Sam Saunders

[busheybee]

I'm a fan of Sam. Always seems up for trying to make a difference. It doesn't always work but that's not surprising, if it did he wouldn't be plying his trade with us. He usually seems up for giving it a go though, at Sheff Wed for example he was everywhere and giving them a torrid time. Would be a good result in my book if he stayed on.

 

[mhead bee]

I dont think he's good enough to play any higher league than what hes in now.

Surround him with good football players and he would probably be very good at that level. His delivery would be snapped up be quality strikers. I think he is one of our most creative players and with even better players around him he would be even more successful.

 

[Balders Bee]

Surround him with good football players and he would probably be very good at that level. His delivery would be snapped up be quality strikers. I think he is one of our most creative players and with even better players around him he would be even more successful.

Agree to an extent. His attributes are his dead ball expertise and his creativity. The issue being is what you don't get with him is any semblance of a player that can head or tackle and in the modern game if you're not on the offensive that's like playing with 10.5 players. Still I suppose it was a similar issue at a much higher level with David Beckham.

I have been impressed with his attitude this season and a seeming much greater awareness of being a team player.

 

[Kingston Bee]

In a team short of creativity SS stands out imo. He also gives us something else with set pieces that no one else can get close to providing, so why would you not want to keep him. Looks like hitting double figures this year from midfield which is an excellent return especially when you think of Dave, Douglas, Reeves, Weston and Bean in comparison and there contribution towards our goal/assists tally. No brainer to me.

 

[ladbroke]

Has been lying low past few days ill.....

 

[Invipai]

Not ideal...I'm just hoping it had nothing to do with the Christmas party they all went to on Saturday night

 

[ladbroke]

He mentioned something to do with Flu.... might be why he was under par on Saturday... symptoms not shown, but are there....

 

[GP200]

............a couple of free kicks per game is not good enough............time for him to start performing........

 

[North London Bee]

Hasn't really produced much in the last 3 games.

Appreciate that he gets caught in possession because he is trying to search out a pass but he needs to do more and surprisingly his set pieces have not been as effective either lately.

I wonder if UR keeps stats on the number of crosses made per game.

I would hope and ecpect about 6-8 from SS and I suspect he is nowhere near at the moment.

Maybe he has been feeling a bit under the weather lately which can't help but I wonder if he might get given a rest on Saturday or whether UR might think that playing against MK Dons, a top team will motivate him to return to top form.

 

[beebopalula]

I think his best position would be in an advanced centre midfield where he can beat a man and get a shot or pass in. He hasn't got the pace to be effective as a wide player IMO. Alternatively playing just behind a lone strker in a 4-4-1-1. To be an effective wide player you need to be an athlete first and foremost and Sam isn't.

 

[Les Beeavinu]

It amazes me - Weston gets slaughtered for being a one trick pony as a winger who just relies on pace and yet we have another winger with no tricks or no pace but he's seems an alright geezer instead of a stupid tweeter so it's ok.

Myles Weston can potentially be a far, far better player and I hope he gets a run now even if that does mean that someone else will have to take a free kick. Perhaps one of Dave or Douglas can make way for Forrester and he can be the play maker but in the centre instead.

 

[Herbert]

I'm a fan of Sam. Always seems up for trying to make a difference. It doesn't always work but that's not surprising, if it did he wouldn't be plying his trade with us. He usually seems up for giving it a go though, at Sheff Wed for example he was everywhere and giving them a torrid time. Would be a good result in my book if he stayed on.

you sure your not mixed up with McGinn at Wed ?

 

[Kingston Bee]

It amazes me - Weston gets slaughtered for being a one trick pony as a winger who just relies on pace and yet we have another winger with no tricks or no pace but he's seems an alright geezer instead of a stupid tweeter so it's ok.

Myles Weston can potentially be a far, far better player and I hope he gets a run now even if that does mean that someone else will have to take a free kick. Perhaps one of Dave or Douglas can make way for Forrester and he can be the play maker but in the centre instead.

From what I have seen it does not matter who plays, all as bad as each other except for the odd delivery, free kick or pass. Mostly agree with you but replacements we have dont seem to be the answer do they,

 

[busheybee]

you sure your not mixed up with McGinn at Wed ?

I recall it being a good all round team performance but for me Sam stood out, particularly in the first half. I remember McGinn sending in a couple of great crosses in the second half but Sam caused them all sorts of problems, made me wonder if he was trying to impress one of the bigger clubs. Hopefully more of the same in the next two games if that's the case.

 

[hanworthbee]

Saunders rarely impresses me, couple of good free kicks and not a lot else, someone summed him up on another thread that theres nothing between him and Glenn Poole and I'd agree except Poole scored a lot of goals from open play

 

[Herbert]

Saunders rarely impresses me, couple of good free kicks and not a lot else, someone summed him up on another thread that theres nothing between him and Glenn Poole and I'd agree except Poole scored a lot of goals from open play

i compared the 2 as similar.i thought Poole didnt get a fair crack at this level with us,would have liked to see if he could.I like the 2 But especially for the positions they played ,they arent involved enough in the game.Saunders leaves whoever is behind him exposed too much

 

[Downbeat Bee]

For whatever reason he's been disappointing. On signing him I really believed he'd be excellent for us. His lack of pace is probably key.

