Blair Sturrock

[GBJ]

Err, that would work out as a 14 goal a season striker (rounded up) if he played every league game - which is in itself unlikely - and not the 15 goal a season man we apparently need.

Yes. Good point

 

[Yorkshire Blue]

Oh and for the record, whilst he's probably a bit long in the tooth now, I'd have snapped your hands off if you'd offered me Howard at an affordable wage a year or two ago.

 

[Crabby Shrimper]

I wonder what would have happened, if we had got another manager with a footballing son, even crapper that blair if thats possible. I bet many many many of you would come out with the rubbish "he offers something we dont have etc etc "

Are you for real?

Two words, Danny Webb. I don't recall many supporting him in this way though.

 

[Chairman Trigg]

Just have to look at both the Barnet goals both assists from Blair .I wonder how many of our goal build ups this season have included a blair touch. think it would surprise many of our tunnel vision supporters.Another of his assets is the way he spreads the play across the park. Always gives a 100% which after last year is a pleasure to see.You don't have to be a 15 plus man to be one of the essential players which I believe he is to our current team

 

[Shrimper]

My avatar should tell you where I stand on Blair.

 

[Ayrshire Blue]

My avatar should tell you where I stand on Blair.

..... You are Blair Sturrock?

 

[Shrimper]

..... You are Blair Sturrock?

I can only dream of hair like that!

 

[Firestorm]

The assists stats make interesting reading.

Blair has 4 this season placing him Joint 2nd with Clohessey.

Hall has 16 and tops league 2

http://www.football-league.co.uk/page/Assists/0,,10794~201010444~26,00.html

 

[Blue_Wes]

I'm fed up with the constant sniping about Blair Sturrock from certain supporters with chips on their shoulders.

If you've actually been paying attention this season you'll have spotted how Sturrock contributes: the way he has the vision to switch play, the way he stretches defences with his movement, his link-up play, his hardwork off the ball and his general football intelligence. This all makes us a better team.

The vast majority of our support have now accepted what he offers, he even gets his name chanted occasionally, which given the scepticism that treated his arrival, is one of the more noteworthy achievements of the last decade (I think Kevin Maher may be the only other player to have won over a sceptical crowd).


Don't believe me: have a look at the stats.

Has made 25 league starts.

Of those 25 we've won 13, drawing a further 5 games. That's 44 points from 25 games, or the equivalent of about 81 points over a full season.

In the 7 games he hasn't started, we've won a grand total of ZERO, drawn three* and lost four. That's three points in 7 seven games. Over a course of a season that is approximately 20 points.

Despite this, he seems (like SUFC) to have no credit in the bank in certain quarters. One off display and the snipers are back out. He'll shut them up for a couple of games with influential displays, but all it takes is for a couple of mistakes and the goodwill is gone and they'll be back on his case, suggesting he should be dropped.

So his critics should ask themselves why we are a better team with him in it, why the vast majority have now accepted him? Yes, the reason Sturrock is in the side is because his father is the manager but it isn't nepotism, it's because his father is a bloody good coach who has instilled a far greater understanding of football into his son than you are sadly ever going to have with your closed minds. I'm not saying he's a perfect footballer; he certainly has his flaws (like all players), but unless you are also willing to acknowledge the attributes he currently brings to the side then you're really not worth wasting my time arguing with and are no better than Barna Blue.

He might not be my player of the season so far, but he's quite possibly top 3. Well done Blair. Keep it up.

*It's even worth noting that of those three draws, Blair Sturrock came on as sub in two of them when we were trailing and helped us equalise.

I'm a bit late to the party (an enjoyable 3 days in Milan enjoying AC beating their nearest rivals 3 zip) but wanted to put my two pence worth in.

I find a lot wrong with the original post, the dictatorial way that it is trying to eradicate any opinion that doesn't agree his own inflated view of an average player to start. Given the nature of the exiled status your moniker suggests, I'd be interested to see how many times you've seen Blair play YB? To be able to preach to everyone on here that they should acknowledge what you tell them to before you'll grace them with the merits of your own arguments (how big of you to give us this opportunity) I'm guessing you've seen him play a considerable number of times. I'm sorry you're fed up people's opinions aren't more to your liking, but it's a Southend United message board, not a Yorkshire Blue friendly board. I'm fed of seeing people elevate him above his status to impress upon the rest of the board this stigma that's been created, that to rate and rave about Blair, makes you a superior brain in discussing the footballing side of SUFC. Things like A few nice touches 8/10, or worked hard 7/10 just make a ridicule of the arguments around him. Since when did a few nice touches mean that a player was just 20% off a perfect game? Or work rate meant the player was 2/3 of the way towards one. As someone else stated on here, work ethic should be a minimum requirement of players, not something to be lauded in the absence of anything else to praise in that particular game.

