Barrow v Accrington

[Barra Marra]

I agree, very dull game.

Also agree with the point about being well organised, structured, yet, limited team. Lots of backwards and sideways passing. Quigs and Reid looked the only ones likely to make something happen with the exception of one or two journeys forward from Brough when brought on.
Still, very changed line up and some good game time for some players coming back. Aside from the front two, and Jason Taylor running his arse into the ground (as usual) it was structured, organised but, ultimately, dull. Not bad, not great. A night to forget from Gribbin unfortunately.

[SayitagainSam]

Sad to read so many negative comments on Calum Gribbin.

Was highly rated at Man. Utd and trained with the 1st team under Jose Mourinho. Liverpool were after him.

"You look at Callum and he is one of those players who can make things happen. He can cut through defences and score goals and he can set them up". - Nicky Butt.

"He's a fantastic technician with a really good eye for a pass." - MU Coach.

Unfortunately he got injured, his form declined and was ultimately released, but he did have what it takes.

https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk ... d-16398934

I for one have NOT given up on him. I wish others too on this forum would give the youngster some slack.

For goodness sake, he's only 21, a kid by soccer standards, not even close to footballing maturity.

If he can regain the form he showed as a teenager at Championship side Man. Utd, here at Barrow, a lowly League 2 outfit, he has the potential of being an outstanding creative attacking asset.

God knows, we need it...

[behind the goals]

Plenty of players will be getting slagged off on Saturday if we don`t beat Cambridge it`s what the forum does.

[andyg]

We need to give Gribbin time. But so many of you know best on here you'd probably all make great managers. For what its worth I think Gribbin needs to play further forward he has shown glimpses of ability in the opponents box particularly the "disallowed" goal against Leeds. So get off his back and lets see how the lad develops over the next year hopefully. It's probably now we really should be trying to develop a Under 23 or 21 team so the younger players can develop rather than training then just getting the odd cup game. I'd rather we did that than get loaning out players all the time.

As for last night the worst thing happened - we let in a sloppy early goal and after missing the penalty Accrington controlled the game. We seem to be unable the chase a game and this is down to our lack of firepower up front and the lack of a midfielder, like, sad to say Rooney, who has the guile to be able to release our forwards into dangerous positions. Hope we can get in front at Cambridge on Saturday or the same story might pan out.

[nationalman]

Think people need to stop and think before having a go at player's, especially young one's no one knows what frame of mind they are in. You hear of so many young one's with a mental illness which no one knew of, im not saying Gribbin is one of them, but you never who's suffering

[HenneysKnee]

The point about the Under 21/23 team is a valid one, it would be helpful.........but would Callum Gribbin really have signed for us to play in such a team? It’s the adjustment to how much more physical/how less time on the ball you have etc etc in “proper football” he seems to be struggling with

[andyg]

The point about the Under 21/23 team is a valid one, it would be helpful.........but would Callum Gribbin really have signed for us to play in such a team? It’s the adjustment to how much more physical/how less time on the ball you have etc etc in “proper football” he seems to be struggling with

The key is getting more game time particularly in a Barrow shirt playing the way a Barrow manager wants them to play so when called up they are ready. We have a roughly 27 man squad at present which is normal at League 2 level some are not going to be getting a lot of playing time during the season but maybe called up at a moments notice due to injuries, suspensions etc so they need to be ready. Gribbin for me lacks match playing time. I personally think there is a lot of potential there.

[BillyBlue]

The point about the Under 21/23 team is a valid one, it would be helpful.........but would Callum Gribbin really have signed for us to play in such a team? It’s the adjustment to how much more physical/how less time on the ball you have etc etc in “proper football” he seems to be struggling with

Unfortrunately Gribbin reminds me of Oliver Greaves, a lad who looks really good in flashes but does not do enough in 90 minutes.
Both players have a similar background and maybe the step up to 'mens football' is a big one for them.
Maybe he needs a run of games to get him up to speed but we can't afford to carry him at the moment.
I for one hope that he comes good as I'm sure there's a player in there somewhere.

