The Mail Bag
The End for Tony Hibbert?
Comments (49)
I'm not usually one to pinpoint single players for criticism. If the team is playing badly, I try to look for tactical reasons or bad choices by the management rather than nit-pick individual mistakes. After all, even the best players in the world can be caught out of position every so often.
However, I'm going to make an exception with Tony Hibbert. Since he broke into the squad on the coat-tails of one Wayne Rooney, he's done... well, nothing. Absolutely nothing. In fact, I'd question his credentials as not only a Premier League standard footballer, but perhaps even his ability to cope at a few levels below.
Looking at him objectively, as I'm sure everyone has, his passing is, to be blunt, "hit and hope". His tackling ability is mediocre, mis-timing the majority of his attempts. His positioning ability involves around 10 metres of the pitch - and even in that space he looks panicked whenever a ball comes near him. He doesn't get down the flanks, his intelligence on the football pitch is the footballing equivalent of special needs, and he possesses a non-existent cross of the ball in the rare occasion he actually crosses the half way line.
He can't even head a ball, he gets shoved off by his markers from set pieces and he provides absolutely no threat from set pieces. So, an open question for David Moyes. Why is Tony Hibbert still on the pitch? 30,000+ groaning every time he touches the ball can't be wrong can they? Even if Moyes persists with his inexplicable Carsley/Neville partnership in midfield, at least push Jagielka to right back and drop this buffoon.
The perennial defence of Tony Hibbert is "he does his best" and "he's a blue". Well, if you're best isn't good enough, then it simply is not good enough. Please, please let this be the last time I see Tony Hibbert on a football pitch for Everton.
Lee Kidd, Posted 27/09/2007 at 13:01:30
Comments
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Andy Birch
2 Posted 26/09/2007 at 15:48:35
2 Posted 26/09/2007 at 15:48:35
Here is an example of some not very inspiring stadia built by Barr Construction. Preferred supplier for Tesco and EFC.
http://www.barr.co.uk/brochures/stadia.pdf
Matt Hunter
3 Posted 27/09/2007 at 14:17:00
3 Posted 27/09/2007 at 14:17:00
I think thats very harsh he is very low on confidence at the moment and it shows granted his passing has never been the best but defensively he was outstanding for us the season we finished 4th he needs taking out the team while his confidence is down but he is still a strong squad player.
Will Smith
4 Posted 27/09/2007 at 14:22:33
4 Posted 27/09/2007 at 14:22:33
i cannot agree more with lee’s evaluation of this joke we play at right back. phil neville and jagielka can do a better job! im sick and tired of hearing "hibbert at fault for goal". with regards to tackling i have seen some good ones but his awareness, distribution and runs are below standard. he may well be a blue but there is definately no passion from him, ever!
get rid of tony hibbert!
get rid of tony hibbert!
Dean
5 Posted 27/09/2007 at 14:29:18
5 Posted 27/09/2007 at 14:29:18
I think you’re right Lee, although hailing from Kirkby you can’t be a real blue!! :-) just kidding
I think hibbo has been at fault for almost every goal we have conceded this season, his positioning is terrible and his passing is worse. I think the problem is that when he tackles, he REALLY does tackle and it brings the crowd to it’s feet. It’s a shame that this one quality masks his other inadequacies.
I think hibbo has been at fault for almost every goal we have conceded this season, his positioning is terrible and his passing is worse. I think the problem is that when he tackles, he REALLY does tackle and it brings the crowd to it’s feet. It’s a shame that this one quality masks his other inadequacies.
Dutch Schaffaer
6 Posted 27/09/2007 at 14:35:07
6 Posted 27/09/2007 at 14:35:07
Its all too easy to blame Hibbert when things aren’t going well. Fact is the guy is a decent defender.
He’s got quite a tackle on him and just enough pace so that he’s difficult to go past.
He’s got his problems no doubt. His passing is piss poor, he’s reluctant to venture up into attacking areas, he can sometimes get caught out of position and there’s no chance of him ever scoring a goal.
But considering a defender’s main duty is to defend I would suggest Hibbert is a useful squad player.
He’s got quite a tackle on him and just enough pace so that he’s difficult to go past.
