Given the thread on Shepherd. Thought I'd take a look at lopata. I don't know if I've missed any threads on him. But thought this was quite a good statement on his performances to date. After yesterday's win.. 1 March 2025 Kacper Lopata. No one made more clearances or won more aerial duels than the Polish defender, who was at the heart of County's stoic defensive effort. At only 23-years-old, he has anchored the County defence incredibly well at times this season. I have to say, I thought it was ludicrous to send those 2 out on loan last season and playing Williams out of position. I thought both were adequate squad players. If not first choice.
I always thought that as well Hook. Lopata seemed to have something about him at first, and getting loaned out was a poor and unfair choice by the club.
Lopata seems miles off L1. Shepherd seems to be developing and will get the chance to see if he can do it in L1 next season. Like the why have we let Dallas go out stuff when he scored on debut ( nothing much since) just not good enough
I liked Lopata. Strong start, injured innocuously, faded a bit on return but still worthy of a run in a L1 side.
Thought Lopata was our best defender in early part of last season. Think he picked up an injury at Northampton in early October and then never got another chance. Thought it strange how he got overlooked.
Definitely have him and shepherd in squad next season. Release McCarthy and probably let Pines go too rather than extend his contract. Bring in Paudie O'Connor from Lincoln when his contract runs out and then we should have some good options and a nice blend of young potential and experience.
Yep, get them both back for next season, can't be any worse than what we've got now. Swap them for McCarthy and Pines.
This season will have done them the world of good. Playing every week at a decent level. Lopata was well thought of at Sheffield United but went to Woking because he wanted to play every week. No guarantee of that here at the start of the season. I’m certain they’ll both be important parts of our squad next season.
As most have said, Pines and McCarthy should be released and Shepherd (definitely)and Lopata (possibly) given another chance. Shepherd should be an upgrade on Earl who for me has been a liability this season. Must be the slowest defender in the league.
He’s in the top 3 then. Shepherd needs to play before him next season anyway, regardless of our opinions on Earl’s pace (or lack of).
Why his he suddenly a must to return, he wasn’t good enough last season and pulled no trees up when he was loaned out last season. What I remember about him is that he was. incredibly slow, we don’t need another slow paced centre half.
I didn’t see much in Lopata. Wasn’t dominant in the air, wasn’t quick, not great on the ball. Just a bit average & seemed the type who will spend the majority of his career in the 4th tier if he wants to be a regular. I hope I’m wrong as he’s under contract & a season of regular football may have improved him. Like Shepherd a lot. Excellent passer & dominant in the air. He’s someone I can see been a regular for us.
With respect. From my opening post. and this is not the only occasion apparently. Kacper Lopata. No one made more clearances or won more aerial duels than the Polish defender
I actually thought when he was here, Shepherd was slower than Earl! Like I said in a previous post though, imagine how good he could have been if he had been training with proper facilities & coaching, pro stuff. I should imagine since he's had almost a full season on loan, he'll be much fitter, leaner and probably has picked up his pace thanks to that. I honestly can't wait to see him back in a Barnsley shirt. Personally, I'm glad we sent him on loan for this reason, experience, proper experience too. He would have been behind Earl and barely played if he stayed here. Not disputing perhaps he should have returned during the Jan window, but it was 100% the correct choice to send him on loan initially.
You defo need 2 left footers in the squad when you play a back 3. I actually think Earl has been decent more often than not but the way Jack is playing he might just start next season first choice.
