Max O' Leary

[MrRedRobin]

Was very good at commanding his area today.

Hope he will be able to keep it up.

No actual saves to make today but came out a few times to claim the ball.

In previous games has been solid apart from that little misunderstanding between him and Kalas. (Whether it was his fault or not I don't know)
Keep it up Max .

 

[Lanterne Rouge]

The one when he came out to claim the ball on the (his) left of the area in the second half was great, he` was getting that ball no matter what.

[marmite]

As a side issue, how long can a keeper keep the ball in hand? Max must take it to the limit.

[Lanterne Rouge]

3 minutes ago, marmite said:

As a side issue, how long can a keeper keep the ball in hand? Max must take it to the limit.

I posted on the match day thread that he was getting away with it because Obafemi was crowding him every time. I`ve no idea why he was doing it though.

[The Humble Realist]

I counted on one occasion using the big screen....25 seconds one time...he needs to be careful 

[BigAl&Toby]

And second half when he came well out if his area.

I reckon Capn Dan might be moving on (up - great half time track) in January.

Might provide a bit of cash and free up wages. Wouldn’t be a big loss if you ask me…

[Davefevs]

1 hour ago, marmite said:

As a side issue, how long can a keeper keep the ball in hand? Max must take it to the limit.

If Obafemi keeps moving then the ref is gonna allow the keeper as much time as he likes.

[GrahamC]

The two that impressed me were the claim at the back post when he came a long way to do so & the calm header when he was well out of his area.

They didn’t exactly put him under much pressure but his handling was very steady today.

[MarcusX]

1 hour ago, The Humble Realist said:

I counted on one occasion using the big screen....25 seconds one time...he needs to be careful 

Why? All rhe ref will do is tell him to hurry up

[Gazred]

He does look far more comfortable coming for the ball. Punched and gathered well today.

Out of interest, is he taller than Bentley?

[1960maaan]

Bentley Vs Max as shot stopper is open to question.
Bentley Vs Max 1V1, I lean to Bents.
When it comes to crosses, commanding his area and distribution I've always thought Max was better.
I thought he was very good today, claimed what he could, punched what he couldn't claim and was quick off of his line. Very decisive when he needed to be.

[Super]

Considering the possession they had he really had little to do. He did well and had no chance with the goal.

[Davefevs]

This is Max’s best spell in the team…ever.  It’s only 5 games, but at this point he appears to have grasped the nettle.  Maybe he finally is thinking like a no1?  Maybe he can genuinely see it’s his shirt, not just a stop gap.

I’m not a huge fan of his distribution, but he seems up to speed with the game in this spell.

I hope he continues this progress / form.

[Numero Uno]

6 minutes ago, Davefevs said:

This is Max’s best spell in the team…ever.  It’s only 5 games, but at this point he appears to have grasped the nettle.  Maybe he finally is thinking like a no1?  Maybe he can genuinely see it’s his shirt, not just a stop gap.

I’m not a huge fan of his distribution, but he seems up to speed with the game in this spell.

I hope he continues this progress / form.

There was one superb ping to Sykes first half that had he controlled we were in tbf. Agree with the point that he has to think and believe like a No.1 keeper. That’s the key, he needs to add that arrogance that says it’s my shirt and back it up with continued good performances like todays.

[hinsleburg]

9 minutes ago, Davefevs said:

This is Max’s best spell in the team…ever.  It’s only 5 games, but at this point he appears to have grasped the nettle.  Maybe he finally is thinking like a no1?  Maybe he can genuinely see it’s his shirt, not just a stop gap.

I’m not a huge fan of his distribution, but he seems up to speed with the game in this spell.

I hope he continues this progress / form.

I've always said he's never felt like the long term answer, just waiting for that mistake and then Bentley would be back in.

However, like you said something feels a bit different this time, seems to be an extra level of confidence there. No idea what conversations have happened behind the scenes but maybe he's been told it's his spot until the World Cup so make a claim for the first game after 

[The Humble Realist]

1 hour ago, MarcusX said:

Why? All rhe ref will do is tell him to hurry up

Yeah but why take the risk that a picky ref gives a free kick.. 

We would have no complaints if they did 

[NcnsBcfc]

12 minutes ago, Davefevs said:

This is Max’s best spell in the team…ever.  It’s only 5 games, but at this point he appears to have grasped the nettle.  Maybe he finally is thinking like a no1?  Maybe he can genuinely see it’s his shirt, not just a stop gap.

