Martin Crainie is a good footballer and in Keith's own words "is a Rolls Royce of a player". We have seen him play left back, right back, midfield, centre half.....but as yet, never really established a settled role in the team. Personally I think he should be midfield as he can open up defences with his vision and passing ability..............anywhere across back 4 he is wasted. DISCUSS
I'd like to see him and McNulty at CB, but as others have said, he is more than capable of playing defensive mid.
I believe he's been impressive for us At full back and in midfield, just in front of the back four. However, he's played most of his football at this level in the centre of defence, building a respectable reputation for himself in the process. Ironically, his worst game for Barnsley was whilst playing at centre half against Peterborough. It would be ludicrous, though, to judge his defensive capabilities based purely on that performance. I am of the opinion his best position would be in the centre of defence, preferably alongside a no nonsense centre half (ala Eric Winstanley, Mick McCarthy, Gerry Taggart).
The best cross we have made this season came from crainie against Bristol when Mellis scored. We could do with more of that, with Crainie at full back
Didn't like the look of him at centre half, thought he was poor in the air, think he played there against Peterborough??? Holding midfield for me, but only while Perkins is out.
Am I allowed to say he hasn't impressed me much He's alright. A number of players that Keith Hill has brought in are alright. Alright in the way that they leave your team at the bottom end of the Championship sort of thing. I certainly haven't seen a Rolls Royce of a player. Keith's brought in a couple of luxury cars in Davies and Vaz Te, a couple of sporty hatch backs in Perkins and Dawson, and plenty of second hand run arounds. They'll get you where you want to go, but not with any sort of style or pizazz. Not that we can afford anything better. Cranie just seems to be like many of the players we've signed under Hill: average. I wouldn't criticise them, they're honest, decent professionals, but Cranie doesn't stand out of the pack for me. Maybe it's just me that can't see it.
Agreed Jay. For the moment, I don't think we have seen the best of Crainie and that's the basis of my post ie. I think we should be looking to play him more and see if we really have a Rolls Royce or is it a "kit car" version?
Re: Am I allowed to say he hasn't impressed me much ......and to add.............we have a few players who struggle to get through their respective MOT's !!!!
I like him. He's had a dip in form just like Mellis, Cwyka, Dawson but he's allowed to. Think those first few games with him in holding midfield he looked quality. He'll not be here next season.