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Lambert: Laidback Luke Has Done Well
Friday, 16th Aug 2019 12:32

Town manager Paul Lambert has been impressed with young centre-half Luke Woolfenden’s displays in the Blues’ first two League One games, even if he says the laidback 20-year-old “needs a kick up the backside” from time to time.

“He’s done well,” Lambert said. “Sometimes I think Woolfy needs a kick up the backside at certain times because he’s that laidback, but he’s done well.

“Again, he’s only a kid and he will have his ups and downs, and the team will have its ups and downs because it’s young.

“That’s normal, young players make mistakes, we’re not overly experienced with players. Young lads will make mistakes, it’s a rollercoaster ride I guess but it’s exciting.”

Quizzed further on Woolfenden’s relaxed demeanour, he added: “I think it’s just the way he is. It’s his personality, he’s laidback, but as long as it doesn’t go too far that way. Once he’s in this game for a long time, he’ll start to realise what he’s involved in.”

Woolfenden has shown a willingness to bring the ball out from the back and the Blues boss says the former East Bergholt High School pupil will learn when it’s the right moment to do so.

“He can do that, but there are times when to do it and times when not to do it, and that will come from experience. When he gets older and used to playing, that’ll come with experience, he’ll know when and not to do it.

“That’s the same with any young player that we have, they will make mistakes, they will do great things, but there’s got to be that realism of where they are, they’re still developing in a lot of aspects in their game.”

The Blues boss believes Woolfenden’s season on loan at Swindon in League Two last year, in which he made 36 starts and two goals, was hugely beneficial.

“I think it’s been massive for him going out on loan,” he reflected. “I’m not convinced about the U23 league, and I think going out and playing proper football, real football, brings kids on quicker than their own age group.

“So I think that certainly helped him with it, and that’s the benefit of it when you do go out and play real football, it gives the benefit to your parent club.”

Woolfenden made his senior debut for the Blues in the Carabao Cup at Luton two years ago with Bailey Clements and Armando Dobra did the same at Kenilworth Road on Tuesday.

“I don’t have a problem with those two kids, I thought they did really well,” Lambert said.

“They’re good kids, they’ve got the hunger that you need from kids on that side of it, really good talent and I was really with the two of them, and you can throw Idris [El Mizouni] into that category as well. Woolfenden’s done well for us.”


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Walk_the_Wark added 12:35 - Aug 16
I don't think its the young lads who are making mistakes...
8

midastouch added 12:35 - Aug 16
He's certainly hit the ground running, deserves a lot of praise for his two performances so far this season.
11

BlueySwede added 12:39 - Aug 16
I hope that Lambert is just trying to keep Woolfendens feet on the ground, because he has really stoodout for us during these first league games. Sure, there has been the occasional odd positioning, but as Lambert says that will come with playing regularly. If he continues to develop will be lucky to still have him in two or three years.
7

Wishing4arightback added 12:41 - Aug 16
Currently showing as the best Centreback. Would like to see him alongside Toto. Hos calmness could work well with the raw power and strength of Toto, and they both have pace. Dont think it will happen yet, but could be our best pairing
7

TrumptonBlue added 12:52 - Aug 16
Phil, those appearance stats for Woolfenden are from his spell at Bromley. He made 36 appearances (all starts - 32 in the league) and scored 2 goals for Swindon.
0

BobbyBell added 12:53 - Aug 16
Laid back is good for a CB in my book. Not panicky and error prone like Captain Calamity.
5

PackwoodBlue added 13:03 - Aug 16
Not always the case BobbyBell. John Stones..
0

nathitfc89 added 13:12 - Aug 16
i think he has been fantastic and if anything the more experience players could learn a thing or two from him. carry on his fine form and there is no reason why his name wont be first on the team sheet each week.
1

timkatieadamitfc added 13:20 - Aug 16
It's our other CB that needs a kick up the asre
1

goat_man added 13:39 - Aug 16
Perhaps he could teach the "experienced" centre back a thing or two...
1

PhilTWTD added 14:38 - Aug 16
TrumptonBlue

So they are, misread the table. Will amend. Thanks.
0

Suffolkboy added 14:43 - Aug 16
Passion is one thing , desire and enthusiasm great ,BUT switch off the needless carping !Have none of you ever made a mistake , and have colleagues been good enough to help out and NOT rant on mindlessly week after week ?
Do let's support thoroughly ,and be able to get the perspective right even if we're desperate to see Town winning again week in week out !
COYB.
2

FenboyBlue added 14:45 - Aug 16
Let's try something radical then and actually keep a promising player for a few years, reward them, build a back line of a similar age alongside him and don't sell him to the first slightly overvalued bid that comes in.
2

timkatieadamitfc added 17:12 - Aug 16
It's not mindless carping suffolkboy, if you kept making the same basic mistakes in your work the same amount of time chambers does you'd be out on your ear, as most would if it was a properly run business.
How many more avoidable goals do we have to concede due to BASICS before you realise he's just not good enough
2

therein61 added 17:52 - Aug 16
"Bobbybell" re your post Big Al Hunter was so laid back I often thought when he had a forward in his pocket he used to dream of his next holiday!! what a player he was.
2

therein61 added 17:57 - Aug 16
Totally agree Walk the Wark, looking at the Luton highlights 1st goal our no/4 was ball watching and the Luton player floated in behind him to score and he was as usual pointing digits!!! time he was dropped he will only destroy confidence in our young players with his error ridden and blame all others performances.
1

Dolphinblue added 19:52 - Aug 16
Walkthewalk...give it a rest u muppet...have a day off 🐬
0

meekreech added 08:37 - Aug 17
Hope never to see him paired with that impending disaster nsiala as he will be left holding the defence on his own as nsiala is a red card waiting to happen .
0


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