Ken McGrath - where's his best position?

Daysha

McGrath's probably been the best centre-half in the country the past 4-5 years since he made the switch to the backs in 2004. Now though, it looks like Davy Fitz has made the decision to move him back to the half forward line with Brick Walsh moving from midfield into centre half.

Reading the reports from the Clare match today, it seems that he's moved back into his old position extremely easily. Scored 4 points from play today and from what I saw of the Brick in centre half against Tipp last week, he'll be a perfectly adaquate replacement if Davy decides to stick with this for the Championship.

In some ways it could be a masterstroke. Kens played at centre forward nearly all his life and was one of the most exciting talents in the country when he was up with the forwards. He'll also add a bit of steel and grit to our half forward line which has been missing that extra physicality in recent years.

Plus, any team would kill to have players like the McGrath brothers, Eoin Kelly and John Mullane in the front 6.

But he's 31 years old, and he's not getting any younger or fitter. He doesn't have the same pace as he used to have. And we may miss Brick in midfield too.

So what do you think? Is it completely inexcusable to move arguably the best centre back in the country out of position, or will it give us that added killer instinct we may need later on this year?

Browney7

Who cares Deise???:P

Ah seriously though from what I have seen of McGrath on the inter-county scene I have always felt that he is a seriously good centre back and he often pulled games out of the fire for ye over the years. Many teams would kill to have a centre back of his calibre and IIRC he often bursts out of defence to score some inspirational scores which can lift a team and I think a score from centre forward wouldn't have the same effect on the players around him or the crowd in general.

Where does he play for his club btw??

Yeah I think Brick's work ethic would be missed in midfield. Often the unsung hero for Waterford.

Daysha

AFAIK he stayed in the forwards with Mount Soin until 2005/2006 and then moved into the backs.

Just looking at his stats on Wiki, he really did have a good points ratio as a forward, all from play too. While he did pop in with a few great points as a back they've slowly dwindles throughout the years. 2008 was the first Championship we failed to score a single point.

KevIRL

Centre Half, and its not even close right now.

To say he is better at centre forward based on one league game in Feburary is nuts and should be left to likes of Wellboy and his band of fools on Upthedeise. Ken has ruled many games for us at centre half and single handidly turned the tide for Waterford.

That said, it is worth trying it out in the league for a game or 2, in particular as we are missing so many top quality forwards at the mo. Also its a useful emergency plan to have for the Championship.

I'll be very surprised if he doesnt start the Limerick game in the Championship at centre back

Keano

I was at the Clare game. Ken McGrath played well but he was on very inexperienced players in saying that he really is a fantastic hurler anywhere he plays he will bring something to the Waterford team.

An Citeog

Yeah, definitely centre-half back for me aswell. He's a fantastic hurler but his real worth to Waterford is in the way he inspires those around him and drives the team forward. He could do a job anywhere on the pitch but I firmly believe in playing your best players in their best positions.

Just my 2 cents.

Pride Fighter

He is a centre half back, he was not great at full back last year, that is not his position. He should be the first choice centre back IMO.

Orizio

Problem is, a quick young center forward will murder him.

aierlan1000

Ken McGrath was born to play centre back, mind you I wouldn't mind seeing him at centre forward. He'd certainly do a lot of damage, purely because he is such a brilliant hurler. It's just that at centre back, I think he would have more influence on the game.

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Alfie Boon

His best position?
Along with Mullane,on a pony and trap.:p

cruiserweight

Alfie Boon wrote: »

His best position?
Along with Mullane,on a pony and trap.:p

What exactly do you mean by that comment?

Ceann

D'imir sé go maith ag an deireadh seachtaine, bhí "an brick" go maith mar lár cúlaithe freisin

Keano

cruiserweight wrote: »

What exactly do you mean by that comment?

Ignore him.

Forgot that Mullane still has to come back into the team! :eek: