James Wilson

[Stretch]

Evening/morning Blades, after reading Superbladesman7 's OP about Jack O'Connel (which agree with, he has looked like a quality addition in the last 5 or 6 games after a ropey start IMO) it also got me thinking about James Wilson and how I think he has been rather unlucky to get benched.

Now before I start don't get me wrong, recent results speak for themselves and the current back 3 are working together very well. At the same time I don't think that Wilson did a lot wrong, granted we had a very bad run at the start but I don't hold him accountable for most of what happened. In fact I would say that O'Connell was much more at fault - the obvious brainfart against Millwall and I thought he was all over the place against Southend. Wilson on the other hand looked much more in control and switched on during those early games. He was then a central part of our first win of the season, playing well alongside Wright, coping with the pressure of going 0-1 down and the change in atmosphere only to stride forward and score a cracking goal in front of the Kop to win the match. His celebration at full time showed how much it meant to him.

He then started against Gillingham, did ok and was the only player in the wall to jump when Dack scored from the free kick (again, I thought O'Connell let himself down) and yet got subbed for EEL. Of course we haven't looked back since but I get the feeling that Wilson drew the short straw because Wright is seen as more of a leader and O'Connell gets forward into attacking positions more than the other CBs.

Obviously I trust Wilder on this, and again the results can't be questioned. Quite a few Oldham supporters also suggested that Wilson is a bit of a sulker, so I wonder whether he spat his dummy out after being subbed and that has cemented Wilder's thinking? No room for sentiment of course but just interested to see what you fellas think?

 

[Grappler]

Pretty much agree, thought he looked pretty good when I have seen him play, not sure if he wants to warm the bench for the rest of the season.

 

[coaxingstar71]

Evening/morning Blades, after reading Superbladesman7 's OP about Jack O'Connel (which agree with, he has looked like a quality addition in the last 5 or 6 games after a ropey start IMO) it also got me thinking about James Wilson and how I think he has been rather unlucky to get benched.

Now before I start don't get me wrong, recent results speak for themselves and the current back 3 are working together very well. At the same time I don't think that Wilson did a lot wrong, granted we had a very bad run at the start but I don't hold him accountable for most of what happened. In fact I would say that O'Connell was much more at fault - the obvious brainfart against Millwall and I thought he was all over the place against Southend. Wilson on the other hand looked much more in control and switched on during those early games. He was then a central part of our first win of the season, playing well alongside Wright, coping with the pressure of going 0-1 down and the change in atmosphere only to stride forward and score a cracking goal in front of the Kop to win the match. His celebration at full time showed how much it meant to him.

He then started against Gillingham, did ok and was the only player in the wall to jump when Dack scored from the free kick (again, I thought O'Connell let himself down) and yet got subbed for EEL. Of course we haven't looked back since but I get the feeling that Wilson drew the short straw because Wright is seen as more of a leader and O'Connell gets forward into attacking positions more than the other CBs.

Obviously I trust Wilder on this, and again the results can't be questioned. Quite a few Oldham supporters also suggested that Wilson is a bit of a sulker, so I wonder whether he spat his dummy out after being subbed and that has cemented Wilder's thinking? No room for sentiment of course but just interested to see what you fellas think?

Agree with you, bit harsh being dropped after scoring the winner v Oxford and like you say, not done much wrong. Nice to have cover at CB though and I think he can play RB too.

 

[bladesmanluke]

Good option for us to have. Think he knew he was signing as a back up option, but his performances so far have been good enough for him to start. He's just been rather unlucky that the current back 3 are all playing so well

 

[Cerberus Blade]

just not seen enough of him to form an opinion tbh. I've only missed a couple of games so far this season, so have probably seen as much of Wilson as others, but it's still not a lot. I think O'Connell looks a more accomplished all round footballer and I can see why Wilder prefers him. And obviously EEL has the height and physical presence. Wilson will no doubt feature, as will Hussey, but for now they aren't first choice and I agree with that.

 

[Jim Chimmerney]

Hasn't he been injured?

As others have said, he looked more solid than O'connell early doors so too soon to be writing him off. Wright has certainly been a steadying influence but it wouldn't surprise me if Wilson replaces him in the 3 in the coming weeks if we continue with this formation.

 

[Stretch]

Hasn't he been injured?

As others have said, he looked more solid than O'connell early doors so too soon to be writing him off. Wright has certainly been a steadying influence but it wouldn't surprise me if Wilson replaces him in the 3 in the coming weeks if we continue with this formation.

He had an ankle injury which kept him out athe Scunny I think. Been fully fit otherwise.

 

[1danewhitehouse]

Evening/morning Blades, after reading Superbladesman7 's OP about Jack O'Connel (which agree with, he has looked like a quality addition in the last 5 or 6 games after a ropey start IMO) it also got me thinking about James Wilson and how I think he has been rather unlucky to get benched.

Now before I start don't get me wrong, recent results speak for themselves and the current back 3 are working together very well. At the same time I don't think that Wilson did a lot wrong, granted we had a very bad run at the start but I don't hold him accountable for most of what happened. In fact I would say that O'Connell was much more at fault - the obvious brainfart against Millwall and I thought he was all over the place against Southend. Wilson on the other hand looked much more in control and switched on during those early games. He was then a central part of our first win of the season, playing well alongside Wright, coping with the pressure of going 0-1 down and the change in atmosphere only to stride forward and score a cracking goal in front of the Kop to win the match. His celebration at full time showed how much it meant to him.

He then started against Gillingham, did ok and was the only player in the wall to jump when Dack scored from the free kick (again, I thought O'Connell let himself down) and yet got subbed for EEL. Of course we haven't looked back since but I get the feeling that Wilson drew the short straw because Wright is seen as more of a leader and O'Connell gets forward into attacking positions more than the other CBs.

Obviously I trust Wilder on this, and again the results can't be questioned. Quite a few Oldham supporters also suggested that Wilson is a bit of a sulker, so I wonder whether he spat his dummy out after being subbed and that has cemented Wilder's thinking? No room for sentiment of course but just interested to see what you fellas think?

I agree he didn’t do a lot wrong but he just doesn’t have the attributes to bring the balance that the others do IMO. He’s best suited to the RCB position in the 3 we’re playing now and EEL is better. It’s as simple as that. For me Wilson is an OK deputy but to be a lynchpin he has to be more aggressive in attacking the ball the way EEL and JOC are. He’s just not as big, strong or aggressive as those two and Wright is the experienced head who steady’s the ship as sweeper. There’s a chance Wilson might displace him one day but whilst it aint broken, no need to fix it.

I reckon it’s a good problem to have.

 

[Fulwood Blade]

The league table says all it needs to about the WHOLE defence early in the season and it wasn't just about Wilson.

it was crap (and the defence was also let down by the midfield including Done at left side FFS), now it's good..........and will, hopefully, get better with present players, whether it's a 2 or 3 in the centre.

UTB