Richie Towell

[osarusan]

Always struck me that he had more or less a free role with Dundalk.
Yeah, pretty much this.

Against us he was dropping deep, and I mean back to just in front of the back 4 to pick up the ball and try and set up attacks (they were losing at the time) and in the same match he was the furthest player forward and picked up a knock-on from McMillan to score the equaliser.

[geysir]

Can't recall Towell ever playing in front of the back four. That was always either Sheilds or O'Donnell, or both. Towell played a mixture of a roaming role in the middle and further up behind the striker, but in most cases had free reign to pick up possession anywhere and set the tempo.
Okay, I'd agree, I'll say playing deeper instead of saying playing in front of the back 4.
Saying he played in front of the back 4 implies a defined role and i didn't intend that.

Main point of mine is that he had greater effect on the game, picking the ball up deeper. Playing against a good team like Bate, when he was moved up front in the 2nd half of the home game, Dundalk lost crucial control of midfield. In both games (against Bate) he was in his element at CM, picking the ball off the back 4 and moving the game forward and making those support runs.
I can't imagine that Hughton can be thinking to play him to support one striker, I think he will be played centrally alongside 2 CMs and get forward.
Would you not agree?

[Crosby87]

What does this guy use to dry off? Himself?

[Charlie Darwin]

Okay, I'd agree, I'll say playing deeper instead of saying playing in front of the back 4.
Saying he played in front of the back 4 implies a defined role and i didn't intend that.

Main point of mine is that he had greater effect on the game, picking the ball up deeper. Playing against a good team like Bate, when he was moved up front in the 2nd half of the home game, Dundalk lost crucial control of midfield. In both games (against Bate) he was in his element at CM, picking the ball off the back 4 and moving the game forward and making those support runs.
I can't imagine that Hughton can be thinking to play him to support one striker, I think he will be played centrally alongside 2 CMs and get forward.
Would you not agree?
Yeah, he wouldn't be given the same license to roam at Brighton anyway. Can't think of any teams at that level who'd give one player so much license. Brighton, from what I see, play two in midfield and two relatively slow strikers, which probably works in the Championship but only so long as you can bully teams. It would be anathema to the way Towell has played in Ireland, so hopefully for his sake Hughton recognises his goalscoring ability and shifts to three in the middle.

[tricky_colour]

What does this guy use to dry off? Himself?

I am not sure but it was rumoured he was taking a lot of flannel from the manager before he left.

[Crosby87]

Jeez...so we can at least agree he is hanging by a thread?

[dr_peepee]

He can't wait "two ply" his trade in the UK...

[tricky_colour]

I hear they are looking at a couple of new signing German signings, brothers Hans and Herr Dryer

[Fixer82]

I think he's gonna give every last fiber of his being to make it this time

[tetsujin1979]

Confirmation from Brighton that Towell will wear number 29: https://twitter.com/OfficialBHAFC/status/682254752340643840

Delighted to confirm squad numbers for new arrivals at #BHAFC (https://twitter.com/hashtag/BHAFC?src=hash) Liam Ridgewell (33) and Richard Towell (29).
And that's he's not eligible to play until after the 4th January when the international window opens: https://twitter.com/OfficialBHAFC/status/682249755095887873

To clarify position with Ridgewell and Towell, neither would have been available had Wolves match been on 2nd Jan. (1 of 2) #BHAFC (https://twitter.com/hashtag/BHAFC?src=hash)
https://twitter.com/OfficialBHAFC/status/682250112270204928

Both players require international via FIFA and international transfer window does not reopen until 4th Jan to apply. (2 of 2) #BHAFC (https://twitter.com/hashtag/BHAFC?src=hash)

[Dunny]

What does this guy use to dry off? Himself?

Just going to leave this here..

http://cdn.thejournal.ie/embeds/twitter/00ee789dd121f756a40f20223b74bdc6.png

[DeLorean]

Looks more like Gareth Bale!

[DeLorean]

Towell is available for selection for Brighton's F.A. Cup match at Hull on Saturday. Was thinking Setanta might show it but they've gone with Arsenal v Sunderland & Doncaster v Stoke unfortunately.