I’m not a huge fan of his distribution, but he seems up to speed with the game in this spell.

I hope he continues this progress / form.

He's certainly an upgrade distribution wise on Bents though in my eyes.

Hits the players with a much better accuracy, alongside not having that annoying back spin to every ball thay Bents seems to kick.

This causes the kick to hang in the area a lot longer, and be significantly less effective 

 

[ralphindevon]

Another along with the likes of Vyner that some of our fans are happy to put the “not a championship player” tag on them.

I don’t get what’s hard to understand about a player not only training every day but also playing regular championship football that there’s a pretty good chance they’ll Improve. 

Maybe they won’t improve enough maybe they’ll improve so much they’ll be premier league players. But to just write them off after a handful of games like that’s as good as they’ll ever be seems so odd to me. 

[Guest]

2 hours ago, GrahamC said:

The two that impressed me were the claim at the back post when he came a long way to do so & the calm header when he was well out of his area.

They didn’t exactly put him under much pressure but his handling was very steady today.

I stand to be corrected but I think Max started out as a CB.

Had a decent game today and I for one found the way Max distributed the ball much less stressful than watching us play out from the six yard box, I know it’s the modern way but it puts me on edge every time.

[Numero Uno]

The key stat for me is that “shot stopping liner” Bentley has conceded 21 goals in 13 league games whereas Max who isn’t as good a shot stopper (Bentley is a very good shot stopper tbf) but is far more willing to put his cock on the block and get amongst the high balls has conceded 6 in 5. There’s more than one way to skin a cat and if you come out and catch crosses or punch them away and do it well then there is often not as much that needs saving!!

Not saying Max has “arrived” yet but I would argue that with our obvious lack of aerial domination at the back the team is better defensively for having a positive keeper over a liner. Whether it is Max, Bagic or A N Other that is what we need right now.

[ExiledAjax]

Both goalkeeper's stats so far this season.

[Red-Robbo]

5 minutes ago, Numero Uno said:

Whether it is Max, Bagic or A N Other that is what we need right now.

 

"Could it be Bagic?"  Well, there's his song sorted out....

[Mr Popodopolous]

Defence does seem more stable as a whole, perhaps more confidence exuded.

[Numero Uno]

39 minutes ago, ExiledAjax said:

Both goalkeeper's stats so far this season.

A Lee Johnson spreadsheet if ever I saw one. Get those percentiles up on Power Point and add the "Bomb Alley Co-Efficient" and I think they've nailed it. The stat that really matters, ultimately, is Goals Against. I am guarded using stats as the sole basis of argument as sample sizes vary, they often only tell the picture at the moment in time, and they rarely add context. You have to do that yourself. A Goalkeeper could have great stats in a dominant team where his work is relatively easy (you could have a save record of 92% comprising mainly of pea rollers and you hardly get a difficult shot to save like Swansea's goal yesterday) but put that same keeper behind our back three and the "percentiles" might change dramatically. However, you can reasonably compare stats from keepers at the same club because the variables are very similar to both keepers - same players in front of them, same style of play, same method of defending corners and set pieces, same team strengths and weaknesses etc. etc.

For those who love stats the current difference between the two relates to 19-20 goals per season - how many additional points might that be? Interestingly the current stats for Crosses Stopped and Defensive Actions Outside the Penalty Area seem to back up what Pearson is saying about Max's positivity in comparison to Bentley but also back up those who say Bentley is a better shot stopper. This ultimately proves the point that for all the stats and spreadsheets what we see with our own eyes is often what the stats are also saying. However, that's also why scouts exist in addition to scouting reports - someone needs to physically check that what the stats are saying is real.

Edited October 30, 2022 by Numero Uno

[cidered abroad]

Nothing detrimental to Bentley but I am guessing that NP is not over enamored by his inability to use the ball quickly. And also the fact that he stays rooted on the line from crosses.

Max is getting a chance now and Bajic will be pushing for the number one spot before we realise.

[Malago]

If Max  can establish himself as our No 1, and this French kiddie is as good as has been reported, getting Bents off the books next summer opens the possibility of bringing in a quality outfield player.

