Should I Stay or Should I Go? : Marriott
By Nathan Jackson
March 30 2008
With the season coming to an end it's time to start judging whether players who are out of contract should be offered a new one. We start the analysis with Alan Marriott and my opinion will upset those who seem to think Marriott is exempt from criticism. With just 6 clean sheets to his name this seaosn, Marriott hasn't had a good season and in my opinion shouldn't get a new contract.
Many people think he should be offered a new contract simply to get him up to 10 years and to earn him a testimonial, I'm not a sentimental person though and I feel that it'll take more than that to win him a new contract. It's also interesting that several fans who say that we shouldn't waste wages have also said that Marriott should be given another contract just to get him to 10 years.
He last signed a contract in the summer of 2005 after claiming he had turned Bradford down to stay with us. Bradford quickly rejected these claims and it made a lot of people question whether Marriott was staying with us simply because he wanted to or whether it was to avoid him becoming unemployed.
Often rated by several City fans as being one of the best goalkeepers in the lower Leagues, Marriott has been in generally poor form over recent years. Often the opponents only need one chance to score and it goes in. Obviously you can blame the defence for this as well but there are many occasions where he makes no effort to get to the ball. Who can forget the home game against Wycombe two seasons ago? Then the game at Chester last season was a fine example of this, Marriott not making a single effort to get to a weak header that was within mere centimetres of his head.
Then the biggest indication that he will probably be let go is when Peter Jackson preferred Ben Smith to him. Ben Smith was a goalkeeper who was more likely to go on a date with a T-Rex than save a shot, and yet he managed to keep Marriott out of the side for 7 or so weeks.
As the seasons have gone on Marriott has made fewer and fewer clean sheets. He has kept just 6 this season and since signing that new contract he has kept just 32 clean sheets in 3 years and that is not good enough.
Marriott does however have some good games. Even though we conceded 5 against Fulham in the Carling Cup in September 05, Marriott won plaudits from various sources due to a string of fine saves. However, those games are getting fewer and far between.
In my opinion we shouldn't keep Marriott. He hasn't earned a new contract by any stretch of the imagination and now he's just an average goalkeeper. There are much better goalkeepers in this division including Joe Lewis, Willie Gueret, Phil Barnes and David Stockdale. If we are to challenge for promotion next season then we need to be looking at goalkeepers who aren't part of the defence that concedes at least 75% of the realistic shots on target against us.
Should I Stay or Should I Go? : Marriott
Posted by: theimps.tk (IP Logged)
Date: 30/03/2008 16:26
Should I Stay or Should I Go? : Marriott
Re: Should I Stay or Should I Go? : Marriott
Posted by: Kate Jackson (IP Logged)
Date: 30/03/2008 16:26
So, as the title suggests, do you think he should stay or should he go?
Good Luck, Mr Gorsky
http://twitter.com/#!/katejackson84
http://www.katejackson84.blogspot.com
Re: Should I Stay or Should I Go? : Marriott
Posted by: abebaby (IP Logged)
Date: 30/03/2008 16:54
Its not just a case of should he go or not, but what is available and at what cost to replace him.
He had a dip in form but has proved he is a capable keeper. No keeper will save everything. Mazza despite conceeding has kept the scores down. He is worth a new contract on his keepeing abilities but no more than two years.
If we let him go he would be snapped up by someone in this league, probably Macc!!
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2008:03:30:16:56:43 by abebaby.
He had a dip in form but has proved he is a capable keeper. No keeper will save everything. Mazza despite conceeding has kept the scores down. He is worth a new contract on his keepeing abilities but no more than two years.
If we let him go he would be snapped up by someone in this league, probably Macc!!
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2008:03:30:16:56:43 by abebaby.
Re: Should I Stay or Should I Go? : Marriott
Posted by: Thesbmc (IP Logged)
Date: 30/03/2008 16:56
Stay but with serious competition for his place from a new arrival
Re: Should I Stay or Should I Go? : Marriott
Posted by: keith47424 - Hinckley Imp (IP Logged)
Date: 30/03/2008 17:10
There is in fact no qustion. He will be given a one year extention to give him 10 years. Reason being it not only gives him a testimonial but it also gives Lincoln more exposia throughout the year. However against this we desperately need a new keeper and I believe that Jacko will sort if and when he returns.
