Time to drop Manse?

Richinns · Post by **Richinns** » 21 Oct 2013, 12:51

Please do not take this poll as a witch-hunt. A great servant and a true TUFC legend but on current form does Manse deserve a place in the starting 11?

For me I think he looks leggy and needs a rest. I think Lathrope and Craig have been patient enough and with Harding coming back soon and McCourt available it might be time for the captain to have some time out?

Post by **SuperNickyWroe** » 21 Oct 2013, 13:05

from what posters have said who have been at the matches, I would say yes, without doubt.
as an aside, why the f**k is he taking corners????

tomogull · Post by **tomogull** » 21 Oct 2013, 15:31

Harding/Mansell: Harding/McCourt: Lathrope/Mansell: Lathrope/Craig: Harding/Craig: etc etc etc -
Whilst Alan Knill persists in playing a two-man midfield, whoever plays will struggle in most matches as most teams play three in midfield. As I've posted before, in my opinion Mansell's game, and probably Harding's game, has suffered through playing in Mr Knill's two-man midfield game plan. He did change it to a three-man midfield on Saturday when he brought on Nathan Craig (to loud cheers). That must have caused him a nose bleed.

AlexGulls · Post by **AlexGulls** » 21 Oct 2013, 17:40

Yes. He doesn't seem himself recently.

portugull · Post by **portugull** » 21 Oct 2013, 17:42

If he is on the pitch Nathen Craig should take EVERY corner.

He has a lethal delivery. We should capitalise on his ability to rocket the ball into the box. When Downes and Pearse are playing together we should be getting more goals from set play but Manse has not got the same pace or accuracy in my opinion.

hector · Post by **hector** » 22 Oct 2013, 06:59

I know he is a little older but 18 months ago, Mansell was voted into the League 2 all-star team based on being part of a 3 man midfield with Lathrope and O'Kane. Anecdotal comments suggest Mansell is a nightmare to play with and a bit headless chicken, so there are differing views. He certainly does not appear to be in good form this season but then I would struggle to think of a player who is.

brucie · Post by **brucie** » 22 Oct 2013, 11:46

Mansell had a pretty good game on saturday.

ferrarilover · Post by **ferrarilover** » 22 Oct 2013, 11:49

Depends on what you look for in football and a footballer. It seems that you're attracted to aimless headers to no one and turgid, talentless hacking at the ball in the hope that it might go somewhere towards the opponent's goal or a team mate. Accordingly, Manse is your hero, because that's pretty much all he brought to the party on Saturday.*

Matt.

*this is fine, of course. Each to their own.

Post by **MidDevon** » 22 Oct 2013, 12:18

Graet to see Nathan Craig come on the pitch on Saturday and immediately deliver 3 accurate passes in the first few minutes...ok it all went pear-shape when we went down to 10 men....but I think in normal circumstances nathan would have had the opportunity to really lay claim on a start

I have said all season that we have been playing the weakest midfield in the division and the days of playing a player like Mansell because he shows some agression on the pitch have long gone, 3, 4 even 5 years ago.

....should Mansell leave the club would he really find another league 2 club?

ferrarilover · Post by **ferrarilover** » 22 Oct 2013, 12:47

Absolutely right, Mid. Manse's style of play is fine in the Conference (at least, it was while we were there) where a guy that size can shout and wave his arms and bluster about and control the midfield in that manner. Today, in 2013, in L2, it's simply not enough and he is woefully overshadowed by even the most ordinary plodders.
Christ only knows what it must look like in training when Craig and Mozika are on one team and Manse is on the other. It must be painful to watch for Knilly, seeing his captain getting mugged off time and again by a reserve and a half fit Frenchman.

Matt.

arcadia · Post by **arcadia** » 22 Oct 2013, 22:07

The blend of strikers have been letting the team down all season,your just looking for someone to blame. Craig needs to be played but I would not leave Mansell out. We need a striker who does not fall over every time the ball gets knocked into him. The midfield is under pressure every time the ball is lost in that area. A couple of players should never have been signed on two year contracts as I am guessing they are on. It looked promising seeing Bodin in the middle on Saturday and if we had a big player who can stay on his feet things might get better. I think we are all gutted the way things are. Hope Bodin injury is not to bad.

lankyben · Post by **lankyben** » 22 Oct 2013, 22:15

if Nathan Craig is the answer what on earth is the question?

jonnyfive · Post by **jonnyfive** » 22 Oct 2013, 22:27

lankyben wrote:if Nathan Craig is the answer what on earth is the question?

"Who will be the marquee signing for Caernarfon Town next summer?"

Are the likes of Manse, Harding, Cameron and Hawley all letting the manager down? Or was his judgment flawed in believing that they were good enough?

RussianGull · Post by **RussianGull** » 22 Oct 2013, 22:35

Manse needs a spell on the bench for me. Offered nothing today.

Burnhamgull · Post by **Burnhamgull** » 22 Oct 2013, 23:14

I've been saying it for a while now but Mansell is not offering anything and spends most of his time just running around like a headless chicken in the middle. I think he remains in the team because he's "the captain".

Tonight was another poor display and the booking he received was justified. He should have shot but tried to take a touch when he was already inside the box with a clear view to goal. Just bloody shoot!!!!

Nico was dropped recently and it did him some good as his last couple of performances have been better. Maybe Mansell will also be better for a rest.

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