Edit- I just see there that Brighton have agreed a fee to sign former Leicester player Anthony Knockaert (http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11741/10121094/brighton-close-in-on-standard-liege-midfielder-anthony-knockaert) from Standard Liege.

Also 24... Also an attacking midfielder.

[geysir]

The oracle of truth, the BBC, report (http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/35255694) that Tony is a winger, probably there to assist our Richie.

[DeLorean]

Ah... fair enough. Wikipedia said he's an attacking midfielder, but I suppose wingers are attacking midfielders. Hughton does say he can play off the front man though but seems to indicate he was signed as a wide player alright, which is better news for Towell I guess.

[CraftyToePoke]

He is a wide player alright, for the most part, Mahrez & Albrighton with Dyer also in the squad at Leicester saw him move on if I remember right.

[Dunny]

Another award: http://talkofthetown.ie/2016/01/08/towell-named-sse-airtricityswai-personality-of-the-year/

[geysir]

Another award: http://talkofthetown.ie/2016/01/08/towell-named-sse-airtricityswai-personality-of-the-year/

"was not present to accept the honour as he prepares to make his debut for Championship side Brighton in their FA Cup tie away to Hull City on Saturday."

[tetsujin1979]

Straight into the starting XI for Brighton today: https://twitter.com/OfficialBHAFC/status/685823668644147200

#BHAFC (https://twitter.com/hashtag/BHAFC?src=hash) team v #HCFC (https://twitter.com/hashtag/HCFC?src=hash): Maenpaa, Goldson, Dunk, Ridgewell; Calderon, Holla, Ince, Chicksen; Crofts, Towell, Manu. #HCFCvBHA (https://twitter.com/hashtag/HCFCvBHA?src=hash) #FACup (https://twitter.com/hashtag/FACup?src=hash)

[Charlie Darwin]

Some updates on how he's going here: https://twitter.com/FM_Ireland/status/685848995877548032

Seems to have mixed the good with the bad, mainly good, but Brighton are 1-0 down and being outplayed.

[Dunny]

Will Brighton be on MOTD tonight?

[Charlie Darwin]

Probably just a 30-second round-up.

[Olé Olé]

Apparently, Hughton shifted tactics a bit. With Towell in the hole, the alteration may have been to accommodate him. It'll be interesting to see where he fits in if/when he gets more regular games. The consensus in this thread is that he won't start on Tuesday: http://www.northstandchat.com/showthread.php?332147-Ok-so-team-for-Tuesday/

The talk of him going to the Euros is a bit much. Judge and Arter need to impress MON for Ireland yet and one is one of the best players in the Championship at present and the other is a PL regular (injuries aside). If MON can afford friendly chances for all three (should Towell impress between now and then) then the ball is in their court. Although Arter can point towards an okay cameo against England.

[nigel-harps1954]

Not even on the bench for Brighton tonight. One down away to Rotherham.

[tetsujin1979]

Not even on the bench for Brighton tonight. One down away to Rotherham.
Paul Green > Richie Towell

[Dunny]

https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpt1/v/t1.0-9/12508917_10153866311268139_5051175861557727666_n.j pg?oh=ac6e584e8ed4176d038dd349fed472ea&oe=570B3917

[Yard of Pace]

David Wagner's blue and white army are going to steamroll these lads so don't expect much from Towell.

Liverpool signed the frontman, Town appear to have gotten the songwriter, so to speak.

Sean Scannell for the Euros.

[tetsujin1979]

Lined out for Brighton U21's last night in a 0-0 draw with West Brom: http://www.seagulls.co.uk/news/article/brighton-hove-albion-west-bromwich-albion-under-21-report-2921071.aspx
Nearly scored late on according to their twitter: https://twitter.com/OfficialBHAFC/status/691722923883827200

U21:85: Albion are inches away from breaking the deadlock as Rose does well to keep out Towell's close-range strike. #BHAFC (https://twitter.com/hashtag/BHAFC?src=hash) 0 #WBA (https://twitter.com/hashtag/WBA?src=hash) 0
The senior team isn't playing again until Friday week against Brentford, it'll be on Sky Sports

[DeLorean]

They have signed Steve Sidwell on loan from Stoke also for the rest of the season, granted not a particularly similar player to Towell but another midfield option nonetheless.

