Sam Bell

[1960maaan]

Really pleased for the lad, so important to get that first goal and have some positive influence on a game.
Over the years we've had a few with massive promise that have stalled after a few games, and I had started to worry about Bell. Because we weren't in a position just to give him starts, it was really difficult to make an impact. Obviously that is mainly for us, the support as Nige would see him every day, but he could easily disappear. Of course , as his old man knows the score, that could help.
I've seen a bit of him for the U23s, he definitely has an eye for goal, but has had little opportunity to show it so far in the first team. Getting games is important, but many of the minutes he has had would have been out of his natural position. There would have been question marks over his strength and pace stepping up to first team striker, and that's why I loved the goal last night.
Watched it a few times and his movement to step across the CB not only showed pace, but awareness to take the CB out of the equation , then a decent finish. But it's not only that, he managed an assist for Sykes with a nicely weighted pass . Maybe not the most difficult pass, but easy to overhit in the moment. Add he nearly got on the end of Semenyo's cross shot and , from the Radio, sounded like he was involved in a few decent moments I hope he can kick on the way that Conway has.
Conway really stood out for me in the U23s, he lead the line with great movement, touch/technique and calm finishes. Bell is very different , a lot more of his game goes unnoticed, but he gets in good positions and scores.  I hope he really shines , he seems to fit the style of forward we play with now. Pace, movement and hard work. 
Keep on keeping on Sam 

[Shuffle]

Sam is a natural finisher & rapid. I’m hoping that the goal gives him the belief that he belongs at this level & confident thats the first of many. Congratulations Sam 

[BCFCGav]

It's a hell of a goal having now seen it on highlights. Like - really really good. He had so much to do when King played that pass into him. One of my favourite goals we've scored this season to be honest (and not just because of the opponent!).

[Gimme Shelton]

There were a couple of mistakes Saturday but there were also a couple of moments when I thought - yes there's a player gaining confidence and showing what he can do.

[Northern Red]

 

[Open End Numb Legs]

Looked like some serious pace with that goal. Thanks for answering my next question - about his Dad.

[The chief]

22 minutes ago, Gimme Shelton said:

There were a couple of mistakes Saturday but there were also a couple of moments when I thought - yes there's a player gaining confidence and showing what he can do.

Yeah he had a really promising run late in the game vs Brum didn’t get the finish right on that occasion, but he showed belief and threat and carried that into yesterdays with a cracking goal and assist. Another attacking option emerging. Love it .

[LondonBristolian]

I must admit I had previously felt he needed a tap in or a lucky goal via a deflection to give him a bit of confidence. I really did not expect him to suddenly produce that.

It gives him a fantastic platform to build on.

[ralphindevon]

In his radio Bristol interview he said he knew he’d beaten the defender and if he’d brought him down it would have been a penalty.

Clearly still a lot to learn.

Seriously though I’m really chuffed for the lad, he’s been patient and now hopefully he can reap some rewards.

[Davefevs]

Pearson also said last night (paraphrased) that it’s tough to make an impact coming on as sub for brief minutes, so he wanted to give Sam much longer to get into the game.  33 minutes turned into 63 minutes with extra time.  Would’ve been very easy to play Nahki for 75-80 and then put Sam on.  Double benefit, Nahki should be fresh(er) for Saturday.

[Port Said Red]

3 minutes ago, Davefevs said:

Pearson also said last night (paraphrased) that it’s tough to make an impact coming on as sub for brief minutes, so he wanted to give Sam much longer to get into the game.  33 minutes turned into 63 minutes with extra time.  Would’ve been very easy to play Nahki for 75-80 and then put Sam on.  Double benefit, Nahki should be fresh(er) for Saturday.

A couple of days rest now I should think, in the past the players have gone back to the HPC to get a session in the freezer, so most of them probably didn't get home until the early hours this morning.

[Open End Numb Legs]

If he has a pace advantage over defenders that should give us an extra edge to play on the break, the quick ball over the top rather than to feet and relying on holding the ball up.

[marcofisher]

Can anyone give me a comparison to another player in terms of style or what to expect? Is he a small number 9 or a winger/wide forward?

[Port Said Red]

2 minutes ago, marcofisher said:

Can anyone give me a comparison to another player in terms of style or what to expect? Is he a small number 9 or a winger/wide forward?

I think the Michael Owen comparison is a good one, quick, low centre of gravity, good finish. He can play wider, but I would like to see him as central as possible. I could definitely see him feeding off through balls from likes of Scott and Williams. 

