GillsBluenose - 31/5/2017 14:05
I know some say you should look at a what a player can do and not what he can't do but considering midfield is the only area where we are already overstocked I would point out that although he can pass and has a reasonable engine, how would you rate him in the following?
1. Tackling and physicality
2. Tracking the opposition when they have the ball
3. Goal ratio
4. Heading and winning the ball in the air
5. Temperament.
For instance I think he would have been as much good as a chocolate teapot in our home game v Bolton last season when we were totally outmuscled.
I can't think of a single thing that people said we were lacking last year that Payne would improve.
Only my opinion and I need not say that I was never a fan.
In the middle of midfield we have:
Dack - could potentially leave
Wright - could potentially leave
Knott - could potentially leave
Hess Jr
Morris
Byrne
Will Oldaker be trusted to be a starter?
The key question is if he is better than those expected to stay.
In terms of the checklist then I'd say yes to the temperament aspect. As for the others
1) + 2) He was never a defensive midfielder whose game was getting stuck in. If Morris is asked to anchor the midfield then his tackling is good enough.
, it depends on the role he would be asked to play. For me he was someone who could do a bit of everything. He is not a defensive midfielder - Morris will do that role. And he won't be as creative as Dack.
3) He prior scored 5 goals in about 100 matches for us. He is no Bradley Dack on fire.
4) So should we only sign 6ft plus players? Is heading really a key skill for a midfielder.
What he is good at and what we have lacked is someone in the middle of the park who is happy with the ball at his feet and is happy to dictate the game and set the pace.
The issue is whether or not since he left us as a talented youngster has he improved, stayed the same or gone backwards. On the odd match I have seen him since he left, he looks to me to be a better player than both Byrne and Hess and would get the nod if he signed. Of course, he might have raised his game for those matches.