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Albion ready for Leeds threat
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| Dean Wilkins |
Dean Wilkins has challenged his in-form defenders to silence one of League One's most potent attacking double acts.
The Albion manager admits it is unlikely he will make a deadline-beating move into the loan market ahead of Saturday's trip to Leeds United.
A bid to extend Ian Westlake's loan from Leeds also remained unresolved tonight, although the Seagulls have until a week on Saturday to reach agreement with their League One rivals.
Wilkins is confident his side can maintain their play-off push by getting a result at Elland Road.
Fresh from their clean sheet at Nottingham Forest on Monday, Albion will be up against 19-goal Jermaine Beckford and experienced Dougie Freedman, who was on target twice at Port Vale recently.
Wilkins said: "Beckford is a major threat. Even last year at Scunthorpe we saw that. He scores goals with either foot and with his head.
"What they have got now is someone with him with some experience which is Freedman. They are two types of player but they have both got real quality.
"We are going to have be very aware because of their movement. Freedman is more likely to come short and Beckford will go in behind."
Albion are buoyant after wins against Walsall and Doncaster plus the draw at Forest. Wilkins said: "We have put ourselves in a position where it is now in our own hands to a degree.
"Leeds away is similar to Forest away in terms of difficulty but we are building on that confidence you get from winning games against teams in the top six.
"We are on a nice upward drive at the moment."
Albion's fringe first-teamers were denied a chance to impress when the reserve game at home to Wycombe Wanderers was postponed last night due to a waterligged pitch at Woodside Road.
Tommy Fraser and Steven Thomson will be back to fight for places after recovering from niggles.
Fraser missed the trip to Forest with an ankle injury and Thomson played through a calf problem which forced him off during the second half. Both are now fully fit.
Andrew Whing returns from suspension.
Asked if Albion would have a loan signing on board for Leeds, Wilkins said: "It doesn't look likely at the moment."
How will Albion fare at Leeds? Let us know below
11:30pm Wednesday 26th March 2008
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CommentPosted by: Simon, upstairs on 1:25am Thu 27 Mar 08
Truth is Forest should have beaten us by a country mile but a combination of luck and brilliant goalkeeping(shocking
ly under acknowledged by Wilkins!) saved the day. If the same happens at Leeds and we play for a draw I doubt if our luck will hold again.I know this sounds negative but I wish the manager would concentrate more on winning away games than not losing them.Our away record since xmas is: won 1 drawn 2 lost 6, thats 5 points out of a possible 27! 4 out of our last 7 games are away so if we are to have any chance of making the play offs we need some away wins, draws wont be enough. Come on Dean prove me wrong and attack..Leeds can be beaten, they are no great shakes just a big name.
Truth is Forest should have beaten us by a country mile but a combination of luck and brilliant goalkeeping(shocking
ly under acknowledged by Wilkins!) saved the day. If the same happens at Leeds and we play for a draw I doubt if our luck will hold again.I know this sounds negative but I wish the manager would concentrate more on winning away games than not losing them.Our away record since xmas is: won 1 drawn 2 lost 6, thats 5 points out of a possible 27! 4 out of our last 7 games are away so if we are to have any chance of making the play offs we need some away wins, draws wont be enough. Come on Dean prove me wrong and attack..Leeds can be beaten, they are no great shakes just a big name.
Posted by: Cuffs, desk on 9:15am Thu 27 Mar 08
Lies, **** lies and statistics
Lies, **** lies and statistics
Posted by: Clive Rawlings, SW France on 9:20am Thu 27 Mar 08
Having seen both Swindon and Forest matches, it's glaringly obvious that we are incredibly weak in midfield.there must be someone available capable of putting their foot on the ball and distributing it? From what I've seen of Racon,he's the business,but needs help.
Having seen both Swindon and Forest matches, it's glaringly obvious that we are incredibly weak in midfield.there must be someone available capable of putting their foot on the ball and distributing it? From what I've seen of Racon,he's the business,but needs help.
Posted by: DJ, WORTHING on 10:18am Thu 27 Mar 08
Racon & Thomson look comfortable in the past two games with Thomson playing a more defensive minded game!
Both Centre backs in Lynch & Elphick will have to have a great performance as Leeds do have several options upfront!!
