Chris Forrester

[nigel-harps1954]

Suppose he needs his own thread in here now.

Made the move from St Patrick's Athletic to Peterborough today for an undisclosed fee.

http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/league-of-ireland/chris-forrester-leaves-st-patricks-athletic-for-peterborough-31487740.html


Have to say, he's much better than League One standard and can't help but being a bit underwhelmed by that move for him.

[tricky_colour]

He is only 22 though League one is not bad for a lot of players that age.

[Charlie Darwin]

Suppose he needs his own thread in here now.

Made the move from St Patrick's Athletic to Peterborough today for an undisclosed fee.

http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/league-of-ireland/chris-forrester-leaves-st-patricks-athletic-for-peterborough-31487740.html


Have to say, he's much better than League One standard and can't help but being a bit underwhelmed by that move for him.
It's professional football though. Not as big a club as Bristol City, but they play decent football from what I've seen over the past couple of years. I think the elephant in the room is still his physique - full-time football should help him do that, and it's a good enough level that he can stand out while he makes the adjustment.

[tricky_colour]

I imagine he will be pulling up tree stumps in the Premier League before long, either that or chopping them down anyway.

[Charlie Darwin]

That's terrible, tricky.

[SkStu]

Stop being a git, Tricky!

[Charlie Darwin]

Starts tonight v Millwall.

[colonelwest]

http://www.peterboroughtoday.co.uk/sport/football/report-millwall-1-posh-0-pretty-in-pink-but-otherwise-ugly-1-6933276


Posh did introduce a goal-scoring midfielder at Millwall in young Irishman Chris Forrester. He started in central midfield and his performance mirrored the team’s - he was bright and inventive for the opening quarter before becoming less effective and sloppy...Forrester’s self-belief was evident in a second-minute 40-yard strike at goal in an attempt to take advantage of home ‘keeper Jordan Archer’s absence from his area. He also buzzed around promisingly, demanding the ball and generally using it wisely. He is worth persevering with, but the same cannot be said of any Posh forward.

[DeLorean]

I imagine he will be pulling up tree stumps in the Premier League before long, either that or chopping them down anyway.

Don't mind them Tricky, you probably over complicated it a bit and it was poorly executed, but it was worth a go. You can't win them all. SkStu is just suffering from withdrawal symptoms from having nobody to drive him mad lately.

[nigel-harps1954]

Seems a lot of Peterborough fans were a bit wary of them signing someone from a league 'the equivalent of non-league football'.

Bloody idiots.

[Stuttgart88]

In terms of crowds, facilities and earnings, would they be far wrong - taking aside some of the exceptions? As for general standard, would the better non-league footballers in the UK really be worse than some of the lesser lights in LOI?

The LOI is probably better, but not universally, and I think you should relax a bit more Nigel!

[CraftyToePoke]

What makes me laugh is them turning their noses up at the signing when Peterborough have done some of the shrewdest and profitable resale non league shopping in recent years, Dwight Gale for pittance and onto Palace for millions, and a few others also.

[nigel-harps1954]

In terms of crowds, facilities and earnings, would they be far wrong - taking aside some of the exceptions? As for general standard, would the better non-league footballers in the UK really be worse than some of the lesser lights in LOI?

The LOI is probably better, but not universally, and I think you should relax a bit more Nigel!

Never said anything about crowds, facilities and earnings! The last thing I'd do is judge a player based on the ground they played in and how much they earned..

[SkStu]

SkStu is just suffering from withdrawal symptoms from having nobody to drive him mad lately.

Forresters nickname is Git!

But also, yes. :)

[DeLorean]

Didn't know that :o

[tetsujin1979]

Forresters nickname is Git!

Why? Do you have to push him before you commit? #nerdhumour

[punkrocket]

That's terrible, tricky.

Don't know if Tricky ever gets along to see his local team in Nottingham play but it seems to me like he could be a bit of a Forest-stirrer.

[tricky_colour]

Don't know if Tricky ever gets along to see his local team in Nottingham play but it seems to me like he could be a bit of a Forest-stirrer.

Only the Forests get stirred.

[Stuttgart88]

Starts for Posh today against Southend, for whom a few Irish play too. Live on Sky Sports 2 at 12 today.

[Olé Olé]

http://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/sep/06/peterborough-united-sack-manager-dave-robertson

Manager at Posh sacked. I'd imagine he didn't necessarily sanction the signing of Forrester. Their transfer policy preceeds his tenure.

[colonelwest]

Robertson was Head of youth development there and caretaker manager a few times over the years and convinced MacAnthony to give him a shot this season at the top job, hasn't worked out for him.

