Jonathan Greening

[TonyGilroy]

I don't think he's received the appreciation he deserves.

The results with him in the side have been significantly better than when he's left out.

Last night he played wide left and we saw constant endeavour and nous from him. Crosses, attempts on goal and potential assists.

This was one of the few games when he's had an attacking remit but still we saw the midfield shielding and tackling. When playing in front of the defence he's stayed disciplined. Presumably playing to instructions whatever they might be.

A good player IMO.

[Hazey]

Agreed.  Seems to be able to slot in and do a job wherever he is asked.

[Tktd]

Tony - do you have any statistics?... Do you have statistics showing the results when he's in the side and when he's not? Win/Draw/Lose!?

Would be interesting to see them!

[TonyGilroy]

Can't be bothered to work it out but he played throughout the period when we climbed to 9th and missed the 5 defeats in a row.

[Scrumpy]

He is fast becoming a favourite of mine. He is very consistent, his tempo is always high (even against the likes of Swindon, when others could not raise their game) and he niggles away at the opposition forcing them to make mistakes.

Personally, I think he should keep his place.

[dannydog]

He is in my opinion a very cultured footballer , you are right we were far more successful with him in the side . I am surprised he didn't play on the right last night as he is right footed with Duff on the left , he is also good with set pieces .

[Jimpav]

Adds a bit of aggression to the side. I like him-very tough for a Christian.

[FFCOutpostCommander]

I thought that last night was his best performance to date, even if you exclude the goal. He always looked a bit short of ideas in the middle, but seemed to have lots to offer on the wing. Sure did cover a lot of ground throughout the match. Always a hard worker regardless of the opposition. Like to see more of him.

[OldBrownShoe]

Good player, seems rather under-rated by some. Should keep his place on last night's performance. Have been watching the "Skylights" of the game.

[FC Silver Fox]

Very creative last night. He had a great game and was the best midfielder we had.
Anyone notice he's not Jesus Christ  any more?  It must be the new smooth streamlined look that's making him play better.

[Jimpav]

Very creative last night. He had a great game and was the best midfielder we had.
Anyone notice he's not Jesus Christ  any more?  It must be the new smooth streamlined look that's making him play better.

Are you suggesting a resurrection or a second coming FC/Silver Fox?

[LRCN]

he was good last night, not so much as an attacking threat (although he did get a goal, which isn't bad) BUT his defensive play was really good, made some good tackles and worked hard.

[os5889]

He and Shorey were very balanced, Shorey very attack minded and Greening covering the gap

[The Equalizer]

Greening does like his crosses...   ;)

He died for our sins, he died for our siiiins, Jonathan Greening, he died for our sins....

[dancrawford]

In answer to the questions further up the thread, I did some digging:

http://hammyend.com/?p=5234

[TonyGilroy]

Less difference than I'd have thought but my hunch is that if you limited it to Prem matches where he started and played most of the match, the difference would be greater.

I've no time today but I might look at that over the weekend to see if I'm right.

The Europa League is different. We've seen Riise and Kelly do well in those but unable to impress in League matches.

Greening seems to offer the discipline that Hodgson wants and needs. He does what he's supposed to do and if the entire team does that we tend not to concede and create the odd chance which might be taken.

[TonyGilroy]

One more post and I get to be a reserve.

[dancrawford]

Updated with league stats:

http://hammyend.com/?p=5234

The bottom line is, you were right Tony.

Right, got to get on with some work now ;) ...

[TonyGilroy]

Updated with league stats:

http://hammyend.com/?p=5234

The bottom line is, you were right Tony.

Right, got to get on with some work now ;) ...

Thanks.

Worth spelling out.

With Greening 22 points from 14 games = 1.57 points per match

Without its 8 points from 10 games = 0.8 points per game.

Over a season that would be 60 points or 30 - The difference between European qualification and relegation.

[richie17]

http://cravencottagenewsround.wordpress.com/2010/02/05/greening-neither-a-problem-nor-a-solution/

think we might be overstating his impact slightly.  In short, we've overachieved with him and without him - he has played in some of the games we would be expected to win...