Anthony Pilkington's future

[Superman wears Grant Holt pyjamas in bed]

As you will no doubt know, I am a massive, massive fan of this lad. I think he's been vital since joining in 2011. Comfortable on the ball, a little bit of pace, decent deliveries off either foot and that all-important eye for goal.

Unfortunately, 'Pilks' has constantly had his career halted by knocks and I'm not entirely sure we've seen him fully fit for over 18 months now. I think I'm right in saying that his current deal expires this coming summer. Do we think it'll be renewed? I certainly hope so! I would assume, like all our players these days, the club has a 1-year option to extend so hopefully we wouldn't lose him on a free but obviously it may be a case of the player wanting to move on - he's a good age to try his luck somewhere else - and I'm sure there would be plenty of takers.

Yes injuries are a frustrating, on-going problem but he does give us a vital edge and I think he's worth hanging on to. If fit, he'd be one of the first names on my teem sheet. Do most people feel the same as I do and like him to remain a Canary or does anybody mind if he leaves?

 

[General Melchett]

That lads definitely a keeper (No not in that sense!) When fit and judging by recent performances when half fit he is up there with the best players we have. Even if we were to just keep him until the Murphy's are ready for the first team (I'm optomistic that one day in the not to distant future that will be the case!)
It is frustrating to have such a good player injured alot, but whilst moderately disruptive to the team to keep losing him, its better to have him in there when we can.

Bah!

 

[Home on the range canary]

My hope this season was that signing Redmond would give Pilks the kick up the arse he needs at times and I think there is evidence of greater levels of motivation and a willingness to put a shift in, more frequently. Notwithstanding his injuries, his attitude appears to let him down at times and a while ago I wrote that unless he pulls his finger out, a hugely promising career is going to go tits up. Overall, he is someone the club should definitely hang on to if they can because on his day, with the right attitude, he is a quality player.

 

[Norfolkbhoy]

I think a lot will depend upon the development of the Murphy's, how Redmond progresses and whether or not CH sees wide midfield as an area of the squad he wishes to strenthen.

If Redmond and the Murphy's do not come on as we all hope and expect then Pilks has a much stronger bargaining position although balanced against this CH may see this as the trigger to buy in better.

I have a lot of time for Pilks but he is no different to the rest of the playing staff - if we can get better then he will be on the bench or on his way.

 

[Superman wears Grant Holt pyjamas in bed]

i think we're more than 8 months away from finding out if redmond or the murphy boys (certainly those two) are ready for regular first team action though. i think if pilks was allowed to leave there would have to be a new, more experienced signing come through the doors and to replace someone of pilks quality would set us back £5m+ imo

 

[JM Fan]

I've always been a massive fan and think he offers a lot of options to the team. I remember a couple of seasons ago when we played Chelsea at CR and he left their 'wct' defenders trailing in his wake, then spoilt it by putting his cross behind!! Who could forget his goal against ManUre last season as well. Let's hope his latest injury will have cleared up in time to go to SJP in a couple of weeks.
Definitely one to hang on to and I think the thought of the Murphy's 'waiting in the wings' has giving him the 'kick up the ar53' that he needed to up his game.

 

[Superman wears Grant Holt pyjamas in bed]

he's a 'big match' player. seems to raise his game for the games against the top clubs. it seems we all agree that his ability is not in question. attitude and injury record are problems though

 

[ColkOfTheBarclay]

It might be an idea to give him an extended stay on the side lines until his injuries really clears up. He's got bags of talent and on his day can beat any defender in this league. He's also the most 2 footed player we have at this club. He can play either wing and his tracking back has really improved this season. He's well worth a new deal and if he can get injury free for a long spell I think the whole team will benefit.

 

[Fenland Canary]

Does he have the same reoccurring injury or has it been different ones?

 

[Canary Rob]

If you look at the likes of Jarvis, replacing Pilks with equal quality would cost £6m+ with no guarantee. Injuries are frustrating, yes, but given that he is rarely out for extended periods of time, I actually feel it ends up helping Redmond's development, by giving him more game time. If cover for Pilks was a 32 year old, I'd be bothered, but as it is, I think it won't harm us in the long term and when he is on the pitch, I'd say he's often our best player. Snodgrass has often reaped the plaudits, but I feel Pilks is a much better team member and has better vision.

 

[Canary Rob]

Does he have the same reoccurring injury or has it been different ones?

I have a feeling they're all slightly different ones for different muscles, but they are all on the same leg as his horrific break - I.e. these minor niggles all boil down to that break and the imbalance it caused.

