I don't know if it has been mentioned before. But this lads contract runs out at the end of may. Given what I've seen up to now. (touch wood) He looks more than capable. He's not had that much to do. But when he has. He's dealt with it comfortably. Given he seems to have dropped down the pecking order at luton (despite good reports.) I'm guessing he will be looking at better opportunities to push on at 25yrs of age.
I suspect Isted joining on loan after Luton bought Walton was with a view to us signing him in the summer when he’s a free agent. Basically it’s a trial for the benefit of both Isted and the club. I like what I’ve seen so far.
I hope you're right because I can easily see Collins moving on in the summer, whatever happens promotion-wise. Players don't stay for ever these days.
Goalkeepers are the hardest players on the field to dislodge if they are competent. Imho at present he's league 1 at best as a 1st choice, so would move sideways at best for me. But I got Walton wrong. As much as I preferred him over Collins. Luton seem to think he's good enough for that level. I think he needed more game time with us to improve his all round game.
Not really. He'll be a decent back up (hopefully). He won't be anywhere close to dislodging Horvath. Why would Collins leave to be number 2 there? Makes sense for our number 2 to leave because he'll be on more money now at Luton. Collins wouldn't be. Isted has looked decent for us, despite as you say, not having to do much. Only flapped at, I think?, 2 crosses & dropped ball once. Other time he was fouled. Looks very comfortable. He should be playing out of his skin trying to earn a contract, and a present you'd have to suggest that's exactly what he is doing. Have to play a lot longer for us to see if he's as good as/better than Walton but signs are good at present, as Walton looked very good when he had a run of games but when he's in and out he's looked extremely poor. As it stands I'd love to sign Isted up permanently!
I didn't think for 1 minute Walton would dislodge Horvath. Just that luton see him good enough for that level. If I was paying for a goalie I'd want a decent back up as well. What if Horvath leaves will they then want another 1st choice with Walton in the wings. I think my first post mirrors your view of Isted. Which begs the question why didn't luton offer him a new extension. (Unless he's turned one down for the reason I suggested). Rather than sign Walton. Not sure what you mean re, Collins wouldn't be. ? I couldn't see Collins going up a level to be 1st choice anywhere unless it's with us. (But then I'd be looking for another 1st choice for us. And Isted may be that man. I reckon we'll see more of his abilities in march if he keeps his place when Collins is fit)
He's had too little to do in the games so far to give much of an opinion. We will see what he is or isn't capable of in the coming weeks.
I honestly don't know the answer about Luton not offering him a new contract, mate. Perhaps it was reasons outside of football. I know your views on Collins but I really have to disagree that no clubs would want him as number 1 in the Championship. He was really good for us last season despite being in one of the worst teams in the history of the championship. Personally, I think plenty of clubs would want him. If we don't go up this season I doubt we'd keep him. He saved around 70% of the shots on target against him last year, and given how bad we were, I'd say that was pretty good. Not to mention how good he was seasons previous, he literally allowed us to play a certain way with how good he was as a sweeper keeper, anticipating when and where he had to go for us to maintain a high line, something which a lot of clubs like to do. Either way, it's about Isted not Collins, and as dreamboy says - his real test will be in the next few games. Be very exciting if he performs.
He’s only made two saves of note, in three games! Which says something for how outstanding the defence has been. Anderson is on another Level compared to anything else in this Division.
I.agree with your assessment of how good the defence has been, especially in the last few weeks. Kitching has improved no end. As for Anders. Mr consistent. As much as I like him as a defender and as a person. I can't comment on whether he is on another level compared to anything else in this division. So I bow to your view. I don't really take note of other teams players. Love Barnsley hate football.
The defence has been outstanding - particularly away from home. We've conceded a mere 8 goals in our last 13 away games, which is exceptional.
I agree. But what I've seen up to now gives me confidence in his abilities. His distribution and reading of the game I think. leads to the players trusting him. He looks assured.
Would have no issue with signing Isted. As for Jack Walton, Luton signed him for a reason of course but he’s not even getting in the matchday squads at the moment. Horvath has played with Shea on the bench. Quite a strange bit of business overall, only Luton know why they wanted to do it. Presumably Shea is set to leave in the summer or something.
