Danny Simpson, I (and others) owe you an apology...

For months and months I've constantly raised concerns about Simpson, slating his lack of attacking threat and his backing off etc. However I've come to the conclusion that I took him for granted, lets be honest he barely missed a game last year and was a permanent fixture in the team.

It's been a different story so far this season due to his injury, he's missed a few games and when he doesn't play we miss the lad. He's a consistent, steady 7/8 out of 10 player every time he plays. Granted he isn't the best going forward, but his positioning is fantastic and our back four look so much more compact when he's in it.

Let's hope his contract get's sorted before January!

 

Should I be smug? Yah go on then. Nahh, tbh I used to be the same, but towards the end of last seasona nd ever since I have been arguing that he's one of those that you wouldn't miss until he's gone. Very solid for us, never has a bad game, made one clear mistake last year for Liverpool's goal. Very good player.

 

He's very functional, and he's motivated having not made the grade at Man Utd (bet there are Man Utd fans who think he's better than Da Silva). Not a great player, but he works hard, gets on with the game in the right manner and I respect that in a player. Probably be one of those everyone will forget in 10 years, but he's made a lot of apps for us since he signed.

 

He is still a liability who is better then the Back up players and his positioning play is shocking

 

Can't believe the stick Simmo got (and clearly still gets) by some of our 'fans'. Muppets

 

I can sit quite smugly and say I have been saying this all along! In all seriousness though I can see where peoples frustrations come from. However he has made more progress as a player than any other since he arrived. He is just a good defender. As I always say him, Saylor and Raylor all have that attitude of "I'll stop it with my face if I have to". With Colo serenely marshalling them and the classy Santon, we have a nice balance.

Attacking wise Danny has improved. Already got two assists to his name this season and been injured for most of it. His crossing is getting better, I just wish he'd realise that to get past people he needs to pass and move. Gary Neville was the best at this part of the game, realising what you are good at and sticking to it. He'd never try to beat a man, he just drop it inside and go. His positional sense also was a bit iffy at times but it is very good now.

We need to get him signed up, he is a cracking player to have. Defenders need to defend first and foremost, he is very good at this. His committment is not in doubt and we just look better when he plays. There is a nice balance between him and Benni. Plenty were craving Debuchy but I can see where you might have problems defensively because Benni is never going to be an up and down winger (you wouldn't want him to be).

 

I've openly had a pop at he lad as I don't see him as being at the same level as some of his team mates.
Having said that.. John Beresford another full back who wasn't that great technically but got up and down the pitch and was a vital part of Keegan's side.
Given the above it may be that he is indeed very important to the side in an 'unsung hero' type of way.

 

Tbh, I think he was a bit nervy and shakey at the beginning, but he picked up after that.

I've been saying this for ages though. The lad gets far too much stick, and remember that he's never behind a player with any defensive quality what so ever. Santon and Raylor had support with Jonas.

Simmo isn't quality or as good as anyone else in the back four, but defensively, he was our best fullback last season, and he's probably still be in certain defensive aspects than Santon. But Santon has pace and is better on the ball, which helps him a lot.

 

I've been saying this all along too - we need him at the moment, he's a dependable RB who works really well as part of the defensive unit. Really noticed his impact yesterday.

 

I have been saying for ages he is a very good right back but all anyone sees is his crosses.