Waine an unused sub in a 3-0 win. Not sure if mentioned previously but Plymouth signed a 26 yr old Sierra Leone striker (was with Anderlecht) in Sept. Two year deal. Lots of experience in Belgian & Danish top leagues.
So Waine will now be down as the 3rd striker. He's only had 99 mins (1 start) over 12 Championship match day squads. Perhaps needs to look at a loan deal to a L1/L2 club for a few months. Mata's Shrewsbury need goals!
PAFC coach Steven Schumacher: “It's over to him [Waine]. We won't just give him a run of games because he hasn't had one. He has got to earn it, and he understands that. The training sessions that he does through the week have to be top standard. He has got to be on it all the time. He has got to work hard and he has got to try to see his performances improve every game. That's what it's about. Hopefully he gets a run of games. If he stakes his claim then it's up to the other two when they are fit to try to get back in the team, and that's how any good squad should be.”
Words of high expectations from Ben Waine’s manager there. Nothing is supposed to come easy at this level but there is a small window for him right now after the two striker’s ahead of him in the Pilgrims squad both went off injured with muscle twinges in a 3-2 loss to Ipswich Town.
Ryan Hardie and Mustapha Bundu have each been diagnosed with grade two hamstring strains. Bundu might be back after the international break. Hardie seems like he may have longer to wait. One plus one equals two... with Ben Waine being the only fit striker in the squad right now he might finally get that extended chance he’s been waiting for since signing with Plymouth Argyle ten months ago.
That window of opportunity began with a 3-3 draw against Middlesbrough – only Waine’s third league start for the club. Exciting game that went back and forth with Argyle claiming a share of the points thanks to a 77th minute goal (having been 1-0 down then 2-1 up then 3-2 down). Boro had more of the chances but Argyle were clinical with what they had.
Didn’t get a whole heap of Waineo in there. He was subbed as part of a double change and tactical switch after 65 minutes, straight after Boro had retaken the lead with their third goal. He only made nine touches in that time with no shots however he was an active presence off the ball. His coach was encouraging. They’ve got one more game before the break so he should get at least that start before the others return.
More Schumacher: “I thought he did okay, especially first half. He didn't have loads of touches of the ball but he was occupying both Middlesbrough centre-backs and he was working hard off the ball. Anything he did have in and around (the penalty area) I thought he was neat and tidy enough with. When you play that lone striker role it can be tough, it's hard work, but I thought he did alright.”
When people call for our Kiwi players to go out on loan from this club or that club, we tend to not consider that this very scenario can occur at any time. Those in front of them can get injured, fall out of form and suddenly the path opens. Sure you can be called back on loan but it is not as straight forward as being elevated straight from the bench or reserves. I’m not saying don’t go out on loan but there is more to it than just playing each week at a lower level.
Looks like Plymouth actually started with a midfielder as their lone striker (seems how they setup playing the bigger teams like Leeds). Maybe gaffer realises that role doesn't really suit Waine against the big boy CBs in The Championship.
Waino came off the bench at 57 mins (2-0), and scored at 84 mins. Great low cross for the assist by Cundle the 21 yr old usual midfielder, who started up top as the lone striker. Youngsters combining. And great confidence boost for Waine, as he looks to find his place in the UK.
Ladies and gents we present Ben Waine’s first goal in the English Championship 🚂🚂🚂
PAFC manager Steven Schumacher: “We spoke with Waineo in the week about some of his runs [in the Boro start]. He didn't get loads of touches of the ball because of his positioning. When I pulled him and said I was going to change the shape a little bit [vs Leeds] I told him it wasn't because he played poorly, because I didn't think he played poorly. I thought he did okay.
Today when he came on he gave us that focal point. He was in a great position for his goal and hopefully it gives him confidence because I still believe he's a really good player. The more he plays and the more he settles into the division the better he will be.”
PAFC manager Steven Schumacher: “We spoke with Waineo in the week about some of his runs [in the Boro start]. He didn't get loads of touches of the ball because of his positioning. When I pulled him and said I was going to change the shape a little bit [vs Leeds] I told him it wasn't because he played poorly, because I didn't think he played poorly. I thought he did okay.
Today when he came on he gave us that focal point. He was in a great position for his goal and hopefully it gives him confidence because I still believe he's a really good player. The more he plays and the more he settles into the division the better he will be.”
similar themes to what Chris Wood said about himself in his Between Two Beers interview, a lot of goalscoring is about knowing where to be at the right time, and putting himself there.
Another start for Waineo, and gets 68 mins (0-0) in a 1-0 loss. Replaced by Mundu from the Sierrra Leone, who's back from injury. If Waine keeps his starting spot next few games that will be a good sign. Hardie still injured.
Feel like Waine might be in trouble tbh. The highlights show him running around dutifully and no one passing him the ball.
It is a shame that Plymouth got promoted as Waine probably needed a full season in League One to get used to English Football and Championship is probably too big of a jump in intensity for him.
