The unofficial AFC Rushden & Diamonds messageboard

sussexdiamond wrote:I agree that Ling has not performed as we would have liked but I don't think it helps when morons like the guy at Cogenhoe shout abuse directly at Ling near the touchline. It was when Ling failed to beat his full back, well all I can say to that what right does any attacker have to beat his man every time, why not give credit to the defender?

Too many fans seem to think we are still in the Conference and expect the same skill and dedication levels.

The players are only coming up against opponents of the same level so things like beating the man can be expected by supporters. No a player doesn't have the right, but referring to Ling he very rarely beats a man. Like already stated on here, there is lack of option in the wide left position and he does give balance, but I would have thought this is a position that Starms is looking to strengthen for next season already.

[quote="}Mal got many excellent photos of the free kick as I was standing right behind him and pulled his leg asking if he had missed the goal. ;)[/quote]

How can he be expected to take pix if you're pulling his leg. Surely he needs to stay still??? ;)

sussexdiamond wrote:I agree that Ling has not performed as we would have liked but I don't think it helps when morons like the guy at Cogenhoe shout abuse directly at Ling near the touchline. It was when Ling failed to beat his full back, well all I can say to that what right does any attacker have to beat his man every time, why not give credit to the defender?

Too many fans seem to think we are still in the Conference and expect the same skill and dedication levels.

Spot on. Especially agree with the second point. Yes he was disappointing, but I'd be especially interested to know if any of the people in the stand yesterday who were shouting, moaning and giving him grief could go and do the same, as what Greg does every week, is gives us balance and an extraordinary work rate, feel as if some people should cut him some slack, he has had no preseason, and the management see the work rate he gives, even if some of our blinkered fans don't.

AdamSRJFC wrote:.....Greg does every week, is gives us balance and an extraordinary work rate, feel as if some people should cut him some slack, he has had no preseason, and the management see the work rate he gives, even if some of our blinkered fans don't.

Exactly what I think, Adam, and is always my response to those people that say his delivery into the box is poor and he doesn't score enough goals.
One thing is certain, our management rate him and that's good enough for me.

Mal's pics are added to the Match Report - there are some good sequences of pics for the main incidents in the game.

For me Lingys defensive side and workrate is top notch, it's going forward that disappoints. He doesn't commit himself enough to beating his man then his end product is poor. Great potential unfulfilled so far.

As I've said before after his performance in the vase defeat (I'm having a Macbeth moment in that I can't bear to mention the team' s name) I'm surprised to see Ling in the starting line up. I can't help but wonder that his allegiance with the Dunks, Parky, Bunts, Finlay and Fazel click can only be working in his favour. There is no logical reason for persevering with him.

Neutral wrote:There is no logical reason for persevering with him.

There seems to be a few agree with you, but who would you pick in his place?

Fazel is by no means the perfect option but certainly better suited as an alternative to Greg. For all his misdemeanors I would always want to see Kingy in the starting line up. Alas after Saturdays latest spat we may not be seeing too much of him in the future.

And there are just as many saying Fazel shouldn't be in the team as well, tough isn't it?