Ling: You are all wrong, solid 7 yesterday as always.

[tuffers#1]

Embleton knows the balance isnt right which is why he’s bought in Thomas.

It’s a shame Lings positional sense left him yesterday for their goal.

He missed a 50/50 ball for the goal on the half way line .
Stop being a broken record reDo , you used to be so much better than that !

From the estimable Pevans on the Ratings thread:

Ling - 5 - bloody awful. It took 80 minutes before he cut out a cross. To blame for the goal and never got tight at any point so crosses coming in all game

Time to give your broken record routine a rest.

Pevans is the National marker then Dross ?

Dulcet Dave said Ling jnr had a great game .

I suppose Ling snr has him tapped up as well though eh ?

[Tent Keague]

Ling got an assist yesterday.

[jamespevans]

I take it one match at a time. The plan yesterday was to stay tight and not allow FG anywhere near the box, with Angol (mentioned by Ross) and Wilkinson supporting our full backs. They both did their jobs and neither Brophy or Ling strayed too far up field (I don't recall either getting a cross - I'm sure Tuffers will correct me if I'm wrong). Yet......too often Cadden was given so many opportunities to get crosses in because Ling never closed him down. For their goal he thought he could get to a 50:50: and didn't and on another day Happe would have put it out for a corner. On the other side Brophy (not a natural LB) got close and harried, resulting in a lot less crosses coming in from that side.

[AckneyAwks]

Having just watched the highlights, I just cannot see how Ling can be blamed for the goal.
Credit where it is due for his ball over the top for Johnson for the equaliser.
Some people's agendas on here are embarrassing. Everyone going on saying Judd was better in pre-season, yet no one watched any pre-season. I've said it before Ling has the edge on Judd, but hoping the new loanee from Norwich will be an improvement on both.

The nearest man to thier Left winger all afternoon was Julian and he was outside the ground standing on a step ladder.
I'm not going to slag of a individual continuously but if he cant grasp how to play the position of right back then move him to his former spot as a midfield player. He showed a lot of potential earlier so maybe the coaches need to step up and help Sam. Clearly lacking in confidence at the moment, i hope it alters because thier is a decent player there.

[tuffers#1]

If the TEAM play as a UNIT in a system of High press
You dont really need to need worry about an individual.

We played as a Team in the 2nd half against a very good side
who had the season finished properly were in with a big shout for promotion .

Why people think we will dominate all of our games is beyond me,
Stopping dominant footballing sides from playing & scoring goals far more
Important as the 2nd half performance clearly showed .

When Thomas & Juddy step in , I hope they are able to do a good job for
The benefit of the TEAM .

[ComeOnYouOs]

Anyone who thinks Ling is decent at league 2 level, hasnt got a clue.
As has been said on this thread, he struggled at NL level, so a step up is going to expose him even more.
The fact a new right back has been brought in, says everything.
Thomas will play soon, and will probably keep the shirt

[O my gawd]

Having just watched the highlights, I just cannot see how Ling can be blamed for the goal.
Credit where it is due for his ball over the top for Johnson for the equaliser.
Some people's agendas on here are embarrassing. Everyone going on saying Judd was better in pre-season, yet no one watched any pre-season. I've said it before Ling has the edge on Judd, but hoping the new loanee from Norwich will be an improvement on both.

Do o you not see the bit where he leaves his man, dives in on someone else (unsuccessfully) and allows them a free run down our flank?

Loses out on a 50/50 on the halfway line. He can't solely held to account for the goal for that. Embarrassing if you think he was.

[Dohnut]

People on here seem to delight in singling out a player and framing any debate or ratings to suit there own agenda. Sam Ling is not flashy and not a maurauding full back like some, but a reliable solid right back. His positional sense is excellent for his level but of course nowhere near what you would expect from someone at the top level. The full back position is the one area, apart from the goalkeeper, where mistakes are easy for the uninitiated to spot and I feel that is the reason he is criticised by some.

