Let's have a poll on Bassong

[Din]

What's your opinion about him then?

My personal view is that he should be given another chance. Although we won against Cardiff we were hardly convincing defensively at times. If we can get the Bassong from 2 seasons ago back, then it will go a long way to solving our defensive problems.

 

[Canaryboy]

Undecided. It is a shame that he happens to play in a position which most fans consider one of our weakest areas of the pitch (perhaps second to left wing?). Somebody made the point that what Wes did last January was equally as bad, if we know the full story, and that's probably a fair point. We soon forgave him. 

We'll never know the full story, and for that reason - as fans - we have to consider the possibility that this was six of one and half a dozen of the other. Could Adams have been more open and sought to clear the air in the summer, or would that have been a sign of weakness on his part? Was Adams overly confident of being able to find a suitor for Bassong on a season long loan or permanent transfer, and does that explain why we appeared to panic and bring in two centre backs on deadline day? Rather than taking it on the chin and being more open to repairing their relationship during pre-season? 

Bassong has remained dignified in public and has not spoken out about the fall out on social media (or elsewhere?), the first place I looked after Adams' dismissal was Bassong's twitter to see if there was a parting shot, although after two fines for incidents on social media that may have been on the advice of his representatives, who wouldn't want us to have an excuse to dismiss him if we wanted an alternative means of getting him off the wage bill? 

It is difficult to give either a 'yes' or 'no' without knowing the full facts of what went on, but I don't think the feelings of Neil Adams (who will be back in July) should influence the decision, I'll respect whatever Alex Neil chooses with regards to whether he decides to give him a chance. I suspect he'll have to work hard for it, and I'm not entirely confident that he will, so in some respects the ball is back in Bassong's court. Alex Neil will have been presented with the facts and will probably be cautious as a result, is up to Bassong to behave himself, show that he is committed to the cause and is willing to put the graft in to earn his place? 

 

[mustard gas]

I feel the same as you Din. Yesterday showed that we need him in the centre of the defence, or anew addition of equal stature.

 

[Personal Trainer]

Interestingly I thought the Turner - Cuellar pairing was working well, the latter can certainly read the game. The problem is neither is blessed with any pace and so rely on the two fullbacks rather a lot and unfortunately Olsson went missing at crucial moments.

 

[Salopian]

If he plays at his best, then we need him, but if not or he plays well intermittently I have my doubts. 

 

[Yellow Fever]

I've been through all three of these positions over time, but now have moved on to 'yes' as Alex Neil has looked at it, talked to him and said the door is open. Neil Adams did the same with Wes, so there is a precedent. The key will be if AN rates him as up to the task. Bassong did well enough at Watford on loan for 11 matches and could do the same for us. I think he and Turner would be our best partnership if he gets back to his Pots form.

 

[SussexYellow]

A yes for me. Obviously the proviso is that he is motivated, wants to be here and wants to succeed. But the new manager does mean a new chance for him to answer those provisos.

My main reason for a yes is that our other centre backs have looked far better players with Seb alongside them. (OK this is mainly Turner and R Bennett) 

Also I do not think he switches off anywhere near as much as has been suggested on these boards. Last season we were primarily playing for clean sheets so every error gets highlighted and analysed. 

 

[Boyerboy]

I don't want to be curmudgeonly but Neil has already made the decision to let Bassong back in.

Has he made the right decision?

In my view yes, for many of the reasons CanaryBoy sets out.

 

[eatonparkboy]

I don't think he is that tremendous a player but having said that I think he is better than all our other CB options. I believe it is the weakest position(s) in the team. He does get excitable at times and often fly hacks when a bit of composure would help. But he is more more mobile than the others and doesn't always get caught out by a man going past him.

It is up the management team to say if he is sufficiently remorseful about his behaviour.  If so, I would have to say yes, but hope the management have eyes on a new defender.