Re: Is that it ?? : Tue Oct 23, 2012 5:39 pm  

wildcatdonn wrote:

just dissapointed with this one. great stuff coming from belle vue for 2013. setting high standards looking forward to some close games with the top sides.will be supporting as always.

You're disappointed with us signing Mathers? Or you're disappointed your imagination got the better of you?

Re: Is that it ?? : Tue Oct 23, 2012 5:41 pm  

So......Because we've not made a big signing you're gonna pay on the day at £286 for all games rather than £125 for a season ticket? Fill your boots mate!

Re: Is that it ?? : Wed Oct 24, 2012 6:30 am  

I'm not disappointed, I'm really happy. I know his defence is not as strong as some full backs but he is a good attacking full back and fairly reliable. He suffers the odd error but who doesn't. Like goalkeepers the FB is the last line of defence and errors are remembered more than by any other player.

My view of Mathers rose last year due to his performances for us and he clearly enjoys it here. I'm delighted that we have committed to him and vice versa. Thanks for committing to the rollercoaster that is Wakefield Trinity Richie, enjoy the ride!

Re: Is that it ?? : Wed Oct 24, 2012 8:34 am  

wildshot wrote:

I'm not disappointed, I'm really happy. I know his defence is not as strong as some full backs but he is a good attacking full back and fairly reliable. He suffers the odd error but who doesn't. Like goalkeepers the FB is the last line of defence and errors are remembered more than by any other player.

My view of Mathers rose last year due to his performances for us and he clearly enjoys it here. I'm delighted that we have committed to him and vice versa. Thanks for committing to the rollercoaster that is Wakefield Trinity Richie, enjoy the ride!

I like that he's not a robot - he wears his heart on his sleave and his heart is where his home is - which for now is with us. He's popular, got good relations with the media and generally enjoys a bit of banter.

Never thought I'd feel this positive about Richie - always loved to hate him when at other clubs - but I guess it's the same qualities - him wanting to win so badly and making it obvious (both when winning and losing) that endears him to me now.

I can live with the odd 'blooper' - ALL players make 'em!

[PopTart]

Re: Is that it ?? : Wed Oct 24, 2012 8:42 am  

TRB wrote:

I like that he's not a robot - he wears his heart on his sleave and his heart is where his home is - which for now is with us. He's popular, got good relations with the media and generally enjoys a bit of banter.

Never thought I'd feel this positive about Richie - always loved to hate him when at other clubs - but I guess it's the same qualities - him wanting to win so badly and making it obvious (both when winning and losing) that endears him to me now.

I can live with the odd 'blooper' - ALL players make 'em!

It's worth remembering that if he makes a blooper in defense, it is only because someone made one further up field, otherwise he wouldn't have got to Mathers.

As said above, I'm happy with the signing. He offers far more to us that simple last man defense.

Re: Is that it ?? : Wed Oct 24, 2012 8:50 am  

PopTart wrote:

It's worth remembering that if he makes a blooper in defense, it is only because someone made one further up field, otherwise he wouldn't have got to Mathers.

As said above, I'm happy with the signing. He offers far more to us that simple last man defense.

Nah - that's not right - too rose tinted!

He's a full-back - it's a tough job and you are exposed, as are wingers a lot these days, but it's his job to catch the bombs and clear his line - sometimes it goes wrong - spectacularly - but his work and contribution in other areas more than compensate. He's good to watch!

Re: Is that it ?? : Wed Oct 24, 2012 9:21 am  

Mathers is an entertaining player who in my view, gave 100% for us last season in difficult circumstances - after the Cas debacle, he must have known that his future was uncertain and at his age, that can't be an easy situation to be in. He's just landed what will probably be his last long-term contract and I hope he repays the faith that WTW have shown in him.

Performance wise, he definitely made a few bloopers and he'll make some more next season - that's fb's and Mathers in particular. I can't help thinking though that with the way our squad is shaping up, there'll be fewer defensive errors further up the field, so he'll be exposed at the back less often. Either way, he'll score a few more and I predict that he'll be in the media by round 5 for having said something controversial or provocative on Twitter.

[PopTart]

Re: Is that it ?? : Wed Oct 24, 2012 9:50 am  

TRB wrote:

Nah - that's not right - too rose tinted!

He's a full-back - it's a tough job and you are exposed, as are wingers a lot these days, but it's his job to catch the bombs and clear his line - sometimes it goes wrong - spectacularly - but his work and contribution in other areas more than compensate. He's good to watch!

When I said defence I was specifically talking about tackling defence, which clearly he wouldn't have to do if everybody in front of him makes their tackles.
He still has to make his share, but I reckon he misses less than most in the team.

I've never heard anyone bag him for his ball return. I would say he is one of the best at that. And under a high ball I would say he is safe. He made some errors in two games this season but generally he is sound.
So we'll just have to disagree on the rose tinted.

Re: Is that it ?? : Wed Oct 24, 2012 9:59 am  

PopTart wrote:

And under a high ball I would say he is safe. He made some errors in two games this season but generally he is sound.

That'll be Stevo's uncatchable 'spiral bomb' - even the great Stomkins can't catch 'em!

Re: Is that it ?? : Wed Oct 24, 2012 10:19 am  

PopTart wrote:

When I said defence I was specifically talking about tackling defence, which clearly he wouldn't have to do if everybody in front of him makes their tackles.
He still has to make his share, but I reckon he misses less than most in the team.

I've never heard anyone bag him for his ball return. I would say he is one of the best at that. And under a high ball I would say he is safe. He made some errors in two games this season but generally he is sound.
So we'll just have to disagree on the rose tinted.

He is if he has the ball in his hands. He missed a few bombs and bombed a few opportunities to kill the ball at times, and I can't agree on the defence - he is quite horrid on his last man defence at times - but I'll take him as a package - warts an' all because his contribution in the positive column is far greater than the negatives!