He’s got his problems no doubt. His passing is piss poor, he’s reluctant to venture up into attacking areas, he can sometimes get caught out of position and there’s no chance of him ever scoring a goal.
But considering a defender’s main duty is to defend I would suggest Hibbert is a useful squad player.
Jimmy Hoffa
7 Posted 27/09/2007 at 14:38:06
7 Posted 27/09/2007 at 14:38:06
I think Tony did well when we were playing 4-5-1.
In that position, he is only required to defend, although, there were some instance where he generated goals from his crosses.
But when Moyes opted for 4-4-2, he is exposed and being expected to overlap and pass properly, his crap is shown.
I think Hibbert is crap now since Everton has adopted a different formation.
Matty Dunn
8 Posted 27/09/2007 at 14:27:52
8 Posted 27/09/2007 at 14:27:52
Firstly Will Smith needs to stick to films cos he talks bollox.
I’ve refrained from writing here previously because a lot of the writers are the most cynical two faced shower i’ve ever heard.
Hibbo is not good enough on the ball to be a Premiership player. However dont question his tackling when it is consistently good. While I agree he shouldnt be a first choice you have to remember how we were singing his praises two years ago and he was being touted for England.
On AJ. I have never been his biggest fan and have made that clear. However again people are too quick to spout of how poor our players are. So many of you were saying he should be an england regular last year!
In all honesty some of the fans on here make me ashamed to be a blue.
I must end this tho be saying I dont have blue tinted glasses and actually think we play some pretty shite football, a lot of our players arent up to the standard (especially big vic, shandy, etc) but doesnt excuse the rubbish on these pages!
I’ve refrained from writing here previously because a lot of the writers are the most cynical two faced shower i’ve ever heard.
Hibbo is not good enough on the ball to be a Premiership player. However dont question his tackling when it is consistently good. While I agree he shouldnt be a first choice you have to remember how we were singing his praises two years ago and he was being touted for England.
On AJ. I have never been his biggest fan and have made that clear. However again people are too quick to spout of how poor our players are. So many of you were saying he should be an england regular last year!
In all honesty some of the fans on here make me ashamed to be a blue.
I must end this tho be saying I dont have blue tinted glasses and actually think we play some pretty shite football, a lot of our players arent up to the standard (especially big vic, shandy, etc) but doesnt excuse the rubbish on these pages!
Stan Sheppard
9 Posted 27/09/2007 at 14:44:41
9 Posted 27/09/2007 at 14:44:41
Dutch, I don’t think he’s a decent defender. He might be good enough for someone else but he isn’t good enough for Everton.
Best tackler in the club? So what if he is. Paul Scholes couldn’t tackle a fish supper but the rest of the elements of his game make him exceptional.
He’s an Evertonian and he has heart, but I don’t blame Tony for poor results or making mistakes. I just don’t think he’s good enough for us.
Best tackler in the club? So what if he is. Paul Scholes couldn’t tackle a fish supper but the rest of the elements of his game make him exceptional.
He’s an Evertonian and he has heart, but I don’t blame Tony for poor results or making mistakes. I just don’t think he’s good enough for us.
Allan Hobbs
10 Posted 27/09/2007 at 15:00:14
10 Posted 27/09/2007 at 15:00:14
Dutch is absolutely right, Hibbo IS a decent tackler, its just that the reast of his games sucks arse.
No distribution, poor positioning, cant head the ball etc. Based on those attributes (or lack of) then he’s not good enough. He had one outstanding season but then so have various other players.
Neville should be first choice right back, with Jags or Cars in midfield.
End of.
No distribution, poor positioning, cant head the ball etc. Based on those attributes (or lack of) then he’s not good enough. He had one outstanding season but then so have various other players.
Neville should be first choice right back, with Jags or Cars in midfield.
End of.
John Holmes
11 Posted 27/09/2007 at 14:59:43
11 Posted 27/09/2007 at 14:59:43
I have to agree with those who rate Hibbert as a tackler and (for a full- back) he’s good in the air and combative. His only failing as an out and out defender is his positioning which has cost us goals this season. He should still be in the squad, there’s nothing wrong with his filling in a few games but his lack of ability when in possession means his past his sell-by date if Everton want to achieve anything substantive.
