Sunderland could allow reserve goalkeeper Vito Mannone to move back to Italy next month, with Verona keen to sign him. The Black Cats will recall Jordan Pickford, 21, from his loan spell with Preston North End if Mannone does move on. (Newcastle Chronicle) I'm not sure that's the best thing to do and I'd probably prefer it to happen at the end of the season. I'd like Pickford to carry on getting games for the rest of the season and don't want to see him just sitting on the bench. Alternatively, is he ready to take over as No. 1? Is he better than a confident Pants? If he has a couple of bad games will he go backwards, then will Pants have the right mentality to come back in? Glad I'm not a manager - too many viables to manage by far.
Bit harsh to presume a couple of bad games would see him devolve. He's a young hungry player. He's more head strong than you're giving him credit for.
Fair point. I was just trying to think of possible downsides whereas maybe I should be thinking more positively as I'd rather have Jordan in the squad than Mannone. I just think it might be a tricky one to manage with both keepers. It's easy with Mannone at the moment - he's just not up to scratch at this point in time.
You got a touch of the collywobbles in that last paragraph mate. I'm betting that Pickford will be gagging to be first official sub goalie at the SoL! Yes, they all want to play every week, but while he is getting great experience at Preston, I'm betting he'd love to be looking over (or under in this case) Pants shoulders waiting for him to slip up so he can get his chance with the first team. He's getting great reviews and will deserve his chance when he gets it.
I hope Vito stays till the Summer. Ultimately that would be the best thing for the lad i reckon. For Pickford to stay put and keep getting games.
True, the young Polish lad is meant to be decent as well I've heard? Weird innit, how we seem to have an endless conveyor belt of top quality keepers and an endless conveyor belt of ****e in every other position Having said that, I'd rather Pickford keeps getting games in the Championship this season, then becomes number 2 next year with Vito moving on in the summer.
I would let him go if we get a decent offer - he's gonna get more and more rusty and he came here to be first choice so I assume he has higher aspirations than warming the bench so guess he'll be getting itchy feet. I doubt he'll boceme disruptive as he seems level headed but you never know. It would also free up a wage for any new targets. As for Pickford, as many have said of other players - if he's good enough he's old enough. Agree that staying the whole season on loan is probably more benficial to his progress but also important to get him in and around the first team squad much like we've done with DW. This will just accelerate it by half a season.
You still suffering with your back problem mate. Apologies Vince, thought you were on the beers. A trapped nerve's a real bugger mate. Been there. I see a sports physio every few months. Decompresses my spine and keeps me going. That, and a **** of of stretching every day.
Mixed on this one. Brinh him back spend time with the squad. Leavevhim there play every week. Im undecided as what is best.
If Pickford does come back in January he will be No 1 keeper mark my words. Pants is decent but far too prone to costly mistakes. I didn't get to watch the match last night due to my flight being canceled because of storms, but I have read that Pants didn't cover him self in glory for Watfords goal. I just think Allardyce will play Pickford ahead of Pants.
It deflected in between his legs from close range, not much he could do. But at one point PVA had to clear from inside the 6 yard box because pants didn't come out to claim. The man is too easily shaken. Last thing a defence who's easily scared like ours needs.
Some bloody good keepers in the league at the moment. Both Palace and Ston's played brilliantly in their game.