Racon & Thomson look comfortable in the past two games with Thomson playing a more defensive minded game!
Both Centre backs in Lynch & Elphick will have to have a great performance as Leeds do have several options upfront!!
Posted by: remy heath, southwick on 10:22am Thu 27 Mar 08
Why did Wilkins seem reluctant to praise Kuipers for a brilliant performance by saying thats what hes there for.
Why did Wilkins seem reluctant to praise Kuipers for a brilliant performance by saying thats what hes there for.
Posted by: Simon, upstairs on 11:16am Thu 27 Mar 08
He was the same with Jake when he scored 2 hat tricks in a week last season.. reluctant to praise him in his post match interviews with Hawsey until grudgingly pushed into it.Any other manager would have gushed about Kuipers performance at Forest..to say his saves were mostly routine was insulting.Wilkins clearly doesnt like Kuipers and Robinson and makes it obvious.Well I dont like Wilkins and if we make the play offs it will be in spite of him not because of him
He was the same with Jake when he scored 2 hat tricks in a week last season.. reluctant to praise him in his post match interviews with Hawsey until grudgingly pushed into it.Any other manager would have gushed about Kuipers performance at Forest..to say his saves were mostly routine was insulting.Wilkins clearly doesnt like Kuipers and Robinson and makes it obvious.Well I dont like Wilkins and if we make the play offs it will be in spite of him not because of him
Posted by: P, here on 11:22am Thu 27 Mar 08
Simon: I agree with most of what you say but Forest came pretty close to losing too. The pressure was on them as the bigger team but we missed an open goal, hit the woodwork...
I wasn't at the game I'll admit but listened to every kick on the radio and it did seem that everyone was pushing forward as much as possible.
Yes Kuipers had a fantastic day in goal and stopped us from losing. But that's just the same as Forster or Murrey having a great game by putting one away and making us win.
The eight key players in the team need to be retained coz we're definitely improving.
Wembley here we come!
Simon: I agree with most of what you say but Forest came pretty close to losing too. The pressure was on them as the bigger team but we missed an open goal, hit the woodwork...
I wasn't at the game I'll admit but listened to every kick on the radio and it did seem that everyone was pushing forward as much as possible.
Yes Kuipers had a fantastic day in goal and stopped us from losing. But that's just the same as Forster or Murrey having a great game by putting one away and making us win.
The eight key players in the team need to be retained coz we're definitely improving.
Wembley here we come!
Posted by: sam on 5:17pm Thu 27 Mar 08
Why does Wilkins not like Jake Robinson? He is a great little player but he must be feeling pretty worthless at the moment. Sub for umpteen games now and not even used in some. I feel sorry for the subs during the pre match warm up, after their stretches etc they are sent over to one side to kick a ball about while the rest play a game. They look like the little boys no one has invited to the party. Give Jake a game and let him show what he can do. He can't be any worse than Bowditch or Westlake that's for sure!!
Why does Wilkins not like Jake Robinson? He is a great little player but he must be feeling pretty worthless at the moment. Sub for umpteen games now and not even used in some. I feel sorry for the subs during the pre match warm up, after their stretches etc they are sent over to one side to kick a ball about while the rest play a game. They look like the little boys no one has invited to the party. Give Jake a game and let him show what he can do. He can't be any worse than Bowditch or Westlake that's for sure!!
Posted by: mark, brighton on 5:54pm Thu 27 Mar 08
[quote][bold]sam[/bold] wrote:
Why does Wilkins not like Jake Robinson? He is a great little player but he must be feeling pretty worthless at the moment. Sub for umpteen games now and not even used in some. I feel sorry for the subs during the pre match warm up, after their stretches etc they are sent over to one side to kick a ball about while the rest play a game. They look like the little boys no one has invited to the party. Give Jake a game and let him show what he can do. He can't be any worse than Bowditch or Westlake that's for sure!![/quote] have you seen westlake play? robinson is ok for 15 minutes, but its my guessing he wont be wanted next season, as for bowditch , at least he can kick the ball with his left foot! jake has had more chances ( to score) and to be in the team, he has been on the "potential list for 6 years" and surely its clear he cant put the ball in the net, or cross with anything close to being able to rely on him. think its goodnight from dw soon
sam wrote:
Why does Wilkins not like Jake Robinson? He is a great little player but he must be feeling pretty worthless at the moment. Sub for umpteen games now and not even used in some. I feel sorry for the subs during the pre match warm up, after their stretches etc they are sent over to one side to kick a ball about while the rest play a game. They look like the little boys no one has invited to the party. Give Jake a game and let him show what he can do. He can't be any worse than Bowditch or Westlake that's for sure!!