 

[K E M P]

I like Pilks and think that we do not need anymore wide players as we do get plenty of crosses in the box. What we need is a playmaker in Midfield, a Hoolahan mark 2 to link our wide play with the runs our forwards make through the middle.

I think Pilks is still quite young and we are yet to see the absolute best out if him.

 

[Walsh.i.am]

I like Pilks and think that we do not need anymore wide players as we do get plenty of crosses in the box. What we need is a playmaker in Midfield, a Hoolahan mark 2 to link our wide play with the runs our forwards make through the middle.

I think Pilks is still quite young and we are yet to see the absolute best out if him.

In an ideal world, that might be true. Pilks, Redmond, E Bennett and Snodgrass, with Josh Murphy as the natural understudy But with Benno out long term and Pilks in and out with his own injury problems, that does leave us a bit thin - although Olsson can move further forward when needed.

Howson has been excellent so far this season, but an upgrade on Wes to give us a second natural CAM option would be my first name on any shopping list for January.

The more control and decent possession we have in advanced areas, the less our defence will be under the perpetual cosh. We can use the recent game at the Etihad as a prime example of this

 

[SuffolkCanary]

Pilks is one of my favourite players, so I would definately keep him. We have plenty of cover for when he is out injured (Redmond and Murphy), and like has been said previously he would cost a hell of a lot to adequatly replace.

I think I read somewhere that he has to have an injection in that leg before every game? Is that right?

 

[K E M P]

In an ideal world, that might be true. Pilks, Redmond, E Bennett and Snodgrass, with Josh Murphy as the natural understudy But with Benno out long term and Pilks in and out with his own injury problems, that does leave us a bit thin - although Olsson can move further forward when needed.

Howson has been excellent so far this season, but an upgrade on Wes to give us a second natural CAM option would be my first name on any shopping list for January.

The more control and decent possession we have in advanced areas, the less our defence will be under the perpetual cosh. We can use the recent game at the Etihad as a prime example of this

It's a hard position to fill though, who would you get? Why not list 3 choices, premium, reality and budget.

 

[Northamptonncfc]

he's a 'big match' player. seems to raise his game for the games against the top clubs. it seems we all agree that his ability is not in question. attitude and injury record are problems though

What's up with his attitude?

I'm a big Pilkington fan by the way and I think he offers a lot more, his one of the players who can make things happen and that helps encourage the team.

 

[BillyNCFC]

Elliot Bennett got a new 2 year deal as he got his injury, I'm sure Pilks will as well

 

[Usain Holt]

He's got to stay, Pilks is our only winger who offers everything, decent crosser with both feet, fairly clinical infront of goal, can head the ball and also has a decent eye for a pass.

If it's in the clubs hands I'd definitely keep him. No doubt.

Whilst I don't think he's the solution, or that it'd be his best position, i think he'd do a reasonable job behind the striker if needed.

 

[DHCanary]

In an ideal world you'd have four wingers of similar quality offering different options, and at the moment I think we've only really got 2 wingers who are mid-table Prem standard - Pilks and Snodgrass. I think Redmond will get there with time, and perhaps Josh Murphy too, but to lose a player who I'd have as one of the first names on the team sheet would leave a big gap in the squad to fill.

Letting Pilks go is going to mean spending money on wingers, when that cash could be better spent on centre-backs, attacking midfielders, and possibly right backs. So long as he wants to be here, I think we should do everything possible to retain him.

 

[robbieBB]

In an ideal world you'd have four wingers of similar quality offering different options, and at the moment I think we've only really got 2 wingers who are mid-table Prem standard - Pilks and Snodgrass. I think Redmond will get there with time, and perhaps Josh Murphy too, but to lose a player who I'd have as one of the first names on the team sheet would leave a big gap in the squad to fill.

Letting Pilks go is going to mean spending money on wingers, when that cash could be better spent on centre-backs, attacking midfielders, and possibly right backs. So long as he wants to be here, I think we should do everything possible to retain him.

We do have Olssen who, though playing well at LB, can operate effectively as a winger if needs be. Like most, I too hope Pilks stays; we just don't know what the longer term prognosis is for his leg. If we needed a replacement, I would like to see an attacking midfielder who is comfortable playing on the left. Both Lambert and CH have tried to get Wes to play that role, without much success. But that is the sort of player I am thinking of. Another who plays that way is Arsenal's Cazorla. Certainly not a "winger", but as comfortable on the left as in the centre. Dream on!