Gilbert - Emperors new clothes scenario.

[DTS]

When we signed Kerry I was delighted. At last I thought - A full back that can attack and defend wtih equal ability.

I must say so far I have yet to see much in his game that makes him remotely better than Simon Francis who I really rate. Everyone around me seems to rate him loads but I wonder if they just think they should as he plays for Arsenal.

Personally I think he is a good player but no better than Francis. And personally I would rather keep Francis happy by playing him than Gilbert happy for him to clear off in January with a few more games under his belt.

I guess if the loan goes well than maybe it leaves up open for more Arsenal youngesters in the future.

 

[sufccolchester]

I couldn't agree more. Have we made Arsenal a promise that he will always play? I know Francis loses concentration sometimes and make a few gaffs in defending but he deserves to start.
Gilbert has skill, some really nice touches on Saturday, but his decision making is poor.

 

[steveo]

As I posted last week, there isnt much point from arsenal point of view of him being on loan and not playing, they might as well have him playing at a lower league club.

I guess if the loan goes well than maybe it leaves up open for more Arsenal youngesters in the future.

This is probably more important. Looked what they did for Birmignham last season.

 

[C C Csiders]

Something tells me that Francis may be heading out on loan himself once fully fit, and the loan window re-opens.

 

[Pubey]

i would rather get promotion (which i will think we have a better chance of with francis instead of gilbert) than be in arsenals good books. if we turned around to arsenal and said we have given him 6-7 games and he hasn't quite been up to it i don't think they are going to hold it against us. francis should be in the team IMO, he was blinding against watford

 

[Desert Shrimper]

It's the same with MacDonald. People want to like him so they ignore the fact that he's been **** for us since we signed him.

 

[Uncle Leo]

He seems to be improving with every game and in the case of Saturday's game he got noticeably better as the game wore on.

Fair point about us maybe having rose-tinted (or red with white sleeves) glasses on regarding him though - having come from Arsenal we all expect him to be very sound technically.

 

[Cricko]

I prefer Francis to Gilbert, judging on the games I have seen Gilbert play this season.

 

[Pubey]

It's the same with MacDonald. People want to like him so they ignore the fact that he's been **** for us since we signed him.

grossly unfair IMO, he has moved up 2 divisions and seems ok in what i've seen. wouldn't mind seeing him alongside leon clarke and once he gets a bit more used to the level at league 1 i think he will bang a few more away

 

[seany t]

Hasn't Francis been trying to get back to full health until about a week ago?

Plus Hunt plays there too, so if you need a utility player on the bench he'd take precedence. I agree though - Gilbert looks very lightweight and scatty in defence, and only comes into his own going forward or when we're ahead. But he's far from useless either...

 

[Yorkshire Blue]

From what I've seen Lewis Hunt is the best full-back at the club.

I've still to be convinced by Francis and Hammell, and Gilbert doesn't seem to be an upgrade from either of them.

 

[sufcintheprem]

I think the big difference is that on a good day, Francis is a good defender and a good attacker whereas on a good day, Gilbert is an ok defender and a very good attacking player. Be honest, how often has a Southend full back got to the byline, closed in on goal and tried to chip the keeper?

From what I've seen, Francis would still be my first choice as he has potential to be one of the stars of the team.

 

[C C Csiders]

Be honest, how often has a Southend full back got to the byline, closed in on goal and tried to chip the keeper?

Che Wilson vs. Col Ewe

 

[Ailsa Road Shrimper]

I'd prefer Hunt or Francis than Gilbert

Gilbert seems quick but offers little else, a right back version of Yemi Abiodun!

 

[Pubey]

I think the big difference is that on a good day, Francis is a good defender and a good attacker whereas on a good day, Gilbert is an ok defender and a very good attacking player. Be honest, how often has a Southend full back got to the byline, closed in on goal and tried to chip the keeper?

From what I've seen, Francis would still be my first choice as he has potential to be one of the stars of the team.

agreed... let's not forget francis scored a good 'strikers' finish last year and his crossing is superb. he is only young and is probably the biggest talent at the club

 

[Yorkshire Blue]

I think the big difference is that on a good day, Francis is a good defender and a good attacker whereas on a good day, Gilbert is an ok defender and a very good attacking player. Be honest, how often has a Southend full back got to the byline, closed in on goal and tried to chip the keeper?

From what I've seen, Francis would still be my first choice as he has potential to be one of the stars of the team.

I'd rather if a Southend full back got to the by-line they would pick out the unmarked Southend player in the middle for a simple tap-in, rather than trying to chip the keeper from a stupid angle.

 

[Clinton Baptiste]

Id go for Hunt at the moment. Give us a bit extra height.

 

[Pubey]

Id go for Hunt at the moment. Give us a bit extra height.

over francis!?

 

[Rayleigh boy]

we should keep them all - having got sight of a decent looking squad why should we let any of them go - we still have two cup competitions (effing shame about the Paints) to get through -

remember last year playing clarke/hunt in midfield, Francis struggling to find form, Bradbury playing up front - now we have talent and cover in most positions -

its tough on Francis and Macdonald - but they will get chances -

 

[cockles is back]

i think francis was awsome aginst watford, gilbert is very over rated really hsouldnt be keeping francis out of the team