By Rob Patterson
August 24 2010

Rob Patterson's first article for theimps.ka sees him take a look at Crewe Alexandra, City's opponents on Saturday. Rob looks at Gradi's time in charge at Crewe, their youth system's impact on the English and Scottish games, not to forget the game ahead at the weekend.

Next up we play host to Crewe Alexandra, in a 3pm npower League 2 spectacular at Sincil Bank, and if anyone is as scared about the upcoming result as anyone else, I have to admit, I'm not looking forward to it. Yes, this is the same Crewe Alex that smashed 7 past Barnet last Saturday, who like ourselves, couldn't muster up a league win in their first two matches, notably a 1-0 reverse against Hereford at home, and a 3-2 reverse against Cheltenham. Looks a little more rosy than a 2-1 and a 2-0 reverse then, doesn't it. Odds on favourites? You betcha!

As I write this, Crewe will be preparing for a glamour tie in the form of Ipswich Town, in the cup that we fell out of at the first hurdle, after beating Derby 1-0 in the first round. Crewe's demise though into this league has been a spectacle, and who else but Dario Gradi to take them through the divisions, both up and down the leagues. Dario is a man I respect heavily, and from notable memory, has produced some good talent throughout his tenure, most notably former England forward Dean Ashton, who prior to the injury sustained whilst participating in a particularly useless training camp for a friendly a few years back. It is Dario who Ashton provides the credit to for giving Dean the chance to play football in the top division, and with good reason.

The academy at Crewe has to be one of the finest in the lower leagues. It's hard to believe that some of the finest players in the Championship, Premier League and Scottish top flight came from Gresty Road. Who'd have thought that Neil Lennon, yes - the Celtic manager - began his career at none other than the Alex. Danny Murphy, the former Liverpool star, began his career at Alex, as did the notorious Welshman Robbie Savage. But with regret, the Academy appears to have dried up, and that next gem doesn't yet seem to be popping out from the corner. I'm happy to be corrected however.

Move on to some of the more recent squad, there are a couple of players in the team who I pick out for mentions in this. One of last season's more prolific strikers, Zola - Yes of the Calvin variety, and seasoned goalkeeper, Steve Phillips.

Let's start with Zola (right), and I must admit, I'm a bit of an admirer of the bloke. Let's start with last season, his best ever, goal scoring wise, scoring 17 goals in all competitions from 32 starts, including 4 appearances coming from the bench, despite suffering from recurring injuries throughout the Coca Cola League 2 campaign last season, having played a poor part in the Alex's relegation from League 1 the season prior. His contribution was 5 goals from 32 League and Cup appearances, not enough to steady the ship. He stayed, and produced the goods last season. Needless to say, he's already opened his account, scoring just the single goal in the League defeat to Cheltenham, and didn't play in the 7-0 defeat of Barnet at the weekend.

Looking a bit steadier at the back is Steve Phillips. Once at Bristol City, until as recent at 2005/6, this keeper has a steady head, and has proven on many a time that he can stop goals. The sad thing though for Crewe, is that the once branded "keeper of the year" for League 2 in 2007 for keeping the most clean sheets for a Bristol Rovers side - that would eventually turn Lincoln over across 2 legs in the League 2 playoff semis - won't be playing due to his continuous rehabilitation back into the game after a shoulder injury. His replacement, a virtual unknown in Rhys Taylor, who allegedly plies his trade at Premier League champions Chelsea, has so far impressed at the Alex, keeping 2 clean sheets and conceding only 4 goals in 4 games played, prior to the Ipswich game, making this keeper a tough nut to crack. And at only 20 years of age, has played for Wales, he is a prospect for the future. Obviously, I wish him well in his career - after the weekend has passed!

Whilst we're on the subject of Crewe, let's just remind ourselves of the goal threat that the Railwaymen possess. Both Clayton Donaldson and Shaun Miller scored a brace at the weekend, the former turning in 13 league goals in 37 appearances last season. The latter scored against City during this fixture last season, a game which would see a certain South African score in his debut, the game probably ending slightly cruelly at 1-1. I thoroughly expect these two to start on Saturday, should Zola still not be fit to play.

So less about the Alex, let's turn to City. So far this week, we've established that Lincoln could "storm League 2" and that Cian's goal celebration was a "sign of unity", and that Ben Hutchinson's arrival on the coach on Saturday felt like "he'd been with the group for months". Ohhhh I can't take this excitement!

Let's turn to said young Benny Hutch. This week, he spoke to the press. I quote "Lincoln could enjoy a special season". I do believe that I've heard this before, and it turned out to be an anti-climax, resulting in the manager at the time losing his job. Ben could learn maybe from this. However, his off field antic should not detract from his on field antics, to which my judgement will be based on. I have to admit, I was "pleased" with his performance on Saturday, against Gillingham, and should he continue to play like that, I can see him getting a goal or two. What frustrates me is that there are fans who claim he will be "the new Davide Somma". I trust Chris Sutton's judgement; however I have not seen enough of this young man to make such judgement. Close to scoring a goal on Saturday, maybe he will turn his efforts into a goal against the Alex.

Do I think that Crewe will turn us over by 7? This all depends on our very own Mr Anyon. My worry is Joey's insistence on punching the ball out rather than catching the ball, which could play well into the hands of Gradi's battering strikeforce. Then in front, you've got what could be a familiar face in the form of Ian Pearce. The defence looks so much more assured with Pearcey in the fray, Port Vale last season aside, and I breathe a little easier with this former Premier League stalwart on that pitch in the position I've seen him play many a time, making it his own. I was saying after the Gills fixture that Ian made the difference compared to the recent matches, and the defence looked a lot more solid. I would relish a 20-25 year old Pearcey filling that backline for us, but realistically it will not be happening anytime soon. Whether he plays or whether Moses Swaibu will regain his starting berth is anyone's guess. But it's a no brainer who I feel should be the starter in this clash.

Whatever side we put out on Saturday, it's going to be a tough one. I will be completely honest, I will be happy with a point in this, ready for the midweek trip to Rotherham in the Johnstone's Paint, to which I'm sure we'll see a few more of our youngsters get the chance to pull on the Red and White in a competitive fixture, but more about that later. What we must avoid now is injury, to make the end of August worthwhile. Ask me if I'd have taken 4 points from 12 at the beginning of the season against Rotherham, Torquay (who I tipped at the beginning of the season to do VERY well), Gillingham and Crewe, I'd not have scoffed at you.

So, despite my initial worries about us getting thrashed, I'm going to predict a rather boring scoreline of 2-2. I'm sure that we'll start scoring soon ... you've just got to believe right?

Up the Imps!

Goal Threats, Storming Leagues and the respect for Gradi

Discussion started by theimps.ka (IP Logged), 24/08/2010 19:44

theimps.ka
24/08/2010 19:44

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