Bartley

[Omegstrat6]

O’Shea doesn’t escape my criticism Salt......I think he’s a very poor player.

No pace, too short and poor positional sense.

For me he has the major trait of every poor defender, he’s always on the stretch, he makes everything look like hard work.

That's it in a nutshell really. Prior to his injury he did have some good games for us and demonstrated lots of energy and competitiveness. Since then too much of his play has been sloppy but, over all, I agree with you. Good defenders always look solid and comfortable as well as being very aware positionally but Dara is one of those who too often looks over-stretched. Hopefully Corberan can get him to improve in these areas but he's never going to be a Statham.

[baggiematt]

It's always amazing how average centre halves can look quite decent when they are properly protected. Bartley and O'Shea are ok but they've been exposed all season by the lack of tactics under Bruce and the poor quality ahead of them and next to them.

We look much better now with Okay back in the team as part of a three man middle.

[WBA123]

It's always amazing how average centre halves can look quite decent when they are properly protected. Bartley and O'Shea are ok but they've been exposed all season by the lack of tactics under Bruce and the poor quality ahead of them and next to them.

We look much better now with Okay back in the team as part of a three man middle.

Completely agree.

Remember Lescott? Looked pretty solid for us with Mulumbu and Yacob in front of him. Went to Villa and helped get them relegated because he was so exposed. Same defender, just a different team set up made him look woeful.