I've never posted on here before because I enjoy reading the comments from all the contributors and this is without doubt the best forum website I've come across. I have been a Preston North End supporter all my life with Partick Thistle my team in Scotland because of my great uncle when I were nowt but a lad. I followed the Jags in the 60s and 70s with Roughie and Doug Somner and especially when they beat Celtic in the League cup final. Why am I telling you all this? I've known Adam Barton since he was a small kid in Clitheroe in Lancashire and he was one of the most talented footballers I'd ever seen for his age. He was always in opposition to a certain Joe Garner now residing at a team I don't wish to mention and Adam usually came out on top.
I've followed his career from Preston to Coventry to Portsmouth and also to international status with both Northern Ireland and the Republic. Now best of all he is here with the Jags. He is still a player with untapped potential and that was apparent before he broke his leg in his early years at PNE. Moving into the back four is the best move for him because he can read a game and his distribution is usually excellent. His weaknesses are that he can take it too easily and casually at times and you can't afford to do this at this level and that his languid style makes him appear lazy on the field. When he played in midfield, he was good on the ball but poor when he wasn't. Now that he's at the back he can read the game and make challenges when needed and not only that he has quite a shot on him as seen in the last game against Ross.
I just hope the Jags go on from this victory and start to move on up that league because they are better that half the sides in that league. I rate quite a number of players in the team especially Edwards, Osman and Devine who looks a much better player with a calming influence beside him. I also think Azeez is an excellent player who always works his socks off but just needs that calmness in front of goal as shown by his superb header last night.
As regards the goalkeeping situation, Thorsten Stuckmann is a the most reliable of keepers. He was player of the year at PNE in 2012 and when he left Doncaster earlier this year, the supporters wouldn't let him go without thanking him for everything he'd done - he was a real favourite. I think I've finished my essay but the main thing I want to say is C'mon the Jags, you can do it!!!