Should Pope be on the bench week in week out?

Claret&Green · Post by **Claret&Green** » Sun Jan 29, 2017 9:05 am

In my opinion yes! Younger, more agile than Robbo, and if he is to be the future at Turf he needs more big game experience! What do the rest of you think?

CaptJohn · Post by **CaptJohn** » Sun Jan 29, 2017 9:15 am

I've been thinking along these lines as well. He's certainly got the physical attributes to be a top keeper and just needs a touch more experience that he will only get from being involved in the 1st team squad as sub in Prem league games. Obviously SD and his team think he isn't quite ready to be on the bench for Prem games just yet.

ClaretTony · Post by **ClaretTony** » Sun Jan 29, 2017 9:18 am

I think we are fine as we are - we've got an experienced deputy on the bench should he be needed and we've a younger goalkeeper working alongside them and improving while getting games in cup ties.

andyh · Post by **andyh** » Sun Jan 29, 2017 9:26 am

I'm with CT. If I'd not seen Robbo this season I'd be worried whether he still had it... but the games he played showed he has.

We are very fortunate having 3 good keepers.

Depending on whether we can keep Tom, Pope may get his chance next season.

Rick_Muller · Post by **Rick_Muller** » Sun Jan 29, 2017 9:33 am

I'm more concerned about what happens if we reach the later stages of the cup - do we stick with Pope or go for experience with Heaton to reach the final for example. I think Pope should continue for what it's worth, he will have earnt the right - not sure if that sentiment would be echoed by others

I thought he did well yesterday with the only question mark being the decision to punch their free kick, but to be fair on that it did lead to our break and Defour's goal

Blackrod · Post by **Blackrod** » Sun Jan 29, 2017 9:42 am

Pope is the future and looks a good prospect.If we reach latter stages of Cup do we make changes ? Should Flanagan continue ?

wilks_bfc · Post by **wilks_bfc** » Sun Jan 29, 2017 9:47 am

I like the look of Pope and he looks capable of stepping up.

One think I have noticed that appears to have gone from his earlier games is the quick distribution he was doing.

ClaretEngineer · Post by **ClaretEngineer** » Sun Jan 29, 2017 9:57 am

wilks_bfc wrote:I like the look of Pope and he looks capable of stepping up.

One think I have noticed that appears to have gone from his earlier games is the quick distribution he was doing.

I thought this (quick distribution) was something we were lacking. He's got a very good kick on him too.

wilks_bfc · Post by **wilks_bfc** » Sun Jan 29, 2017 10:01 am

ClaretEngineer wrote:I thought this (quick distribution) was something we were lacking. He's got a very good kick on him too.

That's what I'm referring to.

It was something I noticed at both the Stanley and first game at Sunderland whereas the last 2 games he hasn't been doing it

Tbf It's something Tom doesn't really do either and not really done him or is any harm

ClaretEngineer · Post by **ClaretEngineer** » Sun Jan 29, 2017 10:12 am

wilks_bfc wrote:That's what I'm referring to.

It was something I noticed at both the Stanley and first game at Sunderland whereas the last 2 games he hasn't been doing it

Tbf It's something Tom doesn't really do either and not really done him or is any harm

I think it's something we should possibly work on, we could catch a few teams out with Popes punt and Grays pace. Though, as you quite rightly say, we've done okay so far.

Colburn_Claret · Post by **Colburn_Claret** » Sun Jan 29, 2017 11:21 am

No, but he's getting close.
With Robbos experience he is perfect cover for Tom. That said when his contract is up I think we will need to reassess the whole situation. Thank Robbo, put Nick on the bench and find another young keeper to bring on.
All that is assuming that nobody comes in with serious money offer for TOM, in which case the whole ball game changes.

Should Pope be on the bench week in week out?

Should Pope be on the bench week in week out?

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Re: Should Pope be on the bench week in week out?

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Re: Should Pope be on the bench week in week out?