Spittal, the forgotten man

[upgotheheads]

When the teams came out yesterday, like many of us, I hadn't heard about Ageu. So, looking them over as they lined up, I saw No. 16 and thought, who's that? Oh, how quickly we forget; he then went on to have a very good. Spittal has always been a player we take for granted, because he's not showy, has many qualities and rarely has a bad game. Maybe he's just the kind of calm, composed player we will need for the run-in.

[WorldChampions1902]

2 minutes ago, upgotheheads said:

Maybe he's just the kind of calm, composed player we will need for the run-in.

Given the fragility of Ageu, it’s looking like we’re about to find out. I’m sure Spittal is is up for the challenge. 

[Duggie 1874]

8 minutes ago, upgotheheads said:

When the teams came out yesterday, like many of us, I hadn't heard about Ageu. So, looking them over as they lined up, I saw No. 16 and thought, who's that? Oh, how quickly we forget; he then went on to have a very good. Spittal has always been a player we take for granted, because he's not showy, has many qualities and rarely has a bad game. Maybe he's just the kind of calm, composed player we will need for the run-in.

Rarely has a bad game ? Mmm that might be a slight exaggeration 😂

[Goodfella]

12 minutes ago, upgotheheads said:

When the teams came out yesterday, like many of us, I hadn't heard about Ageu. So, looking them over as they lined up, I saw No. 16 and thought, who's that? Oh, how quickly we forget; he then went on to have a very good. Spittal has always been a player we take for granted, because he's not showy, has many qualities and rarely has a bad game. Maybe he's just the kind of calm, composed player we will need for the run-in.

 

Thought he put in a solid, forward thinking shift yesterday. All credit to him. 

Edited February 22 by Goodfella

[Locky]

Blair Spittal is a lot like Alan Forrest IMO. I don't want to give them too hard a time. They're both pretty decent SPFL players, who certainly have their uses at Hearts, but the reality is they're not good enough to play for us in a starting role regularly. Nowhere near it.

 

Spittal did well yesterday, credit where its due. But he's a pretty average player at best. He's pretty decent on the ball, but he looks like he runs in treacle.

[MoncurMacdonaldMercer]

In a squad with a dearth of fit composed creative midfielders I’m happy we’ve got spittal

 

no issues seeing him in the team - also came in at fir park (to many’s dismay) to play a more holding role to help get an excellent point

 

hes no pace but puts himself about and in a more mobile team like we are this season his lack of pace is not as a big an issue as it was

his interview was excellent yesterday too where he said he accepts he’s not really a starter but will be ready when called upon

 

 

 

[MoncurMacdonaldMercer]

Just now, Locky said:

Blair Spittal is a lot like Alan Forrest IMO. I don't want to give them too hard a time. They're both pretty decent SPFL players, who certainly have their uses at Hearts, but the reality is they're not good enough to play for us in a starting role regularly. Nowhere near it.

 

Spittal did well yesterday, credit where its due. But he's a pretty average player at best. He's pretty decent on the ball, but he looks like he runs in treacle.

no offence to Forrest but spittal contributes way more than Forrest - spittal probably has the most assists from a midfielder this season albeit that might just be 3

 

 

[kingantti1874]

1 minute ago, MoncurMacdonaldMercer said:

no offence to Forrest but spittal contributes way more than Forrest - spittal probably has the most assists from a midfielder this season albeit that might just be 3

 

 

agreed.  Spittal undoubtedly a talented player.  Did very well yesterday.  Forrest is a good pro and a trier.  

[King prawn]

I often find with Spittal that he tries to do the right thing more than the others but doesn’t do it well enough.

 

Brilliant ball through for Kyziridis yesterday though that not many others would have tried. 