[DeLorean]

Towell will have to be patient (http://m.independent.ie/sport/soccer/exclusive-richie-towell-is-a-real-talent-brighton-boss-chris-hughton-34427081.html)

Unused sub tonight as Brighton beat Brentford 3-0.

[paul_oshea]

"Richie Towell is not in fit enough shape for first team football".

[Ezeikial]

"Richie Towell is not in fit enough shape for first team football".

Source of this quote?

[Crosby87]

Hughton: Dick Towell doing alright.
http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/exclusive-richie-towell-is-a-real-talent-brighton-boss-chris-hughton-34427081.html

[Ezeikial]

"Richie Towell is not in fit enough shape for first team football".


Source of this quote?

Seeing that you have ignored the query, is it fair to conclude that you just made this up in your own head?

[DeLorean]

I could be wrong but I think Paul may have been reading between the lines in relation to Hughton's quotes. The fact that he said the summer will be vital for Towell to get himself "fully ready for what he needs to play at this level". This may or may not have been regarding his fitness levels but question Paul's sixth sense at your peril. :)

[tetsujin1979]

I fully expect Towell to be unfit at some time in the future

[Dodge]

Towell may have issues adapting to life/football in England but fitness certainly won't be one of them

[tetsujin1979]

Towell may have issues adapting to life/football in England but fitness certainly won't be one of them
you're not doubting Paul's precognitive abilities too?

[DeLorean]

Towell must be hoping Brighton don't get promoted, if it'll take him the summer period to adapt to the standard of the Championship, that is?!

[Ezeikial]

but question Paul's sixth sense at your peril. :)

I may have doubts about his sanity but I don't question any of his senses - simply his use of quotation marks

[Crosby87]

You know he has a brother named Beach?

[paul_oshea]

I could be wrong but I think Paul may have been reading between the lines in relation to Hughton's quotes. The fact that he said the summer will be vital for Towell to get himself "fully ready for what he needs to play at this level". This may or may not have been regarding his fitness levels but question Paul's sixth sense at your peril. :)

I was quoting myself.

That's exactly it.I love how dodge comes in with one liners like as a matter of fact, unquestionable scientifically proven facts at that.

Hughton has clearly indicated that he isn't at the required level just yet. He seemed to have given him more opportunities initially so that would suggest to me he thought so initially but he was wrong.

[paul_oshea]

He is hardly going to become a far better footballer in 6 months if anyone would question the "ready" bit.

[Charlie Darwin]

That's exactly it.I love how dodge comes in with one liners like as a matter of fact, unquestionable scientifically proven facts at that..


He is hardly going to become a far better footballer in 6 months if anyone would question the "ready" bit.
.....

[Ezeikial]

I was quoting myself.




That's hilarious - will you be talking about yourself in the 3rd person soon?



I love how dodge comes in with one liners like as a matter of fact, unquestionable scientifically proven facts at that.


Unlike your post, it was pretty clear that he was stating his own opinion (no doubt he has also seen Towell play over the last few years - have you?)

[Dodge]

Towell was, by far, the fittest footballer in Ireland. Plenty of other Irish footballers have made the jump to English football and not struggled for fitness.

So I think it's fair to assume that Towell is absolutely fit enough to play at the level he's at.

Whether he's "ready" or not is a different issue and one no one here can answer.

[MeathDrog]

Not even on the bench today.

[nigel-harps1954]

I'd imagine it must be very difficult for Towell to settle in there. He's left an awful lot behind at home, but most importantly, his partner and newborn child who are still there as far as I'm aware. It'll not only be a difficult adjustment in terms of team and level, but also must be very mentally draining for him.

It'll probably take a few months for him to make it there.

My worry is that I'm not sure Chris Hughton is the right manager for him.

[Crosby87]

No one has a gun to his head, Nigel. Life is hard sometimes as you always say a man has to do what a man has to do. Put the off field stuff aside and dig in.

[nigel-harps1954]

No one has a gun to his head, Nigel. Life is hard sometimes as you always say a man has to do what a man has to do. Put the off field stuff aside and dig in.

That's very true and I'm sure that's what he's trying to do. But at the end of the day, that's easier said than done. I couldn't imagine just how difficult it must be for him.