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Post by JoeinOz on Sept 6, 2015 5:21:10 GMT
Brendan O'Callaghan converted from Centre Forward to Centre Half didn't he? ... Just woke up one morning and decided he was a defender and not a goal scorer The subtle hints communicated to him by the Boothen may have helped him on this road to Damascus. He was moved to the back because we had bad injuries. He was good there and kept his place.
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Post by ST1 Stokie on Sept 6, 2015 6:39:42 GMT
We played Huth at CB RB and I'm sure we chucked him up front a few times late on in games when we needed a goal
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Post by JoeinOz on Sept 6, 2015 6:49:54 GMT
We played Judder up front one. He came on as sub v Middlesborough.
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Post by Malcolm Clarke on Sept 6, 2015 19:13:53 GMT
In the past Conroy has played across the front 5 as it was then. Skeels, I seem to remember, played in just about every outfield position at one time or another. In modern times Wilson and Cameron would appear to be the most versatile. Wilson performs adequately across all back 4 positions. Cameron covers 3 of the back 4 positions plus defensive midfield - and he could possibly cover the box to box midfield job as well. I think Alfie Skeels could and did play very well in any position in our own half. I don't think he ever played in any forward position - in fact I'm not sure he ever went into the opposition box in his entire career and he got a nose bleed if he crossed the half way line But an excellent player who like others who have come after him was often underrated because he wasn't a 'flair' player. From that era, Calvin Palmer was another who was very versatile.
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Post by MarkWolstanton on Sept 6, 2015 19:25:04 GMT
In the past Conroy has played across the front 5 as it was then. Skeels, I seem to remember, played in just about every outfield position at one time or another. In modern times Wilson and Cameron would appear to be the most versatile. Wilson performs adequately across all back 4 positions. Cameron covers 3 of the back 4 positions plus defensive midfield - and he could possibly cover the box to box midfield job as well. I think Alfie Skeels could and did play very well in any position in our own half. I don't think he ever played in any forward position - in fact I'm not sure he ever went into the opposition box in his entire career and he got a nose bleed if he crossed the half way line But an excellent player who like others who have come after him was often underrated because he wasn't a 'flair' player. From that era, Calvin Palmer was another who was very versatile. Now then I remember seeing Ecka score. Im certain it was in a home draw against Wolves that put us top of the league briefly. That would be around 1974?
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Post by Deleted on Sept 6, 2015 19:31:20 GMT
In the past Conroy has played across the front 5 as it was then. Skeels, I seem to remember, played in just about every outfield position at one time or another. In modern times Wilson and Cameron would appear to be the most versatile. Wilson performs adequately across all back 4 positions. Cameron covers 3 of the back 4 positions plus defensive midfield - and he could possibly cover the box to box midfield job as well. I think Alfie Skeels could and did play very well in any position in our own half. I don't think he ever played in any forward position - in fact I'm not sure he ever went into the opposition box in his entire career and he got a nose bleed if he crossed the half way line But an excellent player who like others who have come after him was often underrated because he wasn't a 'flair' player. From that era, Calvin Palmer was another who was very versatile. My very first experience of the last minute mental was Skeels' equaliser v Wolves in 75. They'd been 2-0 up for a large part of the match, then Conroy and Skeels scored in the last couple of minutes. Still remains one of my favourite Stoke memories. Edit: Mark beat me to it. I don't google or type very quickly!
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Post by Deleted on Sept 6, 2015 19:35:32 GMT
I think Alfie Skeels could and did play very well in any position in our own half. I don't think he ever played in any forward position - in fact I'm not sure he ever went into the opposition box in his entire career and he got a nose bleed if he crossed the half way line But an excellent player who like others who have come after him was often underrated because he wasn't a 'flair' player. From that era, Calvin Palmer was another who was very versatile. Now then I remember seeing Ecka score. Im certain it was in a home draw against Wolves that put us top of the league briefly. That would be around 1974? 15th Feb 1975 - it's etched on my brain.