have you seen westlake play? robinson is ok for 15 minutes, but its my guessing he wont be wanted next season, as for bowditch , at least he can kick the ball with his left foot! jake has had more chances ( to score) and to be in the team, he has been on the "potential list for 6 years" and surely its clear he cant put the ball in the net, or cross with anything close to being able to rely on him. think its goodnight from dw soon
Posted by: fred, croatia on 6:23pm Thu 27 Mar 08
I think Wilkins was very unprofessional to react to Kuipers performance at Forest. Even Calderwood had nothing but praise for the big Dutchman. It is time he is given the no. 1 Jersey and Wilkins grows up rather than do a Mcghee and have conspicuous favourites . Three words Colin Kazim Richards.
I think Wilkins was very unprofessional to react to Kuipers performance at Forest. Even Calderwood had nothing but praise for the big Dutchman. It is time he is given the no. 1 Jersey and Wilkins grows up rather than do a Mcghee and have conspicuous favourites . Three words Colin Kazim Richards.
Posted by: jeff, worthing on 7:18pm Thu 27 Mar 08
kuipers is a true albion ledgend and as for dw having favourites if you had said that to me 6 months ago i would of called u a s**t stiring lier, but it is becoming increasingly obb that this really is the case.
kuipers is a true albion ledgend and as for dw having favourites if you had said that to me 6 months ago i would of called u a s**t stiring lier, but it is becoming increasingly obb that this really is the case.
Posted by: Drew, Burgess Hill on 7:21pm Thu 27 Mar 08
Have to agree with every word Mark has written re Jake Robinson. There is no way he deserves or merits a regualar starting slot as he is far to ineffective during a game. As regards Sam's comment about DW not liking JR, quite frankly I don't care whether DW 'likes' players or not as long as he selects the best for the team. At the moment, I don't think we can complain about the team and our position in the league. 3 pts on Saturday. Good night and good riddance Leeds Utd.
Have to agree with every word Mark has written re Jake Robinson. There is no way he deserves or merits a regualar starting slot as he is far to ineffective during a game. As regards Sam's comment about DW not liking JR, quite frankly I don't care whether DW 'likes' players or not as long as he selects the best for the team. At the moment, I don't think we can complain about the team and our position in the league. 3 pts on Saturday. Good night and good riddance Leeds Utd.
Posted by: Simon, upstairs on 12:32am Fri 28 Mar 08
Robinson cant score?! How about Cheltenham away?! Scored what should have been the winner, was then substituted, we sat back and threw the game. How about Gillingham at home?! He came off the bench and scored straight away! He has only started 15 league games and scored 4. Cox has started 33 for his 4, the last of which was in November! Bowditch,Westlake,Ma
rtot,Fraser and Thompson havent managed a single league goal between them!If you count actual minutes on the pitch rather than appearances Jake has the best goal ratio of all the midfield. Who else has scored from midfield since xmas? Check it out..No-one!! Of Jakes 15 starts we have won 8,drawn 3 and lost 4 (and 2 of those were Leeds and Forest at home)All he needs is for the manager and crowd to show faith in him, not drop him when he has a quiet five minutes. I like to see players running at defenders..it makes space for others. I think Wilkins is jealous cos Jake has one thing he never had..pace!
Robinson cant score?! How about Cheltenham away?! Scored what should have been the winner, was then substituted, we sat back and threw the game. How about Gillingham at home?! He came off the bench and scored straight away! He has only started 15 league games and scored 4. Cox has started 33 for his 4, the last of which was in November! Bowditch,Westlake,Ma
rtot,Fraser and Thompson havent managed a single league goal between them!If you count actual minutes on the pitch rather than appearances Jake has the best goal ratio of all the midfield. Who else has scored from midfield since xmas? Check it out..No-one!! Of Jakes 15 starts we have won 8,drawn 3 and lost 4 (and 2 of those were Leeds and Forest at home)All he needs is for the manager and crowd to show faith in him, not drop him when he has a quiet five minutes. I like to see players running at defenders..it makes space for others. I think Wilkins is jealous cos Jake has one thing he never had..pace!
