Is Banton's future at Argyle?

25 games (20 starts) in his second spell and only the single goal. its a shame yesterday that so many players had to sacrifice their usual role and position yesterday to accommodate him and for large chunks of the game he was entirely ineffective. A couple of bright moments, but over the 80 minutes he did play he didn't really do enough. Certainly Tyler Harvey did just as much in the desperate 10 minutes he had at the end of the game as Banton did throughout the rest of the match.

On the otherhand, many would have (and did) write off Reuben Reid during a long baron spell for goals. Persistence by Sheridan was rewarded in that case. Though personally I'm unsure if we can afford to persist with Banton this season at the potential expense of our promotion fight.

He needs a run/start of 5 games

In spite of one shout by Sheridan, I do think Banton's overall attitude has improved tenfold this season. What was the reason persistently given in September for playing Banton over Thomas? It was because Banton would track back more and give more aid to the defenders. I do think that Banton this season has certainly been a more committed player than before.

However, does that make him a more effective player than last season? Sadly not. There is still obviously an explosion of talent in there waiting to emerge but it seems to be lost in a tidal wave of negative vibes surrounding him. All confidence and swagger that he once had now seems lost. For the past few months, it's seemed to be permanently groundhog day for him at Argyle. When he did get a goal for us, it was at the meaningless end of a season. When he had a guilt edged chance to score, Smalley ruined it for him. When he came off the bench at Mansfield and played well, we somehow contrived to miss a 6 yard box chance set up by him. Yesterday he was involved in two decent chances (admittedly off target) but he also gave the ball away on the edge of the 18 yard box when he was in a great position to do something with it.

He may go on to come good but i don't think his story here will have a happen ending. It may be more likely to do so if we gave him a regular run of games but as has been said, can we afford to do that? I don't think we can for the reasons already stated. He's always an inch away from coming good but never quite gets there. Maybe he'll have to go down to go back up.

Tugboat":h6bwbtyu said:

He needs a run/start of 5 games

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He started the first 7 games of the season before missing Morecambe away, but returned for the next home game vs Wycombe. We won 3 of those matches, drew 2 and lost 3.

Still a bigger threat than Smalley.

Then again, I probably would be too.

Wow Smalley scored one penalty and 1 goal in the JPT. I feel much more confident of us creating something with Banton on the ball (even though he's gone stale) than Smalley.

Steve.PAFC2012":1fsu7s2f said:

Wow Smalley scored one penalty and 1 goal in the JPT. I feel much more confident of us creating something with Banton on the ball (even though he's gone stale) than Smalley.

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This. Smalley scored a penalty that (whilst the team did well to earn it) would have been taken by someone else ordinarily. His JPT goal was a good strike but in terms of creativity on the ball I think Banton is much more likely to make something happen aside from scoring himself.

GreenSam":3p5vnmlq said:

Steve.PAFC2012":3p5vnmlq said:

Wow Smalley scored one penalty and 1 goal in the JPT. I feel much more confident of us creating something with Banton on the ball (even though he's gone stale) than Smalley.

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This. Smalley scored a penalty that (whilst the team did well to earn it) would have been taken by someone else ordinarily. His JPT goal was a good strike but in terms of creativity on the ball I think Banton is much more likely to make something happen aside from scoring himself.

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I'll agree with this two. Neither really improve us as a promotion outfit though. They only highlight how lightweight the squad is.

"On the otherhand, many would have (and did) write off Reuben Reid during a long baron spell for goals"

Now he is the Duke of Scoring! :scarf:
(except penalties :sad: )

Cobi Budge.":3aacr1ke said:

While Smalley has by no means set the world alight, he's looked more of a threat than Banton, at least he doesn't jump out of the way when he faces anything physical, not a glowing report but he get's himself involved, Banton doesn't.

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You're watching completely different games to me.

Cobi Budge.":39vbtyu3 said:

I don't see how you've quite calculated that.

Banton - 25 games (20 starts) and 1 goal.

Smalley - 10 games (3 starts) and 2 goals.

While Smalley has by no means set the world alight, he's looked more of a threat than Banton, at least he doesn't jump out of the way when he faces anything physical, not a glowing report but he get's himself involved, Banton doesn't.

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smallry wasn't even available yesterday cobi!what's up with him this time?