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As in we arent getting Delap, or instead of him?

Seems like Lavia has changed his mind since it emerged Long was leaving…

I know I'm in the minority, but I quite like him. He's good going forwards, skillful and seems to have worked a lot on his defending, which was always fairly suspect. We're lucky to have 2 very good right backs, but I think he's pretty good for a reserve right back, and looked good on the right side of a back 3. In the past we've had Stephens out at right back, when we've had injuries and would much rather Valery than him there. I'd say it's worth keeping him to cover Livramento rather than buying someone else for about 3 months worth of matches, as I doubt we'd get anyone significantly better than him (and probably paying much more).

You obviously dont check BBC...!

Fair play - was a great keeper, my favourite since promotion.

Long was incredibly lucky to get his last extension - If we give him a new contract now that would be ridiculous. A move to Reading made sense and he’d still have an impact at that level at a club where he’s held in high regard, so fingers crossed it works out!

Seems bizarre that we have potentially lots of players out of contract but only bothered to mention the two keepers leaving? There's probably about 10 others on pro deals leaving. Oliver Wright* Matthew Hall* Zuriel Otseh-Taiwan* Oludare Olufunwa Will Tizzard* Olly Lancashire* Jack Turner* Shane Long Jayden Smith* Sam Bellis

Fair enough - thanks for the response and insight. Personally, I just thought he looked like he could pick a pass, make a tackle and have a shot, which is something I think we've been lacking from say a second or third choice central midfield player. Looks a little more dynamic than Romeu, but that's obviously just from a very limited viewpoint. I'd prioritise a more creative attacking player, but I'm not against this one.

Based on that video, he looks a much better player than Smallbone, so for a relatively small fee, I'd say he looks pretty good.

I wouldnt read too much into this - Palace as number one?! The guy's blatently never tried to get a drink or go for a p*ss in the Arthur Wait stand (one of main sides) - facilities are probably better in League two!

He has a bit of an erratic style, but with some proper coaching (I.e. not by a goalkeeper) could be decent? He looks like he at least can play football a bit and would say he’s better than Stephens at least (edit: I only saw a bit of the match today)…!

Wan-Bissaka is very good defensively one-on-one, but not very good attacking wise (not as good as Livramento or KWP). Fairly similar style (but better) than the over-rated Tyrick Mitchell, who isn't particularly impressive going forward but pretty good defensively. Walcott deserves a good move to MLS - he'd do well out there in an increasingly competitive league. I think people are forgetting when he first came here, the amount of positive runs him and others were making when we were playing more exciting high tempo attacking /counter attacking football. He was a good asset for us at that time, but then slowly phased out with injuries and non selection. Not sure he offers less than Long to be fair.

Thought he looked pretty good in the couple of games I saw him play..

Could you say he's a more skillful Shane Long?!

He’s the one I’m expecting to do well. Olaigbe was doing well a while back but hasn’t been seen much(?) since his new contract. Both potentially injured?

Hope that experiment is over!

That was ridiculous with JWP. Wasn’t he the main man in the last friendly, taking all set pieces and widely getting praised by everyone for great performances, and then suddenly Ben White gets taken to not play a single minute…

Cant understand why KWP wouldnt be picked for the England squad but Tyrick Mitchell would. Mitchell is ok - he's solid for Palace but hasnt stood out when I've seen them live a few times this season, whereas KWP stands out pretty much every game as being one of the best players on the pitch. Plus he can play both sides. What's not to like?!

I guess Monk is taking the p, - I looked him up and read a few things from the manager saying what a good job he'd been doing...?!

Interesting. Who else is out then? One of Stephens or Bednarek banned? Salisu definitely out?

Thought he played well, as he has done nearly every time he’s played this season (minus getting sent off)! Think we’re pretty lucky to have him in the squad - has matured a lot and really worked on the defensive side of his game. He has a calm style on the ball which I think people in the past have mistaken for not trying… Think he’s pretty good going forwards too

Good news, he's looked dangerous when I've seen him. Worthy of his own thread? Probably worth bringing him more into matchday squads instead of say Long by the end of the season, and see what he can do upfront with either Adams or Broja.

Good to see that people are finally stopping the hate with Valery. Yes, he's made a few mistakes, but until this season, he was a (very attacking) full back, and has now shown flexibility to be in there on the right side of a back 3. Previously he's been called out for his defensive abilities, but looks to have really worked on that, and has been one of our better players in a few matches this season. I'd still probably prefer him at right wing back, but seeing as we have 2 other extremely good options there, if we are to go with the 3/5 at the back then he's become a decent option.

Sounds like the Carlisle fans were probably looking for someone to blame then! Or for some reason expected him to come in and win them the match from centre back on his senior debut 🤣 Good to hear it wasn’t as bad as what I originally heard and sounds like he’ll get more opportunities, even if it is in quite a poor team

Didn’t look terrible, but probably showing some inexperience - first was a header down to an attacker where he seemed to do ok to get the ball but headed it to the worst place, and the second got tight to a player letting the goalscorer nip in through the gap between the centre backs. Hopefully he plays most games between now and the end of the season as it’ll only improve him.