Posted by: drew, Burgess Hill on 8:39am Fri 28 Mar 08
[quote][bold]Simon[/bold] wrote:
Robinson cant score?! How about Cheltenham away?! Scored what should have been the winner, was then substituted, we sat back and threw the game. How about Gillingham at home?! He came off the bench and scored straight away! He has only started 15 league games and scored 4. Cox has started 33 for his 4, the last of which was in November! Bowditch,Westlake,Ma rtot,Fraser and Thompson havent managed a single league goal between them!If you count actual minutes on the pitch rather than appearances Jake has the best goal ratio of all the midfield. Who else has scored from midfield since xmas? Check it out..No-one!! Of Jakes 15 starts we have won 8,drawn 3 and lost 4 (and 2 of those were Leeds and Forest at home)All he needs is for the manager and crowd to show faith in him, not drop him when he has a quiet five minutes. I like to see players running at defenders..it makes space for others. I think Wilkins is jealous cos Jake has one thing he never had..pace! [/quote] For the sake of argument, I will assume you did go to the games you mentioned however, can you confirm whether you were actually facing the pitch! I can only base my observations on what I see at the Withdean but JR has been a prospect for nearly 5 yrs and has only scored about 20 league goals in that time. Admittedly he has never commanded a regular spot in the starting line but that is because he is not good enough. Not good enough to be classed as an out and out striker and not good enough at creating goals. Compare the number of goals Cox has created to that of JR. That is why, despite his temperment, he is one of the first on the team sheet. I'd like to sit down and watch a video of all of JR performances and see exactly where he has terrorised a defence and delivered good crosses or telling passes into the box. You want to quote stats, last season, in 28 starts plus 10 as sub, he only scored 6 league goals! At this rate, I suspect that in 10 years time you will be able to buy a dvd of JRs career highlights and still have space on for the complete works of William Shakespeare! In fact, you could call the dvd 'Much Ado about nothing'.
Simon wrote:
Robinson cant score?! How about Cheltenham away?! Scored what should have been the winner, was then substituted, we sat back and threw the game. How about Gillingham at home?! He came off the bench and scored straight away! He has only started 15 league games and scored 4. Cox has started 33 for his 4, the last of which was in November! Bowditch,Westlake,Ma rtot,Fraser and Thompson havent managed a single league goal between them!If you count actual minutes on the pitch rather than appearances Jake has the best goal ratio of all the midfield. Who else has scored from midfield since xmas? Check it out..No-one!! Of Jakes 15 starts we have won 8,drawn 3 and lost 4 (and 2 of those were Leeds and Forest at home)All he needs is for the manager and crowd to show faith in him, not drop him when he has a quiet five minutes. I like to see players running at defenders..it makes space for others. I think Wilkins is jealous cos Jake has one thing he never had..pace!
For the sake of argument, I will assume you did go to the games you mentioned however, can you confirm whether you were actually facing the pitch! I can only base my observations on what I see at the Withdean but JR has been a prospect for nearly 5 yrs and has only scored about 20 league goals in that time. Admittedly he has never commanded a regular spot in the starting line but that is because he is not good enough. Not good enough to be classed as an out and out striker and not good enough at creating goals. Compare the number of goals Cox has created to that of JR. That is why, despite his temperment, he is one of the first on the team sheet. I'd like to sit down and watch a video of all of JR performances and see exactly where he has terrorised a defence and delivered good crosses or telling passes into the box. You want to quote stats, last season, in 28 starts plus 10 as sub, he only scored 6 league goals! At this rate, I suspect that in 10 years time you will be able to buy a dvd of JRs career highlights and still have space on for the complete works of William Shakespeare! In fact, you could call the dvd 'Much Ado about nothing'.