Some of the criticism is OTT though. The guy has done nothing to merit the kind of stupid personal abuse Tony Beep Beep and the liking are meting out.
Some of the criticism is OTT though. The guy has done nothing to merit the kind of stupid personal abuse Tony Beep Beep and the liking are meting out.
Lee Kidd
12 Posted 27/09/2007 at 15:00:57
12 Posted 27/09/2007 at 15:00:57
Matty Dunn,
You won’t catch me slating players on here or any website too often. However, where i’d love to accept your defence of Tony Hibbert and be wrong, i’m pretty sure i’m not.
If you are seeing decent tackling from him, then that’s your business. It’s just that the majority of other Evertonians aren’t seeing it - I dunno, maybe we just look the other way when he does it?
Nevertheless, there’s an overall contradiction in your post. You state that Tony Hibbert is not a good enough player to play in the Premiership - and then slate me for making exactly the same point.
Pot, Kettle, Black.
You won’t catch me slating players on here or any website too often. However, where i’d love to accept your defence of Tony Hibbert and be wrong, i’m pretty sure i’m not.
If you are seeing decent tackling from him, then that’s your business. It’s just that the majority of other Evertonians aren’t seeing it - I dunno, maybe we just look the other way when he does it?
Nevertheless, there’s an overall contradiction in your post. You state that Tony Hibbert is not a good enough player to play in the Premiership - and then slate me for making exactly the same point.
Pot, Kettle, Black.
Allan Hobbs
13 Posted 27/09/2007 at 15:05:51
13 Posted 27/09/2007 at 15:05:51
Group hug?
Thommo
14 Posted 27/09/2007 at 15:02:39
14 Posted 27/09/2007 at 15:02:39
There is a lot that needs to be worked on in Hibbert’s game with the exceptions of his tackling and his effort. However, I think he would best serve as decent cover for a better right back. Lee Kidd, be careful of that for which you wish, you may be struck blind.
Stan Sheppard
15 Posted 27/09/2007 at 15:10:57
15 Posted 27/09/2007 at 15:10:57
Is it make a wish time?
I wish for loads of money because i’m very materialistic
I wish for loads of money because i’m very materialistic
Lee Kidd
16 Posted 27/09/2007 at 15:10:55
16 Posted 27/09/2007 at 15:10:55
Thommo,
The thing is... we have both Neville and Jagielka who can do an infinitely better job in that position. At a push even Yobo can do a job there - again better than Hibbert. So the wish is re-inforced - if Hibbert is only there to cover an injury crisis, then I also wish that no injury crisis occurs that allows that to happen.
However, saying that, I guarantee we’ll see Neville/Carsley in midfield and good ol’ Hibbo at right back next game.
As is the way of Moyes. Amen.
The thing is... we have both Neville and Jagielka who can do an infinitely better job in that position. At a push even Yobo can do a job there - again better than Hibbert. So the wish is re-inforced - if Hibbert is only there to cover an injury crisis, then I also wish that no injury crisis occurs that allows that to happen.
However, saying that, I guarantee we’ll see Neville/Carsley in midfield and good ol’ Hibbo at right back next game.
As is the way of Moyes. Amen.
terry smith
17 Posted 27/09/2007 at 15:20:53
17 Posted 27/09/2007 at 15:20:53
I think the problem with Hibbert is that he probably new he was guarenteed a starting place every week no matter how he played.Now we have a larger squad its good to drop Hibbert and fire a rocket up his arse.When he gets his chance again which lets be honest wont be too long you will probably see a improved Hibbert.
Shaun Asthon
18 Posted 27/09/2007 at 15:09:08
18 Posted 27/09/2007 at 15:09:08
I fully agree with you Lee I think Tony Hibbert is a joke.
Everytime he gets the ball you know its either going to go straight back to the player it come from or to the opposition, you might as well have 10 players playing for us or even better play Jagielka or Neville there!