Cheers Keith47424 - Hinckley Imp
theimps.ka Best Newcomer award winner 2007-2008 season.
Cheers Keith47424 - Hinckley Imp
theimps.ka Best Newcomer award winner 2007-2008 season.
Re: Should I Stay or Should I Go? : Marriott
Posted by: I Blame Paul Mayo (IP Logged)
Date: 30/03/2008 17:37
i think jacko will give him a 1 year deal to prove himself for a whole season.
Re: Should I Stay or Should I Go? : Marriott
Posted by: Ash Imp (IP Logged)
Date: 30/03/2008 17:38
Personally he has had his worst season in his 9 years here, but how can we say he is the weakest link ? Personally, if we improve our back 4, we can be solid as previous seasons, when Alan has been superb. I would give him another year, and I am not saying that because it would give him his tetomonial. I would because recent performance have proved he is a good goalkeeper and we need to improve our back 4.
If Beevers contract was ending, I would let him go !!!
If Beevers contract was ending, I would let him go !!!
Re: Should I Stay or Should I Go? : Marriott
Posted by: dannytheimp (IP Logged)
Date: 30/03/2008 17:41
Should definately stay.
Marriott mafia!!!!!
Marriott mafia!!!!!
Re: Should I Stay or Should I Go? : Marriott
Posted by: PoshImp (IP Logged)
Date: 30/03/2008 17:49
I say stay, but with a mostly new defence in front of him and a decent back up keeper who will know that the Number 1 shirt would be his within a year.
That would be very reasonable I think.
That would be very reasonable I think.
Re: Should I Stay or Should I Go? : Marriott
Posted by: !mpetuous (IP Logged)
Date: 30/03/2008 18:03
Stay but with a radically reformed defence in front of him. When Green and Ridley are there, the defence is generally (not always before I get Natted) sounder. We need further cover at LB to replace Croft. Green at RB with Beevers as cover and two new CB's. Nat Clown can go. Moses can go, but only because he is getting on and prone to injury because as a defender he is sound. Hone can stay but needs two new experienced and quality CBs to look after him and to give him a regular rest. With a solid defence, Marriot will be all right. We do however, need another good quality keeper to keep him on his toes (or the bench if needs be)
Re: Should I Stay or Should I Go? : Marriott
Posted by: metamatic (IP Logged)
Date: 30/03/2008 18:46
stay without question
Re: Should I Stay or Should I Go? : Marriott
Posted by: adam1984 (IP Logged)
Date: 30/03/2008 19:03
I think with a better defence, he should stay. As someone mentioned in a thread about the Posh game, If he's going to face around 20 shots on goal a game, he'll concede a few. Joe Lewis faced 1 or 2, I think. Any keeper would struggle with the clowns we call a defence.
However, I've got a feeling Jacko will release him.
However, I've got a feeling Jacko will release him.
Re: Should I Stay or Should I Go? : Marriott
Posted by: 79imp (IP Logged)
Date: 30/03/2008 19:15
Just want to say thanks to Schoey for giving Nat Brown a 2 year contract so we can't release him at the end of the season. I was never his greatest fan, but I really think he has consistently been our worst player this season and his many gaffes have hardly helped Marriott's season. I didn't go to Posh yesterday, but saw the goals this morning, and you could say that Brown was at fault for 3 of the 4. A sorry excuse for a league footballer, get rid of him ASAP. Jacko got rid of Hand pretty sharpish even though he has a 2 year contract, so he should do the same with Brown. How he got picked ahead of Moses I will never know??!!
Re: Should I Stay or Should I Go? : Marriott
Posted by: Markus Naslund (IP Logged)
Date: 30/03/2008 19:29
It's not too often I agree with Nathan - but here I do. Marriott has my sympathy in that he has had to play behind a shaky defence for much of the past two years - but he too must shoulder the blame for much of that.
I'm fed up of seeing panic stricken defenders having to deal with balls on their own six yard line, facing their own goal which should be a commanding goalkeepers meat and drink.
His shot stopping can be good - but it can also be pretty pitiful as a look at the video highlights will confirm.
If he stays, he should be back up to a better goalkeeper - and there must be better available. As an example I notice Stockport have John Ruddy in goal and Conrad Logan on the bench these days.