[Betty Swallocks]

The goal was great but they weight of the pass and the technique used for Sykes goal was fantastic as well. 

[downendcity]

6 minutes ago, marcofisher said:

Can anyone give me a comparison to another player in terms of style or what to expect? Is he a small number 9 or a winger/wide forward?

His goal last night reminded me of Michael Owen's goal against Argentina in the 98 WC.

Would be ok if he's anything like as good as him!

[Carey 6]

9 minutes ago, marcofisher said:

Can anyone give me a comparison to another player in terms of style or what to expect? Is he a small number 9 or a winger/wide forward?

Reminded me a little of Sam Baldock last night. 

[ralphindevon]

I watched Saikou Janneh a few times both for us and Torquay and never thought he’d make a championship player.

Bell is different, he has that great ability to run with the ball at speed but also keep his head up, seeing what’s around him. Defenders hate it and trying not to sound like I’ve got a lot to learn, he looks like he’s our best bet for a long time in getting penalties.

A long way to go but I’m excited to see him progress.

[Kodjias Wrist]

Poor goal to concede according to Russell Martin haha. Great finish!

[marcofisher]

22 minutes ago, Port Said Red said:

I think the Michael Owen comparison is a good one, quick, low centre of gravity, good finish. He can play wider, but I would like to see him as central as possible. I could definitely see him feeding off through balls from likes of Scott and Williams. 

 

19 minutes ago, downendcity said:

His goal last night reminded me of Michael Owen's goal against Argentina in the 98 WC.

Would be ok if he's anything like as good as him!

 

18 minutes ago, Carey 6 said:

Reminded me a little of Sam Baldock last night. 

Thanks all - Could he play up front on his own?

[Carey 6]

6 minutes ago, Kodjias Wrist said:

Poor goal to concede according to Russell Martin haha. Great finish!

Was expecting the player chasing him to do what Wood did to Semenyo earlier on in the game and drag him down by his shirt - Almost like Chiellini on Saka in the Euros final. 

1 minute ago, marcofisher said:

Thanks all - Could he play up front on his own?

Too lightweight at this stage I think!

[Open End Numb Legs]

Mickey was left footed I think? Judging by the way he took the goal (which I have enjoyed about 10 times now ) maybe Sam hasn't inherited that?

[Robbored]

24 minutes ago, Kodjias Wrist said:

Poor goal to concede according to Russell Martin haha. Great finish!

From a Jacks perspective it was a  poor goal to concede and if City had conceded a goal like that Nige would have said exactly the same.

[1960maaan]

41 minutes ago, marcofisher said:

Can anyone give me a comparison to another player in terms of style or what to expect? Is he a small number 9 or a winger/wide forward?

As a City comparrison I'd say Carl Shutt . But he has some growing and learning to do, but great promise.

53 minutes ago, Davefevs said:

Pearson also said last night (paraphrased) that it’s tough to make an impact coming on as sub for brief minutes, so he wanted to give Sam much longer to get into the game.  33 minutes turned into 63 minutes with extra time.  Would’ve been very easy to play Nahki for 75-80 and then put Sam on.  Double benefit, Nahki should be fresh(er) for Saturday.

Saw that this morning, must admit I was a little worried. They had a bench full of first teamers to change it up, we had 6th Formers. 
Couldn't have been much better, other than to win it in normal time. Most annoying thing was not being able to watch, sounded like OTC made an impression.

 

[Robbored]

1 minute ago, Open End Numb Legs said:

Mickey was left footed I think? Judging by the way he took the goal (which I have enjoyed about 10 times now ) maybe Sam hasn't inherited that?

Two different types of player. Mickey was left back his son is a striker. Very different abilities required for those positions.

[Curr Avon]

1 hour ago, Northern Red said:

 

And we got 'im cheap for nothing! 

[hantsred]

Whilst Pearson alluded to the fact that half the team were saying wtf with the wurzel music - is that supposed to wind them up or us.???

.. meanwhile Local boy Sam Bell ran out with the  wurzels ringing in his ears to the slightly modified tune of  "black SWAN I'll ave eee"

[Kodjias Wrist]

15 minutes ago, Robbored said:

From a Jacks perspective it was a  poor goal to concede and if City had conceded a goal like that Nige would have said exactly the same.

Yes all managers say the same, very few on occassion credit opposition goals. They credit opposition desire but rarely individual goals. I find this quite odd but then they work everyday to limit errors.

