He is improving but, way too slowly for a team like us. If he was at a top 4/5/6 then he would get the time to improve with the odd appearance here and there to bleed him in slowly. Agreed he does put a shift in when he plays but, a lot of the time it is pointless running about or as yesterday stupid decisions about what to do (pass or shoot). I think the point people are missing about him being one footed is if he could use his right as well then that would add to his game and keep the opposition defenders on their toes instead of just waiting for him to run out of steam. Maybe last season was too soon for him and he has suffered this season because of that I don't know, still think he would benefit from a spell on the bench and used in the last 15 or so minutes of a game while he works on his passing, crossing, dribbling and shooting. He could be a very good player for us given time, how much time he will get with us though is the sticking point though.
he turned our season with his stupidity / love to see you list/ not many over the last five years i bet
Now you didn't say anything about 5 years before and that's quite difficult as we have spent decent money on players. I know Larsson, Vaughan and Westwood were free signings. Wes Brown and Bramble - 1m Mignolet - 1.8m All relatively low signings and all have more quality and a better attitude then McClean, bar Bramble who I cannot stand because of his history. Anyways I'm not bothered about transfer fees, it doesn't come into it, at all. Its about being good enough and I think McClean just falls short.
He maybe 23, however this is onnly his second season in the Premiership, he needs more experience and learn from his mistakes
He will go one of 2 ways: Either he will become a great player or he will end up in the ranks of Sean Thornton.
If he wants long-term 1st team action then he may end up being sold but if he is prepaired to continue working on his game and accept a role as a squad member then we have a very useful player on the books. McClean is 2nd top scorer this season...
Lets not forget that 18 months ago he was playing just above pub level in Ireland. He hasn't been a professional footballer like most for the amount of time other have. Yes he seems clueless at times and this can be a major frustration for all as some things are plain simple football moves on the pitch. Lets see how he does for the rest of the season. He'll not be in the starting eleven now because there is a better stand of player at the club.
I really like McClean, brilliant work ethic and I'm sure he'll become smarter as times go on as I'm also sure he'll work hard to improve his game
I really don't think he's a scapegoat. We're playing well. No one's blaming him for any woes. It would just be nice to see him pass as opposed to hit it straight at the keeper. Sess is getting it in the neck, he's not a scapegoat. Colback get's grief, I wouldn't say he's a scapegoat either. People just want to see these lads performing to their ability.
Brown has made very little impact for the finance needed to fund the deal. £1m for the transfer. £2m a year contract for 4 years. That's a £9m pound deal overall. I imagine McCleans deal was more like £1-1.5m in terms of wages and fee.
