Summer Transfer window

I think my realistically best hope for him is we loan him to the championship and he has an incredible injury free year and then is ready to step in as one of our starting centre backs the following season, no matter which division.

 

I still maintain what I posted a week or two ago. If we are 1-0 up and defending for our lives with 10 minutes to go, there is no player I'd rather bring on than Luke O'Nien.

 

I think he’s a really smart defender and we know he can function well on the ball. I worry a bit about pace

 

How controversial would it be to say I think Roberts could have a really positive impact next season?

 

I don't think we will play out from the back much so his distribution limitations won't be found out as much. I did feel the last few games of the season he was better dealing with crosses

 

Depends how he's used. I think he's a much better sub to come on against tired legs where his predictability is a bit less of a factor than he is to start.

 

I've been one of his biggest detractors this season but I have a weird feeling he could step up.

I don't really know why I think this and I can't even put a pin in how I think he will step up.

Just a weird feeling.

 

Is it fair to say there are less crosses in the premier league anyway? And even then, you'd expect the crosses to be more accurate and therefore less likely for the keeper to claim.

I'm sure somebody somewhere can pull up some stats on how many crosses are claimed by keepers in the prem vs the championship and I'd bet there's a marked difference. I have nothing to back that up though so could be terribly wrong.

 

Same weird feeling, he's in my opinion the only player in the squad right now that teams might still feel they need to double up on.

 

Yep I'd say so on the eye test at least but similar no data to back it up

 

I still worry about his lack of pace, he is up against explosive fullbacks and they will look to out muscle him

No doubt he will beat his man at times as he's got brilliant close control

He needs to be more of a goal threat at the next level, we need all our forward players to be attacking the box and getting in positions to scoee

 

Just based on 2 players:

Emi Martinez ranks in the 38th percentile in prem with 12.89 faced.

Patto ranks in the 33rd percentile in champ with 13.24 faced.

I think that means that there is less... I think.

 

I agree. I think the better quality on the pitch - on both sides - will bring out the best in him. Just a hunch, but I think he will step up next season

 

Yes looks like slightly less but perhaps not significantly enough for my point to make any difference!!

 

Yeah for sure, I mean I wanted him replaced before this season and still do - but just a weird gut feeling that he'll have a positive impact this year and chip in with some important assists and a few goals.

 

He will be important, but it cant be as a starter imo. He will bring a couple of things as a sub, firstly if chasing a game, he does have a bit of quality especially against tiring legs that can create chances for us (see the final as a perfect example). More importantly though, if we are ever holding on to a lead or a draw, he will be invaluable as fresh legs from a defensive perspective, think most would agree his support for Hume is very good for a winger. RLB trusts him, that's pretty clear, but I think his time as a regular starter has to come to an end this season (unless of course he plays he way into the 11).

 

For that price we should be all over it.

 

The lads who have seen us,through from League 1 will be chomping at the bit when they get on the pitch whether its starting or subs.
I have no fear whatsoever that these lads will let us down, yes the premiership is a big ask but it's not the monster most are making out.
Reg will target those fixtures we have most chances at picking up points and lets not forget non of this leagues managers will have a clue as to how many times next season Reg will change his game plans.
He's outfoxed most in the Championship and I'm sure he's relishing the challenge next season has for him. OaU.

 

Ok at least I'm not mental then, definitely shouldn't be starting but for the hate he gets I think it'll be a decent year.

 

Roberts also seems like a "big game" player who steps up when he feels he needs to prove himself. A la the playoff final. So he absolutely could turn it on in the PL.

I'd still be using him as a sub option personally. As that then has the double effect of him wanting to prove himself.