[Northern Red]

11 minutes ago, Kodjias Wrist said:

Yes all managers say the same, very few on occassion credit opposition goals. They credit opposition desire but rarely individual goals. I find this quite odd but then they work everyday to limit errors.

A manager's first thought will nearly always be "how has that happened, what could we have done to prevent it?" We as fans do it too, the instaneous reaction for any goal conceded is to look at the defence.

[Robbored]

21 minutes ago, hantsred said:

Whilst Pearson alluded to the fact that half the team were saying wtf with the wurzel music - is that supposed to wind them up or us.???

I thought is was a great idea to play Wurzels songs in Wales. Maybe our players should familiarise themselves with the Wurzels, maybe then they wouldn’t complain!

If I were a player those songs would fire me up but then I am a local and very familiar with the Wurzels.

[Steve Watts]

At least we should have a song ready for him.  Nice and easy to adapt his dads song.  Maybe even adding a third verse of "Thank You Mickey Bell" etc.  Father and son honoured in the same song.

[David Brent]

Mickey Bell was one of my favourites. Love that both father and son have now scored for City. 

[RoystonFoote'snephew]

I said in the Semenyo thread that I would sooner let Semenyo leave and keep Bell around instead of loaning him out. While this was said against a background of poor Semenyo form at the time, which he has to be fair turned around, it was principally because I see Sam Bell as a more natural goalscorer than Antoine who is power rather than finesse. Given our injuries and squad size I hope that Sam gets more opportunities in the weeks, ahead and goes nowhere this month. 

[alexukhc]

Scary to think our favourite player growing up now has a son scoring and playing for City.. old as ****

[Kodjias Wrist]

20 minutes ago, David Brent said:

Mickey Bell was one of my favourites. Love that both father and son have now scored for City. 

Yes I remember clearly three goals of his. One against Cardiff late on at Ashton Gate on his right foot. And two great strikes against Cambridge at Ashton Gate in a 2 0 win. Hell of a left boot.

Around 2 and 4 minutes in.

Edited January 18, 2023 by Kodjias Wrist

[marcofisher]

5 minutes ago, RoystonFoote'snephew said:

I said in the Semenyo thread that I would sooner let Semenyo leave and keep Bell around instead of loaning him out. While this was said against a background of poor Semenyo form at the time, which he has to be fair turned around, it was principally because I see Sam Bell as a more natural goalscorer than Antoine who is power rather than finesse. Given our injuries and squad size I hope that Sam gets more opportunities in the weeks, ahead and goes nowhere this month. 

While I agree with the premise, we already have a natural goalscorer in Wells, and Antoine is the one player in our squad who can create something from nothing, which I don't think our other attacking players can really do.

[Open End Numb Legs]

I wonder if there is a movie in the pipeline somewhere, like one of these modern DNA harvesting thrillers.

You take a top footballer, save some DNA off their trendy headphones and 18 years later you have a clone.

Geoff Merrick is still local isn't he?

[W-S-M Seagull]

2 hours ago, marcofisher said:

Can anyone give me a comparison to another player in terms of style or what to expect? Is he a small number 9 or a winger/wide forward?

I'd imagine Pearson sees a bit of Vardy in him. 

[Davefevs]

Just now, W-S-M Seagull said:

I'd imagine Pearson sees a bit of Vardy in him. 

I think he sees Vardy in Tommy.

[alexukhc]

Please delete 

Edited January 18, 2023 by alexukhc

[spudski]

4 minutes ago, Davefevs said:

I think he sees Vardy in Tommy.

I wonder how long it will be before we see Conway and Bell start together? 

They had a great partnership developing in the U21s.

Such a shame Conway got injured...but again...someone's injury has allowed an opportunity quicker. 

I get so frustrated at our current situation.

The thought of Pring, Benorous, Scott, Semenyo, Bell and Conway all playing fills me with excitement in the potential to take the next step. To be able to all develop together. 

 

[David Brent]

42 minutes ago, Kodjias Wrist said:

Yes I remember clearly three goals of his. One against Cardiff late on at Ashton Gate on his right foot. And two great strikes against Cambridge at Ashton Gate in a 2 0 win. Hell of a left boot.

Around 2 and 4 minutes in.

And his goal against Rovers in a 3-0 win of course 

 

[grifty]

Have we had any other Father - Son goal scorers?

Joe Jordan & Andrew Jordan?

[Offside]

1 hour ago, David Brent said:

Mickey Bell was one of my favourites. Love that both father and son have now scored for City. 

Yep, one of my favourites too.

Didn’t he score from two free kicks in quick succession in a match against Plymouth?

