Match Thread Away V Walsall Saturday 27th Feb @ 3.00pm.

I'd ask you the same what game were you watching, Gilks pull a worldy out to stop AOC header.

 

I agree he has linked up well in attack since he moved to full back he has surprised me

 

Strange comment seeing as I was quoting you saying aoc doesn't offer the attacking threat that Hossannah does.

 

I'll take it this reply is for me.
AOC doesn't offer the same attacking qualities of Hossannah but that does not mean he carries no attacking thread as you're quoting.
I couldnt see Hosannah being in that position to get a very good header in as AOC did.

 

I can see Hosannah playing further upfield later into his career, full on wingback or even winger. He's a quick, talented young player. But is he a better defender at RB than AOC? I don't currently think so. Does AOC still manage to get forward and make things happen? Yes, I think he does - and that's a bonus for the tactical formation he's being played in at the moment. Whatever, we're lucky to have them both on the books at the moment.

 

Right. I've raised this a couple of times already in the last few weeks. If he continues this form I think we should be ready to offer AOC a new contract at the end of the season.
As an aside, I've never seen him as pumped and passionate as he was when celebrating Rowe's goal.

 

I'm not saying he offers no attacking threat. I'm being sarcastic.

 

That unlike you .

 

It'd depend on how much he wanted for me. Apparently he's on a very good deal and as much as I think he's contributing at present I wouldn't be comfortable with him remaining a "top earner". There would be plenty of right backs out there who could do a similar, if not better job for less if that were the case.

 

I agree. That said I think many L2 footballers will have to adjust their expectations nowadays.

 

If we can re-sign O'Connor at the going rate for a good, experienced L2 defender who can be effective in the centre or at right back then it's a no-brainer for us to do so. He's a decent performer at this level.

 

AOC is actually good going foward, a couple of times against Bolton he was in and around the penalty.

 

He is a different player now and looks to have bought in to what we are trying to do, in fact he has easily redeemed himself and is a major part of our brilliant back 4 ..

 

If you have a really decent defender, which I think AOC is in Lg 2, for me the only reason not to renew his contract would be about the money he's on, or expects to re-sign on. If you've a player showing the kind of consistency he has - and oh my goodness, hasn't Canavan made such a difference in influence to that for all of our defence - I'd say for all his previous indiscretions, much better the devil you know.

 

I suspect he'll be priced out of our range next season.

 

hi TB. By that do you mean other clubs would be prepared to offer more than us? I still think it's going to be a buyers market next season with not enough contracts to go round

 

I was thinking more in terms of his or his agent's thoughts on his worth. Given the way he has played the last few months I certainly imagine he would get plenty of offers .

 

But I'm really not sure from who. He's a good Lg 2 defender - not sure he's a player who many Lg 1 clubs will be wanting to pay over the odds for in terms of wages. Ergo, what other Lg 2 would be able to pay him more than he's on with us? So his agent's got a job on at the end of this season to get him what he deserves in the next stage of his career, with us or elsewhere. Agents are the scourge of football, bloody parasites who take plenty from out beautiful game, but give very very little back. But I still hope AOC stays with us.

 

Experienced defenders tend to get a job elsewhere.

NKP and Mellor walked into other teams, AOC will too when we release him.

 

For ages, I've wanted him to go. Now, I'd be more than happy for him to stay.