Griffiths - Scotland

[Diclonius]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/37675657

Strachan says Griffiths is too small to play up front for Scotland. Apparently no-scoring target men are better because they "defend set pieces".

A perfect example of why we are so backwards as a footballing nation.

[J-C]

This quote is hidden because you are ignoring this member. Show Quote

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/37675657

Strachan says Griffiths is too small to play up front for Scotland. Apparently no-scoring target men are better because they "defend set pieces".

A perfect example of why we are so backwards as a footballing nation.

And this why Strachan needs punted asap, going back to the dark ages with his tactics and also annoys the hell out of me when he tries to be the cheeky smart arsed get that he is.

[Bostonhibby]

This quote is hidden because you are ignoring this member. Show Quote

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/37675657

Strachan says Griffiths is too small to play up front for Scotland. Apparently no-scoring target men are better because they "defend set pieces".

A perfect example of why we are so backwards as a footballing nation.

Wow, so not playing Griffiths and sticking with the guys we have is why we're doing so well.

Hope he gets the the rangers job after Scotland sack him.

Sent from my HTC One mini 2 using Tapatalk

[Smartie]

There's a lot of talk of the lack of talent we have in this country but I simply cannot fathom how we cannot produce a manager who understands the role of a "striker" in a team.

[Since90+2]

To a certain extend he is right as Griffiths will never play at the very top level as he lacks the athleticism that is required but he is without doubt the best option Scotland have at the moment.

[cabbageandribs1875]

and two strikers with a combined transfer worth of 21 million sitting in their houses watching the TV instead of being in the squad

[Smartie]

This quote is hidden because you are ignoring this member. Show Quote

To a certain extend he is right as Griffiths will never play at the very top level as he lacks the athleticism that is required but he is without doubt the best option Scotland have at the moment.

What exactly do you mean by athleticism?

He's not as big as Chris Martin, that's for sure.

But he's quick enough, mobile enough and I thought he did a great job at time for us when he was virtually a one man strike force - he had athleticism enough to do that for us when he was younger, less well developed and more inexperienced.

I find it strange that Strachan is not picking a player based on height. Was Strachan not rejected by Hibs for being too wee? He ended up having a decent enough career.

Scotland improved as soon as Griffiths entered the field and that was the most telling thing that night.

Ok, maybe leave him out if you're trying to scrape a point away to a big Italy side or the likes but we should be picking our best and most in-form forward against Slovakia and Lithuania.

What is it about the Czech Republic and Slovakia that has Scotland managers crapping themselves about playing a striker or a smallish striker?

[Brightside]

This quote is hidden because you are ignoring this member. Show Quote

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/37675657

Strachan says Griffiths is too small to play up front for Scotland. Apparently no-scoring target men are better because they "defend set pieces".

A perfect example of why we are so backwards as a footballing nation.

We play one up top...Wee Gordo wants that one to come back and defend at set pieces? He's a plum. Also why does Bannan and Anya get a game then? We need to remove all these "coaches" from the game.

[Brightside]

This quote is hidden because you are ignoring this member. Show Quote

What exactly do you mean by athleticism?

He's not as big as Chris Martin, that's for sure.

But he's quick enough, mobile enough and I thought he did a great job at time for us when he was virtually a one man strike force - he had athleticism enough to do that for us when he was younger, less well developed and more inexperienced.

I find it strange that Strachan is not picking a player based on height. Was Strachan not rejected by Hibs for being too wee? He ended up having a decent enough career.

Scotland improved as soon as Griffiths entered the field and that was the most telling thing that night.

Ok, maybe leave him out if you're trying to scrape a point away to a big Italy side or the likes but we should be picking our best and most in-form forward against Slovakia and Lithuania.

What is it about the Czech Republic and Slovakia that has Scotland managers crapping themselves about playing a striker or a smallish striker?

His movement is better than any other striker scotland has. play the ball into channels for him and he will create and take chances.

[Highland_Hibee]

Messi and Iniesta would be stacking shelves in ASDA if they were Scottish. Sorry lads you've no got the build for the game.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Since90+2]

This quote is hidden because you are ignoring this member. Show Quote

What exactly do you mean by athleticism?

He's not as big as Chris Martin, that's for sure.