It is stating the obvious to say he will be better if defenders like McAuley and McCombe are in front of him - which goalkeeper wouldn't, but those defenders helped paper over the cracks in Marriott's game.
He has been a great servant and at times an excellent League Two 'keeper. But he isn't anymore and we can do better.
If anybody feels the need to "name and shame" me for having an opinion - so be it!!
I'm fed up of seeing panic stricken defenders having to deal with balls on their own six yard line, facing their own goal which should be a commanding goalkeepers meat and drink.
His shot stopping can be good - but it can also be pretty pitiful as a look at the video highlights will confirm.
If he stays, he should be back up to a better goalkeeper - and there must be better available. As an example I notice Stockport have John Ruddy in goal and Conrad Logan on the bench these days.
It is stating the obvious to say he will be better if defenders like McAuley and McCombe are in front of him - which goalkeeper wouldn't, but those defenders helped paper over the cracks in Marriott's game.
He has been a great servant and at times an excellent League Two 'keeper. But he isn't anymore and we can do better.
If anybody feels the need to "name and shame" me for having an opinion - so be it!!
Re: Should I Stay or Should I Go? : Marriott
Posted by: Red Imp (IP Logged)
Date: 30/03/2008 19:32
He's kept us in some games this season (Accrington and Hereford) and he's also let in some soft goals like Mansfield.
Personally, I'd keep him because if we can get another 'keeper in for whatever reason, he's a good back-up. If not, then he's still a decent first choice.
Personally, I'd keep him because if we can get another 'keeper in for whatever reason, he's a good back-up. If not, then he's still a decent first choice.
Re: Should I Stay or Should I Go? : Marriott
Posted by: Southern Imp (IP Logged)
Date: 30/03/2008 19:46
If mazza is offered a contract he will stay but if for whatever reason he does not play regularly then i suspect he will ask to go he is to good to sit on a bench
Re: Should I Stay or Should I Go? : Marriott
Posted by: Markus Naslund (IP Logged)
Date: 30/03/2008 19:52
Quote:Southern Imp
If mazza is offered a contract he will stay but if for whatever reason he does not play regularly then i suspect he will ask to go he is to good to sit on a bench
Ah, like a true professional.
I actually have more respect for him as a person. I think if he sat on the bench he would fight for his place. If he asks to go then I'd get rid as we don't need players who spit out their dummies when they don't get in the team. You appear to be comparing his possible behaviour with that of Jamie Hand...
If he is told he will not be automatic choice and he wants out - let him go. Don't give him a contract and let HIM dictate whether he stays or goes.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2008:03:30:19:54:58 by Markus Naslund.
Re: Should I Stay or Should I Go? : Marriott
Posted by: megimp (IP Logged)
Date: 30/03/2008 20:21
Something else to take into account. Looking at the time Mazza has been at SB, and taking into account that normally wages go up year on year I would suggest that he is not the lowest paid player at City.
Is the manager liable to extend the contract of a player, who is on good wages, just for him to sit on the bench?
I don't think so. If PJ sees Mazza as his No 1 he'll offer him a new contract if not either no new contract or a contract at a vastly reduce wage which would probably not be acceptable to the player.
Personally I agree that he's had an up and down season, not helped by the defence in front of him. Without the protection of two commanding CBs his weaknesses have been ruthlessly exposed this season.
Unfortunately, by now, every other manager in the division knows his weaknesses as well.
For me, a new keeper on the shopping list please.
Regards
Is the manager liable to extend the contract of a player, who is on good wages, just for him to sit on the bench?
I don't think so. If PJ sees Mazza as his No 1 he'll offer him a new contract if not either no new contract or a contract at a vastly reduce wage which would probably not be acceptable to the player.
Personally I agree that he's had an up and down season, not helped by the defence in front of him. Without the protection of two commanding CBs his weaknesses have been ruthlessly exposed this season.
Unfortunately, by now, every other manager in the division knows his weaknesses as well.
For me, a new keeper on the shopping list please.
Regards
Re: Should I Stay or Should I Go? : Marriott
Posted by: Dan_Baumber (IP Logged)
Date: 30/03/2008 20:27
Quote:megimp
Something else to take into account. Looking at the time Mazza has been at SB, and taking into account that normally wages go up year on year I would suggest that he is not the lowest paid player at City.
