Smurf
Private Member
- Joined
- May 15, 2003
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I've always thought Paul Hanlon is an underrated player. I've never bought into this 'Shanlon' stuff that many have said.
However, I don't think he's the player he once was. I don't think he's finished and I'm not saying he's not got anything to offer. However, I don't think he's good enough now to be an automatic starter, for where we want to be and where we should be.
I have never been convinced by him as captain and I've often wondered if this responsibility has hindered his game? There's two instances this season where I admit he's really pissed me off. One off the field and the other on it.
Off the field it was the live interview with our captain from the team hotel the night before the semi-final v the Gunts. Asked what advice he'd give any young player for the game he said to "...treat it like any other game...". My argument would be that that lot don't treat like this as "any other game" hence why they've got something over us at times....
On the field I think his performance as St Johnstone took their missed penalty told us a lot. The St Johnstone player who struck the rebound from the initial Macey save was behind Hanlon when the penalty kick was taken. The St Johnstone player had more anticipation and determination for a possible follow up than Paul Hanlon. Pretty poor for a captain and centre back. Where's his desire??!!
The obvious guy to go and buy as a ready made replacement as captain is Jason Kerr. Sadly I just can't see us affording him unless they're prepared to accept cash + players.
However, I don't think he's the player he once was. I don't think he's finished and I'm not saying he's not got anything to offer. However, I don't think he's good enough now to be an automatic starter, for where we want to be and where we should be.
I have never been convinced by him as captain and I've often wondered if this responsibility has hindered his game? There's two instances this season where I admit he's really pissed me off. One off the field and the other on it.
Off the field it was the live interview with our captain from the team hotel the night before the semi-final v the Gunts. Asked what advice he'd give any young player for the game he said to "...treat it like any other game...". My argument would be that that lot don't treat like this as "any other game" hence why they've got something over us at times....
On the field I think his performance as St Johnstone took their missed penalty told us a lot. The St Johnstone player who struck the rebound from the initial Macey save was behind Hanlon when the penalty kick was taken. The St Johnstone player had more anticipation and determination for a possible follow up than Paul Hanlon. Pretty poor for a captain and centre back. Where's his desire??!!
The obvious guy to go and buy as a ready made replacement as captain is Jason Kerr. Sadly I just can't see us affording him unless they're prepared to accept cash + players.
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