The qualities of certain players have always been the subject for much debate among supporters but I expect there would have been a lot of mutual head scratching among Albion fans this week.
Only the most romantic among them would have held out much hope of old favourites like Kerry Mayo, Gary Hart and Guy Butters surviving the end of season clearout but it is the identity of two of those not shown the door which has raised the most eyebrows.
Obviously Dean Wilkins must see something in Scott Chamberlain and Doug Loft to hand them another chance despite the fact they have hardly set the world alight as professionals.
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Loft was signed from Hastings United by former boss Mark McGhee in January 2006 but has only started seven games since with another 24 appearances as a substitute.
Chamberlain was given a two-year pro deal after coming through the ranks in 2006 but his only experience of first team action was when he came off the bench in the Johnston Paints Trophy defeat at Bristol City in January 2007.
Compare that with someone like David Martot who made 31 appearances this season alone but was allowed to leave or Sam Rents, another young prospect, who has played more than 30 games for the first team.
You could argue that both are still learning their trade but Loft turns 22 later this year while Chamberlain is hardly still wet behind the ears at the age of 20.
Tommy Fraser and Dean Cox are only a few months older than Chamberlain but between them they have made more than 150 appearances and are established first team players.
Hopefully both will prove Wilkins' judgement right and develop into fine players next season but the only way they will do that is if the manager gives them an opportunity.
The other interesting thing to come from the mass cull of out-of-contract players is that it leaves the Seagulls without a recognised left-back.
Matt Richards was the regular in that position last season but was only on loan from Ipswich while Mayo and Rents have been told they are surplus to requirements.
i seriously think the players were chosen on the day of the sussex final, scott scored one and gets a contract, fogden had good game and gets contract, rents and cobbs had average game and they get released. as for loft the decision is a joke, if he was any good he would have played left wing , cox right wing, odd that scott did little at bognor, and cobbs and gargan had rave reviews for welling!! thats a league above bognor, the loft contract wont be forgotten by the rents fans if dean has a poor start to season.
i seriously think the players were chosen on the day of the sussex final, scott scored one and gets a contract, fogden had good game and gets contract, rents and cobbs had average game and they get released. as for loft the decision is a joke, if he was any good he would have played left wing , cox right wing, odd that scott did little at bognor, and cobbs and gargan had rave reviews for welling!! thats a league above bognor, the loft contract wont be forgotten by the rents fans if dean has a poor start to season.
Posted by: Bob, Pease Pottage on 7:19pm Wed 7 May 08
Lets not get over critical of the management team until we see whats coming in.
To me this is simply a case of clearing the decks for some quality.
Butters leaves and Lloyd has his sights on a danish replacement, no doubt more mobile than Butters.
With 3 left backs leaving and Richards available for free suggests he will be coming.
Leven, who Lloyd described as Chesterfields best player by a country mile, looks likely to sign.
Then there is the prospect of Westlake returning.
Also a rumour that Bertin could re-sign.
These are exciting times - a little belief is needed!!
Lets not get over critical of the management team until we see whats coming in.
To me this is simply a case of clearing the decks for some quality.
Butters leaves and Lloyd has his sights on a danish replacement, no doubt more mobile than Butters.
With 3 left backs leaving and Richards available for free suggests he will be coming.
Leven, who Lloyd described as Chesterfields best player by a country mile, looks likely to sign.
Then there is the prospect of Westlake returning.
Also a rumour that Bertin could re-sign.
These are exciting times - a little belief is needed!!
[quote][bold]Bob[/bold] wrote:
Lets not get over critical of the management team until we see whats coming in. To me this is simply a case of clearing the decks for some quality. Butters leaves and Lloyd has his sights on a danish replacement, no doubt more mobile than Butters. With 3 left backs leaving and Richards available for free suggests he will be coming. Leven, who Lloyd described as Chesterfields best player by a country mile, looks likely to sign. Then there is the prospect of Westlake returning. Also a rumour that Bertin could re-sign. These are exciting times - a little belief is needed!![/quote] so why keep those two? and what happens if richards gets injured?
Bob wrote:
Lets not get over critical of the management team until we see whats coming in. To me this is simply a case of clearing the decks for some quality. Butters leaves and Lloyd has his sights on a danish replacement, no doubt more mobile than Butters. With 3 left backs leaving and Richards available for free suggests he will be coming. Leven, who Lloyd described as Chesterfields best player by a country mile, looks likely to sign. Then there is the prospect of Westlake returning. Also a rumour that Bertin could re-sign. These are exciting times - a little belief is needed!!
so why keep those two? and what happens if richards gets injured?
Posted by: mick, brighton pier on 10:01pm Wed 7 May 08
we still need another centre half, and we need to sign richards. would like to see bertin back. or racon, but we are in serious need of a winger, which leaves robinson on bench with gatting, and dixon with one way back to hampshire. of the players kept, ie loft fogden and co, how many games will this lot get between them?
we still need another centre half, and we need to sign richards. would like to see bertin back. or racon, but we are in serious need of a winger, which leaves robinson on bench with gatting, and dixon with one way back to hampshire. of the players kept, ie loft fogden and co, how many games will this lot get between them?
Posted by: McKenzie, Llangenny on 11:24pm Wed 7 May 08
It's down to money. Butters, Hart, Mayo and Reid are senior professionals and are paid as such. Loft and Chamberlain will be on a fraction of the wages, they will play a certain amount of games next season but will basically be 'squad' players, they are young so may have a bit of improvement left in them as well.
I really don't have a problem with the way the team is being managed, and I'm looking forward to seeing who we get in to replace the old guard.
It's down to money. Butters, Hart, Mayo and Reid are senior professionals and are paid as such. Loft and Chamberlain will be on a fraction of the wages, they will play a certain amount of games next season but will basically be 'squad' players, they are young so may have a bit of improvement left in them as well.
I really don't have a problem with the way the team is being managed, and I'm looking forward to seeing who we get in to replace the old guard.
[quote][bold]Bob[/bold] wrote:
Lets not get over critical of the management team until we see whats coming in. To me this is simply a case of clearing the decks for some quality. Butters leaves and Lloyd has his sights on a danish replacement, no doubt more mobile than Butters. With 3 left backs leaving and Richards available for free suggests he will be coming. Leven, who Lloyd described as Chesterfields best player by a country mile, looks likely to sign. Then there is the prospect of Westlake returning. Also a rumour that Bertin could re-sign. These are exciting times - a little belief is needed!![/quote] Richards on a free? you're having a laugh aren't you? if hes on a free we have no chance of getting him as half the clubs in the championship would sign him.
Bob wrote:
Lets not get over critical of the management team until we see whats coming in. To me this is simply a case of clearing the decks for some quality. Butters leaves and Lloyd has his sights on a danish replacement, no doubt more mobile than Butters. With 3 left backs leaving and Richards available for free suggests he will be coming. Leven, who Lloyd described as Chesterfields best player by a country mile, looks likely to sign. Then there is the prospect of Westlake returning. Also a rumour that Bertin could re-sign. These are exciting times - a little belief is needed!!
Richards on a free? you're having a laugh aren't you? if hes on a free we have no chance of getting him as half the clubs in the championship would sign him.
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