For all his pace, I get the impression that LLL is too slow where it counts - ie up top. I think the reason he holds on to the ball too long is not greed or a desire to show off, but simply that he can't think quickly enough for the Prem yet. To try and buy himself time to spot the right pass, he takes on another man and sooner or later loses the ball. I'm not sure that two years in the reserves is the answer either - what are effectively friendly games against second string opposition is not going to prepare him for the Prem any better than another two years at Colchester would have. I reckon he needs to warm the bench for the next eighteen months, getting twenty minutes here and there. Unfortunately the lack of attacking depth in the squad doesn't give us that luxury.

-- Anonymous, November 20, 2000

Answers

I think it's more that LLL needs to learn that the tricks he could get up to in the 3rd division just don't work at this level. He needs to spend at least 6 months in the reserves, as it's obvious the step up is just too great. He needs to learn team play, positioning. Like many I've been guilty of buiding the lad up too much when he's walked on the pitch.

Maybe a few run-outs from the bench, but let's not destroy his confidence by making him feel he's out of his depth, which he is at the moment.

-- Anonymous, November 20, 2000

The pressure of expectation on the lad is massive. He gets a standing ovation just for running onto the pitch.

-- Anonymous, November 20, 2000

I should think he's put paid to that.

Of course, that's assuming there's anyone left in the ground to give him a standing ovation.

Anyone sees anyone walking out. Note down their seat no.

We should start to name and shame...

-- Anonymous, November 20, 2000

Martin is spot on Dan.
The Reserve League is anything but a series of friendly games - it is extremely competitive, and the standard of the opposition is pretty good. It forms a good platform for LL to get his act together - unfortunately I have horrible feeling that, as per YKD, his head may have already been swelled by being thrust into the limelight too soon, and he will not take too kindly to spending 6 months in the 'stiffs'. However, it would do him the world of good professionally.

-- Anonymous, November 20, 2000