Ben Mee

[NL Claret]

Interesting comments regarding Worrall’s age, perhaps it is because he made his Forest debut aged 19 so he’s been playing first team football since 2019.

Judging by some comments on here, Worrall isn’t particularly popular for a reason unknown to me. Perhaps some don’t like him as he replaced Ekdal / Beyer.

[bodge]

I'm another who doesn't get the disdain towards Worrall, he'll have a part to play this season in some games and rightly so.

[ArmchairDetective]

Spot on...what is this constant obsession with re-signing players who did well for us years ago ? There is literally a whole world of players out there available to us now

Is it an obsession? Or is it former players being linked and some posters on here saying something like 'yeah maybe he could do a job...'

[ArmchairDetective]

Father time decides that,and as yet nobody has been able to beat it.The younger faster premier league forwards will be all over him,as we age the reaction time also slows,we simply wouldn't be able to cope.Ots not my decision,it's mother nature unfortunately

I understand ageing. I haven't watched the PL this season. Has he aged that much over the past year that he can't do a job as a backup CB in the squad?

[KlyBfc]

No thanks.
He had his time and did his job extremely well. We have enough good characters around the squad. We need to strengthen our starting line up if we can or certainly players to push those in it. We also need to shift some deadwood.
Ben Mee at his age just adds to the squad clutter

[Goobs]

I'm another who doesn't get the disdain towards Worrall, he'll have a part to play this season in some games and rightly so.

Not read all the thread so not seen all the comments, but is there such strong anti-worall vibes or just those expressing that they don't think he is quite good enough for the PL. We looked a much better team without him IMO and what I saw of him he looked way too slow both on and off the ball for a top end champ team nevermind a PL team.

I have no ill will to him and think he would do well to join Eustace at Derby. We have better in CJ Steve Beyer and Ekdal as I see it.

[ŽižkovClaret]

What evidence does anyone have to make any sort of comparison between Worrall, Ekdal and Beyer? Worrall, for one, has played more Pl games than the other two combined, which admittedly isnt hard.....

[bumba]

What evidence does anyone have to make any sort of comparison between Worrall, Ekdal and Beyer? Worrall, for one, has played more Pl games than the other two combined, which admittedly isnt hard.....

Beyer has played more Bundesliga games than Ekdal and Worrall combined does that mean he's better?

[NL Claret]

Beyer has played more Bundesliga games than Ekdal and Worrall combined does that mean he's better?

Have we won promotion to the Bundesliga?

[ŽižkovClaret]

Beyer has played more Bundesliga games than Ekdal and Worrall combined does that mean he's better?

That isn't the league we are going to be playing in, is it? By all accounts Al Dakhil has done ok in the Bundesliga. That, with all due respect to the Baghdad/Brussels Baresi, should render that irrelevant as a point of reference.

[elwaclaret]

With the best will in the world I cannot for one second understand why some posters seem to expect Beyer to be returning PL ready at the start of the season. For me that would be proof that there is a lot to be said for belief in later day Saints

[bumba]

Have we won promotion to the Bundesliga?

No but just because a player's has played more games in that league that doesn't automatically prove he's the better player

[Owdsyker]

We have offered him a 2 year deal acccoring to Callum Campbell on Twitter. (Son of Alistair)

I wouldn't bet on it, but he might with your money.

[jlup1980]

Worrall has looked slow and rusty in the games he's played, but who knows what we'd see if he had a run of half a dozen games under his belt. He's a good age, has good experience, and he seems to be a great lad around the rest of the squad. What more do we want from our back-up CB? He'll likely be the 4th choice. We made Europe with Kevin Long as our 4th choice CB previously, and he made 16 appearances. Who would have called that at the start of the 2017/18 season?

[CrosspoolClarets]

Worrall has looked slow and rusty in the games he's played, but who knows what we'd see if he had a run of half a dozen games under his belt. He's a good age, has good experience, and he seems to be a great lad around the rest of the squad. What more do we want from our back-up CB? He'll likely be the 4th choice. We made Europe with Kevin Long as our 4th choice CB previously, and he made 16 appearances. Who would have called that at the start of the 2017/18 season?

The only league goals we conceded with Worrall in the side were the worldie Rovers got and the Pompey goal. Against Leeds and those two he seemed very solid. Against Pompey he was probably the pick of our defence if I recall.

Like Mee he has never had pace so has built a strong career around it regardless.

