Ben Harding

[tomogull]

Too similar in style, position and intent perhaps. Against Northampton both were ineffective for the first hour, and when we got going, I think Harding was more involved than Mansell. However, comments would suggest this has been Harding's best performance, which is not encouraging.

What I was trying to suggest is that our midfield does not need another player who plays a similar game to Mansell. We need someone to complement his game, whether playing deeper or more advanced, or perhaps both.

Yes - that sums up the situation perfectly, Faversham.

[Alpine Joe]

When I saw the title, I assumed it was a thread wishing him a Happy Birthday. The slagging off could have at least been postponed till tomorrow

[FavGull]

When I saw the title, I assumed it was a thread wishing him a Happy Birthday. The slagging off could have at least been postponed till tomorrow

Good shout - Happy birthday Ben!

[Dave]

As a fans group, we very quick to judge and completely dissmiss Brian Saah, as one of the worst signings in the clubs history, he came, won fans over, In the end we were dissappointed to see him go.

All I say is, right now, yes Harding has been dissappointing, however do not be to quick to write him off, does have a pedigree behind him, has played in succsessful teams, could yet come good given the chance.

[PlainmoorRoar]

Better than Mansell, IMO.

obviously you haven't seen any games this season

[Rjc70]

obviously you haven't seen any games this season

I have. Lathrope and Harding are the best options for Knill's set up at the moment until we get a bit of movement out on loan and some movement in. Harding is a scapegoat for a less expansive philosophy in the middle of the park. He has adapted to it better than Manse ever will, already. If you were to stick a Labadie or a Mozika next to Harding (or Lathrope) it would be a better combination than any realistic option that included Manse, loyal servant and honest battler though he is. Mansell won't get dropped in the too foreseeable I wouldn't have thought, so you needn't worry too much PlainmoorRoar.

A happy birthday from me, too.

[Alpine Joe]

tomogull

He was on a one year contract at Northampton and although he played in most of their games that took them into the play offs, it seems their manager didn't consider him worthy of another contract.

I've no particular desire to defend Knill or his signings as I remain firmly in the Ling camp, but over eagerness to paint Ben Harding in the worst possible light seems to be leading some to twist the facts. If it's true that Northampton's Manager didn't consider Harding worthy of a contract, it does seem a bit stupid to have offered him one.

'Guttridge and Harding were both offered new contracts, but neither party were able to come to an agreement and they have now left.
“We made both players offers at the end of last season, but both feel the offers are not what they are looking for and we fully respect that,” said Cobblers boss Boothroyd'.

http://www.northampton-news-hp.co.uk/Sp ... 125142.htm

Northampton may well be thrilled to have got rid of Harding, but with him they reached the play-off final, and without him they're currently third from bottom.

[FavGull]

I have. Lathrope and Harding are the best options for Knill's set up at the moment until we get a bit of movement out on loan and some movement in. Harding is a scapegoat for a less expansive philosophy in the middle of the park. He has adapted to it better than Manse ever will, already. If you were to stick a Labadie or a Mozika next to Harding (or Lathrope) it would be a better combination than any realistic option that included Manse, loyal servant and honest battler though he is. Mansell won't get dropped in the too foreseeable I wouldn't have thought, so you needn't worry too much PlainmoorRoar.

A happy birthday from me, too.

I don't entirely disagree with this sentiment, and haven't seen enough to form a definite opinion. There will be those who will want to stick with Mansell through thick and thin, regardless of what performances show. The problem is a good number of people on here whose opinions are well respected are so far underwhelmed by Harding, and in comparison with Mansell also. I say so far as Harding, and the partnership still warrants more time (in my opinion).

[tomogull]

(RJC quote) I have. Lathrope and Harding are the best options for Knill's set up at the moment until we get a bit of movement out on loan and some movement in. Harding is a scapegoat for a less expansive philosophy in the middle of the park. He has adapted to it better than Manse ever will, already. If you were to stick a Labadie or a Mozika next to Harding (or Lathrope) it would be a better combination than any realistic option that included Manse, loyal servant and honest battler though he is. Mansell won't get dropped in the too foreseeable I wouldn't have thought, so you needn't worry too much PlainmoorRoar.

A happy birthday from me, too.[/quote]

I don't entirely disagree with this sentiment, and haven't seen enough to form a definite opinion. There will be those who will want to stick with Mansell through thick and thin, regardless of what performances show. The problem is a good number of people on here whose opinions are well respected are so far underwhelmed by Harding, and in comparison with Mansell also. I say so far as Harding, and the partnership still warrants more time (in my opinion).[/quote]

tomogull I've no particular desire to defend Knill or his signings as I remain firmly in the Ling camp, but over eagerness to paint Ben Harding in the worst possible light seems to be leading some to twist the facts. If it's true that Northampton's Manager didn't consider Harding worthy of a contract, it does seem a bit stupid to have offered him one.

