Opinion: Shotton Was A Great Addition

At the start of the season, I was very excited about having new additions to the forward line in order to support Donaldson whom I felt was isolated a lot last season. Adams and Lukas are able to contribute to the goalscoring figures meaning less pressure on Clayton and it enables us to close out games rather than trying to chase them. But for me, I didn’t think that the defence was focused on enough.

I felt that Shotton was brought in as a utility player to cover centre back when need be but primarily he would be used as a right back instead of Caddis who looked very tired last year. I have seen him live a few times particularly for Stoke where he was great as a right back; chipping in with assists as well as being very strong defensively. The one thing I wasn’t comfortable with was his lack of positioning. He seemed to like to man mark rather than be more flexible which is what is required of a full back.

But when he is at centre back; I feel that is when you get the best out of him. His body positioning is often square on which is suitable for a central player rather than side on and he looks much more comfortable doing this. Tom, in the Birmingham City goal got a lot of plaudits at the weekend and rightly so after a man of the match performance. But the save he made whereby he tipped the ball onto the cross bar, landed in the centre of the box. This could have resulted in an easy headed goal for striker but Shotton made a brilliant header. It was one of the best pieces of defending I’ve seen. He managed to jump really high and flick the ball away from danger whilst being under pressure. He saved a certain goal.

His heading ability as well as the timing of his tackling has improved a lot in the last few months and this is testament to his hard work on the training pitch. With Spector being suspended due to his red card, it is likely that Shotton will move into the centre. I have heard people discuss this and say that he is not up to it. He has all the skills needed to succeed. The one thing that will really be the key is whether he can develop a relationship with Morrison before the next game. He should do as they play next to each other on a match day and therefore have an understanding but we shall see.

It’s a good option to have. He is a good centre back, it’s just we don’t have a brilliant right back to step in however, it gives a chance for the younger players to get involved.