sophocles, on Jun 8 2005, 08:59 PM, said:
I really agree with you on Downes, I'm just not sure if he will develop into the excellent defender he will obviously become in time for next season. I was really impressed with Chief last season; I thought his battling qualities and experience were absolutely vital to us. I'd love to think he could do it for another season, but I'm not sure his fitness will allow it; maybe he'll do the same job, but just have to play fewer games.
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I worry about Downes doing his developing in league games. (Perhaps understandably) he showed incredible naivety at times last season - I'm sure he'd have developed much quicker if he could have gone out on loan somewhere to get some competitive games under his belt.
Soph, I personally feel it's far too early to share your assertion that he will 'obviously becoming an excellent defender,' and though I certainly hope you're right; I believe its far from being a foregone conclusion...