[NL Claret]

No but just because a player's has played more games in that league that doesn't automatically prove he's the better player

Have I said he is a better player? Do you get the feeling you are having an argument with yourself?

[FeedTheArf]

Would expect Beyer to go out on loan to get some games into him after the length of his absence.

[ksrclaret]

Worrall is an outstanding professional and a good defender. I'd like us to keep him around next season, and I could see him being used in the middle of a back three.

It might be though that Worrall at the age of 28 wishes to move on and play regular football. When he signed for Burnley we all expected he'd be playing most weeks, but it didn't work out that way. If that's the case, then the apparent interest in Ben Mee makes more sense.

[Conroy92]

Worrall is an outstanding professional and a good defender. I'd like us to keep him around next season, and I could see him being used in the middle of a back three.

It might be though that Worrall at the age of 28 wishes to move on and play regular football. When he signed for Burnley we all expected he'd be playing most weeks, but it didn't work out that way. If that's the case, then the apparent interest in Ben Mee makes more sense.

Personally I think you have to consider it we want to play a back 3 at times and have that versatility you probably want 5 players who can cover CB in your squad. If you pick up just one injury and one suspension 5 still gives you the ability to play 3. Right now that would be Steve, CJ, Humphreys, Worral and one of Ekdal or Beyer. Considering Beyers injury, I would discount him, a loan probably best for both party's.
So this question is, do you think Ekdal would be happy to stay to be a fourth/fifth choice CB, unlikely imo and considering latest press reports think that backs it up and do people think Ekdal is a better player than Mee? Personally again, it's a no from me.

People need to remember, unless Steve, CJ or Humphreys are going, whoever we sign right now is automatically fourth choice centre half. It's not a position we particularly need to strengthen in terms of talent or playing ability, the only area up for debate that were lacking would be experience at the back. Again. Ben ticks this box.

[RVclaret]

For me, centre half is a priority position to bring someone in, even if CJ stays. Reasons:

- I’d bet we play a back 3 quite often (looking at Parker’s last spell in the PL), so having an extra number makes sense
- we desperately need someone who can be a threat from set pieces, I really can’t emphasise this enough, we can complain about the set piece coach, but if you’ve got no one who wants to attack the ball what can he actually do? Scoring the odd goal from set pieces was a staple of our PL years under Dyche
- just a general quality upgrade for the spine of the team, someone who wins more aerial duels than Esteve or CJ (both statistically average or below average vs peers last season), is the profile of CB i want, as box defending will be crucial throughout the season
- even if Beyer gets fit in pre season, he’ll be without football for 18+ months, and doesn’t fit the profile of what we actually need at cb anyway

Worrall will fit in when the inevitable injury occurs, and Humphreys will be left back more than centre back, I’d imagine.

Having said all that, there is obviously a reason Ben Mee isn’t in the Brentford picture any more and he probably needs to drop to the Championship now. I don’t think there is anything in this made up rumour anyway.

[boatshed bill]

You don’t think there’s an ‘apprenticeship’ model in professional sport?

Old teach the young; it’s the way.

i'm more concerned that our fans think our ex-players are automatically good mentors, TBH.
And we do have plenty of coaches already.

[Woodleyclaret]

Extra coaches with top flight experience is needed to push our development players to the next level
We were in two finals but couldn't see them through to winning.Fresh eyes may help

[Jakubclaret]

i'm more concerned that our fans think our ex-players are automatically good mentors, TBH.
And we do have plenty of coaches already.

I think it's more to do with an attachment that hasn't been completely severed subconsciously.

[taio]

i'm more concerned that our fans think our ex-players are automatically good mentors, TBH.
And we do have plenty of coaches already.

I don't think our fans automatically do think that. They just recognise that some of our ex-players have strong leadership skills, values and a connection to the club. The two that spring to mind recently are Barnes and Cork and they both returned.

[equinox]

Maybe he's coming as a left-back?

We were told, many moons ago, by a prominent poster on this board, that Ben actually considers himself a left-back.

[jojomk1]

We need to strengthen our starting line up if we can or certainly players to push those in it. We also need to shift some deadwood.
Ben Mee at his age just adds to the squad clutter

Exactly
The current squad did a superb job in getting us promoted but they will likely struggle in the Premiership next season
Typical example would be Josh Cullen
An excellent Championship player (one of our best), who was outmuscled, outpaced and outfought in our last Premiership campaign and now two years older, will most likely have the same issues despite always giving his 101%
And the same could be said of many more
We need to bring in experience at Premiership/European level, but those incomings must be starting games not, like Mee, warming the bench

[Jakubclaret]

I don't think our fans automatically do think that. They just recognise that some of our ex-players have strong leadership skills, values and a connection to the club. The two that spring to mind recently are Barnes and Cork and they both returned.

