James Dunne

[Selsey Bill]

Interesting to see him come on for us last night, albeit only for the last 10 minutes or so. I had it on good authority that Paul Cook didn't fancy him (for a couple of reasons) and was going to ship him out. I wonder what has changed his mind?

[rumourmonger]

Thought he looked a bit of the pace last night and got shrugged off the ball on one occasion which would never have happened last season. Hopefully he is feeling his way back to being part of the squad again.

[pompeygunner]

Well tbf I heard he didn't fancy Hollands either but if there are injuries in the defensive midfield then Danny stepping in is a massive bonus as things stand. Never thought I'd say that after last season.

[POLPERO99]

Funny how things work out. I always preferred Atangana last season yet most including AA seemed to like the Dunne + Hollands partnership . Now here we are a year later with Atangana clearly the best of the three . Dunne can play a role somewhere, perhaps full back ? but he will have to step up a level as this is a very different Pompey that pass the ball quickly and positively and that is not Dunnes game.
Sliding in, winning 50-50's and kicking the opposition are all skills needed for when we dont have the ball. I think Cooke looks for players who are comfortable with and keep the ball .

PS - I think Ben Close will figure in the first team soon as he is too good for the reserves.

[Selsey Bill]

Funny how things work out. I always preferred Atangana last season yet most including AA seemed to like the Dunne + Hollands partnership . Now here we are a year later with Atangana clearly the best of the three . Dunne can play a role somewhere, perhaps full back ? but he will have to step up a level as this is a very different Pompey that pass the ball quickly and positively and that is not Dunnes game.
Sliding in, winning 50-50's and kicking the opposition are all skills needed for when we dont have the ball. I think Cooke looks for players who are comfortable with and keep the ball .

PS - I think Ben Close will figure in the first team soon as he is too good for the reserves.

Isn't it just! I'm a big fan of Atangana's too and we follow each other on Twitter so I get to have private conversations with him on occasions. He is the true professional, but he has admitted that he feels so much happier under the leadership/management of Paul Cook, and this is evident from his performances.

Also, isn't it good that Cook has options at a number of key positions, a luxury his recent predecessors never seemed to have.

[POLPERO99]

Yes, Cooke has more options but I also think he has a better eye for players and can bring the best from them .
Next time you chat with NA tell him that when he shoots dont try and take the coating off the ball . Watch Ya Ya Toure , he side foots , almost passes the ball when he shoots.

[Pompey1985]

Danny Holland's will get a start in the league at some point and I don't expect it to be easy to dislodge him. I beleive he will compliment Doyle and with the increased movement around him he'll findba blue shirt more often than not.


Asbfor James Dunne and as much as I like him I'm not sure you need him when your having 60% of the ball most games.

Cook has one style, one preferred formation and one game play regardless of who we are playing (I'm sure details change but you get the just) players at league two can't cope with chopping and changing roles and responsibilities week in week out this is hugely beneficial to the limes of Nige he knows what's expected and its clear. The other major factor is the players are fitter for the past two years I've been saying to anyone that will listen we're in league two, press the opposition they will make mistakes.

[Earl Grey]

Danny Holland's will compliment Doyle.

What? You mean he'll say, "Well done, old chap."......

......or do you mean 'complement'?

[Pompey1985]

Danny Holland's will compliment Doyle.

What? You mean he'll say, "Well done, old chap."......

......or do you mean 'complement'?

He's a nice chap, so probably both!

I'm going to stop posting from my phone on the train in the morning.

[Selsey Bill]

Yes, Cooke has more options but I also think he has a better eye for players and can bring the best from them .
Next time you chat with NA tell him that when he shoots dont try and take the coating off the ball . Watch Ya Ya Toure , he side foots , almost passes the ball when he shoots.

I will. He does have it in his locker:



I was right behind the goal when that pearler went in

[richisbradders]

Yes, Cooke has more options but I also think he has a better eye for players and can bring the best from them .
Next time you chat with NA tell him that when he shoots dont try and take the coating off the ball . Watch Ya Ya Toure , he side foots , almost passes the ball when he shoots.

I will. He does have it in his locker:



I was right behind the goal when that pearler went in

Cracking goal but the questionable technique with his trailing leg off the floor after he hit it. But who am i to judge!