Following Ben Foster’s show of support today I thought it was the right moment to bring the subject of Chris Brunt to the surface. We are all thinking about it so let’s have it out.
Whilst a good servant to the club, I no longer rate Brunt as regular starter in our team or even a premier league player. The bloke has never had pace but I feel he has lost the zip and invention he had 3 seasons a go. If you lose your zip then your quality has to be consistent of which I don’t think his is. In fact I would go as far as saying that I don’t think Brunt would stand out in an average championship side. Question - If he was playing in the Championship now, would he be a target of ours and would you want to sign him? I think the answer is a resounding no. Although we did sign Chris Baird – god love him
The fact Irvine continued Brunt’s captaincy was silly and naïve. We needed a fresh start. Irvine had the perfect opportunity to give it to someone like Foster (who is guaranteed to start every game if fit) and then explained to the outfield players that competition for starting places is intense and no one is guaranteed to start therefore I don’t want to give the captaincy to an outfield player until they prove they deserve to start every week. That ‘should’ install the hunger in players and give them an even bigger desire to break into the starting 11.
I always support the players on the pitch and I would never boo anyone off the pitch. However, the fan’s have a right to voice their opinion and without booing or sarcastic cheers, it’s the only way the message can get through at times. 24,000 people can’t all be wrong can they???
Anyways, much looking forward to peoples views on this subject in particular…
Whilst a good servant to the club, I no longer rate Brunt as regular starter in our team or even a premier league player. The bloke has never had pace but I feel he has lost the zip and invention he had 3 seasons a go. If you lose your zip then your quality has to be consistent of which I don’t think his is. In fact I would go as far as saying that I don’t think Brunt would stand out in an average championship side. Question - If he was playing in the Championship now, would he be a target of ours and would you want to sign him? I think the answer is a resounding no. Although we did sign Chris Baird – god love him
The fact Irvine continued Brunt’s captaincy was silly and naïve. We needed a fresh start. Irvine had the perfect opportunity to give it to someone like Foster (who is guaranteed to start every game if fit) and then explained to the outfield players that competition for starting places is intense and no one is guaranteed to start therefore I don’t want to give the captaincy to an outfield player until they prove they deserve to start every week. That ‘should’ install the hunger in players and give them an even bigger desire to break into the starting 11.
I always support the players on the pitch and I would never boo anyone off the pitch. However, the fan’s have a right to voice their opinion and without booing or sarcastic cheers, it’s the only way the message can get through at times. 24,000 people can’t all be wrong can they???
Anyways, much looking forward to peoples views on this subject in particular…