While we currently find ourselves back below our rightful place in the pyramid, this time round we are sadly lacking players with ability and/or character. Hourihane is obviously a player who divides opinion at the moment with some thinking he's the second coming and others less convinced. With this in mind, who is the best player to play for us at this level? The only time I have seen us at level is with the current shambles and the teams of 2002-6. There were some decent players and some absolute dross during this era but I would say the best player, by far, ŵas Brian Howard. For me he is ten times the player Hourihane is and would walk into this midfield. As would McPhail and Burns to be honest. I'd have to give a mention to Gorre too who was fantastic early doors for Thordarsson.
When was his peak? He played for us a 22 until he was 26 I think. Hourihane is now 23 so still will develop. By the way I dont think they are the same type of player. Not saying either is better but I think what will count now is how the rest of the team come together not just one players form.
Ronnie Glavin not an opinion a fact) Last time we were in this league McPhail was our best player (in my opinion)
Hourihane scored more goals (as an offensive midfielder before the end of November than Brian did in 2 seasons)
I know. Amazing int it as he's not a patch on him as all round central midfielder. This is the strange thing about Hourihane. Great goal scoring record, great assists record and it's amazing how poor he is on and off the ball.
Not in my opinion he isn't. As well as the assists, as well as the goals, he's an excellent passer of the ball, has great delivery of a dead ball and created numerous chances which his team mates have failed to convert. He's not perfect, no player Barnsley player is or has been. But he's years away from his prime and can only get even better. For me, his many strengths far outweigh any weaknesses he may have.
Brian is the all round better player however he made less of an initial impact than Hourihane has therefore it would be fair to judge this when they have played an equal number of games. Like McPhail had in Jacob Burns Hourihane needs a hod carrier to do so e of his tackling and running. Pretty ridiculous to suggest he isn't good on the ball considering his record in terms of goals and assists. Look at things more positively he us the best midfielder we have had since Butterfield and Da Silva. Enjoy him while he is here.
when we went back into this level under clarkie we had a great team,there isnt one single player at the club now who would even be considered by him.
Definitely true. We were also up an upward curve with fresh impetus rather than a downward one which counts for a lot.
A good player, particularly in midfield, can make the whole team tick - Refearn, Hignett, Howard, Anderson de Silva on his day, even Dean Gorre to an extent. Hourihane doesn't do this. He doesn't impose himself on the game either. Generally he has a poor to average game and then pulls one thing out of the bag. That might be ok for a striker but not for the supposed ball playing midfielder. Just my opinion.
Don't think Howard made us tick at thus level he did that with more experience in fact he was a peripheral figure a lot of the time. McPhail made us tick.
Correct. But where is the modern day Ronnie Glavin, Ian Evans, Trevor Aylott, Derrick Parker and if they do exist, would they be willing to come to the current club? Do we have youngsters as talented as Mick McCarthy, or Ian Banks coming through the ranks?
Brian Howard was used mainly as an understudy to Burns & McPhail, until Burns moved to Poland in the February.