Rory McArdle joins. Now signs for Harrogate

[grecian-near-hell]

Just out of interest - does anyone know what length contract he would have signed, I would have thought to uproot your family from oop North to God's country would be at least two years - another potential Ajose possibly?

 

[Alistair20000]

He's certainly had a shaky start to his ECFC career.

Yes he has been a disappointment and has not so far added any value that I can see.

 

[andrew p long]

Just out of interest - does anyone know what length contract he would have signed, I would have thought to uproot your family from oop North to God's country would be at least two years - another potential Ajose possibly?

no info, but think the same as you.Easier to take a non league chance in the North than, at 33 with a family, to move to Devon for a year so possibly a 2 year deal

 

[Grecian Max]

At that age to get in with a club with decent coaching credentials... free agent in Covid time.... I personally think a 1 year.

 

[Egg]

no info, but think the same as you.Easier to take a non league chance in the North than, at 33 with a family, to move to Devon for a year so possibly a 2 year deal

Didn't Matt Taylor mention Sam Stubbs has been staying in one of the lodges out at Fingle Glen? Is it conceivable McArdle might have a one-year contract and be based here too?

As an aside, might the club think about investing in a communal property that could be shared by youngsters such as Stubbs, loan signings, and more senior players on short-term contracts? I can imagine Fingle Glen might have some appeal in the height of summer, not so much at this time of year.

 

[Billy The Fish]

With the criticism of some of Matt Taylor's signings I think it's time to applaud McArdle's. Given we're currently on the crest of a slump McArdle is doing a great job marshalling the inexperienced Hartridge, Key and Jökull.

A Taylor signing which has turned out well in the end.

 

[John William]

Didn't Matt Taylor mention Sam Stubbs has been staying in one of the lodges out at Fingle Glen? Is it conceivable McArdle might have a one-year contract and be based here too?

As an aside, might the club think about investing in a communal property that could be shared by youngsters such as Stubbs, loan signings, and more senior players on short-term contracts? I can imagine Fingle Glen might have some appeal in the height of summer, not so much at this time of year.

I think from Jokull's interview Stubbs is sharing with him (and helped him cut his hair).

 

[Legohead]

Rory has always been a solid, dependable CB at this level. His obvious deficit is lack of pace and mobility, however we haven't really faced any sides recently with quick, nippy attackers who can pull him out of position and beat him for skill / quickness so much of it for him has been meat and drink recently. Hartridge is well able to deal with quicker, more diminutive strikers anyway for the most part.

Rory has done really well. A good, honest pro.

 

[Ash]

With the criticism of some of Matt Taylor's signings I think it's time to applaud McArdle's. Given we're currently on the crest of a slump McArdle is doing a great job marshalling the inexperienced Hartridge, Key and Jökull.

A Taylor signing which has turned out well in the end.

Not that well. He started the season poorly. He's certainly improved a lot but it took a while. He often looks dominant in the air, but his distribution isn't great, he's clumsy (penalty against Tranmere springs to mind) and we still look vulnerable from corners way too often. If it was a one year contract, not too bad. If it was longer, I'm not so sure. The fact that Sweeney has played a lot of games despite being surplus to requirements (allegedly) at the start of the season tells me Rory hasn't done as well as MT thought he would. I don't want to bring up the whole Aaron Martin debate as it's been done to death, however I don't think we'd have done any worse if Aaron had been in the squad in Rory's place this season.

 

[grecIAN Harris]

Not that well. He started the season poorly. He's certainly improved a lot but it took a while. He often looks dominant in the air, but his distribution isn't great, he's clumsy (penalty against Tranmere springs to mind) and we still look vulnerable from corners way too often. If it was a one year contract, not too bad. If it was longer, I'm not so sure. The fact that Sweeney has played a lot of games despite being surplus to requirements (allegedly) at the start of the season tells me Rory hasn't done as well as MT thought he would. I don't want to bring up the whole Aaron Martin debate as it's been done to death, however I don't think we'd have done any worse if Aaron had been in the squad in Rory's place this season.

That depends on you're viewpoint on how we've played when we've played 3-5-2 because if Aaron Martin had stayed then we would have ended up playing 3-5-2 most of the season to accommodate him.