Have we missed Martin Cranie?

Dont get me wrong, I like Cranie. Technically he's probably the best player we have in the squad. He's the one player you can rely on to find a man with a pass. He doesn't panic on the ball. You'd never see him misplacing passes like our midfield have done over the last few games.

That been said, at no point over the last 2 games have I thought 'we miss Cranie today'.

It's a strange one with him. He has ability, he always looks a class above at this level, but he just doesn't seem to influence a game. Not noticeably anyway. Our defence has been absolutely sound in the last 2 games without him. But then again, we've lost them both.

Maybe our lack of composure in midfield over the last 2 games has been influenced by not having Cranie in support?

He should be exactly what we need to play defensive central midfield. He has all the attributes to play there, except maybe he just lacks that athleticism and energy.

He probably the most 'in between' footballer I've ever come across at BFC. He's not quite a right back, he's not a central midfielder and although he has good games I dont really see him as a centre back either. Not in the way that Ramage is a centre back anyway.

If an offer came in this month, would you let him go?

 

I would pkY him as a defensive midfielder I think he is better in that role than anyone we currently have. At the same time I can't disagree with the rest.

 

I think at the minute the only place for him is CM. I thought he was decent there under Keith Hill. Might have to be an option until we get a specialist CDM in.

 

I don't think we've missed him but crainie is a good versatile player. Can cb,RB and cdm. But I wouldn't mind if he went for decent enough money

 

He had 2 really good games in front of the back 4, one at home and I think one was that 0v5 win away at Birmingham!!

 

No. But that's because the other defenders have played so well. Unfortunately, the same can't be said for the midfield and the attack.

That would depend on how much was offered, but I'd like to keep him as I think he's a very good player.

 

I really rate him and would like to keep him but I understand the wages issue so if he does leave it may well be for the greater good.

PS. I was behind him in the queue at Oakwell sarnies before the game on Saturday, he was in there with Sam Winnall. I really wanted to say something about toast, being in a butty shop and all that, but I thought it might look a bit immature so I just said hi.

 

My blog tomorrow says very similar, Chris. I've said it a thousand times on here, the bloke is best served in a holding midfield role for us.

 

But is he that good in that role? He should be. Especially at this level. But I'm not sure he is?

There's no room for him in defence at the minute. Hopefully Danny will give him a game there. He cant perform any worse than Digby or Bailey have done.

 

Seriously, you've probably stolen the thunder of the blog I typed up earlier. I'm putting it out tomorrow because I'm waiting for any more news out of Oakwell. You never know.

I would imagine he's more suited to the role Bailey or Digby have been playing. And yep, he's third choice at centre half.

 

And 2nd choice at right back.

Look forward to your blog. I usually agree with them. And find them an enjoyable read. You seem to filter out any crap you talk into the BBS.

 

You're right, pal. Lot of filtering.

On here I don't think about everything I type. I just crack on. And only folk on here read it. Plus, many on here know or have met me and understand when I'm taking the piss or being a dick etc. Far too serious at times this place.

In the blogs, it's me being 100% serious, my honest and forthright opinions. I try and think more about how I'm coming across as it has a wider audience and I always want reds supporters and the club in general to be shown in a positive light.

 

That's fair enough. I look forward to reading tomorrow. I prefer the serious Whitey. The other I see as 'a lovely person who doesn't even go to games'. Jokingly of course.

 

I am a lovely person who doesn't go to games. Well, not as many as I'd love to get to. But strange as it may seem, I do have other priorities in life, none more so than the gaffer, bless her.

 

Haha fair enough.

 

Him, Ramage & Nyatanga are all on a similar level to me. As long as 2 of the 3 are fit & playing at centre back we look ok.

Say for example Ramage was long term injured & then Cranie got injured I think we'd notice a difference if a M'Voto / Brown got the nod

 

On a similar level to you? Who do you play for?!

 

They're on a similar level to me too. Maybe a bit below. Only reason I don't play for Barnsley is I can't be arsed.

- I know what you meant, but it reads really funny.

 

Oy, I got there first

 

Sorry, was reading the posts in order.