Jack Wood, his merits and how best to use him

[KiwiRob]

Josh Rees is a good shout, But i still believe Coker will become a very good goal scoring midfielder, hes young and improving all the time ,still inexperienced remember this . Sad to say but what is going on with Wood that he cannot get minutes ,preseason i remember he scored a hattrick in a friendly and that goal he scored not long back was a beauty the way he collected the ball ran at the defenders and scored . Showed a lot of ability .

It is speculation on my part. But I wonder if Jack Wood has fallen out with some members of the team and Kevin Maher is indicating to Wood his attitude needs to improve before he will given more first team opportunities.

 

[THE SEVENTIES NORTH BANK]

It is speculation on my part. But I wonder if Jack Wood has fallen out with some members of the team and Kevin Maher is indicating to Wood his attitude needs to improve before he will given more first team opportunities.

He hasn't fallen out with anyone.

 

[SUFCGoals]

It is speculation on my part. But I wonder if Jack Wood has fallen out with some members of the team and Kevin Maher is indicating to Wood his attitude needs to improve before he will given more first team opportunities.

Why would you even say that

 

[KiwiRob]

He hasn't fallen out with anyone.

Thanks for that information. I am very pleased to hear that.

Like many supporters, I have been puzzled why such a talented player has not been given more chances recently. So I put 1 and 1 together and came up with 11.

 

[kentblues]

Thanks for that information. I am very pleased to hear that.

Like many supporters, I have been puzzled why such a talented player has not been given more chances recently. So I put 1 and 1 together and came up with 11.

Because we have a very set formation and like Mooney he simply doesn't fit that system. We don't play wingers and we don't play a #10 (the two roles I think he can play). He's not going to be a CM in the Coker/Husin/Miley/Morton mode or a wing back. He could be more of a Wes perhaps but TBH Kev is wed to his system and Jack probably needs to be elsewhere fulfilling that talent.

As with Mooney I wonder if he was signed when there were still thoughts of 3 up top 343 or 433

 

[Jai]

Just a quick question but has everyone forgotten that Wood had about 10-12 starts in the autumn and looked decidedly average?

I'm sure he's one of these players that gets better in people's minds every week he doesn't play.

He did very well against a tiring 10-man Aldershot who were chasing the game. And he's still a young man with room to improve. But I don't see any reason for the bewilderment some fans appear to be struggling with about his non-inclusion.

 

[kentblues]

Just a quick question but has everyone forgotten that Wood had about 10-12 starts in the autumn and looked decidedly average?

I'm sure he's one of these players that gets better in people's minds every week he doesn't play.

He did very well against a tiring 10-man Aldershot who were chasing the game. And he's still a young man with room to improve. But I don't see any reason for the bewilderment some fans appear to be struggling with about his non-inclusion.

Again criticising someone who is not a CF for their performance as a CF is not entirely fair. When has he ever at the club started a game in his actual position? Let alone a run of games to prove himself?

I’m sure if we started Gus at CF he would get slated- but it wouldn’t mean he should then be overlooked in his actual position. The problem is I think we don’t play a system that accommodates where he is best suited. Maybe a season long (0r initially to Jan) loan at another NL club would be the best option all round. Although if he goes 8 in 18 again in a preferred position then comes back I’m not sure the same problem won’t exist.

 

[ShrimperStats]

Don’t want to go off-topic too much, but as he’s been mentioned on here in the last few posts, I wrote this recently about where Jack Wood fits into our system:

http://shrimperstats.data.blog/2024/03/30/how-to-get-the-best-out-of-jack-wood/

 

[kentblues]

Don’t want to go off-topic too much, but as he’s been mentioned on here in the last few posts, I wrote this recently about where Jack Wood fits into our system:

http://shrimperstats.data.blog/2024/03/30/how-to-get-the-best-out-of-jack-wood/

Thanks. Very little I would argue with there.
He is right footed I think (just good with either)? Anyhow the conclusion is that he would, given our committed formation, be likely destined to be an impact sub.
He is better than that, and a 21 needs games. Like Mooney he should move on.

 

[Napster]

Again criticising someone who is not a CF for their performance as a CF is not entirely fair. When has he ever at the club started a game in his actual position?