When you look at Judd, he bombs forward far more that Ling but without thinking of what is around him. This means the centre backs or midfielder have to adjust there positions more and inturn this will leave gaps for the other team to exploit. Brophy likes to bomb forward as well, but picks his moments so it doesn't leave the team exposed.

I feel Embleton has got the balance right with one of our full backs more defensively minded, with the other given more licence to move forward.

So everybody with a different view is uninitiated. Arrogant.

I have no issue with him losing a 50/50 but his positional sense and awareness gave them a free run on goal. He lunged In with no thoughts about position or risk and when beaten just plodded back whilst Happe was left to pick up the pieces. He left a gap that was exploited by others. Sort of destroys your opinions and not leaving the team exposed. He did and it cost us.

[tuffers#1]

who thinks Ling is decent at league 2 level, hasnt got a clue.
As has been said on this thread, he struggled at NL level, so a step up is going to expose him even more.
The fact a new right back has been brought in, says everything.
Thomas will play soon, and will probably keep the shirt

I dont think anyone has ever stated Ling is a DECENT player at this level .
He is just another mediocre rightwing back in league 2 .
Just like Juddy mediocre .
If JUDDY was QUALITY hed have played far more games under Justin Edinburgh
The man who led us back from that horrible place.

[Ronnie Hotdogs]

Having just watched the highlights, I just cannot see how Ling can be blamed for the goal.
Credit where it is due for his ball over the top for Johnson for the equaliser.
Some people's agendas on here are embarrassing. Everyone going on saying Judd was better in pre-season, yet no one watched any pre-season. I've said it before Ling has the edge on Judd, but hoping the new loanee from Norwich will be an improvement on both.

Do o you not see the bit where he leaves his man, dives in on someone else (unsuccessfully) and allows them a free run down our flank?

Loses out on a 50/50 on the halfway line. He can't solely held to account for the goal for that. Embarrassing if you think he was.

It wasn’t a 50:50. Embarrassing if you think that’s what it was.

The goal was his fault, it’s that simple.

[Ronnie Hotdogs]

who thinks Ling is decent at league 2 level, hasnt got a clue.
As has been said on this thread, he struggled at NL level, so a step up is going to expose him even more.
The fact a new right back has been brought in, says everything.
Thomas will play soon, and will probably keep the shirt

I dont think anyone has ever stated Ling is a DECENT player at this level .
He is just another mediocre rightwing back in league 2 .
Just like Juddy mediocre .
If JUDDY was QUALITY hed have played far more games under Justin Edinburgh
The man who led us back from that horrible place.

Judd is still a youngster with lots to learn.

Ling is supposedly a senior pro - that we pad a fee for - about to come into his prime....

[tuffers#1]

Do o you not see the bit where he leaves his man, dives in on someone else (unsuccessfully) and allows them a free run down our flank?

Loses out on a 50/50 on the halfway line. He can't solely held to account for the goal for that. Embarrassing if you think he was.

It wasn’t a 50:50. Embarrassing if you think that’s what it was.

The goal was his fault, it’s that simple.

The goal was Happe's fault .
It was his foot that connected with the ball before it
Hit the back of the net .

Like it or not RED'o that is a FACT !

[tuffers#1]

who thinks Ling is decent at league 2 level, hasnt got a clue.
As has been said on this thread, he struggled at NL level, so a step up is going to expose him even more.
The fact a new right back has been brought in, says everything.
Thomas will play soon, and will probably keep the shirt

I dont think anyone has ever stated Ling is a DECENT player at this level .
He is just another mediocre rightwing back in league 2 .
Just like Juddy mediocre .
If JUDDY was QUALITY hed have played far more games under Justin Edinburgh
The man who led us back from that horrible place.

Judd is still a youngster with lots to learn.

Ling is supposedly a senior pro - that we pad a fee for - about to come into his prime....

Maradona played in his 1st world cup aged 16
Ian Wright didnt become a proffessional footballer
Untill he was 21 ,
What point are you trying to make REdo ?

