Malachi Napa
- Thread starter OUFC1983
- Start date
MiddleBartonYellow
Level: Andy Crosby
(122 Apps, 13 Gls)
Injured I believe.
To my mind, this was the first evidence we had of Robinson shooting his mouth of before thinking. In the RO phone-In that he did on the Friday evening, after he’d been confirmed as manager, he spoke about Napa reminding him of Ademola Lookman, and for this sole reason he raved about him as our potential star player. He’d hardly seen the guy train let alone play matches but jumped to a conclusion. I thought at the time that it was heaping a lot of pressure on the young players shoulders. It soon became apparent he wasn’t really ready so he slipped out of first team contention and then was subsequently shipped out on loan. It’s good that Robinson has a lot of enthusiasm but sometimes he does need to reign it in a bit.
StEbbesYellows
Level: Jack Midson
(68 Apps, 15 Gls)
Either in a match day programme or on RadOx, after MN returned from Macclesfield, mentioned he had a chest infection that had to be cleared up. Whatever his ailment, obviously I hope the young man recovers soon and can continue to progress football wise at the club.
Out for the season - was either in the OM or mentioned on Ifollow.
Faz also stated that at the recent Manir Club Meeting .
https://www.Oxfordm**l.co.uk/sport/...pas-season-to-allow-full-recovery-from-virus/
hope he recovers soon and push for a place next season
Mellowyellow
RIP
Good luck to him on his road to recovery, but I don't see him in KR's plans. Far too light weight, getting pushed off the ball. Didn't make any impression on loan in division 2, not even getting on the subs bench some games, in a bottom of division 2 side.
We need better if we are seriously to progress. He may be an Oxford lad, but there is no room for sentiment in the position we find ourselves in, both on and off the pitch.
We need better if we are seriously to progress. He may be an Oxford lad, but there is no room for sentiment in the position we find ourselves in, both on and off the pitch.
Go back a couple of seasons before he was sold to BC, Callum O’dowda was often “pushed off the ball”.
A good close season with decent training filled him out and the rest is history.
Good luck to Malachi.
mooro
Level: Dave Roberts
(176 Apps, 8 Gls)
I think at least some of that time not on the bench was due to injury/illness (early stages of whatever virus he's had?) and perhaps being a club in crisis, the manager had higher priorities than blooding a young loanee winger for another club such as shoring up his defence...?
Reading the reports today suggests that he will have from now until pre-season to work on his fitness/bulking up once he gets over whatever this virus is that he's had, so I would imagine he will be in better shape to survive the rigours of L1
RCYellowRC
Level: Callum O'Dowda
(106 Apps, 14 Gls)
The reason he wasn't on the subs bench is through injury he was injured from October to end of December.
Common Villager
Level: Andy Crosby
(122 Apps, 13 Gls)
Was that Charlton away when Ledson scores the late winner? If so, didn't he come on after 15/20 mins? He was superb that day and showed what he could be all about. If he can get fit over the summer and bulk out a bit, he could be a real asset next season.
Mellowyellow
RIP
One is a championship player turning heads in the Premier league, Brighton, whilst the other couldn't hold down a place on bottom of division 2's bench.
I think he was sent on loan, as KR did say he needed game time. Unfortunately, even in Div 2 he didn't get it. The next place for game time would be a conference club, where he could secure himself a contract, finding his level.
You’re a very churlish chap Mr Mellow. Napa has had an injury and illness stricken season - Let’s see what he’s made of when he comes back.
How long have we given Long to come good (for 2 games!)?
Foley
Level: Colin Harrington
(260 Apps, 30 Gls)
It Sounds like Napa has had an illness which had stopped him even training for a couple of months.
KR seemed to rate Napa (wasnt he given a 3 year contract ?)
Let's hope he gets better and has a really good pre season. Then we will see how he has progressed.
KR seemed to rate Napa (wasnt he given a 3 year contract ?)
Let's hope he gets better and has a really good pre season. Then we will see how he has progressed.
Slowly read my reply again and digest same.
I was referring to Callum O’Dowda two years before his transfer, NOT the more complete player he clearly he is this season,almost another two seasons later !
Mellowyellow
RIP
Even 2 years before, when he wasn't the complete article, Callum O'Dowda showed that he had great skill and talent, and could play at a much higher level. He went from Division 1 up to Championship. Napa, went to gain game time at a lower league, to a team who were bottom and couldn't make the bench.
I simply think we need a better quality of player if we are serious about progressing. We do have prospects in the U 18's and U23's. Armani little is one that sticks out for me. Against Spurs he had a great game.
YellowTaxi
Level: Callum O'Dowda
(106 Apps, 14 Gls)
Malachi Napa looked outstanding. Many people (including me) were disappointed when he went out on loan.
RCYellowRC
Level: Callum O'Dowda
(106 Apps, 14 Gls)
I've said already Napa didn't make the bench through injury. You ignoring things that don't fit your agenda again?
This is something we have to be careful of. Napa has potential but can we call him ‘outstanding’ yet? I wouldn’t say so.
I do forget that he only 19 and not all players develop at the same rate so he does have time which is exactly how COD developed. Napa needs to fill out a bit – he’s quick and skilful, but slight. He’s never going to be a tall, bulky player but he does need to develop the physicality to wriggle out of situations, draw fouls and pressure players in order to make a difference.
Good to know that he’s over the virus and can start looking ahead to next season too.
werthersoriginal
Level: James Constable
(280 Apps, 106 Gls)
TBH he’s never really impressed me, he’s small and not strikingly skilful, though he can show great determination. Really hope I’m wrong
Mellowyellow
RIP
I thought he was in his early 20's. Well therefore I kind of take some of my summary back, as he has time to get to what you've mentioned above. Bulk up especially, and he could well make the grade. He still needs game time though, until he gets the opportunity when it comes along.
Ian
Level: Chris Maguire
(79 Apps, 22 Gls)
Such strong opinions, with out checking the most basic facts... Wow!
Perhaps in future we might get an informed opinion rather than the nonsense expressed repeatedly on this thread?
m
Level: Les Phillips
(224 Apps, 15 Gls)
Common Villager
Level: Andy Crosby
(122 Apps, 13 Gls)
Worth pointing out that O'Dowda had his 'breakthrough' season when he was 20/21. Even during that season his form was a bit up and down at times. Prior to that he was frequently written off as being too weak or not good enough. Napa is still not even 20, so let's give him a chance. He could go on to be a really useful player next season.
Mellowyellow
RIP
Jerome'SAle
Level: Chris Maguire
(79 Apps, 22 Gls)
Once he's got over his illness (sounds serious) then a quick close season steroid cycle should bulk him up
