25 Aug 2026 11:15:54
If Jake O'Brien can be persuaded to hang fire on his wish to leave, a new manager, some time in the next 12 months, would very likely have a different view, between him and Tarks, as a first team starter.
{Ed025's Note - you could be right AB..
25 Aug 2026 12:54:41
O Brien must have been totally demoralised last season, being played out of position for virtually the whole season.
Don't think we have seen enough of him in central defence to form a proper opinion on his ability.
What I do know is that if he goes he will need replacing in the window, as we cannot go through a season with only Tarkowski, Keane, and Branthwaite (with a fitness question mark) as our only central defenders.
{Ed025's Note - i cant see the point of getting rid of him myself FG, hes young and as far as im concerned able to be a good option at centre half, if he wants to go then i can understand that but Tarks and Keano are not getting any younger and giving Tarks the captaincy was a poor choice for me which means he is not getting dropped any time soon, a bit blinkered by the manager on that one i feel..
25 Aug 2026 13:30:17
Agree with you on that Ed; we've shot ourselves in the foot with this.
Given he has been captaining the side last season, it was always likely to go to him but we should be happy to drop him if his form goes. Unlike Coleman, he won't get easily injured and spend the season in the medical room as he's made of steel it also explains why he's so slow sometimes
{Ed025's Note - club Captain yes but not on the pitch BR, your place has to be nailed on for me and i dont think he comes into that category personally mate..
25 Aug 2026 13:45:58
Could not agree more Ed025, you have summed the exact situation we are in.
25 Aug 2026 13:50:58
I thought that about the captaincy Ed. It just makes it all the harder (and creates pressure and silly headlines) if he needs to be dropped, which is more than possible if his form (as it has before) drops.
Personally, I would have made a fresh start and instead of promoting the vice captain, I'd have given the armband to KDH.
{Ed025's Note - it would have been Jimmy Garner for me Benny but i suppose thats subjective mate..
25 Aug 2026 18:02:44
I would have given it to Alcaraz, he sees them train everyday. ?
25 Aug 2026 20:49:59
Why, if it's true that he has requested to leave, would we keep an unhappy player? It never works out and the player gets what they want in the end. Think about the likes of Barmby, Rooney, Lescott etc. In the end, we had no choice but to let them go.
The difference with Jake is that he won't be heading to any of the top teams, it will be a backwards step for him if he does get his wish. If leaving is his wish, that is. If he wants out, then the club should get the most they can for him and wish him all the best.