I hate the lad and I cant wait to see the back of him (if anyone will be stupid enough to buy him). Yes he may be a blue, but he is shite, well and truely shite and he shows no passion whatsoever. Its nothing to do with confidence, because I dont remember him having a good game since he started playing (good as in premiership standard good). He should go on loan or something and come back refreshed and realise that he needs to improve to stay at the club.
Everytime he gets the ball you know its either going to go straight back to the player it come from or to the opposition, you might as well have 10 players playing for us or even better play Jagielka or Neville there!
I hate the lad and I cant wait to see the back of him (if anyone will be stupid enough to buy him). Yes he may be a blue, but he is shite, well and truely shite and he shows no passion whatsoever. Its nothing to do with confidence, because I dont remember him having a good game since he started playing (good as in premiership standard good). He should go on loan or something and come back refreshed and realise that he needs to improve to stay at the club.
Nick Entwistle
19 Posted 27/09/2007 at 14:07:53
19 Posted 27/09/2007 at 14:07:53
Tony Hibbert is not the player we want him to be. Excellent in the tackle, and good grafter. Yet in possession he is inadequate. And management have not it seems been willing to address his punt or quick ?attacking? pass choices which never find a target.
His failings are highlighted further by having Neville, an obviously better right back, playing poorly in midfield with better options than he for that role. So this in turn increases the heat on Tony from the fans' perspective.
I'm not going to apologise for his play, and would drop him for Neville, but the vitriol that is directed towards him on these pages, perhaps as a scapegoat (can't believe I initially typed 'escape goat') in the wake of the down turn in form has now reached a level that is wholly unfair and serves no purpose other than to fuel its own self.
His attacking play has not been dealt with by management, if it had, he wouldn't keep doing what he's doing. But a joke he is not. The best wingers in the Prem will testify to that. I haven?t been to Goodison this season so do not know if he is receiving the abuse in the stadium that flows on screen here, but you never know, he probably reads these pages being an Evertonian and maybe that itself is a reason to submit the usual critique with a little less venom. He can't pass, but is a top defender and had Ronaldo in his pocket. I?m glad he?s with us.
Now be a good boy and get on that bench?
Allan Hobbs
20 Posted 27/09/2007 at 15:34:36
20 Posted 27/09/2007 at 15:34:36
What Nick said...
matty dunn
21 Posted 27/09/2007 at 15:22:49
21 Posted 27/09/2007 at 15:22:49
Lee
I’m stating that i dont think he is good enough to be in a side that is supposedly challenging for a top 6 finish. maybe not most of the premiership sides but i can think of worse (Traore springs to mind) However my point is that the abuse dished out on this site borders on the farcical as its often two faced.
I’d like to see jag have a run there but i’m not convinced about neville there and most certainly not yobo who is our most overrated defender. Here is a player with a lot of ability but does exactly what hibbert does in terms of distribution.
I’m stating that i dont think he is good enough to be in a side that is supposedly challenging for a top 6 finish. maybe not most of the premiership sides but i can think of worse (Traore springs to mind) However my point is that the abuse dished out on this site borders on the farcical as its often two faced.
I’d like to see jag have a run there but i’m not convinced about neville there and most certainly not yobo who is our most overrated defender. Here is a player with a lot of ability but does exactly what hibbert does in terms of distribution.
maty dunn
22 Posted 27/09/2007 at 15:37:04
22 Posted 27/09/2007 at 15:37:04
Nick i salute you! perfectly worded
Allan Hobbs
23 Posted 27/09/2007 at 15:41:09
23 Posted 27/09/2007 at 15:41:09
To be fair, defenders with good distribution are few and far between at every Premiership club.
Joleon lescot couldn’t pass round a bag o sweets.
Joleon lescot couldn’t pass round a bag o sweets.
iain thomson
24 Posted 27/09/2007 at 15:45:37
24 Posted 27/09/2007 at 15:45:37
Nick
spot on.
spot on.
George, London
25 Posted 27/09/2007 at 15:40:53
25 Posted 27/09/2007 at 15:40:53
Tony Hibbert is suffering a prolonged period of poor form however the Aston Villa game, where he performed defensively very well, reminded me previous/hidden talents.
