| James Ball 22:05 - Aug 30 with 26645 views | meeee |
What’s up with this guy? A few weeks ago he scores and stands in front of the Sandy with his finger in his ears staring at the fans. Tonight he scores and doesn’t celebrate but stares right at the fans again. He gets subbed off and doesn’t clap the fans, and then when the players came over at the full time whistle after the team talk on the pitch he’s behind all the other players shoulders slumped and sulking |  | | |  |
| James Ball on 09:30 - Aug 31 with 5451 views | DaleiLama |
| James Ball on 09:23 - Aug 31 by ColDale |
Support works both ways.
He's not had the best start to the season - a lot of that is down to playing in the wrong position both individually and as a team. He showed last season that his strengths are more of an attacking threat than defending. Goal and an assist last night playing in positions he's been nowhere near since he first joined us.
I've no doubt he's been frustrated at the season and sensitive to a lot of the comments that have been made, often revolving around social media posts (I remember Hendo coming off social media a few years back for similar reasons) that have no relevance in the grand scheme of things.
Yes he shouldn't have done it and he should have acknowledged those fans staying back to applaud him and his team mates but lets not ostracise someone at a time when we really do need everyone pulling in the same direction. |
Couldn't agree more.
26 year olds make mistakes. Judge him on what he does next, not what he's done. A thread on here dedicated to him will get back to the corridors of power one way or another and words will be had. The benefit of the doubt has to be the way forward here unless things start to go south. |  |
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| James Ball on 09:45 - Aug 31 with 5377 views | D_Alien |
| James Ball on 09:23 - Aug 31 by ColDale |
Support works both ways.
He's not had the best start to the season - a lot of that is down to playing in the wrong position both individually and as a team. He showed last season that his strengths are more of an attacking threat than defending. Goal and an assist last night playing in positions he's been nowhere near since he first joined us.
I've no doubt he's been frustrated at the season and sensitive to a lot of the comments that have been made, often revolving around social media posts (I remember Hendo coming off social media a few years back for similar reasons) that have no relevance in the grand scheme of things.
Yes he shouldn't have done it and he should have acknowledged those fans staying back to applaud him and his team mates but lets not ostracise someone at a time when we really do need everyone pulling in the same direction. |
Spot on, and this is where we should draw the line
JB has got a transfer window to deal with, and although i"m pretty sure he'll have some kind of awareness of what's happening online, he'll be looking to use Ball's obviously 'up-front' temperament the right way. It can be an asset
Whatever's happened with a few disgruntled fans needs to stop right now. That's down to Ball too, but leave the lad to get on with his game |  |
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| James Ball on 10:22 - Aug 31 with 5209 views | kel |
Was a bit harsh of me to call him a bellend in hindsight, so I apologise for that. I just think any division between fans and players in our fresh start (new manager, legal issue sorted) helps nobody. Let’s crack on and work together towards the common goal of survival. |  |
| Anyone seen ‘Trev’? Is he off playing golf with Duffy? |
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| James Ball on 11:02 - Aug 31 with 5094 views | RooleyMoorBlue |
| James Ball on 00:04 - Aug 31 by judd |
Sadly there is one post that claims he told fans to fook off.
If this is verified then he needs to know it will only end one way. |
If fans gave him reason to say what he did, then they aren't fans. All players need to be got behind not just favourites. I'm not condoning it, if it is at all true, but I'd believe a player rather than some of the so called fans that we seem to have attracted. |  | | |
| James Ball on 11:17 - Aug 31 with 5021 views | judd |
| James Ball on 11:02 - Aug 31 by RooleyMoorBlue |
If fans gave him reason to say what he did, then they aren't fans. All players need to be got behind not just favourites. I'm not condoning it, if it is at all true, but I'd believe a player rather than some of the so called fans that we seem to have attracted. |
On the basis that only one fan has mentioned it I think it's fair to say it didn't happen.
At the Grimsby game recently an elderly fan labelled a player a vvanker within earshot of the player. He was immediately shouted down. [Post edited 31 Aug 2022 13:25]
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| James Ball on 12:23 - Aug 31 with 4803 views | electricblue |
Watching the highlights and the stance from Ball after he scored was a case of being arrogant and I'm the man.....