[RedDwarf 1881]

Not usually one to single players out but Ling was barely adequate in the National League so we shouldn’t be surprised he looks well out of his depth at League 2 level. He is the weakest link in the team defensively and he was caught out of position countless times yesterday including for the goal. It’s clear that teams are targeting attacks down that side. It’s good to see that we’ve brought in a new signing to cover the position and hopefully he is up to it. How long will Boss wait though to throw him in?

You’re right about teams targeting our RB position . It was the same last season and that’s why we had to eventually play Marsh in that position. I hope we see Thomas start at RB on Saturday

[AckneyAwks]

Loses out on a 50/50 on the halfway line. He can't solely held to account for the goal for that. Embarrassing if you think he was.

It wasn’t a 50:50. Embarrassing if you think that’s what it was.

The goal was his fault, it’s that simple.

The goal was Happe's fault .
It was his foot that connected with the ball before it
Hit the back of the net .

Like it or not RED'o that is a FACT !

No it's not or if that's the case Ling had no involvement in Johnsons goal.

[PoliticOs]

That would only work if people said he scored the goal. Ling definitely had a hand in conceding. He also had a hand in scoring. Both assists, of sorts.

For the record as a few people have mentioned it above, I don't think many are coming forward and saying SL is great, or even decent, I think they are just a touch bored of the fact anytime he or his Dad breathes its the worst thing to ever happen. They are just deeply unpopular with some fans and they seem to relish any mistake they make. I'd personally let Sam go, but I'd always like to provide some sort of balance as its amazing the stick he and ML come in for.

[tuffers#1]

It wasn’t a 50:50. Embarrassing if you think that’s what it was.

The goal was his fault, it’s that simple.

The goal was Happe's fault .
It was his foot that connected with the ball before it
Hit the back of the net .

Like it or not RED'o that is a FACT !

No it's not or if that's the case Ling had no involvement in Johnsons goal.

Then the same must hold true with the own goal against wet sapm awks
A ball was not closed down by other defenders before it came off of lings foot .

Cant be both things at the same time & different things also at the same time .

As was claimed by many here
viewtopic.php?f=3&t=4806

[AckneyAwks]

The goal was Happe's fault .
It was his foot that connected with the ball before it
Hit the back of the net .

Like it or not RED'o that is a FACT !

No it's not or if that's the case Ling had no involvement in Johnsons goal.

Then the same must hold true with the own goal against wet sapm awks
A ball was not closed down by other defenders before it came off of lings foot .

Cant be both things at the same time & different things also at the same time .

As was claimed by many here
viewtopic.php?f=3&t=4806

True...and there wrong!

[tuffers#1]

No it's not or if that's the case Ling had no involvement in Johnsons goal.

Then the same must hold true with the own goal against wet sapm awks
A ball was not closed down by other defenders before it came off of lings foot .

Cant be both things at the same time & different things also at the same time .

As was claimed by many here
viewtopic.php?f=3&t=4806

True...and there wrong!

I'll accept that

At least you are an honest fair minded fan &
not one of the HATERS Awks .

[Top of the JES]

Wasn't going to post on this thread because it's not really going anywhere and I would rather just enjoy a good result and very decent second half performance yesterday.

However I just find it really telling that those who criticise Ling Jnr on this thread are those who constantly find fault with Ling Snr and shout loudest at every opportunity. The agenda is clear for all too see.

I don't think either Judd or Ling are good enough at this Level, Ling dived in for the goal yesterday and was given a tough time by one of the best left wingers in this division he won't be the last full back to have a hard time against Cadden this Season, but he stuck at it got an assist for Johnsons goal and we ended up with a great result.

Still I guess while the same old suspects are having a go at Ling Jnr at least it gives Embleton some respite.

I look forward to seeing Thomas on Tuesday from all accounts he's very decent.