'Guttridge and Harding were both offered new contracts, but neither party were able to come to an agreement and they have now left.
“We made both players offers at the end of last season, but both feel the offers are not what they are looking for and we fully respect that,” said Cobblers boss Boothroyd'.

http://www.northampton-news-hp.co.uk/Sp ... 125142.htm

Northampton may well be thrilled to have got rid of Harding, but with him they reached the play-off final, and without him they're currently third from bottom.

Ah - I jumped to conclusions - thanks for putting me straight, Alp Joe ! All I can say is that obviously managers see more about him than most of us fans do. I sincerely hope that as someone else posted, he wins fans around as Brian Saah did. As for Nothampton's position in the league, they have also lost Akinfenwa who scored over 30 goals for them in two seasons.

RJC lost me with his 'less expansive philosophy in the middle of the park' theory. If this means less tackling, less effort, less defending - Harding is the perfect player for this new-fangled philosophy.

[Rjc70]

RJC lost me with his 'less expansive philosophy in the middle of the park' theory. If this means less tackling, less effort, less defending - Harding is the perfect player for this new-fangled philosophy.

I see you left flair and creativity out of the description. I reckon you get it more than you're letting on.

Glad to hear that most are keen to give things a bit more time rather than consigning a proven League 2 player to the dustbin of terrace twaddle too soon. Not Manse. Harding.

[Dutchgull]

Too may people on this forum are too quick to judge a player. Hey lets jump on the bandwagon player xyz is crap .
Regardless of what that player may have been told to do by the manager . What that player is best at and what that player can add to the team once he knows what is around him !!

[Fonda]

The problem for Harding, and the reason he's become a target for criticism is that he plays in a position wherever have a degree of competition for places. Tonge hasn't been spectacular either, but there's little point mentioning that because he is our only natural RB. Can't be denied though, Harding is struggling to make an impact. He's never going to be eye-catching, but he's so far struggled to stamp any authority. He's not made a crucial pass, barely made a tackle and I've not seen a shot on target. Perhaps he is just too similar to Manse for that partnership to work. Neither really provides a spark. Hopefully he'll come good in time...

[SBP]

It's way too early to write Harding off(happy birthday by the way). Some of the comments imo are completely unfair. I agree that he has yet to deliver a top performance but there are many others factors to consider. We have to give him more time.
Many are quick to jump at Hardings performances but what about Mansell?
We have had a problem in midfield for the last few seasons. Craig Stanley shored things up a couple of seasons ago and Joss Labadie came in and did an excellent job at the end of last season.
I spoke to one of the players this week and asked why he thought Nathan Craig was not being given a chance. Answer given , " no idea, i think AK just doesnt trust him in there at the moment".
Lee Mansell is a great servant for the club and i will never doubt his commitment, however i think he is not up to it in midfield. He is basically a runner! His passing and creativeness has been non existent.

[brucie]

Bodin must be glad that we signed Harding as he is the new whipping boy. Cannot really understand why Harding is getting so much stick. Cameron is a headless chicken. Knills two first choice strikers cannot score and Tonge has been average.
Only Pearce and Chapple can be deemed anything half decent at present.
Craig or Lathrope would not improve this team one jot - it is insanity.
On the subject of insanity losing Bodin to Wales under 21 team every five minutes is a pain in the arse.
Lets face it Wales should jack in playing football and stick to playing rugby. Their u21 team wouldn't beat Bideford and as for losing to San Marino- well thats a joke. Bodin got 8 minutes last night - total waste of time.

[tomogull]

What Andy is good at is lobbing in a grenade of a topic and standing back to wait for the Forum to explode. He's certainly hit the target this time !

It is out of character for me to criticise players (believe it or not !) but when I pays my money at the turnstile I expect to see commitment and effort. If I do, I'm happy, although I'm even happier if we win. In the three home league games I have attended, in my opinion there has been no commitment shown by Harding. And that's what is raising my ire. It's difficult to remember the last player in a yellow shirt who didn't show commitment - maybe Tony Bedeau in his final season. I won't be making any further comments about Harding unless he 'comes good' in which case I will hold up my hands and agree that those who posted 'he needs more time to settle in' were right. In the meantime, he is in about 18th place on my list for Player of the Season. Marginally ahead of Michael Poke who hasn't played yet.