Nothing wrong at all with that and he can do it as many times he likes if and when he scores....... |  |
| My all time favourite Dale player Mr Lyndon Symmonds |
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| James Ball on 12:25 - Aug 31 with 4779 views | ChaffRAFC |
| James Ball on 12:23 - Aug 31 by electricblue |
Watching the highlights and the stance from Ball after he scored was a case of being arrogant and I'm the man.....
Nothing wrong at all with that and he can do it as many times he likes if and when he scores....... |
Watching from the crowd, it didn't come across that way at all. Very bizarre and not first, or even second incident like this from him. |  |
| If I hadn't seen such riches, I could live with being poor |
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| James Ball on 12:40 - Aug 31 with 4700 views | AtThePeake |
| James Ball on 11:17 - Aug 31 by judd |
On the basis that only one fan has mentioned it I think it's fair to say it didn't happen.
At the Grimsby game recently an elderly fan labelled a player a vvanker within earshot of the player. He was immediately shouted down. [Post edited 31 Aug 2022 13:25]
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It's probably a good thing that he isn't visible on the highlights after Henderson's goal. |  |
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| James Ball on 13:03 - Aug 31 with 4576 views | Newbury_Dale |
"I’ve just seen Liam Kelly run. What a time to be alive".
Just saw that on Twitter. I assume the poster is also active on here, as are those that liked it.
At the end of the day, if fans are making comments like this, then I don't think they can be offended when players don't warm to them. This is just an example. Some people just can't help themselves. |  | | |
| James Ball on 13:15 - Aug 31 with 4536 views | jonahwhereru |
Twitter means nowt to me. However even on here there are a number of amateur behavioural analysts. We had similar with O’Connell last year, there were numerous criticisms of his attitude and behaviour. None of which I understood.
With Ball we represent probably his last shot at making it at EFL level. That could bring it’s own pressures, but none of us know for sure. The Shan relationship will not have him feeling any more secure. My suggestion would be to stop dissecting his words and deeds and just let him find his way post Shan.
JB has been around the man management block forever, leave it to him to sort it out if indeed that is required. | | | |
| James Ball on 13:15 - Aug 31 with 4531 views | kel |
| James Ball on 13:03 - Aug 31 by Newbury_Dale |
"I’ve just seen Liam Kelly run. What a time to be alive".
Just saw that on Twitter. I assume the poster is also active on here, as are those that liked it.
At the end of the day, if fans are making comments like this, then I don't think they can be offended when players don't warm to them. This is just an example. Some people just can't help themselves. |
That was me, as I very much suspect you know. It was extremely tongue in cheek as was probably realised by the people that ‘liked’ it. | |
| Anyone seen ‘Trev’? Is he off playing golf with Duffy? |
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| James Ball on 13:25 - Aug 31 with 4495 views | judd |
| James Ball on 13:15 - Aug 31 by kel |
That was me, as I very much suspect you know. It was extremely tongue in cheek as was probably realised by the people that ‘liked’ it. |
I actually took it as two fingers to Liam Kelly's detractors. | |
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| James Ball on 13:26 - Aug 31 with 4484 views | kel |
| James Ball on 13:25 - Aug 31 by judd |
I actually took it as two fingers to Liam Kelly's detractors. |
Don’t confuse things for the hard of thinking.
Thanks fella. | |
| Anyone seen ‘Trev’? Is he off playing golf with Duffy? |
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| James Ball on 13:30 - Aug 31 with 4466 views | Dalenet |
| James Ball on 11:17 - Aug 31 by judd |
On the basis that only one fan has mentioned it I think it's fair to say it didn't happen.
At the Grimsby game recently an elderly fan labelled a player a vvanker within earshot of the player. He was immediately shouted down. [Post edited 31 Aug 2022 13:25]
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Jeepers we are better than that. What gives fans the right to shout that at one of our own players. I despair sometimes | | | |
| James Ball on 13:30 - Aug 31 with 4463 views | 442Dale |
Not sure what Ball’s issue would be with constructive criticism of his performances before last night. He’s been way off the pace and it’s up to him to prove people wrong with how he plays, like last night.
