Manny Smith

[KT12 Exile]

Manny should come straight back in when fit. They've done really well in his absence but I still think him and Pearson is our best CB pairing. Even when Pearson has a bit of an off day, he's still usually one of our better performers. His only real significant weakness is lack of pace and that's why Manny works so well with him, any time the ball is moved past Pearson quicker than he can react to, Manny is always there to mop up.

No criticism of Lawlor who's performed well, but we'd be mad not to go with our best pairing if they're both fully fit and available to play. Nice problem to have though. Considering we have Tharme as well, it's remarkable strength in depth. If only things were as good going forward.

[dixienormous]

Very difficult one this. Manny should go straight back in really but I don't think Sam can drop Lawlor, he's growing into a really good player.

[wxmdoug]

Originally Posted by jackoboy17

For me when fit he without question goes straight back in alongside pearson,

i think we may go expansive and play 3 at the back to let jennings and roberts bomb forward to hel the forward line .

[Danny Boy]

Originally Posted by moynkeepthefaith

Lawlor and Smith anyone ?

Neither of them speak and neither are a leader, for Pearson's few shortcomings he is the glue that holds the defence together and thanks to him it is better then the some of it's parts.....Manny OR Lawlor to partner SP all day!

[redavid]

Originally Posted by jonesfach

Just went past 9 acre and it was nice to see him kicking a ball about. Just him and the fitness guy, I think lightly passing it, back and too. To think we have hardly missed him as Lawlor has done very well, but be nice to have him back ready to give Lawlor or Pearson a break.

I went passed myself , and he was jogging alone , great to see

[dixienormous]

Originally Posted by redavid

I went passed myself , and he was jogging alone , great to see

Jogging alone? Walsall bound

[John Neals Dynasty]

Originally Posted by jackoboy17

For me when fit he without question goes straight back in alongside pearson,

For you maybe but maybe not for Sam he hasn't signed Lawlor on a 2 yr deal as cover + he hasn't made any mistakes to be just dropped.
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[Bushfield Stand]

Originally Posted by wxmdoug

i think we may go expansive and play 3 at the back to let jennings and roberts bomb forward to hel the forward line .

That's something I would like to see as well, Lawlor is comfortable on the ball and seems to have the skill level to bring the ball out of defence and pass to a team mate.

As good a defender as Manny is (and he is probably our best), I find it frustrating that so often his clearances are as Quay Red says, just headed upfield anywhere or met with the standard first time 40 yard volley even when there is time to bring the ball down and play it.

Good problem for Mr Ricketts to have though.

[Foxy]

Smith is flawless between his own 18 yard line and the centre circle.

Lawlor has better distribution though and crucially attacks the ball much more in the penalty area. Since he came in I’m sure we have conceded fewer goals from set pieces.