He is a victim of our progress. If he had donned an Everton shirt a decade or so earlier, I am sure he would have been spoken of in the smae breath as Unsworth, Richard Gough etc. However our progression in terms of league standings has exposed Tony Hibbert to some degree.Its funny how things have developed-not so long ago Hibbert was a byword for solid dependability, but now its more akin to "gashness". On his day he is a very good defender however I havn’t seen that defender consistently(or at all) for the past 2 and a half seasons
He is a victim of our progress. If he had donned an Everton shirt a decade or so earlier, I am sure he would have been spoken of in the smae breath as Unsworth, Richard Gough etc. However our progression in terms of league standings has exposed Tony Hibbert to some degree.Its funny how things have developed-not so long ago Hibbert was a byword for solid dependability, but now its more akin to "gashness". On his day he is a very good defender however I havn’t seen that defender consistently(or at all) for the past 2 and a half seasons
Dave Roberts
26 Posted 27/09/2007 at 15:43:56
26 Posted 27/09/2007 at 15:43:56
Whatever anybody may think about Hibbert’s ability as a footballer, is it really necessary for people to say that they HATE him? (Shaun Ashton)At the end of the day he is a footballer who is doing his best and if that ’best’ is not good enough (with which opinion I agree) that is no reason to HATE the guy. FFS we may be all wrapped up in this club of ours but it is only a game and a game should never be a reason to HATE anybody...not even that bent, baldy Italian referee!
George, London
27 Posted 27/09/2007 at 15:57:15
27 Posted 27/09/2007 at 15:57:15
Oh, I hadn’t seen Nick’s brilliant post, if I had I wouldn’t have bothered posting my previous post. Spot on.
Oh, but didn’t Tony Hibbert start out as a midfielder (Under Walter Smith- I think), can someone clarify this.
Oh, but didn’t Tony Hibbert start out as a midfielder (Under Walter Smith- I think), can someone clarify this.
Nick Entwistle
28 Posted 27/09/2007 at 16:10:55
28 Posted 27/09/2007 at 16:10:55
Funnily enough I started to compose my post as a leading topic and sent it through once this thread was up and running, so editiors choice to place it as a reply.
Imagine it if you will the choice to put my letter (Neville) in a preferable position (Right Back) to help the website (Everton) as a whole.
;)
Imagine it if you will the choice to put my letter (Neville) in a preferable position (Right Back) to help the website (Everton) as a whole.
;)
Paul C
29 Posted 27/09/2007 at 16:14:43
29 Posted 27/09/2007 at 16:14:43
Allen, you seen Arsenal’s defenders? They can all pass a ball (Senderos excepted)and they are also all extremely comfortable in possession. The reason for this is down to the coaching they receive, which is on a different planet to ours.
Dean
30 Posted 27/09/2007 at 16:30:41
30 Posted 27/09/2007 at 16:30:41
Full backs get more time on the ball than any player on the park and I feel it is one of the most important positions in terms of defining how you play as a team.
As we have all seen with Leighton Baines
As we have all seen with Leighton Baines
John Lloyd
31 Posted 27/09/2007 at 16:34:46
31 Posted 27/09/2007 at 16:34:46
Just wanna clear one thing up here, a hard tackle is not always a good tackle. There is no doubt that when Hibbert launches himself into a tackle the crowd do like it, but a GOOD tackle is someone who wins the ball off the opposition. When the FUCK has he ever done that??? so WTF makes him a ’good defender’ that load of shite is a label that pundits an ex-players stick on people that they dont wanna call shite in the media. A premiership footballer who’s passing is ABYSMAL, who is afraid of going forward, who is lost by midfielders runs and is always there or thereabouts when we concede. Name one other club in the top 4 or europe (where we are aiming) who would have him. He’s probably a lovely lad, a top blue but so was Unsworth & he wasn’t good enough either. Nil Satis Nisi Optimum. Have we fucking forgot what that means???
Blue Shaun Cook
32 Posted 27/09/2007 at 16:41:26
32 Posted 27/09/2007 at 16:41:26
Tony Hibbert is crap lets face it. Phil Neville should be our first choice right back NO ARGUMENT. I m a True Blue but I m a cack right-back hence the reason I don t play.
