Mark Howard

[blader]

Anyone else think he was absolutely atrocious last night? His kicking was rubbish as normal, but his distribution was terrible from his hands and the his gloves were made of Teflon. I always thought they would do the same for Long as Man City did for Joe Hart, drop him a few games and then bring him back to kick him into shape. I believe Long is a more talented keeper, with the added extra of being much younger. In the 10 game win streak, Howard had many a game where he literally had zero shots to save, and once he is put under a bit of pressure, he looks quite uncertain. In my opinion, Long should be knocking at the door again, and I would prefer Long as our first choice come August.

 

[bartman]

Anyone else think he was absolutely atrocious last night? His kicking was rubbish as normal, but his distribution was terrible from his hands and the his gloves were made of Teflon. I always thought they would do the same for Long as Man City did for Joe Hart, drop him a few games and then bring him back to kick him into shape. I believe Long is a more talented keeper, with the added extra of being much younger. In the 10 game win streak, Howard had many a game where he literally had zero shots to save, and once he is put under a bit of pressure, he looks quite uncertain. In my opinion, Long should be knocking at the door again, and I would prefer Long as our first choice come August.

Sorry Blader but I can't agree with anything youhave put in that post. We must have seen a totally different game last night

Handling was difficult last night due to the heavy rain but he was positive and came out for crosses and organised the back 4. The defence obviously trust him which wasn't the case with Long. Yes his kicking wassometimes poor but Long's was worse before he was dropped. Also I think in some games he has been instructed to kick towards the touchline(in particular Fulham away) as the coaching staff didn't want to opposition to win easy possession as we didn't have a target man. As for Howard having zero chances to save during the 10 game unbeaten run? Again we must have been to different games.

The run of clean sheets since Howard has been recalled is no coincidence and he has earned his chance to be first choice next season. Based on this season,I can't see how you think Long is the better keeper. In future possibly but certainly not at the moment

 

[Pinchy]

Anyone else think he was absolutely atrocious last night? His kicking was rubbish as normal, but his distribution was terrible from his hands and the his gloves were made of Teflon. I always thought they would do the same for Long as Man City did for Joe Hart, drop him a few games and then bring him back to kick him into shape. I believe Long is a more talented keeper, with the added extra of being much younger. In the 10 game win streak, Howard had many a game where he literally had zero shots to save, and once he is put under a bit of pressure, he looks quite uncertain. In my opinion, Long should be knocking at the door again, and I would prefer Long as our first choice come August.

That's a Bladey Blader view. Mark Howard is significantly better than Local George.

 

[sitwell]

Anyone else think he was absolutely atrocious last night? His kicking was rubbish as normal, but his distribution was terrible from his hands and the his gloves were made of Teflon. I always thought they would do the same for Long as Man City did for Joe Hart, drop him a few games and then bring him back to kick him into shape. I believe Long is a more talented keeper, with the added extra of being much younger. In the 10 game win streak, Howard had many a game where he literally had zero shots to save, and once he is put under a bit of pressure, he looks quite uncertain. In my opinion, Long should be knocking at the door again, and I would prefer Long as our first choice come August.

That is quite possibly the worst post I have ever seen on here ,we were woeful at the back when Long played ,we have hardly conceded apart from the semi since . The whole defence have much more confidence ,have you actually been to any games ?
His distribution is so much better than Longs too ,have you forgot his dribbles in the box and weak kicks when we have conceded? Howard actually has a very good kick on him from a moving ball or a stationary one. I really cant see where you are coming from with this post.

 

[blader]

That is quite possibly the worst post I have ever seen on here ,we were woeful at the back when Long played ,we have hardly conceded apart from the semi since . The whole defence have much more confidence ,have you actually been to any games ?
His distribution is so much better than Longs too ,have you forgot his dribbles in the box and weak kicks when we have conceded? Howard actually has a very good kick on him from a moving ball or a stationary one. I really cant see where you are coming from with this post.

Well I thank ou for the kind words. However, he so often passed the ball straight to a man under pressure, kicked it aimlessly, dropped the ball on several occasions and as per mis kicked a few clearances. I took a neutral fan with me last night and the first thing he said leaving the stadium was 'your keeper is shite'. Don't think I'm too far wrong certainly on last nght, wish we could see a replay of the game.

 

[sitwell]

Sorry didn't mean to come across like I did ,but he has been one of the main reasons for our revival ,and or a shite keeper his record is fantastic.

