Allen Resurrection (3 Viewers)

[Gint11]

He had a great game yesterday, but I think talk of a big contracts on the back of one decent performance is a bit premature.

Before his latest lay off he was often exposed as a player who lacked the raw physicality sometimes needed.

He’s been out a while, and he’s maybe missed the latest long term coaching which seemed to be “receive ball, slow game down, pass backwards no matter what and your passing success stat will look good”.

It was refreshing yesterday to see him run forward into space and actually attempt passes that might progress the play.

He also ran and read the game well, nipping in to intercept or block or close down passes. His movement to find space was also good which drew players away from our other players.

I’ve been critical of him in the past. Yesterday highlighted where our team on the whole has been lacking; movement, reading of play, progressive passing. Sheaf doesn’t do this naturally, neither does Eccles or Torp. O’Hare and Gus did. It’s clear to me that we need a player in the midfield to actually find the pockets of space. Don’t get me started on our totally gormless lack of historical ability to receive a throw in; our players just standing still.

Overall, great from Allen yesterday, but it just shows up where we were so badly lacking.

id say he either goes in the summer or we offer a 1-year deal and he remains a squad player.

 

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[Mr Panda]

I’d only offer a deal if we’re not going to get someone better. Otherwise he’s a decent earner in a position we obviously need evolution in.

Not taking away from his recent performances, he’s been good. But can we afford him as a long term option where we’re maybe nearing some kind of capacity in terms of our payroll? In that circumstance I’d prefer to cut ties and believe we can get better

 

[PVA]

Played well yesterday. Wouldn't be averse to activating his one year option, but certainly no more than that.

 

[Ricketts]

He reads the game well and gets in the right positions and makes good runs and adds energy.

 

[KenilworthSkyBlue]

Played well yesterday. Wouldn't be averse to activating his one year option, but certainly no more than that.

We might not have a choice to be honest assuming budget is still going to be an issue this summer. It'd be cheaper than bringing in a replacement in.

 

[Irish Sky Blue]

He was getting zero game time as Sheaf - and also under Robins - Eccles - were always preferred.

Robins played him all of the time. He started the season in the team ahead of Eccles. His problem has been that for most of the last 18 months he has been injured or ill.

 

[SBT]

Robins played him all of the time. He started the season in the team ahead of Eccles. His problem has been that for most of the last 18 months he has been injured or ill.

He's 30 this month and has a checkered fitness record over the past couple of years. Any extension is not going to be a lengthy one.

 

[Nick]

To be fair one of the injuries was because he got his cheekbone smashed.

 

[ptr]

Will he be another that now gets himself a new deal before the end of the season? If his form continues, and he continues as captain…you can’t see why not. Low cost option.

Hope he can stay fit!

 

[blunted]

Misread as Alien Resurrection.

 

[oscillatewildly]

To be fair one of the injuries was because he got his cheekbone smashed.

Forgot about that - Sheffield Wednesday down here wasn't it?

 

[robbiekeane]

he has a simple trait that the others don’t have at the moment.

bravery

 

[JSL]

plus we appear to have found a viable on the pitch captain in our ranks

 

[Chicken Mcgraw]

I like Allen a lot and I was disappointed it took Lampard so long to bring him into the fold. My only concern is like with Sheaf, he cannot be playing 90 minutes 3 times a week or he will break down. Let’s see if Lampard learns his lesson after the Sheaf injury but it’s not looking like it so far.

I would be looking to leave him out either at Blackburn or on Saturday

 

[SkyBlueSteve81]

plus we appear to have found a viable on the pitch captain in our ranks

In terms of his effort and attitude he is good as a captain, but he is not vocal enough. A captain needs to be the one organising the team, speaking to the ref and pointing things out, not standing there mute.

 

[JSL]

In terms of his effort and attitude he is good as a captain, but he is not vocal enough. A captain needs to be the one organising the team, speaking to the ref and pointing things out, not standing there mute.

I agree but a definite improvement on Sheaf whose performances seem to be thwarted with the burden of responsibility

 

[SBT]

To be fair one of the injuries was because he got his cheekbone smashed.

I'm thinking more of the knee trouble this season and the potentially career-threatening heart condition last season tbf!

 

[hopesprings]

I’d only offer a deal if we’re not going to get someone better. Otherwise he’s a decent earner in a position we obviously need evolution in.

Not taking away from his recent performances, he’s been good. But can we afford him as a long term option where we’re maybe nearing some kind of capacity in terms of our payroll? In that circumstance I’d prefer to cut ties and believe we can get better

Well you might think we can get better....but we havent... and weve been apparently trying for 2 years almost

 

[no_loyalty]

Absolute class again from Allen.

 

[usskyblue]

MOM per Blackburn comms

 

[Sky Blue Goblin]

Who thought the answer to our midfield issue was Jamie Allen

 

[SeshMouseSkyBlue]

Sheaf who?…

 

[Cally Fedora]

Started to dominate the game the longer it went. Was everywhere and just made good, calm decisions.

 

[CieloAzul]

Allen had a really good game tonight. Broke up play, calm on the ball, good tackles. Deserving of the armband.

 

[SIR ERNIE]

Allen's clearly no world beater but he does what he does really well and consistently.
Progressive with the ball, creative, good vision, battles and covers well.
His return to the team is a refreshing change from the robotic midfield play we've experienced.

 

[ajsccfc]

Another solid performance, both calm and busy at the same time. Exactly what we've needed in these games

 

[stay_up_skyblues]

Every season we earmark him for moving on/squad player, every season he works his way back in and stakes his claim. Fair fucking play.

 

[Evo1883]

He's quickly become a vital part of the team



Again

 

[quinn1971]

Shouldn’t really be surprised should we ? since he’s come back in the efforts gone up, does the hard work,

 

[fernandopartridge]

Another player shmmeee doesn't rate

 

[ptr]

Will he be another that now gets himself a new deal before the end of the season? If his form continues, and he continues as captain…you can’t see why not. Low cost option.

Hope he can stay fit!

Activate the extension please Doug.

 

[AFCCOVENTRY]

He leads by example and is one of the first names on the team sheet now. That what you want from a captain.

 

[skyblue_55]

Another great display last night Jamie ……4 in a row …….keep it up

 

[TomRad85]

Kind of nice to still have a player from the League 1 promotion season in there too.

 

[Robinshio]

at the moment he gets in ahead of Sheaf in my opinion