Allan Hobbs
33 Posted 27/09/2007 at 16:49:50
33 Posted 27/09/2007 at 16:49:50
Paul C - I know, if you read my post I didn’t say decent defenders don’t exist, I stated that they’re few & far between.
Why are people on here so infuriantingly literal!?!?
Why are people on here so infuriantingly literal!?!?
albert velthuijsen
34 Posted 27/09/2007 at 16:46:21
34 Posted 27/09/2007 at 16:46:21
tony hibbert is shite..but what kind of manager are ya to play him almost every game.
John Lloyd
35 Posted 27/09/2007 at 16:45:31
35 Posted 27/09/2007 at 16:45:31
Just to add on, if you have any doubts get your hands on some footage of the 1st half from last night. Some ming from the championship (Wade Small) according to some lad in front absolutely raped him on a number of occasions. I also wanna say that I am not asking for Hibbert to be shot or even sold but he should never be first choice. I would imagine him to be fantastic for the squad and to come in if Nev was injured during course of season. But over the course of the season Moyes should get some ideas of who to bring in as a first choice right back.
Shaun Ashton
36 Posted 27/09/2007 at 17:01:43
36 Posted 27/09/2007 at 17:01:43
Dave Roberts, I dont hate him as a person I hate his footballing abilities, I cant physicaly watch everytime he gets the ball, what sort of entertainment is this?
George, Tony Hibbert started off as a central midfielder, they obviously moved him into defence once they understood he cant pass he can just hoof, which only worked when Ferguson was upfront, now Ferguson isn’t he looks even worse.
George, Tony Hibbert started off as a central midfielder, they obviously moved him into defence once they understood he cant pass he can just hoof, which only worked when Ferguson was upfront, now Ferguson isn’t he looks even worse.
Shaun Ashton
37 Posted 27/09/2007 at 17:13:20
37 Posted 27/09/2007 at 17:13:20
Let me apologise for my last comment where I said which only worked when Ferguson was upfront, I correct myself and say it never worked, even though it made Hibbert look slighly better.
Terry marsbar
38 Posted 27/09/2007 at 17:48:07
38 Posted 27/09/2007 at 17:48:07
Again..what nick E. said
seany blue
39 Posted 27/09/2007 at 17:47:44
39 Posted 27/09/2007 at 17:47:44
hibbo is probly the worst right back in the league!!! however surely if the manager says to the player to pass the ball on the deck or be subbed he would obey???? he must be told by mr moyes to punt the ball in the corner for a.j to chase!! oh and by the way when was the last time you seen a quality defender produced by the academy??? is this a bigger problem??? true blue
Anthony Osullivan
40 Posted 27/09/2007 at 18:19:21
40 Posted 27/09/2007 at 18:19:21
It comes down to a choice between our right backs
Hibbert : can tackle, cant pass/cross
Neville : cant tackle can cross cant pass
Jags : cant tackle can pass and can cross .
So do we want a defender that can defend or attack .
Hibbert : can tackle, cant pass/cross
Neville : cant tackle can cross cant pass
Jags : cant tackle can pass and can cross .
So do we want a defender that can defend or attack .
jk
41 Posted 27/09/2007 at 18:24:46
41 Posted 27/09/2007 at 18:24:46
although i agree with Lee,fuck me,Yobo can be just as dodgy at times
Mick simpson
42 Posted 27/09/2007 at 19:37:32
42 Posted 27/09/2007 at 19:37:32
Its about getting the right balance and keeping the right shape, even average players can look good in a side with the right balance and playing with confidence. I remember a few players in the succesful teams of the 80s, paul power and wikinson come to mind, they looked quite good players playing in a succesful and well balanced side. Would they have looked as good in Howard Kendalls early days when we was piss poor remember the coventry game. I think if we can get the balance right in the wide positions, whipping balls in Yakubu and Johnson will hurt most defences.
Brian Donnelly
43 Posted 27/09/2007 at 21:28:00
43 Posted 27/09/2007 at 21:28:00
The main culprits defensively have been Lesccott & Yobo.
The first 3 goals conceded this season where more to do with Lescott than Hibbert.
