George Pratt Appreciation!!

[NeilInBristol]

The boy did good on his debut

recalled from Chorley and straight into the line up

Clearly knackered by 70mins

Thoughts on his future?

 

[simongarnerisgod]

start him on wednesday definately,miller be unavailable so he should fit straight in,looks to me he`ll become a really solid no nonsense defender,bit short of pace but then again most centre backs are

[Tomphil2]

Was worried about him in this game but he did great and was well covered as well to be fair.

Needs to be kept involved now because we'll need a natural replacement in the squad for whichever of Wharton or Carter is moved on in summer.

Still need to sign another experienced CB though.

[rigger]

2 hours ago, Tomphil2 said:

Was worried about him in this game but he did great and was well covered as well to be fair.

Needs to be kept involved now because we'll need a natural replacement in the squad for whichever of Wharton or Carter is moved on in summer.

Still need to sign another experienced CB though.

I think the Rovers will hope Litherland will step up, if needed.

[Andy]

Really pleased with how he did.

You can tell a natural defender from somebody standing in, or playing out of position.

It's football fate, isn't it? Injuries and circumstances often lead to an opportunity - and then it's down to you to take it.
He's certainly played himself into contention for the next game.

But as far as debuts at this level go, it went about as well as it could have for Pratt.

[rigger]

With Pratt I have always thought of a less able Colin Hendry, I hope he lives up to my expectations.

[arbitro]

George was at Chorley this afternoon watching his old club. 😂

[Tyrone Shoelaces]

3 minutes ago, arbitro said:

George was at Chorley this afternoon watching his old club. 😂

That shows a good attitude.

[Tyrone Shoelaces]

1 hour ago, rigger said:

I think the Rovers will hope Litherland will step up, if needed.

Of the young Rovers centre halves I’ve seen he looked to have the most potential.

[rigger]

Just now, Tyrone Shoelaces said:

Of the young Rovers centre halves I’ve seen he looked to have the most potential.

 

[rigger]

1 minute ago, Tyrone Shoelaces said:

Of the young Rovers centre halves I’ve seen he looked to have the most potential.

Who ?

[Tyrone Shoelaces]

2 minutes ago, rigger said:

Who ?

Litherland.

[rigger]

30 minutes ago, Tyrone Shoelaces said:

Litherland.

I have not seen enough of Litherland to form an opinion.

[Tyrone Shoelaces]

2 hours ago, rigger said:

I have not seen enough of Litherland to form an opinion.

He’s very composed with the ball at his feet and he can bring it out of defence without losing possession.

Edited November 22, 2025 by Tyrone Shoelaces

[MarkBRFC]

3 minutes ago, Tyrone Shoelaces said:

He’s very composed with the ball at his feet and he can bring it of defence without losing possession.

Can he defend though?

[Tyrone Shoelaces]

15 minutes ago, MarkBRFC said:

Can he defend though?

He’s no worse than any of the other candidates but they are taller I think.

[Andy]

Based on what we saw last night, with some nice headers, interceptions and well-timed challenges - I'd suggest he most certainly can.

Being a defender in the modern day is inclusive of being comfortable with the ball at your feet. It's no longer about Peter Kay style 'ave it clearances as the staple.

[rigger]

3 minutes ago, Andy said:

Based on what we saw last night, with some nice headers, interceptions and well-timed challenges - I'd suggest he most certainly can.

Being a defender in the modern day is inclusive of being comfortable with the ball at your feet. It's no longer about Peter Kay style 'ave it clearances as the staple.

If that is what you need, that is what you do

[Andy]

There's a time and place for it, absolutely - I coach a grassroots side and my lad plays CB, so I know this all too well.

But, equally, a modern defender needs to be good with his/her feet also now.

[rigger]

11 hours ago, Andy said:

There's a time and place for it, absolutely - I coach a grassroots side and my lad plays CB, so I know this all too well.

But, equally, a modern defender needs to be good with his/her feet also now.

That has always been the case. What has changed is the way that defenders are asked to play. 

Edited November 23, 2025 by rigger

[bluebruce]

16 hours ago, Andy said:

Based on what we saw last night, with some nice headers, interceptions and well-timed challenges - I'd suggest he most certainly can.

Being a defender in the modern day is inclusive of being comfortable with the ball at your feet. It's no longer about Peter Kay style 'ave it clearances as the staple.

They were discussing Litherland and I think you're talking about Pratt?

[Andy]

5 hours ago, bluebruce said:

They were discussing Litherland and I think you're talking about Pratt?

Ah, apologies if I misunderstood - but I guess the logic applies to both.

[bluebruce]

15 minutes ago, Andy said:

Ah, apologies if I misunderstood - but I guess the logic applies to both.

I think Pratt is considered agricultural in his style, and Litherland more cultured. The latter being more popular in the modern game. But I think there is still a place for the old fashioned no nonsense CB, personally.

[Exiled_Rover]

12 minutes ago, bluebruce said:

I think Pratt is considered agricultural in his style, and Litherland more cultured. The latter being more popular in the modern game. But I think there is still a place for the old fashioned no nonsense CB, personally.

The priority for a CB is to defend.

I loved watching Batth put the ball into Row Z when he was playing for us - he assessed the situation and rather than trying to lay off a deft header / pass to a teammate he just cleared the danger and got us set.

It's a lost art. Everyone tries to be Rio Ferdinand these days.

[Andy]

The ability to defend is absolutely the priority.

But a modern defender, at this level, has to be able to play in addition (pick a pass / carry the ball / etc).