First of all, off the bat, I think you often get a lot of unjust stick for your opinions, which are usually dismissed because they are yours before any real consideration has gone into what you have said.
Then there are other times when you clearly say things that are deliberately provocative to stir the pot.
This seems like 1 of them.
We signed him for a small fee to join Usworth development squad and he must have impressed and progressed enough to be given some time in the 1st team. He is by no means the finished article, but he came into the team and didn't let anyone down, always gave his all and often while being played out of position. He has also proven this summer with u20s to be an often influential player and got a few goals and assists, including the winner in the final.
You state often enough that Dowell, amongst other young players, should be included, but then criticise his inclusion, which I don't understand.
And to emphasise your point, you use a quote that clearly state the qualities he has that give him cause to be included, non of which I would say was hyperbole, and then say it proves he knows nothing about forwards.
Comparing players he's used in other teams in the past proves absolutely nothing. Alex Ferguson signed Cruyff, Bellion, Obertan... even Forlan was a laughing stock until he moved to Spain, and many other players over the years, in different positions who many have criticised time and time again. Nobody gets it right every time, so it's just petty to highlight players who you personally don't rate as proof of some deficiency.
You picked out Pelle and Long and I'm not sure why, as I think they have both been effective, but failed to mention Tadic and Mane.
But the bit I really don't get is this "lumbered us with a load of attacking players who are second rate" statement? Who are all these players?
Aside from the 20 year old prospect he never signed that is.