 

[s4-blade]

Anyone else think he was absolutely atrocious last night? His kicking was rubbish as normal, but his distribution was terrible from his hands and the his gloves were made of Teflon. I always thought they would do the same for Long as Man City did for Joe Hart, drop him a few games and then bring him back to kick him into shape. I believe Long is a more talented keeper, with the added extra of being much younger. In the 10 game win streak, Howard had many a game where he literally had zero shots to save, and once he is put under a bit of pressure, he looks quite uncertain. In my opinion, Long should be knocking at the door again, and I would prefer Long as our first choice come August.

No I don't. He wasn't very good but i've seen far worse from him, George, and other keepers. That said, his kicking does need quite a bit of work, sometimes he can't even keep it on the pitch. Handling in conditions like that is very tough and as a keeper at a good level i have been taught that in games like that just keep it out of the net. If he can't catch it, which you can't all of the time, parry it into a good area. Not into the box, not even out for a corner but out for a throw in to the side for the smple reason that if it goes out for a corner the pressure isn't relieved. Also communication with the defensive players is vital as the goalkeeper has the best view on the pitch, you have to tell your players about the oppositions runs how much pressure they are under and just about everything else they cant see. Mark does this and does itwell, the defence looks more confident with him behind them, but for me George doesn't. He will get this trait with age and he is still young. George will become a really good goalkeeper but he is still progressing and not there yet, Mark is and it shows he just needs to work on his distribution. Mark for now, George for the future. Your post is just uneducated. Do a bit of research and come back and post your comments. UTB

 

[blader]

No I don't. He wasn't very good but i've seen far worse from him, George, and other keepers. That said, his kicking does need quite a bit of work, sometimes he can't even keep it on the pitch. Handling in conditions like that is very tough and as a keeper at a good level i have been taught that in games like that just keep it out of the net. If he can't catch it, which you can't all of the time, parry it into a good area. Not into the box, not even out for a corner but out for a throw in to the side for the smple reason that if it goes out for a corner the pressure isn't relieved. Also communication with the defensive players is vital as the goalkeeper has the best view on the pitch, you have to tell your players about the oppositions runs how much pressure they are under and just about everything else they cant see. Mark does this and does itwell, the defence looks more confident with him behind them, but for me George doesn't. He will get this trait with age and he is still young. George will become a really good goalkeeper but he is still progressing and not there yet, Mark is and it shows he just needs to work on his distribution. Mark for now, George for the future. Your post is just uneducated. Do a bit of research and come back and post your comments. UTB

Sorry, Mr Schmeichel. Look, I call it how I see it, and his mis-kicks up field, and there were certianly 2 occasions where he DEFINITELY intended to catch it, and it just slipped through his hands. That has nowt to do with any of your 'educated' comments, it was just bad goal keeping. I thought he was crap. You also said 'he wasn't good but I've seen worse from him'. Jesus, if it gets worse than that then why the hell is he our number one??

 

[Pinchy]

Lest we forget, George Long's kicking is atrocious.

 

[sitwell]

Sorry, Mr Schmeichel. Look, I call it how I see it, and his mis-kicks up field, and there were certianly 2 occasions where he DEFINITELY intended to catch it, and it just slipped through his hands. That has nowt to do with any of your 'educated' comments, it was just bad goal keeping. I thought he was crap. You also said 'he wasn't good but I've seen worse from him'. Jesus, if it gets worse than that then why the hell is he our number one??

Serious question ,do you go to the games ?

 

[bartman]

Sorry, Mr Schmeichel. Look, I call it how I see it, and his mis-kicks up field, and there were certianly 2 occasions where he DEFINITELY intended to catch it, and it just slipped through his hands. That has nowt to do with any of your 'educated' comments, it was just bad goal keeping. I thought he was crap. You also said 'he wasn't good but I've seen worse from him'. Jesus, if it gets worse than that then why the hell is he our number one??

People on here are allowed to disagree with you without you resorting to sarcasm.. Peoples other fans 'call it' as they see it as well .

As for the ball slipping from his hands- i noticed it once and he fell on the ball. However,you also have to take into account the conditions.

Are you honestly saying that we would have kept the same,it not more clean sheets if Long was in goal over the same period ?

 

[Pinchy]

Sorry, Mr Schmeichel. Look, I call it how I see it, and his mis-kicks up field, and there were certianly 2 occasions where he DEFINITELY intended to catch it, and it just slipped through his hands. That has nowt to do with any of your 'educated' comments, it was just bad goal keeping. I thought he was crap. You also said 'he wasn't good but I've seen worse from him'. Jesus, if it gets worse than that then why the hell is he our number one??