[downendcity]

1 hour ago, Kodjias Wrist said:

Yes all managers say the same, very few on occassion credit opposition goals. They credit opposition desire but rarely individual goals. I find this quite odd but then they work everyday to limit errors.

Similarly it seems that a majority of City fans rarely credit the opposition for winning because they outplayed us.

The more usual reaction is to find fault with our players performances and mistakes and/or the manager's poor selection, formation and tactics.

[bcfc01]

8 minutes ago, grifty said:

Have we had any other Father - Son goal scorers?

Joe Jordan & Andrew Jordan?

Not sure about Joe and Andrew but Don and Brian Clark most definitely scored - and quite a few as well.

 

Just now, downendcity said:

Similarly it seems that a majority of City fans rarely credit the opposition for winning because they outplayed us.

The more usual reaction is to find fault with our players performances and mistakes and/or the manager's poor selection, formation and tactics.

Exactly the same on all forums.

[Davefevs]

29 minutes ago, spudski said:

I wonder how long it will be before we see Conway and Bell start together? 

They had a great partnership developing in the U21s.

Such a shame Conway got injured...but again...someone's injury has allowed an opportunity quicker. 

I get so frustrated at our current situation.

The thought of Pring, Benorous, Scott, Semenyo, Bell and Conway all playing fills me with excitement in the potential to take the next step. To be able to all develop together. 

 

If I leave Scott and Semenyo out of the mix, I think we have a window of opportunity when Conway, Bell, Benarous, Pring could be a key part of an overall team that moves forward at a quick enough rate to keep them together.

16 minutes ago, grifty said:

Have we had any other Father - Son goal scorers?

Joe Jordan & Andrew Jordan?

David and Arnold Rodgers?

[downendcity]

22 minutes ago, spudski said:

I wonder how long it will be before we see Conway and Bell start together? 

They had a great partnership developing in the U21s.

Such a shame Conway got injured...but again...someone's injury has allowed an opportunity quicker. 

I get so frustrated at our current situation.

The thought of Pring, Benorous, Scott, Semenyo, Bell and Conway all playing fills me with excitement in the potential to take the next step. To be able to all develop together. 

 

I think I'm right in thinking that that without Semenyo's injury Conway wouldn't have got to start at the beginning of the season, when he really hit the ground running. Although he had played for the first team previously ( mainly from the bench?) I got the impression that most fans thought he was still a bit lightweight and needed more time. With hindsight it now looks like all he needed was a decent run in the team to build confidence.

As you say, Conway's misfortune has given Sam his opportunity and perhaps ( let's hope) he takes it in the same way TC did early this season.

It might be through circumstances, but it does seem that Pearson has confidence in our youngsters and his willingness to put them in the team is being rewarded. Ferguson's success in the 90's was built on a nucleus of players that developed together through Man U's academy, so perhaps we are close to seeing our own group of academy players becoming the nucleus of City's first team and the last time we managed that to a a similar degree was Dicks' team of the 70s!

 

 

[mozo]

I like that he takes 4 touches to score from not far inside the half. Going at that speed he had to get them all instinctively right and he did to perfection.

[spudski]

5 minutes ago, Davefevs said:

If I leave Scott and Semenyo out of the mix, I think we have a window of opportunity when Conway, Bell, Benarous, Pring could be a key part of an overall team that moves forward at a quick enough rate to keep them together.

David and Arnold Rodgers?

I'm hoping so too...and if Tanner, Vyner Atkinson, Sykes, and Williams keep improving then hopefully it will like you say fast track

[David Brent]

17 minutes ago, bcfc01 said:

Not sure about Joe and Andrew but Don and Brian Clark most definitely scored - and quite a few as well.

Andy scored once for us.

[GrahamC]

28 minutes ago, grifty said:

Have we had any other Father - Son goal scorers?

Joe Jordan & Andrew Jordan?

Rosenior 

[cidered abroad]

45 minutes ago, spudski said:

I wonder how long it will be before we see Conway and Bell start together? 

They had a great partnership developing in the U21s.

Such a shame Conway got injured...but again...someone's injury has allowed an opportunity quicker. 

I get so frustrated at our current situation.

The thought of Pring, Benorous, Scott, Semenyo, Bell and Conway all playing fills me with excitement in the potential to take the next step. To be able to all develop together. 

 

Conway and Bell reminds me of Riley and Neville. Not big lads but slippery like eels.

 

Edited January 18, 2023 by cidered abroad

[cidered abroad]

Peter Spiring and his father Gordon who scored one goal in 1939.

