Formal Apology to Nick Fosdike

[TheHood]

I wrote on here a few times that I was confused by what I thought to be a lack of application from Fossy throughout 2003. I was confused because he had a superb 2002.

My critical entries were tacking onto the back of threads dedication having Fossy traded which I thought were harsh.

I am happy to report that I am no longer confused because after viewing hours of Swans 2003 games (thanks Fox Footy), I have come to the conclusion that Fossy was not out of form at all. In fact in several games early and late in the season, he had terrific form.

Nic's a very competent receiver and he delivered into 50 pretty well each time he got the chance.

So Nic if you have ever wasted a good hour of your life and you caught those negative threads on RWO, apologies from me!

Are there any other critics who have changed their minds about Nic or is there still a negative sentiment about?

[monopoly19]

Re: Formal Apology to Nick Fosdike

Nice sentiment, but if you're trying to make amends, you could at least spell his name correctly. It's Nic Fosdike.

I think he has loads of ability, and hopefully will develop further over the next few years. Good, atm, but not great.

[Charlie]

Nic played better last year than in 2002. He actually wasn't that bad, but he suffers from the fact that we probably expect more from him than he'll ever give us. I know that I always held hopes of him being a front-line midfielder, but he's probably never going to be that. He's servicable, not a star.

Now, there's places for those players in the team, and players like Mathews and Crouch fill them. The reason they generally aren't bagged for it, and Fosdike is, is because Fosdike was expected to be a star.

Having said all that, Fosdike can still improve, and he'll need to if he intends to still be playing at 30. But that's the way it is for 'servicable' players.

Are these sentiments negative? I think not. I've been negative to him in the past, I'll admit. But I think that positive or negative, this is simply the situation with Fosdike. So be it.

[CureTheSane]

Still needs to step up IMO.

[BayesysLeftBoot]

I have to admit that I have been a bit critical of Nic, mainly because of high expectations, but I think he had a pretty good season overall.

One of the reasons he'll never be a superstar is that he lacks the physical and athletic qualities of a lot of the better midfielders, however he makes up for this with good disposal and a great football brain. IMO He's one of the smartest players we have.

Also he's the sort of player who can rack up a few possesions without being noticed like a Bolton or Maxfield. The way he gathers and disposes of the ball are of the effective and efficient, rather than the dynamic or exiting style.

[liz]

Originally posted by BayseysLeftBoot
...(Fosdike) lacks the physical and athletic qualities of a lot of the better midfielders...

Physical attributes maybe, but surely not athletic qualities. Surely he's right at the top of the Swan's list in terms of endurance and he's no slouch speed wise either.

[Ajn]

Prefer him to bulk up a bit a break a tackle or two, but has pace. It would be nice to see him trust himself enough to use it. Rarely takes more than 5 steps, not sure if he can bounce the ball???

A long run down the wing on the link up for a goal... now that's what we'd like to see.

[Tooth Fairy]

Originally posted by Ajn
. Rarely takes more than 5 steps, not sure if he can bounce the ball???

Maybe he should talk to Leo Barry

[jixygirl]

Originally posted by Tooth Fairy
Maybe he should talk to Leo Barry

The master of bouncing the ball from out of the defencive 50

Also, its great to see TheHood apoligising when he has changed his mind about a players performance. Nic Fosdike had a solid season last year.

[BAM_BAM]

Originally posted by Ajn

A long run down the wing on the link up for a goal... now that's what we'd like to see.

you obviously missed the replay of the Bulldogs game on Fox the other night. He did exactly what you've suggested here. (4th qtr I think).