I'm certain that when he signed his contract 3 years ago (at the same time as Morgan), they were amongst the highest earners at the club. If I remember correctly, Morgan's wage was reputedly around £1,400/wk according to the Echo. I'm sure Mazza will be around a similar level.
Re: Should I Stay or Should I Go? : Marriott
Posted by: impspur (IP Logged)
Date: 30/03/2008 20:29
I agree with marcus and nathen, he should be a backup at best, people blame the defence, but he is part of that defence, as a spurs fan with robinson in goal i get it from 2 ends, both situations are similar, decent shot stoppers but both hide beheind the "defence is crap" excuse.
Massa has been a good keeper and made good saves and yes kept us in games, but isnt that his job, a striker doesnt score he gets dropped? Massa is no lower league peter cech and those that hail him as some kinda div 2 galatico are in dreamland for me.
Time to change, he goes with a big thanks for his service but he has to go for me
Massa has been a good keeper and made good saves and yes kept us in games, but isnt that his job, a striker doesnt score he gets dropped? Massa is no lower league peter cech and those that hail him as some kinda div 2 galatico are in dreamland for me.
Time to change, he goes with a big thanks for his service but he has to go for me
Re: Should I Stay or Should I Go? : Marriott
Posted by: mightyimp1 (IP Logged)
Date: 30/03/2008 21:22
marriott to stay - absoulutely no question about it
best keeper i have seen us have - with my eyes anyway
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2008:03:30:21:23:15 by mightyimp1.
best keeper i have seen us have - with my eyes anyway
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2008:03:30:21:23:15 by mightyimp1.
Re: Should I Stay or Should I Go? : Marriott
Posted by: ferret imp (IP Logged)
Date: 30/03/2008 22:13
only keep on as a number two. we need a better number one imo
Re: Should I Stay or Should I Go? : Marriott
Posted by: Southern Imp (IP Logged)
Date: 30/03/2008 22:47
Some of you keep saying get a better keeper as number 1. You keep throwing names around its the real world of football not video game Footbal manager where with the push of a button you can have who you want.
Someone mentioned several other Div 2 keepers, Stockdale no better than Marriott, Barnes worse than Marriott. Why should any keeper playing in a team that finished higher than us want to move ?.
Every time we conceeed goals there is a big inquistion, let see how many we can blame Marriott for.
In my opinion in the last 10-12 games he has been out best player by a country mile.
Someone mentioned several other Div 2 keepers, Stockdale no better than Marriott, Barnes worse than Marriott. Why should any keeper playing in a team that finished higher than us want to move ?.
Every time we conceeed goals there is a big inquistion, let see how many we can blame Marriott for.
In my opinion in the last 10-12 games he has been out best player by a country mile.
Re: Should I Stay or Should I Go? : Marriott
Posted by: bigc_imp (IP Logged)
Date: 30/03/2008 23:42
I'd offer him a one year deal and try and find a young keeper who will challenge him.
The bottom line is that no matter how good a keeper is if the defence is @#$%& you’re going to concede goals.
The bottom line is that no matter how good a keeper is if the defence is @#$%& you’re going to concede goals.
Re: Should I Stay or Should I Go? : Marriott
Posted by: Alan Partridge - Official Lincoln City pitch side reporter (IP Logged)
Date: 30/03/2008 23:53
Should Marriott stay? most ridiculous question ive ever heard
YES!!
and not because he can earn his testimonial but because he is a quality goalkeeper and has been for like 7 years, hes just put down because hes got a useless back 4 infront of him. He is far too exposed and can raely do anything to keep the goals out, as said above he keeps the score as low as he can and with a decent defence infront of him hes one of the best. 2002-2003 for example, 28 conceded in 46, now thats pretty @#$%& impressive
now lay off him!
YES!!
and not because he can earn his testimonial but because he is a quality goalkeeper and has been for like 7 years, hes just put down because hes got a useless back 4 infront of him. He is far too exposed and can raely do anything to keep the goals out, as said above he keeps the score as low as he can and with a decent defence infront of him hes one of the best. 2002-2003 for example, 28 conceded in 46, now thats pretty @#$%& impressive
now lay off him!
