If we are talking about the captain being someone who will be playing week in week out, that does beg the question "who is that player"? Most of the ones I can think of have the unfortunate knack of getting injured.
I think I remember Adkins saying in an interview that he likes keepers to be captain.
Well they do get a view of the full field and everything that's going on ahead of them...
Apart from seeing shots from over 20 yards out apparently.
I think it's essential to sign Jason, and I'd be more than happy for him to be playing a similar 30 games next season. He was outstanding in bringing about our up turn in form, both on and off the ball. People are too eager to load blame on him. Against Crewe the midfield was slow and not as energetic as against Peterborough. Channels opened up with Crewe's excellent passing, and a lot of that was down to Millar, JFC and Watson.
The difference between the abysmal performance against Blackpool without him, and the gritty performance against Wigan was huge. Against Blackpool the on pitch communication was on silent for virtually all the second half, against Wigan Pearce won virtually everything and was a constant communicator to everyone around him.
Do I think we need a faster ball playing central defender next to Innis? Yes. But I also think Innis and Pearce are good enough, with a more energetic and dynamic screen in front of them than Watson. When I think of Pearce, Pratley and Watson it would always be Pearce that I'd keep both for his performances and his clear influence on and off the pitch. The only caveat would be if there are any strategic reasons due to EFL salary caps/turnover to wages.
if we can’t get Famewo back I’d be inclined to look at Jack Tucker from Gills. 21 but a very accomplished centre back at this level. Local and wages wouldn’t be an issue.
if we can’t get Famewo back I’d be inclined to look at Jack Tucker from Gills. 21 but a very accomplished centre back at this level. Local and wages wouldn’t be an issue.
I've not heard of this fella, i'm sure Steve Gallen has though, just out of interest can we send him an email with our suggestions?
if we can’t get Famewo back I’d be inclined to look at Jack Tucker from Gills. 21 but a very accomplished centre back at this level. Local and wages wouldn’t be an issue.
About a year ago Gills were asking for £3m for him saying Championship clubs were after him. I was interested to watch him this season and thought in my humble opinion he was pretty average - although it's hard to look good under Evans. I like the CB at Accrington more Burgess he looked really good IMO
This thread perfectly represents the hypocrisy of fans talking about ‘loyalty’.
If a young player doesn’t sign a new contract then it’s all “well that’s a lot of thanks for us developing them, he should stay another year to learn.”
There is no way that Pearce should be starting 10+ games for us next season but he has invested his time on and off the pitch for us and if he wants a hybrid role in coaching, working with the kids, in the community as well as shithousing for 5 minutes in some games then give him a year.
A lot of people burnt from the loyalty they showed Bowyer and what they got in return was him deserting . There is no loyalty , it’s what suits the individuals … If Millwall came in and offered Pearce a decent coaching role and pay rise , arrivederci SE7
I find this mentality absolutely mystifying. Do people seriously think this? I was in the camp of not wanting Bowyer sacked because I don't really think sacking the manager is always the solution, but it was pretty clear that a change would be a positive thing, and he managed to depart in a way that was quick, painless and gave us a chance to give a new manager a settling in period. It was best for us and Bowyer that he move on, and he did. I don't see it as a lack of loyalty at all and I'm surprised people are angry about it.
I can see both sides of it. If people held a different view to you, maybe not you, but others were accusing them of being disloyal to a manager who was being loyal. Some of us didn't believe that for a minute, but I don't judge Bowyer harshly because of that. You would expect him to put himself and his family first, and that is what he ultimately did, it is just all this nonsense suggesting otherwise was thrown at people who thought it was time for him to move.
Had he managed to depart positively a month earlier, I am confident we would be preparing for our upcoming play off games. But he has shown he is a good manager by the effect he has had at Birmingham and indeed what he did for us in the beginning. Sadly that was never going to happen this season, as you observe yourself.
If we are talking about the captain being someone who will be playing week in week out, that does beg the question "who is that player"? Most of the ones I can think of have the unfortunate knack of getting injured.
I think I remember Adkins saying in an interview that he likes keepers to be captain.
Well they do get a view of the full field and everything that's going on ahead of them...
Apart from seeing shots from over 20 yards out apparently.
if we can’t get Famewo back I’d be inclined to look at Jack Tucker from Gills. 21 but a very accomplished centre back at this level. Local and wages wouldn’t be an issue.
