It has been widely reported that Dale has been training very hard with Aaron Cusack.
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What do you reckon, one more, a striker (or two)???
Owen Dale (will he sign?)
- Thread starter StevePAFC
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The huge advantage of Dale is his versatility and workrate. At various points last season he played wing back, in the front three on the right, right midfield and left midfield. His natural position is on the right but Curtis’ arrival meant that he had to play on the left. Cleverley trusted him there and he did a decent job. It sounds as if he has been working on playing that role over the summer. Perhaps wishful thinking but if he has improved in the final third he could be a major threat.
The point Cleverley was making about the front four was valid. An injury to Curtis in particular and we would be very short at the moment. Particularly with Finn having fitness problems. I trust that we won’t break the bank for Dale but I think he would be a good signing.
The point Cleverley was making about the front four was valid. An injury to Curtis in particular and we would be very short at the moment. Particularly with Finn having fitness problems. I trust that we won’t break the bank for Dale but I think he would be a good signing.
If we are as desperate for a winger/baidoo replacement as the manager implied I think it's probably likely to be Dale. I don't know about his fitness levels but integrating with the team and style of play won't be an issue and given how close the season is getting it probably swings it in his favour.
Should we be signing Dale as a first choice left winger? No
Should we be signing anyone on a long term contract to replace an injured player for a few months? No
Should we be signing anyone on a long term contract to replace an injured player for a few months? No
Aaron Cusack appeard on a recent Block 9 podcast and confirmed he had been working with Owen. in summary, Aaron stated that Owen had been working on his limitations and was now a different player.
Given the success that Aaron had wth Bim, I would have thought that, especially with the Baidoo injury, Owen was now worth a second look?
I just hope that the standoff between club and player can be resolved.
Given the success that Aaron had wth Bim, I would have thought that, especially with the Baidoo injury, Owen was now worth a second look?
I just hope that the standoff between club and player can be resolved.
If we really are looking for an out-and-out, hug the touchline, get to the byeline, type winger, then no we shouldn't sign Dale.
But is that actually what is needed in a 4-4-2 formation? If so it would be more like 4-2-4.
Or more someone who can get forward to support the attack but also covers back and supports the full back when needed. For that role, Dale is a decent choice with his workrate, especially if his work with Cusack helps him add more goal threat.
Still think we shouldn't pay over the odds though, just because we have a short-term issue.
Agree 100% with your second point, isn't that what loans are for?
Was thinking a short term contract to January could be the answer to ensure we aren’t tied in and he can show he’s improved his output.
Whether he’d accept this or decide to wait it out until the end of the window for a better opportunity is another question
It's one thing looking like a different player against training cones and open nets, another altogether to do it in the EFL.
I think if a player aged 27 spends most of his summer working 1 to 1 with a specialist coach to work on his weaknesses that deserves respect. If I was Tom Cleverley and heard from Aaron that he can see real improvement in areas Tom Cleverley would have told Owen to work on I'd be delighted and would definitely be looking to get him signed. You cannot coach work rate, effort and attitude. Owen Dale has that in spades, more than nearly any footballer I've seen play for Argyle. I thought his end product, his technical ability to kick the football where it needed to go, was one of the worst I've ever seen and I've see John Uzzell and Matt Doumbe try and pass the ball down the line to their winger!. If he has improved on that then he will be a real asset to the squad.
I don’t see why we don’t go for a fully fit loan signing on a short term deal.
Based on yesterday, I’d be happy to take Morrison from Bristol City until January.
Like it or not , the only reason Dale hasn't been offered a contract is budget and the competition in that position. If Baidoo is out long term , Watts needed to cover up front , Finn injured , then he will likely be reapproached and worryingly if signed will likely go straight in , in front of Amaechi .
Wow that's unbelievably harsh re. Dales' technical ability! We can't expect perfection from our L1 players but I thought Dale was a real asset in many many games last season, including of course that brilliant run we went on.
I'd definitely have him back.