The point you make around the teams overall performance with Blair in it is compelling. But the truth of it is, most of our match winning play comes from down the right hand side, far away from Blair's influence. The bulk of our goals have come from Hall, with a +4 for Clohessy, balls whipped into the box from the right hand side, or his set pieces. I don't see how Blair's touches and movement on the left side are impacting the wing player on the opposite side of the pitch to him. In fact I had this conversation with another poster that was of a similar opinion to yours, and the only instance we could find of Blair's touches leading up to a goal (an assist to an assist if you like) was away to Rotherham when he layed off for Clohessy. A game incidentally, that I thought Blair was very good in, and was my joint man of the match. So the fact that he contributes to the team with his link up play and assists (as suggested by another poster) in place of the goals he's lambusted for not scoring falls short with just 4 assists, and one assist to an assist. It's more that other players are now excelling, and impacting more positively in the squad. I should point out that I'm not against Sturrock being in and around the squad/first team, I just don't think his ability or form, relative to our squad justifies his constant slection. I've always been of the opinion that we had different options up front and should utilise them based on their skill sets and who the opposition is. Of course this is almost a mute point now his competition has been eliminated (I appreciate this is more financial constraints than anything else, but they weren't given any real opportunity when here anyway).

Welly7 said;

Sturrock's game is better suited for when we are away from home. He holds up the ball well when it's played into his feet and that allows others to join in from deep. I'd even go as far as to say Blair's more than played his part in helping us win points away from Roots Hall.
But, as far as I'm concerned, that's all he has to his game. He doesn't pose a threat in front of goal, he doesn't dominate a centre half aerially and he doesn't have pace. IMO he doesn't work as hard as people make out and although at times he seems a fairly intelligent player, he's not good enough to execute what his mind is telling him.
I'd not play him at home, but I would away due to lack of options. My opinion is that if Paul Sturrock wasn't his Dad then he wouldn't have been signed, depite the aspects of his game that are decent.
Does this mean I have a closed mind? A clueless idiot that doesn't know anything about football as I've read I must be in your and other posts on the subject? The answers no to both. It's just my opinion and yours is just that also. I don't boo Sturrock, I just think he's not very good - the opposite to you.
I've noticed from a lot of your posts that you seem to have placed yourself on a pedestal in thinking you have superior football knowledge to those with 'closed minds', but the bottom line is I don't rate Blair, you do. I'll keep bemoaning the fact he's playing and you keep rejoicing in his 'ability.'
It's a difference of opinion...that's football.

This is quite simply one of the posts of the season in my opinion, well thought out and reasoned, and without the chip on the shoulder/cluesless idiots/your a child so your opinion doesn't count insults thrown out by some that disagree with you. And speaking of which;

Onion Bag Dave said;

Those who can't see what Blair offers are clueless! The end, yeahhhh I love this re occuring debate.

Oh and also, very interesting stats about how many we have won with him in the side.

Proves how essential he is. Some people do just have a cheeky little chip on their shoulder, they can't help it, it's sort of like when a child will disagree with everything.

Do you actually understand the world?

Look, we are right about this, 95% of people who follow Southend United can see Blair's plus points, the other 5% listen to their little chip on their shoulder, their clueless knowledge of football or they listen to and agree with the people they go to football with.

I would like to convert the minority. But, I don't think it's possible, because however many good things that Blair does the 5% of fans who are a bit MAD wont want to appreciate Blair's play, even when they do admit he has 100% work rate, has good link up play, 'ONE OF THE BEST TOUCHES IN THE TEAM' etc etc, because he isn't another ****ing Stanley Freddymore he isn't good enough

3 Cracking posts, made up stats, unreasoned insults and all in support of a post that is fed up with other people's attitudes, and posters with chips on their shoulders, you've done a great job belittling YB's cause and displaying one of the best shows of irony in a while. If you want to convert the minority (is it even a minority?) you'd probably do better than calling them clueless, children, belitting their posts. I also like;

or they listen to and agree people with the poeple they go football with

. This is brilliant from someone who has grabbed onto stats from someone elses post and insulted other people on the back of these, and even used the same chip on the shoulder insult. It's posts like these, alongside the unrealistic inflated ratings given to him in the post match reports. (This is generic and not aimed at anyone one poster btw) that do nothing to support those arguing for Sturrock's constant inclusion and attributes to the team.

Yorkshire Blue:

I said people with the closed minds are the ones who are unable to acknowledge what he brings to the side. You've acknowledged that he's done more than his share away from home and links play well. I think he's got more value to this side at home than you do, but they are both valid, reasoned opinions. What clearly isn't a valid opinion is just saying that he's rubbish and is non-league at best, when there is plenty of evidence to the contrary this season. He clearly brings attributes (movement, intelligence, creating space, switching play) that we otherwise lack in the squad.