Anything that happens during games is always pointless because it’s impossible to get the message to any individual and those who support will also be impacted unnecessarily. |  |
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| James Ball on 13:37 - Aug 31 with 4430 views | fitzochris |
| James Ball on 13:25 - Aug 31 by judd |
I actually took it as two fingers to Liam Kelly's detractors. |
That's how I took it as well. |  |
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| James Ball on 14:49 - Aug 31 with 4227 views | D_Alien |
| James Ball on 13:15 - Aug 31 by kel |
That was me, as I very much suspect you know. It was extremely tongue in cheek as was probably realised by the people that ‘liked’ it. |
Must admit, when i read Newbury's post, i didn't read it as tongue in cheek. I liked Newbury's post
(Another reason i should stay away from twitter)
I can fully accept it was meant as tic, now i've read further on... but therein lies the problem
A player reading something like that may well simply take it at face value, not understanding the wider context
Edit: i've posted criticism on here about Kelly, but only because i don't think he's the right fit for Dale's midfield. I'd hope he could take that on the chin
[Post edited 31 Aug 2022 14:55]
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| James Ball on 14:53 - Aug 31 with 4197 views | kel |
| James Ball on 14:49 - Aug 31 by D_Alien |
Must admit, when i read Newbury's post, i didn't read it as tongue in cheek. I liked Newbury's post
(Another reason i should stay away from twitter)
I can fully accept it was meant as tic, now i've read further on... but therein lies the problem
A player reading something like that may well simply take it at face value, not understanding the wider context
Edit: i've posted criticism on here about Kelly, but only because i don't think he's the right fit for Dale's midfield. I'd hope he could take that on the chin
[Post edited 31 Aug 2022 14:55]
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Very much sarcasm on my part. Comments on the internet are often misread so I’d hope most saw that but I get your point. I was actually impressed with his work rate last night compared to previous performances so I hope he keeps it up. If he does we’ve a great player on our hands. | |
| Anyone seen ‘Trev’? Is he off playing golf with Duffy? |
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| James Ball on 16:27 - Aug 31 with 3979 views | AtThePeake |
| James Ball on 13:03 - Aug 31 by Newbury_Dale |
"I’ve just seen Liam Kelly run. What a time to be alive".
Just saw that on Twitter. I assume the poster is also active on here, as are those that liked it.
At the end of the day, if fans are making comments like this, then I don't think they can be offended when players don't warm to them. This is just an example. Some people just can't help themselves. |
Even forgetting for a moment the reasoning for Kel's specific tweet, is the point not that even if 1, 2 or even 50 people are tweeting criticism of Ball, then that still leaves 300+ Dale supporters who were in the ground last night who haven't been doing that?
He'd do well to understand that most constructive criticism is fair and to expected as a footballer and that hyperbolic and offensive criticism is rare and worth ignoring. The vast majority will be behind him and his team-mates if they give their all every week, so there's no point acting like a petulant child towards the whole away end because of the comments of a few people on Twitter. | |
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| James Ball on 20:28 - Aug 31 with 3695 views | Shun |
| James Ball on 13:30 - Aug 31 by 442Dale |
Not sure what Ball’s issue would be with constructive criticism of his performances before last night. He’s been way off the pace and it’s up to him to prove people wrong with how he plays, like last night.
