James perch

Next season when you see perchys name on the team sheet will you be biting your nails with worry or after his miraculous turnaround (which should have seen him in the England squad IMO ) will you be demanding he sarts every game in any position?

I've got every faith in the lad of he shows the form of last season like A+++ squad player.

I'm feeling his name on the back of the new home kit too. Unless we sign de Jong

 

Oddly, I can't see him a starter in any position but he has my complete confidence in almost any positiion.

A tribute to his own efforts and to Pardew's judgement.

 

this.

 

I'd trust him to come on and play his bit part role well. I don't think he'll get many starts though.

 

maybe in a away midfield of

Tiote, Cabaye, Perch

 

He deffs has the quality we need for a bit part player

 

Its his attitude that is key I think. Part of the his problem initially (as well as being a bit off the pace) was that he was TOO committed and gave away too many freekicks, picking up too many yellows in the process. Now he's used to the speed of the Premier League the fact he can come off the bench, or cover a few positions from the start means we know we've going to get 100% right from the off. I really like the lad and he's improved immeasurably - hopefully that can continue!

 

I could see him getting a few starts with injuries, the ACON later on in the season and our European adventure. Won't be as worried as last season but the image that comes to mind every time i hear his name was when he was coming on as a sub last season and Pardew looked like he was giving him load of instructions and Perch was just looking around vacantly.

 

This

He seemed erratic to me to begin with, and a bit clueless position-wise and in possession, but he's become much more solid and a worthy deputy.

 

This

 

I can see him getting more games due to the demands of the additional Europa fixtures.

At the moment, it wouldn't take many injuries/suspensions for him to become a first choice. I'm hoping we sign one ot two more quality players in positions that would effectively push Perch further down the packing order - but if it came down to it, I'd be happy to see him on the pitch. Can't believe I'm saying that after his first season, when he looked totally clueless. But fair play to him (and Pards) for coming back stronger and making his mark last season.

 

Seem to remember Perch had his best game for us when he went to CB.

 

Not getting carried away here. I wouldn't want Perch to be starting games unless absolutely necessary, but I'm 100% confident that if we need him to come and fill in that he will be up to the task, which is more than any of us could say a year ago.

Seems to be a player who is growing in confidence, coming out of his shell and proving every single one of his critics wrong. Some players just need to be shown a bit of faith and this is yet another reason why Pardew deserves massive praise for his man management skills.

If Perch were to keep performing the same heroics he was at the end of last season though, he could very well be knocking on Pardew's door for a starting berth.

 

To be honest I think a massive part of his initial struggles is the lad didn't truly believe he belonged at this level. He tried to nail the big tackles tog et folk onside and gee himself up. I think a great quality to have for any footballer regardless of age is to be willing to learn, get your head down and graft until it clicks. He did this and deserves a great deal of credit. As do Hughton and Pardew for keeping their faith in him.

 

Agree with this, and in my opinion you can see how much he has picked up from Coloccini. nufc_stats put up a page comparing Woodgate and Colo and whilst Woodgate dominated in the air and 50:50s Colo's ability to cut out passes was vastly more superior. I saw this in Perch a lot this season, he looked to track the play and step in at the crucial moment as opposed to waiting for the player/play to come to him to make the tackle.

I know form dips, but that kind of thing comes from instinct and confidence. He did this when many fans were still unhappy with his name on the teamsheet - lets not forget the Perchinho nicknamed started ironically (so confidence shouldn't be an issue) and positional instinct isn't something that can disappear overnight!

 

I think he's too small for centre-back, but other than that I have confidence in him.