Re: Should I Stay or Should I Go? : Marriott
Posted by: impsadaisy (IP Logged)
Date: 31/03/2008 08:57
He should go, never been a great fan of Marriott, he is not consistent, never talks to his defence and a lot of the time very lazy. As for the comments about bring in competition for him, whatsthe use of that, get rid of Marriott and bring in a new keeper.
Re: Should I Stay or Should I Go? : Marriott
Posted by: berksimp (IP Logged)
Date: 31/03/2008 09:13
Very difficult one, after so many years he deserves something from the club.
It would be interesting to see how many shots on target he has faced this year compared to previous years. (something like 20 at Peterboro alone) which will give an idea as to how exposed he is.
On balance, give him a year, look for a suitable replacement and if one is found let him leave at Christmas.
It would be interesting to see how many shots on target he has faced this year compared to previous years. (something like 20 at Peterboro alone) which will give an idea as to how exposed he is.
On balance, give him a year, look for a suitable replacement and if one is found let him leave at Christmas.
Re: Should I Stay or Should I Go? : Marriott
Posted by: PoshImp (IP Logged)
Date: 31/03/2008 10:17
The stats for shots on target are always given in each of the official match reports, for example against POSH it was 18 (4 conceded), whereas against Hereford it was 9 (1) and Barnet, it was 12 (5). So for those three games alone he had to deal with 39 shots on target and let in 10 which is about one in four which is 25%.
I would say those aren't good stats!
I would say those aren't good stats!
Re: Should I Stay or Should I Go? : Marriott
Posted by: Southern Imp (IP Logged)
Date: 31/03/2008 10:22
Stats are stats no argument but you cannot quantify the quality of shots and the quality of shots that actually go in
So its a pontless excercise to judge anyone on stats alone
So its a pontless excercise to judge anyone on stats alone
Re: Should I Stay or Should I Go? : Marriott
Posted by: PoshImp (IP Logged)
Date: 31/03/2008 10:33
I'm not.
I like Mazza and want him to stay. I just did that out of interest following on from Berksimp's post.
I have gone back a little further to reveal that in the last six games he has faced 67 shots and conceded 15, reducing the ratio to about 22%.
I like Mazza and want him to stay. I just did that out of interest following on from Berksimp's post.
I have gone back a little further to reveal that in the last six games he has faced 67 shots and conceded 15, reducing the ratio to about 22%.
Re: Should I Stay or Should I Go? : Marriott
Posted by: bardneyimp (IP Logged)
Date: 31/03/2008 11:36
One Word Answer STAY
Re: Should I Stay or Should I Go? : Marriott
Posted by: nottinghamimp (IP Logged)
Date: 31/03/2008 11:44
he an hardly be called the reason we have been dire this year, but, he has been a contributory factor at some points. I think he will get a year but may opt to leave if someone offers him a three year deal (MACC), but i expect PJ has that covered. Would a testimonial year give him the income of three year deal elsewhere ????
Re: Should I Stay or Should I Go? : Marriott
Posted by: Jam Imp (IP Logged)
Date: 31/03/2008 19:21
Too right Joe Lewis should be better than him at £400k 
Re: Should I Stay or Should I Go? : Marriott
Posted by: impspur (IP Logged)
Date: 31/03/2008 21:14
Hi bardney.......you lost yer marbles mate?!!
Re: Should I Stay or Should I Go? : Marriott
Posted by: impish chap (IP Logged)
Date: 02/04/2008 23:46
Maybe the most difficult decision jacko has to make,if he"s got a better keeper lined up then competition will do him no harm but sometimes you wonder if peter cech would have survived behind that defence,not had a great couple of seasons but if its a rehaul in defence then a one year deal with competition for places and a decent keeper coach!!!
Re: Should I Stay or Should I Go? : Marriott
Posted by: plumbob (IP Logged)
Date: 03/04/2008 07:59
Has had a rough time this season, but still as good as there is (at an affordable price tag!) in this division.
Certainly has his moments of madness. But has kept us in games, and saved embarrassing stuffings, many more times than he has let us down.
Keep.
Certainly has his moments of madness. But has kept us in games, and saved embarrassing stuffings, many more times than he has let us down.
Keep.
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