• Dale Stephens

Posted: **Sun Jan 24, 2021 6:50 pm**

Best game in a Burnley shirt by far. Seems part of the squad now.

Posted: **Sun Jan 24, 2021 6:52 pm**

Yes I agree. Showed exactly why Dyche has chased him for so long.

Posted: **Sun Jan 24, 2021 6:55 pm**

Dyche said as much in his post match interview

Posted: **Sun Jan 24, 2021 6:55 pm**

Thought he was his quiet self. Definitely not impressed by him to be honest. It’s amazing how games can be seen differently.

Posted: **Sun Jan 24, 2021 6:56 pm**

He was my MOM, him and Cork completely controlled the game.

Posted: **Sun Jan 24, 2021 6:57 pm**

Good game. But
Still way down in the pecking order and not good enough for the prem

BTW - Jay was MOM by a mile

Posted: **Sun Jan 24, 2021 6:58 pm**

He's a real professional.

As long as he is fully fit we have a top flight defensive midfielder.

Posted: **Sun Jan 24, 2021 7:00 pm**

We have to be more patient and not expect miracles ... Dale Stephens showed his team ethic today and that is an epiphany moment ...

Also another player showing why he is a valued team member was Kev Long, a colossus alongside Tarka who played out of his prefered position to accomodate Kev

UTC

Posted: **Sun Jan 24, 2021 7:00 pm**

gandhisflipflop wrote: ↑
Sun Jan 24, 2021 6:55 pm
Thought he was his quiet self. Definitely not impressed by him to be honest. It’s amazing how games can be seen differently.

I was comparing previous performances to this one. Prior to this game he seemed detached and not part of the whole. What makes Burnley tick is the oneness, operating as a single entity, particularly without the ball. He didn't stand out, he was just part of the whole.

Posted: **Sun Jan 24, 2021 7:01 pm**

He was a good signing and brings us on from the horrors of arfield and then Hendrick in central midfield. But he ain’t no defour.

Posted: **Sun Jan 24, 2021 7:02 pm**

Very good signs today from Dale. I never thought we'd be in a position where we have 4 or 5 good central midfielders but delighted we are. Now just for that right winger please Mr Pace

Posted: **Sun Jan 24, 2021 7:04 pm**

ten bellies wrote: ↑
Sun Jan 24, 2021 7:00 pm
I was comparing previous performances to this one. Prior to this game he seemed detached and not part of the whole. What makes Burnley tick is the oneness, operating as a single entity, particularly without the ball. He didn't stand out, he was just part of the whole.

It was his best game in a line of abject performances. I thought jack cork was immense today and completely controlled that midfield organising everyone and keeping them switched on. I really would like to see a midfield trio of cork brownhill and Westwood and McNeill and JBG pushed further up in support of one of the strikers. I think it would offer a great plan b especially away from home and allow for more flexibility.

Posted: **Sun Jan 24, 2021 7:04 pm**

I don't think he was signed as another 'defour' however, I think he's needed the time to settle in, and it's starting to look positive

Posted: **Sun Jan 24, 2021 7:09 pm**

ceborame wrote: ↑
Sun Jan 24, 2021 7:04 pm
I don't think he was signed as another 'defour' however, I think he's needed the time to settle in, and it's starting to look positive

No **** Sherlock

Posted: **Sun Jan 24, 2021 7:09 pm**

gandhisflipflop wrote: ↑
Sun Jan 24, 2021 7:04 pm
It was his best game in a line of abject performances. I thought jack cork was immense today and completely controlled that midfield organising everyone and keeping them switched on. I really would like to see a midfield trio of cork brownhill and Westwood and McNeill and JBG pushed further up in support of one of the strikers. I think it would offer a great plan b especially away from home and allow for more flexibility.

I think abject is harsh, especially for a player trying to acclimatise to a new team, in what is, in my opinion, the most difficullt position on the pitch to operate. Like you said, we all have different perspectives. The plus is we have more options in central midfield.

Posted: **Sun Jan 24, 2021 7:12 pm**

arise_sir_charge wrote: ↑
Sun Jan 24, 2021 6:56 pm
He was my MOM, him and Cork completely controlled the game.

Agreed. He showed great experience and ability in some tight areas. Can only remember him giving it away a couple of times. I thought he was excellent.

Posted: **Sun Jan 24, 2021 7:14 pm**

He was very good today. Our squad is looking much stronger now. Just need to get Taylor fit.

