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Positive Intent from Paul Caddis
It must be hard to be a player who has been completely bombed from a football squad. I know people will talk about how they wouldn’t mind sitting on their backside for a few thousand quid a week but I can’t help but feel that I’d think my life was wasting away in front of me in that position.
I read Brian Dick’s interview with Paul Caddis in the Birmingham Mail today and I must admit, I was a little bit surprised. The Scot seemed to be open about the perception of his weight – and why he felt that it wasn’t an issue yet I thought he seemed to be going about challenging that in the most positive way possible – by playing for the u23s to prove that he was fit and wanted to play.
I will admit that when I saw Caddis play in the first friendly of the season he did seem a bit, um, portly around the saddlery regions (and yes, I’m aware of the irony of me saying that bearing in mind my own portliness). It’s true that the new Adidas kit seems to be a little bit less flattering, and that Caddis is one of those stocky types who is always going to look a bit chunky because of the way he’s built. After all, remember Lee Novak – people seemed to think he was fat too but he genuinely was ripped; it was just his shape that had people fooled.
However, I have had the impression for a while it’s more than just weight that has caused Caddis to be dropped completely out of contention. There’s been (unsubstantiated) rumours that Caddis wasn’t happy with playing at right back but he seems happy enough to have played that role in the development squad fixtures. There’s also the height issue; Rowett seems to be quite Pulis-like in liking tall full-backs and at 5’7 Caddis is shorter than my average height – however at 5’8 so is Rhoys Wiggins and he’s just been brought in for a six month loan.
I don’t think we’ll ever get to know the reason why but I suspect that Caddis might struggle to force his way back into the team. I have this impression that once crossed, Rowett never forgives and you only have to look at how Wes Thomas and Mitch Hancox ended up having less chance than I did to play in the team last year to see that. While I understand we all have our favourites and our scapegoats it’s kinda saddening to see how much Rowett seems to push players out who have displeased him; Jonathan Spector has done well at right-back but I’m always concerned he’s going to get injured…
I guess time will tell. All I can say for myself is that I think Caddis should continue what he is doing; after all I’m sure the young players he plays with will benefit from his experience at least. Making a positive statement that you are willing and ready to play is about the best thing Caddis can do right now and I think in the absence of anything to the contrary, he should be applauded for having that attitude.
Tags: Paul Caddis
82 Responses to “Positive Intent from Paul Caddis”
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Good penalty taker is caddis I’m never as confident with the rest of them.
Saw an article allegedly quoting Coach Robbo saying how impressed he was with Caddis’s attitude and application.Must say just from reading the team sheets he seems to be willing to put himself out there. Better this than some whinger just doing the minimum and taking the cash. Respect mate.
tbh paul better moving on why because GR will judged on his own players…..
Paul Caddis for me should play every week, he plays with a passion and gives 100%. Caddis had been a great servant to our club. Rowett I feel would be wrong to let him go whatever differences they may have had surely they can b sorted, wish we had another 11 with his passion
yes tris with you on this passion is a fantastic thing plus he links so well with Cotts!
Gary Rowett is by instinct and practice a defensive minded manager and rather than being the Bromsgrove Mourinho he is proving to be the Bromsgrove Pulis.
Gary prefers battlers such as Davis, Gleeson, Kieftenbeld and Spector rather than Caddis, Brown, Fabbrini and Shinnie.
I am not saying Gary is wrong, but the end product is unattractive, low possession football which will not attract the fans back to St Andrews’.
He never clamed to be a Mourinho and he is nothing like Pulis. He just knows what he wants and its his job to know let the man do his job it’s not as if we have mist Caddis I could understand if Spector was F**ING up but its working so where is the argument what’s it all about Caddis!! It’s not like he is Dani Carvajal. LOL
Do you go to games WCB? If you do. do you open your eyes? The way Rowett sets up is very similar to the way Pulis sets up at WBA
Yes I am a season ticket holder since 1984. I am entitled to disagree I do not see any similarity to Pulis.
I would say GR Stile is closer to that of Leicester. WBA play with 2 banks of 4 and a holding midfielder siting behind the front man their setup is to keep the ball . We have never played like that.
Since Pulis has been at WBA, he’s played with 4 centre backs across the defence. I suppose if you class Grounds as a centre back (which in all fairness isn’t far wrong) then the similarity is quite obvious. Spector, Morrison, Shotton, Grounds. Very similar to WBA.
Although, saying that, Pulis has bought a specialist full back this summer… as have we. :)
But their setup is to keep the ball . We have never played like that. under GR.