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Post by Malcolm Clarke on Sept 6, 2015 19:47:00 GMT
I think Alfie Skeels could and did play very well in any position in our own half. I don't think he ever played in any forward position - in fact I'm not sure he ever went into the opposition box in his entire career and he got a nose bleed if he crossed the half way line But an excellent player who like others who have come after him was often underrated because he wasn't a 'flair' player. From that era, Calvin Palmer was another who was very versatile. My very first experience of the last minute mental was Skeels' equaliser v Wolves in 75. They'd been 2-0 up for a large part of the match, then Conroy and Skeels scored in the last couple of minutes. Still remains one of my favourite Stoke memories. Edit: Mark beat me to it. I don't google or type very quickly! You're right, of course, guys. I was there but had forgotten Alfie had got that goal which Simon Lowe's book describes as converting a cross in a goalmouth scramble, so he obviously was in the box In fact he scored 7 in his 592 appearances - 4 in one season ( 62/63) which does surprise me.
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Post by mountain1863 on Sept 6, 2015 20:01:51 GMT
Currently-Wilson. He covers RB, CB, LB, CM. I may have made this up but didn't Dobing pretty much play everywhere for us at one stage or another? In the past it has to be Shotton? Center half, right back, rigt winger and of course against West Brom and Hajduk Split, striker!! Am I completely making this up or did Shotton also end up in goal in a cup game for about 20 minutes of match gotta be the epitomy of versatile in our modern era wasn't spectacular but turned his hand to any position he was needed or asked to play?
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Post by potterblade on Sept 7, 2015 7:22:19 GMT
CF Richard Cresswell - big contribution to promotion playing almost entirely on the wing 07-08 and still chipped in with 12+ goals.
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Post by okeydokeystokie2 on Sept 7, 2015 12:17:42 GMT
Brendan O'Callaghan converted from Centre Forward to Centre Half didn't he? Not in an 'he could cover in either position' kind of a way, rather it was a complete renaissance. Just woke up one morning and decided he was a defender and not a goal scorer Didn't Carl Saunders go the other way around? Seem to remember him playing right back before Mick Mills turned him into a goal machine for a season or so...
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Post by JoeinOz on Sept 7, 2015 12:33:57 GMT
Brendan O'Callaghan converted from Centre Forward to Centre Half didn't he? Not in an 'he could cover in either position' kind of a way, rather it was a complete renaissance. Just woke up one morning and decided he was a defender and not a goal scorer Didn't Carl Saunders go the other way around? Seem to remember him playing right back before Mick Mills turned him into a goal machine for a season or so... I remember in a crisis Saunders had a blinder and right back v Newcastle Boxing day 1989. I couldn't believe my bloody eyes.
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Post by thestatusquo on Sept 7, 2015 13:20:56 GMT
Tony Ford. He played everywhere !
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Post by Gods on Sept 7, 2015 13:48:02 GMT
On the wider sporting stage and before our time CB Fry was an unbeaten England cricket captain who played football for England , played in an FA Cup Final for Southampton and held the world long jump record! In fairness when you think about it that's quite a stunt if you can carry it off
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Post by Deleted on Sept 7, 2015 14:11:55 GMT
On the wider sporting stage and before our time CB Fry was an unbeaten England cricket captain who played football for England , played in an FA Cup Final for Southampton and held the world long jump record! In fairness when you think about it that's quite a stunt if you can carry it off He was probably in the pub until 10 minutes from kick-off, and smoked a dozen fags in between jumps. That's how they rolled in those days.
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Post by no1972 on Sept 7, 2015 14:20:00 GMT
Eric Skeels
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Post by Gods on Sept 7, 2015 15:07:40 GMT
On the wider sporting stage and before our time CB Fry was an unbeaten England cricket captain who played football for England , played in an FA Cup Final for Southampton and held the world long jump record! In fairness when you think about it that's quite a stunt if you can carry it off He was probably in the pub until 10 minutes from kick-off, and smoked a dozen fags in between jumps. That's how they rolled in those days. Yeah You should do okay on SPOTY with a CV like that, it almost looks like he threw in the world long jump record just to see off any last final other contenders!
