Connor Roberts

[Rileybobs]

Just a precursor to say what a great team performance and result last night which also goes for Roberts, who had a very good second half in particular. But did anyone see Roberts walk straight down the tunnel at the final whistle only for Brownhill to run after him and make him come back out to applaud the fans with the rest of the team?

[Steve-Harpers-perm]

Thought it was his best game last night. Didn’t realise it was him who went down the tunnel but did see Brownhill running down.

Kompany was also speaking to Roberts in the centre circle after that and looked to be showing him where he should be positioning himself.

[Duffer_]

Yeah, we noticed that. Roberts seemed to be deep in conversation with a Milwall player, possibly a former teammate or fellow Welsh international, so didn't think too much of it. Nice touch from Brownhill though.

[ClaretAL]

Yep I spotted that, and Roberts ran down the tunnel straight after the final whistle in the Blackpool match also. It looked to me like VK asked Brownhill to go and get him, and then when he came back VK was having a word with Roberts and the pointed a few things out to him from a coaching role.

[Lancasterclaret]

I thought he might have been a bit off positionally when (rare) Millwall breaks

But he certainly linked up well with the team and dodgy header at the end aside, had a good 2nd half

[onewillieirvine]

Yes I saw that, they were soon back out though.

[Quickenthetempo]

He's doing alright, he doesn't stand out in this team, but he's doing alright.

[Cleveleys_claret]

I may be totally in the wrong here but just get massive uninterested vibes from Roberts. Which is okay, not all footballers love the game like we do and it's a profession for them.

He just seems off when interviewed and his all round demeanour, it may be shyness. His performances have been okay and he seems to be growing into it here, not perfect on the pitch but his touches upfield seem to be getting better and more knowledgeable of positions others are taking up.

I personally think he is a bit of a loner, again nothing with that but think he is a homebird, also in the video the club did with him found it strange nobody was invited to his wedding, friends or family. I think he is probably happy eith his young family and all else comes after that

[Rileybobs]

I may be totally in the wrong here but just get massive uninterested vibes from Roberts. Which is okay, not all footballers love the game like we do and it's a profession for them.

He just seems off when interviewed and his all round demeanour, it may be shyness. His performances have been okay and he seems to be growing into it here, not perfect on the pitch but his touches upfield seem to be getting better and more knowledgeable of positions others are taking up.

I personally think he is a bit of a loner, again nothing with that but think he is a homebird, also in the video the club did with him found it strange nobody was invited to his wedding, friends or family. I think he is probably happy eith his young family and all else comes after that

This incident came off the back of the interview where he made a not so subtle dig at the fans. Don't think he feels particularly loved, maybe just his persona.

[Bordeauxclaret]

Which interview was that?

[Rileybobs]

Which interview was that?

I think it was the pre-match press conference that followed on from the Blackpool game. He made a comment about fans in the ground grumbling about us playing out from the back.

[RVclaret]

He’s doing a fine job in a very important role in this system. Second half he was excellent yesterday. I’ve seen clamour for Vitinho in for him but Vitinho could not play that role Roberts is playing.

[jedi_master]

Get the impression he has struggled leaving Swansea behind (the place, not the club). It's a big move for anyone, so that is understandable.

(I base this purely on the interview he did in pre-season where he was speaking so fondly of Swansea and how he had been back recently at the time).

I haven't been his biggest fan as a player for us, but he has done better in recent weeks - and I agree with RV, Vitinho couldn't play that same role as he is far more gung ho I think. The clear alternative to Roberts is Lowton.

[123EasyasBFC]

Roberts clapped CFS and longside towards tunnel before Brownhill ran to him, he was in deep conversation with one of coaches, could of just purely been knackered or frustrated about something

[Rileybobs]

Hadn't noticed him in conversation with a member of the Milwall staff, probably explains it!

[Hurstclaret]

He was deep.in conversation with Mike Jackson when heading off the pitch. Obviously not aware of the customary end of game team appreciation of the fans

[Goody1975]

He was deep.in conversation with Mike Jackson when heading off the pitch. Obviously not aware of the customary end of game team appreciation of the fans

Yep Mike Jackson.