[CraftyToePoke]

Blaming the local Twitterati here http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/34172792 a bit, but the six defeats from eight in all comps so far didn't help.

[back of the net]

Just Put Peterborough 2up away to Bradford

[samhaydenjr]

Second in three games for Forrester - beginning to look like he chose well in his career path

[CraftyToePoke]

Started again, in the 2-1 away win at Swindon but came off injured with 20 remaining.

http://www.theposh.com/news/article/swindon-2737772.aspx

[Olé Olé]

http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/34668691

Posh manager waxed lyrical about Forrester the other day.

He went off injured yesterday against Coventry and, apparently, Peterborough struggled without him. Not sure of the injury's extent.

[Crosby87]

They can't see the Forrester for the trees.

[FallenSaint]

http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/34668691

Posh manager waxed lyrical about Forrester the other day.

He went off injured yesterday against Coventry and, apparently, Peterborough struggled without him. Not sure of the injury's extent.

The Michael Carrick comparison is way off. Chrissy is not a deep-lying midfielder.

[CraftyToePoke]

http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/34668691apparently, Peterborough struggled without him. Not sure of the injury's extent.

They were 0-2 up away when he had to come off, and lost 3-2. He was also taken off with injury late on in their previous match, when they had used all their subs, so hopefully they aren't playing dice with an injury he is carrying, as he seems to have become central to how they play very quickly since moving, and their upturn in results coincides nicely with his arrival too.

[CraftyToePoke]

BBC interview here - http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/34801321 on moving to the UK, missing his daughter, who is still in Dublin.

[Olé Olé]

Interesting to note how much bearing Forrester's daughter may have had on his career. Similarly, Richie Towell is hesitant to commit to any moves that aren't right because he's expecting a child over the coming weeks.

It reminds you that young, talented footballers have other things in their lives off the pitch. That said, when you're gifted enough then it's fairly sensible to secure your future by availing of the better wages and job security that you have the potential to attain in England, eventually- this is highlighted by Forrester so maybe that's one of the reasons he made the move to England at this stage i.e. fairly close after his daughter's birth.

[Stuttgart88]

because he's expecting a child over the coming weeks. I thought he looked a bit slow in the FAI Cup Final.

Agree totally with your full point.

[CraftyToePoke]

I went along to this the other night, Forrester started for the home side, Hourihane & Long did for Barnsley.

Peterborough had a string of CBs out so started a midfielder at CB, with Forrester playing at the base of their midfield there the guy moved to the back usually would, so operating much deeper than usual, and with P'boro intent on playing it out from the back, with FBs pushed forward and CBs coming wide of the box to receive it from the keeper, he saw plenty of the ball, and in the first half, one attempted lofted longer ball apart and one instance where he got his stud caught in the turf as he was about to control near the sideline, and it ran out of play, the guy never gave it away, he was constantly involved and granted operating in an area where it was pretty key not to give it away, he was composed and kept the play flowing very well. When found in tighter spots when he needed to play more difficult passes, quick round the corner flicks etc, he always found not only a shirt, but knocked it in to feet.

It was his left footed ball along the surface in the first half down the outside of the opposing FB which opened the play and led to his side going ahead, albeit there were a couple of more passes exchanged before the shot on goal it was a lovely bit of vision on a night when the game was at times played with more gusto than guile. He was trying the same ball again, one the one occassion he did give it away in play, so he had seen something amiss in the FBs starting position.

Didn't go in for any challenges, tended to shield players into less dangerous areas and hand them off to defenders, only recall him going up for one header which he won but it landed to an opponent. To my raised eyebrow anyway, he was replaced with fifteen to play and his side two goals up, by an impact player, and his side conceded almost immediately and finished the game under pressure, noticably less capable of holding possession than earlier. He did get a big round of applause from all round the ground though as he jogged off.

Carried himself in the warm up, right by where I was sitting, and throughout, with an air of confidence, almost a little edge of arrogance to it at times, like he knows he is already one of the best at the club he has joined who are now one point outside the playoffs from lower mid table not so long ago, and good luck to him. Saw him once in Limerick for Pats and am delighted for how its presently developing for him.

For the visitors, Hourihane is clearly an important player for Barnsley in the middle, and he did fine, not their night, but he kept at it, all left foot, and in the second half forced a few balls which maybe weren't on as his side chased it, giving it away each time three or four in a row, which he got upset with himself about. His moment of the evening was his goal from the spot from a decision which could be argued either way. There was controversy, home end were not happy and it was at their end, and there was gamesmanship from the home keeper, lots of it, had the ref re check the ball was on its spot more than once, lots of on the line movement, lots of chat at Hourihane, who stood dead still throughout, looked only at the ball and then placed it in the corner beating the keepers dive the right way to square the game at 1-1. Then he trotted over to the fallen keeper and began goading him, I was laughing hard at this stage. Those around me found it less funny, he carried on till all and sundry were upset and as he set out back to halfway turned and gave one final 'hand gesture' which almost took the collective sanity from his opponents and home end simultaneously. Very composed spot kick though, good lad.