[MoncurMacdonaldMercer]

7 minutes ago, Duggie 1874 said:

Rarely has a bad game ? Mmm that might be a slight exaggeration 😂

I can’t think of a game this season that spittal hasn’t played ok - most games he’s played a lot better than ok

 

in a midfield with fellow slow coaches like kartum etc he probably had poor games in that failing team but surrounded by some mobility he’s done well imo

 

id keep him as a squad player for another season

 

[King prawn]

3 minutes ago, MoncurMacdonaldMercer said:

no offence to Forrest but spittal contributes way more than Forrest - spittal probably has the most assists from a midfielder this season albeit that might just be 3

 

 

Just had a look - he has 2. McEntee 3 with Braga, Kyzi and Milne ahead of them.

[Locky]

5 minutes ago, MoncurMacdonaldMercer said:

no offence to Forrest but spittal contributes way more than Forrest - spittal probably has the most assists from a midfielder this season albeit that might just be 3

 

 

Nowadays probably. Forrest contributed quite well though in his first season or 2.

[MoncurMacdonaldMercer]

Just now, King prawn said:

Just had a look - he has 2. McEntee 3 with Braga, Kyzi and Milne ahead of them.

braga v Motherwell 

kabore v Dundee - spittal shot off the bar (maybe that doesn’t count  )

shanks v st mirren

 

off the top of my head 

 

 

[Duggie 1874]

2 minutes ago, MoncurMacdonaldMercer said:

I can’t think of a game this season that spittal hasn’t played ok - most games he’s played a lot better than ok

 

in a midfield with fellow slow coaches like kartum etc he probably had poor games in that failing team but surrounded by some mobility he’s done well imo

 

id keep him as a squad player for another season

 

He done well yesterday ,especially 2nd half and under those circumstances, fair play 

[MoncurMacdonaldMercer]

1 minute ago, Locky said:

Nowadays probably. Forrest contributed quite well though in his first season or 2.

yup Forrest has done a good job for hearts - he’s been replaced in the current team but spittal has attributes we still don’t have the current team (and his lack of pace is negated a bit)

 

im looking forward to the day when spittal can’t get near the hearts midfield but until that happens im pleased we’ve got him

 

 

[Hømme]

Not a forgotten man whatsoever but a valuable squad member as it turns out.

[Watt-Zeefuik]

10 minutes ago, Locky said:

Blair Spittal is a lot like Alan Forrest IMO. I don't want to give them too hard a time. They're both pretty decent SPFL players, who certainly have their uses at Hearts, but the reality is they're not good enough to play for us in a starting role regularly. Nowhere near it.

 

Spittal did well yesterday, credit where its due. But he's a pretty average player at best. He's pretty decent on the ball, but he looks like he runs in treacle.

In level, I suppose. But for me they’re kind of opposites. Forrest has superb pace but limited judgement and vision. Spittal has no pace but outstanding judgement and vision.

[Ked]

26 minutes ago, upgotheheads said:

When the teams came out yesterday, like many of us, I hadn't heard about Ageu. So, looking them over as they lined up, I saw No. 16 and thought, who's that? Oh, how quickly we forget; he then went on to have a very good. Spittal has always been a player we take for granted, because he's not showy, has many qualities and rarely has a bad game. Maybe he's just the kind of calm, composed player we will need for the run-in.

An in form Spittal in the games coming up shows the strength we have needed in our squad.

It's been a battle of late and we've won most.

As you say maybe he can offer us that.

He looked fitter as Pasquale mentioned on another thread.Thats a good team player in itself.

[fabienleclerq]

He was fine yesterday,  rushes things at times but played some good passes, wins headers and works his ass off.

[tcjambo]

14 minutes ago, Locky said:

Blair Spittal is a lot like Alan Forrest IMO. I don't want to give them too hard a time. They're both pretty decent SPFL players, who certainly have their uses at Hearts, but the reality is they're not good enough to play for us in a starting role regularly. Nowhere near it.

 

Spittal did well yesterday, credit where its due. But he's a pretty average player at best. He's pretty decent on the ball, but he looks like he runs in treacle.

He's a lot better than average. Forrest is no more than a decent mid-table squad player. I don't think your comparison stands up.