Because of his record since he replaced Bladey Local George. Check it out. It's impressive. You really are arguing from no platform at all on this one.

 

[s4-blade]

Sorry, Mr Schmeichel. Look, I call it how I see it, and his mis-kicks up field, and there were certianly 2 occasions where he DEFINITELY intended to catch it, and it just slipped through his hands. That has nowt to do with any of your 'educated' comments, it was just bad goal keeping. I thought he was crap. You also said 'he wasn't good but I've seen worse from him'. Jesus, if it gets worse than that then why the hell is he our number one??

Did you watch last season? Some of his performances then were dire. And then there's Toy town away. That said though if he meant to catch those shots he should look at his handling and decision making. The first couple of times he tried to catch and dropped he should have thought what if I drop it at the strikers feet and from then on parried anything that wasnt straight at him. I get your points but they aren't backed up by any facts, knowledge or just about anything else. People are allowed to disagree with you. UTB

 

[blader]

This opinion dates back about 5 games, not since he entered the team. Long was good at the start of the season, he had a bad run and was correctly dropped. However, Howard is in the middle of a bad patch, I think he's looked shakey. Also, we lost the ball in possession on a couple of occasions last night, and fans groaned at the player who gave it away, whereas in fact it was Howards fault when he just rolled it (usually to Freeman) who had a man 2 or 3 yards away from him, it was shocking. Last night he was rubbish IMO. Not saying he hasn't had good games, but hey ho, I'll move on. Got a game of cricket to go to...

 

[itsinyerblood]

Lest we forget, George Long's kicking is atrocious.

......and he's frightened of that green stuff in his area. No doubt a confidence thing that Nigel will address.

Yes, Howard has weaknesses, don't all footballers? But since he came into the team his overall competency has been one of the reasons we've kept so many clean sheets. I've gone from complaining about the position of Keeper to feeling relatively confident in the job he's doing.

 

[ScoobBlade]

I do believe that the original post is the forum equivalent to a hand grenade. Throw it out there, wait a few mins and booooooooooom !!!!!!

 

[Pinchy]

This opinion dates back about 5 games, not since he entered the team. Long was good at the start of the season, he had a bad run and was correctly dropped. However, Howard is in the middle of a bad patch, I think he's looked shakey. Also, we lost the ball in possession on a couple of occasions last night, and fans groaned at the player who gave it away, whereas in fact it was Howards fault when he just rolled it (usually to Freeman) who had a man 2 or 3 yards away from him, it was shocking. Last night he was rubbish IMO. Not saying he hasn't had good games, but hey ho, I'll move on. Got a game of cricket to go to...

Probably for the best mate. You're not beating the bat at all this morning!

 

[Woodwardfan]

We have to work to a budget and it's all a matter of priorities. I think Howard might just be good enough for a promotion assault. Long needs 1st team games experience so should go out on a season loan to a League 1 or L2 side, with a clause for return in case of injuries. Willis would benefit from travelling with the first team for a season.

Hope we spend most of the budget on a couple of strikers and a full back.

 

[bartman]

We have to work to a budget and it's all a matter of priorities. I think Howard might just be good enough for a promotion assault. Long needs 1st team games experience so should go out on a season loan to a League 1 or L2 side, with a clause for return in case of injuries. Willis would benefit from travelling with the first team for a season.

Hope we spend most of the budget on a couple of strikers and a full back.

I think Freeman will be the right back...hope so anyway as we won't be able to afford Brayford

 

[Roygbiv]

Burn him

 

[Pinchy]

I think Freeman will be the right back...hope so anyway as we won't be able to afford Brayford

Yes we will.

 

[Superblades]

Anyone else think he was absolutely atrocious last night? His kicking was rubbish as normal, but his distribution was terrible from his hands and the his gloves were made of Teflon. I always thought they would do the same for Long as Man City did for Joe Hart, drop him a few games and then bring him back to kick him into shape. I believe Long is a more talented keeper, with the added extra of being much younger. In the 10 game win streak, Howard had many a game where he literally had zero shots to save, and once he is put under a bit of pressure, he looks quite uncertain. In my opinion, Long should be knocking at the door again, and I would prefer Long as our first choice come August.

I'm sorry mate but your son is gonna have to stay as back-up for Howard for the time being . Howard is a different class imo.