[Davefevs]

5 minutes ago, Malago said:

If Max  can establish himself as our No 1, and this French kiddie is as good as has been reported, getting Bents off the books next summer opens the possibility of bringing in a quality outfield player.

Looks like that is the plan if Max can make himself no1 over Bentley.  Until this batch of games I’ve been totally happy with my view that Bents is the better keeper, but Max is changing my mind.  He appears to be a “different” keeper in this spell, much more confident and decisive. Really hope he takes his chance.

[alexukhc]

Threw some turf at us yesterday, he apologised after, played well

[Numero Uno]

8 minutes ago, alexukhc said:

Threw some turf at us yesterday, he apologised after, played well

Where there's blame there's a claim........................

[Guest]

2 hours ago, Davefevs said:

  He appears to be a “different” keeper in this spell, much more confident and decisive. Really hope he takes his chance.

This

[Lanterne Rouge]

3 hours ago, Davefevs said:

Looks like that is the plan if Max can make himself no1 over Bentley.  Until this batch of games I’ve been totally happy with my view that Bents is the better keeper, but Max is changing my mind.  He appears to be a “different” keeper in this spell, much more confident and decisive. Really hope he takes his chance.

Perhaps he`s had a look at himself and realised that this is, realistically, probably his last chance to establish himself as a Championship regular. The arrival of Bajic has no doubt focussed his mind a bit and he now realises that, even if DB does leave, he`s not automatically going to be promoted to No. 1 without proving he can do it.

If that results in us gaining a good keeper then I`m all for it.

[Lanterne Rouge]

1 minute ago, billywedlock said:

I would add he also looked at his performance last season and looked at what he did well and not so well . For me , he has showed shot stopping that his previous spell did not . Strangely as I had seen better from him . This time he has been much more positive , punches , catches and very vocal . Pearson was applauding him many times yesterday and so were his team mates . His distribution and speed of distribution are also steps up . I like Bents a lot , but Max is showing better overall skills right now . Credit to him and the coaches as Bents will not be here next season , maybe not after Jan . 

I agree. He does look a better all round keeper this time. Long may it continue.

[Davefevs]

6 minutes ago, billywedlock said:

His distribution and speed of distribution are also steps up

That is quite a difference from the past imho.  Although he was technically good with his feet, I always felt he wasn’t quite switched on to the pace of the game.  By the time he’d made his mind up to pass, opposition strikers were ahead of him, and he could sometimes put his teammates in trouble by delaying that odd second or so.

[Roger Red Hat]

What age is Max now?

[Davefevs]

40 minutes ago, Roger Red Hat said:

What age is Max now?

26 (Oct 10).

[1960maaan]

1 hour ago, billywedlock said:

I would add he also looked at his performance last season and looked at what he did well and not so well . For me , he has showed shot stopping that his previous spell did not . Strangely as I had seen better from him . This time he has been much more positive , punches , catches and very vocal . Pearson was applauding him many times yesterday and so were his team mates . His distribution and speed of distribution are also steps up . I like Bents a lot , but Max is showing better overall skills right now . Credit to him and the coaches as Bents will not be here next season , maybe not after Jan . 

I've been a supporter for a while, thought he did well in his first spell and that game at Villa was ridiculous .
His run last year where he, or rather we, conceded loads. I thought he was only at fault for one. There does seem to be a more confident look to him, and he does seem more vocal. I've always thought he was better with balls into the area, including back passes. 
Bentley is decent , but he has issues with crosses . OOC in the summer, I hope we could sell him in Jan purely for financial reasons . But also it must be why we signed Bajic. I don't think we lose anything by max playing , and in certain ways he improves the side and is possibly a better all round keeper. 
Not sure we will get much for Bentley, maybe do a deal towards a CB ?

[Roger Red Hat]

3 hours ago, Davefevs said:

26 (Oct 10).

Senior pro!

[GrahamC]

2 hours ago, 1960maaan said:

Bentley is decent , but he has issues with crosses . OOC in the summer, I hope we could sell him in Jan purely for financial reasons . But also it must be why we signed Bajic. I don't think we lose anything by max playing , and in certain ways he improves the side and is possibly a better all round keeper. 
Not sure we will get much for Bentley, maybe do a deal towards a CB ?

We’d get absolutely nothing.

Who is buying a player in January for a fee when they can get him for free in the summer?

