Is Dunne good enough for 4th Centre Half?

[andyh]

Anyone seen him play regularly. People say we should be splashing out on young lower league players with potential. Surely the way he finished last year that is what he is.

[bfcmik]

I believe Jimmy Dunne IS our young player with potential at centre back. Played a big part in Accy's run to the League 2 title and has been with the 1st team squad training throughout this pre-season.

[watsonsclarets]

He was good yesterday my only concern is does he have injury issues he runs quite langued? (growing pains he is massive).

Looked ok yesterday against a giant forward.

[colne-claret]

Kevin Long isn’t good enough to be the first back up centre half. We need better especially now we are in Europe.

[cricketfieldclarets]

Watched him a couple of times at accy. Looked ok but didnt look a premier league player. But playing alongside better he may. He was a big pad. but as above his running style and bringing the ball out was a bit languid.

[Devils_Advocate]

Agree with colne-claret it is a 3rd choice CB we need in the way we had Tarks as 3rd choice to Keane and Mee whilst we developed him.

Long is perfect for 4th choice and hopefully this Dunne has enough promise to grow and develop over the next few years to challenge the first team squad

[andyh]

I guess Kev Long will always divide opinion. He was Mom several times towards the end of season. He does however have an error in him. I’m not sure we can afford much better. Better players will not join Burnley to sit on the bench.

[CnBtruntru]

I guess Kev Long will always divide opinion. He was Mom several times towards the end of season. He does however have an error in him. I’m not sure we can afford much better. Better players will not join Burnley to sit on the bench.

That's why I'd wonder whether Dawson or Mawson would come to be behind Tarks and Mee.

[JohnMac]

I doubt there is a player in football anywhere without a mistake in him. Kevin Long has proved himself time and time again yet some people won't be satisfied until we sign someone like John Stones

[Colburn_Claret]

I guess Kev Long will always divide opinion. He was Mom several times towards the end of season. He does however have an error in him. I’m not sure we can afford much better. Better players will not join Burnley to sit on the bench.

A bit harsh. Mee is outstanding, yet it's amazing the percentage of goals we conceded from his mistakes. Kevin Long is ok, he will probably rarely be a starter, but he rarely lets us down.
As for Dunne, I don't know enough about him, but I've always thought , until they actually get the opportunity you'll never know. So many players coming through the youth/development system over the last 6 years that you think, is this the one. Sadly apart from Jay, nobody. I really hope he is the first of many that get the chance to prove themselves at the only level that matters.

[KRBFC]

Why would we stunt a players progress by keeping him at the club as 4th choice central defender when he could be out playing games every week at League One/Two level?

[andyh]

But yet everyone says we need 4 centre halves... someone has to more or less rot on the bench. Last year the 4th choice would have got 0 mins on the pitch... unless Sean took pity and played then in the cup... it is a real conundrum.

[KRBFC]

But yet everyone says we need 4 centre halves... someone has to more or less rot on the bench. Last year the 4th choice would have got 0 mins on the pitch... unless Sean took pity and played then in the cup... it is a real conundrum.

Yes so instead of stunting a promising young players growth, stunt an old head who's on the decline like James Collins.

[Tribesmen]

Hey only saw him in Cork and he looked the part i must say .

[IWOODLOVETT]

Charlie Taylor is a superb athlete - good in the air and very quick. I think that he could be used in a back three alongside Tarks and Mee - in the same way as Walker is for England. Not many would have seen Walker in that role before the WC.

That would allow Ward to operate higher up field where he created a good number of assists last season. So a midfield five of Ward, Brady or JBG, Cork, Defour, Lennon or Lowton - with Brady or JBG given licence to roam.

Wood and Barnes / Vokes up top and a very strong bench.

This system would allow us to switch to a more attacking 4-3-3 or revert back to the tried and trusted but more defensive 4-4-1-1 with one substitution I.e Taylor for Lennon or Taylor for Hendrick

[DustyBawls]

I think a better option is to stick with what got us to 7th place last season.

442/451

[IWOODLOVETT]

A clever reply but a bit short-sighted. Teams will have sussed us out this year and we will need more flexibility to get results.
If we stick with what we've got we needn't worry about transfers or supporters.

[superdimitri]

Bit naive with his positioning for one of Preston's goals but what I loved is his reaction afterwards, how annoyed with himself he looked. Positioning and reading the game you learn with experience, some more natural attributes you can't improve on much which is good because at least when I've seen him he ticks most boxes.

He's right footed but has been playing on the wrong side in the pre season and done pretty damn well, he also played mostly on the left side for Accrington Stanley too.

Now he's no Tarkowski with his feet but I'd say he looks faster and has more technique then Mee. Remember when we played Tarky on the left and how much worse it was?

He's very aggressive for a young lad and his time playing against tough seasoned pros in league two has really taught him a good few dirty tricks too. Powerful, aggressive and has a bit of a nasty side in his play too which many great centre halves have. Great in the air and not lanky or small for his age.. Not slow either.

Time will tell of course but I think he's got all the right credentials and seems level headed, determined and ambitions too.

Stanley fans I know reckon he's a long way better then Kevin Long was for them and they aren't surprised Long has done well when called upon in the premier league.

Is he ready yet? Probably not. He will make too many mistakes at this level but if we can sneak him a game or two or alternately get him out on loan at a higher level then great.

[fatboy47]

I doubt there is a player in football anywhere without a mistake in him. Kevin Long has proved himself time and time again yet some people won't be satisfied until we sign someone like John Stones

Stones can be a complete goon at times. He's as many mistakes in him as Long.

[italianclaret88]

Anyone seen him play regularly. People say we should be splashing out on young lower league players with potential. Surely the way he finished last year that is what he is.

That richard dunne?...the irish one?....i think should be better defender like Cordoba or Beevers.

[Quickenthetempo]

I'm surprised we have stopped him going back on loan to Accy. A season of league one football will do him the world of good.
It's about playing when on loan so no point risking a higher club.

[Woodleyclaret]

Kevin Long the Irish international had some excellent games last uear and I dont get the negativity towards him.

[CnBtruntru]

He just may have to Be!

[aggi]

People say we should be splashing out on young lower league players with potential.

I'm not sure what other people's views are but when I think of young lower league players with potential I'm thinking of a full season in the Championship (and maybe a year or two older), not 20 games in League 2. Someone who can temporarily step into the first team if necessary without it being a huge leap.

[JohnMac]

Stones can be a complete goon at times. He's as many mistakes in him as Long.

I'm glad you appreciated my irony

[JTClaret]

Would make more sense to get this lad at a higher level surely.

Kevin Long continued to prove people wrong with good performances.
We are now stuck in the dilemma that the quality of player we need would expect and (rightly) want to be a first team starter, and I'm not sure we can promise that.

[Buxtonclaret]

Wasn't too long ago, before MK was out, a few were saying Tarks wasn't up to it.

[Spike]

He was good yesterday my only concern is does he have injury issues he runs quite langued? (growing pains he is massive).

Looked ok yesterday against a giant forward.

if growing pains make you run funny then Joe Gallagher should have been 73 foot tall!