[KlyBfc]

Roberts clapped CFS and longside towards tunnel before Brownhill ran to him, he was in deep conversation with one of coaches, could of just purely been knackered or frustrated about something

I saw this and watched it unfold as it stood out (right in front of where we sit in the JH upper). He was walking off in front of M Jackson and seemed to be pointing over towards the right corner of the Bob lord side. His body language suggested he was upset/ angry about something. My first impression when Brownhill went to get him was somebody had had a go at him about something in the game (the way he was pointing) and I presumed that it was a either a coach or a player (due to JB going after him) . When he came back on he and VK had their arms round each other on the half way line. It could have been a fan and JB had been tipped off but something had definitely bothered him.

[ClaretAL]

Get the impression he has struggled leaving Swansea behind (the place, not the club). It's a big move for anyone, so that is understandable.

(I base this purely on the interview he did in pre-season where he was speaking so fondly of Swansea and how he had been back recently at the time).

I haven't been his biggest fan as a player for us, but he has done better in recent weeks - and I agree with RV, Vitinho couldn't play that same role as he is far more gung ho I think. The clear alternative to Roberts is Lowton.

Or Egan Riley, who i was under the impression is a RB/CB

[123EasyasBFC]

I saw this and watched it unfold as it stood out (right in front of where we sit in the JH upper). He was walking off in front of M Jackson and seemed to be pointing over towards the right corner of the Bob lord side. His body language suggested he was upset/ angry about something. My first impression when Brownhill went to get him was somebody had had a go at him about something in the game (the way he was pointing) and I presumed that it was a either a coach or a player (due to JB going after him) . When he came back on he and VK had their arms round each other on the half way line. It could have been a fan and JB had been tipped off but something had definitely bothered him.

To me looked like Brownhill was just closest person to run after him, he 100% clapped the fans, people are looking way to much into it

[DanH90]

I may be totally in the wrong here but just get massive uninterested vibes from Roberts. Which is okay, not all footballers love the game like we do and it's a profession for them.

He just seems off when interviewed and his all round demeanour, it may be shyness. His performances have been okay and he seems to be growing into it here, not perfect on the pitch but his touches upfield seem to be getting better and more knowledgeable of positions others are taking up.

I personally think he is a bit of a loner, again nothing with that but think he is a homebird, also in the video the club did with him found it strange nobody was invited to his wedding, friends or family. I think he is probably happy eith his young family and all else comes after that

I get this impression too. Not on the pitch, he seems to give it his all out there, but a bit of a strange persona, disinterested, a bit aloof, and dare I say it, not a particularly likeable/warm person. But he’s playing that role very well and I agree with the poster who said Vitinho would 100% not be able to play the role Roberts is being asked to. If Roberts were out for any length of time Lowton/Egan-Riley would have to come in.

[IanMcL]

Very strange for any footballer just to disappear at the end. Lots of handshakes etc.

Never saw it on the evening. To busy applauding.
Rest seemed to stay out, in the middle, together, for extra long time.

Never mind.

[Iloveyoubrady]

He has always given off a slightly strange vibe to me but seems a decent bloke and a good player. Look forward to seeing more of him.

[evensteadiereddie]

I saw this and watched it unfold as it stood out (right in front of where we sit in the JH upper). He was walking off in front of M Jackson and seemed to be pointing over towards the right corner of the Bob lord side. His body language suggested he was upset/ angry about something. My first impression when Brownhill went to get him was somebody had had a go at him about something in the game (the way he was pointing) and I presumed that it was a either a coach or a player (due to JB going after him) . When he came back on he and VK had their arms round each other on the half way line. It could have been a fan and JB had been tipped off but something had definitely bothered him.

I think it all ended well but to me, a few rows back in the CFS, he looked quite distraught as he was leaving the pitch.
I hope he's OK because he's a damn good player.
We need him.

[Healeywoodclaret]

Get the impression he has struggled leaving Swansea behind (the place, not the club). It's a big move for anyone, so that is understandable.

(I base this purely on the interview he did in pre-season where he was speaking so fondly of Swansea and how he had been back recently at the time).

I haven't been his biggest fan as a player for us, but he has done better in recent weeks - and I agree with RV, Vitinho couldn't play that same role as he is far more gung ho I think. The clear alternative to Roberts is Lowton.

Yeah The Welsh struggle when out of Wales. If you watch his interviews as soon as his Welsh International games are mentioned, his face lights up!