Posted: **Sun Jan 24, 2021 7:22 pm**

ten bellies wrote: ↑
Sun Jan 24, 2021 7:09 pm
I think abject is harsh, especially for a player trying to acclimatise to a new team, in what is, in my opinion, the most difficullt position on the pitch to operate. Like you said, we all have different perspectives. The plus is we have more options in central midfield.

More options in central midfield can’t be a bad thing.

Posted: **Sun Jan 24, 2021 7:22 pm**

I really wish we'd have signed him in July 2016 when we tried really hard for him. He's clearly got real class in front of the back four.

I'm still not entirely convinced he suits the way we play right now, but he did have a very good game today. Like night and day compared with his first few appearances for us.

Posted: **Sun Jan 24, 2021 7:25 pm**

Certainly seems to be another solid squad player. They do really work hard for each other.

Posted: **Sun Jan 24, 2021 7:26 pm**

He's OK. IMO nothing special, but a useful squad member.
Don't overestimate any performances from today, neither side at full strength.

Posted: **Sun Jan 24, 2021 7:54 pm**

Cork was superb.

Posted: **Sun Jan 24, 2021 8:43 pm**

I think he's played consistently well and offers us something different from our other midfielders with his pass variation.
Cork had a far better match today than against MK Dons where he looked very rusty.
We were very impressive today and Dyche should be commended for that.We have a squad of motivated and talented players.

Posted: **Sun Jan 24, 2021 8:52 pm**

Calm down lads,all today did was tell us BFC have a better b team than Fulham.....

Posted: **Sun Jan 24, 2021 8:53 pm**

Both central midfielders played very well.

Four players vying for two spots. It’s been a while.

Posted: **Sun Jan 24, 2021 8:55 pm**

I too thought Cork was superb. Couldn't agree more with one up front and cork Brownhill and Westwood in the middle,but only in certain games

Posted: **Sun Jan 24, 2021 8:57 pm**

Played well

Posted: **Sun Jan 24, 2021 8:57 pm**

CHEWBACCA wrote: ↑
Sun Jan 24, 2021 8:52 pm
Calm down lads,all today did was tell us BFC have a better b team than Fulham.....

Little bit more than a B Team. That Fulham starting eleven cost more than 100m.

Posted: **Sun Jan 24, 2021 8:59 pm**

Played well today.

Posted: **Sun Jan 24, 2021 8:59 pm**

Newcastleclaret93 wrote: ↑
Sun Jan 24, 2021 8:57 pm
Little bit more than a B Team. That Fulham starting eleven cost more than 100m.

Shhhhhhhhh

Posted: **Sun Jan 24, 2021 9:00 pm**

CHEWBACCA wrote: ↑
Sun Jan 24, 2021 8:52 pm
Calm down lads,all today did was tell us BFC have a better b team than Fulham.....

What it told me is that we have back up players in every position who all know their jobs and will fit seamlessly into the team should injuries or suspensions occur.
We also have a lot of promising youngsters coming through too.

Posted: **Sun Jan 24, 2021 9:03 pm**

He was my man of the match today.
Thought he was outstanding in an outstanding team performance.
Saying he is no Defour is correct but neither are Cork , Brownhill,and Westwood.

Posted: **Sun Jan 24, 2021 9:04 pm**

Newcastleclaret93 wrote: ↑
Sun Jan 24, 2021 8:57 pm
Little bit more than a B Team. That Fulham starting eleven cost more than 100m.

And?
Parker won't give a sh1t anyway,they just wanna stay in the league .....

Posted: **Sun Jan 24, 2021 9:07 pm**

Played well today . I don't think Dyche will start him in the league , but bring him on to shore up the midfield when required ( i think he did this against wolves going to 4-5-1 ) .

Posted: **Sun Jan 24, 2021 9:09 pm**

A ridiculous number of interceptions from Stephens and Cork today, helped in no small part by an abysmal opposition, but they pressed high and closed out the angles. Great to see.

Posted: **Sun Jan 24, 2021 9:12 pm**

CHEWBACCA wrote: ↑
Sun Jan 24, 2021 9:04 pm
And?
Parker won't give a sh1t anyway,they just wanna stay in the league .....

