I do genuinely believe if Pearson had played Welbeck instead of Deeney as first choice after lockdown we would’ve stayed up. I know it’s one of those things that is impossible to prove, but I think the fact Welbeck scored an overhead kick, shows he was able to make a level of contribution that was in a different stratosphere to Troy’s skill set by that stage of his career. Then of course if we’d stayed up Welbeck would’ve stayed and may have been a different player. Unfortunately Pearson was a pashun merchant and it probably never crossed his mind to go with the more skilful player, over the one who talks a good game.
Not sure what lessons there are. If a club think a player is going to be an asset to the club, there is a fair chance they will agree terms. Same with any club. Sometimes it works out and sometimes it don't. Hopefully it don't leave any 'scars' for future negotiations.
Did Deeney have Pearson by the ******** by that stage? Maybe, although at the same time, I can understand the reluctance to play Welbeck given his injury record, and we did need someone to play left-wing after Deulofeu got injured, Pereyra was woeful and JP was a green kid
Success running him close haha. What did he do? Others in the past did naff all. Nonsense post all round.
Exactly Skyla, that was the turning point for me. Up to that point, he hadn't been great but most of us were still on-side with him, especially those who actually go, then suddenly he does the ear cupping to away fans miles from home? **** that, from then on I was on his case big time!
Starting to get a bit twitchy about this one, sounded like all done and dusted yesterday and yet he's still here!
Pearson played Deeney as he trusted him and had done very well in our mini run over the Christmas period. Albeit that was when we had Sarr and GD playing well too and Deeney wasn't carrying an injury then. I agree Welbeck could have been a useful option to start but it was clear the club in general really didn't fancy returning after the lockdown and it showed.
I can understand Deeney's reasons for being wary about project restart, but Jesus, by the sounds of it, the club were so ******* bad at organising anything then, the only person who seemed to get anything out of it was JP, who used the time to bulk up in preparation for the physical side of English football
Yes he did have COVID and I think that is why he was so vocal about the situation but no-one else followed so he looked a bit silly. Then we had our own players breaking the lock down rules so all left a bit of a sour taste I suspect and any doubts we had were made to look like excuses. Pedro might have been useful but I don't think he was ever going to play under someone like Pearson - certainly not start. But he probably should have noted Troy wasn't fully fit but sometimes these old school managers let players play unfit. He would have gone for experienced, older players regardless.
If you like them, come round to mine at about 830 tomorrow morning and I'll sell you an assorted box of Havanas.
He’s gone to QPR. Just confirmed by the clubs Twitter account. https://twitter.com/WatfordFC/status/1432772724607356930?s=20