TONGE must start !!!!!!!!!!!

[Deleted]

To me now this is obvious, last week that game was heading for a draw and no mistake. Michael Tonge comes on and, all of a sudden, all across the width of the pitch, good bits of football break out in and around Our Michael.

Having thought some more about this, I'm even more convinced - its rather like having a fit Lee Hendrie and not playing him.

A lad who can pass, move, agile, links up the play in advanced positions and, see the incisive through pass, just look at the winning goal last Saturday.

the lad packs a good shot too !

Its a 'no brainer' as far as I'm concerned

a proper 'footballer' who, given his chance we could build our forward movement around.

Remember that through pass for Fuller ? When he hit the post against Tottenham (late on) ? Yes Tonge Again.

He' earned his chance, and deserves a start

as I said, Like having a younger fitter fit Lee Hendrie - only on the bench presently (and thats a shame) (IMHO)

[wembley4372]

I would rather see him come off the bench than start and be substituted which is what I suspect would happen.

[Deleted]

what you mean come on - then come off ?????

surely not !

the lad deserves a start - I want to see 90 minutes !

[wembley4372]

There are certain players that Tony never substitutes, so I doubt he would get the full 90 minutes.

I do agree he has looked good when he has played.

[YarnfieldStokie]

I think at home especially either he or Soares ahould start. Ketchup's lack of ability at set pieces at the moment should see Tonge get the nod IMHO

[monkeycat]

My guess for Saturday, is:

.................................Sorrensen........................................

Griffin...........Shawcross...........AB Faye.......Higginbotham


Delap..............AM Faye...............Diao................Tonge......

..................................................Sidibe..............................

..............................Fuller...................................................

NB:

If Shawcross is out then i think Cort will replace hm and personally feel Whelan should be given a chance ahead of AM Faye. There is also the possibility that TP will play Olly ahead of AM Faye

[stokieblokie]

I'd like to see him start. Thought he was great against Tottenham and again against West Brom.

[stokelad84]

The problem with Tonge is he has impressed off the bench bit not when he has started a game. With Soares still not stamping his authority on the team and Lawrence still a ciuple of weeks from returning, this could be his last chance to make a first team spot his own

[serpico]

I know it's worked for some games, but I think the Faye-Diao pairing is just to defensive, both of them are destroyers who break the play up, but offer little going forward, we really do need a ball playing midfielder, so we can get more goals like Fullers in the villa game, that goal came from a defense splitting pass from Lawrence from the centre of the pitch.

[th05]

I would give him a chance yes, looked very lively when he came on against Brom.

[monkeycat]

Nov 27, 2008 17:44:59 GMT serpico said:

I know it's worked for some games, but I think the Faye-Diao pairing is just to defensive, both of them are destroyers who break the play up, but offer little going forward, we really do need a ball playing midfielder, so we can get more goals like Fullers in the villa game, that goal came from a defense splitting pass from Lawrence from the centre of the pitch.

Agreed. But TP's continued reluctance to give Whelan a game, shows his plan at present does not involve using a creative midfielder. Olly on paper is more creative than AM Faye, but has been so inconsistent, and tends to "go missing" too often in games.

[crashbandicoot]

Agreed, changed the game on saturday, has quality on the ball and if he doesnt play against teams such as Hull when can he play?

The same applies to Whelan and Soares, our more attacking midfielders, if they dont get a decent run out against opposition we should be beating at home, questions need to be asked