KZNSeagull
Well-known member
Wouldn't fit into our side. Our 2 central midfielders are box to box, can both create and score goals. LB doesn't fit that profile.
. LB doesn't fit that profile.
You don't need to surmise what he did or didn't say, you just need to remember the quality of his performances on the pitch after Poyet had tapped him up; it was pants. There were no temper tantrums, he just stopped giving 100% wearing the blue & white stripes. Unforgivable.
If Sunderland thought he was useless in the Prem. What makes anyone think he'll be any better for us if we get there?
I've never bought into these temper tantrum suggestions. As I recall, he was being courted by Poyet and was asked how he felt. I don't know what exactly he said but imaging it was something along the lines that he was torn between the two. Head says go to Sunderland and earn a fortune, heart says stay at the Albion to see if they could go up. Coaches probably decided he couldn't focus on the game. If that was the scenario then it shows he has deep feelings for the club that gave him his chance. Anyone though who wouldn't take financial security over playing for the Albion are living in a different world.
That said, I wouldn't take him back purely on the grounds we don't need him and have moved forward. Maybe in a couple of years and we find ourselves near the foot of the championship or worse then he would be a good player to have in the team.
Oooh, can he play LB?
Exactly. We had enquiries for him and Barnes in the same week and it was obvious they were both off. Bridcutt wasn't in the right frame of mind to play, while, in his last match, Barnes ran his balls off for 90 minutes. I certainly wouldn't have LB back, he may have been good for us once but he didn't look that great on Monday night (I'd be happy if we looked into getting Cook though, he looked wasted in that team).
Lazy journalism, trying to make something out of a non story by implying more than was there in the original piece
(They can't even put the story the right way up either )
No idea what the reality of the situation with LB was nor, I suspect, do most of the other contributors but I think the idea that players should be loyal to a club (or two) come hell or high water is one for the birds in this era.
These guys have a pretty limited shelf life and clubs have no problem getting shot of players when past their sell by date, as we all know. Why blame them for trying to secure their financial future for them and their family in a very uncertain career?
As I recall, LB was voted player of the season by fans at least once, so shouldn't his contribution over many games outweigh a blip (?) towards the end?
If anyone can put their hand on their heart and tell me they've only worked for one company throughout their life then I'll bow to their staying power, of course, but get real....
Not saying we need LB given current squad anyway but I'd have him back in a heartbeat if I thought he was needed......!