But it isn’t though. You have just used one quick example as Spector is right back who played there for Hughton and Grounds has played left back all his Blues career so he is not a centre half. Rowett plays attacking players in the 4-3-3 and 4-4-2 he has been using in recent games and four attackers in 4-2-3-1
As far as I was aware, Spector started as a centre back at both Man Utd and West Ham.
Actually Spector played a defensive midfielder at Man Utd It was West ham that moved him to CB.
WCB…Dani Carvalho was a striker who played for Ajax and Atletico Madrid. Where does he fit in?
Dani Carvajal is a 24 year old right back who plays for Real Madrid he is Probably the best Right back in football of present day.
Hear hear!
I Have not started any argument I am intituled to my apinean and Dani Carvajal is a 24 year old right back who plays for Real Madrid that ant a apinean i’s a fact. Every one on here is offering apinean so what is your problem with me offering mine.
I like Caddis, he gets forward well, perhaps defensible he’s not as hot but good player to have in the squad, I hope GR will use him and sure he will during the coming weeks and months. I’d also take having his body shape right now!
Perhaps GR just doesn’t think he is a good enough defender. Which in my opinion is a very fair argument. As for the interview I felt Caddis came across quite defensive. A professional athlete should always watch their weight even in the off season and he hasn’t.
I agree. Caddis is a defender and unfortunately it,s not the best part of his game. I read somewhere that he wants to move into midfield but there isn’t a place for him. Why can’ they work with him to improve his weaknesses ?
That is exactly it you hit the nail on the head wish others could see it that way.
There were similar rumours about David Edgar not wanting to play at centre back, but he played there for Sheffield United with no problem. It seems ever since Rowett came in, that If your face doesn’t fit, you don’t stand much of a chance of changing his mind. I suppose it’s the same with most managers tbf, but Rowett’s ‘reasons’ often don’t ring true.
Believe me, they were absolutely true. Had it from an impeccable source.
Fair enough.
Without doubt, imo Caddis is a far better choice to that of Spector. Yes,If we want a steady right back who does a defensive job-then Spector is your man. If we want a marauding right back who will create chances for our attackers,then Caddis is required. Harry Roberts often got caught out at times but more than compensated with his attacking runs from right back position.What I find rather nauseating is the condescending comments regarding Caddis by of all people Robinson.His remarks and overall heightened self esteem is reflecting rather ominously towards our manager.
Surely you’re defenders are defenders first and foremost and if Spector is a better defender then he should start. For all his attacking play i don’t think he creates that much.
Fair point Steve. Just forever grateful Caddis left his right back berth to make himself known in the final seconds at Bolton!
Without doubt mate.
Personally I don’t rate Spector, see him as a bit of a liability in defence to be honest. Started well I have to say, but not the long-term solution for me, very error-prone.
It was GR’s position when he was a player and he was probably the best right back we’ve had in years before or since.It must be hard for Caddis trying to impress a manager who was streets ahead of him in ability but I think he will get another chance once he proves his fitness.GR has hardly pushed the boat out to sign another right back has he?
So he know that position better than anyone and we should trust in his judgement. ;0)
Wonderful to get a post from Staffs. I know Dave Mann will be equally thrilled.
Cheers Mitchell.
Yes, nice to hear from you staffs… The old boys are back :-) KRO
The boys are back in town, the boys are back… :)
Boy`s ha ha more like bleeding old fogies. lol
:-)KRO
We know that. :))
Caddis is a hard worker he puts in 110% every game but he cant tackle he cant stop his man crossing the ball like Spector can he cant sit in the midfield when winger push up like Spector can.
It makes sense when you think about it. Now that we are going to be playing 2 up front we need a left back and a right back to push up in to the midfield and defend filling the gaps because we have attacking wingers in the team now. It would create gaps with Caddis overlapping. He cant be changed at his age now he is always going to overlap its just his game.
I very much doubt GR picks his team baste on their face fitting or not. That would be ferry petty! childish don’t you think.
To be fair WCB you can’t really argue with the fact that not a single player has forced their way back in to the reckoning (with the exception of Reece Brown – whose obvious ability has probably eant him an extra chance). I like Caddis but I think with him and Grounds we have players at opposite ends of the spectrum. There is a happy medium where a player can be competent going forwards or staying back, the trick is knowing when to do what. Caddis was a regular at first under Rowett, but I dont think this is to do with his weight. In the middle of last season he was dropped for Eardley and then Shotton was tried there, so I think at some point the manager has decided he isnt good enough or doesnt fit in to the team. IMaybe has more to do with the fact that Caddis’ decision making on when to bomb on isn’t great and he sees a lack of attacking threat from Grounds as the lesser of two evils compared to us being left open when Caddis goes missing?