Actual positions are such a weird thing to fixate on - for so many reasons:

Players evolve over their careers. Nathan Ralph for example was a winger. Che Wilson would tell you his best position was centre-midfield.

Positions change as tactics evolve. Ten years ago there was no such thing as a false winger or raumdeuter.

Players move during a game- tactics aren't fixed. As long as you can control a ball, pass a ball and play to your best ability you should do well in whatever position you start in.

 

[rigsby]

Thanks. Very little I would argue with there.
He is right footed I think (just good with either)? Anyhow the conclusion is that he would, given our committed formation, be likely destined to be an impact sub.
He is better than that, and a 21 needs games. Like Mooney he should move on.

Don't think his situation is anywhere near the same as Mooney.

DM was signed on decent wages to score and provide goals. A combination of glaring misses, injury and home sickness meant it ever worked out for Dan. The decision to terminate suited both sides.

JW was signed as one to develop and wont be costing very much. Yes he has shown glimpses of pace and great skill. Problem is when he has come on we have continued to focus down our left, rather than use the fresh impact sub. JW then gets frustrated and tries to much.

Not sure he is going to get many starts on the right as GSM loves getting forward and scores goals.

Having said all that don't forget less than 6 months ago we had people on here claiming Collin wasn't good enough and needed a loan in NLS. Sometimes when a manger is forced to play young player over several games they end up punching above their weight.

With embargo's over (for Now) I don't see JW getting extended game time unless he grabs a slim chance or at least until we actually pass to him when he does comes on.

 

[kentblues]

Don't think his situation is anywhere near the same as Mooney.

DM was signed on decent wages to score and provide goals. A combination of glaring misses, injury and home sickness meant it ever worked out for Dan. The decision to terminate suited both sides.

JW was signed as one to develop and wont be costing very much. Yes he has shown glimpses of pace and great skill. Problem is when he has come on we have continued to focus down our left, rather than use the fresh impact sub. JW then gets frustrated and tries to much.

Not sure he is going to get many starts on the right as GSM loves getting forward and scores goals.

Having said all that don't forget less than 6 months ago we had people on here claiming Collin wasn't good enough and needed a loan in NLS. Sometimes when a manger is forced to play young player over several games they end up punching above their weight.

With embargo's over (for Now) I don't see JW getting extended game time unless he grabs a slim chance or at least until we actually pass to him when he does comes on.

Again if you were Wood or his agent you analysis may be slightly different (not to say not very valid) but the conclusion the same…regrettably…

 

[loz]

Don’t want to go off-topic too much, but as he’s been mentioned on here in the last few posts, I wrote this recently about where Jack Wood fits into our system:

http://shrimperstats.data.blog/2024/03/30/how-to-get-the-best-out-of-jack-wood/

A lot of useful stuff there but i don't think the passes per 90 comparison is fair - Wood was playing much higher up the pitch (effectively as something like a 9.5) in most of his gametime than Husin or Morton do. As such the latter two inevitably were much more involved in our buildup and recycling play and would record more 'easy' receptions and passes as part of that.

 

[kentblues]

A lot of useful stuff there but i don't think the passes per 90 comparison is fair - Wood was playing much higher up the pitch (effectively as something like a 9.5) in most of his gametime than Husin or Morton do. As such the latter two inevitably were much more involved in our buildup and recycling play and would record more 'easy' receptions and passes as part of that.

I guess there is this- if you look at Cardwell's passes per 90 don't suppose that's great- and a pretty large proportion of the passes by are midfield will be 10 yards and sideways or backwards- lies damn lies and statistics... but I think the thrust of the analysis and the conclusion are pretty much spot on personally.

 

[ShrimperStats]

A lot of useful stuff there but i don't think the passes per 90 comparison is fair - Wood was playing much higher up the pitch (effectively as something like a 9.5) in most of his gametime than Husin or Morton do. As such the latter two inevitably were much more involved in our buildup and recycling play and would record more 'easy' receptions and passes as part of that.

That’s a fair point, and it was probably a lazy use of the data from me tbh.

But my point was that he’s a very direct player who isn’t able to complete the pass volume of Husin or Morton to allow us to exert control on matches. That’s not a criticism; they’re just different types of players. See Morton’s role in the build-up to our third-goal vs. Boreham Wood (I broke it down on Twitter/X but will copy over to my WordPress tonight and post on here).