[russell_anderson]

The point about the Under 21/23 team is a valid one, it would be helpful.........but would Callum Gribbin really have signed for us to play in such a team? It’s the adjustment to how much more physical/how less time on the ball you have etc etc in “proper football” he seems to be struggling with

Unfortrunately Gribbin reminds me of Oliver Greaves, a lad who looks really good in flashes but does not do enough in 90 minutes.
Both players have a similar background and maybe the step up to 'mens football' is a big one for them.
Maybe he needs a run of games to get him up to speed but we can't afford to carry him at the moment.
I for one hope that he comes good as I'm sure there's a player in there somewhere.

Gribbin has a lovely left foot and can certainly pass a ball. He also tries to pass the ball forwards which is much more difficult than the sideways and backwards passing that we seem to have done most of the time this season. However, he's physically weak and I don't think I've seen him break into more than a trot in any match he's played in yet and in modern day football the essential starting attributes are strength and/or pace, particularly at our level. He does show signs of ability but unless he starts to move more quickly and do more work he won't make a professional footballer at league level.

[Jonty]

Sad to read so many negative comments on Calum Gribbin.

Was highly rated at Man. Utd and trained with the 1st team under Jose Mourinho. Liverpool were after him.

"You look at Callum and he is one of those players who can make things happen. He can cut through defences and score goals and he can set them up". - Nicky Butt.

"He's a fantastic technician with a really good eye for a pass." - MU Coach.

Unfortunately he got injured, his form declined and was ultimately released, but he did have what it takes.

https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk ... d-16398934

I for one have NOT given up on him. I wish others too on this forum would give the youngster some slack.

For goodness sake, he's only 21, a kid by soccer standards, not even close to footballing maturity.

If he can regain the form he showed as a teenager at Championship side Man. Utd, here at Barrow, a lowly League 2 outfit, he has the potential of being an outstanding creative attacking asset.

God knows, we need it...

Good post. He has the technical ability and has clearly worked with some great players and coaches and he’s still young. The things that some are questioning can be coached.

[JammyBluebird]

Why are people backing his corner so much. He's been given a few run outs and been poor in the majority of games he's played. Was took off last night after an hour because he was hands down the worst on the pitch.

Can say he needs game time but at the expense of players who are working harder on the pitch?

[bigmac95]

Why are people backing his corner so much. He's been given a few run outs and been poor in the majority of games he's played. Was took off last night after an hour because he was hands down the worst on the pitch.

Can say he needs game time but at the expense of players who are working harder on the pitch?

I think this is the point. The lad has talent. He needs time. He has had a bad injury, hasn't played much over the last couple of years and needs to adjust to men's football.

Just because he doesn't charge around the pitch doesn't mean he can't be a good player.

[chipmunx]

Why are people backing his corner so much. He's been given a few run outs and been poor in the majority of games he's played. Was took off last night after an hour because he was hands down the worst on the pitch.

Can say he needs game time but at the expense of players who are working harder on the pitch?

He was taken off because as with Josh Kay he's been off with Covid and had trained the day before for the 1st time in 2 weeks.

[Barra Marra]

I haven't written the lad off at all. I was commenting on his performance on the night. Whatever the reasons and mitigating circumstances, it was poor.
Clearly has talent to have been with Manchester United to begin with.
I get what people are saying about given time etc. BUT, we are not a development squad or an under 23 squad. We are a football league club, and just like any professional club, players on the pitch have to perform. Now, before anyone gets on, I'm not saying get rid or writing him off. I'd love to see the lad realise the potential everyone has said he has.
Yes, give him time. But at some point that time has to be rewarded with performances. Reputation alone cannot help us in this league.

[PerthBluebird]

Sad to read so many negative comments on Calum Gribbin.

Was highly rated at Man. Utd and trained with the 1st team under Jose Mourinho. Liverpool were after him.

"You look at Callum and he is one of those players who can make things happen. He can cut through defences and score goals and he can set them up". - Nicky Butt.

"He's a fantastic technician with a really good eye for a pass." - MU Coach.

Unfortunately he got injured, his form declined and was ultimately released, but he did have what it takes.

https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk ... d-16398934

I for one have NOT given up on him. I wish others too on this forum would give the youngster some slack.

For goodness sake, he's only 21, a kid by soccer standards, not even close to footballing maturity.

If he can regain the form he showed as a teenager at Championship side Man. Utd, here at Barrow, a lowly League 2 outfit, he has the potential of being an outstanding creative attacking asset.

God knows, we need it...

That was then this is now and at present he aint cutting at league 2 standard simple as that we dont have time to wait and see we need results and players covering every blade off grass