[Davefevs]

43 minutes ago, GrahamC said:

We’d get absolutely nothing.

Who is buying a player in January for a fee when they can get him for free in the summer?

Might get a nominal fee but wages would be the big winner here. 

[Port Said Red]

I think distribution is the key, I don't think there is much to choose between the goalkeepers in the Championship and possibly only 3 or 4 that stand out in the Premier League when it comes to shot stopping and commanding the area, so it's that additional ability to start moves or spot an early opportunity that makes the difference.

I can't quantify this, but it seemed to me on Saturday that the players were more alert to the idea that Max would look for them quickly if they made themselves available, there seemed to be more animation than when Bents gets the ball. 

What I have seen of the U20's games Bajic is even more keen to move the ball quickly, and again the outfield players seemed to have picked up on that.

If Pearson is hoping to find a new Kaspar Schmeichel though, we could have a long wait.

[1960maaan]

10 hours ago, GrahamC said:

We’d get absolutely nothing.

Who is buying a player in January for a fee when they can get him for free in the summer?

As Dave said, wages would make a difference. Plus you never now in January , it is the desperation window . 
Also in the summer, on a free, there would be competition. If someone wants him, better to pay a (small) fee now and get him, that to be open to a bidding war in the summer. 

Of course, a wage bidding war would probably suit Bentley , so noting will be easy.

[And Its Smith]

I think it’s highly unlikely he leaves in Jan. he will be 6 months away from a signing on fee worth probably between £300-500k.  

[GrahamC]

Just now, 1960maaan said:

As Dave said, wages would make a difference. Plus you never now in January , it is the desperation window . 
Also in the summer, on a free, there would be competition. If someone wants him, better to pay a (small) fee now and get him, that to be open to a bidding war in the summer. 

Of course, a wage bidding war would probably suit Bentley , so noting will be easy.

Admire your optimism!

Totally get the advantage for us of removing him from wage bill but not sure who the market is for a relatively (by Championship standards now), high wage keeper who won’t have been a first choice for at least 15 games by then.

Don’t see many sides seeing him as the essential signing they need to make to reach the playoffs, etc.

[And Its Smith]

2 minutes ago, GrahamC said:

Admire your optimism!

Totally get the advantage for us of removing him from wage bill but not sure who the market is for a relatively (by Championship standards now), high wage keeper who won’t have been a first choice for at least 15 games by then.

Don’t see many sides seeing him as the essential signing they need to make to reach the playoffs, etc.

Doesn’t necessarily have to be top end clubs but he is better than that current first choice keeper for West Brom, Coventry, Wigan, Stoke, Hull and Cardiff at least.  

[GrahamC]

Just now, And Its Smith said:

Doesn’t necessarily have to be top end clubs but he is better than that current first choice keeper for West Brom, Coventry, Wigan, Stoke, Hull and Cardiff at least.  

He is, so I wouldn’t be too surprised to see him eventually end up at one of these, but do anyone of them have the funds & need to buy him in January when he’s a free transfer in June?

[1960maaan]

18 minutes ago, GrahamC said:

Admire your optimism!

Totally get the advantage for us of removing him from wage bill but not sure who the market is for a relatively (by Championship standards now), high wage keeper who won’t have been a first choice for at least 15 games by then.

Don’t see many sides seeing him as the essential signing they need to make to reach the playoffs, etc.

There is another option. There are a lot of experienced keepers warming the benches of Prem clubs. Some interesting signings have been made over the years. He cops be seen as a cheap 2nd choice for someone.

[Davefevs]

50 minutes ago, And Its Smith said:

I think it’s highly unlikely he leaves in Jan. he will be 6 months away from a signing on fee worth probably between £300-500k.  

Big signing on fees are no longer the norm for OOC players…not below PL anyway.

[And Its Smith]

39 minutes ago, Davefevs said:

Big signing on fees are no longer the norm for OOC players…not below PL anyway.

It depends on the player and demand.  We were able to offer Naismith one by all accounts and that helped get it done.  Bentley will have competition for his signature I reckon so think he can command one.  £300k for a good Championship keeper is a bargain. 

[Davefevs]

9 minutes ago, And Its Smith said:

It depends on the player and demand.  We were able to offer Naismith one by all accounts and that helped get it done.  Bentley will have competition for his signature I reckon so think he can command one.  £300k for a good Championship keeper is a bargain. 