[pettigrewsstylist]

16 minutes ago, kingantti1874 said:

agreed.  Spittal undoubtedly a talented player.  Did very well yesterday.  Forrest is a good pro and a trier.  

I thought he drove us forward yesterday, and demonstrated a will to win the game. 

[tcjambo]

 At 1:30 - nobody else in Scotland would have scored that goal! Probably our best performance in years.

[Locky]

14 minutes ago, Watt-Zeefuik said:

In level, I suppose. But for me they’re kind of opposites. Forrest has superb pace but limited judgement and vision. Spittal has no pace but outstanding judgement and vision.

Yeah they have very different qualities. But my main comparison is that you can both see they are very limited players at this level. They'll never be star players for Hearts. But in the case of both, they were ssigned in seasons where we needed squad depth so they have brought something to the table.

11 minutes ago, tcjambo said:

He's a lot better than average. Forrest is no more than a decent mid-table squad player. I don't think your comparison stands up.

Spittal is the same. If Hearts released him tomorrow, he'd be at Kilmarnock or Dundee within weeks.

[Holyrood_Hearts]

Thought he did well yesterday, was always trying to be positive and play forward. Unlucky not to score too.   Tbf he’s always been a good player to have, like Forrest as well and probably get far too much criticism.

 

Ive said before about Spittal if he have guys around who will do the running for him (Penners last season as an example) he’ll find them as his passing is generally pretty accurate. 

[Rods]

I am glad that this thread was started.

 

I thought he played well yesterday and has done when he has been called into the team.

 

Should be starting v Aberdeen.

[tcjambo]

10 minutes ago, Locky said:

Yeah they have very different qualities. But my main comparison is that you can both see they are very limited players at this level. They'll never be star players for Hearts. But in the case of both, they were ssigned in seasons where we needed squad depth so they have brought something to the table.

Spittal is the same. If Hearts released him tomorrow, he'd be at Kilmarnock or Dundee within weeks.

And immediately be their best player. That is why he is a good squad player for us.

Edited February 22 by tcjambo

[Ron Burgundy]

He’s just too slow to be in the team for the upcoming games IMO. Hes got ability but I’m not sure I’ve seen a slower midfielder in the league this season. 
We really need a bit of more of a dynamic midfield and he just doesn’t give that IMO. 
Thought he was ok yesterday. Nothing more. 
 

[tiger Rudi]

1 minute ago, tcjambo said:

And immediately be their best player. That is why he is a good squad players for us.

Just about to post similar. 

In a midfield 3 he offers things no other "fit" midfielder does. Links play, plays little pass & moves mostly going forward, and can play a defence splitting pass. Another yard of pace and we wouldn't have needed to shell out for Ageu. 

He's a squad player who comes in when needed and generally does a good job.

He will play his part in the run in. 

Probably not suited to playing in a 2 so will depend on the formation chosen whether he starts or not. 

Played a blinder when we were reduced to 10 men recently and contributed in us getting 3pts.

[tiger Rudi]

3 minutes ago, Ron Burgundy said:

He’s just too slow to be in the team for the upcoming games IMO. Hes got ability but I’m not sure I’ve seen a slower midfielder in the league this season. 
We really need a bit of more of a dynamic midfield and he just doesn’t give that IMO. 
Thought he was ok yesterday. Nothing more. 
 

If he's not in the team for the upcoming games, who will be?

McEntee, Ageu, Devlin, Beni all out. 

Offers something different to Magnusson and all of the above. Maybe playing in an 8 or 10 role more centrally will suit him, suit his lack of pace.

Agree we need a more dynamic midfielder, but unfortunately we don't have a fit one. 

[TheBigO]

43 minutes ago, Locky said:

Blair Spittal is a lot like Alan Forrest IMO. I don't want to give them too hard a time. They're both pretty decent SPFL players, who certainly have their uses at Hearts, but the reality is they're not good enough to play for us in a starting role regularly. Nowhere near it.