I Ant disputing it I cant see why there is a discussion in the first place. GR as made a choice and as it stands it been a Good one. Caddis as been good for us at times but there always comes a time when you need to change and this time is here I will always be crateful to Caddis he is a top bloke. But change is for the better and I support the team not Caddis.
Why can’t you see why there is a discussion in the first place?
Is Rowett that perfect he can do no wrong?
Yes he can and will make mistakes but I don’t see this as a mistake how is It wrong if it’s working than it’s not wrong is it???????
Because you have to look at how we will set up for 46 games, there are teams in this division that we should dominate and get on the front foot, Caddis gives you more in that repect
@ Dan Hickman Yes and maybe he will be picked when he is needed. Maybe if GR plays or goes back to 4-2-3-1. Like I said it’s working as it is so no problem.
Just re read that, meant Spector not Grounds, was at work trying to multitask, or maybe I’m just so used to moaning about Grounds?!
Paul Caddis to his defence has not complaIned or rocked the boat. In my opinion neither Caddis or Spector are good enough as simple as that , one cannot defend or stop crosses, the other hardly ventures across the halfway line, combine the two and you might solve the problem but both have a failure to stop crosses as does Grounds , note most of the goals we concede come from crosses.
However GR has to take some blame it has been glaringly obvious since he came to the club that we needed better full backs , there has been ample oportuntity to replace both and as a former very good full back GR should have made it a priority , stopping goals is also the first priority , especially the way we play on the counter and please do not tell me it was about funds or lack of the right replacements not when you have had 2 years to put it right. GR i rate highly but his conservative nature and sometimes baffling tactics are a mystery to most of us. We are over burdened with midfield players and some of the funds GR spent on midfielders should have gone on full backs a long time ago
I admire Caddis and his stoic sincere attitude however the problems have not been solved or at least the right back situation still needs sorting asap Mr.Rowett priority in the January window should have been much sooner
One thing Wigging’s or don’t he count then??????
Good post Gerard. 100% agree.
Me too, I couldn’t have put it better myself Gerard.
I am one of Rowett’s fiercest advocates but I have to say that with regards to Caddis I must take issue. Spector has done nothing wrong at right back but Caddis gives us so much more in the attacking third that I think he has to be included. Also, despite opinion to the contrary, he’s not a bad defender either. His penalty taking prowess should not be discounted. Against Norwich even Rowett himself looked less than confident (and that’s putting it mildly) when Donaldson stepped up. Swallow your pride Gary and get Caddis back where he belongs, on the team sheet.
totally agree with this.
hes mr safety first……and hes 6.0 little caddis 1.7 probably scored the most important goal in blues history…when spector starts making mistakes he rather put himself there than caddis……
Im afraid Christian that swallowing pride is not on the Rowett menu.
100% right , it aint
Caddis is struggling on and off the field and I think is days as first choice right back are over …as said earlier he his supposed to be a defender and he’s not a good one at that so fair play to his attitude as Dan said for playing in the u23s and trying to prove his form and fitness but I think it’s game over for him now with us and a move to a lower league club would be in all our interests .. Thanks for that goal at Bolton though Paul, it was memorable but for all the wrong reasons if you know what I mean . KRO
Apparently, it’s hinted that Caddis wants to play further forward in midfield. Well, he played there against Oxford and he was awful to be honest. But to be fair, with Solomon-Otabor on the other flank, it was like playing with 9 men that night. We created absolutely nothing from wide. If Caddis has to play, it must be at full back or not at all.
Can’t see many disagreeing with that mate. I think until we sign another specialist RB then Caddis has a role to play, be that as cover or to come in if we are feeling a little more forward thinking.
Maybe GR will really surprise us one day and play him as a WB in a 5 3 2?! I’ll not hold my breath for that one if I’m honest.
I do think, though, that if Caddis remains (mostly) out of the picture, he’ll either move on, or be moved on in January.
As long as we bought in a replacement first I would be ok with that to be honest. A replacement who was better, obviously
Come January then anything could happen with our new owners depending on our position in the league and the positions that we need to strenthen .. Left back , right back, centre half and a striker to start if the loanes go back so be prepared for changes . KRO
I’m seeing Paul’s cousin next week – my future brother in law. Ive not spoken to him this season but he’s always told me Paul loves it at blues, loves living in Solihull and after being managed by di Canio, loves GR.