 

[Beeky38]

Taking free-kicks is his biggest asset. He's pretty ordinary otherwise.

 

[GP200]

Taking free-kicks is his biggest asset. He's pretty ordinary otherwise.

.............consistently scoring from free kicks would be an asset.............I can take a free kick ...........

 

[josht]

I wonder if UR keeps stats on the number of crosses made per game.

I would hope and ecpect about 6-8 from SS and I suspect he is nowhere near at the moment.

Maybe he has been feeling a bit under the weather lately which can't help but I wonder if he might get given a rest on Saturday or whether UR might think that playing against MK Dons, a top team will motivate him to return to top form.

He does. If I recall they picked up a Football Analyst from Watford (?) over the summer. This guy compiles comprehensive stats on all the players (passes/passes completed, tackles/tackles won, etc.) and the information is used accordingly.

I think Sam's lack of set piece delivery has been evident over the past few games. His corners are still pretty decent, but his free kicks have been a bit off recently and his crossing has mostly been over-hit. I mentioned in another thread, but I'd put this down to a dip in form and his delivery will return to it's normal accuracy soon.

I will say that he got caught out quite a few times defensively yesterday. Wasn't tracking back at all and allowed their full backs to push on without much challenge - same with McGinn unfortunately - and it makes our full-backs jobs even more difficult

 

[sonofabee]

He does. If I recall they picked up a Football Analyst from Watford (?) over the summer. This guy compiles comprehensive stats on all the players (passes/passes completed, tackles/tackles won, etc.) and the information is used accordingly.

I think Sam's lack of set piece delivery has been evident over the past few games. His corners are still pretty decent, but his free kicks have been a bit off recently and his crossing has mostly been over-hit. I mentioned in another thread, but I'd put this down to a dip in form and his delivery will return to it's normal accuracy soon.

I will say that he got caught out quite a few times defensively yesterday. Wasn't tracking back at all and allowed their full backs to push on without much challenge - same with McGinn unfortunately - and it makes our full-backs jobs even more difficult

I'd go so far as to say that both Saunders and McGinn are a liability when it comes to defensive duties. Both confidence players and very different, McGinn has pace to burn and in the mood glides past players effortlessly but awful defensively, Sam is capable of great accuracy with his set pieces and carries a goal threat from anywhere around 25 yards when the ball is dead. He is also a waste of time when asked to defend so starting to question with our lack of firepower if we should ever play the two at the same time.

 

[sussexb]

It amazes me - Weston gets slaughtered for being a one trick pony as a winger who just relies on pace and yet we have another winger with no tricks or no pace but he's seems an alright geezer instead of a stupid tweeter so it's ok.

Myles Weston can potentially be a far, far better player and I hope he gets a run now even if that does mean that someone else will have to take a free kick. Perhaps one of Dave or Douglas can make way for Forrester and he can be the play maker but in the centre instead.

Saunders tries hard and looks like he cares. When Weston is having a bad day he looks like he doesn't even know where he is or who his team mates are. I agree he's potentially a far better player, but how often does he live up to that potential?

 

[Bridge Bee]

Saunders will never make it at a level higher than L1 due to a lack of pace and stregth, you have to have one of those attributes. Like Alexander, I hope we aren't going silly with a long term contract - 12mth extension max please.

If we are to do better we need to do better.

 

[love and mercy]

If we are to give him a new contract he needs to play better and show more desire than he did yesterday.

 

[jlove]

I think we've seen the best of him.

 

[Beeky38]

.............consistently scoring from free kicks would be an asset.............I can take a free kick ...........

We only get free kicks when the opposition gives away a foul. What happens when we don't get a suitable opportunity? Not a lot!!

 

[GP200]

.............................sorry but another half arsed performance today....................immune from being substituted.................

 

[North London Bee]

.............................sorry but another half arsed performance today....................immune from being substituted.................

Not great but 3 assists!

 

[Sheerwater Bee]

Unless he improved dramactically in the 2nd half it was another poor performance. A luxury player who doesn't contribute much apart from the odd free kick.

 

[busheybee]

I obviously see a different player to some on here. To me he always seems keen to receive the ball and to look to do something constructive with it. I can see why his name would be one of the first on the team sheet.

 

[sonofabee]

Unless he improved dramactically in the 2nd half it was another poor performance. A luxury player who doesn't contribute much apart from the odd free kick.

He and several others looked different players in the second half. He had an excellent second half as did all the midfield.

 

[GP200]

I obviously see a different player to some on here. To me he always seems keen to receive the ball and to look to do something constructive with it. I can see why his name would be one of the first on the team sheet.

............................he may look to do something constructive but rarely does so..............................

 

[shouldbee]

.............................sorry but another half arsed performance today....................immune from being substituted.................