About a year ago Gills were asking for £3m for him saying Championship clubs were after him. I was interested to watch him this season and thought in my humble opinion he was pretty average - although it's hard to look good under Evans. I like the CB at Accrington more Burgess he looked really good IMO
Burgess was one of the top ranked defenders in this division this season. He's also on my shortlist. Most interception in the division (348) and great in the air at 6'4" however would him and Inniss be mobile enough?
Tucker was valued at silly money because Gills didn't want to sell but he only has a year lefft on his contract now so might look to cash in
Worth noting that Pearce is "only" 33 whereas Pratley (who's been released) is 36 and Watson 35, that's a significant age difference
Jonny Evans is 33 for example
Too much emphasis is often put on a players age,Cavani 34,Vardy 34,Fernandino 36,Thiago Silva 36,the list goes on,Zola,Di canio all played until late 30s,if a player has the drive long careers are there to be had.
Impressive to get his badges so young. And it's not as if he's been a bit part player or injured for a long period of time during the last few years with us, giving him time to kill
Not too sure why he gets written off so many times to be honest. Whenever he’s given a run of games he’s generally very good. It’s only when he plays the odd game here and there that he looks rusty and past it (as any one would)
I’m not his biggest fan and I’m sure another mistake is just around the corner for him but he’s been excellent in this new look team. Adkins had him shipped off to play in U23 fixtures in Barnsley which always seemed a bit bizarre.
MOTM today. Perfect example to any footballer. Personally, think Pearce will continue to play football for a couple more years (non-league) and won’t see on the coaching staff for a long time.
MOTM today. Perfect example to any footballer. Personally, think Pearce will continue to play football for a couple more years (non-league) and won’t see on the coaching staff for a long time.
Well, if he continues to put in sterling performances like he did today he’ll be getting another year’s contract. Do you seriously think he’ll be playing non league football next season….oh come on, he’s way too good for that.
MOTM today. Perfect example to any footballer. Personally, think Pearce will continue to play football for a couple more years (non-league) and won’t see on the coaching staff for a long time.
Well, if he continues to put in sterling performances like he did today he’ll be getting another year’s contract. Do you seriously think he’ll be playing non league football next season….oh come on, he’s way too good for that.
Agreed, it's not as if he relies on his pace. He won't be any slower or worse next season than he is now, even if we went up and released him, he'd be snapped up by a L1 side
He's the perfect mentor for Elewere. Deji might have the class, but to be a top CB you also need to be physical and crafty
Echo all the above thoughts after today's performance.
When I see his name on the team sheet, I feel that, not only do we have a committed, canny defender to rely on but also one of the few squad members who is captain personified.
Had to giggle today when he had a brief " respite" for the 2nd time in the 1st half following an additional 5 minutes being added !
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Keep him on as 4th choice if he wants, so we have some consistency in the changing room, and also potential coaching.
The difference between the abysmal performance against Blackpool without him, and the gritty performance against Wigan was huge. Against Blackpool the on pitch communication was on silent for virtually all the second half, against Wigan Pearce won virtually everything and was a constant communicator to everyone around him.
Do I think we need a faster ball playing central defender next to Innis? Yes. But I also think Innis and Pearce are good enough, with a more energetic and dynamic screen in front of them than Watson. When I think of Pearce, Pratley and Watson it would always be Pearce that I'd keep both for his performances and his clear influence on and off the pitch. The only caveat would be if there are any strategic reasons due to EFL salary caps/turnover to wages.
Jonny Evans is 33 for example
Had he managed to depart positively a month earlier, I am confident we would be preparing for our upcoming play off games. But he has shown he is a good manager by the effect he has had at Birmingham and indeed what he did for us in the beginning. Sadly that was never going to happen this season, as you observe yourself.
Tucker was valued at silly money because Gills didn't want to sell but he only has a year lefft on his contract now so might look to cash in
Staying.
off at times but the guy is putting in a superb run of performances , when we needed him.
MOTM V Burton away, he was superb today and gets a 9 out of 10 all day long from me.
Do you seriously think he’ll be playing non league football next season….oh come on, he’s way too good for that.
He's the perfect mentor for Elewere. Deji might have the class, but to be a top CB you also need to be physical and crafty
When I see his name on the team sheet, I feel that, not only do we have a committed, canny defender to rely on but also one of the few squad members who is captain personified.
Had to giggle today when he had a brief " respite" for the 2nd time in the 1st half following an additional 5 minutes being added !