But he's quick enough, mobile enough and I thought he did a great job at time for us when he was virtually a one man strike force - he had athleticism enough to do that for us when he was younger, less well developed and more inexperienced.

I find it strange that Strachan is not picking a player based on height. Was Strachan not rejected by Hibs for being too wee? He ended up having a decent enough career.

Scotland improved as soon as Griffiths entered the field and that was the most telling thing that night.

Ok, maybe leave him out if you're trying to scrape a point away to a big Italy side or the likes but we should be picking our best and most in-form forward against Slovakia and Lithuania.

What is it about the Czech Republic and Slovakia that has Scotland managers crapping themselves about playing a striker or a smallish striker?

Pace that is required at the very top level , upper body strength and an overall lack of supreme fitness required to be an elite level player.

Leigh is a very good player and as I mentioned in my first post Scotland's best option at the moment but there is a reason he is at Celtic and not a top 6 English side or a big European club. That reason IMO is he lacks the athleticism required at the very top level as it's not his lack of technical ability.

[son of haggart]

Gerd Muller, Michael Owen, Kevin Keegan, Don't remember them getting back for corners much....

Much though I like Griffiths as much as you guys liked John Robertson I'd have him one of the first names on the teamsheet

[bingo70]

I always thought Griffiths was quite good in the air?

[matty_f]

I genuinely think a manager needs punted if that's the extent of their tactical thinking. How about forgetting about shoe-horning a big huddy that can't score goals, can't lead the line very well, but is a bit big, and start playing the best players we've got in the role that they're good at?

Griffiths has scored goals in Europe, is getting Champions League experience, bangs in the goals for Celtc (as he did for us) - Strachan's lost the plot if he looks past that to play some huddie from the Championship in England because he's a bit more physical.

[Lago]

This quote is hidden because you are ignoring this member. Show Quote

And this why Strachan needs punted asap, going back to the dark ages with his tactics and also annoys the hell out of me when he tries to be the cheeky smart arsed get that he is.

[Oscar T Grouch]

He doesn't pick the best scoring striker on form (40 goals last season and a fare few this one so far) for the national team because he's too small to defend set pieces?!!!?!?!! Really, he actually said that?!? WTAF?!? If he is picking strikers on their ability to defend he should be nowhere near the National team, never mind being the head coach. SMH.

[CorrieHibs]

Griffths for me is our best striker. His scoring record speaks for itself.

He can create something from nothing and can be deadly with a free kick within range.

Scotland aren't the tallest team anyway so no idea why chesney is saying this about griffths.

[Iain G]

This quote is hidden because you are ignoring this member. Show Quote

He doesn't pick the best scoring striker on form (40 goals last season and a fare few this one so far) for the national team because he's too small to defend set pieces?!!!?!?!! Really, he actually said that?!? WTAF?!? If he is picking strikers on their ability to defend he should be nowhere near the National team, never mind being the head coach. SMH.

Does this also explain why McCormack and Naismith don't get a look in?

Some height stats:

Strachan : 1.68m
Griffiths : 1.73 m
McCormack : 1.75m
Naismith : 1.78m
Rhodes : 1.85m
Fletcher : 1.86m
Martin : Big Huddie

Food for thought?

Of course we could just play Leigh up front with one of the bigger laddies, you know, like 2 forwards, or is that a bit radical? ;)

[green&left]

This quote is hidden because you are ignoring this member. Show Quote

Pace that is required at the very top level , upper body strength and an overall lack of supreme fitness required to be an elite level player.

Leigh is a very good player and as I mentioned in my first post Scotland's best option at the moment but there is a reason he is at Celtic and not a top 6 English side or a big European club. That reason IMO is he lacks the athleticism required at the very top level as it's not his lack of technical ability.

Del Piero was 5ft 8 and weighed under 12 stone. One of the most prolific goalscorers of this generation. By no means making a comparison of the 2 but its a backwards British mentality that you've got to have the legs of an Olympic sprinter, upper body strength of a heavyweight boxer and the stamina of a marathon runner to be a top level player.

[Waxy]

This quote is hidden because you are ignoring this member. Show Quote

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/37675657

Strachan says Griffiths is too small to play up front for Scotland. Apparently no-scoring target men are better because they "defend set pieces".

A perfect example of why we are so backwards as a footballing nation.

Stop trying high balls then. It's called football.

