Not sure what that has got to do with the original point of does Noble deserve credit for the way he has handled Tomkins introduction to the first team.

Do you think going from 1 game in 2008 to 21 in 2009 was good handling of Sam Tomkins regarding his introduction the first team?



Given the form he is in and given the alternative options, if Noble rests him now with so few fixtures left I think he would want his head testing.

Despite being thrown in at the deep end he has coped very well. He is also (or soon will be, can't remember) 20 not a young 18 year old and we need to be playing the players in form to try and get 4th and do well in the cup. Noble's options to rest players went out of the window a while back as we need to win most if not all of our remaining games and he needs his best side for that which includes Sam Tomkins.

With the semi coming up it will be interesting to see if any players are rested not just Tomkins. League points-wise we can't afford to lose matches so I'd expect to see a strong side out there.

Dave

its a mental attitude. When a team loses a major player or go through certain situation, it can see them go one of two ways, either depitulate and be clueless or rejuvenised.

Everton when they lost rooney is a good example. The media and fans often write off their chances, questioning the team etc, they finished 4th the year after having there best season since the 80's. These instances not only makes the remaining team have nothing to lose, but also often makes the players sit up and want to prove a point, getting that extra bit out of themselves during games. It often brings a team together, when an bad experience happens. Players feel they are sharing the brunt and often become closer and work better as a team.

its not uncommon in sport and it is mostly down to psychology.
Lets hope it continues to the end of the season.

Teams can become reliant on certain players.

Far too often during games we just plugged the ball down the left hand side and onto hock. Now that hock isn't there our play is spread out that much more, which makes us much less predictable as well as bringing Roberts and Gleeson into the game more.

As for smith, i just think he didnt suit us and we didn't suit him. He didn't have the solid defensive base around him to allow him to do his thing.

If smith was put into leeds/saints team he'd be up there with the best in the league.

I understand what your saying DaveO about 1 game season to 21 game season with Sam T - but haven't we all been saying this about Sam for years - "If your good enough your old enough"?

FWIW I don't think it's been terrific handling but what choice did BN have sometimes? When Smith was playing awfully he had to put Sam T or he'd be crucified - then Smith get's injured - step up Sam T again.

Who else would there be to play there? Phelps? Gleeson? That would involve a complicated squad rotation when with Sam waiting in the wings, there is very little need for it.

oh leytheres we love u

Wrong board.

There is no one else but the myth is that Noble would bring players on gradually while the reality is as your post illustrates that he reacts to events rather than adopting a planned introduction of the players.

Yes his hand has been forced this season but if he had given Sam T some runs out last season then it would not be 1 v 21 would it?

Ainscough has played 11 games all at the start of the season and again that selection was forced on Noble. Now Richards and Roberts are there do you see Noble resting one of them to give him some more experience of a higher standard than the reserves? I don't and the criticism is he never has done this sort of thing. At the moment I don't think he can because having lost 10 games already we can't afford to lose any more but when there have been opportunities in previous seasons instead Noble has chosen to stick with players like Colbon out of position.

Dave

I agree but the one player I think he has done a fairly decent job with is Mossop. He introduced him to SL, realised he need's more higher level experience and sent him out to Barrow and Huds and he's come back alot better player for it.

It's Darrell Goulding I really feel has been brought on poorly by Noble - this lad has bags of potential but BN hasn't been able to get at it through his handling of the lad.



No your right there - but having said that we had Trent last year. In hindsight it wouldn't of been a bad idea to have ST and TB playing together. Again that's down to Noble.



With Ainscough I'm not convinced he is up to it defensively at SL level. Attacking wise he's fantastic but in defense he's a little iffy. IMO he should be out on loan when his injury heals.