Francis Laurent

[EastNpton]

I saw Jean Paul Marna in town today

[Enya_NTFC]

I saw ES in town a couple of season after he left us and he came striaght over for a chat.  He was extremely genuine.

He sat behind me in the West Stand one game.

[Ted]

Didn't look anywhere near match fit to me.

[supajama]

Didn't look anywhere near match fit to me.

No s*** Shirlock! Still, he got 45 mins under his belt and made the run which let to Wedderburns shot which led to the corner which led to Holtys......G O 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 A L! 

[Ted]

No sh*t Shirlock! Still, he got 45 mins under his belt and made the run which let to Wedderburns shot which led to the corner which led to Holtys......G O 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 A L! 

Still a very mediocre debut. The jury's out !

[NTFC Nut]

After a lung-busting run in literally the first minute or two of the game where he beat four players, he flattered to deceive. Drifted in and out of the game, and didn't look fit. However, he's trying to play a difficult role from what I saw today (acting as a link between the midfield and attack). To do that, you've got to be on the same wavelength as the midfield and simultaneously know where the strikers are likely to be, or what runs they're likely to make. We need to give him some time to get his fitness right and, more importantly, build up an understanding with both the midfielders and attackers, before we judge him. We probably won't see the best of him for another 6 weeks.

[TheBigPicture]

Still a very mediocre debut. The jury's out !

Christ, you're a hard task master, and what about young Gherasim? Is he going to make it based on his pre-match warm up?

[Gen.Disorda]

I think laurent will be a great asset in the closing minute of games , his abilty to dribble makes him almost like a target man as he keeps the ball in their half(although not always keeping possesion).

He will do the job every one expects herbert to do , running at tired defenders and making them poo their pants. I can also see him pulling somthing spectacular out of the bag  against teams who just park the bus. He definatly has somthing about him. I was suprised he started , so wasnt suprised he didnt come out at half time . several sources said he was lacking match fitness

[Fred_NTFC]

Have no idea why we started him, he couldn't even get up to walking pace!

I suppose you can only get match-sharp by playing minutes, but would probably be better served as an impact sub until he's upto speed.

[Gerard_Lavin]

Still a very mediocre debut. The jury's out !

ted where is this good news,ive been waiting 5 years for it. has martin smith signed a new contract.have we bought (the other) peter clarke?

[Razor]

I think he'll be a great addition to our team, albeit a luxury we may not be able to afford on occasion when the game gets physical.

In terms of today, it was clear from the warm up in front of the East that he was not up to full fitness/sharpness but that will come with time. We may have to be patient with him but I have every confidence he will prove his worth before the season is out.

[BackOfTheNet]

Still a very mediocre debut. The jury's out !

To be honest I think if Harrad hadn't had his op then Laurent wouldn't have started yesterday; I reckon he might have been included to give the fans the new signing they all hoped to see, even though he clearly wasn't fit.  By the way, you should never judge a player on one performance, especially when it's their debut.  I've seen Wayne Rooney have a stinker on occasion; everyone has off days.

[DustCobb]

Yeh way off the pace.

Looks like he might be half decent when fit though.

[Monty]

He didn't look overly effective to me but I'd agree it's way too early to form any meaningful judgement. And to be fair, we were warned that he will frustrate and delight in equal quantities. By my reckoning we have a half of delight in the bank for future use.

[DL2]

Jury is still out for me too,  Hopefully it was a match fitness issue rather than a laissez-faire attitude.

[ArmchairCobbler81]

Didn't look anywhere near match fit to me.

As others have mentioned, the guy is way off being match fit. Sammo mentioned it himself. We don't have the luxury of throwing into the reserves anymore so he's going to need to play. It'll take him half a dozen games to get into his stride. The service to him was awful in the first half and he lacked support whenever he got the ball. Give him a chance people.

[ArmchairCobbler81]

Still a very mediocre debut. The jury's out !

They haven't even been sworn in yet Ted 

[Gonzales]

I've seen Wayne Rooney have a stinker on occasion; everyone has off days.

On occasion? Rooney didn't score a goal for around 8 months! Additionally, he was crap at the world cup and even had the nerve to blame our fans!

Onto Laurent, he showed a few glimpses of brilliance, but followed it up by giving the ball away. Can't remember where I read it, but I think Sammo said 'he has the ability to frustrate and delight in equal measure.'

From what we've seen, he is pretty good at the 'frustrate' part.

[ArmchairCobbler81]

On occasion? Rooney didn't score a goal for around 8 months! Additionally, he was crap at the world cup and even had the nerve to blame our fans!

Onto Laurent, he showed a few glimpses of brilliance, but followed it up by giving the ball away. Can't remember where I read it, but I think Sammo said 'he has the ability to frustrate and delight in equal measure.'

From what we've seen, he is pretty good at the 'frustrate' part.

Christ, he's had 45 minutes and he's clearly unfit. Give it a rest 

[Marvo]

Unlikely to start the next game I reckon. With Harrad coming in and Holt and Jacobs pretty much undropable after yestesday's performance, Laurent will probably have to make do with an appearance from the bench which may suit all involved.