Ricky Holmes

[Sheffsteel]

Looked very lightweight to me. And like he was trying a bit too hard to make an individual impression.

Thought the same and also agree with the similarity to Carruthers comment.

Was quite impressed with Holmes, you can see he has ability and work rate.
But it’s how he integrates into the team, his decision making and his effectiveness that counts.
Carruthers has all the ability but didn’t gell into the team.

Also let’s be fair, dont think you can judge any player properly playing away to the best team in the Championship.

 

[Tezza1889]

I agree with the releasing the ball comment. There was a few occasions where he seemed to take 1 too many touches or just take too long to get rid. Also thought he lost the ball too easily at times however, he does provide a different option & unexpected ideas.

Bit like Duffy until he got up to speed.. I saw Duffys debut at Bolton, everything except the final ball... give the lad time..

 

[mancunianblade]

Did well really impressed as mentioned above would like to see him alongside Brookes or Duffy alongside a lone striker. Preferably Billy.

Leon has been immense but I’d like us to take away that option of going long for a bit we seem to be relying to heavily o it now and I can’t recall the last time something came from it.

A special mention too as above for the last ditch tackle also noticed him make a couple of important interceptions at LB didn’t expect him to have that in his locker so good to see him

 

[ChemEngBlade]

Bit like Duffy until he got up to speed.. I saw Duffys debut at Bolton, everything except the final ball... give the lad time..

He'll get time from me mate. Holmes did look like he could provide something different to what we have, It was pretty much the hardest game to make your debut in, bar against Weds. He did look like he was almost trying too hard and could have played it more simply at times but with time I think he'll be a key player for us

 

[Champagneblade]

If his opening cross was 6 inches lower it would have been 1-0 within the first 5 minutes.

Appreciate I am venturing into the realms of ‘if my auntie had balls...’ but it was a good move.

 

[Woodwardfan]

I’ll tee up em. You volley em

UTB
Was waiting for that tbf

Sammon and Delilah Did Sammon go to Stoke?

 

[originaltrueblade]

Needs to get his hair cut though

Probably because your bald and envious

 

[Foxy]

Probably because your bald and envious

Nah, need mine cut too

 

[Bladezz]

I'd like to see Holmes and Duffy behind a lone striker. Considering how we love to fanny about as opposed to whipping balls in and running beyond, it seems like the best possible option.

I noticed how Wolves second goal they didn’t just launch it into the box. Pulled it back clever one two and goal.

At the Lane it would have stop messing about with it get it into the box.

2 minutes later same position, we launch it into box and John Terry heads it away to start them off on a counter attack.

 

[Grizzly blade]

Holmes worked hard of that there is no doubt so great credit to him for that. Also tried to make things happen and wanted the ball all the time.

I’m afraid though there is a “however”

He ran down blind alleys far too often, and looked well out of touch with what his team mates were doing. Too often he kept hold of it too long and lost it. He had a great chance to score second half and sliced it wildly. To me, he looked like a player who has perhaps gone one level above where he is effective.

I know it’s early, and we were up against the best championship side I have ever seen, and I hope I’m wrong but I’m concerned he may be out of his depth here.

 

[stringer]

He may genuinely need a rest but then why is he on the bench?

A manner of reasons really. He’s the best option there is, he can come on if needed and being on the bench does rest him. Because he’s not playing.

Holmes worked hard of that there is no doubt so great credit to him for that. Also tried to make things happen and wanted the ball all the time.

I’m afraid though there is a “however”

He ran down blind alleys far too often, and looked well out of touch with what his team mates were doing. Too often he kept hold of it too long and lost it. He had a great chance to score second half and sliced it wildly. To me, he looked like a player who has perhaps gone one level above where he is effective.

I know it’s early, and we were up against the best championship side I have ever seen, and I hope I’m wrong but I’m concerned he may be out of his depth here.

After one game. One game. Away at Wolves, the best team in some time. Talk about snap judgements
Do you have similar concerns about Leonard?

 

[tincan]

In the 2 games so far all i remember of him is running at the strongest part of their defences and so easily stopped - too naive for me. Had he been here from the summer then he may have adapted to the league quicker. The fact he gets in above Duffy is more worrying - lets hope its because of injury concerns ....

 

[Grizzly blade]

A manner of reasons really. He’s the best option there is, he can come on if needed and being on the bench does rest him. Because he’s not playing.



After one game. One game. Away at Wolves, the best team in some time. Talk about snap judgements
Do you have similar concerns about Leonard?

As I said, I know it’s early and against Wolves.
But, are we not pushing for a play off spot and hoping we can somehow make it to the premier league?

I am not slating the lad as I recognised his effort etc, but I am looking at quality here. Does he have the extra quality to take us away from being hard working, decent and honest pro’s in an organised team? Does he possess the ability to take the one chance he may get in a game when it comes along? Like snodgrass did? And like he had against Wolves?
Unfortunately I’m doubting it, as he is at his peak NOW and not going to get much better over time.
He was brought in to be that bit of something different and special, to make a difference straight away. And while we won’t play a side like that again thank god, we will play many more defenders with athleticism and pace in the remainder of the season. And for that reason he might find it very tough to make the impact he has enjoyed in leagues one and two.
As for Leonard, he at least has age on his side. He hasn’t done a lot up to now but I remain hopeful that in time he will settle and be a good player next season.

 

[Lupa The Noa]

Needs to get his hair cut though

Looks like something off Love Island....Not that I watch...

 

[Kevincarterversion2.0]

As I've posted before, I have my doubts about Ricky Holmes, given he has never done it at this level before and is 30 odd now. However, he was one of the positives from last night. Kept himself busy and and tried to make something happen.