Summer transfer rumours, speculation and out-and-out b*ll*cks.

[JUAN PABLO]

agree with SID

[Risso]

For the fight ahead over the next 8 games, we need the likes of NRC on the pitch

Have a guess how many tackles Reo Coker attempted, and how many he won against Wolves.

[VillaZogmariner]

For the fight ahead over the next 8 games, we need the likes of NRC on the pitch

Have a guess how many tackles Reo Coker attempted, and how many he won against Wolves.

Just checked this out on Chalkboard - wow.

[Percy McCarthy]

For the fight ahead over the next 8 games, we need the likes of NRC on the pitch

Have a guess how many tackles Reo Coker attempted, and how many he won against Wolves.

Just tell us.

[pauliewalnuts]

For the fight ahead over the next 8 games, we need the likes of NRC on the pitch

Have a guess how many tackles Reo Coker attempted, and how many he won against Wolves.

Was it 12 bajillion? Or 10?

[VillaZogmariner]

Zip. Zero. Nada. Nilch. None.

[Chris Smith]

Zip. Zero. Nada. Nilch. None.

Yet I clearly remember him winning the ball. I think they must have a very narrow definition of a tackle. He often wins it by getting his body in between the man and ball and using his strength to hold him off, it's not a tackle but it is still winning the ball back from the opposition.

[Risso]

Zip. Zero. Nada. Nilch. None.

Yet I clearly remember him winning the ball. I think they must have a very narrow definition of a tackle. He often wins it by getting his body in between the man and ball and using his strength to hold him off, it's not a tackle but it is still winning the ball back from the opposition.

That would count as a block.  And he didn't win any of those either.

[PaulTheVillan]

NRC wins the ball by running into people, then when he's got the ball he also runs into people.

[Concrete John]

If we based out opinions solely on the Wolves game we'd be saying every player who took to the pitch for us is lucky to be earning a living from playing football.

[Concrete John]

I think some of the NRC bashing on here over the years has been harsh
He generally puts a shift in, isn't afraid to mix it, and is a natural leader

You can see any number of people fitting that description in every park on a Sunday morning.

There's plenty to admire about his attitude and application but there is no getting away from as a footballer he is limited. There's a place for him in the squad if he's willing to accept that role but if, as I suspect, he wants to be a a club where he plays every week then he'll have to move on.

Pretty much sums up my opinion on him aswell.

I like what he gives the side, and think his passing isn't as bad as some make out, but for where we were and want to get back to he's only worth a squad place.

However if we're fighting for survival as we are now he'd be one of the first names I'd put on the team sheet.

I disagree John, I think we have massively underused NRC, he could have made the difference between 4th place or 6th, MotM at anfield then dropped was very poor management in my opinion.

He isn't that bad of a passer either and compliments Makoun's style.

We should copy England and go 433 Makoun, NRC, Delph in the middle

I like the look of that midfield.  I suggested something similar for Everton with the exception of Petrov for Makoun as I think we need experience right now.

I don't think he would have made the difference between 4th and 6th, although I also think he should have played more.  For instance I was a big advocate of him coming back in once Laursen got injured to protect our fragile back four.  He was excellent at Anfield, but that was an away game and our away form was excellent anyway.  What would have made the difference between 6th and 4th was a player to score and/or create against the 'bus parkers' at home - and that's simply not NRC's game. 

[WikiVilla]

Wolves is a bad game to pick to use as an example
As would be Blackburn at home in the league
I would say Fulham at home may be a good gauge but don't think NRC played in that match ?

[pauliewalnuts]

Wolves is a bad game to pick to use as an example
As would be Blackburn at home in the league
I would say Fulham at home may be a good gauge but don't think NRC played in that match ?

Surely the most relevant game is the last game?

[Chris Smith]

Zip. Zero. Nada. Nilch. None.

Yet I clearly remember him winning the ball. I think they must have a very narrow definition of a tackle. He often wins it by getting his body in between the man and ball and using his strength to hold him off, it's not a tackle but it is still winning the ball back from the opposition.

That would count as a block.  And he didn't win any of those either.

Yes, he did.

[Risso]

I don't recall him winning the ball once, which is why I checked those stats in the first place.  They seem to agree with my recollection, but even if he did manage one or two blocks or interceptions, it's hardly reason enough to keep him in the side given his other deficiencies.