Has Aaron Hughes now cemented his place at right back?

-- Anonymous, December 17, 2001

Answers

I thought he might have been a bit more mobile on Saturday but that's a bit harsh surely?

-- Anonymous, December 17, 2001

He's doing OK there but isn't the answer at RB - it's just that he's fitter than Griff and likely to be around longer than Barton. For a few games, particularly away from home, he was doing really well, linking up well with Solano and slotting in at CH when necessary, but he said last week himself that he isn't a rightback and that, while he'll play anywhere to stay in the side, he knows it isn't his best position. So the answer is probably that, when we can, we'll buy another RB.

-- Anonymous, December 17, 2001

BTW, I understand that Wozza is actually injured at the moment (knee).

-- Anonymous, December 17, 2001

Add to that Griffin injured in the b*stard reserves tonight :o(

-- Anonymous, December 17, 2001

I prefer the idea of Hughes against Pires than I do Barton against Pires (Griffin would've been nice to man mark him and, er, aggravate his injury)

-- Anonymous, December 17, 2001

He's doing OK - he has actually hit in a few really excellent crosses in recent games, including the one Bernard should have put away on Saturday. He lacks confidence in his ability going forward, but seems to be being encouraged to do so.

I actually believe this is his best shot at a regular place in the team - he won't establish a regular slot in the middle, long term.

I've come to the conclusion that Griffin will never be fit for long enough to make the position his, so if Aaron does a top job for the rest of the season then it could be his. However, if there are problems we will probably sign a RB in the close season.

-- Anonymous, December 17, 2001

Griff was obviously never a contender for tonight's game, or he would have travelled down with the 1st team. He's a hard tackler and works his position...maybe those who have seen him more recently vs Hughes can tell me what he's missing from his game?

-- Anonymous, December 18, 2001

We're hard to please aren't we! The fact so little has been said about Hughes speaks volumes to me about how he has quietly but solidly gone about his job. Lack of errors shouldn't be taken for granted, and his height must make things a lot easier for the two central defenders. Similarly, the value of his reading of the game and understanding with O'Brien and Dabizas shouldn't be underestimated.

-- Anonymous, December 18, 2001

Griffin is a better natural FB than Hughes - potentially England class imho. However, over the last 2-3 seasons he has been perpetually injured, and I suspect he's running out of time to make a real impact. Hope I'm wrong 'cos I really like him.

-- Anonymous, December 18, 2001

Didn't Hughes start off as a right back, only to be played in central defence due to injuries/sh@tiness of other central defenders? Did a very capable job there too, but perhaps lacks the physical presence. Personally, I think he's actually better suited to a full back role.

-- Anonymous, December 18, 2001

Pete, sorry, I didn't mean to sound critical of Hughesie: it was only my well known adoration for the bloke that made me try to be balanced about him. Personally, I think he's the DBs: as I keep saying, four different positions this season, no whingeing, loves the Toon. If he was a Geordie, we'd never shut up about him. To me, having had one inept/injured partner after another plus no really good senior defender to learn from as well as being fannyed about with in terms of position has held him back. Fortunately, since he plays for Northern Ireland, none of this will hold back his international career (although I gather the Makems have a lad of similar ilk (McCartney) who may present a challenge.

-- Anonymous, December 18, 2001

I suppose the issue is still whether his better position is central defender or right full back back. Clarky and I think Dougal are opting for central defender. I'm not so sure. What are the key attributes that make him a better central defender than full back? I'm open to persuasion, so convince me.

-- Anonymous, December 18, 2001

I'd rather see any 2 of Dabs, Distin. O'Brien in the centre. Hughes is acquitting himself very well at RB and I'd leave him there.

-- Anonymous, December 18, 2001

I have a friend who thinks that Hughesie is working his way round to being a trenendous sweeper...

-- Anonymous, December 18, 2001

I think he lacks a little pace to be an outstanding FB, however he can be a damn good one.

All this rubbish about Griff being English quality, he will first have to push out the Irish RB to get a place in our side. Hughes has bee playing there for them, hasn't he?

-- Anonymous, December 18, 2001

Hughes would make an excellent sweeper, excellent pace, sees the game, defensively minded

-- Anonymous, December 18, 2001

When will Bobby next try out a sweeper system? I hear you all when you say he'd make an excellent sweeper beacuse he has the right attributes, but until he has proven himself in that position, it's pure conjecture.

-- Anonymous, December 18, 2001

We already have an excellent sweeper...Marcelino - well, better a sweeper than a footballer, eh

-- Anonymous, December 18, 2001

Of course it is, Pete, and my mate's idea was based largely on Hughes's wide (for his years) experience and his general attributes, most notably his braininess.

-- Anonymous, December 18, 2001

Ah ha. So it's Aaron's brains that you admire so much ;-)

-- Anonymous, December 18, 2001

Not really, Bobby, Marcia ran the hoover over his foot which is really why he's disappeared. Even the club are too embarrassed to admit that injury.

-- Anonymous, December 18, 2001

Griffin's credentials as a RB for England are now unlikely to pan out Gus as he is always injured. however, that doesn't diminish the potential the lad has shown when he has been fit.

He is by far the best tackler at the Club, is/was pacy, aggressive, and has good control and reasonable distribution (the technical area most in need of improvement)- all atrributes of top-class FB - and indeed naturally a better FB than Aaron Hughes. Believe me, I've seen a lot of the lad and this is not "rubbish".

Unfortunately, he has lacked one very important ingedient that AH has in abundance - physical fitness.

-- Anonymous, December 18, 2001

If he says it's a foot, he's lying. Hospital's get 'those' sort of hoover related injuries regularly, so I've heard.

-- Anonymous, December 18, 2001