[Bostonhibby]

This quote is hidden because you are ignoring this member. Show Quote

Does this also explain why McCormack and Naismith don't get a look in?

Some height stats:

Strachan : 1.68m
Griffiths : 1.73 m
McCormack : 1.75m
Naismith : 1.78m
Rhodes : 1.85m
Fletcher : 1.86m
Martin : Big Huddie

Food for thought?

Of course we could just play Leigh up front with one of the bigger laddies, you know, like 2 forwards, or is that a bit radical? ;)

Interesting, he's been taking advice from potter on the back of the yams current "success".

Launch it. 6ft plus and you're a footballer.

Sent from my HTC One mini 2 using Tapatalk

[Since90+2]

This quote is hidden because you are ignoring this member. Show Quote

Del Piero was 5ft 8 and weighed under 12 stone. One of the most prolific goalscorers of this generation. By no means making a comparison of the 2 but its a backwards British mentality that you've got to have the legs of an Olympic sprinter, upper body strength of a heavyweight boxer and the stamina of a marathon runner to be a top level player.

From my memory of Del Piero he was immensely strong for his size (similar to Messi ) and rarely ever was eased off the ball.

Not really sure it's only the British mentality that says you need to be a superb athlete to play at the elite level. The top nations all have players who are phenomenal athletes as well as being technically brilliant.

The fact that they combine both is the reason they as so successful.

[Jack Hackett]

He's beginning to remind me of the previous incumbent. Shades of Jordan Rhodes being 'too young' at 22 to play at international level.

[nellio]

Feel sorry for you Scots with that sort of prehistoric thinking running your national team. Shocking comments to make when you look how football has changed with false 9's etc playing up top these days.

Look at Goetze influenced the world cup final when he came on as a false 9 a few years ago. Greizmann regularly playing up top for Athletico etc.

[Brizo]

Ive always wondered if there isnt a bit of snobbery towards Leigh from Strachan. That maybe sounds odd given Strachans upbringing but his comments about players with tattoos , headphones and daft haircuts (Leigh obviously doesnt have that last problem ). I just wonder if it isnt personal from Strachan ? Obviously Strachan cant come out and say anything of that nature and instead has to spout some nonsense to justify his non-selection of Griffiths.

Just my thoughts but given the above mentioned comments and stuff he came out with previously about devil dogs etc it wouldnt surprise me if Strachans got some stereotyped view of Leigh that nothing he does on the park will change. At least Griffiths can take some comfort from the fact that this time next month Strachan probably wont be picking the team.

[Smartie]

This quote is hidden because you are ignoring this member. Show Quote

Feel sorry for you Scots with that sort of prehistoric thinking running your national team. Shocking comments to make when you look how football has changed with false 9's etc playing up top these days.

Look at Goetze influenced the world cup final when he came on as a false 9 a few years ago. Greizmann regularly playing up top for Athletico etc.

It's really depressing. It's not as if it's reflective of a national football psyche either, unfortunately it seems that it is restricted to whoever is in charge of the national side at that time.

Whilst we don't have the obvious quality that you have in players like Bale and Ramsey, it is interesting to see how so many players that we would consider to have "mediocre" credentials similar to our own players' that Wales have made look like naturals at International level.

Whilst we don't have world beaters, we have enough quality that you could see a decent, forward-thinking manager could cobble together a decent unit.

I can't believe the swing in fortunes our respective nations have had in such a short space of time.

[HIBERNIAN-0762]

This quote is hidden because you are ignoring this member. Show Quote

And this why Strachan needs punted asap, going back to the dark ages with his tactics and also annoys the hell out of me when he tries to be the cheeky smart arsed get that he is.

You might no say that when he takes over us from Lennon

[Hibs90]

leigh has now changed his twitter handle to #shorty :

[Keith_M]

This quote is hidden because you are ignoring this member. Show Quote

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/37675657

Strachan says Griffiths is too small to play up front for Scotland. Apparently no-scoring target men are better because they "defend set pieces".

A perfect example of why we are so backwards as a footballing nation.

Lionel Messi:

Height - 5'7"

International Caps: 114

International Goals: 56.

[bingo70]

This quote is hidden because you are ignoring this member. Show Quote

Lionel Messi:

Height - 5'7"

International Caps: 114

International Goals: 56.

***** at defending set pieces though