I know it's not the same Conor we lost, and I personally haven't seen him play for a long time but stats wise he managed 13 goal contributions last season. For context that's one less than Kane did for us season just gone and that was in his most productive season he's had for us. He doesn't need to play every week Conor. But that tells me he's still good enough to contribute at this level for sure.
His legs haven't gone. He played 47 games last season and captained a side to promotion out of the league we wanted out of.
Conor won’t be the box to box player we once knew him as, but he’ll still do a job screening the defence looking to get on the ball in a quarter back role. Pair him with Luca who can do all the running & we could be on to something. Coupled with big Marc Roberts at the back, the leadership those two would bring would be invaluable imo. Then we can sign players from the spreadsheet who I have no doubt would get better under their guidance. A decent manager would be the cherry on top.
I'd be looking at him coaching our midfield and providing a wealth of experience. And the odd screamer of a free kick!
Completely agree. Roberts seems to be massively respected in the game as well - Jude Bellingham clearly holds him in very high regard, which is some recommendation. Obviously it's all speculation, but if we'd have been able to bring Hourihane and Roberts on for the last 15 minutes of the league game against Bolton, we'd have won it. Last 15 minutes of the 1st leg of the playoffs, I'm certain we wouldn't have conceded again.
There's an awful lot of excitement about three things that might not even happen. Roberts liking something on twitter. Hourihane getting coaching practice and Stendel wearing a false beard in the Garrison whilst watching Eurovision.
I would rather have a midfield three of Hourihane/Connell/Phillips than swapping him for Kane. And that goes for next season too.