There's little to suggest with Sheriffe that he has and could improve.
Though he like any player who pulls on a Bulls shirt should be encouraged by the crowd.

In order for someone to be made a scapegoat, there has to be a reason first. Platt was made a scapegoat because of some very poor performances. However as has been quite rightly said, he has done very well at centre, and the scapegoat status for mine should no longer be there. Sadly, there are always going to be those who will never ever forgive or forget.

The other two that are considered scapegoats in our side are Sheriffe and Worrincy. Unlike Platt, they have yet to do anything to help get rid of that status since their poor performances last year. Sheriffe even managed to look crap in the friendly, which really doesn't help things.

While a player should always get support from the fans while they wear the Bradford shirt (and they always will from me), it's understandable that some players are going to continue to be made scapegoats when they are doing nothing to help get rid of that image, by continuing with rubbish performances. In these cases, while they should get support while they are on the field, they should also be criticised for not being up to standard. Platt though has redeemed himself for mine and doesn't deserve the current amount of criticism he gets.

If you'd seen him regularly at Quins, you might think differently.


The people we're on about are the kind who booed Platt before he even got on the field that time. The type I saw effing and blinding at him in a game last year when he sensibly cut away from touch instead of going for the flag with little chance of success. The people who are seemingly dischuffed when the object of their scorn does anything right.

These people, in my opinion (while accepting they have as much right to their say as anyone else and that their continued financial support through merchandising and the gate is crucial), can go f.ck themselves.

And I completely agree with that. I am all for criticising players who deserve it. If they are playing terribly and still getting in the side, I can understand a groan when they are announced. However I'm also a big believer in the premise that if you're going to criticise players for playing badly, you should also praise them for playing well. There seems to be quite a few people that are not willing to do that with Platt, which isn't really fair. He has more than proved himself to be worthy of a place in our centres in my opinion (in fact, I'd pick him there before Sykes) and it does my nut in to hear people around me at a game just waiting for him to not do something fantastic so they can criticise him.

If he (or anyone) does something worth criticising, then criticise. However slagging them off while they're playing rather well just because a while ago they had some bad games, is out of order.

I suppose though that the same argument could be made for picking players based on performances at their previous club, when they have been poor for their current one

I fully admit that I did not watch Shefiffe so much at the Quins. I would respect your opinion as to why his performances might have fallen so short at the Bulls since then.

Seems to be an inconsistent/confidence player. Reckon chances are he'll go good this year.

I think we have seen glimpses of what he is capable of in attack. But he has poor hands and far too often seems to fumble a poor pass or difficult kick. Unless he can improve this aspect of his game I expect teams will target him with kicks next season.

there was definitely an issue with his ability to catch the ball. he wasnt helped by sykes getting sucked into middle and leaving him defending 2 on 1 a lot of the time either. he looked a lot better at backend of season when partnered with platt imo and we seemed to stop leaking tries down that side as much imo.

TBH, neither do I. It is just that after every post I seem to make, the FA just has to come in and make completely irrelevant points in order to try and make himself look interesting. He fails.

Red cabbage . . . . . . .








If it's of any interest to anyone, which I assume it isn't, I've been perusing the boards tonight and seen 3 ME posts not followed by FA. Is that statistically valid?

Doesn't matter whether it is or not, it just once again proves a point about who actually talks rubbish "as usual". Bit like this bit of depressing contradictory negativity - posted on Christmas day I see, when most of the rest of us were looking for reasons to be cheerful:



This from the misery who would have us sign an injury-prone has-been with off-field issues Raynor!

Ah, sad whenever anyone says they won't post here, given I remember the days when it was just me and Dirty Larry.

Entirely. He has some paranoia, but just as for comments made by anyone else, I don't post, except where I feel a valid point needs to be made. He doesn't like home truths much, though, and you can predict the personal attacks which (unlike his cheques) will come flying down, but hey ho. It means the point got home.

The thing I've never 'got' is why anyone would post on a forum if they don't want replies/debate/discussion/opposing views? That's a blog, isn't it?

Says the guy who blocks the posts of people who he disagrees with!!!!

Brilliant.

What a total hypocrite.

I suppose if you did not jump to conclusions so much you would not be as wrong so often. My point is simply that if that is the type of players we are looking at, then Raynor would be a better shout than Reardon, IMO.

Personally I would prefer neither but when the signing have been such of a high quality that Sheriffe is our only winger then I guess desperation is required.

Your point is that once again you have been caught out for the total depressing negative hypocrite that you are. Your words were quite clear so don't insult our intelligence with trying now to suggest otherwise.

Why though? You're entitled to your opinion of course, but it just seems quite an odd one to me.
[u
Reardon
[/u
Positive
Homegrown: So helping to meet the minimum requirements unlike Raynor.
Age:28, almost four years younger than Raynor.
Experience: Played at International level and GF experience. Former Bull and local lad playing for his hometown club. Has a point to prove after recent off field issues.
Salary: Won't be a top earner.

Negatives
Recent injury troubles
Comes with a slightly damaged reputation.

Raynor has a court case lingering over him (who knows what might happen there), is almost 4 years older and has also had some recent injury problems. He wouldn't count as homegrown.

What are his positives over Reardon ME?

IMHO I would say that Raynor has a bit better acceleration and pace but not as good defensively or positionally. Taken with the above excellent summary Reardon is by far the better option for the Bulls

I agree with AF, he was a much stronger proposition at quins. I'd like to give him a chance this season, I think there is a good player in there, just might need some encouragement and a little bit of luck. I believe if you sure up the defence inside him there will be an improvement in his game

That said wing would probably be the position the club are most likely to look to strengthen

Pretty sound analysis there IMO.

While I wasn't jumping for joy over the Reardon signing he does represent a better deal than Raynor.

You might as well have my two penneth i'm getting sick of quality street.
Many [ipundits[i have raised question marks at reardons' signing but i for one have always rated him highly, even at wire, although hampered by injuries, he was quality for mine. He invariably beats the first man, has good hands, has pace, and reads the game well & is versatile. Would take him over raynor, although a good winger in his hey day, those days are behind him now.

I think I had a total of 3 people in my Mondo Pita bin in 2009. Including you for a time. They are put there only when their AnnoyingAsshole quotient reaches a level from which even I need a break. And absolutely never simply because I "disagree" with someone. (the other two were Punisher, and some 10 year old illiterate Leeds troll)

My post count also makes anyone who is dumb enough to suggest I "don't do discussion" look pretty exceptionally foolish, wouldn't you say?


Why, thank you! You may think that. But I couldn't possibly comment.


For the reasons explained above, your point is bogus.

A very fair summing up, that.

For Reardon, also add versatility, as he is very experienced at full-back, and was not that long ago rated as one of if not the best kick returners in the SL.