Pickford.

[Brian Storm]

That's fair enough mate, although I do think it would be more difficult for him in the Prem.

As I said though, I'd defo be giving him a shot. In fact, I would recall him in Jan, offer him a long term deal, and tell him if he signs it he's a guaranteed starter for the next, say, 4 games. If he proves himself he keeps the number 1 spot, if not Pants steps back in. Perhaps morally questionable lol, but I really think we need to tie this lad down.

I think he'll sign like. Sunderland fanatic.

Interesting Pickford fact. He's only 10 appearances from 100 senior professional games.

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[marcusblackcat]

So why if he's playing in a struggling teem now and improving with confidence will he lose confidence at another struggling team? I don't get your logic at all. Keepers aren't like outfield players. He's facing situations akin to any league. It's not the quality of the league he has to deal with, it's the quality of the shot/cross/situation he has to deal with, this can occur at any level on the football ladder.

Here certainly seems to be more head strong than Pants. But that is common in youth but you appear to think it's the opposite and they're more likely to have confidence dented, this is what I don't get because the character of the lad in question points to it being the opposite. The lad like Watmore is fearless, because of his hunger and drive. Have you read what Kirkland said about young and old goalkeepers? I think he nailed it. Not evry kid is a Francis Jeffers quaking in his boots.

“He has got a great chance of going right to the top and his performances for Preston this season have been top-drawer.

“Goalkeepers should make saves, after all, that is their job, but the thing which has really caught my eye is his command of the penalty area.”

“Jordan comes out to take crosses and has an authority for someone still very young.

“As for his kicking, that is brilliant! I have never seen anyone kick a ball like he does.

“Even when I was 21, I couldn’t kick a ball as far as Jordan can.

“He has a real willingness to learn and a good career is in front of him.

“There has been a lot of talk about Sunderland recalling him from his loan with us.

“I hope he stays here but if he does go back, Jordan could play a key part in Sunderland’s attempts to stay up in the Premier League.

“At Jordan’s age, you tend to be fearless on the pitch and that is a big help.

“It is only later on when you get a bit older that you start to worry about making mistakes.”

You said it yourself though - he's the difference between bottom 3 and where they are in the league - that, in itself, is a confidence booster for him. All ifs and buts mate and it just worries me that we bring back a lad that is playing very well and has a lot of confidence and destroy it! We seem to be good at that!! Bold bit at the end, I suppose, is what really matters - if he stays fearless for the remainder of the season he will, undoubtedly, be an asset to us. If the infectious negativity the crowd puts over at our home games gets to him, it could be detrimental.

Also...

If my aunty had balls she'd be my uncle - so I have no idea at all!! Devils advocate moment I guess but I am always optimistic - Not pessimistic at all (don't pessimists call themselves realistic?) I just worry that our negative crowd gets into him whilst he's playing up here!

 

[marcusblackcat]

I think what Marcus is saying (correct me if I'm wrong mate!) is that Jordan's confidence is growing atm because, as you've stated, he's single handedly keeping Preston in the league right now. The rest of the team is ****e, but he's able to keep clean sheets regardless. Would he be able to do that against the Aguero's and Lukaku's etc. in the prem? I'm not so sure. So he'll start shipping more goals and hence potentially lose confidence...

It's a difficult decision no mistake.

EDIT: for the record, personally I'd bring him back and give him a run as first choice. But I can see why some on here are dubious.

Me and Bri often have different opinions fella - no biggie at all - if we all thought the same it'd be a very boring board/world!!

 

[Brian Storm]

You said it yourself though - he's the difference between bottom 3 and where they are in the league - that, in itself, is a confidence booster for him. All ifs and buts mate and it just worries me that we bring back a lad that is playing very well and has a lot of confidence and destroy it! We seem to be good at that!! Bold bit at the end, I suppose, is what really matters - if he stays fearless for the remainder of the season he will, undoubtedly, be an asset to us. If the infectious negativity the crowd puts over at our home games gets to him, it could be detrimental.

Also...

If my aunty had balls she'd be my uncle - so I have no idea at all!! Devils advocate moment I guess but I am always optimistic - Not pessimistic at all (don't pessimists call themselves realistic?) I just worry that our negative crowd gets into him whilst he's playing up here!

We'd both handle this differently. Will be interesting to see what Sam does. A lot depends on Vito's situation of course. I'm more that Happy for vito to stay till the end of the season

 

[The Little General]

We'd both handle this differently. Will be interesting to see what Sam does. A lot depends on Vito's situation of course. I'm more that Happy for vito to stay till the end of the season

Its a tough call, I remember Kelvin Davis coming here as Championship goalkeeper of the season. I also remember Shay Given was exceptional on loan here and made the transition easily to Premier League Football.
Do we think Pants is this bad to take the gamble ?

 

[Jack TheLad]

If you're good enough, you're old enough.

Simple as that for me.

 

[RLB's Beautiful Face]

You said it yourself though - he's the difference between bottom 3 and where they are in the league - that, in itself, is a confidence booster for him. All ifs and buts mate and it just worries me that we bring back a lad that is playing very well and has a lot of confidence and destroy it! We seem to be good at that!! Bold bit at the end, I suppose, is what really matters - if he stays fearless for the remainder of the season he will, undoubtedly, be an asset to us. If the infectious negativity the crowd puts over at our home games gets to him, it could be detrimental.

Also...

If my aunty had balls she'd be my uncle - so I have no idea at all!! Devils advocate moment I guess but I am always optimistic - Not pessimistic at all (don't pessimists call themselves realistic?) I just worry that our negative crowd gets into him whilst he's playing up here!

I think the crowd would back him 100% mate. We love our "homegrown" products. Watmore still gets a cheer every time he gets the ball, even though he hasn't been great at all in the last couple games. I think if Pickford started, tripped over and lumped the ball in his own net in the first minute, we'd still cheer his name.