Richards, what has got into him?

[hertsblue]

I have noticed in our last 2 games that we tend to kick off and play the ball around and backwards.

Against Wigan this worked till we gave it to Richards and he did a pass to no one giving possession away after 12 seconds. Against Fulham, same thing happened, ball passed back, Richards aimless ball to no one, possession given away after 15 seconds. Sorry but as a Premiership footballer his positioning, passing and lack of awerness just isnt good enough.


Saying that, he isnt the only one to blame, both our fullbacks dont stop enough crosses coming into the box and our centre backs just dont seem to be able to cope with high balls into the box.

We always seems to have players tightly on us but other teams have the freedom of the pitch with little pressure put on them in the middle of the pitch.

Its not all doom though, still have Robbie to come back, January is soon on us for any improvements (world class striker please) and with luck our poor play of late is just down to the team needing to gel but player for player we should be beating teams like Fulham if we are serious about the top 4

 

[Dubai Blue]

What get me about all this If so many City fans can see it surely Hughes and Bowen can.

I have no doubt that a new right-back is at the very top of the New Year's shopping list.

 

[Blue Si O.B]

it wouldnt do any harm if he lifted up his head when making a run with the ball

 

[lewisMCFC]

Im not backing Richards here but, im sure if you were they youngest ever defènder to play for England, and you recieve god knows how much a week, you will start thinking 'am i that good?'
Also his confidence is low because he feels he needs to prove something (which he does) and he tries too much. Richards needs to concentrate more and read the game better. There is no doupt he is a good defender, he has just lost all confidence.

 

[blueju]

I dont think he is a right back. Teams get the most joy attacking us down the left when he plays. He is too stiff and struggles to concentrate for a whole match. He hardly ever pressures an attacking midfielder enough to make them make mistakes or win the ball off them. Basically he is'nt good enough.
Forget about the past or the 'Stevie Ireland' saga, the sad truth is he is'nt up to the high standard we need right now to progress us into a top 4 team and a team challenging for silverware.

 

[Scottyboi]

let notts county buy him. lol

 

[Bluebee2]

We'll never win anything with Richards at right back. He's an awful footballer. I've always said this and finally people have seen what i thought from the beginning.

 

[u2fme2]

he is wank, needs replaing A.S.P

 

[stonerblue]

We'll never win anything with Richards at right back. He's an awful footballer. I've always said this and finally people have seen what i thought from the beginning.

well aren't you the footballing genius. If KK, Ericsson, Pearce and Hughes would've had your number it might have been a different story....

 

[Bluebee2]

We'll never win anything with Richards at right back. He's an awful footballer. I've always said this and finally people have seen what i thought from the beginning.

well aren't you the footballing genius. If KK, Ericsson, Pearce and Hughes would've had your number it might have been a different story....

I take no pleasure in Richards proving me right, i wish he'd turn into the best rightback in the world. When a lad that couldn't do 10 kick-ups gets to play for England anything can happen !

 

[bluebandits]

I have run out of patience with Micah now! I have been really disappointed with his lack of tracking back just lateley. He just seems to jog back when we lose possesion and just doesnt seem interested. I would not be In contract negotiations with him at the moment and cant wait till Big Ned Is fit again to show him what passion Is all about. You've got to pull your socks up Micah and get back to the hard graft that made you what you are!

 

[Didsbury Dave]

I thought Richards had a decent enough game, apart from once when he went to ground when their fullback ran at him.

He made some good challenges on the ground and in the air.

It looks like he is rapidly becoming the new whipping boy.

 

[Scottyboi]

I thought Richards had a decent enough game, apart from once when he went to ground when their fullback ran at him.

He made some good challenges on the ground and in the air.

It looks like he is rapidly becoming the new whipping boy.

He deserves it lol when shauny came on he did more defensive work than richards has done all season.

 

[tolmie's hairdoo]

No need to go all around the houses on this one.


Poor, poor player. Positionally, mentally, physically. People are kidding themselves if they think we would get much over £5m for him. The word is out, certainly amonst our opponents.

 

[citymad]

What get me about all this If so many City fans can see it surely Hughes and Bowen can.

I have no doubt that a new right-back is at the very top of the New Year's shopping list.

Thing is why has the club given him a new deal thats on par with that ridiculous Mills contract from kk era.

 

[Dubai Blue]

I have no doubt that a new right-back is at the very top of the New Year's shopping list.

Thing is why has the club given him a new deal thats on par with that ridiculous Mills contract from kk era.

They haven't.

 

[tolmie's hairdoo]

They are not giving him a new deal - only signed for five last summer.

 

[blueplan]

Isn't this the 3rd. goal this season he's being deprived?

His fortune will change. IMHO I predict he will be City's Best Right Back whether you agree or not presently

.

This season we started with a lot of wins with him and he was scapegoated for the Derby's loss and was dropped for subsequent games.

Defense and goaltending requires confidence. He is out of sorts and that requires regelling & rejigging.
You can't buy talent and athletic ability but you can restore confidence and gain experience.

I have confidence in him so does MH. That counts. Not Agent Provacateurs inane comments.

 

[kippax71]

It is a bit harsh that he is becoming a scape goat but the facts are that he is not playing well. Yesterday he just didnt seem ready to receive a pass sometimes he seemed shocked that someone had passed to him. As stated on another thread we need a right back similar to Bridge who can get down the flank link in with the forwards and put crosses in. Thats the modern game now its all about wing backs. Unfortunately for Richards he is slightly inept at this. Yesterday we would have been better off playing SWP at right back and weiss right wing.

 

[r.soleofsalford]

this over lapping fullback bullshit gets me. you end up with a average defender trying to get into position to make a complete fuck up. jack of all master of fuck all