ALF / Armstrong

[bristol_Wanderer3]

So I have just read this article:

https://lionofviennasuite.sbnation.com/ ... sly-wasted

I must say I personally disagree, at times strongly, with pretty much every point this guy is making, but he is a BWFC fan who has taken time to share his opinion, and that has to be a positive thing.

But what is interesting me are these two points that he is stating:

1.) ALF was signed in January (and presumably re-signed in the summer) against Parky's heartfelt wishes, and to appease supporters initially over the loss of Clough. This isn't the first time I have read or heard this, but does anyone know if there is actually any semblance of truth to this?

2.)

Allegedly, we are contractually obliged to play Armstrong so that Newcastle United pay his wages in full, if he doesn't play, we have to pay them. Based on this information, this to me, feels like the only legitimate reason why Armstrong is picked every week.

Do we think this is true? Does anyone have any knowledge of this?

[TANGODANCER]

It seems that every week somebody from the fan ranks has the answer to our problems. If this is the case, why do we need a manager at all? Just let a fan comitee run the training then have a meeting in The Lion of Vienna every Friday over a pint or two, pick the team and away we go. Think of the money we'd save.

[Harry Genshaw]

Just because a rumour is repeated doesn't make it fact.

Parky and Ken have a good working relationship so I just can't see Parky taking ALF if he didn't want him.

I like ALF and I think he's got a role to play but at the moment -Armstrong is improving with each game and gives us another pacy outlet and why the writer would consider dropping Pratley just as we've become a tighter unit is bonkers imo

[BWFC_Insane]

The writer of that piece thinks we can play 4-4-2. The obsession with a system that virtually no team plays anymore is baffling.

We are playing the best system and players we can. ALF simply isn't good enough a player to get into the team in any sort of sensible shape. That really is the long and short of it.

[jetsetwilly]

I thought the same about Burke and Cullen and was clearly wrong. It seems the obvious answer as to why a manager would pick a loan player who is player way out of his depth.
Time will tell, but for me, Armstrong is a very poor option and will no doubt be leading the line for someone like Hartlepool in the next few years. For a player attached to a Premier League team, his touch is shocking. Pace is only useful if you can control the ball.

[BWFC_Insane]

I thought the same about Burke and Cullen and was clearly wrong. It seems the obvious answer as to why a manager would pick a loan player who is player way out of his depth.
Time will tell, but for me, Armstrong is a very poor option and will no doubt be leading the line for someone like Hartlepool in the next few years. For a player attached to a Premier League team, his touch is shocking. Pace is only useful if you can control the ball.

He's not great. But Noone hasn't looked great either and Buckley is never fit. Who else can we play on the left?

[jetsetwilly]

Maybe change formation? Playing a formation regardless of the personnel available is the key sign of a poor manager. At least Noone has played at this level, Armstrong is so far off this standard.

[Nicko58]

Maybe change formation? Playing a formation regardless of the personnel available is the key sign of a poor manager. At least Noone has played at this level, Armstrong is so far off this standard.

He's already changed the formation, and we're playing better for it.

[Bruce Rioja]

Armstrong's reminding me very much of Danny Guthrie in that I can't fathom what it is that his game's actually about.

[bristol_Wanderer3]

Phil Parkinson confirms NO agreement in place with Newcastle to pay less wages for Armstrong if he plays certain no of games/mins #bwfc