Harkins

[TheDarkBlues]

Just reading todays Tele regarding Harkins. I see he has noted that while his ability is really good, its his work rate that lets him down and justgding by his words he is planning on working on that.

 

I think most Darkblues have said over the time that was his biggest problem and why he never progessed further than he has.

 

One thing is for sure, he is Darkblue through and through.

[mainstand]

Be interestin tae hear whit ither supporters think aboot whither he,s daein mair work on the pitch.

Eh jist think on eez day he kin be unplayable,but  he needs tae produce it  every week.

Eh wonder whit the win bonus,s are at dens?

[Attilio]

Be interestin tae hear whit ither supporters think aboot whither he,s daein mair work on the pitch.

Eh jist think on eez day he kin be unplayable,but  he needs tae produce it  every week.

Eh wonder whit the win bonus,s are at dens?

 

I think he is already getting about the pitch more than in previous times at Dens.  Killie fans, after the game the other week, commented that this was the fittest they had seen him, complimented his work rate and said he controlled the game.  Enough said.  Great skill and vision and most of the squad seem to be on the same wavelength.  Was never going to be a box to box midfielder and never will be.  Am I bothered?

[Ivan Drago]

Tbh I have always found the criticism of Harkins workrate a little bizarre. There were games in the 25 pt season where he literally dragged us through them. Raith in midweek was a masterclass from him.

My criticism is more his decision making, often he doesn't move the ball on quickly enough or tries to beat a man when a pass is on.

For me that's a bigger issue than fitness/workrate.

[JoeCovenant]

IN all honesty, I think GH has got it spot on.

He's an incredible player, that CANNOT be denied, but sometimes he looks like he can;t be bothered... (or, conversely, when he IS being extra bothered, he gets greedy!) 

 

It's all about balance, and on balance I'd far rather have him playing FOR us than against us!

[Gedee]

We dont get the tele up here and I dont see anything on the online tele.

 

However, if GH recognises his work rate is not all it should be, he is half way there to getting that problem right. Although, I hope he doesn't get hung up on this.

 

Personally I do not see that as a real issue, considering what he brings in the way of class, skill and uniqueness to the team. When he is at his best, he is on fire, and as well as being a joy to watch, he can be the kind of dangerous player that has the opposition in a fankle, all over the place.

[Baldee]

Tbh I have always found the criticism of Harkins workrate a little bizarre. There were games in the 25 pt season where he literally dragged us through them. Raith in midweek was a masterclass from him.

My criticism is more his decision making, often he doesn't move the ball on quickly enough or tries to beat a man when a pass is on.

For me that's a bigger issue than fitness/workrate.

 

Spot on for me. Has the ability, work rate has improved but his decision making at crucial times can be poor. Tries too hard to get the wee nut meg or dummy. Great if it comes off but sometimes better options are on such as a easy 1-2 or pass. Thought he passed the ball quicker in the St johnstone game through at Perth and was brilliant.. MOM.

 

There is a time and place for his attempts at a wee bit of magic but he doesn't have to be all the time. 

[Cobra]

A couple of our players took a shot from an impossible angle rather than square it for a near certain goal in recent weeks. That's my idea of poor decision making. Harkins has time and again created chances for others by releasing the ball at the perfect moment.

 

I don't think his workrate is a problem. He'd rather focus on creating than chasing, which is fair enough for a playmaker. Hartley has got him working hard for the team though so he contributes more to defending. He's never looked like such a good all-round player.

 

We're top six and Harkins has been our best player so I don't think we can complain too much about his contribution.

[Deejay]

When he is on form he is unplayable (as has been said already), but what player is always on form?.....Even Ronaldo and Messi will have games where they dont do alot.

 

I think some Dees fans will always be over critical over players performances. Some of the shouts you hear from so called supporters in the Derry is embaressing. *** knows what the players think inside.

 

However, Gary has certainly went up in my estimations after this

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CV4g6F1FIGE

[Ludo*1]

Seen this on Youtube. A cracker!

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ReUkCgHC-es

[TheDarkBlues]

We dont get the tele up here and I dont see anything on the online tele.

 

However, if GH recognises his work rate is not all it should be, he is half way there to getting that problem right. Although, I hope he doesn't get hung up on this.

 

Personally I do not see that as a real issue, considering what he brings in the way of class, skill and uniqueness to the team. When he is at his best, he is on fire, and as well as being a joy to watch, he can be the kind of dangerous player that has the opposition in a fankle, all over the place.

 

Dundee’s Gary Harkins hopes his third spell at Dens will be his last.

 

The 29-year-old, signed on a free following his release by St Mirren, reckons he’s now here to stay.

 

Not only that, Harkins is desperate for his third stint in dark blue to be one in which he helps establish the club in the Premiership next season.

 

“I hope I’m here to stay,” said Harkins ahead of Sunday’s glamour clash against English Premier League champions Manchester City. “And I hope I’m here to stay in the Premiership.

 

“That was why I left last time, everybody wants to do their job at the highest level they can. That’s all I wanted to do — I wish it could have been with Dundee.”

 

Harkins is not unfamiliar with a big game or two. Last season, when out of favour in Paisley, he was offered the chance to go down south with Oldham Athletic.

 

Jumping at the chance, his debut came in the FA Cup at Anfield against Liverpool. Steven Gerrard, Raheem Sterling and Jordan Henderson were in the Reds team that day, and Harkins says he expects a similar level of player on show at Dens this weekend.

 

Players already confirmed for the game include World Cup and European Championship winner Jesus Navas and fellow-Spanish internationals Alvaro Negredo and Javi Garcia.

 

French stars Samir Nasri and Gael Clichy are both included in the squad as well as Micah Richards and Aleksandar Kolorov.

 

Harkins said: “I should be used to it having played Liverpool last season.

 

“I have to say I still should have had a penalty out of the game.

 

“It was a strange season. When I got the phone call in January I was delighted because I was having a terrible time.

 

“It was good to go down, play some games and score some goals.”

 

He added: “We’re looking forward to Sunday’s game. As players you want to test yourself against those at the highest level. Manchester City are definitely that.”

 

Harkins remains a fans favourite at Dens despite leaving previously after relegation.

 

However, things just didn’t work out for him at St Mirren.

 

It’s a situation he regrets but he’s pleased he didn’t sign on the dotted line with Dundee United when they came calling last summer.

 

Harkins admitted: “It feels like coming home. I don’t think I’ve ever felt as comfortable. Every time I have come here it’s felt like I belong at this football club.

 

“One of the main reasons I didn’t go across the road when I got the chance was because I just knew I’d be back at Dundee one day. The last thing I wanted to do was jeopardise that.

 

“As soon as I got the call to come here I knew straight away I wanted it done.”

 

He added: “It’s great because you feel wanted here. I really enjoy coming in to work because you know the fans want you here.

 

“It can be tough when things aren’t right off the park. It’s good to just be looking ahead to playing football and being happy.”

 

He’s always been a favourite with the fans but managers haven’t always seen it that way.

 

Harkins continued: “I don’t think my ability has been in doubt. What people seem to pick on is my workrate which I wouldn’t agree with.

 

“I think I went down to England and worked hard — and proved exactly what I can do.”

[Deejay]

When he is on form he is unplayable (as has been said already), but what player is always on form?.....Even Ronaldo and Messi will have games where they dont do alot.

 

I think some Dees fans will always be over critical over players performances. Some of the shouts you hear from so called supporters in the Derry is embaressing. *** knows what the players think.

 

Anyway, Gary has certainly went up in my estimations after this

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CV4g6F1FIGE