Should he be brought back into the starting 11 when he is fully fit?

I really like Brownhill and I think that he has been fantastic this season. He is also our club captain which I think is very important. But the last few games we have played really well without him. I can't see him replacing Cullen as he is our best midfielder IMO and the last few games especially he has started to dictate play similar to the promotion season a couple of years ago. That leaves Laurent or Hannibal.

Hannibal has been outstanding in the last few games and possibly our best player on average performances over those last few games. I think that we are starting to see the player we all hoped that he would be when we signed him. His pressing and energy has been excellent and he always looks comfortable in possession. He keeps the tempo going at a good speed. Whereas a lot of our players often need a touch to control the ball he often lays it off first time and quickly moves into space. He was great to watch last night. There is no way that I would be dropping him from central midfield atm.

So that leaves Laurent who may appear to be the obvious choice to most. However I can't see him being dropped and I think it can be argued that he doesn't deserve to be either. I don't think that he is that great going forwards but defensively he is outstanding. Having Laurent in the side allows Cullen and Hannibal to be more creative because they know that Laurent has their back. Last night I remember 1 interception in the 1st half he made to stop a very dangerous Hull attack. I watched him a few times last night when Hull had possession and his eyes were everywhere constantly sensing where there may be danger.

So as much as I am a Brownhill fan I can't see him coming back into the side. I also really want to see Shelvey in the team at some stage but I can't see where he will fit in atm.

Shelvey and Brownhill, just need to be patient. Now that we have a quality squad we can up the tempo and rotate as required.

No.

I'd be keeping the same starting 11 that a few posters were bizarrely complaining about last night. On another day would have beat Oxford 3 or 4-0 and convincingly beat a Hull side who had drawn 3-3 to Leeds and thrashed Sheffield United 3-0. So at the moment he doesn't get back in.

I doubt Shelvey will start a single league game unless Cullen is injured. He might rotate Beownhill and Laurent depending on opposition.

Not straight away, but we will need to keep the squad fresh and rotated between now and the end of the season, so he will still have an important role to play.

I was surprised Parker didn't give some more minutes to Shelvey off the bench last night when we were well on top. Perhaps just being cautious after he played at lot at Southampton.

Any news on when Brownhill would even be available again?

Poulton-le-Claret wrote: ↑

Thu Feb 13, 2025 10:39 am

Not straight away, but we will need to keep the squad fresh and rotated between now and the end of the season, so he will still have an important role to play.

I was surprised Parker didn't give some more minutes to Shelvey off the bench last night when we were well on top. Perhaps just being cautious after he played at lot at Southampton.

Any news on when Brownhill would even be available again?

It's only a rumour but I heard last night that he may be out for a month. Please don't believe that rumour as gospel.

Brownhill was pictured in training with the first team pre Hull. The month thing was mentioned around 2-3 weeks ago so possibly another week or so.

Good to know, thanks! We certainly have a stronger squad with him fit and available.

I think Laurent is a useful player but I'm struggling to think of scenarios in which I'd select him ahead of Brownhill if there were one vacancy to fill.

Brownhill is an outstanding midfielder at this level and he and Culleh are the best partnership in the league.

As much is brownhill is better technically than Laurent I wouldn’t play brownhill next to Cullen again

claretspice wrote: ↑

Thu Feb 13, 2025 11:04 am

I think Laurent is a useful player but I'm struggling to think of scenarios in which I'd select him ahead of Brownhill if there were one vacancy to fill.

Brownhill is an outstanding midfielder at this level and he and Culleh are the best partnership in the league.

Brownhill, alongside Cullen suffocated him early season. I think Laurent contributes hugely to the team, and is hugely under rated. He's got more ability to take the ball on the half turn than brownhill, and break the lines. But he's not as strong arriving onto play as Brownhill is.

123EasyasBFC wrote: ↑

Thu Feb 13, 2025 11:59 am

As much is brownhill is better technically than Laurent I wouldn’t play brownhill next to Cullen again

100% agree

Laurent is the perfect partner for Cullen.

It really allows him to shine

Whilst only being able to watch from afar I’ve noticed in many games that although the commentators and pundits praise Brownhill,and his scoring contribution has been great this season he seems to go through many games almost anonymously,and I don’t think he’s bringing enough to the table to replace any of last nights starting 11 without changing the system and Hannibal brings much more energy to the team .

Very much horses for courses but brownhill and Cullen shout absolutely not be next to each other, it’s never been the right balance. Cullen and Laurent with Brownhill ahead of them is still our best midfield 3 but we have good depth there now and good options for changing things.

I like Brownhill but I think there's some truth in this.

While he's our top scorer at times maybe that's covered up some of his limitations and made him look undroppable in the side.

Having a technically better player in Hannibal in there is certainly seeing us move the ball quicker and more crisply. I think a lot of people feared to lose the combativeness and dynamism Brownhill offered but Hannibal also has the legs to offer this too.