Isn't that our priority

Posted: **Sun Jan 24, 2021 9:24 pm**

looked to be a bit sharper than usual and got involved in the pressing higher up the pitch. Maybe earlier in the season he was playing a little deeper, never seemed to have options around him and gave the ball away a lot. Obviously he is getting used to our system and way of playing but it seems like he is slowly adapting. He looks to have a great pass on him and if he can step in when necessary with performances like that then he'll be a useful asset.

Posted: **Sun Jan 24, 2021 9:30 pm**

Maybe a was a little too swift to write him off a few weeks ago (even though he was absolutely stinking).

He actually joined the attacks really well and was a bit of grit in midfield.

But it was Fulham in the FA Cup, hopefully if we need him in a two man midfield in a Premier League match, he can replicate his performance today.

Posted: **Sun Jan 24, 2021 9:36 pm**

He looked good against a championship midfield, he’s a championship midfielder at best.

Posted: **Sun Jan 24, 2021 9:47 pm**

105 Premier League appearances in the last 3 and a half seasons suggests otherwise.

Posted: **Sun Jan 24, 2021 10:00 pm**

MrVmax wrote: ↑
Sun Jan 24, 2021 8:55 pm
I too thought Cork was superb. Couldn't agree more with one up front and cork Brownhill and Westwood in the middle,but only in certain games

Yep, like against City.

Playing 4-4-2 and getting whacked 5-0 every time is getting boring now!

Posted: **Sun Jan 24, 2021 10:32 pm**

He's almost Dyche fit

Posted: **Sun Jan 24, 2021 10:41 pm**

Danieljwaterhouse wrote: ↑
Sun Jan 24, 2021 9:36 pm
He looked good against a championship midfield, he’s a championship midfielder at best.

Surely you shouldn't be trying to put anyone down after your raft of incorrect "facts" over the last few weeks.

Posted: **Mon Jan 25, 2021 1:38 am**

It's a happy conundrum of 2 from 4 currently imo. I highly rate Brownhill who I think is a very very astute signing, but it's all about opinions though

Posted: **Mon Jan 25, 2021 2:22 am**

THEWELLERNUT70 wrote: ↑
Mon Jan 25, 2021 1:38 am
It's a happy conundrum of 2 from 4 currently imo. I highly rate Brownhill who I think is a very very astute signing, but it's all about opinions though

But what if someone's opinion is that someone else's opinion is utter b*****ks? I read posts from time to time that make me think the author is a total ignoramus, on a wind up or just plain hates everything Burnley despite being a so called fan!

Posted: **Mon Jan 25, 2021 9:33 am**

He would be excellent in a midfield 3 in front of the back 4

Posted: **Mon Jan 25, 2021 9:49 am**

Danieljwaterhouse wrote: ↑
Sun Jan 24, 2021 9:36 pm
He looked good against a championship midfield, he’s a championship midfielder at best.

He’s really not

Posted: **Mon Jan 25, 2021 10:43 am**

Targetman wrote: ↑
Sun Jan 24, 2021 10:41 pm
Surely you shouldn't be trying to put anyone down after your raft of incorrect "facts" over the last few weeks.

The two are entirely unrelated, and I’ve made it very clear, what I believed to be a fact, and what I thought was second hand or dubious information.

I’m not putting anyone down, it’s a statement of my beliefs about a professional footballer and his abilities.

I will be vindicated by most of the information in the next 18 months, I expect you to be one of the first to apologise.

Posted: **Mon Jan 25, 2021 10:46 am**

Burnley1989 wrote: ↑
Mon Jan 25, 2021 9:49 am
He’s really not

What makes you think he isn’t?

He can’t play in a two in the premier league. His legs are going, his head can’t compensate enough to be effective. He’s technically good, but gets played around far too much.

He’s a great pro to have around the ‘group’ and on that basis he has a place. But he’s not the answer to the problem we have.

Any player at CB or CM that HAS to play in a three to be effective isn’t good enough to play at the highest level.

Posted: **Mon Jan 25, 2021 10:46 am**

Danieljwaterhouse wrote: ↑
Mon Jan 25, 2021 10:43 am
The two are entirely unrelated, and I’ve made it very clear, what I believed to be a fact, and what I thought was second hand or dubious information.

I’m not putting anyone down, it’s a statement of my beliefs about a professional footballer and his abilities.

I will be vindicated by most of the information in the next 18 months, I expect you to be one of the first to apologise.

You are 2 times behind a broken clock for being right. Nobody will do or have any need to apologise to Walter Mitty

Dale Stephens

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