Ryan Shotton

[D_D]

I reckon this lad deserves a bit of praise.

Many posters on here, myself and rapid being two of the main culprits, claimed Shotton wasn't a left centre back and he wasn't the answer in that position.

However, his development over the last few games has been outstanding. He's growing into the position, and his partnerships with Forsyth and Keogh are ever strengthening. He's got all the tools regarding what it takes to be an imposing centre-back; he has strength, a good leap, relative pace and aggression (something Zak severely lacks). His left-foot and general passing are improving week-to-week, and although he isn't there yet, he looks like he's on his way to cementing his place in the team for the rest of the season.

The danger he adds from set-pieces should also be noted. He seemingly leaps the highest when a ball enters the box.

I'd be interested to get peoples thoughts on this, as I know many saw the CB position as something we needed to strengthen come January. Personally, wi

[Manofpride]

I might get slaughtered here but I think he is a weak link, not the answer IMO and it should be the next priority signing!

[D_D]

I might get slaughtered here but I think he is a weak link, not the answer IMO and it should be the next priority signing!

Fair enough MOP, care to elaborate on why?

I'm not certain he's the answer myself, but I'm impressed with his improvement.

[Rapid]

I might get slaughtered here but I think he is a weak link, not the answer IMO and it should be the next priority signing!

completely agree MOP!

sorry D_D my opinion hasn't changed. he has improved since his first few appearances. but I really am get board of saying this now, people tend to notice his mistakes because we haven't been punished by the opposition.

I didn't think he was great at Watford (despite your praise in the ratings). there was one occasion he came racing out, got beaten and ended up on his ****. fortunately they didn't score, nobody seems to care. several other occasions where he didn't win the header.

I still think bucko is the best option for Keogh's partner and can't understand for the life of me why he's not playing.

[D_D]

Fair points well made rapid. I do notice mistakes in his game, but I factored in he was playing against very good players in Deeney and Forrestieri, both of which he had the best of. He made one mistake which wasn't punished. It's no different to Martin's miss IMO.

I'm not saying he's the finished article by any means, I just think if the rate of improvement continues he could be a good player. See Jake Buxton last season for similar example.

As for Jake, I love him as a player, especially for his distribution. However, he's become injury prone again this season, and I feel that factors into McClaren's thinking; he wants a settled back four.

[su4eranio]

Credit to Shotton, he has played better and improved in the position, and contributed to wins and clean sheets

That said, I see him as cover for Keogh. He will look a better player when on his natural right side. Unfortunately for him, hasnt had the opportunity to play there and show us how good he can really be. I do prefer to see players in their best positions, and myself, I would sooner have Jake there. He was immense last season, and when you say injuries, he's only had the one hasnt he? Other issue was a sending off which cost him his place

Think Bucko more suited to our passing it out from the back game

But as you say, Shotton has still deserved some praise!

[Rapid]

the thing is we've really got to start thinking about the possibility of the premier league now. without counting chickens and get too carried away we've got a great chance. we saw what happened when billy bag eyes didn't do his scouting before hand and signed a load of players that weren't really good enough for the championship never mind prem.

ask yourself...would shotton be good enough as a premier league centre back? he'd get murdered imo. so as MOP says it should be our best big priority signing, whether that's in January or the summer.

in fairness if he can keep this progression of a good partnership with Keogh from now until the end of the season and we go up, he'll have done well.

[D_D]

the thing is we've really got to start thinking about the possibility of the premier league now. without counting chickens and get too carried away we've got a great chance. we saw what happened when billy bag eyes didn't do his scouting before hand and signed a load of players that weren't really good enough for the championship never mind prem.

ask yourself...would shotton be good enough as a premier league centre back? he'd get murdered imo. so as MOP says it should be our best big priority signing, whether that's in January or the summer.

in fairness if he can keep this progression of a good partnership with Keogh from now until the end of the season and we go up, he'll have done well.

Okay, in an ideal world we'd sign a centre-back capable of playing in the Premier League, who'd lift us to the next level this season too.

As a side question, who you you rather sign, strong back-up for Martin, or a CB? Ideally, we'd do both, bu

[su4eranio]

Glen Murray and Mark Hudosn - missed 2 great Championship players in the Aug window IMO! Would still take either in January if only we had chance

[su4eranio]

And another one...the left back who played for Milwall at PPS this season. As good as any LB I've seen this year so far, and could challenge Brucie. Was a young lad, quick, strong and decent going forwards