He doesn't get subbed becuase he's one of our most creative players, it's not all about running around in circles and fouling players

 

[Les Beeavinu]

He's kept on for free kicks only imo. Played well 2nd half though.

 

[alexcavell]

I obviously see a different player to some on here. To me he always seems keen to receive the ball and to look to do something constructive with it. I can see why his name would be one of the first on the team sheet.

I agree, plus it would be madness to drop one of our top scorers when most of the time we struggle to put the ball in the net. He's got a fight on his hands to keep his place with Forrester coming into the picture though.

 

[Brentford_till_die]

I agree, plus it would be madness to drop one of our top scorers when most of the time we struggle to put the ball in the net. He's got a fight on his hands to keep his place with Forrester coming into the picture though.

Yes agree, he os always looking and wanting the ball, ties to make things happen, can cross a ball and we all know hea deadly from setpieces.
Forrester looked good when he came on and was very excited to see him in the team and get his chance.
He's the midfielder were crying out for, very creative, skillfull and has pace. He's got so much more to offer than any of our other wingers! Also very good from set pieces!

 

[scruff puppy pup]

I agree, plus it would be madness to drop one of our top scorers when most of the time we struggle to put the ball in the net. He's got a fight on his hands to keep his place with Forrester coming into the picture though.

If it's a straight Forrester v Saunders toss up, then I wouldn't hesitate for a moment to choose Forrester.

 

[Owlsmoor_Bee]

He doesn't get subbed becuase he's one of our most creative players, it's not all about running around in circles and fouling players

He's not doing enough at the moment for me I'm afraid. In fairness I don't think playing on the wing is doing him any favours either. He doesn't have the pace to play there and Uwe's insistence on playing him on the left forces him to come inside and leaves us sooo narrow. I wouldn't be adverse to seeing him tried in the middle but we need better out wide IMO.

 

[NorthamptonBee]

If it's a straight Forrester v Saunders toss up, then I wouldn't hesitate for a moment to choose Forrester.

I would have thought that they have a massive chance of being the starting widemen very soon.

 

[robBEEh]

I've always wanted Saunders to do well at Brentford and having seen how destructive he could be against us for D&R, was always confident he could do it.

He survived the Scott era and this season has had his moments, particularly from set pieces, but more recently, in my opinion, has struggled badly to get involved and has got to be more consistent because, otherwise, he's dispensible.

 

[North London Bee]

Why is everyone being so hard on SS tonight.

He was as inept as everyone,se in the first half but he stuck at it,regained his confidence and was involved in all 3 goals.

When on form heis a potent weapon for us and there were signs that he was on his way back to his best today.

 

[robBEEh]

Why is everyone being so hard on SS tonight.

He was as inept as everyone,se in the first half but he stuck at it,regained his confidence and was involved in all 3 goals.

When on form heis a potent weapon for us and there were signs that he was on his way back to his best today.

He's got to improve; he needs to be more consistent.

He has made a name on his set pieces but in the matches since Rochdale the free-kicks have dried up. I should know; I've backed him every time and so I'm taking a keen interest in every one. The % that have been scuffed into the wall have been surprising and disappointing.

 

[Beeky38]

............................he may look to do something constructive but rarely does so..............................

Agreed. He's always looking for the glory ball which frequently gives away possession, when a simple 10 yard pass retains it. His decision making is poor in open play.

 

[love and mercy]

to be fair to Sam
at half time he looked into the crowd and I could see he was so fed up .That shows he cares

 

[moribee]

He does care and does his bit

 

[Owlsmoor_Bee]

He does care and does his bit

Agreed on the first part. He's a real trier, and that goes a long way. He just needs to make sure his effort translates into better performances at the moment IMO.

 

[Rainbrander Bee]

I would have thought that they have a massive chance of being the starting widemen very soon.

Agree! If you look at the stats you can't drop Sam. There may be times he does the wrong thing or hits the ball into the wall, but when he gets it right, we score... Simple! Without him we would have far less points this year!

 

[hatfieldbee]

I've always wanted Saunders to do well at Brentford and having seen how destructive he could be against us for D&R, was always confident he could do it.

He survived the Scott era and this season has had his moments, particularly from set pieces, but more recently, in my opinion, has struggled badly to get involved and has got to be more consistent because, otherwise, he's dispensible.

Remember the 1st or second time we played them at their place he scored a belter, cut in from the left wing and scored from outside the box. Never seen him do anything like that for us. However, whilst he is our dead ball specialist, since he got that sponsorship a few weeks ago, he's not scored one of his "special" free kicks.

Thought it took MB, GA and LL yesterday to cajole the team to get going, and once they had Sammy on board with that line of thinking, saw more of what I've hoped he'd do more of the time, almost chase lost causes, or go in for 50/50 or even 40/60 balls, and win 'em!

 

[jlove]

He's the best of a bad bunch but we must be able to do better; once his set-piece delivery goes there's not much else.

 

[wanderer paul]

Put in some good crosses yesterday. Maybe the forwards need to attack the ball more I'd still keep him, but wait to offer a deal until the season ends, let's see how much he wants it first.