If / when we go up, do we keep Patto? That's another question to be asked. Next season is still too early to replace him with Matty Young, which I guess is the long term plan. He's a good shot stopper, as he showed again at Boro, but is his distribution good enough for PL?
I think we could look Jaime Vardy when it comes to application and determination. He came from non league to Leicester when he was 24 and only started playing top flight football at 27/28. Why can’t LO9 do similar?
Patto has weaknesses, we know that. but look at Arsenal top prem team who have a gk no better than Patto.
It depends on the development of Young, it may not be too early. Saying that there are much worse keepers than Patto in both the Premier League and Championship. We are lucky to have such a good shot stopper and he has saved our blushes on countless times. Keepers who are as good as Patto is at shot stopping and also have great distribution are the ones that go for an absolute fortune. Need to be careful what we wish for.
I might need a tin hat on for this, but if we go up, LON would probably be the last centre back I'd look at replacing. I have reservations about all of our centre backs at the top level to be honest. I think we would need to buy at least 2 new ones. I'm not convinced Ballard can make the step up (beyond a relegation battle) and he is the one we would get the biggest fee for so I wouldn't be against cashing in to reinvest. I don't feel like he's kicked on since we first signed him. Mepham has already been deemed not good enough at that level by Bournemouth, and whilst I still like him - as he's not already ours, I wouldn't want us to buy him for the bench. O'Nien has little sell on value and is priceless in terms of his off the field characteristics. If he's happy to stay and be largely a bench warmer, I'd let him stay.
I'd keep him and have Young on the bench with a view to Young replacing patto in a year or two when we sell Patterson for big bucks.
I'd have Young starting in the Championship next season, either with us or if we go up, on loan (ideally Wycombe). If we go up, it's a tough call on Patto. I'd possibly keep him because I only think we need 1 more season at most before Young is our number 1. I'm not convinced he's good enough at that level though.
I wouldn’t automatically be selling LON, some players are better in the bigger leagues. He is a prime example, he’s been far better in the Championship than League One. Do I think he’s good enough to be first choice CB in the PL? No.
There is an obsession with o9 and getting rid of him cos he isn't up to it. No other player gets the same scrutiny. I always find it quite telling that every manager picks him no matter what. He has his limitations but some people can't see past them when judging him.
Hmm, maybe an MLS team? Don't think hes that standard but could be a good challenge and more spanish speaking players.
I’ve called this for ages and constantly get shot down for it. no time for sentiment, if we want to step up then the likes of ONien, Patterson and Roberts need improved. Good players and clearly this is their level, but we have aspirations to go further so we need an improvement on them.
I can see him in a coaching role in the not too distant future. I’d keep him on in a pseudo player coach capacity
TBF I wouldn’t say you’ve been shot down but people are entitled to disagree. Besides I haven’t seen much in relation to the PL, mainly people wanting O’Nien dropped now. RLB always chooses him so that’ll do me for the moment but, as with other players who’ve gone, well no doubt replace those we don’t believe will make it in the PL. There were many who thought O’Nien wouldn’t be able to handle the Championship so who knows.