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Post by thedeadlyshart on Sept 7, 2015 17:07:13 GMT
Glenn Whelan has played in a lot of different spots for us, including right back and attacking midfield. Although since Hughes has been boss he has just been dm.
Walters has played in every position of the front four, Odemwingie too.
Wilson has played every position in the back four.
Cameron has also played every position at the back, although only once as left back very early on in his first season here.
Muniesa has been in the centre and left side of defence, and played about ten minutes as the left-side midfielder.
Bardlsey has been a right and left back, and Johnson has played in both places for Liverpool, so he'd probably be able to cover either side.
Affelay, Arnie, and Shaqiri can all play any of the attacking midfield roles right, left, or centre.
Adam has played all three centre midfield positions, MVG too, and Ireland has played in all but the dm spot plus he has played on the right wing.
Diouf has been used on both wings and as both a lone striker and a partner to crouch in a 442, and Joselu has already lined up in a few different spots in attack.
about the only players we have that can/have really only be used in one spot are: the goalkeepers, Crouch, Shawcross, Wollscheid, and Pieters.
We have a versatile squad.
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Post by bayernoatcake on Sept 7, 2015 17:13:26 GMT
Glenn Whelan has played in a lot of different spots for us, including right back and attacking midfield. Although since Hughes has been boss he has just been dm. Walters has played in every position of the front four, Odemwingie too. Wilson has played every position in the back four. Cameron has also played every position at the back, although only once as left back very early on in his first season here. Muniesa has been in the centre and left side of defence, and played about ten minutes as the left-side midfielder. Bardlsey has been a right and left back, and Johnson has played in both places for Liverpool, so he'd probably be able to cover either side. Affelay, Arnie, and Shaqiri can all play any of the attacking midfield roles right, left, or centre. Adam has played all three centre midfield positions, MVG too, and Ireland has played in all but the dm spot plus he has played on the right wing. Diouf has been used on both wings and as both a lone striker and a partner to crouch in a 442, and Joselu has already lined up in a few different spots in attack. about the only players we have that can/have really only be used in one spot are: the goalkeepers, Crouch, Shawcross, Wollscheid, and Pieters. We have a versatile squad. When did Whelan play right back? Even in that list of yours I'd say they're not truly versatile. They do a job elsewhere but each one (for me at least) shouldn't really play anything bar one position except in desperation.
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Post by thedeadlyshart on Sept 7, 2015 21:21:42 GMT
Glenn Whelan has played in a lot of different spots for us, including right back and attacking midfield. Although since Hughes has been boss he has just been dm. Walters has played in every position of the front four, Odemwingie too. Wilson has played every position in the back four. Cameron has also played every position at the back, although only once as left back very early on in his first season here. Muniesa has been in the centre and left side of defence, and played about ten minutes as the left-side midfielder. Bardlsey has been a right and left back, and Johnson has played in both places for Liverpool, so he'd probably be able to cover either side. Affelay, Arnie, and Shaqiri can all play any of the attacking midfield roles right, left, or centre. Adam has played all three centre midfield positions, MVG too, and Ireland has played in all but the dm spot plus he has played on the right wing. Diouf has been used on both wings and as both a lone striker and a partner to crouch in a 442, and Joselu has already lined up in a few different spots in attack. about the only players we have that can/have really only be used in one spot are: the goalkeepers, Crouch, Shawcross, Wollscheid, and Pieters. We have a versatile squad. When did Whelan play right back? Even in that list of yours I'd say they're not truly versatile. They do a job elsewhere but each one (for me at least) shouldn't really play anything bar one position except in desperation. i don't remember the exact match but it was a cup match and he had to slot in at right back. Same thing with another match in 2011. Obviously he has only played there when we have no other options available, and has never started a match for us on the right. But I thought I read somewhere he played on the right for Sheffield Wednesday in his early days too. I think we have lots of players that have a clear best position, but some really are good in different places, and it could even come down to the competition that day, and our formation, when determining where they would be at their best. Arnie has his best games on the left, so for that one I'd agree that he should start there. But if he floats in to the center we want the attacking cm to be able to swap with him on the left. And bojan did that quite well with Moses. Adam for example has games where he is better in the advanced midfield and some where he is better in a deeper role. That depends largely on our approach to the game, and how far back our opposition is going to sit when we have the ball. Muniesa single handedly destroyed Sunderland in the cup last season as a left back, but he is a centre half first and foremost. He gave them fits though because his movement on and off the ball is not typical of a centre half playing fullback. I considered Odemwingie a striker before he came here, but for us he has been a right wing. Same with Walters before Hughes arrived. I disagree that most of our players should only play in one position, especially when we play three attackers behind a lone striker. If the wings can switch sides with one another, it would allow us to better exploit weaknesses in opposition fullbacks, like whether they lack pace or strength. Anyway, I think versatility is an asset, not an indication that a player is a jack of all trades master of none.