 

Spittal did well yesterday, credit where its due. But he's a pretty average player at best. He's pretty decent on the ball, but he looks like he runs in treacle.

I think thats a touch harsh, with a base of truth!!

 

Blair Spittal is a good player. He plays forward, doesnt play safe, and often overlooked,hes a hard worker and gets stuck in.

 

I think home games against teams 5-12ish, hes an asset. But big games v OF or a tough away game at St Mirren or something he tends not to stamp himself on a game.

 

Useful guy the next 5 games for certain

[Ron Burgundy]

Just now, tiger Rudi said:

If he's not in the team for the upcoming games, who will be?

McEntee, Ageu, Devlin, Beni all out. 

Offers something different to Magnusson and all of the above. Maybe playing in an 8 or 10 role more centrally will suit him, suit his lack of pace.

Agree we need a more dynamic midfielder, but unfortunately we don't have a fit one. 

Absolutely. My point was more being that he’s going to have to play and I think that will probably cost us. Our midfield is just not good enough. 

[Red Card Ref]

His control, passing and shooting is top notch. Lack of pace is only his only real weakness. I really like him, seems to have a great attitude. Meant to be a funny guy in the changing room. Isn't shy to have a pop at goal. To have him in our squad, happy enough with his role, is great news for us 👍 A player that should be appreciated

 

[JimmyCant]

6 minutes ago, Ron Burgundy said:

He’s just too slow to be in the team for the upcoming games IMO. Hes got ability but I’m not sure I’ve seen a slower midfielder in the league this season. 
We really need a bit of more of a dynamic midfield and he just doesn’t give that IMO. 
Thought he was ok yesterday. Nothing more. 
 

Given that we’re down to our last 3 fit midfielders, I’d imagine he’ll play at least the next game

 

Good reliable hard working 90 minutes yesterday. Quite comfortable with him filling in for a few games

[Serge Pizzorno]

51 minutes ago, Locky said:

Blair Spittal is a lot like Alan Forrest IMO. I don't want to give them too hard a time. They're both pretty decent SPFL players, who certainly have their uses at Hearts, but the reality is they're not good enough to play for us in a starting role regularly. Nowhere near it.

 

Spittal did well yesterday, credit where its due. But he's a pretty average player at best. He's pretty decent on the ball, but he looks like he runs in treacle.

Sorry, but this is miles off it. He does have a lack of pace, but on the ball he is very good and when surrounded with runners he is a better squad option than most teams in the league have. 

[Australis]

Very good performance yesterday.

 

A good solid professional who stepped up when needed. The exact thing the gaffer has been asking for from all the squad players not getting much game time.

 

Well done Blair.

 

 

[JimmyCant]

12 minutes ago, Ron Burgundy said:

Absolutely. My point was more being that he’s going to have to play and I think that will probably cost us. Our midfield is just not good enough. 

All season we’ve ran with a midfield of disrupters. They cover and they win the ball back and distribute it. A couple of them (Spittal for example) are very good passers of the ball. That’s not going to change even when everyone is fit again. Whether it's by accident or design we’re not a team who relies on a dynamic forward thinking midfield joining in up front and going beyond the strikers. (Ageu was supposed to be that player but the least said about him the better and he’s probably a write off until we can get a pre-season into him)

 

They’re not good enough or the type of player to do much else . Spittal fits fine into the type of midfield the manager wants.

Edited February 22 by JimmyCant

[Locky]

1 minute ago, Serge Pizzorno said:

Sorry, but this is miles off it. He does have a lack of pace, but on the ball he is very good and when surrounded with runners he is a better squad option than most teams in the league have. 

I'm not disputing that he's a decent squad option for us, but he's been a bit part player this season and I don't recall anyone campaigning for him to get into the team. In fact, there was talk he was away in January and I don't recall anyone being remotely unhappy with that.

 

We know what we get from him, and I don't expect much more from him as he's not that player, but regardless of the qualities he can show, I doubt many of us would pick him in a starting XI unless we're short on midfielders.

