There are already a number of threads on bids, contracts, tribunals, etc so we won't cover those here. Instead I want to focus a bit on the talent.
Last week I had the opportunity to watch England at Wembley (from a very similar viewpoint/seating position to the one I have at Roots Hall) and, while Joe Hart was barely troubled by the Swiss, I was curious to see what an England International goalkeeper offered over our own.
There were some obvious similarities and some obvious differences but the main thing that struck me was Bentley's distribution after claiming the ball. I'm so used to the speed at which Dan distributes with his overarm throws or his kicks that I continually found myself frustrated by Hart. On the rare occasions that Switzerland got a couple of people forward, we failed to turn the ball over for a counter-attack in the way Dan does in just about every game. The opportunities were there but Hart didn't take them. Since Switzerland came to play with 11 men behind the ball, it could've made a significant difference.
In terms of agility, shot-stopping ability, kicking, even presence (which Dan has clearly been working on), I don't see a great deal between them. Arguably, the key things Hart has on his side - and they're pretty important - are longevity, experience (playing level, big games, coaching), and maturity. But all of these will come to Daniel Bentley in time.
Everyone knows we've got some player on our hands.
I wondered what the rest of you see as Dan's strengths and weaknesses?
Last week I had the opportunity to watch England at Wembley (from a very similar viewpoint/seating position to the one I have at Roots Hall) and, while Joe Hart was barely troubled by the Swiss, I was curious to see what an England International goalkeeper offered over our own.
There were some obvious similarities and some obvious differences but the main thing that struck me was Bentley's distribution after claiming the ball. I'm so used to the speed at which Dan distributes with his overarm throws or his kicks that I continually found myself frustrated by Hart. On the rare occasions that Switzerland got a couple of people forward, we failed to turn the ball over for a counter-attack in the way Dan does in just about every game. The opportunities were there but Hart didn't take them. Since Switzerland came to play with 11 men behind the ball, it could've made a significant difference.
In terms of agility, shot-stopping ability, kicking, even presence (which Dan has clearly been working on), I don't see a great deal between them. Arguably, the key things Hart has on his side - and they're pretty important - are longevity, experience (playing level, big games, coaching), and maturity. But all of these will come to Daniel Bentley in time.
Everyone knows we've got some player on our hands.
I wondered what the rest of you see as Dan's strengths and weaknesses?