We seem to be drifting in to the new season with Martin Cranie still in the side, despite him being an integral part of the team which has performed so poorly over the last two seasons, and despite his performances not warranting the disproportionate cost to the club in terms of wages. We have told the player he is free to seek a new club, so you have to ask what his level of motivation is. For the most experienced player at Oakwell, it was alarming how Man Utd's youngsters bypassed him so easily on Tuesday night. When you watch him closely, there seems to be little in the way of cajoling and motivating his teammates, despite him wearing the captain's armband. I saw him clap his hands twice after United's second. When McCarthy or Redfearn played, you could hear them all around the stadium, providing leadership and encouragement. Cranie doesn't control the penalty area, and seems easily dominated by bigger strikers. I've no personal axe to grind but to me, Cranie doesn't seem to fit with what Danny is building. With a young and enthusiastic team emerging, the last thing we want is to have it infected with a player who has twice been relegated, and doesn't dominate like a commanding centre back should. Let Martin go on a 'free' or pay him up, and let's give Lewin or Conor the armband. Just a personal view, like.
The best defender at the club. Don't think he's a natural captain and he wouldn't be my pick though sone people do that role in different ways. A cultured ball playing defender seems exactly in the Danny mould to me. We clearly are on the look out for more experience not less (trying to sign Baker and Coppinger) and Danny has publicly stated that if it were up to him he would stay and be an important part of the side.
I think he might be the one holding us back from getting a Higdon, Baker, GMS, wile I agree he's a good player and better then any of our other defenders, Id want him off the books if that is the case as I'd rather have one of them three.
I personally feel Cranie would be an asset in this league. I agree he hasn't got the motivational skills to rally the team but we can't just have a team of young hungry players with tons of potential, we also need a quality player at this level of which Cranie is. A Cranie - M'Voto partnership would be one of the best central defensive pairings at this level this coming season and if the young hungry players in midfield and up front do their business, we'll get a top six place (and that's with the squad we've currently got at the moment)
You would hope with TK off to play for a massive club the funds would be freed up without losing probably our best remaining player.
Not completely but it did say that it was Hourihane on a match report. Not sure whether it was official site or Chronicle
He is our best defender in my opinion and will be a top centre half in league one. I do agree that he isn't a good captain though, certainly not compared to Redders. I'll be quite happy if we can keep him.
I agree a lot with what you say, although I know that's not a popular view. I think he is an average centre back but needs someone beside him in the mould of Darren Moore. A leader. He certainly isn't a leader. I think for the amount of money he will be on, it is better spent elsewhere in the squad. He has been a consistent part of failure of the last few seasons and I wouldn't be particularly bothered if he left. What we do need is a striker and a left winger.
Cranie will be gone before the big kick off if my infomation is correct .....certain things taking place in the chain of action is what keeps holding things up......watch this space.
I hope you have got that information from a different little bird Shed. Still watching "this space" from your last pronouncements!
Very decent defender. A lad that wouldn't look out of place in a mid table championship side. I'd like to keep him but if we can shift him off the wage bill & Danny can get in 2/3 decent league one players with the money then crack on. I don't think Cranie's a natural captain either but then again I don't think we've got a natural leader at the club unless one of the new players is one
I like Cranie and reckon him and big John can boss it in this league. I won't be too bothered if he goes before the start of the season though as long as we bring someone else in. It's all good bringing loads of young players in but experience is just as important as hunger at the back. Without Cranie or a replacement it'll probably be big John and Nyatanga, which I guess isn't that bad after a few of their performances together last season!
Cranie has been given a squad number and he has also appeared in our pre-season games. It maybe that we are keeping him, I would be ok with that TBH.
Re: Cranie has been given a squad number and he has also He may develop leadership skills this season. He's seen a lot in recent years & has played at Championship level (admittedly 4 2 teams that got relegated). In my opinion the comments above show why we need him. We need one bit of continuity (which is I believe Danny wants to keep him) & someone needs to step up. That needs to be the best player that plays somewhere in the centre of the pitch. As yet no one has an idea...