[Chelmsford Swimmer]

I am not a Ling fan, I believe right back is our weakest position in the team, I am no Judd fan either. However the vitriol towards Ling on this message board is beyond belief. Cadden constantly hugged the touchline not coming inside at all, are people expecting Ling to be by his side for 90 minutes. The biggest problem in the first half was we weren't pressing and in their faces, which was exactly what Ling was doing when they scored. When pressing someone goes to the ball and others cover. Ling gets to the ball first, but it fortunately for them cannons off to one of their players and they break. Ling is not faultless for the goal, but the reality is Happe should deal with the cross comfortably and is far more capable putting the ball in his own goal. Anyone who thinks that Ling is the PRIME blame for the goal is not looking objectively without bias. Ling runs back at the same pace as CIsse and McAnuff, but only Ling is ambling, Clay nowhere to be seen. Funny when Ling scores an own goal its totally his fault and nothing to do with the cross. That said there were a succession of crosses coming in from Lings side, not that any caused a problem and the one that did really shouldn't have. I have no doubts that Embleton considers Saturdays team as his strongest, so the LIng hatred will rage on. Obviously if Jordan Thomas plays well Tuesday there is a hope the right back situation might improve. One final note the finishes from Johnson and Wilkinson were pure class, so the boarders who have it in for them may also have a long wait for their beloved Sotoriou.

[BiggsyMalone]

I am not a Ling fan, I believe right back is our weakest position in the team, I am no Judd fan either. However the vitriol towards Ling on this message board is beyond belief. Cadden constantly hugged the touchline not coming inside at all, are people expecting Ling to be by his side for 90 minutes. The biggest problem in the first half was we weren't pressing and in their faces, which was exactly what Ling was doing when they scored. When pressing someone goes to the ball and others cover. Ling gets to the ball first, but it fortunately for them cannons off to one of their players and they break. Ling is not faultless for the goal, but the reality is Happe should deal with the cross comfortably and is far more capable putting the ball in his own goal. Anyone who thinks that Ling is the PRIME blame for the goal is not looking objectively without bias. Ling runs back at the same pace as CIsse and McAnuff, but only Ling is ambling, Clay nowhere to be seen. Funny when Ling scores an own goal its totally his fault and nothing to do with the cross. That said there were a succession of crosses coming in from Lings side, not that any caused a problem and the one that did really shouldn't have. I have no doubts that Embleton considers Saturdays team as his strongest, so the LIng hatred will rage on. Obviously if Jordan Thomas plays well Tuesday there is a hope the right back situation might improve. One final note the finishes from Johnson and Wilkinson were pure class, so the boarders who have it in for them may also have a long wait for their beloved Sotoriou.

This isn’t an isolated incident. Him losing the ball or getting caught out in that position then the CB having to cover him and get out to the wide man has been happening since Justin was in charge. It happens all the f*cking time and it’s clearly something that can’t be coached out of him. He doesn’t have the pace to get back, so he needs to start using his brain before he goes charging up the pitch.

It’s not vitriol to criticise a player for f*cking up and it’s not sycophancy to praise someone for doing well. If someone does something wrong all the time, they’re going to get criticised all the time.

[tuffers#1]

I am not a Ling fan, I believe right back is our weakest position in the team, I am no Judd fan either. However the vitriol towards Ling on this message board is beyond belief. Cadden constantly hugged the touchline not coming inside at all, are people expecting Ling to be by his side for 90 minutes. The biggest problem in the first half was we weren't pressing and in their faces, which was exactly what Ling was doing when they scored. When pressing someone goes to the ball and others cover. Ling gets to the ball first, but it fortunately for them cannons off to one of their players and they break. Ling is not faultless for the goal, but the reality is Happe should deal with the cross comfortably and is far more capable putting the ball in his own goal. Anyone who thinks that Ling is the PRIME blame for the goal is not looking objectively without bias. Ling runs back at the same pace as CIsse and McAnuff, but only Ling is ambling, Clay nowhere to be seen. Funny when Ling scores an own goal its totally his fault and nothing to do with the cross. That said there were a succession of crosses coming in from Lings side, not that any caused a problem and the one that did really shouldn't have. I have no doubts that Embleton considers Saturdays team as his strongest, so the LIng hatred will rage on. Obviously if Jordan Thomas plays well Tuesday there is a hope the right back situation might improve. One final note the finishes from Johnson and Wilkinson were pure class, so the boarders who have it in for them may also have a long wait for their beloved Sotoriou.