Naismith - I doubt it was in the magnitude of the figs quoted above though!

Bentley - £300k would be at the sacrifice of wages, which has no real benefit does it?

[And Its Smith]

18 minutes ago, Davefevs said:

Naismith - I doubt it was in the magnitude of the figs quoted above though!

Bentley - £300k would be at the sacrifice of wages, which has no real benefit does it?

You could say that about any signing on fee really.  I’d rather have the money up front if given the choice. 

[Davefevs]

33 minutes ago, And Its Smith said:

You could say that about any signing on fee really.  I’d rather have the money up front if given the choice. 

He will be giving half of it to the tax man, whichever way he gets it!!!

[MelksRed]

On 29/10/2022 at 16:33, marmite said:

As a side issue, how long can a keeper keep the ball in hand? Max must take it to the limit.

5 x longer when you have an annoying forward that thinks he might nick it. 

[And Its Smith]

If Max had cost us a point this thread would have been commented on 3 hours ago. Won us a point today. Well done lad 

[Curr Avon]

On 31/10/2022 at 10:59, Davefevs said:

Naismith - I doubt it was in the magnitude of the figs quoted above though!

Bentley - £300k would be at the sacrifice of wages, which has no real benefit does it?

Any news on Naismith's injury?

[allyolly]

Max was outstanding today and showed he’s deserving his place in the team. If we can get some money for Bentley in January I’d have no problem with him moving on, much as I like him. 

[Davefevs]

16 minutes ago, And Its Smith said:

If Max had cost us a point this thread would have been commented on 3 hours ago. Won us a point today. Well done lad 

The save first half where the Boro FW hit an early left foot shot towards the near post, was amazing.

I so hope he continues this form.  Could save us a fortune.  Personally I didn’t think he’d get beyond a Champ no2, but at 26 he’s now entering his peak years.  More than happy that he’s proving to be better than I thought.

[ExiledAjax]

5 minutes ago, Davefevs said:

The save first half where the Boro FW hit an early left foot shot towards the near post, was amazing.

I so hope he continues this form.  Could save us a fortune.  Personally I didn’t think he’d get beyond a Champ no2, but at 26 he’s now entering his peak years.  More than happy that he’s proving to be better than I thought.

Echo this. I thought the poor games he had last season were a demonstration of his potential. He's proving that wrong. That's good.

[Bar BS3]

I've always been a big fan of Bentley & I really hadn't seen anything in Max to think he'd be up to a first team spot, bar emergency need, & that he really needed to be on an L1 loan to try & develop. 

Hats off to the guy! Since he's come in recently, he has done really well & yesterday he was heroic in earning us a point. 

Well done Max, you were fantastic yesterday & are deserving to keep your place in the team right now & performances like yesterday should fill him with all the confidence he needs to keep getting better & better. 

[hinsleburg]

Makes the Lincoln selection interesting, I was convinced it would be used to start the introduction of Bajic but to me it makes no sense now taking Max out the team even for a cup game.

Confidence and performance is high, let the lad play!

[1960maaan]

35 minutes ago, hinsleburg said:

Makes the Lincoln selection interesting, I was convinced it would be used to start the introduction of Bajic but to me it makes no sense now taking Max out the team even for a cup game.

Confidence and performance is high, let the lad play!

Max is no longer a young kid coming through. He's had a couple of runs, he's had loans and now it feels like he's No.1. That makes me think that it is a good time to blood Bajic, he's been ready for a while and he can't be learning much at U23 level.
I've heard good things about him from various sources , so it just makes sense to give him a run.
Maybe 45 minutes each with him and Bentley.

[Red Skin]

Whilst not commanding he seems to have improved in terms of dealing with crosses and ball into the box. (Not that Bentley is great at that either).

It's all down to distribution for me and Max is way ahead of Bents in that. 

[hertsexile]

Max has stepped up with some good displays and as it has been pointed out distribution far superior to Bentley. 
Max has earned his chance and with Bentley more than likely leaving when his contract is Up in the summer. 
I say stick with Max and the French lad as backup. 
Since Max has come into the side the defence is better organised and confident. 
Well done Max Our new no 1 

 

 

 

Edited November 6, 2022 by hertsexile
Miss spell