It runs far deeper than that on an emotional level. The skills that people carry are transferable wherever people go. It's the link that connect people intrinsically.

[fatboy47]

Maybe he's coming as a left-back?

We were told, many moons ago, by a prominent poster on this board, that Ben actually considers himself a left-back.

Ben as a left back?....combines the pace of Brian off the magic roundabout and the crossing ability of Mo Camara...no thanks.

[Taffy on the wing]

Ben as a left back?....combines the pace of Brian off the magic roundabout and the crossing ability of Mo Camara...no thanks.

That's blatantly unfair to Brian!

[ksrclaret]

It runs far deeper than that on an emotional level. The skills that people carry are transferable wherever people go. It's the link that connect people intrinsically.

I’ve never known anyone to use so many words to say absolutely nothing at all.

[Jakubclaret]

I’ve never known anyone to use so many words to say absolutely nothing at all.

I'm basically saying that people can do a job anywhere providing there are able enough. A ex burnley goalkeeping coach/player should have no advantage over a Fulham goalkeeping coach/player providing both are at the same level of competency.

[Cooclaret]

i'm more concerned that our fans think our ex-players are automatically good mentors, TBH.
And we do have plenty of coaches already.

I don’t get the obsession with ex players.

But, I do get the need to have mentors (not coaches) that lead the way and set expectations. They deal with so many things the management don’t need to, the day to day gripes etc.

Cycling is different to football, but the premise is the same.

[boatshed bill]

I don’t get the obsession with ex players.

But, I do get the need to have mentors (not coaches) that lead the way and set expectations. They deal with so many things the management don’t need to, the day to day gripes etc.

Cycling is different to football, but the premise is the same.

Yes, that's fine. But how many squad places should be reserved for over-the-hill players?

[Cooclaret]

Yes, that's fine. But how many squad places should be reserved for over-the-hill players?

They should be throughout the club!

Squad, Coaching teams, Ambassador's and so on.

[Woodleyclaret]

Absolutely awful in his early days at Burnley as a left back.Ben found his calling at cb alongside Tarks.

[jojomk1]

If people want the likes of Barnes and Mee employed at the club in roles of Mr Motivators then fine, employ them as such on relevant wages
Just don't have them clogging up the squad numbers, being overpaid and not contributing on the pitch
We have enough surplus in the squad already

[bumba]

Have I said he is a better player? Do you get the feeling you are having an argument with yourself?

Do you have two profiles because I replied initially to another posters comment then you sent a response to my post saying you didn't say something that the other poster had said that I'd replied too, very strange.

[Dyched]

If people want the likes of Barnes and Mee employed at the club in roles of Mr Motivators then fine, employ them as such on relevant wages
Just don't have them clogging up the squad numbers, being overpaid and not contributing on the pitch
We have enough surplus in the squad already

If that the case I’d be getting rid of those that needed “motivating” to get promotion and those that need “motivating” to play and stay in the PL. I understand the experience they have but if they’re “motivators”, then there’s something wrong tbh.

[NL Claret]

Do you have two profiles because I replied initially to another posters comment then you sent a response to my post saying you didn't say something that the other poster had said that I'd replied too, very strange.

1 profile, why would I have 2?

In this post I have only replied to you with fact or a question. Al Dakhill played at CH in PL, fact. I asked you if we have won promotion to the bundesliga, question.

You seem to interpret facts (or don’t like fact) how you want them to allow you to try to start an argument or prove your point hence me asking where I have said he’s a better player when in my 1 profile I have not said that. It is very straightforward.

2 profiles, do me a favour, it’s bad enough having one.

[IanMcL]

Ben needed a fresh challenge & being offered a 2 year deal at a PL club was far more enticing than a championship campaign. Even if kompany wanted him I still think he would have left. Then you had all that humming & harring previously with gibson replacing him & ben changing his mind & the other ben being sidelined which didn't appear professional. A timed retracted offer could have avoided all that instead of people being messed about.

Gibson has nothing to do with the proposition in hand.

[Jakubclaret]

Gibson has nothing to do with the proposition in hand.