[old_eastender]

Delighted for Bell, he had not looked quite up to it from his briefer sub appearances this season, so great to see him shine given more pitch time.

Guess he will be back on the bench for Blackburn, but NP should know have no qualms about bringing him on with a good half hour to go.

[alexukhc]

21 minutes ago, David Brent said:

Andy scored once for us.

Should never of left us

[ExiledAjax]

31 minutes ago, Davefevs said:

Conway, Bell, Benarous, Pring

 

24 minutes ago, spudski said:

I'm hoping so too...and if Tanner, Vyner Atkinson, Sykes, and Williams keep improving then hopefully it will like you say fast track

Something like this perhaps next season? Maybe not in August, but towards this time next year? Exact positions of midfielders to be finalised but as a rough starting XI it's possible I think. Perhaps adding a proper LW or RW would help as Bell may be needed to cover an injured forward, Benarous likewise re CM. It's 6 academy products in a starting XI!

With Weimann, James, and Naismith as experience to switch into this young (bar old man Wells) XI I think you're getting towards a balanced squad. Questions would remain over the number of players in their prime years, and I'd be amazed if we troubled the top 6, but it's moving in the right direction.

Back of a fag packet stuff but it's possible.

Edited January 18, 2023 by ExiledAjax

[downendcity]

1 hour ago, marcofisher said:

While I agree with the premise, we already have a natural goalscorer in Wells, and Antoine is the one player in our squad who can create something from nothing, which I don't think our other attacking players can really do.

In terms of creating something from nothing, Sam didn't do too badly with his goal last night.

[marcofisher]

3 minutes ago, downendcity said:

In terms of creating something from nothing, Sam didn't do too badly with his goal last night.

Yes a fantastic goal, but I wouldn't say something from nothing, there was space to attack on the break, so more of a counter attacking goal, which could suit Bell very well late in games. I meant a bit more with flair, creativity and physicality with ball at the feet where there is not that space there, rather than using pace on the break. Such as both Semenyo's and Prings assists for Sykes on Saturday.

Edited January 18, 2023 by marcofisher

[italian dave]

1 hour ago, Davefevs said:

I think he sees Vardy in Tommy.

He probably sees Vardy in anyone who scores a lot of goals for him! 

[Bazooka Joe]

When Sam scored, the fans in the away end went bellistic.

It was a fabellous run and finish by the young striker. A young version of Sam-enyo?

Took the Mickey out of the centre-back and scored a belter of a goal.

Sam again next time?

[spudski]

Love this...everything about it...such a well taken goal.

And just look at the lads celebrating afterwards... Scott in particular.

 

[Boston Red]

This screamer from Mickey Bell is on his weaker foot!!! Against Cardiff too. 56.20.

 

[ExiledAjax]

Has to go some to best his dad's tally for us right. Wikipedia has Micky on 292 appearances and 34 goals. Mostly scored in what is now League 1 though. Maybe a goal in the Championship is worth 1.2 old Second Division goals?

Regardless, if Sam Bell gets to 292 appearances for us as a forward he should comfortably eclipse his old man's goal tally.

[Alessandro]

Fantastic to see a few from the bench running round to join the celebrations - especially Wells and Scott who'd been subbed off. 

[spudski]

32 minutes ago, Alessandro said:

Fantastic to see a few from the bench running round to join the celebrations - especially Wells and Scott who'd been subbed off. 

Exactly...great team spirit

[Red Skin]

Congratulations Sam.  Watching these homegrown players make an impact is fantastic and one of the main reasons I go to football, along with watching attacking play.  I appreciate that NP has his faults, but he has managed the introduction of our academy players really well.  Long may it continue. 

[cityexile]

8 hours ago, grifty said:

Have we had any other Father - Son goal scorers?

Joe Jordan & Andrew Jordan?

Pretty sure Gary Williams, who I did see, was son of Alan Williams from the late 50s? I know they both scored and have half a memory they were father and son.

[Davefevs]

Just now, cityexile said:

Pretty sure Gary Williams, who I did see, was son of Alan Williams from the late 50s? I know they both scored and have half a memory they were father and son.

Indeed, been bugging me all day when I saw a list of father and son’s for City…and I knew there was another pair.  I used to regularly frequent the Horse & Groom on a lunchtime which they ran (owned?).  Both were really nice blokes.

[exAtyeoMax]

14 hours ago, spudski said:

Love this...everything about it...such a well taken goal.

And just look at the lads celebrating afterwards... Scott in particular.

 

it's great isn't it.