Yes but it's possible to acknowledge what he brings to the side, and still not believe he's good enough to be in the team every single week, irrespective of fitness levels, form or opposition. Also, it would seem that his father aside, not one manager outside the seventh tier of English football would agree with you. I make that c.150 cluesless idiots managing in the professional game if OBD's assesment of people who don't acknowledge his talents is correct. Rather worrying.

Chairman Trigg:
You should take a look at the number of times he has created goals or goal attempts for others.Still think he is a Ian Benjamin type player ,will never get a hatfull of goals ,but would definately be on the teamsheet for his contribution for the team.A decent player at this level

Again, 4 assists and one assist of an assist doesn't really support this. The one interesting point you raise is the numbers of non-converted chances created, alá the neat back heel for Hall against The Cobblers, but then you could argue the same unknown quantity against him and for others in the team I guess.
1.

You don't have anything constructive to say back, you don't give your opinion, or back it up with facts, so I am going to use your own logic against you.

If I remember correctly, Sawyer, Clohessy and Hall were at Conference South sides before we signed them. Eastwood was at Grays, who were in the Ryman Premier division at the time. Bilel Mohsni was playing for an amateur team before we signed him. Have I made my point yet?

No you haven't at all. Doesn't really stack up in that all the players (bar Sawyer) you mention are/were at the start of their careers and where/are on the way up. Blair is at the end of his career, and it was on the wane untill rescued.

I'm not against Blair being used as a squad player, he does have attributes that work against certains teams as the performances against Macc, and Rotherham (x2) show. But it's the fact that he starts every game (barring 7) irrespective of being fit, being on form, or who the opposition is. For me the hold up play is often detrimental to our attacking play. When the ball is played up to him, he holds the ball up with his back to goal and looks to pass to a player, but whilst he's holding the ball up, it's slowing up our attack and taking away the impetus, giving time to the oppostion defenders to organise themselves and get into position, and the midfield to get back and support the team. Proof that this isn't our best method of attacks is only yards away on the other side of the pitch, Hall get's the ball on his side of the pitch and drives us forward, putting the opposition on the back foot and putting dangerous balls into the box. It's this type of play that is creating us the goals, not Blairs. The stats support this too. Look at Halls style of play, and then his contribution to the side. Josh Simpson was the same in this position in his short time in the squad, and I'd wager even now, he isn't far off Blair for assists, because to create goals you need to drive forward and attack the opposition, not stop, hold up play and let them re-organise. Well that's my take on it anyway.

 

[THE SEVENTIES NORTH BANK]

I'm a bit late to the party (an enjoyable 3 days in Milan enjoying AC beating their nearest rivals 3 zip) but wanted to put my two pence worth in.

I find a lot wrong with the original post, the dictatorial way that it is trying to eradicate any opinion that doesn't agree his own inflated view of an average player to start. Given the nature of the exiled status your moniker suggests, I'd be interested to see how many times you've seen Blair play YB? To be able to preach to everyone on here that they should acknowledge what you tell them to before you'll grace them with the merits of your own arguments (how big of you to give us this opportunity) I'm guessing you've seen him play a considerable number of times. I'm sorry you're fed up people's opinions aren't more to your liking, but it's a Southend United message board, not a Yorkshire Blue friendly board. I'm fed of seeing people elevate him above his status to impress upon the rest of the board this stigma that's been created, that to rate and rave about Blair, makes you a superior brain in discussing the footballing side of SUFC. Things like A few nice touches 8/10, or worked hard 7/10 just make a ridicule of the arguments around him. Since when did a few nice touches mean that a player was just 20% off a perfect game? Or work rate meant the player was 2/3 of the way towards one. As someone else stated on here, work ethic should be a minimum requirement of players, not something to be lauded in the absence of anything else to praise in that particular game.

The point you make around the teams overall performance with Blair in it is compelling. But the truth of it is, most of our match winning play comes from down the right hand side, far away from Blair's influence. The bulk of our goals have come from Hall, with a +4 for Clohessy, balls whipped into the box from the right hand side, or his set pieces. I don't see how Blair's touches and movement on the left side are impacting the wing player on the opposite side of the pitch to him. In fact I had this conversation with another poster that was of a similar opinion to yours, and the only instance we could find of Blair's touches leading up to a goal (an assist to an assist if you like) was away to Rotherham when he layed off for Clohessy. A game incidentally, that I thought Blair was very good in, and was my joint man of the match. So the fact that he contributes to the team with his link up play and assists (as suggested by another poster) in place of the goals he's lambusted for not scoring falls short with just 4 assists, and one assist to an assist. It's more that other players are now excelling, and impacting more positively in the squad. I should point out that I'm not against Sturrock being in and around the squad/first team, I just don't think his ability or form, relative to our squad justifies his constant slection. I've always been of the opinion that we had different options up front and should utilise them based on their skill sets and who the opposition is. Of course this is almost a mute point now his competition has been eliminated (I appreciate this is more financial constraints than anything else, but they weren't given any real opportunity when here anyway).