[Steve-Harpers-perm]

Yeah The Welsh struggle when out of Wales. If you watch his interviews as soon as his Welsh International games are mentioned, his face lights up!

Reminds me of Kurt Nogan!

[boatshed bill]

Yeah The Welsh struggle when out of Wales. If you watch his interviews as soon as his Welsh International games are mentioned, his face lights up!

He seems to show more enthusiasm for his internationals when interviewed

[Healeywoodclaret]

I really hope it wasn't a fan who upset him. Fans will always see the best of players with applause and appreciation for good effort.

[Healeywoodclaret]

He is only 26. The Welsh are all about Wales. He is probably homesick. I hope its just a flash in the pan and a rapport grows between him and our fans.

[Dingo]

He’s playing well, he’s enjoying the new style (as he said in a recent interview), and he must have the confidence of the manager given the other options we have there. I don’t understand the desire to construct an agenda against him when he’s only ever been committed when playing for us since he signed.

[Rileybobs]

He’s playing well, he’s enjoying the new style (as he said in a recent interview), and he must have the confidence of the manager given the other options we have there. I don’t understand the desire to construct an agenda against him when he’s only ever been committed when playing for us since he signed.

Who’s constructing an agenda against him?

[NoFixedAbode_Claret]

He is doing fine - in a completely new role. Contributing well to the new framework. And we have an able back up for that role - ER from his Shrews performance

[Dingo]

Who’s constructing an agenda against him?

Look at the replies. Subtle implication and supposition about his character, personality and motivations. He’s only been here 12 months and he’s done pretty well on the whole but he gets a lot of unfair scrutiny which goes beyond his contribution on the field.

[TheFamilyCat]

Yeah The Welsh struggle when out of Wales. If you watch his interviews as soon as his Welsh International games are mentioned, his face lights up!

Yeah... Rush, Hughes, Giggs, Hartson, Bale, Ramsey plus god knows how many more all struggled when out of Wales.

[Bosscat]

Yeah... Rush, Hughes, Giggs, Hartson, Bale, Ramsey plus god knows how many more all struggled when out of Wales.

Vokes

[Devils_Advocate]

Wasn't it Roberts who started all the trouble with Weghorst? Good player but maybe a bit of a bad apple, hopefully VK can sort him out and get rid of any attitude problems

[Stevie Morgan]

Wasn't it Roberts who started all the trouble with Weghorst? Good player but maybe a bit of a bad apple, hopefully VK can sort him out and get rid of any attitude problems

Fair cast.

[boatshed bill]

Vokes

The first time he went to Wales was to play an international game

[spt_claret]

I never like slating a current player but he has been a colossal disappointment. For all the expectation that he would set this division alright he's not delivered. I think Lowton offers more at both ends and could play his role, and I'm certainly not ruling Vitinho out of the role with his performances and movement, plus even if he'd play differently it would give us two real attacking supports from the back.
I really thought he'd impress in this division and setup and he just hasn't. Don't know what it is with him and have to admit I get attitude vibes, especially when his missus was grumbling on social media last season. This is his year to step up and show what he's capable of.

[KRBFC]

I never like slating a current player but he has been a colossal disappointment. For all the expectation that he would set this division alright he's not delivered. I think Lowton offers more at both ends and could play his role, and I'm certainly not ruling Vitinho out of the role with his performances and movement, plus even if he'd play differently it would give us two real attacking supports from the back.
I really thought he'd impress in this division and setup and he just hasn't. Don't know what it is with him and have to admit I get attitude vibes, especially when his missus was grumbling on social media last season. This is his year to step up and show what he's capable of.

He's playing like a 3rd central defender, this is his role in the team, VK doesn't want him flying forward. The left back plays high and wide, Cullen shifts over to cover left back and Roberts tucks in narrow in a defensive central role.

Roberts has been fine in this new role, used the ball very well last night.

As mentioned above, Vitinho is not the guy to play the Roberts role. I find it odd fans criticising Roberts for not flying forward like the left back, when that is the role VK has him playing.

Your criticism should be directed towards Kompany if anything.

[KRBFC]

and I found Roberts disappointing last year too.

[boatshed bill]

He's playing like a 3rd central defender, this is his role in the team, VK doesn't want him flying forward. The left back plays high and wide, Cullen shifts over to cover left back and Roberts tucks in narrow in a defensive central role.