Posted by: Simon, upstairs on 11:13am Fri 28 Mar 08
I'm a season ticket holder and regular away fan. Dont get me wrong I'm a fan of Coxey but it annoys me when I hear Robinson cant score because, I say again, his scoring record THIS season is better than all our other midfielders plus he's the only one who runs at defences. Wilkins seems to prefer a midfield of defensive robots!I agree Jake can be exasperating at times and could do with getting his head up but I just think he gets a bit of a raw deal and unfair criticism
I'm a season ticket holder and regular away fan. Dont get me wrong I'm a fan of Coxey but it annoys me when I hear Robinson cant score because, I say again, his scoring record THIS season is better than all our other midfielders plus he's the only one who runs at defences. Wilkins seems to prefer a midfield of defensive robots!I agree Jake can be exasperating at times and could do with getting his head up but I just think he gets a bit of a raw deal and unfair criticism
Posted by: Foz, York on 2:51pm Fri 28 Mar 08
I agree Robinson is a quality player and for some reason DW doesn't seem to like him. He likes "all round footballers" and whilst Jakey won't put tackles in and isn't a force in the air he's still a quality player. This season he was by far the best player at Cheltenham and he terrorised Bournemouth at home before taking the corner for Revell's last minute winner after Cox had wasted many. Needs a regular place to gain experience and composure, has the pace to get in behind defences and likes to run at defenders unlike the entire rest of the squad. By far the best option we have upfront after Murray and Forster.
I agree Robinson is a quality player and for some reason DW doesn't seem to like him. He likes "all round footballers" and whilst Jakey won't put tackles in and isn't a force in the air he's still a quality player. This season he was by far the best player at Cheltenham and he terrorised Bournemouth at home before taking the corner for Revell's last minute winner after Cox had wasted many. Needs a regular place to gain experience and composure, has the pace to get in behind defences and likes to run at defenders unlike the entire rest of the squad. By far the best option we have upfront after Murray and Forster.
Posted by: Drew, Burgess Hill on 4:43pm Fri 28 Mar 08
[quote][bold]Foz[/bold] wrote:
I agree Robinson is a quality player and for some reason DW doesn\'t seem to like him. He likes \"all round footballers\" and whilst Jakey won\'t put tackles in and isn\'t a force in the air he\'s still a quality player. This season he was by far the best player at Cheltenham and he terrorised Bournemouth at home before taking the corner for Revell\'s last minute winner after Cox had wasted many. Needs a regular place to gain experience and composure, has the pace to get in behind defences and likes to run at defenders unlike the entire rest of the squad. By far the best option we have upfront after Murray and Forster.[/quote] Who would you drop to make way for Robinson's starting place? Not Murray or Forster surely. Can't see JR improving a midfield of Thomson, Racon, Westlake and Cox and no point suggesting he replace any of the defenders.
Foz wrote:
I agree Robinson is a quality player and for some reason DW doesn\'t seem to like him. He likes \"all round footballers\" and whilst Jakey won\'t put tackles in and isn\'t a force in the air he\'s still a quality player. This season he was by far the best player at Cheltenham and he terrorised Bournemouth at home before taking the corner for Revell\'s last minute winner after Cox had wasted many. Needs a regular place to gain experience and composure, has the pace to get in behind defences and likes to run at defenders unlike the entire rest of the squad. By far the best option we have upfront after Murray and Forster.
Who would you drop to make way for Robinson's starting place? Not Murray or Forster surely. Can't see JR improving a midfield of Thomson, Racon, Westlake and Cox and no point suggesting he replace any of the defenders.
Posted by: Simon, upstairs on 3:40pm Sat 29 Mar 08
I agree that if Westlake played like he did against Doncaster then he is worth his place but now he's injured and unavailable you cant think Martot is better than Jake?!Certainly not wide anyway.I'm all for improving on what we have but so far only Westlake's one good game(Doncaster)has been impressive. Bowditch was anonymous and Martot is no winger yet he's got the nod again today at Leeds.Jakes record this season deserves better
I agree that if Westlake played like he did against Doncaster then he is worth his place but now he's injured and unavailable you cant think Martot is better than Jake?!Certainly not wide anyway.I'm all for improving on what we have but so far only Westlake's one good game(Doncaster)has been impressive. Bowditch was anonymous and Martot is no winger yet he's got the nod again today at Leeds.Jakes record this season deserves better
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