What next?: Abu Departs
Well, the confirmation came on Monday, Abu Ogogo
departs, leaving the captaincy role vacant. But also, more importantly, a gap
in the midfield which Ogogo was brought in to fill. To provide grit,
determination and fight - galvanise the rest of the side - a talisman. But also,
the sheer quality he possesses with his passing and football
intelligence.
As aforementioned, he took the captaincy
upon his arrival, a move welcomed by fans. Not least because it was Abu Ogogo,
the club legend, but the current club captain had questions raised on his
performance.
So, in simple terms they are the issues that
arise from Ogogo’s return to his parent club following a 3-month-loan. We
know the club did all they could to keep him and set out below are most
probably the reasons why.
Abu’s impact
Abu made 13 appearances in all competitions on his return to Victoria Road, the Daggers won 7 of those games, drawing 2 – a vast improvement from the chaotic start to the season. Ogogo also played in each game of the FA Cup run where we came so close to the 3rd round but fell to defeat in the last minute of extra-time. He didn’t get on the scoresheet but played a vital role in a good spell for Dagenham – his fight and embodiment of the ‘Daggers spirit’ no doubt rubbed off on those around him.
This was my reaction to his performance (his best in a Daggers shirt?) in that game’s player ratings:
Well, YOUR Man of The Match, and mine. His relentless work in the middle of the park, and wherever he was needed – doing Brundle’s work – he really did put in a fantastic shift. He was everywhere. Some going as far as saying it was his best 90 minutes in a Daggers shirt – I’ll let you decide that for yourselves!
There were many other notable occasions on which he seemed to be the
main driving force in matches and that lack of talisman is a cause for concern –
unless of course – someone steps up to the plate. Or, is even brought in.
Filling
the void…
Now there
is a ‘massive void’ as many fans have put it, as there aren’t many players that
have the impact described above. There is talk of a replacement coming in from elsewhere
being the way to tackle this issue, but others claiming the answer is already
in our ranks. I think this fan on Twitter put his point across rather well:
The ‘front four’ as I’d call them, with the attacking three supporting McCallum in a 4-2-3-1, and in the case of a back three (the attacking midfielder and front two) are very strong and not where the problem lies. But, getting these ‘midfield two’ to work is an issue for McMahon, and perhaps a reason why he drafted in the likes of Charlee Adams and Ogogo – in an attempt to do that, Ogogo being the temporary solution.
The
omission of Matt Robinson, aside from personal issues which meant the player missed out, is notable. Some believe he displays a similar fight to Ogogo and could
well be an answer, but for me, I believe that if he is to be included, he needs
that player to get the ball forward and venture into the final third alongside
him. The missing piece of the jigsaw then… still evading us.
I’m open
to the idea of another signing, but am of a similar view to McMahon – that we
don’t want to rock the boat further – however, if the right player becomes
available we should go for him. Though a player who seems fairly new, is Joey
Jones, who is slowly but surely returning to full fitness following an injury
that had kept him out. His ability to drive forward with the ball is what makes
me think he could be the ideal Ogogo replacement; to partner a more reserved,
defensive midfielder – the likes of Rance, Brundle, Adams or Robinson for
example.
There is
some hope for a return of Abu to come yet, new Rovers manager Paul Tisdale
perhaps assessing the midfielder’s ability before passing judgement on whether
to keep him on the club’s books. I am told that the Daggers would not have let
him leave Rovers to join another club; so if he is to become available we’ll be
one of the first to hold talks to bring him home for good. McMahon also mentioned
this, I believe, in his recent interview.
The Captaincy
The
trust had dwindled somewhat between Clark ands the supporters over his porr
form and decision making and between the centre-back and the manager. McMahon
labelling the foul which led to Kenny’s second yellow at Sutton ‘stupid’ and
vented his frustration that that wasn’t a one-off in the season. However, one thing
we know has remained a constant from many at the club is Clark’s great
leadership off the pitch.
So, the role
of captain is vacant, and I put it to the supporters in a snap poll to see who
they’d like to see as captain and there are a few former club captains within
the squad (from their previous clubs). These were the results:
I voted with
the overwhelming majority and opted for Elliot Justham whom we know is great at
marshalling the back line in front of him. But also, he has been a first-team
player (an ever-present) at the club for a fair few seasons now – a star player
at that – and has also captained the side on the odd occasion too. His natural
leadership qualities and knowledge at the club would make him an ideal candidate.
Other
options, such as Rance, received 9 votes and he has experience of taking on the
role as captain (most recently at Aldershot) and is a fighter on the pitch that I
feel could do a good job. Then, that returns us to the midfield dilemma, as
ideally you’d like your captain to start whenever he’s available. There is also
perhaps concern he’s a little hot-headed, but then there was Roy Keane, one of
the best captains of all-time. Also, fans like the idea we’re moving away from being
a ‘nice’ team which comes with the shift in the mentality of the club.
We also had Luke Croll, who has been the most
consistent performer this season and has a wealth of experience but as captain
I’m not sure – definitely a player to consider nonetheless. Though, as I
digress, there is every chance Kenny Clark will have the armband returned and
in that case I take no issue – only, I hope he can maintain his recent form.
There we
have it, my reaction to the departure of Abu Ogogo; let’s hope we get the
chance to see him back in the red and blue of Dagenham & Redbridge soon!
Until
then, stay safe and COYD!
Keane
As I said in an earlier comment on the forum, Kenny Clark when he first came hear had all the qualities of organising the defence, which also came with 100p/c commitment to his own game, however his many mistakes in the tackle resulting in free kicks and penalties has started to change opinions, I still would give him another chance as his recent criticisms seems to have given him a renewed enthusiasm, so its Kenny for me.
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