don't think he'll make it at the top level.

The Championship, yes - Prem, no.

[SoccerHQ]

In fairness our youth system has flattered to deceive in the last 5 years with only gabby produced as anywhere near top 6 quality imo. Although you could agrue with jusification thaty Gardner and Cahill should've been given more chances although neither now would improve us that much currently.

However this current crop is exciting me. Jury is out on Fonz but Albrighton has been a major plus in his sink or swim season, I'm a big fan of Clark who aside from a shocker at Newcastle, has performed well in all the other games I've seen him in and Bannan has been a big surprise to me as I didn't think he'd make the impact he has in the position he's playing.

And we have Gary Gardner to come back in the new year who by all accounts is a fantastic prospect.

[Oh Andy]

I thought the Fonz did well on saturday. He should have done better with his 2 headed chances but he led the line well. His movement has always been better than Gabby's and with time he'll come good.
He needs to be stronger but he is still young and that will come.

[WALTERS WARRIORS]

Think he done ok. But clearly lacking belief. One early goal could change all that. He has pace and experience, can definitely make an impact .......

[Mazrim]

The Fonz showed everything but clinical finishing. I would be worried if I thought this was something he doesn't have in his locker but he absolutely does so I'm not.

[Percy McCarthy]

Come on Fonz - tonight's your night!

[Mazrim]

Do it for Mr Cunningham. R.I.P

[PaulTheVillan]

Tonight is the night for Nathan. I hope he plays Ireland behind him and rests Young for Man Utd.

[TheSandman]

Did well tonight. Not great but well.

Don't know if we'll see him against Man Yoo or if Gabby will get a start.

[Ger Regan]

Did well tonight. Not great but well.

Don't know if we'll see him against Man Yoo or if Gabby will get a start.

My take on it as well. Very well taken goal, fair play to him, but again, he just can't seem to compete in the air at all, even if it's a free header. Positioning is also a concern. It may come with time, so I'm not writing him off....

[Mazrim]

He can compete in the air. It's not his number one asset but he can. He scored from a header after all except that twat ref disagreed.
He did well tonight. Give him time, he will be one hell of a player.

[Ad@m]

Did well tonight. Not great but well.

Don't know if we'll see him against Man Yoo or if Gabby will get a start.

To be fair, he did a lot better than Gabby who was anonymous and looked way off the pace.