I suspect if we get promoted and keep them and they are still developing it may be more than that, what a change from about 4 seasons ago
Chris Mepham was shocked by Chris Rigg's talent at Sunderland https://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/sport/24601367.chris-mepham-shocked-chris-riggs-talent-sunderland/ AS a senior Wales international, with experience at Brentford and Bournemouth, Chris Mepham has seen plenty in his footballing career. Yet even he was taken aback by his early encounters with Chris Rigg…. “I must admit, I didn't realise how young Chris was, probably until about a week in,” said Mepham, who made his Black Cats debut at centre-half at the weekend. “I couldn't believe it. “I think I got asked in a Q&A recently who's impressed me the most and he's the first person who came to mind, just the way he carries himself. He carries himself like he's been around for years. “On the pitch, he looks so cool, calm and collected, and also, he's a top, top guy. It's important to keep him down to earth and humble, but I have no doubts he'll have an unbelievable career.” In particular, Mepham has been impressed with Rigg’s leadership qualities and willingness to voice his opinion, despite his tender years. “Typically, a 17-year-old might be a bit more inclined to keep himself to himself or be a bit more reserved,” he said. “It's normally not until you're 20, 21, 22 when you feel like you can have a bit more authority and dictate to other players. “But he's 17 and has the respect of everyone inside the club, rightly so. It gives him the freedom to lead. The combination of that and his quality on the ball, it's an amazing combination.” …. “I've seen a fair amount and players with a lot of potential who have all the ability in the world, but probably struggle a bit with the other side of the game,” said Mepham. “It's important to keep your feet on the ground, keep working hard and not become complacent and stop doing the things that got you into the first team. “It's little things like coming in on time and not getting sloppy with day-to-day stuff. I can help with stuff like that, and the club made it clear it was important for me to come in and use my know-how and experience.”
Only just turned 17 if it wasn't for the fact it gets mentioned during commentary when on Sky etc...I don't think anyone who didn't know about the lad would guess he was so young! So mature in the way he plays and he seems to be same off the pitch! I've said before full credit to his family the lad clearly has sensible advice around him and was brought up well, much like the Bellinghams!
That's all great news about Rigg but, on another point, Mepham's comments seem to indicate a bid may be made ... ... or perhaps there's already an agreement to sign him, that's my guess.
The fact that he can also play right back seals the deal for me. At the moment a Hume injury/suspension leaves us a little light there. By the same measure an injury/suspension with Cirkin might mean Hume switching at which point Mepham can cover. With O'Nien making himself undroppable, imo, we'll soon have Alese, Ballard and Mepham after one spot. Hjelde is young enough to be coached, it's only his first touch and inexperience holding him back imo ... ... he's strong, athletic and can cover the ground well. The squad is developing so well I'd swear the club have inadvertently stumbled on a plan by sheer chance
I'm really intrigued to see what happens when one of the fullbacks is unavailable. It's likely to be Hume being suspended for five yellows. I guess it depends which game it is that he is absent for, you'd imagine the set up against Leeds will be very different to that against Derby for example. It will be interesting to see if he shifts O'Nien out to fullback and brings in Ballard to partner Mepham - we would then lose O'Nien's ability on the ball and to break the lines in central areas but shifting Mepham to right back would (I'm presuming) extinguish any sort of attacking threat from that position. I still don't understand why so many of our fans are unwilling to give Hjelde another chance too. Surely everyone can see that no one should be judged on the second half of last season (if you did then Roberts wouldn't be getting a sniff and Clarke wouldn't be in the Premier League). Le Bris seems to have a decent eye for a player and has wanted him involved and around things from the get go.
What Mepham probably is not aware of is that he has captained England a lot at various age groups at times when he has been playing in an age group above his actual age . This shows that as well as being a talented footballer he has maturity and very good leadership qualities which ultimately give him great confidence within his teammates group .
I honestly think Hjelde is 'guilty by association' through being part of last season. On your other point O'Nien has become a problem ... ... despite being overlooked as captain he's now one of the first names on the teamsheet. Can it actually be that he keeps one of Ballard, Mepham and Alese out of the team. That would anger quite a few who took against him and still believe he's only good for visiting children's hospitals, rescuing drowning labradors and grinning for the camera. Not to mention taking piggyback rides on the pitch
Sheer chance as @Smug in Boots says mate. I mean it couldn’t actually be KLD and Speakman knowing what they’re doing now could it? That would just be absurd.
Yep,.....they're basically incompetent and have just got lucky! KS is an arrogant twat,KLD is a greedy boy who knows nothing,it'll all unravel soon and we'll be in a relegation dogfight with Cardiff!
I'm not usually a 'told you so' kind of person but I do enjoy knowing some are squirming just a little. How would we now feel if KLD openly attempted what the Palace 'owner' just did and tried but failed to buy a different club. How would it go down if Speakman gave into the fan pressure and was poached, would be feel scrambled, would things boil up? WHo would replace the coaches if they went as well. And warrabout all the players who've been written off as shyte ... ... Hume, O'Nien, Jobe, Mundle, Roberts, Mayenda, etc. What if they were all sold in January. One of the Sky pundits said, on Saturday, 'Mundle is so good it's like Sunderland have just banked £20m for free.' Who knows what this squad is worth.
