Only because of what I think the club means to him and how we as supporters view him. But, I also want the team to be picked on ability and not sentiment. So if he does start I hope it’s because he’s good enough.
I watched the game on telly and to be honest it’s a vague memory now. I just seem to remember that we were comprehensively outplayed and Beale didn’t have a clue. The players only by comparison to what they were up against did their best but we were always going to be second best. I can’t recall O’Neins individual contribution and knowing his character I’m sure you’re right that he played well.
Don't get me wrong I haven't rewatched it either, I barely wanted to watch it the first time. That's my recollection of how the game was though.
Think he was one of our better players that day. Hume was one of the worst. I think O9 will have a few decent games on the prem and I'll be delighted to see him fulfill his lifelong ambition with a club that has grown with him.
Aye regardless of whether he plays 2 games or 20 he's made it to the top and it's hard to think of someone who deserves it more. All you can say about his future is that we haven't exactly been keen to replace him, he's played every game he's been available for years. Whether we think he can be a regular in the prem who knows but new CBs don't appear to be a top priority based on signings so far.
Hey look! Someone saying what loads did about O’nien in the championship! Doesn’t worry me in the slightest tees mate. I know for certain he will give his all, and I know he’ll hold his own against a few of them. I also know that he passes a ball as well as most prem centre halves do! He may not be as good a defender (obviously as he would’ve been snapped up by someone in the pl before now), but there is nobody in our defence who can pass like he can
Thats why I would try him and ano in front of a back four in tough games. He is so versatile a real asset to the club imo the sooner he is fit the better, he wont play every game , but not many will this season imo. we aint gonna be top half but we do have a chance of staying up and O/9 is a vital cog in that machine
More than 20 apps yes, starts not so sure. It depends what happens about buying a central defender in the transfer window. Ballard I guess to be paired with experience again like with Batth, just a higher level player like the new left back. I think he arrived with only league 2 experience, Wycombe were just promoted at that time so he hadn't even played league 1. Upped his game for league 1, upped his game for championship, so I expect him to continue in the same vein and improve further but only so far, never top say Franco Baresi level of small central defender. He is also a versatile sub covering 3 positions and injury back up. I'll keep the faith in him until he shows otherwise.
