Recent Reader Comments

• We all know that Jake is a CB but all credit to Moyes for using him as a full back rather than leave him rotting in the reserves like Dyche did. I am sure at some point next season we will see Jake and Jarrod being paired together, I think Tarkowski is a liability he is getting slower by the week he refuses to move far from our 18 yard box because of his lack of pace. This season Keane has been our best CB and he carries a threat in the opponents box. ...
  Brian Harrison in “I was happy to be back in my natural position” - Jake O’Brien on playing centrally in recent games
• Neil. I'm not sure about Aznou's defending, but I don't really rate Mykolenko. He's an average defender who cannot head a ball properly - watch him in his next game - he always mistimes hus jump and heads it straight up in the air, or it runs down his forehead. A bit Per Kroldrup, perhaps? I would therefore give Aznou a chance. Dibling lacks confidence because he's another that Moyes won't give him minutes. If only he'd put his boot right through that chance against Leeds, that would have done him the world of good. Patterson for me is a good full back who again was short of confidence after a bad run of injuries- mainly for Scotland - so I see no reason to perdist with Jake there barring emergencies. Keane has been our best CB. He's played really well, whilst Tarky has gone backwards, upped his snide level, and his exocet passing to nearby colleagues has directly led to goals conceded this season. The team I put up is the team I would pick, and it should be our starting 1...
  Keith Harrison in “I was happy to be back in my natural position” - Jake O’Brien on playing centrally in recent games
• Love the phrase "... a fish in a birdcage" Darren. New one to me. It sums up a good point neatly and I also agree re Keane been vital to us this season.I am quite interested how our defensive lineup pans out for rest of season after failure re full back recruitment in window.I just hope lineup becomes stable to they work as a defensive team who know each other well and anticipate what each other will do and compensate for weak points of each other. ...
  Ged Simpson in “I was happy to be back in my natural position” - Jake O’Brien on playing centrally in recent games
• I think all three have their flaws. Keane is error prone and losses his man, Tarkowski is rash and lacks pace, Obrien is still young, but is guilty of making individual errors. And I doubt he will ever be in the same class as Branthwaite. If we are serious about competiting at the top and winning honours, I think you need better than Keane & Tarkowski. They are a million miles off England class, and I think that's the level you need to be on a key area of the pitch. Some will point to their stats, which are impressive. But put them in a world cup, and they'd be eaten for breakfast. Too early to call on O'brien, but I think he looks more a good stopper than a defender that will be seem as elite. Will he be in the conversation as a top 4 defender?I cant see it. Harsh, probably and it will divide the fan base. But you either want to get to the top or you don't. And having better quality players comes with the territory. Look at Chelsea, City, Liverpoo - the ...
  Ian Bennett in “I was happy to be back in my natural position” - Jake O’Brien on playing centrally in recent games
• I’ll make a wager that our centre back pairing next season will be Branthwaite and O’Brien. Under a new manager, possibly, and hopefully, Iraola. But even if Moyes stays, that will be the pairing once we get in new full backs and until that happens I think we’ll continue with the four centre backs in most games....
  Mark Murphy in “I was happy to be back in my natural position” - Jake O’Brien on playing centrally in recent games
• Im going to be very controversial here now and say that one of Tarks biggest qualities is that he keeps Pickfords ranting and raving under control so the back four are not intimidated by him. Hence Keane is much better this season....
  Neil Cremin in “I was happy to be back in my natural position” - Jake O’Brien on playing centrally in recent games