Welly7 said;
This is quite simply one of the posts of the season in my opinion, well thought out and reasoned, and without the chip on the shoulder/cluesless idiots/your a child so your opinion doesn't count insults thrown out by some that disagree with you. And speaking of which;

Onion Bag Dave said;



3 Cracking posts, made up stats, unreasoned insults and all in support of a post that is fed up with other people's attitudes, and posters with chips on their shoulders, you've done a great job belittling YB's cause and displaying one of the best shows of irony in a while. If you want to convert the minority (is it even a minority?) you'd probably do better than calling them clueless, children, belitting their posts. I also like; . This is brilliant from someone who has grabbed onto stats from someone elses post and insulted other people on the back of these, and even used the same chip on the shoulder insult. It's posts like these, alongside the unrealistic inflated ratings given to him in the post match reports. (This is generic and not aimed at anyone one poster btw) that do nothing to support those arguing for Sturrock's constant inclusion and attributes to the team.

Yorkshire Blue:
Yes but it's possible to acknowledge what he brings to the side, and still not believe he's good enough to be in the team every single week, irrespective of fitness levels, form or opposition. Also, it would seem that his father aside, not one manager outside the seventh tier of English football would agree with you. I make that c.150 cluesless idiots managing in the professional game if OBD's assesment of people who don't acknowledge his talents is correct. Rather worrying.
Again, 4 assists and one assist of an assist doesn't really support this. The one interesting point you raise is the numbers of non-converted chances created, alá the neat back heel for Hall against The Cobblers, but then you could argue the same unknown quantity against him and for others in the team I guess.
1. No you haven't at all. Doesn't really stack up in that all the players (bar Sawyer) you mention are/were at the start of their careers and where/are on the way up. Blair is at the end of his career, and it was on the wane untill rescued.

I'm not against Blair being used as a squad player, he does have attributes that work against certains teams as the performances against Macc, and Rotherham (x2) show. But it's the fact that he starts every game (barring 7) irrespective of being fit, being on form, or who the opposition is. For me the hold up play is often detrimental to our attacking play. When the ball is played up to him, he holds the ball up with his back to goal and looks to pass to a player, but whilst he's holding the ball up, it's slowing up our attack and taking away the impetus, giving time to the oppostion defenders to organise themselves and get into position, and the midfield to get back and support the team. Proof that this isn't our best method of attacks is only yards away on the other side of the pitch, Hall get's the ball on his side of the pitch and drives us forward, putting the opposition on the back foot and putting dangerous balls into the box. It's this type of play that is creating us the goals, not Blairs. The stats support this too. Look at Halls style of play, and then his contribution to the side. Josh Simpson was the same in this position in his short time in the squad, and I'd wager even now, he isn't far off Blair for assists, because to create goals you need to drive forward and attack the opposition, not stop, hold up play and let them re-organise. Well that's my take on it anyway.

Superb post. Put it much better than I could have done.

 

[Beefy]

Whether or not people think that we should have strikers playing with their back to goal, Paul Sturrock has specifically said that that is how he wants his strikers to play. Therefore it doesn't really matter if people think that we'd be better with someone running at defences because that isn't how we're going to play.

 

[CAPTAIN BIRDSEYE]

well said sir, more people than post on here, have judged sturrock junior over the years, and the fact he was set to go to truro city says it all

 

[Beefy]

well said sir, more people than post on here, have judged sturrock junior over the years, and the fact he was set to go to truro city says it all

You'd have thought that we'd have done better in the seven games we were playing without the Mansfield-reject drag-factor, then...

 

[Onion_Bag_Dave]

One Blair Sturrock!

Nice post there, very good actually, and thanks for analysing mine, I appreciate it. I usually post quite well rounded points but when it's to do with Blair I cannot be bothered anymore, so instead I feel the need to be as childish as possible!

ONE BLAIR STURROCK!

 

[Cricko]

I'm a bit late to the party (an enjoyable 3 days in Milan enjoying AC beating their nearest rivals 3 zip) but wanted to put my two pence worth in.