Roberts has been fine in this new role, used the ball very well last night.

As mentioned above, Vitinho is not the guy to play the Roberts role. I find it odd fans criticising Roberts for not flying forward like the left back, when that is the role VK has him playing.

Your criticism should be directed towards Kompany if anything.

Why criticise, it's working really well.

[BurnleyFC]

Much like the also maligned Charlie Taylor, Connor Roberts has been fine so far this season, and actually had a good game last night.

[Nonayforever]

He's playing like a 3rd central defender, this is his role in the team, VK doesn't want him flying forward. The left back plays high and wide, Cullen shifts over to cover left back and Roberts tucks in narrow in a defensive central role.

I agree. We are not playing an asymmetric system.
When in possession the left back becomes a left winger the right side takes on a traditional shape but the play revolves around the central midfield of Cork , Cullen and Brownhill with the telling passes coming from Bellis.

[spt_claret]

He's playing like a 3rd central defender, this is his role in the team, VK doesn't want him flying forward. The left back plays high and wide, Cullen shifts over to cover left back and Roberts tucks in narrow in a defensive central role.

Roberts has been fine in this new role, used the ball very well last night.

As mentioned above, Vitinho is not the guy to play the Roberts role. I find it odd fans criticising Roberts for not flying forward like the left back, when that is the role VK has him playing.

Your criticism should be directed towards Kompany if anything.

I know he's playing a half and half role but he still has not really impressed me and I think Lowton could do that role better, as I said. If we wanted to change the role I think Vitinho would be better too.
He's not bad but I'm far from convinced he's the best option for the role.

[123EasyasBFC]

It’s mad how just because a player was deep in covno with a coach walking down the tunnel, they instantly assume he doesn’t care as much about burnley as the rest or he was upset about a fan or was sulking

[DCWat]

It’s his passing and defensive positioning that lets him down, for me. I’m repeating myself but he always seems a bit too frantic in whatever he does, he seems to lack a bit of composure in his play, at both ends. So far, I’ve not seen as much from him as I was expecting and especially now we are playing at a lower level.

Whilst we aren’t attacking from both full backs at the moment, it wouldn’t surprise me if we were to as the season progresses. With two centre halves and two defensive midfielders able to drop deeper to allow one or both full backs to push on.

[123EasyasBFC]

It’s his passing and defensive positioning that lets him down, for me. I’m repeating myself but he always seems a bit too frantic in whatever he does, he seems to lack a bit of composure in his play, at both ends. So far, I’ve not seen as much from him as I was expecting and especially now we are playing at a lower level.

Whilst we aren’t attacking from both full backs at the moment, it wouldn’t surprise me if we were to as the season progresses. With two centre halves and two defensive midfielders able to drop deeper to allow one or both full backs to push on.

Roberts has certain instructions it’s clear to see, I’m sure he would love to have the seem freedom to get up and down like maatsen/Vitinho have done from the left but we would just be too open

It would only take one miss played pass and a ball over top and our cbs would be open, you can’t have cork and cullen covering both full back positions one needs to stay in the middle

[DCWat]

Roberts has certain instructions it’s clear to see, I’m sure he would love to have the seem freedom to get up and down like maatsen/Vitinho have done from the left but we would just be too open

It would only take one miss played pass and a ball over top and our cbs would be open, you can’t have cork and cullen covering both full back positions one needs to stay in the middle

I don’t agree that it has to be too open, particularly in this league. We’ve amassed quite a stock of technical players and as they settle, I wouldn’t be at all surprised if the full backs are both given license to push on. It could give us more opportunity to overload the midfield and stretch the opposition further.

If I remember rightly, from the analysis of Kompany’s tactics at Anderlecht, the full backs both pushed on and it was Cullen that dropped back to form a three.

So far, we’ve seen a slight variation of this with the Roberts moving across, though Cullen does still come short. With Cork there as well, even if a little further advanced, there’s a further safety net.

[burnleymik]

I have felt all season like he just doesn't seem that happy. Just his general demeanor and body language. Maybe it is because he hasn't got that licence to venture forward as much, no idea, but he just doesn't seem to be as keen as many of the other players.

He is 100% professional though and does give it everything on the pitch. Don't really want to dig him out as he is doing the job that seems to be being asked of him, it's simply that gut feeling you get when you watch him in the warm-ups and at the end of the games etc.