Keep him or Punt him

[dasdeid]

I’m not a fan of Lionel Ainsworth and posted over the years my dislike as more often AWOL and best coming off bench.
However, last night against Kilmarnock he came off bench made the difference and surprisingly for once did not go AWOL. His contribution whilst on and his goal both memorable. Why can’t he do this weekly as no doubt on that form an asset. I’m prone to side with Punt him as weary too many forgettable performances ... at least out with a Bang

[DIBolton]

He does always raise his game when its contract renewal time. Last last night he won 3 50:50 tackles as well, which is 3 more than I've seen before. I'd keep him for another year for his ability to come off the bench and change games, albeit occasionally. Not many of our squad can do that.

[Handsome_Devil]

Unless we can persuade him to take a contract based almost solely on performance, I'd punt him. He'll be one of our top earners by now and simply doesn't justify it.

[dazlhigh]

He does always raise his game when its contract renewal time. Last last night he won 3 50:50 tackles as well, which is 3 more than I've seen before. I'd keep him for another year for his ability to come off the bench and change games, albeit occasionally. Not many of our squad can do that.

On balance, I agree. He's the one threat we've got in terms of pace, and although he sometimes doesn't get involved enough, he can turn a game. If he fits within the budget - and he's played in the right position - I'd be happy to have him available.
PS - it wasn't just tackles on Tuesday; I distinctly saw Lionel winning two headers!

[sieb1886]

Punt.
No room for shirkers next season. Let some other team have the 'luxury' of paying him to turn up for 1 game out of 30+. There's scores of Lionel 'clones' in the lower leagues down south - Robinson knows that I reckon.

[WoodyG]

In the past I always argued, that on balance, we should keep him because he was always capable of delivering something special.

But it just doesn't happen often enough for us to pay for that luxury, so I'm afraid it's adios amigo.

[neillyboy]

Anonymous in too many games. Punt him

[wellin]

It's a difficult one really. When he's on form he's an asset to us, but i don't think he performs nearly enough to the best of his ability. I notice he said in the paper the other day he wants to stay, but after the game on Tuesday out on the pitch i saw him speaking to a fan and his body language suggested he was off. Maybe looking to much into it.