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.