I think we have naturally found our upgrade.

I am expecting Brownhill to leave at the end of this season regardless of division. Looking back he was the first to be vocal about the supporters needing to be patient (not that he's wrong) and I wonder if he's just a bit disconnected this season.

It'd be Hannibal next to Cullen for me and Brownhill more advanced. It would gives us more options to escape from a press with the technical ability and willingness to show for the ball that Hannibal offers. Plus we would have the extra goal threat from Brownhill.

Why is Brownhill disliked by our fans so much? Most teams in this league would jump at the chance of having him in their squad yet our fanbase seemingly would be happy if his contract expiry date was brought forward to tomorrow.

........ Cullen
Brownhill Hannibal

Is how it should be against the low block sides, only need Laurent for the tougher games.

Foshiznik wrote: ↑

Thu Feb 13, 2025 12:23 pm

Why is Brownhill disliked by our fans so much? Most teams in this league would jump at the chance of having him in their squad yet our fanbase seemingly would be happy if his contract expiry date was brought forward to tomorrow.

I dont see anyone saying that anywhere on this thread.

I like Brownhill was my opening gambit, before moving on to why I think Hannibal is a natural upgrade.

Other posters have pointed out that alongside Cullen they don't work together.

So where do you play him?

I'm happy for you to offer your insights on why he should retain a spot in the side with some sort of contribution other than why don't people like Brownhill but if you haven't got one then i don't really understand. Every single person on this thread would retain Brownhill for the squad and I doubt anyone would be happy with him leaving on a free.
However I think most people are realistic enough to see that only a premier league contract from us offers a slim "maybe" of retaining him.

Conroy92 wrote: ↑

Thu Feb 13, 2025 12:31 pm

I dont see anyone saying that anywhere on this thread.

I like Brownhill was my opening gambit, before moving on to why I think Hannibal is a natural upgrade.

Other posters have pointed out that alongside Cullen they don't work together.

So where do you play him?

I'm happy for you to offer your insights on why he should retain a spot in the side with some sort of contribution other than why don't people like Brownhill but if you haven't got one then i don't really understand. Every single person on this thread would retain Brownhill for the squad and I doubt anyone would be happy with him leaving on a free.
However I think most people are realistic enough to see that only a premier league contract from us offers a slim "maybe" of retaining him.

I'm sure you've been here for a long time so will have seen the posts about him. This thread was maybe the wrong one for me to post the question on but it was a genuine question from me.

To answer your question, I personally would play him ahead of Laurent. Many would say that Brownhill can't do the same job but i disagree.

Foshiznik wrote: ↑

Thu Feb 13, 2025 12:23 pm

Why is Brownhill disliked by our fans so much? Most teams in this league would jump at the chance of having him in their squad yet our fanbase seemingly would be happy if his contract expiry date was brought forward to tomorrow.

I don’t think it’s a case of disliking him tbh. I think all fans will agree he’s been a fantastic servant to this club. He clearly wants to move on at the end of the season and most fans are happy that we’ve found a midfield solution that improves how we play before he’s gone rather than after.

Goliath wrote: ↑

Thu Feb 13, 2025 12:23 pm

It'd be Hannibal next to Cullen for me and Brownhill more advanced. It would gives us more options to escape from a press with the technical ability and willingness to show for the ball that Hannibal offers. Plus we would have the extra goal threat from Brownhill.

This^^

Foshiznik wrote: ↑

Thu Feb 13, 2025 12:23 pm

Why is Brownhill disliked by our fans so much? Most teams in this league would jump at the chance of having him in their squad yet our fanbase seemingly would be happy if his contract expiry date was brought forward to tomorrow.

I’ve never been a fan of his, but I think that’s more down to timing.

He came at a time when our midfield was great and was supposed to be a player that moved us forward or at least matched what we already had. Unfortunately he just never achieved a decent level in the premier league and as a result I’ve always felt very Meh about him.

At this level he’s an asset but not sure he’s irreplaceable

We look more balanced at the moment without him in the starting 11. Hannibal is really starting to come to the fore and his ability on the ball is much better than Brownhill. With Cullen and Laurent complimenting each other I’d like to see that continue. In tough moments though I can see Parker playing all four of them again with hannibal out left .

I think Brownhill's injury could have been one of those blessings in disguise as whilst he's been one of our best performers in moments of impact both offensively and defensively I think in general play he isn't great receiving and moving the ball in tight situations and is one of the reasons our transitions forward tend to slow or break down.

If Shelvey was fully match fit, my midfield would be Shelvey and Cullen with Hannibal ahead of them. If Shelvey isnt up to speed then Id have Brownhill in but have him ahead of Cullen and Hannibal.