I find a lot wrong with the original post, the dictatorial way that it is trying to eradicate any opinion that doesn't agree his own inflated view of an average player to start. Given the nature of the exiled status your moniker suggests, I'd be interested to see how many times you've seen Blair play YB? To be able to preach to everyone on here that they should acknowledge what you tell them to before you'll grace them with the merits of your own arguments (how big of you to give us this opportunity) I'm guessing you've seen him play a considerable number of times. I'm sorry you're fed up people's opinions aren't more to your liking, but it's a Southend United message board, not a Yorkshire Blue friendly board. I'm fed of seeing people elevate him above his status to impress upon the rest of the board this stigma that's been created, that to rate and rave about Blair, makes you a superior brain in discussing the footballing side of SUFC. Things like A few nice touches 8/10, or worked hard 7/10 just make a ridicule of the arguments around him. Since when did a few nice touches mean that a player was just 20% off a perfect game? Or work rate meant the player was 2/3 of the way towards one. As someone else stated on here, work ethic should be a minimum requirement of players, not something to be lauded in the absence of anything else to praise in that particular game.

The point you make around the teams overall performance with Blair in it is compelling. But the truth of it is, most of our match winning play comes from down the right hand side, far away from Blair's influence. The bulk of our goals have come from Hall, with a +4 for Clohessy, balls whipped into the box from the right hand side, or his set pieces. I don't see how Blair's touches and movement on the left side are impacting the wing player on the opposite side of the pitch to him. In fact I had this conversation with another poster that was of a similar opinion to yours, and the only instance we could find of Blair's touches leading up to a goal (an assist to an assist if you like) was away to Rotherham when he layed off for Clohessy. A game incidentally, that I thought Blair was very good in, and was my joint man of the match. So the fact that he contributes to the team with his link up play and assists (as suggested by another poster) in place of the goals he's lambusted for not scoring falls short with just 4 assists, and one assist to an assist. It's more that other players are now excelling, and impacting more positively in the squad. I should point out that I'm not against Sturrock being in and around the squad/first team, I just don't think his ability or form, relative to our squad justifies his constant slection. I've always been of the opinion that we had different options up front and should utilise them based on their skill sets and who the opposition is. Of course this is almost a mute point now his competition has been eliminated (I appreciate this is more financial constraints than anything else, but they weren't given any real opportunity when here anyway).

Welly7 said;
This is quite simply one of the posts of the season in my opinion, well thought out and reasoned, and without the chip on the shoulder/cluesless idiots/your a child so your opinion doesn't count insults thrown out by some that disagree with you. And speaking of which;

Onion Bag Dave said;



3 Cracking posts, made up stats, unreasoned insults and all in support of a post that is fed up with other people's attitudes, and posters with chips on their shoulders, you've done a great job belittling YB's cause and displaying one of the best shows of irony in a while. If you want to convert the minority (is it even a minority?) you'd probably do better than calling them clueless, children, belitting their posts. I also like; . This is brilliant from someone who has grabbed onto stats from someone elses post and insulted other people on the back of these, and even used the same chip on the shoulder insult. It's posts like these, alongside the unrealistic inflated ratings given to him in the post match reports. (This is generic and not aimed at anyone one poster btw) that do nothing to support those arguing for Sturrock's constant inclusion and attributes to the team.

Yorkshire Blue:
Yes but it's possible to acknowledge what he brings to the side, and still not believe he's good enough to be in the team every single week, irrespective of fitness levels, form or opposition. Also, it would seem that his father aside, not one manager outside the seventh tier of English football would agree with you. I make that c.150 cluesless idiots managing in the professional game if OBD's assesment of people who don't acknowledge his talents is correct. Rather worrying.
Again, 4 assists and one assist of an assist doesn't really support this. The one interesting point you raise is the numbers of non-converted chances created, alá the neat back heel for Hall against The Cobblers, but then you could argue the same unknown quantity against him and for others in the team I guess.
1. No you haven't at all. Doesn't really stack up in that all the players (bar Sawyer) you mention are/were at the start of their careers and where/are on the way up. Blair is at the end of his career, and it was on the wane untill rescued.

I'm not against Blair being used as a squad player, he does have attributes that work against certains teams as the performances against Macc, and Rotherham (x2) show. But it's the fact that he starts every game (barring 7) irrespective of being fit, being on form, or who the opposition is. For me the hold up play is often detrimental to our attacking play. When the ball is played up to him, he holds the ball up with his back to goal and looks to pass to a player, but whilst he's holding the ball up, it's slowing up our attack and taking away the impetus, giving time to the oppostion defenders to organise themselves and get into position, and the midfield to get back and support the team. Proof that this isn't our best method of attacks is only yards away on the other side of the pitch, Hall get's the ball on his side of the pitch and drives us forward, putting the opposition on the back foot and putting dangerous balls into the box. It's this type of play that is creating us the goals, not Blairs. The stats support this too. Look at Halls style of play, and then his contribution to the side. Josh Simpson was the same in this position in his short time in the squad, and I'd wager even now, he isn't far off Blair for assists, because to create goals you need to drive forward and attack the opposition, not stop, hold up play and let them re-organise. Well that's my take on it anyway.