This isn’t an isolated incident. Him losing the ball or getting caught out in that position then the CB having to cover him and get out to the wide man has been happening since Justin was in charge. It happens all the f*cking time and it’s clearly something that can’t be coached out of him. He doesn’t have the pace to get back, so he needs to start using his brain before he goes charging up the pitch.

It’s not vitriol to criticise a player for f*cking up and it’s not sycophancy to praise someone for doing well. If someone does something wrong all the time, they’re going to get criticised all the time.

Youve never praised Ling jnr .
You might say whoopy doo he did.something he gets paid to do or some other
Derogatory statement , but ive yet to see you praise hime EVER.

Your HATRED has no bounds .

[RedDwarf 1881]

That would only work if people said he scored the goal. Ling definitely had a hand in conceding. He also had a hand in scoring. Both assists, of sorts.

For the record as a few people have mentioned it above, I don't think many are coming forward and saying SL is great, or even decent, I think they are just a touch bored of the fact anytime he or his Dad breathes its the worst thing to ever happen. They are just deeply unpopular with some fans and they seem to relish any mistake they make. I'd personally let Sam go, but I'd always like to provide some sort of balance as its amazing the stick he and ML come in for.

For my part I think Martin Ling has done a good job. Sure , with hindsight he's got a couple of things wrong but who hasn't ? . Martin has got more right than wrong so that's good enough for me . As other have already said , Sam is only a mediocre RB. The question is , is that good enough for us . ?

[PoundhillO]

I am not a Ling fan, I believe right back is our weakest position in the team, I am no Judd fan either. However the vitriol towards Ling on this message board is beyond belief. Cadden constantly hugged the touchline not coming inside at all, are people expecting Ling to be by his side for 90 minutes. The biggest problem in the first half was we weren't pressing and in their faces, which was exactly what Ling was doing when they scored. When pressing someone goes to the ball and others cover. Ling gets to the ball first, but it fortunately for them cannons off to one of their players and they break. Ling is not faultless for the goal, but the reality is Happe should deal with the cross comfortably and is far more capable putting the ball in his own goal. Anyone who thinks that Ling is the PRIME blame for the goal is not looking objectively without bias. Ling runs back at the same pace as CIsse and McAnuff, but only Ling is ambling, Clay nowhere to be seen. Funny when Ling scores an own goal its totally his fault and nothing to do with the cross. That said there were a succession of crosses coming in from Lings side, not that any caused a problem and the one that did really shouldn't have. I have no doubts that Embleton considers Saturdays team as his strongest, so the LIng hatred will rage on. Obviously if Jordan Thomas plays well Tuesday there is a hope the right back situation might improve. One final note the finishes from Johnson and Wilkinson were pure class, so the boarders who have it in for them may also have a long wait for their beloved Sotoriou.

This isn’t an isolated incident. Him losing the ball or getting caught out in that position then the CB having to cover him and get out to the wide man has been happening since Justin was in charge. It happens all the f*cking time and it’s clearly something that can’t be coached out of him. He doesn’t have the pace to get back, so he needs to start using his brain before he goes charging up the pitch.

It’s not vitriol to criticise a player for f*cking up and it’s not sycophancy to praise someone for doing well. If someone does something wrong all the time, they’re going to get criticised all the time.

Youve never praised Ling jnr .
You might say whoopy doo he did.something he gets paid to do or some other
Derogatory statement , but ive yet to see you praise hime EVER.

Your HATRED has no bounds .

I think that HATRED is used wrongly by yourself.
I dislike Sam Ling being picked as I believe he is no more than a non league player and definitely does not get into the team on merit and it p*sses me off big time that he continues to be picked despite numerous howlers.
I personally dislike any player being picked that is clearly not good enough to play for our club but continues to be picked, this happened last year with James Alibi who I am sure is a great bloke when he is not playing.
These choices infuriate me and I am sure the majority of fans and are solely down to the Manager for playing them.
In Sam Lings case his fathers influence I believe to be another factor why he is still being picked to start.