Luke Berry

I've not attended the last three matches. Even without a holiday, I'd have only attended the Gillingham one. I have though watched the games back on Player. And whilst I do think the lad is probably more suited to an orthodox central role, I think he's shown up well from what I've seen. I keep reading comments (presumably, from folk who went to these games) suggesting the lad doesn't track back, can't beat a man, and doesn't get stuck in. Without even mentioning the other two games, on Saturday the lad did everything it's suggested (by some) he can't or doesn't do, in the first half an hour.

Made two good challenges in the middle of the park; was back in his own box hooking clear a dangerous ball that Foley was about to (probably) blast over the bar again from six yards out; was involved in the build up to Hourihane's latest dream strike with a clever bit of skill. I think he's the one lad we've recruited who is genuinely having to make a huge step up. Not only that, he's had to move hundreds of miles, leaving his home and family behind. He's what, 22 years old? And he's being trusted by Danny to play regularly in a slightly foreign position against opponents of a better standard than he's faced previously.

Can't fathom the criticism he's receiving. I'm not suggesting he's getting grief or owt, I'm just a bit bemused by some of the remarks regarding his performances so far for us. He's not a right winger. I'm not even sure Danny is asking him to play as a right winger. He seems intentionally tucked in to me, with Brown doing the overlapping, the real 'wing' work.

Whilst we're on the topic of wingers though, I thought Treacy looked bright until his groin strain. Less said about Jennings' display the better. However, right at the death he nearly came up trumps. Explosive player. Tomorrow night could be an ideal opportunity to give Dale a start out wide, and Luke a go in his natural position?

 

Great post Andy, agree with everything what has been posted. Don't understand people saying he's *****. people behind me in the ground and in Redfearns were moaning when they saw he was starting. Must be down to not having anyone to have a proper go at. Personally i think he's been one of our best players.

 

After watching the likes of Wiseman, Done, Dawson, Perkins, Frimpong, Woods and Shea in recent seasons, I know ***** when I see it. I'm not seeing it in Berry.

 

This^^^^^^^^^^^

 

I got the impression that a lot of the Berry criticism was coming from the same few people, and they focus on it so much that it starts to look like it's the accepted view of the board - happens a lot round here. I could be wrong though; I often am.

For the record, I've seen three of our matches this season and think he looks good. As you say, it's especially impressive considering he's come to us from the Conference and is being played out of position - he's certainly doing a lot better on the right than a lot of our 'Championship quality' central midfielders were last season!

 

Thanks for the posts, good to hear a considered view instead of the mad rantings of a few.

 

He was like a startled rabbit in the headlights in the second half on saturday. Looked completely lost and was totally ineffective.
Iv'e only witnessed the Crawley and Yeovil games and I haven't been impressed but it sounds like he showed promise in the other games.
The lad needs more games and hopefully will make the transition to League 1 football. Not quite sure what his best position is though at the moment.
Treacy looked well off the pace of the game and needs match fitness.
Jennings was extremely poor and seems to be struggling for consistency as he did last season.
Tomorrow is an opportunity to try and restore some stability defensively as they were vulnerable every time Yeovil attacked.

 

You're not wrong, pal. At all. It isn't an accepted view.

I just wondered what the more considered posters thought of him thus far. I'm also quite happy for those singling him out as 'not good enough' etc to come and give me their opinions. But saying 'he isn't good enough' or telling the BBS he can't tackle, pass or cross when there's four matches available on Player proving that to be complete jackanory isn't an opinion. Well, it is, but it's a pretty feeble one.

 

Think you could say that about the other 9 outfielders in the second half on Saturday. I'd like to see him in his natural position before making judgment gotta be very difficult for a young kid to jump 2 divisions and then get asked to play in a different role.

 

Thought he had a good game against Gillingham. The people who sit next to me warned me before the game that he was cr*p. On the basis of one game against Crawley (which I didn't see). But they have been wrong before. Often.

 

Whilst I agree he's probably not up to speed in terms of fitness (he didn't do pre season) and possibly suffering because of that with this injury, I think Keith has always been one of those laikers (like Lita) who look off the pace in games. I could be wrong though.

However, I was impressed with him on Player. Nearly scored. Popped up on both flanks, has a good first touch and a great delivery from out wide, and he got stuck in. Think he'll eventually show his class as he gets up to speed over the coming months. He's still relatively young n all. Seems to have been around forever yet he's only 25 (soon to be 26).


Genuinely enjoying watching every lad we've got at present. Although I'd prefer to watch some live football. Bloody Doncaster and their amazing internationals.

 

Totally agree with that

 

I'm a bit flummoxed, to be honest, with regards to the criticism young Berry is receiving. In the games I've seen (league, cup & friendlies), he's played the right hand side of a midfield three and never as a winger. He's gradually finding his feet at this level and is showing a gradual improvement as his confidence grows. There may well be the odd blip, but he looks to have what it takes to be a success here. Being a boring, old fart I'll keep repeating the need to show patience with this squad as a whole & each new player as an individual, as I believe that patience will be rewarded.

 

I'm perfectly happy with Berry's contribution to the team so far. Nailed on starter IMO. Would be good to see what he can do in his proper position mind, hopefully he'll get a chance tomorrow. But then what's the point in playing him there for 1 game? Maybe another game for him to familiarise with the position he's being asked to play for us instead?

 

It's going to take time for him to get used to the higher standard so wouldn't want to criticise him but I'll be expecting more from him as the season goes on.

 

Berrys done well to say the wing isn't his naturally position, could maybe do with abit more strength but his ability on the ball makes up for that. Good little player on a long contract, much prefer his footballing brain than a clogger like Dawson.


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Patience is Key but as a team they also need to learn by their mistakes.
Not repetitively keep making the same ones as they did for 65 minutes of the game on Saturday.
We are on a bit of an unbeaten run which is encouraging especially with the inconsistencies at the moment..
Sort them out and we may be cooking on gas so to speak.

 

Agree fully with this

 

An understanding will be built up within the squad, but it won't happen overnight and certainly not after five games. The style shown against Gillingham was a glimpse of what this team is capable of. But it'd be foolish to think that will be the standard performance so soon from a squad of players recently assembled. Likewise, when that standard drops it'd be foolish to be over critical either of the team as a whole, or individuals in particular. There's bound to be some fluctuation in displays initially. Which is why I boringly keep persisting with the whole patience mantra. If anyone's going to go OTT with the criticism so early, then they're showing neither patience nor tolerance in my opinion.