If course not we are talking 5 years ago where does time go it doesn't feel that long.

[bumba]

1 profile, why would I have 2?

In this post I have only replied to you with fact or a question. Al Dakhill played at CH in PL, fact. I asked you if we have won promotion to the bundesliga, question.

You seem to interpret facts (or don’t like fact) how you want them to allow you to try to start an argument or prove your point hence me asking where I have said he’s a better player when in my 1 profile I have not said that. It is very straightforward.

2 profiles, do me a favour, it’s bad enough having one.

Your 'question' was in relation to a point another poster made about Worrall being better than Ekdal and Beyer because he'd played more EPL games.
Don't get involved and try to be smart if you don't like a response.
Anyway speaking of interpreting facts, just to let you know Al Dakhil played centre half at the Turf against Chelsea not at Chelsea

[ollieclarets8]

Absolutely awful in his early days at Burnley as a left back.Ben found his calling at cb alongside Tarks.

Due to a Duff injury I seem to recall forcing the move.

[KlyBfc]

Due to a Duff injury I seem to recall forcing the move.

Was it a Duff injury or the diabolical showing at Hull away on Boxing Day that forced the move and Ward in at left back?

I always felt Tarks was signed to start next to Keane, but Mee’s performances (suprised Dyche) kept Tarks out of the team as we went 23 unbeaten.

Also whilst he wasn’t a world beater at left back he wasn’t as bad as is being suggested.

[NL Claret]

Your 'question' was in relation to a point another poster made about Worrall being better than Ekdal and Beyer because he'd played more EPL games.
Don't get involved and try to be smart if you don't like a response.
Anyway speaking of interpreting facts, just to let you know Al Dakhil played centre half at the Turf against Chelsea not at Chelsea

Talk about scrapping the barrel

Love some UTC posters who try to throw their weight around telling others what to do.

You’ll will get over it one day, you really struggle when your favourite players are replaced.

[mdd2]

Having seen Beyer still apparently limping when he came on the pitch after the Millwall game I have doubts about his eventual return to first team football with us and if he does get back to full fitness I agree that he will need a lot of game time on loan or with the under 21's given the time he has missed and seems to be still way off any kind of recovery needed for a footballer.
I dont think he has figured in the squad since his injury against Villa in the last game of 2023.

[bumba]

Talk about scrapping the barrel

Love some UTC posters who try to throw their weight around telling others what to do.

You’ll will get over it one day, you really struggle when your favourite players are replaced.

Barnes and Mee are two of my all time favourites Burnley players, doesn't mean I want Mee to be re signed though.
'you will and you'll' by the way.
Not sure any of my current favourite players are being replaced but nice your telling me how I'll feel when it happens

[ollieclarets8]

Was it a Duff injury or the diabolical showing at Hull away on Boxing Day that forced the move and Ward in at left back?

I always felt Tarks was signed to start next to Keane, but Mee’s performances (suprised Dyche) kept Tarks out of the team as we went 23 unbeaten.

Also whilst he wasn’t a world beater at left back he wasn’t as bad as is being suggested.

Pretty sure it was a Duff injury. I think he'd have remained at left back otherwise. I do remember being in the James Hargreaves stand and he was being skinned for fun at LB. Moved to CB and the rest as they say is history.

[matttheclaret]

Was it a Duff injury or the diabolical showing at Hull away on Boxing Day that forced the move and Ward in at left back?

I always felt Tarks was signed to start next to Keane, but Mee’s performances (suprised Dyche) kept Tarks out of the team as we went 23 unbeaten.

Also whilst he wasn’t a world beater at left back he wasn’t as bad as is being suggested.

Think Dyche just decided to change it. Duff was on the bench next game. Could be wrong but don't think he featured again until he came on at Charlton for the last game. It took a long time to get Lowton into the team that season too, Darikwa was the right back for a good while. Once we switched to that Lowton, Keane, Mee and Ward back four it all changed

[ollieclarets8]

Think Dyche just decided to change it. Duff was on the bench next game. Could be wrong but don't think he featured again until he came on at Charlton for the last game. It took a long time to get Lowton into the team that season too, Darikwa was the right back for a good while. Once we switched to that Lowton, Keane, Mee and Ward back four it all changed

It was definitely a forced move as it's been mentioned quite a lot since about how the forced change was a blessing in disguise. It just must have been a minor injury allowing Duff to make the bench but not be risked from the start.