Really? I thought he was terribly inconsistent (at best). As a left back, he was a lightweight & positionally immature (and didn't improve as the season progressed!). In midfield, he was similar to Dross Townsend - bombing up & down the wing (quickly!), and failing to deliver anything. I'm positive he's got loads of potential (I recall similar justifiable criticism of a certain Mr Walcott). However, are we prepared to use our limited resources to pay big boys wages to a learner? Hard decision, but I think he would have to go if a contract cannot be struck on reasonable terms. Funny how we all watch the same player & have such differing views. But that's football, I guess! Btw, how did we get into this contract situation with White? Anyone know? Should we not dealt with this situation last close season? Or did Grayson try, fail & agree to let him run down the contract?
He rejected a contract offer before January. Before this season it was unclear whether he'd break into the first team. It's another situation of not being sure whether a player's worth a new contract before the season starts and then having trouble tying him down to one after.
Just out of interest, I take it you feel he is best suited to the Left Back position? (putting two and two together with the better understanding with the winger comment).
Yes. He has no real mind for putting a good ball into the box, so I'd say he's better suited to being a left-back. Pace goes a long way in this league, and some Paul Robinson isn't going to be able to deal with the next generation of Jimmy Kebes and Jobi McAnuffs that we'll have to face next season. White can do that if he's given the chance, and he can actually put a foot in quite well on his day; doesn't get bullied.
I do like the sound of White, Lees, Pearce, Ward but on the other hand I would worry about the lack of experience, somehow I don't feel Warnock (assuming we got Ward) see's this as a starting 4, his comments about Lees filling in at Right Back also have me wondering if Ward would be signed as a utility player and we should expect someone else into the back 4?
He was yeah. But that still puts him above all the players who were just absolutely ****! I dont think Warnock sees him as a LB either so its a bit of a pointless discussion of his best position atm. Seems Lees will be a 1st teamer too. Warnocks impressed and is offering a new contract even tho he has 3 years left!. Whether he will play RB or CB is another question. Could see Ward- Lees- Pearce - (other experineced defender) as our back 4 tbh
back to Ward. Apparently talks took place between us and Ward yesterday but 3 other clubs are in for him. A decision is expected next week
Can definitely see Clint Hill joining us, very capable LB, has followed Warnock everywhere he's been, Sheff Utd, Palace, QPR, experienced enough to marshall a young defence. Would be a great signing.
If we do get Ward I feel it would have to be someone like Hill, that then leaves you wondering about Whites future. I would still prefer a more experienced CB, someone like Bamba leaving Bamba, Lees, Pearce battling it out for two places and providind valuable cover.
I don't think Warnock sees White as a LB, preferring FB's who can also play CB, like Ward, Hill etc. In fact Warnock's probably not too bothered whether White stays or not, if he signs fine, if not that's fine too. I reckon he'd rather lose White than Clayton, and if we had to lose one of them I'd rather it was White too.
Re Clint Hill, I thought he looked quite solid at CB yesterday, hopefully QPR will think he's too old for another season of PL.
After yesterday's performance I'd take half the QPR team! Shame that they'll keep Jamie Mackie, he's a quality little player
yeah agree on Mackie...unfortunately he's done enough since coming back from his injury for QPAAHHH to keep him...we'll probably end up with Bothroyd