Sibbick is the perfect counter-argument to the club's player valuation logic. Fringe player, at best, when he first joined. Seemed destined to be permanently loaned out elsewhere until eventually off-loaded. To everyone's surprise, Val brings him back into the setup and, over time, he becomes part of a formidable back 3 in a side that finished 5th in the Championship. It's no small achievement to eventually become the preferred pick over Sollbauer, particularly in games where his pace is preferred over Sollbauer's experience. He started the season with his stock (and transfer value) at its peak. For some reason which seems to go beyond on-field performances (i.e. has he been any worse than our other defensive options when played this season?) he's now right back where we started and looks likely to be offloaded in this window for a fraction of the value that his form last season suggested. Whatever we've done to 'develop' him this season hasn't had the effect on his valuation that the club apparently expected.
I don't really rate him but I don't think we would have conceded 4 goals on Saturday had he been playing.
