Dreamboy Match Review

I don't go along with that

I didn't rate Appleby that much in the Bassett era when he played him in midfield, although he was a hell of a lot better than many we've had in that position since. But in the sweeper role during the promotion season he had some fantastic games and was a quality player throughout the season. He was a big part of the team and the system that got us promotion and made us one of the best footblling sides in the country.

 

'never scored'

Well, for the majority of his time with us he played as a sweeper with specific instructions to stay behind the two central defenders and not venture up field. He didn't even go forward for our corners as he was the one we always kept back to defend. I'm not surprised he didn't score when playing in that position. However, during the season where he played the majority of matches in midfield (not his best position in my opinion), he did score 5 goals. That's the same amount of goals as Mcphail has managed in his entire 138 game career.

I believe the two most successful seasons in BFCs history were the 96/97 when we were promoted to the prem and the 99/00 when we got our record points haul and made the play-off final at Wembley. Matty Appleby played the majority of games in both those seasons.

 

RE: People need to start judging McPhail on performance, not a conception in their mind.

Yes and most of em played for Darlington.

 

Mary always looked pissed off to me

as if he'd lost a tenner on the way to the game. Nowts changed, he was still the same yesterday.

Played really well promotion season (had to, once Davies got injured) but couldn't cut it in the Prem. Played quite a few at right back if my memory serves me right, but got roasted regulary.

A was bit of a nearly man for me. Nearly good enough but not quite.

 

RE: Explains a lot!

Your reasoning as to why Appleby was a bad player, explains why you think McPhail is a good player. You don't know anything about what makes a player good or bad!
If your main reason for both those opinions is because that's what your dad thinks, then that devalues your opinions even more. Your old enough by now, to think for yourself. Grow up and be a man!

 

I wouldn't try to argue he was good enough for the prem

He wasn't. Neither were 95% of the players I've seen play for Barnsley over the years. But he was good enough to play in a successful championship side. Not the greatest player we've ever had but steady away in a championship side.

 

He's nowhere near as good as some people think he is..

And I'm not suggesting for one second that he is. Boo'ing Eaden in his Barnsley days was nigh-on ridiculous, I'm not arguing with it.

But I'll argue that we're a better side with McPhail in it than they are without him, and that since he's come into the side again, results have reflected that.

All matters of opinion, but McPhail certainly didn't deserve more criticism than anyone else yesterday.

 

RE: Explains a lot!

That's it, twist what I said, well done. I said my Dad AGREED with me, if you think I don't have my own opinions, you've obviously never heard me on the radio. I'm one of the most opinionated people around mate.

 

Do you remember the 4-1 win at Walsall in 2000?

We were 1-0 down against 10 men at half time, and they had an outfield player in goal. Hignett had been dropped for Appleby for a 'more solid look'... Bassett then took Appleby off at half time, brought Higgy on and we won 4-1... says it all.

He played in midfield quite a lot, so my 'no goals' argument is justified. As I said earlier, a poor man's David Batty.

 

RE: People need to start judging McPhail on performance, not a conception in their mind.

There was a collectors item in the game, a right footed pass by McPhail, so rare us lot in the east stand lower were applauding it!

He does pretty well for a leftie though

 

The no goals argument isn't justified

'cos when he played in midfield he scored goals. Like I said, he scored as many in the play-off season as Mcphail has ever scored. And more in that season than Burns has ever scored in the league. Look at one match if you like, or you could look at the fact that he played the majority of games in both the promotion season and the play-off season and during the latter season had a much better scoring record than our current central midfielders despite the fact he was playing in a higher division.

 

RE: The no goals argument isn't justified

He played in a promotion team, so fair play to him for that, and I'm grateful for his part in that. He worked hard and all that, but I still maintain that he has never been a particularly good footballer. I just find it strange how he seems to be worshipped by a lot of Barnsley fans.

 

Matty Appleby

One of my heros,as were most of that promotion team got em on my wall at home all signed by the squad and it will always be there,you could fill the ponty end with players who have worn the red shirt and have never achived any thing but this average player actualy pulled up his socks and played is heart out thats why the less sinicle Reds fans love him.Good to see him yesterday . U REDS

 

RE: The no goals argument isn't justified

I think you're getting a bit confused between people recognising him as a decent player and worshipping him. I know plenty that remember him fondly as someone who played his part during a very successful period in BFC's history but I don't know of anyone who worships at the alter of Matty Appleby.

 

RE: Explains a lot!

Oh yes I have heard you on the radio and I have to say that your opinions on the radio don't differ much from your opinions on here, they're mostly rubbish as well.

 

Matty Appleby was a better player than he was given credit for........

as was Nicky Eaden... the list can go on. True Matty did make mistakes and he would be the first to admit. The major point is that the way we played in the promotion season was attractive football played from the back and every one could pass. Sometimes it was eratic and we lossed goals but it was entertaining to watch and football as I and 15000 others at the time enjoyed watching. He wasn't a centre half by no means but had a part to play in a successful season. In my eyes Matty Appleby should never be critised by any fan and neither should Nicky Eaden who would still be playing if the fans wouldn't have turned upon our relegation from the premership......it's a shame but it happened and there is absolutely nothing we can can do now apart from build again.

I didn't go yesterday through work commitments but I would have clapped Appleby not because of the player but more of the team which he was part of. I wouldn't give him legend satus but a round of applause would be a thankyou from the fans of a servant at a great time for our club.

Thanks for your efforts Mr Appleby

 

RE: I'm most certainly not joking...

A bit like Makelele you mean!

 

RE: People need to start judging McPhail on performance, not a conception in their mind.

Not that I'm trying to compare them... but how good was maradona with his right peg?

 

RE: Explains a lot!

Good. The feeling's mutual.

 

RE: The no goals argument isn't justified

Well he's been called a legend in this thread, that in itself is ballax.