Don't worry Doctor, you won't hear a peep out of me on that score...
On another note, I've just found this article by David Pleat in today's Guardian on Kevin Foley of Luton Town. One for the future by all accounts. I'm not sure we need yet another right-back though.
PP
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http://football.guardian.co.uk/comme...676768,00.html
Scouting report:
How he rates: Kevin Foley, Luton Town
David Pleat
Tuesday January 3, 2006
The Guardian
Mike Newell has been true to Luton's tradition of giving youth a chance since he took over as manager in 2003. In August he sold Curtis Davies to West Bromwich for £3m and Kevin Foley, a right-back of great promise, also looks to have the potential to play at a higher level.
Luton have no need to sell anyone but I'm sure big clubs are keeping an eye on this steady, clean-passing defender. He has already enjoyed one promotion and efficiently blended into the team pattern with a resilience that stands out.
Foley is a full-back who tries to pass the ball out of defence and resorts to a big clearance only when no alternative presents itself. I like the way he sees the early pass once he has gained possession. Players who make early passes have already seen the picture and are quick decision-makers.
He looks to get forward and can hit decent crosses to the far post but most of the time he plays a simple, accurate pass from advanced positions and gives Luton's forwards the chance to continue the passage of play comfortably.
When Foley goes to join the play in the midfield third he is helped by having the cunning Ahmet Brkovic ahead of him on the right wing. Brkovic's ability to look after the ball means Foley has the confidence to go forward in the knowledge that the ball will not be given away easily.
Defensively Foley, a regular in the Republic of Ireland's Under-21s, is more than capable. His heading could be better but he has sharp recovery pace and an awareness of his responsibilities whenever possession changes hands.
He also has the natural defender's ability to smell danger and knows when to offer cover to Luton's experienced and helpful right-sided centre-half, Chris Coyne. His other fine attributes are his clean timing in the tackle and his balance. He relies on his astute anticipation to win possession and does not go to ground and hand the advantage to a forward. He is rarely booked and has not been suspended - not bad for someone who has been a regular since August 2003.
If you over-analyse Foley's bearing you may be dissuaded from appreciating his qualities. He has the gait of an ugly duckling, "ten-to-two" feet and a fast waddle of a running style. But there is no mistaking his talent and a brief chat with Newell confirmed my view that Foley ticks all the boxes. He is a good listener, hard trainer and concentrates well. Newell tells me that Foley is quiet, slightly shy and still reticent to speak during team discussions but I am sure his personality will develop with experience.
On Saturday Luton play Liverpool in the FA Cup at Kenilworth Road. Older Liverpool fans may see in Foley intimations of two former Anfield right-backs, Chris Lawler and Phil Neal, who played reliably, effectively and with steady passing for many successful seasons. Foley, luck permitting, can look forward to a fine future.
Age 21
Born London
Position Full-back
Height 5ft 10in
Weight 11st 2lb
From Trainee
Recovery speed 8/10
Passing 9/10
Heading 7/10
Reading of the game 8/10
Team responsibility 9/10
Pleat's valuation £1m (but they have no need to sell yet)
Originally Posted by youngirish
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