Concrete Ron deal done

[peter w]

I'd start him on the bench unless we don't sign a left-back which I think we will do.

I'm not convinced by Clark yet at all.

[Toronto Villa]

I'd start him on the bench unless we don't sign a left-back which I think we will do.

I'm not convinced by Clark yet at all.

You must have missed all of his displays at CB then Peter this summer. He looks very composed and it really suits him to be playing in a ball control, possession system. Had TSM still been here Clark would have struggled because we gave the ball away so much and our defenders were always on the back foot with quick balls being played over or around them. Now he is going to have a strong defender who also likes to pass next to him and in all likelihood two young, quick full backs outside and with a hard working midfield core in front. He'll make some mistakes but he'll be just fine overall.

[Chipsticks]

I have to agree with ToLambo Villa here, I've been nothing but impressed by Clark last season and if it weren't for some injury problems and being played out of position in holding midfield, he might have been one of our stand-out performers.

I also recall him having a string of very strong games 1 or 2 years ago at centre-half around the time he debuted.

[Dave]

I'd start him on the bench unless we don't sign a left-back which I think we will do.

I'm not convinced by Clark yet at all.

You must have missed all of his displays at CB then Peter this summer. He looks very composed and it really suits him to be playing in a ball control, possession system.

All? It might have been that he saw him play at centre-back for Newcastle 6-0 Villa.

[Pete3206]

Clark is a cracking player and I really believe he'll make one of those CB positions his own this season.

[Billy Walker]

I'd start him on the bench unless we don't sign a left-back which I think we will do.

I'm not convinced by Clark yet at all.

You must have missed all of his displays at CB then Peter this summer. He looks very composed and it really suits him to be playing in a ball control, possession system. Had TSM still been here Clark would have struggled because we gave the ball away so much and our defenders were always on the back foot with quick balls being played over or around them. Now he is going to have a strong defender who also likes to pass next to him and in all likelihood two young, quick full backs outside and with a hard working midfield core in front. He'll make some mistakes but he'll be just fine overall.

Clarky looks, to me, physically stronger this year too.  I wonder if he's been hitting the weights?

[paul_e]

He did say this summer

Newcastle did a bullying job on us that we just were'n t prepared for, Clark had also barely kicked a ball for the first team by that point, the 2 years in between have mad ea big difference.

They key for me is, if we're going to see an irish central defender make a few mistakes I'd rather it was one in his early 20s who's inexperienced than one in his early 30s who's thinking about pies.

[peter w]

I'd start him on the bench unless we don't sign a left-back which I think we will do.

I'm not convinced by Clark yet at all.

You must have missed all of his displays at CB then Peter this summer. He looks very composed and it really suits him to be playing in a ball control, possession system.

All? It might have been that he saw him play at centre-back for Newcastle 6-0 Villa.

of course I'm happy that he's looked composed in the tour games but they were only fitness run-outs. the 3 teams we played rested players also and  of course the games weren't played with that proper competitive edge. I expect the friendlies to lift in tempo and competitiveness the closer we get to the start of the season and it'll be better to judge who will be starting.

As it is I still see Clark as a composed player whose good on the ball, not blessed with great pace, has a tendency to dive in, and isn't big enough to put himself ahead of baker in the pecking order. But, I've not seen enough of Baker's ability with the ball at his feet to judge whether he'd be a better option.

Either way he's first reserve should Collins go.

[Chris Smith]

I think you're reading too much into a couple of friendlies in respect of Clark, Toronto. He's got the ability but it's the physical side of the game that he needed to improve and we won't know about that until see him back in PL action up against better players. I've got high hopes for him but I'm not convinced he'll be in the side when the season starts.

[not3bad]

Clark is a cracking player and I really believe he'll make one of those CB positions his own this season.

I think that will happen.

[Steve kirk]

Six foot two eyes of blue
Concrete Ron is after you
La la la la la la la la la

I,ll get me coat

[johnny from donny]

ok not trying to be thick but......... why concrete ron?

[PeterWithesShin]

Because that's what he decided he wanted to be called. What Concrete Ron wants, Concrete Ron gets.

[levico]

Hopefully villa will cement the deal on Monday.

[Chipsticks]

Because that's what he decided he wanted to be called. What Concrete Ron wants, Concrete Ron gets.

He didn't choose the name. The name chose him.