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Post by Roy Cropper on Sept 7, 2015 21:31:33 GMT
Danny Pugh was pretty versatile.
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Post by bayernoatcake on Sept 7, 2015 22:18:39 GMT
When did Whelan play right back? Even in that list of yours I'd say they're not truly versatile. They do a job elsewhere but each one (for me at least) shouldn't really play anything bar one position except in desperation. i don't remember the exact match but it was a cup match and he had to slot in at right back. Same thing with another match in 2011. Obviously he has only played there when we have no other options available, and has never started a match for us on the right. But I thought I read somewhere he played on the right for Sheffield Wednesday in his early days too. I think we have lots of players that have a clear best position, but some really are good in different places, and it could even come down to the competition that day, and our formation, when determining where they would be at their best. Arnie has his best games on the left, so for that one I'd agree that he should start there. But if he floats in to the center we want the attacking cm to be able to swap with him on the left. And bojan did that quite well with Moses. Adam for example has games where he is better in the advanced midfield and some where he is better in a deeper role. That depends largely on our approach to the game, and how far back our opposition is going to sit when we have the ball. Muniesa single handedly destroyed Sunderland in the cup last season as a left back, but he is a centre half first and foremost. He gave them fits though because his movement on and off the ball is not typical of a centre half playing fullback. I considered Odemwingie a striker before he came here, but for us he has been a right wing. Same with Walters before Hughes arrived. I disagree that most of our players should only play in one position, especially when we play three attackers behind a lone striker. If the wings can switch sides with one another, it would allow us to better exploit weaknesses in opposition fullbacks, like whether they lack pace or strength. Anyway, I think versatility is an asset, not an indication that a player is a jack of all trades master of none. I just don't agree. We have plenty that can do a job in a second position but I wouldn't trust them there ie Adam at DM, don't trust him, Muni at LB, don't like him there etc. But that's just my personal preference. I don't class Walters as a winger tbh. Obviously they should switch but Arnie isn't the same player he is on the right as he is on the left, he's not even close. I don't like versatility tbh. Just smacks of an average/poor player to me who can't nail down one place.
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Post by swampySCFC on Sept 7, 2015 22:21:50 GMT
Big Bren striker turned centre half
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Post by davejohnno1 on Sept 7, 2015 22:28:33 GMT
Danny Pugh was pretty versatile. I think you might be mistaking versatile for shit! :-) As for other comments on this thread I can never remember Glenn Whelan featuring at right back in any competition under any circumstances. Dean whitehead did it a couple of times, in the cup v man city as well, but Whelan? I must have missed that one. Tony ford is the most versatile player I can remember and Rory, throughout his career played in goal, at full back, right across the midfield and up front. Versatile players, generally though, are crap ones who aren't good enough to hold down a regular starting place in one fixed position. See Geoff Cameron and marc Wilson as modern day examples of your "jack of all trades master of none" players. Edit - shit...I'm seemingly in agreement with Bayern :-)
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Post by thedeadlyshart on Sept 7, 2015 23:39:09 GMT
So a player like Lionel messi who can play as a left winger, a right winger, an attacking midfielder, striker or centre forward is a jack of all trades master of none?