[Hertz21]

Spittal in a midfield 3 i’m content with. He communicates really well on the park and you’re always going to get a couple passes that’s lead to chances.
 

He’s also one of the only players who plays channels balls he doesn’t always go to feet.

[tiger Rudi]

1 minute ago, Ron Burgundy said:

Absolutely. My point was more being that he’s going to have to play and I think that will probably cost us. Our midfield is just not good enough. 

Your last sentence sums us up tbh. It's been the case for a while. The signing of Ageu was supposed to address the issue, but unfortunately it looks like we will need to wait until next season to see the best of him.

Magnusson was brought in as a defensive mid, but due to the lack of forward thinking midfielder's he's been asked to play further forward. He does his best and I like him, but it's not something that comes naturally to him. He's not a player that can pick a defence apart with flair or a slide rule pass.

McEntee similar, brings a physical presence rather than guile. 

It puts a lot of pressure on our wide men to deliver. 

Spittal can play his part, just hope Devlin can come back in soon to increase the turnovers and make it harder for teams to play through us 

 

[Ricardo Quaresma]

Tryin' too hard to get a trademark long-ranger and overcooks it, just needs to take the tiny bit of time to picture what he's going to do before launching it towards goal

 

He's done well a few times without seeming constantly involved; I can't remember which game it was a few weeks back, he came in from the cold there for a couple of games and he did a lot of running and a fair bit of top-speed or near top-speed stuff; it was the 10-man game against the midden where Mags finished off the paisley juvé

 

23 minutes ago, Serge Pizzorno said:

Sorry, but this is miles off it. He does have a lack of pace, but on the ball he is very good and when surrounded with runners he is a better squad option than most teams in the league have. 

 

Would agree with that and he's going to struggle with lack of game time, but been around the block a few times now, so shouldn't need much time to get into it in this League

[Nelly Terraces]

Motherwell haven't missed him much this season by the looks of it. 

[AC Mallin_51]

Valuable squad player, proven yesterday. Not good to be starting every week but credit to him to come in last minute and put in a really solid performance. You don’t win the league with a good starting 11, you need a good squad, Spittal starts for a lot of teams in the division. Same goes for players like Kent and McCart that McInnes said exactly that about in his interview 

[Jingle Bells]

One of these players who have a good game in every 4/5 to keep themselves in the first team.

We should always be looking to improve on what we already have.

[vegas-voss]

Thought he done alright a composed unspectacular performance if you like.Certainly didn't put a foot wrong.

 

I'm not his biggest fan but can't fault him at all yesterday.

[Rudi5kaceldream1ng]

Half decent squad player.

 

Lets not go ott here...

 

Ive lost count of how many times he's skied a Hollywood effort into the stands.

 

Anyway he passes forward which is a plus for me. 

 

 

[Drylaw Hearts]

I thought he went missing for a huge chunk of the match tbh.

 

He struggled with the pace of the Falkirk players buzzing around him and he offered very little imo.

[Rick Sanchez]

Gets the ball out wide quicker and crisper than most.

[Philfigo]

Well played to Spittal yesterday thought he did a good job! Must be a nightmare for a player having to jump in at the last minute.

[DalryJambo]

1 hour ago, MoncurMacdonaldMercer said:

I can’t think of a game this season that spittal hasn’t played ok - most games he’s played a lot better than ok

 

in a midfield with fellow slow coaches like kartum etc he probably had poor games in that failing team but surrounded by some mobility he’s done well imo

 

id keep him as a squad player for another season

 

 

I think he's often number 1 scapegoat so fans often can't see what's he's actually contributing due to the preconceived opinion they have of him.

 

It will be the true sign of our progression when it's the likes of Devlin, Magnússon, Beni and McEntee are our depth on the bench and the current bench have moved on. 

[jock _turd]

The only thing I will say about this player is he is yet another who is a whipping boy for some on here... and yet he plays a valuable role when asked.