Everybody is entitled to their own opinion but I think the current negative comments on Caddis are rather harsh. Spector has done well but you never know when the mistakes will start creeping in and he is injury prone. Caddis has been a good club servant, although he has had his defensive inconsistencies. His attitude deserves support.
slightly unfair treatment by rowett i think, the attacking intent and ability of caddis is much higher asset than defending is to me. we were still in the top half last year defensive records but we don’t seem to sustain possession for long periods so it invites pressur
The most important issue is results whoever plays in what position and as we now have a decent sized sqaud of players to choose from I’ve no doubt that the team will eventually pick itself. Before that happens the players drop below GR’s standard will be replaced until that consistency shows itself. We also have to think about injuries and suspensions and of course the season is still young.
We have a good test coming up this weekend and I am hoping for a win but more importantly we need to stop giving the ball away as cheaply as we have been doing and cut out the silly mistakes that have cost us dearly in the past.
I suspect that come the turn of the year we will probably be in the sam position we are now and I also expect the team will be different in several positions.
I would like to see more style in our play but I will put up with anything as long as I can watch our team fighting for every ball and giving us those monets that get us out of our seats.
I’m not for or against the little Scot, but for me, if Rowett plays Cotterill, he has to play Caddis too. Without Caddis, Cotterill is 70% less effective.
Spot on staffs it all comes down to effectiveness together and as R I A M said what leads to results …
This is not a very well reasoned or argued blog about Caddis. He is clearly out of the team because he is not in condition and anyone who has seen us for the last few years recognises defensively he is a liability. Teams always used to attack down his side and sure he was good going forward but at the other end of it he has been very suspect. Seems like you are suggesting Rowett has some sort of agenda against Caddis which is pretty poor to be honest. It is like saying he has an agenda against Legzdins because he always picks Kusczczak. Rowett knows what he is doing
I totally agree with that.
The fact that so many see caddis as one of our better players that should be picked shows exactly where we are squad wise………..
Exactly Blue Lizard, caddis is history , let’s all deal with it ok . KRO
I think what we are saying is that some players combine well mentally , in what each others likes and dislikes are , and in doing so makes the likelihood of a win a more likely result ,
But if cotterill isn’t playing then perhaps its wise to go with specs especially after the result last time out …but i think we all agree that we are still a team in the making..
It has come to my notice that Blues are 24th out of 24 teams in passes per game so far this season, and 25% of passes are long passes, (or hoofs up field).
I wonder whether Gary is satisfied with those stats.
The fact we are tenth and pushing upwards ,I don’t think bothers in one bit Riichard so why should it bother us . KRO
I agree Dave but it would be lovely if we could string more than two passes together and play what is commonly called good football.
I agree Richard but results over performance is always the number one choice for me and most fans so statistics never wash with me mate to be honest . KRO
This is just terrible the way people are going on here you would think we have had a very bad start to the season and we need Caddis to save us. Come On we ant doing so bad the team is looking good GR and his staff have made good signings with very little money. We are ding better than the Villa and we ant even spent a 3rd of the money they have spent. I would much raver have our manager than theirs. We all know it’s not going to be plane sealing this is Birmingham city it’s always dune the hard way and if there is a harder way we will fund it. Lets not bash our Manager and team get behind them back them all the way. KRO SOTV
Yes, I know. It’s a blog. But reading the entirety of this and the Paul Suen piece makes me appreciate what an oasis of thought and reason this place is – and, if I’m allowed to say – long may it continue.
But back to the point: the Caddis situation perfectly shows GR’s strengths and weaknesses. PC is decent at going forward but he’s not quite good enough defensively to be a Champ-level RB and certainly not mobile enough to work at this level as a WM.
So, it’s to GR’s credit that he’s taken a squad of ‘not quite good enoughs’ – which I think we have several, but won’t list them here to keep to the point – and turned them into a competitive team. But it’s then GR’s weakness that now he’s steadied the ship he hasn’t been able (yet??) to improve the quality of the squad in areas like RB where it’s vitally needed.
I think a lack of financial clout could be blamed as opposed to a weakness of GR’s.A tenth place finish last season was a good achievement when you consider that every player was replaceable.Im sure that in an ideal world GR would go out and buy a better RB but he can only improve a few areas at a time with his financial restrictions.