Ryan Sweeney

[DFC1974]

Sent off twice in 2 games. Probably not the example we want from the club captain. I don’t think Chic Charnley even managed to achieve this. 
In addition to the 2 sendings off, I think Sweeney has also cost us a few goals this season and is looking a shadow of the player who was pretty solid and reliable last season. 
Is it the system GB has him playing (as @MacSmith has already pointed out)? Is it the pressure of a young goalkeeper behind him? Or is it pressure of being captain? 
For me, when Sweeney returns from his latest suspension, he will be lucky to even be warming the bench let alone wear the captain armband. Can’t remember such a downturn in performances from a Dee player in a very long time. 
Who should wear the captain armband from now?

 

[gblue]

Ashcroft for me

[Ludo*1]

My captain, my captains:

Paul McGowan

Adam Legzdins

Lee Ashcroft

Jordan McGhee

Was quite surprised that Sweeney was given it in the first place. Really liked Sweeney last season but didn't see him as a captain type as he's still quite young. McGhee isn't a lot older but has more of a 'leader' type feel IMO.

[Davedee77]

McGhee shouldn’t be captain. If he isn’t playing centre back he shouldn’t be playing 

[an-dee]

I’d go with McGhee or Legzdins. I think they should both be first choice too at CB and keeper. 

[Cerulean]

I think Sweeney looked better last season as we were on the backfoot more often in the top flight whereas this season we are seeing a lot more of the ball and playing out from the back. 

This also sees us more susceptible to a counter-attack and Ryan is clearly struggling. I still like the big lump but I honestly think we looked a lot more comfortable with Ashcroft/McGhee as a centre-half pairing. 

I wonder if we might see Grayson at CH next week (TNS) as I think he'd be more comfortable playing out from the back. 

[Prince Buster]

3 minutes ago, Cerulean said:

I think Sweeney looked better last season as we were on the backfoot more often in the top flight whereas this season we are seeing a lot more of the ball and playing out from the back. 

This also sees us more susceptible to a counter-attack and Ryan is clearly struggling. I still like the big lump but I honestly think we looked a lot more comfortable with Ashcroft/McGhee as a centre-half pairing. 

I wonder if we might see Grayson at CH next week (TNS) as I think he'd be more comfortable playing out from the back. 

Not sure next week's the time to experiment with a new CH, has to be McGhee IMO.

lose that game and Gary Bowyer might find himself under some fan pressure. I had half expected a young / fringe team to be put out for this game but now I reckon he might need to make sure he puts out a strong enough team to get a decent win - anything less is unthinkable after yesterday.

[Cerulean]

I still think he will mix things up next week PB. He was willing to do so during the LC group stages and I can't see Bowyer treating the Challenge Cup with more respect.

He might see next week as a free hit if he does play a young/fringe/experimental side (lower expectations) as we have three crucial away matches in 8 days the following week.

Either way - Sweeney/Ashcroft at CH and playing out from the back is going to lose us more points than not.

[Reverend Lovejoy]

7 minutes ago, Cerulean said:

I still think he will mix things up next week PB. He was willing to do so during the LC group stages and I can't see Bowyer treating the Challenge Cup with more respect.

He might see next week as a free hit if he does play a young/fringe/experimental side (lower expectations) as we have three crucial away matches in 8 days the following week.

Either way - Sweeney/Ashcroft at CH and playing out from the back is going to lose us more points than not.

I think we'll see those on the fringes getting more minutes, including Sheridan and maybe even a trialist if the competition allows that and I agree with PB that well not see anything too experimental.

I'm sure GB has already indicated that he'll send a strong squad.

[Prince Buster]

20 minutes ago, Cerulean said:

I still think he will mix things up next week PB. He was willing to do so during the LC group stages and I can't see Bowyer treating the Challenge Cup with more respect.

He might see next week as a free hit if he does play a young/fringe/experimental side (lower expectations) as we have three crucial away matches in 8 days the following week.

Either way - Sweeney/Ashcroft at CH and playing out from the back is going to lose us more points than not.

Can see both ways - experimental side carrying massive risk (IMO) or stronger and more experienced team with less risk.

Totally agree about the CH situation.

[LeetheDee]

He might not have been at the races recently but its way too early to throw him under the bus and write him off. He was player of the season last year during a season where the defence was heavily punished. He headed many chances off the line, headed in a couple goals and 9 times out of ten prevented those looping balls In behind. In comparison Rossi gets smaller when he jumps. Let's not forget he also scored yesterday. I'm as fickle as the rest of you, I don't think GB should of changed the defence that has got two clean sheets on the bounce, but has he just been a victim of some terrible refereeing? 

 

Too soon to start the sweeney out campaign.

[Cerulean]

As I said, I still like the big lump but if he plays he needs a CH partner who can actually play out from the back. 

Although having just checked back, it was actually the Sweeney/Ashcroft pairing who were involved in the clean sheet v Falkirk