Excellent post including the bits I haven't pasted and very sensible.:clap:

 

[Wise Head]

I'm a bit late to the party (an enjoyable 3 days in Milan enjoying AC beating their nearest rivals 3 zip) but wanted to put my two pence worth in.

I find a lot wrong with the original post, the dictatorial way that it is trying to eradicate any opinion that doesn't agree his own inflated view of an average player to start. Given the nature of the exiled status your moniker suggests, I'd be interested to see how many times you've seen Blair play YB? To be able to preach to everyone on here that they should acknowledge what you tell them to before you'll grace them with the merits of your own arguments (how big of you to give us this opportunity) I'm guessing you've seen him play a considerable number of times. I'm sorry you're fed up people's opinions aren't more to your liking, but it's a Southend United message board, not a Yorkshire Blue friendly board. I'm fed of seeing people elevate him above his status to impress upon the rest of the board this stigma that's been created, that to rate and rave about Blair, makes you a superior brain in discussing the footballing side of SUFC. Things like A few nice touches 8/10, or worked hard 7/10 just make a ridicule of the arguments around him. Since when did a few nice touches mean that a player was just 20% off a perfect game? Or work rate meant the player was 2/3 of the way towards one. As someone else stated on here, work ethic should be a minimum requirement of players, not something to be lauded in the absence of anything else to praise in that particular game.

The point you make around the teams overall performance with Blair in it is compelling. But the truth of it is, most of our match winning play comes from down the right hand side, far away from Blair's influence. The bulk of our goals have come from Hall, with a +4 for Clohessy, balls whipped into the box from the right hand side, or his set pieces. I don't see how Blair's touches and movement on the left side are impacting the wing player on the opposite side of the pitch to him. In fact I had this conversation with another poster that was of a similar opinion to yours, and the only instance we could find of Blair's touches leading up to a goal (an assist to an assist if you like) was away to Rotherham when he layed off for Clohessy. A game incidentally, that I thought Blair was very good in, and was my joint man of the match. So the fact that he contributes to the team with his link up play and assists (as suggested by another poster) in place of the goals he's lambusted for not scoring falls short with just 4 assists, and one assist to an assist. It's more that other players are now excelling, and impacting more positively in the squad. I should point out that I'm not against Sturrock being in and around the squad/first team, I just don't think his ability or form, relative to our squad justifies his constant slection. I've always been of the opinion that we had different options up front and should utilise them based on their skill sets and who the opposition is. Of course this is almost a mute point now his competition has been eliminated (I appreciate this is more financial constraints than anything else, but they weren't given any real opportunity when here anyway).

Welly7 said;
This is quite simply one of the posts of the season in my opinion, well thought out and reasoned, and without the chip on the shoulder/cluesless idiots/your a child so your opinion doesn't count insults thrown out by some that disagree with you. And speaking of which;

Onion Bag Dave said;



3 Cracking posts, made up stats, unreasoned insults and all in support of a post that is fed up with other people's attitudes, and posters with chips on their shoulders, you've done a great job belittling YB's cause and displaying one of the best shows of irony in a while. If you want to convert the minority (is it even a minority?) you'd probably do better than calling them clueless, children, belitting their posts. I also like; . This is brilliant from someone who has grabbed onto stats from someone elses post and insulted other people on the back of these, and even used the same chip on the shoulder insult. It's posts like these, alongside the unrealistic inflated ratings given to him in the post match reports. (This is generic and not aimed at anyone one poster btw) that do nothing to support those arguing for Sturrock's constant inclusion and attributes to the team.

Yorkshire Blue:
Yes but it's possible to acknowledge what he brings to the side, and still not believe he's good enough to be in the team every single week, irrespective of fitness levels, form or opposition. Also, it would seem that his father aside, not one manager outside the seventh tier of English football would agree with you. I make that c.150 cluesless idiots managing in the professional game if OBD's assesment of people who don't acknowledge his talents is correct. Rather worrying.
Again, 4 assists and one assist of an assist doesn't really support this. The one interesting point you raise is the numbers of non-converted chances created, alá the neat back heel for Hall against The Cobblers, but then you could argue the same unknown quantity against him and for others in the team I guess.
1. No you haven't at all. Doesn't really stack up in that all the players (bar Sawyer) you mention are/were at the start of their careers and where/are on the way up. Blair is at the end of his career, and it was on the wane untill rescued.

