2017/18 Phil Jagielka

[Big Fat Sam]

He's our best defender - by far.

I don't think he's a great captain, far from it, but he's the only organiser in that back line. You could see what a difference it made to Keane having him there.

People who hate Jags aren't doing it based on his performances, because anyone with eyes can see he is still remarkably consistent. They're doing it because they're set in their ways, as with everything else.

I'm all for giving Seamus the armband, he's a real leader. But for now there's nothing wrong with having Jags stay in and around the squad until we have guaranteed improvements in that area.

He can do a job absolutely - but he should not be a mainstay of our defence.

His passing is atrocious, he is poor in the air, he comes out with lucacrous comments in the media that underline why we're a middle-of-the-table side. Lost count of the amount of times he hoofed the ball directly out of play last season. Do any other 'quality' defenders do that?

Sure he made Keane look better, but he hardly had much competition, did he? Ashley bleedin' Williams. I'd happily keep Jagielka in the squad for an extra year, but definitely give the captaincy to Coleman as a sign of our new ambitions.

As I feel Mori will be sold and I know Keane will be staying, I suggest Williams goes, Jagielka stays and a long-term centre back is brought in this summer.

 

[BlueToff]

He can do a job absolutely - but he should not be a mainstay of our defence.

His passing is atrocious, he is poor in the air, he comes out with lucacrous comments in the media that underline why we're a middle-of-the-table side. Lost count of the amount of times he hoofed the ball directly out of play last season. Do any other 'quality' defenders do that?

Sure he made Keane look better, but he hardly had much competition, did he? Ashley bleedin' Williams. I'd happily keep Jagielka in the squad for an extra year, but definitely give the captaincy to Coleman as a sign of our new ambitions.

As I feel Mori will be sold and I know Keane will be staying, I suggest Williams goes, Jagielka stays and a long-term centre back is brought in this summer.

This is what I'm hoping for with the defence:

- Long-term, top quality CB is brought in. Ideally, 26-28/29 range. They need to be quick, decent enough on the ball and have some ability to organise. It's going to be difficult like.

- Keane and Holgate fight it out to partner the new signing.

- Jagielka stays, as back-up. He keeps the armband in terms of being club captain, but whenever he's out of the side (which should be the majority of the time) Coleman is the captain. So really, it's Coleman's armband.

- New, quality left-back brought in. Either a left-back in their prime (Rose, Bertrand), or somebody a bit younger but still of quality - i.e. Max, Tierney etc

- Baines becomes the rotation option, giving us the insurance option for injuries or general lack of form for the new signing

 

[sageyefc]

Just because he's considered best of a bad bunch don't mean anything, he's gash and has been for a good 2 seasons now. Shocking if we start next season even with him as a backup.


Spineless shithouse of a player aswell

 

[Big Fat Sam]

This is what I'm hoping for with the defence:

- Long-term, top quality CB is brought in. Ideally, 26-28/29 range. They need to be quick, decent enough on the ball and have some ability to organise. It's going to be difficult like.

- Keane and Holgate fight it out to partner the new signing.

- Jagielka stays, as back-up. He keeps the armband in terms of being club captain, but whenever he's out of the side (which should be the majority of the time) Coleman is the captain. So really, it's Coleman's armband.

- New, quality left-back brought in. Either a left-back in their prime (Rose, Bertrand), or somebody a bit younger but still of quality - i.e. Max, Tierney etc

- Baines becomes the rotation option, giving us the insurance option for injuries or general lack of form for the new signing

100% agree Sir. Quality posting.

 

[Thomasc]

Jags was a top player 8 years ago, even 4 years ago, but come on he’s 36, there’s no shame in saying we should look to do better.

There is no shame in saying that at all.

You see, it’s just that some go a bit too far with it all.

 

[efcjames]

Hoping him & Williams are both reunited with their Championship clubs this summer.

 

[deipnosophist]

There is no shame in saying that at all.

You see, it’s just that some go a bit too far with it all.

You are not wrong Thomas. I believe Capt Jags’ ineffable leadership qualities are many times subject to over examination, when really, it’s simply a case of ‘move along folks, there’s nothing to see here’...

 

[PhilM]

Hoping him & Williams are both reunited with their Championship clubs this summer.

Don't get me wrong, Williams should be put out to pasture. In fact, if he was an animal then I'm sure the vet would probably be getting called.

Jags however is still arguably our best centre back and has been for numerous seasons now; he's certainly been our most consistent!

All in all, I do feel that Jags still has a part to play at this club in the short term and it wouldn't be simply repaying his loyalty - he's undervalued.

 

[Toffeelover]

Has he put in a transfer request yet?

 

[Badge1878]

Say what you like; still scored the best goal the Kop has ever seen. The low key celebration was boss too.

 

[Eggsyblueskin]

He's been a superb servant to the club and has carried the captaincy with dignity. He also proved last season that he can still play at PL level.
I would thank him for his services as captain and hand the role to Seamus.
As far as I'm concerned the only CBs I want removing from the club are Williams and Keane, one is past his best and the other is dire.

 

[Boss_Rarkley]

I would be happy with both him and Keane as back up CB's next season, with Holgate and a top quality CB signing as number one options - with Williams & Mori sold.

 

[Albro]

Holgate and Mori to stay.

Jags and Williams to start at Derby or something like that.

 

[MikeH72]

Just because he's considered best of a bad bunch don't mean anything, he's gash and has been for a good 2 seasons now. Shocking if we start next season even with him as a backup.


Spineless shithouse of a player aswell

Was gonna post my thoughts in this thread but I don’t need to now.

 

[Osamabindiesel]

Jagielka is a bit of an anomaly as he still has a lot of pace even at his age. Last season, he was a bit of a dunce but redeemed himself this season a bit. We need the successor as soon as possible and need to build some continuity in the back line. He probably won’t be viable for much longer.