Long played CB for Barnsley and despite being 3-2 down wasn't standing out in a bad way, to me at least, he likes having the ball, looks for a pass rather than a clearance most times and brought it out a few times, once skipping round a closing striker when doing so, very confident in that respect. Late on while pushed up his touch failed him and there was so much space in behind he had to chase it and he lunged, you could hear the impact on the Peterborough player who lay still after it, it was no surprise when the card flashed red from the ref.

[Charlie Darwin]

I went along to this the other night, Forrester started for the home side, Hourihane & Long did for Barnsley.

Peterborough had a string of CBs out so started a midfielder at CB, with Forrester playing at the base of their midfield there the guy moved to the back usually would, so operating much deeper than usual
I haven't seen Forrester at Peterborough yet, but from what I hear he's been playing at the base of a diamond for most of his time there. Can't vouch for it though.

Thanks for the report though - great analysis.

[CraftyToePoke]

I'll go again soon & see how they set up with Bostwick in the middle too rather than at CB.

Thanks CD.

[dong]

Great to hear he is doing well. Always loved watching him play.

[Olé Olé]

From what you say, the Carrick comparison is ringing a small bit truer than it would have at Pat's? There's often an assertion that he needs to put on a bit of weight but Carrick himself is a very slight man. Then again, he's probably built up a good base of strength and conditioning from being involved in a professional set-up for a long, long time. Might not do Forrester any harm as he looks to move up the divisions.

[CraftyToePoke]

I went to this last Saturday and Forrester started again, and is definitely operating at the base of the diamond these days, but did get forward a bit more this time.

A lot of my previous report on the Barnsley game could be said again, the teams focal point in setting up the play and often in possession, and overall was very solid in this respect again, didn't give it away needlessly apart from the first time he was on the ball about thirty seconds in, he dwelt on it and was closed down blind side but his team mates had read it and swarmed the player who dispossessed him immediately, and it passed. Very soon after he got the ball in the same area and the crowd were nervous but he was the most composed guy in the ground, got his head up, took his time and passed it.

Two first half stand out moments, both passes, one he took from his right back, turned, looked up and hit it straight onto the chest of his right winger with the perfect diagonal. Windy showery bad day to try such a pass and the applause was well deserved. The other was from possession well inside his own half in the middle of the park when his striker darted between the opposing CBs and he found the run perfectly with a straight pass, the striker was flagged offside and it must have been very close.

Went for three headers, won one and headed it to a team mate. Put a couple of challenges in, once he won it back inside Shrewsburys half, jinked and beat a closing player, then jinked again but it was nicked away. Again more likely to shut the passing option down rather than close the player and did so well when he read and intercepted a pass in the second half and charged forward, he was brought down outside the area drawing a dangerous free kick.

Collins was subbed off for the visitors after an hour, replaced by a lively McAlinden who's runs on the ball were nice to watch.

The point, although not what the home fans wanted did move Peterborough up to fifth, two of the starting players from the midfield have been dropped for today's game but Forrester starts again.

[CraftyToePoke]

Peterborough chairman and master of player hype MacAnthony hails Forrester, says 3 million would not buy him etc - http://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2016/0105/757849-priceless-forrester-hailed-by-posh-chairman/

Also a couple of bits from a Posh forum about him


First Half (of the season) Star Player.One could make a legitimate case for half a dozen individuals. My choice is Forrester. Arrival in a foreign country, separation from family, stepping up a level or two in class, fitting into a new team, adjusting to a new system/position: any one of these factors might have excused a slow start. Instead, he’s brought to the team a calm composure, a confidence and situational awareness that are a joy to behold. I think Freddie Hill would admire Forrester’s game.


Forrester's contribution to Washington's opening goal at Bramall lane is worth a look. He carried the ball forward for about twenty metres, played a ten-metre forward pass to Fox/Beautyman(?), and continued his forward run without breaking stride, thus helping to create space for Washington's shot. Forrester was well in advance of Washington when the shot was taken. Excellent play, and typical of what Forrester has produced for us consistently.


My only quibble there is saying L1 is a step or two up in class from his Pats days, it probably isn't most weeks, but hey, overall very nice to be hearing these things about him.

