Player's I'd like to see more of in any capacity over the next 4 games: Corry Evans, we've seen him play for the u21s so there's no excuse not to see him make appearances for the first team now, unless there is some kind of contractual clause involved. Timothee Pembele, did well at Leeds, let's see more. Hemir, he's our player, he hasn't impressed, let's get him on the pitch more see if he can find that elusive goal. Nathan Bishop, why not? Let's see if he is valid competition for Patto. Caden Kelly, let's get him a league debut, even a 10 minute cameo will do, if we let him go in the summer that's great on his cv, if he stays what a great springboard for him. Tom Watson, I think everyone would agree, a couple of sub appearances between now and the end of the season would seriously wet the appetite within the fanbase for next season, looks a top prospect. Who did I miss?
I'm all for it and it would be interesting in the next few games ... ... I doubt you'd get Patterson to agree though, he's setting records.
I think we should be giving these a chance but I would also like to see us build a little bit of momentum going into the close season so whilst it should be a chance for returning players and youth team players to get some minutes on the pitch I hope we do it sensibly and at the right time.
Evans had a set back did he not? Agree with the rest, I think more u21s/u18s could be deserving of a run out as well. Bainbridge in particular, especially with Everton rumoured to be interested, an appearance might tempt him to stay.
I disagree with the op here. We surely play our strongest side for every match.....experiments are for the training ground and reserve/friendly matches. That's where it will be shown if there are players,young included,ready to challenge for a first team spot. Of the players mentioned,Evans isn't fit. Pembele's good going forward,but still has work to do on his defending. If Hemir hasn't impressed,why would we pick him? If Kelly and Watson have impressed,then they should be fed into a competitive side that's playing well,not as an end of season gesture. However,the goalie position is unique and it may be prudent to give Bishop some first team exposure just in case Patto picks up an injury.
Bishop could play against Sheff Wed on the final day but there’s not a chance Patterson doesn’t start over the next 3 games.
I’d just give him the summer to work on his strength and fitness ready for next season. No point risking another set back. We know what he’s capable of and we’ve nothing to play for. And if he’s a little rusty first couple of games there’ll be a clamour to replace him. Enjoy the summer Mr Evans, see you for pre season is my call.
Assuming he gets a new contract then I'd agree. No point rushing him back. Same applies to Cirkin and Embleton. Let's just get them fit and ready for the new season
Play our strongest team and finish as high in the table as possible, the valuation of some of our players can also increase with improved performances. If Clarke, Neil, Patterson, Hume, Ballard finish the season strongly there is some transfer fees to be had amongst that lot. I would like to see us keep them all but thats doubtful so lets get as much as we can and re-invest
Clarke will obviously go, but I hope we keep hold of Neil. His Sunderland roots might buy us another season but that kid is destined for the PL
Hopefully with us. Just had a look,he has a contract here till 2026. Give it another go till this time next year and see where we are.
Ekwah was not that bad in games before, but like all players he has his critics, ( Roberts has me for example). I rate Dan highly but he has had games every bit as ineffective as Ekwah recently but did not receive the pelters that Ekwah got, both are superb playing forward and are improving rapidly on the defensive side. Two fantastic assets imo so much so that we should turn down any offers below 20m. same goes for Jack Clarke, much better to build a team for next season around those three.. They could easily double in value as would the rest of the squa , if we where go up next year.
Agree. Leaving potential sales values aside for the minute,we have an abundance of young talent in this squad......Patto, Ballard,Cirkin,Hume,Aji,....not to mention our two long term injuries in Huggins and Seelt...we'll welcome them back.....also,Nectar,who's had a good season in Scotland....Neil,Ekwah,Rigg,Jobe....and flair players in Clarke,Ba,Roberts,Rusyn,Adil,and others. Most of those are better,more experienced players now than 12 months ago. As you say,build a side around them,keep the experience of Luke and Cory,add the few missing pieces,and next season can be as exciting as we've had in many a year. I firmly believe that.