I'm not against Blair being used as a squad player, he does have attributes that work against certains teams as the performances against Macc, and Rotherham (x2) show. But it's the fact that he starts every game (barring 7) irrespective of being fit, being on form, or who the opposition is. For me the hold up play is often detrimental to our attacking play. When the ball is played up to him, he holds the ball up with his back to goal and looks to pass to a player, but whilst he's holding the ball up, it's slowing up our attack and taking away the impetus, giving time to the oppostion defenders to organise themselves and get into position, and the midfield to get back and support the team. Proof that this isn't our best method of attacks is only yards away on the other side of the pitch, Hall get's the ball on his side of the pitch and drives us forward, putting the opposition on the back foot and putting dangerous balls into the box. It's this type of play that is creating us the goals, not Blairs. The stats support this too. Look at Halls style of play, and then his contribution to the side. Josh Simpson was the same in this position in his short time in the squad, and I'd wager even now, he isn't far off Blair for assists, because to create goals you need to drive forward and attack the opposition, not stop, hold up play and let them re-organise. Well that's my take on it anyway.

The best & longest post I've read on SZ. 100% agree with all the content.

 

[mfurok]

I'm fed up with the constant sniping about Blair Sturrock from certain supporters with chips on their shoulders.

If you've actually been paying attention this season you'll have spotted how Sturrock contributes: the way he has the vision to switch play, the way he stretches defences with his movement, his link-up play, his hardwork off the ball and his general football intelligence. This all makes us a better team.

The vast majority of our support have now accepted what he offers, he even gets his name chanted occasionally, which given the scepticism that treated his arrival, is one of the more noteworthy achievements of the last decade (I think Kevin Maher may be the only other player to have won over a sceptical crowd).

Don't believe me: have a look at the stats.

Has made 25 league starts.

Of those 25 we've won 13, drawing a further 5 games. That's 44 points from 25 games, or the equivalent of about 81 points over a full season.

In the 7 games he hasn't started, we've won a grand total of ZERO, drawn three* and lost four. That's three points in 7 seven games. Over a course of a season that is approximately 20 points.

Despite this, he seems (like SUFC) to have no credit in the bank in certain quarters. One off display and the snipers are back out. He'll shut them up for a couple of games with influential displays, but all it takes is for a couple of mistakes and the goodwill is gone and they'll be back on his case, suggesting he should be dropped.

So his critics should ask themselves why we are a better team with him in it, why the vast majority have now accepted him? Yes, the reason Sturrock is in the side is because his father is the manager but it isn't nepotism, it's because his father is a bloody good coach who has instilled a far greater understanding of football into his son than you are sadly ever going to have with your closed minds. I'm not saying he's a perfect footballer; he certainly has his flaws (like all players), but unless you are also willing to acknowledge the attributes he currently brings to the side then you're really not worth wasting my time arguing with and are no better than Barna Blue.

He might not be my player of the season so far, but he's quite possibly top 3. Well done Blair. Keep it up.

*It's even worth noting that of those three draws, Blair Sturrock came on as sub in two of them when we were trailing and helped us equalise.

Also late to this.

Typically arrogant but this time spot on.

 

[davewebbsbrain]

I'm a bit late to the party (an enjoyable 3 days in Milan enjoying AC beating their nearest rivals 3 zip) but wanted to put my two pence worth in.

I find a lot wrong with the original post, the dictatorial way that it is trying to eradicate any opinion that doesn't agree his own inflated view of an average player to start. Given the nature of the exiled status your moniker suggests, I'd be interested to see how many times you've seen Blair play YB? To be able to preach to everyone on here that they should acknowledge what you tell them to before you'll grace them with the merits of your own arguments (how big of you to give us this opportunity) I'm guessing you've seen him play a considerable number of times. I'm sorry you're fed up people's opinions aren't more to your liking, but it's a Southend United message board, not a Yorkshire Blue friendly board. I'm fed of seeing people elevate him above his status to impress upon the rest of the board this stigma that's been created, that to rate and rave about Blair, makes you a superior brain in discussing the footballing side of SUFC. Things like A few nice touches 8/10, or worked hard 7/10 just make a ridicule of the arguments around him. Since when did a few nice touches mean that a player was just 20% off a perfect game? Or work rate meant the player was 2/3 of the way towards one. As someone else stated on here, work ethic should be a minimum requirement of players, not something to be lauded in the absence of anything else to praise in that particular game.