Therefore, he’d have to be partnered with one of them in the midfield-three and play ahead of Fonguck/Coker. And that’s before we even consider how his out-of-possession game would suit playing in central-midfield.

 

[CMRandall92]

It is speculation on my part. But I wonder if Jack Wood has fallen out with some members of the team and Kevin Maher is indicating to Wood his attitude needs to improve before he will given more first team opportunities.

Complete conjecture, if there's no ounce of truth in it why post. This is how rumours can start and ill-feeling can be spread towards players from uneducated fans who take everything they read on the internet as gospel

Just a quick question but has everyone forgotten that Wood had about 10-12 starts in the autumn and looked decidedly average?

I'm sure he's one of these players that gets better in people's minds every week he doesn't play.

He did very well against a tiring 10-man Aldershot who were chasing the game. And he's still a young man with room to improve. But I don't see any reason for the bewilderment some fans appear to be struggling with about his non-inclusion.

I posted in the post Hartlepool match thread something very similar. I'm baffled at this crave to get him in the 11. I think he's doing a good job to make the 16 tbh.
Destined for a loan deal next season to NLS and that will hopefully be the making of him.

As for the argument to say he's not played in his right position. Numerous of our players have been square pegs in round holes and put out decent performances in the past years. The truth is he's simply not good enough, nor ready to be a starter at this level yet.

 

[onceknownasrab]

It's all about opinions. For me Jack Wood is a very good player in the making. Would I have played him more? Hard to say but, probably, as he has shown glimpses which is no more than Dackers has done and he seems preferred. Am I certain a run of games with him would have given us more? No. He is our players though and I prefer that.

 

[Blues4LifeDan]

I have no idea where this clamour for Wood to play has come from. What tangible evidence have people seen to suggest he 'should' be playing instead of another player? I think most people are basing an opinion on him from a decent goal against ten men, a couple of goals he got against a poor side in pre-season and the fact John Still apparently said he could be a 'gem'.

As much as John Still is worth his weight in gold at this level, he is allowed to be wrong about players. It's one thing seeing potential, but it's another thing that player actually producing it.

I remember when lots of fans were calling for Jason Williams to play because he scored a load of goals for the youth team. He wasn't up to it. Maher sees the players every day. We have to trust the reasons why Wood isn't playing. Maybe, he just isn't good enough or doesn't suit how we play. These things happen. He may very well come good but let's not forget we are unbeaten in 13 games, against adversity. I think fans are looking for something to blame for why we aren't in the playoffs. One man is to blame, not the lack of playing time for Wood.

 

[WestyReturns]

I have no idea where this clamour for Wood to play has come from. What tangible evidence have people seen to suggest he 'should' be playing instead of another player? I think most people are basing an opinion on him from a decent goal against ten men, a couple of goals he got against a poor side in pre-season and the fact John Still apparently said he could be a 'gem'.

As much as John Still is worth his weight in gold at this level, he is allowed to be wrong about players. It's one thing seeing potential, but it's another thing that player actually producing it.

I remember when lots of fans were calling for Jason Williams to play because he scored a load of goals for the youth team. He wasn't up to it. Maher sees the players every day. We have to trust the reasons why Wood isn't playing. Maybe, he just isn't good enough or doesn't suit how we play. These things happen. He may very well come good but let's not forget we are unbeaten in 13 games, against adversity. I think fans are looking for something to blame for why we aren't in the playoffs. One man is to blame, not the lack of playing time for Wood.

We could be top of the league and some people will question players and tactics. It's happens at every club. That's what a fans forum is for....the debate. No one has to be right or wrong to post.

I'd be amazed if anyone doesn't agree with your post about who is to blame ;-) Maybe @rigsby

 

[TheSouthendUnitedRunner]

I have no idea where this clamour for Wood to play has come from. What tangible evidence have people seen to suggest he 'should' be playing instead of another player? I think most people are basing an opinion on him from a decent goal against ten men, a couple of goals he got against a poor side in pre-season and the fact John Still apparently said he could be a 'gem'.

He said more than that, trust me.

Also, for the record, there has been no falling out between Kev, any member of staff, Jack Wood or anyone from the playing squad.