 

[blader]

I'm sorry mate but your son is gonna have to stay as back-up for Howard for the time being . Howard is a different class imo.

I'm just not convinced. A guy who is 27 and never been a first choice keeper can't be 'different class' can he?

 

[yorkshirecoast]

I know it's about opinions, but the opening post is ludicrous. Howard has been far better than Long - commands his area, decent at crosses, actually speaks to his defenders - all areas where Long struggles. And the defence in turn have looked far more assured with Howard behind them. One area Howard could improve is his kicking - but it's already better than Long's - at least Howard can get distance on his kicks.

 

[Mack]

I thought he was alright given the circumstances last night. The conditions were obviously absolutely atrocious and in spite of this he managed to deal with the majority of balls that came his way, he spilled a shot in the second half but recovered well and got on top of it. His kicking and distribution was woeful but to be honest it always has been and it's not exactly something that Long excels at either. Saw the goal back this morning and he had no chance with it.

To be honest I'd put him in a similar boat to Doyle and Collins when it comes to replacing him. I think that there are superior players available and we could do better, but I definitely wouldn't be disappointed if he were to start in the opening game of next season in the way I would if the likes of Porter or Hill were starting.

 

[Darthblade]

I know it's about opinions, but the opening post is ludicrous. Howard has been far better than Long - commands his area, decent at crosses, actually speaks to his defenders - all areas where Long struggles. And the defence in turn have looked far more assured with Howard behind them. One area Howard could improve is his kicking - but it's already better than Long's - at least Howard can get distance on his kicks.

George will make a good keeper but needs some experience out of the comfort zone of players that he knows well ..... eg harry etc.
NC has already intimated that he will go out on loan next season, which, in my opinion, will be the making of him. George needs to learn to communicate with his defence, command his area and improve his distribution. All of which he will do whilst out on loan and playing with people he doesn't know. It will force him to communicate, which is currently his biggest weakness.

He will hopefully come back to us a more confident and complete player and now that we are told we don't have to sell players, hopefully he wont be sold to the first championship club that offers ten bob, three shiny buttons and a promise of a friendly !!!!

I would suggest that Howard, with Willis as backup, are strong enough to help mount a promotion push next year with the strengthening priorities being two proper strikers, replacing Doyle in centre mid and keeping Harry & Brayford if we can.

UTB & FTP

 

[sheffielder]

Howard and Long are both good enough as a 1 2 tandom, however Howard's distribution is the weakest part of his game. I think it's easy to level everything at a young keeper as most do on here but let's not forget he got 24 odd clean sheets last season.

I am part of the keepers union myself and I keep an eye on this and with Long, it's confidence. If you watch him at half time his control is as good as some of the outfield players. When you're young and play in the next though you don't think you have as much time as you do. If you were given the same pass in midfield you wouldn't worry about it, however a back pass from 15 yards on your wrong foot can cause panic making the pitch feel smaller. Same can be said about crosses.

Whatever some of the usual suspects say and they are all here in force, Long has the talent, just not the confidence or awareness to use his own natural ability, YET.

I always find is strange how obviously old men on here find it easier to be down on a youngsters, yet say anything about what some senior players were playing like up to February and they get themselves into a pickle.

 

[LSF]

I always find is strange how obviously old men on here find it easier to be down on a youngsters, yet say anything about what some senior players were playing like up to February and they get themselves into a pickle.

Meeeeoooowwwww!

 

[bartman]

Howard and Long are both good enough as a 1 2 tandom, however Howard's distribution is the weakest part of his game. I think it's easy to level everything at a young keeper as most do on here but let's not forget he got 24 odd clean sheets last season.

I am part of the keepers union myself and I keep an eye on this and with Long, it's confidence. If you watch him at half time his control is as good as some of the outfield players. When you're young and play in the next though you don't think you have as much time as you do. If you were given the same pass in midfield you wouldn't worry about it, however a back pass from 15 yards on your wrong foot can cause panic making the pitch feel smaller. Same can be said about crosses.

Whatever some of the usual suspects say and they are all here in force, Long has the talent, just not the confidence or awareness to use his own natural ability, YET.

I always find is strange how obviously old men on here find it easier to be down on a youngsters, yet say anything about what some senior players were playing like up to February and they get themselves into a pickle.

In fairness,i can't see that anyone on this thread has said that Long doesn't have talent,but Howard at the moment should be our keeper based on performances

 

[bricktop]

Burn him

Fire Cleanses All