Laurent's been a brilliant signing, was superb last night and has a big role to play but in terms of starting 11 he would be my 5th choice midfielder

I don't think he should go back into the side and you get the feeling he's the type of player that will not expect to either...

You should never change a winning team

Yet more quality on the bench

quoonbeatz wrote: ↑

Thu Feb 13, 2025 12:17 pm

Very much horses for courses but brownhill and Cullen shout absolutely not be next to each other, it’s never been the right balance. Cullen and Laurent with Brownhill ahead of them is still our best midfield 3 but we have good depth there now and good options for changing things.

Not sure that's right but in any event they don't need to be next to each other with Hannibal in the side.

Brownhill's an outstanding midfielder at this level. He was superb alongside Cullen two seasons ago and he's had an excellent season again this time round. He scores goals and he makes goals and he covers every bit as much ground as Laurent does.

Club captain and leading goalscorer will always walk back into a team

blatherwickstattoos wrote: ↑

Thu Feb 13, 2025 5:06 pm

Club captain and leading goalscorer will always walk back into a team

Correct! Said exactly the same last night to a mate.

That's why you're chosen as club captain, its not like he's done anything wrong

He shouldn't play next to Cullen because you limit both players in my opinion. I think his only way back in is if Parker trusts Hannibal to be as diligent as Laurent is when played next to Cullen. Laurent might not be flashy but he fundamentally gets the best out of Cullen, and when Cullen is playing at his peak we inevitably win.

jedi_master wrote: ↑

Thu Feb 13, 2025 5:48 pm

He shouldn't play next to Cullen because you limit both players in my opinion. I think his only way back in is if Parker trusts Hannibal to be as diligent as Laurent is when played next to Cullen. Laurent might not be flashy but he fundamentally gets the best out of Cullen, and when Cullen is playing at his peak we inevitably win.

“His only way back”

He’s club captain and leading goalscorer. There’s not a chance in hell anyone of the other midfielders will start infront of him when he’s fit

blatherwickstattoos wrote: ↑

Thu Feb 13, 2025 5:49 pm

“His only way back”

He’s club captain and leading goalscorer. There’s not a chance in hell anyone of the other midfielders will start infront of him when he’s fit

Look, you're probably right, but it's not a foregone conclusion. Scott Parker has already shown that if you get into the side and stake your claim then you will keep the shirt (case in point is CJ Egan-Riley who is keeping out Joe Worrall, who clearly signed for us under the belief/promise he would be starting every game). I don't see how you can reasonably drop Hannibal after his performance against Hull, so then it's whether Parker is willing to lose that solidity that Laurent gives. The other option is Hannibal moving to the narrow wide position out left that he was occupying before his suspension.

Shouldn’t start again unless Hannibal is unavailable. Has not and does not play well when next to Cullen. Laurent gives us what Berge did at times last year being able to drive us up the pitch with intent and a bit of physicality that Brownhill doesn’t have. Our best midfield three is Cullen Laurent and Hannibal. Play that and we’ll go up

Overseascricketer wrote: ↑

Thu Feb 13, 2025 9:35 pm

Shouldn’t start again unless Hannibal is unavailable. Has not and does not play well when next to Cullen. Laurent gives us what Berge did at times last year being able to drive us up the pitch with intent and a bit of physicality that Brownhill doesn’t have. Our best midfield three is Cullen Laurent and Hannibal. Play that and we’ll go up

Difficult isn't it? Because Brownhill and Hannbal, whilst probably competing for the same starting place, are so different.
Laurent probably keeps his place because of his valuable work in the back 4 (5), he protects them very well.

claretspice wrote: ↑

Thu Feb 13, 2025 5:01 pm

Not sure that's right but in any event they don't need to be next to each other with Hannibal in the side.

Brownhill's an outstanding midfielder at this level. He was superb alongside Cullen two seasons ago and he's had an excellent season again this time round. He scores goals and he makes goals and he covers every bit as much ground as Laurent does.

2 years ago our best midfield was Cullen and Cork with Brownhill ahead of them. Brownhill just isn’t as effective when he’s not the furthest forward of the three in the centre. And given he’s our only midfielder who actually scores goals he’s our best option there.

quoonbeatz wrote: ↑

Thu Feb 13, 2025 10:22 pm

2 years ago our best midfield was Cullen and Cork with Brownhill ahead of them. Brownhill just isn’t as effective when he’s not the furthest forward of the three in the centre. And given he’s our only midfielder who actually scores goals he’s our best option there.

Our best run of the season was after Cork was left out and Cullen and Brownhill were in the middle with JBG playing just ahead of them

Another question: Who drops off this ridiculously strong bench to make way?

rexe78202 wrote: ↑

Fri Feb 14, 2025 9:15 am

Another question: Who drops off this ridiculously strong bench to make way?

Banel would fall off the bench for either Hannibal or Laurent, if Brownhill starts. I suspect.