[pateen]

Peterborough chairman and master of player hype MacAnthony hails Forrester, says 3 million would not buy him etc - http://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2016/0105/757849-priceless-forrester-hailed-by-posh-chairman/

Also a couple of bits from a Posh forum about him






My only quibble there is saying L1 is a step or two up in class from his Pats days, it probably isn't most weeks, but hey, overall very nice to be hearing these things about him.

Darragh MacAnthony (irish property guru) is full of it so a pinch a salt I say

[Murph 1]

Thanks for very comphrensive report, Would be interested on your views in relation to Conor Washington who qualifies for the Republic through a Grand parent born up North?

[CraftyToePoke]

Thanks for very comphrensive report, Would be interested on your views in relation to Conor Washington who qualifies for the Republic through a Grand parent born up North?

Welcome Murph

Yeah, I posted about CW in the potentially eligible players thread as well. He is decent, has hit form which would get any striker noticed and rumours of a medical at QPR on the Posh pages tonight. Plenty interest in him and it looks like a big money move for the level if it goes through. He initially didn't hold his place at Peterborough and took some severe criticism for early performances but they worked on him, as the club has a good reputation for doing, so is a work in progress player I would say.

I wont say anymore, as in truth I didn't watch him as closely as I did Forrester as I wasn't aware he was eligible when I went to those couple of games.

Looks like NI have him though - http://www.peterboroughtoday.co.uk/sport/football/peterborough-united/posh-latest-northern-ireland-call-up-expected-for-peterborough-united-players-1-7159195

[Paddy Garcia]

Looks like NI have him though - http://www.peterboroughtoday.co.uk/sport/football/peterborough-united/posh-latest-northern-ireland-call-up-expected-for-peterborough-united-players-1-7159195

That is a shame- he should have more belief in himself.

[Murph 1]

Would be Interested to know how much of an effort was made by the F.A.I. to get Conor Washington on board, If Michael O Neill was able to get him on board-why were not we, Think Martin O Neill /Keane could very well have missed out on a player here, We simply do not have the luxury of missing out on this type of Striker given the age profile of our present striker options. Failed attempts to get Patrick Bamford and Calum Wilson on board don't bode well for the future.

[DannyInvincible]

Callum Wilson wasn't actually eligible. Bamford is still holding out for England as his first preference, but he did say he may be open to switching in future.

Everton are rumoured to be keeping an eye on Forrester: http://www.nsno.co.uk/everton-news/2016/01/19794/


Everton are reportedly scouting Peterborough United duo Jack Baldwin and Chris Forrester after it was revealed that the pair were being watched this month.

Posh owner Darragh MacAnthony revealed on his Twitter account that Everton have had lots of scouts at their recent games and that he has spoken to them about bringing some of our own young players to Peterborough too.

[Charlie Darwin]

I'd say they're there to see Baldwin to be honest. The speculation is just fans making assumptions. The article is a bit inaccurate though - he's not a forward and he hasn't been playing on the wing.

[tetsujin1979]

Forrester finds his solace in the face of sacrifice: http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/league-of-ireland/forrester-finds-his-solace-in-the-face-of-sacrifice-34372416.html
Interesting few quotes from Peterborough fans.

[CraftyToePoke]

Peterborough's FA Cup replay Vs WBA will be on the BBC next week - http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/35464925

It has been a bit more rough and tumble the last few weeks at the club, three league games back Forrester was given the responsibility for the late penalty awarded to his side at home V play off rivals Southend, which he missed and it finished 0-0. There followed games against Gillingham and Burton, and Posh were edged in both, and in the course of this they have been overhauled by Millwall & Sheffield United and dropped out of the play off places.

They have lost to the sides above them, Walsall, Gillingham, Wigan, Coventry, Burton each meeting since October which has the local press saying maybe this young side aren't yet good enough, or quite ready to go up. Their manager after the Burton loss (where Forrester was withdrawn after 70) was fairly critical of the whole team, highlighting the need to win the headers and the tackles in L1 as well as play nice football. They also lost their top scorer in the window to QPR.

So it was to this backdrop they managed to equalize twice away to a Premiership side famed for loving a battle themselves at the weekend with Forrester playing the full game. I hope to get to the replay, but at least it's on TV as well.

[zero]

as per crafty, peterborough vs west brom live on bbc 1 tonight. forrester singled out for special mention in the studio before the game. mcclean also in the starting line up tonight for the away side.

west brom in very poor form so a chance of an upset, though berahino starts.

[tricky_colour]

I say that, not heard much mention of Forrester in the game though, McClean got a mention for a rather dodgy tackle though, of the sort
he is prone to making.