From what I read (Plymouth match reports, Niche Cache), Waineo wasn't really fine for strength in The Championship.
Admittedly he often came on in the 2nd half when the Pilgrims had gone defensive trying to protect a lead or draw. So Waineo a bit of a thankless task coming on as the sole striker, pressing hard, and trying to provide an outlet up front, as the Pigrims sought some holdup play to relieve the pressure. Not really Ben's game, and something he seemed to struggle to do with any great effect. Out muscled by big bodied opposition CBs. Again that's without watching any Plymouth games, just from what I read.
It's yes unfair to compare Waine to Wood. Thankfully sounds like the Woodsman just wants to keep on playing. It wouldn't surprise if at 38 he's still the AWs main striker at the 2030 WC. Nice stage to retire on, after perhaps a few seasons with Auckland in the lower intensity ALM in the leadup.
FYI - Plymouth are 2nd last in The Championship and struggling for goals. 5th worst in the league for goals (19 in 19 games). Hardie only the one goal in 15 games. He was their main man last season.
Waineo's Pilgrim's deal expires end of this season.
Admittedly he often came on in the 2nd half when the Pilgrims had gone defensive trying to protect a lead or draw. So Waineo a bit of a thankless task coming on as the sole striker, pressing hard, and trying to provide an outlet up front, as the Pigrims sought some holdup play to relieve the pressure. Not really Ben's game, and something he seemed to struggle to do with any great effect. Out muscled by big bodied opposition CBs. Again that's without watching any Plymouth games, just from what I read.
It's yes unfair to compare Waine to Wood. Thankfully sounds like the Woodsman just wants to keep on playing. It wouldn't surprise if at 38 he's still the AWs main striker at the 2030 WC. Nice stage to retire on, after perhaps a few seasons with Auckland in the lower intensity ALM in the leadup.
FYI - Plymouth are 2nd last in The Championship and struggling for goals. 5th worst in the league for goals (19 in 19 games). Hardie only the one goal in 15 games. He was their main man last season.
Waineo's Pilgrim's deal expires end of this season.
Well, you’re in the Championship and there’s a range.
Playing Leceister or other yo-yo teams is basically playing PL strength players.
I remember watching several cameos where Argyle were under the pump and he battled hard up front as a lone striker. As you say a thankless task, but not one which he shirked when I was watching. He looks willowy and athletic, but is certainly tall enough and powerful enough too.Watching Argyle what I recall was everyone was shooting from distance.
To put it another way, if Waine starts to get some service and goals, I don’t think you’ll hear that many mutters about his strength.
He needs to find somewhere where he can get a run of games and where a couple of the creative players gel with him, most importantly.
Bit sad he hasn’t managed that at Mansfield. The question is will that change if he puts his head down and works hard there? Or should he try for the continent somewhere while he’s still a chance in Europe?