Pratley

[Little Green Man]

Just for those who can't go regularly, how or why have his recent performances been so much better than the dross from last season?

[BWFC_Insane]

Dougie Freedman.

Next....

[Annoyed Grunt]

He's playing at his level......

[Turkish Trotter]

Championship football compared to Premier league. May be his level.

[Little Green Man]

Dougie Freedman.

Next....

OK, that could very well to be the why. Care to give us the how? (Please don't put 'because he replaced Coyle'.)

And playing at his level can't be the whole reason - he was by all accounts dire against Macclesfield on more than one occasion last season.

Just curious as to the recent upturn.

[Turkish Trotter]

How about playing regularly, never really got a few games together 'til Freedman came.

[LeverEnd]

How about playing regularly, never really got a few games together 'til Freedman came.

General positivity about the place? training sessions that get the best out of him? His game is based a lot on fitness and there's no doubt that Dougie's more on the ball than Coyle with that.

[SmokinFrazier]

He's just little more than a hard tryer at a better level. There's a reason why Swansea didn't want him for the Premier League, despite him playing 40 odd times in the Championship, including the play-off final.

I like him though, but he's not skilled enough for the Premier League. He never will be a regular up there.

[thebish]

He's just little more than a hard tryer at a better level. There's a reason why Swansea didn't want him for the Premier League, despite him playing 40 odd times in the Championship, including the play-off final.

I like him though, but he's not skilled enough for the Premier League. He never will be a regular up there.

who knows - maybe he'll grow and develop.

[Bijou Bob]

Up until recently, the lad has never had a settled run of games and has played in a veriety of roles. Personally, I don't think we've had much chance to assess how good or poor he is, but recently, given a run in a settled position, he's done really well.

He's a good utility player for us and is happy to work for the team. His work rate is great and he rarely gives the ball away. For me, he deserves more credit than the tosser who sits at the side of me ever gives him.

[BS3]

He's not playing as well as he would under Sean Dyche, let alone Mick McCarthy.

[Jez]

He's a real workhorse these days. puts the effort in, looks for the ball, runs forever. He's probably the fittest in the squad right now. One of those players that what they lack in ability they make up for in determination and attitude. perfect player for a team like ours that needs to get over a relegation hangover.

[Dave Sutton's barnet]

Something of a metaphor for the resurgence under DF. Shares the manager's determination, adaptability and effort. Glad he's coming to fruition, justifying the faith Coyle showed in signing him.

[jaffka]

Dougie Freedman.

Next....

who signed him?

[Jez]

justifying the faith Coyle showed in signing him.

I do agree with the idea he's been fantastic for us under DF but I still think he was poor signing to make in the prem

[Harry Genshaw]

There was a moment in the 1st half today where he was involved in link up play with Ngog where we created a real goal scoring opportunity. All of a sudden they had counter attacked quickly and suddenly we looked vulnerable. Cur Pratley racing back 60 or 70 yards to put in a tackle and break their move down.

Players with that much fitness, putting in that much effort, wont go far wrong.

[wanderers_on_tour]

I loved his dinky run at the end of the game. Had a touch of the bambi on ice about it but it worked and his cross was semi decent to boot!

[DIPS]

Cracking game for the lad tody. His little bit I skill towards the end was amazing to see. I think because as a team we're a lot more harder to break down and being surrounded by players who work for the team allow him to be more the player he wants. He enjoys going forward and is not required to play a deeper role ala Coyle days.

[Bruce Rioja]

He's not playing as well as he would under Sean Dyche, let alone Mick McCarthy.

[Dave Sutton's barnet]

justifying the faith Coyle showed in signing him.

I do agree with the idea he's been fantastic for us under DF but I still think he was poor signing to make in the prem

Worth the risk, I think: he'd done well for second-tier Swansea in two positions (goalscoring advanced midfielder and deep-lying workhorse) and was on a free. Again, you could have him as a metaphor for underachievement under Coyle, but let's not go back there, let's just enjoy the moment... (raises glass)