The point you make around the teams overall performance with Blair in it is compelling. But the truth of it is, most of our match winning play comes from down the right hand side, far away from Blair's influence. The bulk of our goals have come from Hall, with a +4 for Clohessy, balls whipped into the box from the right hand side, or his set pieces. I don't see how Blair's touches and movement on the left side are impacting the wing player on the opposite side of the pitch to him. In fact I had this conversation with another poster that was of a similar opinion to yours, and the only instance we could find of Blair's touches leading up to a goal (an assist to an assist if you like) was away to Rotherham when he layed off for Clohessy. A game incidentally, that I thought Blair was very good in, and was my joint man of the match. So the fact that he contributes to the team with his link up play and assists (as suggested by another poster) in place of the goals he's lambusted for not scoring falls short with just 4 assists, and one assist to an assist. It's more that other players are now excelling, and impacting more positively in the squad. I should point out that I'm not against Sturrock being in and around the squad/first team, I just don't think his ability or form, relative to our squad justifies his constant slection. I've always been of the opinion that we had different options up front and should utilise them based on their skill sets and who the opposition is. Of course this is almost a mute point now his competition has been eliminated (I appreciate this is more financial constraints than anything else, but they weren't given any real opportunity when here anyway).

Welly7 said;
This is quite simply one of the posts of the season in my opinion, well thought out and reasoned, and without the chip on the shoulder/cluesless idiots/your a child so your opinion doesn't count insults thrown out by some that disagree with you. And speaking of which;

Onion Bag Dave said;



3 Cracking posts, made up stats, unreasoned insults and all in support of a post that is fed up with other people's attitudes, and posters with chips on their shoulders, you've done a great job belittling YB's cause and displaying one of the best shows of irony in a while. If you want to convert the minority (is it even a minority?) you'd probably do better than calling them clueless, children, belitting their posts. I also like; . This is brilliant from someone who has grabbed onto stats from someone elses post and insulted other people on the back of these, and even used the same chip on the shoulder insult. It's posts like these, alongside the unrealistic inflated ratings given to him in the post match reports. (This is generic and not aimed at anyone one poster btw) that do nothing to support those arguing for Sturrock's constant inclusion and attributes to the team.

Yorkshire Blue:
Yes but it's possible to acknowledge what he brings to the side, and still not believe he's good enough to be in the team every single week, irrespective of fitness levels, form or opposition. Also, it would seem that his father aside, not one manager outside the seventh tier of English football would agree with you. I make that c.150 cluesless idiots managing in the professional game if OBD's assesment of people who don't acknowledge his talents is correct. Rather worrying.
Again, 4 assists and one assist of an assist doesn't really support this. The one interesting point you raise is the numbers of non-converted chances created, alá the neat back heel for Hall against The Cobblers, but then you could argue the same unknown quantity against him and for others in the team I guess.
1. No you haven't at all. Doesn't really stack up in that all the players (bar Sawyer) you mention are/were at the start of their careers and where/are on the way up. Blair is at the end of his career, and it was on the wane untill rescued.

I'm not against Blair being used as a squad player, he does have attributes that work against certains teams as the performances against Macc, and Rotherham (x2) show. But it's the fact that he starts every game (barring 7) irrespective of being fit, being on form, or who the opposition is. For me the hold up play is often detrimental to our attacking play. When the ball is played up to him, he holds the ball up with his back to goal and looks to pass to a player, but whilst he's holding the ball up, it's slowing up our attack and taking away the impetus, giving time to the oppostion defenders to organise themselves and get into position, and the midfield to get back and support the team. Proof that this isn't our best method of attacks is only yards away on the other side of the pitch, Hall get's the ball on his side of the pitch and drives us forward, putting the opposition on the back foot and putting dangerous balls into the box. It's this type of play that is creating us the goals, not Blairs. The stats support this too. Look at Halls style of play, and then his contribution to the side. Josh Simpson was the same in this position in his short time in the squad, and I'd wager even now, he isn't far off Blair for assists, because to create goals you need to drive forward and attack the opposition, not stop, hold up play and let them re-organise. Well that's my take on it anyway.

I like how you have used peoples posts against themselves....as the most threatening, abusive and arrogant poster on SZ (according to a certain poster on here), I am disappointed that you haven't pulled my posts apart and used them against me on this thread :stunned:

 

[Cricko]

I like how you have used peoples posts against themselves....as the most threatening, abusive and arrogant poster on SZ (according to a certain poster on here), I am disappointed that you haven't pulled my posts apart and used them against me on this thread :stunned:

He was only answering posts to people above 4 foot tall Phil....:hilarious:

:winking:

 

[Blue_Wes]

I like how you have used peoples posts against themselves....as the most threatening, abusive and arrogant poster on SZ (according to a certain poster on here), I am disappointed that you haven't pulled my posts apart and used them against me on this thread :stunned:

Sorry to disappoint, maybe you're mellowing out as your posts hve always seemed reasonable to me.

I realise it's seems a bit of an attack on YB and OBD, it wasn't intended, more a strong protest to the approach they're taking to impress their opinions on others. If either of them feel that any part of my post is too personal and not relevant to the debate, then I'll glady remove those parts of the post. Seeing as a mod has commented and repped, I'm guessing the content is ok, but you can never tell.

Wes