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Billy Bodin

Billy Bodin

V

veracruz

Joined
Feb 13, 2013
Messages
104
Like most of the 700 who left the ground on Saturday, I felt frustrated and angry at this third loss on the bounce. In a season where the top six have all stuttered I look at it as a missed opportunity.

Walking back to the car I overheard a conversation (if it can be called that) between two of our fans, one of whom, in between repeated expletives commented on how poor Bodin was and was sick of having to put up with players like that etc. I know football is all about opinions but I didn’t see it that way in the slightest. Too often this season some players have been singled out on this forum for completely underserved abuse and in hindsight have been proven horribly wrong.

While the overall performance was flat, along with Browne and Pearson who worked tirelessly to drive us forward, I thought Bodin provided us with our most effective outlet on the right hand side throughout the 90. His close control was fine and he made every attempt to create openings for others without just knocking in hopeful crosses. Having read the seasoned post match comments of Jon Roper and Dave Seddon I’m glad my view is more in keeping with theirs.
 
I think he's been anonymous in a lot of games but I see enough there to think he could be an asset in time.

Just need to find his best position, personally I think he might be more productive just behind the striker.
 
Totally agree with the OP, I thought Bodin and Pearson were the only bright sparks along with Browne who was good second half but anonymous first.
 
Some people have no patience......... The bloke is still adjusting to life in the Championship having moved up from League 2 !

Give him time and im sure that he will come good........
 
Bodin has some composure and close control but he lacks pace so he is not much use way out wide but can be dangerous when he is more central basically in and around the penalty area. He is in many ways the opposite of Barkhuizen who is not much good in situations where he is static and hemmed in but can be close to unstoppable once he is running with the ball. If he is now beginning to get the feel for the pace of Championship football great - if he could also start to show at this level the eye for goal that he showed previously that would be even better.
 
Bodin played well enough that they literally had to take off his full back and move Gunter over to try and handle him at half time
 
Clement subbed his full back off at half time because Bodin was causing him so many problems.

He missed a great chance, and sliced a ball high in to the stands when well placed, but other than that he had an excellent game.

Alongside Pearson as the first name on the team sheet against Leeds for me.
 
Billy would suit a home style that seems void in Neil's management. Him maguire, johnson etc all play through line rather than over or around them like barkhuizen. He was very good on saturday, very creative. shame he missed a few half chances.
 
Pace-a problem

Pace-a problem

Agree Bodin played well and great feet on the ball. Only minus due to possible lack of pace he comes inside more often than not instead of the odd burst to the line. He certainly had their full back under control and on one occasion when cutting in he chose to pass to colleague rather than having a crack as Robinson so often does. Good prospect for next season.
 
He’s very creative and will only get better.

Not the most athletic but gifted with the ball at his feet, polar opposite to Barky. Think he’ll become a good player for us next season.

Wouldn’t mind us looking at his former team mate at Bristol Rovers - Ellis Harrison. Bags of pace, great movement and a good finisher. We need another striker.
 
When Bodin first arrived thought he had skill but wondered about his work rate and appetite, especially with some Bristol fans commenting on him drifting out of games, but get the sense now that that he is motivated and will fight for his place in the team which can only be a good thing.
Fisher has been a good signing by Neil and Bodin could well prove to be another, suggesting he has a decent eye for a player, which could be good news for the summer transfer window.
 
Really pleased that Bodin had a good game. I missed it, but he looked good on the highlights and I hope he's adapting to the Championship as opposed to having a one-off.

He needs to improve his physique and tracking back but as I've said before he does have technical ability and if we can get him playing like he did for Bristol he'll be a huge asset.
 
Really good, hard working first half at Reading but the frustrations of playing a left footed player wide on the right was highlighted when he had two chances on his right foot by the six yard box and displayed no control.
 
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