View Full Version : Guppy article on soccernet
Ricky_DCU
08 Apr 2005, 12:36 AM
Marc Connolly article on Guppy.
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/feature?id=329945&cc=5901
Sundevil9
08 Apr 2005, 10:42 AM
There's some good stuff in there.
I don't get this though:
A Brett Hull lookalike if there ever was one, Guppy appears as though he's closer to 26 than 36.
http://nhl.speedera.net/photos/mugs/8448091.jpg
http://dcunited.mlsnet.com/images/2005/03/21/42xvAif6.jpg
Granted, Guppy looks young for 36.....but Brett Hull? :confused:
rtiemens
08 Apr 2005, 11:08 AM
Going to the most famous club, D.C. United, made it even more appealing to me.
Yeah, Baby! He's got that right! :D
MikeLastort2
08 Apr 2005, 11:10 AM
Congrats to Andy for the photo credit.
You're turning into a real sports photographer. :)
Sundevil9
08 Apr 2005, 11:29 AM
Congrats to Andy for the photo credit.
You're turning into a real sports photographer. :)
I fogot to mention that 'Andy Mead/Other' got the photo credits. Congrats, indeed! :)
fatbastard
08 Apr 2005, 11:54 AM
"People look at me and think, 'Oh, there's an old player,' without much of a work rate," he said. "I'm hoping some of the players think that about me. They might be in for a rude awakening."I'm glad he said that. I have read nothing on these boards but that Guppy is too slow, etc. But I watched him Wednesday and he was always quick to get up and back and ran faster than Petke (yes, I know that isn't saying much :)). Personally, I don't find him slow. In July, I don't expect him to be as fast due to the age thing.
alexdergrosse
08 Apr 2005, 11:57 AM
From article:
"Of course, after seeing Guppy roam the left side of United's midfield in his time with the squad, it's obviously apparent that he's far from a has-been looking for one last paycheck in a league that he deems much lower than the standard he is used to."
This from a guy who was in the English fourth division? Puh-leaze.
And Connolly's head is so far up Guppy's eyss that he can taste saliva.
Th4119
08 Apr 2005, 12:07 PM
I think some people are mistaken with how quickly they've jumped on the guy and his fitness, saying that as soon as summer comes he is going to be worthless.
If United faced a stretch of games like they are in now any time in the summer, no player would be able to give four or five 90 minute performances over a span of two weeks, not just a 36 year old winger.
Let's not forget the out of shape Christian Gomez that came in last year and within 10 games had become a dominate force for United and lead the team to the final.
Guppy is on game three so far, and he's already got the athleticism and work rate idea going. He'll be fine.
Section106
08 Apr 2005, 02:54 PM
I still am under the impression that I am improving as a player and will get better. I didn't turn professional until I was 23, so I was a bit of a late developer. I've always thought that I could make up for all those years I didn't play as a professional at the other end of my career.
I'd like to think that there is something to this. He didn't get into the pro grind until after his body had matured. I've heard people talk about Convey and Q1's injuries and how they needed to grow into their bodies. His legs aren't tired from an additional seven or so years of abuse. And he wants to get better at age 36. As a 35 year old, I think that is very impressive and shows the amount of drive he has to compete.
I'm desperate to do well here. And I know I can help this team.
His attitude is certainly right. He's been quoted as saying MLS is a challenge he's been looking forward to. It sounds like he really wants to play and win.
Th4119
08 Apr 2005, 04:04 PM
His attitude is certainly right. He's been quoted as saying MLS is a challenge he's been looking forward to. It sounds like he really wants to play and win.
He's definitely not in Lothar Matthaus/Gilles Grimandi attitude mold is he.
Ricky_DCU
08 Apr 2005, 05:32 PM
Yeah, from everything Guppy has said so far, you know he wants to succeed in MLS. He seems like a nice guy, and he's here for the right reasons. Can he be successful in MLS? The jury's still out- but he has talent, and the right attitude, so I wouldn't bet against him. Still, I think he could be more useful as a sub in some situations.
Bootsy Collins
08 Apr 2005, 05:40 PM
Guppy is on game three so far, and he's already got the athleticism and work rate idea going. He'll be fine.
It's also worth noting that it's not like he isn't aware of the fitness issue:
I think I've been playing pretty steady stuff, but I'm still working on the fitness level -- this is quite a step up from what I've been used to. I've been playing with pretty heavy legs but it's been a steady start.
AndyMead
08 Apr 2005, 05:42 PM
I fogot to mention that 'Andy Mead/Other' got the photo credits. Congrats, indeed! :)
I'm doubtful that those two images will cover my gas money to Charleston (not to mention the hotel on the way back) - but hey, it's a start!
I'm curious as to why it says "other" instead of the photo service I submitted the images to.
geordienation
08 Apr 2005, 06:24 PM
This from a guy who was in the English fourth division? Puh-leaze.
For the last time . . .
Guppy could have had a slot on a first division side (or whatever they call it these days). He was helping out a friend at Wycombe.
He's been a Premiership/First Division player his entire career.
Funkfoot
08 Apr 2005, 07:30 PM
In July, I don't expect him to be as fast due to the age thing.
Fortunately, all the other players will be 3 months older then, too. ;)
roadkit
08 Apr 2005, 08:52 PM
"People look at me and think, 'Oh, there's an old player,' without much of a work rate," he said. "I'm hoping some of the players think that about me. They might be in for a rude awakening."
Classic. I like that attitude.
MightyMouse
08 Apr 2005, 09:51 PM
I am thrilled that a halfway decent former Premiership player decided to come here and take on the US challenge of playing. Mexico is going to blow his mind though... can't wait till DC goes to play PUMAS!!!
AndyMead
08 Apr 2005, 11:25 PM
I am thrilled that a halfway decent former Premiership player decided to come here and take on the US challenge of playing.
You mean like Preki, Mo Johnston, Paul Rideout....?
MightyMouse
08 Apr 2005, 11:44 PM
Andy, the list goes on and on of those that had played in the Premiership at some point but its still cool that we got at least one "new" English player in MLS.
RMDad
09 Apr 2005, 08:03 AM
So far I really haven't seen enough to make a decision about Gups.
Pumas were all over him like a cheap suit on Wed. It will be interesting to see if the forwards can buy into his rapid distribution and wicked crosses.
He is definitely an asset on corners, and his passing is a thing of beauty.
Having lived in the UK, I can tell you he will definitely need some acclimation come summer. Brits just plain don't get the weather we do.
They tend to start dropping like fleas at a dog wash in anything over 75 deg heat.
That said, if Gup's attitude holds, and his training ethic reflects his on field work rate, he'll be ok by summer. If the SAS troopers can acclimate to the
Yemeni desert, Gups can to DC weather.
Gotta have faith, mate!
Mark