12 Feb 2026 13:25:56
I echo a lot of what others have posted since the Bournemouth game.
First of all was surprised he didn’t start with O’Brien and Branthwaite at CB and Patterson at RB, for 2 reasons. Firstly I would expect O’Brien and Branthwaite to be the starting pairing for next season unless Moyes has other intentions. The manager says the players must take their opportunities to keep their place when selected. We know Patterson has short comings in his game but is improving and perhaps keep him in as long as this improvement continues. A good injury free run in the side could show promise. It would give more stability playing in their own positions. I feel Tarkowski would benefit from a rest.
A lot is said about Beto and Barry. This time last year Beto was scoring goals and was starting every game if I remember. Return to this situation and see if he picks up form. Barry sometimes doesn’t look like a footballer much of the time. I’ve never noticed him move to attack a ball and seems to wait for the ball to come to him. I thought a natural striker moves to the ball or where he expects it to go. He’s certainly not a Lineker or Latchford or Ferguson type. It’s easy for me to say as I’ve never been a footballer so maybe missing other things. I did read he originally started as a centre back in the game and then change to striker. The mind boggles.
So I would give time to playing the younger strikers on the books, give them the last half hour to get the feel of Premier and see what they can do and assess if they can make the level required. Other clubs give them chances.
We have Garner and Dewsbury Hall and Ndaiye who are playing well and the club needs every game. Garner and Dewsbury Hall are no doubt under consideration for World Cup selection for England as the England manager has been present at several matches. Now Branthwaite is back playing he is also in consideration and to get back to what he was before his injury. Also Pickford but he’s already there.
For the future, next season the club have to keep these players to build around for next season
In January I watched some of the Macclesfield v Palace cup tie. The Mac’s captain got me thinking. He was midfielder who can play centre back, similar player to Gareth Barry. He got stuck in and with his leadership qualities reminded me of John McGinn at Villa. I’m not saying sign him but started thinking why aren’t the club looking at clubs between Macclesfield and Arsenal in their leagues because that is where the future England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland players are developing. We should now have eyes on potential replacement in years to come to replace Pickford
Dibbling I don’t know what to think. What I do say is what return have the club had for their investment in Beto, Barry and Dibbling.
Another concern I’ve read that the club looking at bringing back John Stones from city. Might be just gossip but Keane contract expires at end of season doesn’t it, but as others say give Keane a run as striker till season end, he can shoot straight and head a ball.
Sorry for the long rant.
12 Feb 2026 13:53:08
Good post there Brian mate!
Agree with looking at the lower leagues for some gems. Some recent ones that spring to mind, albeit Championship - Wharton, Eze and Olise.
Then some older ones Kevin Keegan - Scunthorpe to the Red. Psycho Peace - Wealdstone to Cov. Les Ferdinand - Hayes to QPR. Ian Wright - Greenwich Borough to Palace. Joe Hart - Shrewsbury to Man City. Our very own Cahill, Lescott and John Stones from Millwall, Wolves and Barnsley. Vardy - Stocksbridge Park Steels all the way to winning the PL with Leicester and playing for England.
One thing I don't agree with though is people calling for Keane to play up top. He is a centre back. Can he strike a football, absolutely, but playing up top is far more complex than just wellying one when you get the chance. I think it looks so amateur to make this kind of sub in todays game. It is also baffling that he took a striker off, that granted, missed 2 sitters but has been in fair form of late, for another striker, to then bring a centre back on to put up front.
12 Feb 2026 20:30:56
Sadly, it fits Moyes game plan though BN. Hoof and hope.