Ashton analyses

[Bear]

Lockers15 posted:
he was in my brothers form at high school. He's nineteen but plays like a 29 year old. I dont know how you can complain about him?!?! He's becoming a legend at wigan and if we learn from our mistakes with Briscoe we won't let him go!

Im with you!

[Mike]

ChrisA posted:
I agree whole heartedly, attacking wise he is second to none.
However, I've seen him let countless balls bounce that he should have taken, and his tackling technique is non existent if he isn't coming in from the side, and his positioning is dreaful at times. I've said this all season, people seem to think his age is the reason, yet it isn't a problem when hes going forward, you cant have it bothways. I still think he would make a better centre than fullback.
Flash, I don't expect you to agree with any of this, so I won't argue with you over it. We see it different, so I wont go over old ground again, these are my views. Nothing will change that, apart from a massive upsurge in his defensive game.

Sorry to come into this 6 pages late(!) but I think ChrisA is being unreasonable here. He won't change his opinion unless he sees a "massive upsurge". So if Chris becomes a solid defender gradually over time you will still think he is rubbish?

IMO, I agree with much of ChrisA's analysis especially at the begining of the season, however, I believe that through the seaosn we have seen a steady improvement in Ashton's defence, in terms of positioning, tackling and descision making. He's not the finished article yet, but the second part of the season has seen a clear progression. Lets hope he can keep it up in his "difficult second season" and go on to fulfil the obvious potential he has. Personally, he looks to have a good chance of becoming one of the best full-backs I've ever seen play (late 80's onwards).

[Fielden's Angel]

ChrisA posted:

Fielden's Angel posted:
Completely agree with you Martin. Ashton is fantastic. Every game he gives it his all. I dont think there are any problems with his defence. He is 19 and already has shown what an amazing full back he is. To play in the superleague and to have made his mark like he has done is a massive achievement. He will be remembered as a legend!

You see to me, that's a blinkered view, blinkered by his attacking abilities papering over what he has to learn in defence.

In my opinion Ashton is as good in defence as he is in defence. You say that he lacks bottle, i have seen him tackle players alot bigger and stronger than him. He is immensely talented and versatile and can play at both full back and cover the centres (which occasionaly we need). To me he does not hestitate in defence i cannot for the life of me see what your argument is but everyone is entitled to their opinion.

Ashton is improving all the time and when he reaches his peak he will be more electric than ever. He is all rounder has pace, power and skill. He will considered a legend. Watch this space!

[- psycho -]

i cant believe some people.

this lad is 19. he had hardly played for wigan first team before this season. he was rushed in to replace radlinski. he has been criticised a few times this season yet he is probably our most consistant performer. for someone to be thrown in at the deep end, come through all those tough games and critics i think we all owe this guy our thanks. i cant help thinking that we wouldnt be were we are now without this fellas help. i dont even know why i bother anymore because it is clear that some people just dont appreciate this guys efforts enough. thanks chris, if you dont get young player there is no justice!

[emma warriors simply the best]

well said! no one deserves young player of the year more than chris

[mickh]

A lot of praise was thrown in young Briscoe's direction (and rightly so), as Lockers15 pointed out in an earlier post "hope we have learned our lesson" and keep him, he's got loads of potential, just smooth the rough edges off him. Make him No.1 for next season.