Anything that happens during games is always pointless because it’s impossible to get the message to any individual and those who support will also be impacted unnecessarily. |
I would hope that Ball would be mature enough to deal with constructive criticism. However, a lot of it has gone way beyond that. Some of the puerile stuff on Twitter was OTT and uncalled for. Calling him the worst player to ever play for Dale, for example, is ludicrous and silly. All for a player who was a fan’s favourite last season, yet because of a poor few games he’s being castigated. Not to mention he and his partner are clearly aware of posts like that. |  | | |
| James Ball on 20:34 - Aug 31 with 3673 views | 442Dale |
| James Ball on 20:28 - Aug 31 by Shun |
I would hope that Ball would be mature enough to deal with constructive criticism. However, a lot of it has gone way beyond that. Some of the puerile stuff on Twitter was OTT and uncalled for. Calling him the worst player to ever play for Dale, for example, is ludicrous and silly. All for a player who was a fan’s favourite last season, yet because of a poor few games he’s being castigated. Not to mention he and his partner are clearly aware of posts like that. |
Not excusing the ridiculous nature of some posts on social media, but that happens everywhere unfortunately (not that it’s an excuse). It still makes no sense to respond to an away end which will contain many fans wondering what was going on. | |
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| James Ball on 20:37 - Aug 31 with 3655 views | D_Alien |
| James Ball on 20:28 - Aug 31 by Shun |
I would hope that Ball would be mature enough to deal with constructive criticism. However, a lot of it has gone way beyond that. Some of the puerile stuff on Twitter was OTT and uncalled for. Calling him the worst player to ever play for Dale, for example, is ludicrous and silly. All for a player who was a fan’s favourite last season, yet because of a poor few games he’s being castigated. Not to mention he and his partner are clearly aware of posts like that. |
Has there been much of a pushback from more sensible Daleys on Twitter? The only way he'll know it's a trashy minority is if there's some of that too | |
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| James Ball on 00:24 - Sep 1 with 3330 views | Shun |
| James Ball on 20:37 - Aug 31 by D_Alien |
Has there been much of a pushback from more sensible Daleys on Twitter? The only way he'll know it's a trashy minority is if there's some of that too |
I’m not sure actually, I tend to scroll past when I see rubbish like that! | | | |
| James Ball on 09:04 - Sep 1 with 3054 views | D_Alien |
| James Ball on 00:24 - Sep 1 by Shun |
I’m not sure actually, I tend to scroll past when I see rubbish like that! |
Fair enough
If i knew the ins and outs of Twitter, i'd do it myself, but i honestly think a message or two of support should be posted; also pointing out that we have morons (like every other club) but they're in a minority, and wishing Ball every success at Dale | |
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| James Ball on 11:48 - Sep 1 with 5019 views | BillyRudd |
Some personal observations on the relationship between fans and players....
Fans are fickle. Really really fickle. There are,nt many occupations where you can go from pantomime villain to hero in the time it takes to score a goal. In the same vane any brownie points accrued by a player have a very short shelf life.
The above is doubly so when the fan base is sensitised (as ours is) by several seasons of a frustrating match day experience. I sense a concerted push by the club to keep the fans onside for what is ahead of us. It is never far from the Chairmans lips, exhorting fans to get behind the players as they rightly point out, that it does make a difference.
Over the years I have often cringed at some of the abuse meted out to our players and all referees must be masochists. Of course the upside for a player is the opportunity for boundless riches and adulation doing a job most of us would lust after.
Ball is an interesting case. When he arrived he was lauded as someone who would provide much needed backbone to a team considered lacking in combative spirit. For a time it appeared to be the case. However in those early days it was apparent that he had stamina issues. At first I thought it was lack of match fitness but it is even more apparent now. No great problem if he is played further forward and having the option of 5 subs. I think his inability to track back and close down players tightly in the Dawson, Jones and Cooksey mode makes him a liabilty around our box.
Hopefully our new manager will have the man management skills to get his head in the right place and for seventy minutes he could be an asset because it is very apparent that there is a problem here. For me the Shan connection is an irrelevance as he is playing for the club, not an ex assistant manager.
Unfortunately regardless of the rights and wrongs of the toxicity of Twitter posts (I have no idea, I don,t use it) then there is a simple expedient if it is affecting his sensibilities so much. DON,T USE IT. Its the obverse of adulation, one comes with the other de facto. If you can handle it then great but if it is,nt in your skillset (like all the great players must have) then recognise it, and concentrate on knocking that bag of air between those wooden posts and you will receive adulation enough.
Sadly I must refer to his post match celebration at Accy. To be upfront, I was,nt there, I only saw a rear view but if your first thought after scoring a goal is an issue with the fans rather than a celebration, if not with them, then with your teammates, then for me at the moment his head is not in the right place. More importantly the apparent spitting whether innocent or not should not be repeated, lest it is misconstrued.
Hope he rubs his critics nose in it going forward, as we need all available talents at the moment but he definitely needs to go about it in a different manner.
Up the Dale | | | |
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