Michael118

I thought our most instrumental players during that period were by far Laursen, Barry and Milner followed by Gabby. All O'Leary signings or players who came in through the youth system. Young, Carew, Bouma (O'Leary signing), Petrov, Friedel and others were important as well but the real key players were for the most part already there when O'Neil took over. He made his own additions (which were poor overall) and took away from what we had considerably by selling Davis and Cahill. I agree with you on Sidwell and I thought Warnock was a good signing as well. I never rated Delph. Davies was a terrible signing especially considering he was bought as a replacement for Cahill. I didn't think Friedel was that much of an upgrade on Sorenson and I always rated Davis higher than Petrov. He did get everyone working on the same page which can't be underestimated and he deserves credit for. I just wonder what might have been if things were done slightly differently.

I thought Carew was a good signing. I didn't rate Young as highly as others but can't say he wasn't a good signing. Dunne was a reasonable signing. He made a few other reasonable signings like James Collins and Luke Young but so many bad ones and unlike Lambert's 'bad signings' and some of the 'bad signings' we made after he left, I didn't think O'Neil's had anywhere near the same potential.

I didn't rate his signings at all. Milner was an O'Leary loan signing which he made permanent. He also sold Angel, Sorenson, McCann, Davis and Cahill. A very good motivational manager though who could get the best out of the players he had.

https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2017/10/14/16476020/leeds-united-0-1-reading-fc-player-ratings

He was injured and has played every minute since returning. Was MOTM again today in Reading's 0-1 win over Leeds, his 2nd game back.

Can't get a game for us in the Championship but 6 games for Marseille and he's called up to play for France. Just astounded by some of the decisions that have been made over the last 2 and a half seasons.

http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2017/09/21/marseilles-jordan-amavi-looks-a-different-player-after-aston-vil/

I didn't see the game and you can't really see it on the highlights but they won 2-4 and his performances have been good up until yesterday. He's keeping Patrice Evra out of the team.

A few losses in his first season at a club and suddenly it's a myth that he's a good manager?

The emergence of Davis, the return of Kodjia and the signing of Snodgrass has saved him. 3 players who fill key roles, fit into his style of play and and have either too much quality or promise to be held down by his mediocre management. Whether it can be maintained against better teams and if it will be enough to get us promoted we'll have to wait and see.

Named man of the match in his last game but can't even make the bench now? Surely he's injured. https://www.wokinghampaper.com/ratings-bacuna-masters-midfield-moore-continues-grow/

Has to be injured.

Too much of a disruptive influence on everyone. No, he's injured.

https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/4308168/pitch-invader-blackburn-vs-burnley-ashley-westwood/

He did tackle down a pitch invader about a month ago... He looks a lot bulkier in some photos so maybe he is playing more physically.

I never understood that criticism of him to be honest. I wouldn't have called him a physical player or a player that lacked physicality. I think he's tenacious, works hard and can play at a high tempo so that's probably what they mean.

I didn't mind Lowton but always thought Westwood had a bit more quality than him.

"Westwood can count himself unfortunate not to be in the league team right now. Looked really good last season and what bits we've had from him this season has been good too". "I wouldn't class Westwood or Arfield as fringe players they will get plenty of Premier League game time this season". "I thought Westwood bought a physicality we haven't really seen before". "Agree with this (Westwood bringing a physicality we haven't really seen before). Wouldn't mind seeing him have a run in the team alongside Cork and Defour". "I'll go with that too. Think Westwood can play a big part for us this season".

Bacuna impressive again in Reading's 0-2 defeat to Swansea... http://hobnob.royals.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=138397

"From what I've been reading" and also from how I see him as a player and personality. I don't know they're managing him perfectly. Maybe it's not by design but I definitely think easing him into it is a wise move and most of the other components are there for him to be successful.

A good manager treats every player carefully and with consideration. Westwood coming off a horror run here and no doubt lacking confidence will surely benefit from being introduced gradually into a stable and winning team with solid players around him under a manager that's behind him.

I think they're managing him perfectly to be honest from what I've been reading. I can see him playing a bigger role as the season progresses and I think it will suit him being gradually introduced like that. I wouldn't be surprised if by the end of the season he's a regular starter for them and considered more widely to be a very good player.

There has hardly been anything negative written about him. Dyche has had only positive things to say about him and it's not unusual for a new player to be eased into a team especially when they are settled and have been winning. They are 7th in the Premier League.

Right...

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