Mark Ellis

[highweekgull]

I know this is slightly off topic but seeing a bit about the lad in the programme today and also Micah Richards for Man City today.

I'd love to see us training Ellis up as a right back, whichever division we are in next season. We know he can defend, we know he can play with the ball and he's got the pace, so why not?

I'd hate to see him go because he isn't getting a game.

Manse can't keep going for ever and also was never a right back really...

[Gulliball]

For me, it's a no.

I want him in the centre of our defence, and I think he'd look out of his comfort zone on the right (a defensive midfield on the other hand, I'd offer as another speculative switch). Personally I hope we offer him a 3 year deal this summer, and he stays at the club for a long time to come (how he's not in our team I don't know, but you can't knock the efforts of Branston and Robertson).

[bixieupnorth]

i agree mate, manse has always been a midfielder, as long as either ellis or robbo are happy to dual role then i think that is the way forward defence wise. robbo has already filled that role and both look comfortable alongside pickles

still need a target man whos happy to warm bench in case we need a change of tactics from time to time? if we were to go up, surely mr buckles lack of tactical nous will be found out much more quickly and regularly so a plan b or c will be needed

[tommygull]

Ellis is a great talent and I would be disapointed to see him slip away. If playing him at right back kept him at the club I reckon he could do as good a job as Manse.

[robc]

Am I only the only person that can see that Manse is far more effective at right back? He gets up and down so well, I'll admit, he does get beaten for pace by wingers sometimes, but I always thought he lacked a certain something when playing in the middle. If alongside someone like Stanley, who is creative, then I can imagine Manse would be effective. But if we do end up signing Stanley and Oastler, along with Lathrope and O'Kane, I think that Manse should stay right where he is...

[highweekgull]

This isn't to do with mansell but about Ellis, I think he could be an outstanding player at right back (could be wrong of course) because the only times he looks vulnerable at centre half is with bouncing balls over the top and when he gets out of position.

Well as all us long term defenders know positionally full back is so much easier because in one side you are playing to the line

He has all the attributes a full back needs - I just hope they try that kind of thing...

[Fonda]

Ellis's primary weakness remains his positional sense. He's also not the most mobile - or comfortable with the ball at his feet. I don't see him a centre-back that could play right-back at all. He'd be a fish out of water if asked to 'over-lap' his winger. I have no reason to think he could put a cross in when required either. It's a big no from me. But it's all about opinions.

[brucie]

i'd be more than happy seeing Ellis line up alongside Robbo and Branston in the second leg at Shrewsbury. Ellis is a warrior and exactly what we need cause its going to be a war. Three in central defence would suit me. I know Buckle is saying that we are going to attack but do we really need to?

[royalgull]

All I'd say on that point brucie, is if I remember correctly we did that for Exeter at home in the 2nd leg (albeit with different personell) and it went spectacularly wrong. Hargreaves made the point post match, couple of times Bucks has gone defensive like that it's gone wrong, so i'd be surprised and a bit disappointed if we went there with a negative mindset of trying to hold what we've got.

If we can get the first goal really think it'll be curtains for them.

[Fonda]

i'd be more than happy seeing Ellis line up alongside Robbo and Branston in the second leg at Shrewsbury. Ellis is a warrior and exactly what we need cause its going to be a war. Three in central defence would suit me. I know Buckle is saying that we are going to attack but do we really need to?

Did we not play 3 at the back against Exeter in the Play-Offs? We certainly did at their place, and i seem to recall that with a lead we did it in the home leg too.

We don't need to be gung-ho, but i'd be concerned if we set up camp on the edge of our own box from the first whistle.

[Fletch]

Ellis's primary weakness remains his positional sense. He's also not the most mobile - or comfortable with the ball at his feet. I don't see him a centre-back that could play right-back at all. He'd be a fish out of water if asked to 'over-lap' his winger. I have no reason to think he could put a cross in when required either. It's a big no from me. But it's all about opinions.

Hate to agree but youre right. Also has a liking for switching off every once in a while in games and ball watching when he should be watching the striker next to him. I would certainly use him as a target man up front for the last 15 minutes if we are chasing a game and need to go long ball. He was originally a striker if I remember rightly before Exeter changed him to a defender

[Fonda]

Hate to agree but youre right. Also has a liking for switching off every once in a while in games and ball watching when he should be watching the striker next to him. I would certainly use him as a target man up front for the last 15 minutes if we are chasing a game and need to go long ball. He was originally a striker if I remember rightly before Exeter changed him to a defender

That's a curious start to a post? Hate to agree with me, or with my opinion of Ellis? :~D Law of averages would suggest we'd agree on some things.

[Southampton Gull]

I usually disagree with both of you, what a boring forum if we all agreed too often

[Fonda]

Very true Dave. No danger of that i reckon!

[Plymouth Gull]

Can't see it happening, for the reasons said above.