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Post by thedeadlyshart on Sept 8, 2015 0:02:51 GMT
i don't remember the exact match but it was a cup match and he had to slot in at right back. Same thing with another match in 2011. Obviously he has only played there when we have no other options available, and has never started a match for us on the right. But I thought I read somewhere he played on the right for Sheffield Wednesday in his early days too. I think we have lots of players that have a clear best position, but some really are good in different places, and it could even come down to the competition that day, and our formation, when determining where they would be at their best. Arnie has his best games on the left, so for that one I'd agree that he should start there. But if he floats in to the center we want the attacking cm to be able to swap with him on the left. And bojan did that quite well with Moses. Adam for example has games where he is better in the advanced midfield and some where he is better in a deeper role. That depends largely on our approach to the game, and how far back our opposition is going to sit when we have the ball. Muniesa single handedly destroyed Sunderland in the cup last season as a left back, but he is a centre half first and foremost. He gave them fits though because his movement on and off the ball is not typical of a centre half playing fullback. I considered Odemwingie a striker before he came here, but for us he has been a right wing. Same with Walters before Hughes arrived. I disagree that most of our players should only play in one position, especially when we play three attackers behind a lone striker. If the wings can switch sides with one another, it would allow us to better exploit weaknesses in opposition fullbacks, like whether they lack pace or strength. Anyway, I think versatility is an asset, not an indication that a player is a jack of all trades master of none. I just don't agree. We have plenty that can do a job in a second position but I wouldn't trust them there ie Adam at DM, don't trust him, Muni at LB, don't like him there etc. But that's just my personal preference. I don't class Walters as a winger tbh. Obviously they should switch but Arnie isn't the same player he is on the right as he is on the left, he's not even close. I don't like versatility tbh. Just smacks of an average/poor player to me who can't nail down one place. or a player like messi or Ronaldo who is the best available at four different positions on any team they play for.
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Post by kustokie on Sept 8, 2015 1:28:58 GMT
I just don't agree. We have plenty that can do a job in a second position but I wouldn't trust them there ie Adam at DM, don't trust him, Muni at LB, don't like him there etc. But that's just my personal preference. I don't class Walters as a winger tbh. Obviously they should switch but Arnie isn't the same player he is on the right as he is on the left, he's not even close. I don't like versatility tbh. Just smacks of an average/poor player to me who can't nail down one place. or a player like messi or Ronaldo who is the best available at four different positions on any team they play for. Beat me to it.
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Post by bayernoatcake on Sept 8, 2015 11:22:17 GMT
I just don't agree. We have plenty that can do a job in a second position but I wouldn't trust them there ie Adam at DM, don't trust him, Muni at LB, don't like him there etc. But that's just my personal preference. I don't class Walters as a winger tbh. Obviously they should switch but Arnie isn't the same player he is on the right as he is on the left, he's not even close. I don't like versatility tbh. Just smacks of an average/poor player to me who can't nail down one place. or a player like messi or Ronaldo who is the best available at four different positions on any team they play for. But that's what 2 players? And even then both are really best when allowed to just float about and do what the fuck they want.
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Post by davejohnno1 on Sept 8, 2015 12:12:01 GMT
So a player like Lionel messi who can play as a left winger, a right winger, an attacking midfielder, striker or centre forward is a jack of all trades master of none? I'm not sure that messi and Ronaldo would particularly welcome the tag "utility player". True versatility is bring able to play in defence, midfield or attack. Playing across the front line, in my opinion, isn't an example of versatility.
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Post by bayernoatcake on Sept 8, 2015 12:14:47 GMT
So a player like Lionel messi who can play as a left winger, a right winger, an attacking midfielder, striker or centre forward is a jack of all trades master of none? I'm not sure that messi and Ronaldo would particularly welcome the tag "utility player". True versatility is bring able to play in defence, midfield or attack. Playing across the front line, in my opinion, isn't an example of versatility. I think the closest players you'll find nowadays who are class and fit part of that bill are Lahm and Alaba.
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