Watford ? Lescott too far forward ? a big gap where he should have been at left back.
Spurs ? Lesott no challenge on Gardner.
Reading ? Lescott to busy talking to Valente and thus completely out of position when the throw-in came across for their goal. If he had been in the right position he would have cut out the throw-in.
Villa ? Yobo for both goals.
Metalist ? Yobos poor clearence.
Admittedly Hibbert could have done better when trying to retrieve the situation on some of these goals, but to put all the blame on him is ridiculous.
He is shite going forward and Neville should be playing at right back, but some of the criticism is OTT.
The first 3 goals conceded this season where more to do with Lescott than Hibbert.
Watford ? Lescott too far forward ? a big gap where he should have been at left back.
Spurs ? Lesott no challenge on Gardner.
Reading ? Lescott to busy talking to Valente and thus completely out of position when the throw-in came across for their goal. If he had been in the right position he would have cut out the throw-in.
Villa ? Yobo for both goals.
Metalist ? Yobos poor clearence.
Admittedly Hibbert could have done better when trying to retrieve the situation on some of these goals, but to put all the blame on him is ridiculous.
He is shite going forward and Neville should be playing at right back, but some of the criticism is OTT.
Anthony Jaras
44 Posted 27/09/2007 at 22:13:14
44 Posted 27/09/2007 at 22:13:14
So when did we play Watford this season?
Brian Donnelly
45 Posted 27/09/2007 at 22:38:27
45 Posted 27/09/2007 at 22:38:27
Anthony, well spotted. I meant Wigan.
Anthony Jaras
46 Posted 27/09/2007 at 22:41:21
46 Posted 27/09/2007 at 22:41:21
Ha Ha thought you did pal.
jason burrows
47 Posted 27/09/2007 at 23:55:24
47 Posted 27/09/2007 at 23:55:24
i dont hate hibbert but i feel that evertyone in the world other than moyes knows that neville is better in that postion. I would keep him as a squad player, he’s a true blue but just not good enough
Dick Fearon
48 Posted 27/09/2007 at 23:12:25
48 Posted 27/09/2007 at 23:12:25
I challenge the 'experts' to name one attacking winger/midfielder who had a good game against Hibbert. If I could choose between Hibbert or Neville when faced with the blistering pace of a Ronaldo I know who I prefer. Going forward he may not be a good passer but he is as good or better than most fullbacks at defending.
Our midfield, who should be the creative ones, have been guilty of far more crap passing. Even the great Arteta has his share of bad days days. On many occasions he cannot kick a dead ball over the head of first defenders. Having hounded out Beattie and momentarilly forced to back off McFadden, some people desperately in need something to pick on have decided that Hibbert is flavour of the month. Most of the greatest players to wear the royal blue have suffered from similar-minded critics so Tony is in good company
Ged Dwyer
49 Posted 28/09/2007 at 09:55:27
49 Posted 28/09/2007 at 09:55:27
I'm going to ignore the real problems of the team and I'm going to pick on Hibbert instead. I'm going to ignore the managers failings and pick on Hibbert. I'm going to ignore the fact that it is the midfield that has been the cause of the recent poor performances and pick on Hibbert. I'm going to ignore the fact that most of our midfielders in the last few games couldn't make a simple pass and pick on Hibbert. I'm going to ignore some great games he's had in the past and pick on Hibbert. I'm going to ignore all his last ditch challenges that keep us in matches and pick on Hibbert. I'm going to ignore that it might be the managers tactics and lack of movement in front of him that causes his poor distribution and pick on Hibbert. I'm going to ignore that he was once touted for England and gives 100% in every game and pick on Hibbert. I don't have the balls to pick on the real problem so I'll pick on Hibbert. I say leave the manager alone, get behind the team and pick on Hibbert. So come on all you blinkered bullies lets all pick on Hibbert. You know we love to have a scapegoat !
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1 Posted 27/09/2007 at 13:01:42
As much as we need extra bodies and I've nothing against these two personally, I think the fates have smiled on us with the above news on the official site. Moysies hand may be forced into playing a squad with the ToffeeWeb seal of approval.