Donovan Pines

Has become part of the Ownership Group of DC Power, a women's team in America.

 

On his way back to the States then?

 

Would you extend his contract?

I don’t think I would. Roberts has another year, and then you’ve Lopata and Shepherd to return.

 

He's a bright, intelligent, articulate, enthusiastic young man. A credit to his family. If he was working at our place, then hell yes, I'd extend his contract.

As a professional footballer? No.

 

Good for him. One eye on his future. He might have already been told to make other plans.

 

He’s very likeable. Very pure. If there were more Donovan’s in the world we’d be better off.

I don’t think he’s terrible at football either.

But I have more faith in Lopata, Shepherd for example (who are younger and earn less). And young Barratt is now on the scene. There’s Wilkinson on his way through as England U16s captain. And I think all of Maël, Roberts and Earl are better (and under contract).

Sure he will get fixed up back in the MLS. Maybe the club that Neill Collins went to?

 

No I wouldn't.

 

He was the bees knees when we first signed him, and we really missed him in that first injury spell.
But he hasn't been the same since then, for whatever reasons.
And after thinking about the idea of extending his contract, to be honest I'd say thanks, but NO!.

 

doubt he’ll stay longer than this season but wish him the best, cleary a good influence for the squad, seems a top quality guy

 

Nice bloke, for sure. Pity he doesn’t know what a football is.

 

I know we keep suggesting it as a sarcy comment.
But I wonder what would happen, if we ever did throw Pines up front for the last 10+ minutes.

 

He must be a joy for the lads who work with him, he brightens up my day just watching his interviews etc. But ultimately we have to be brutal and I don't think he's earned a new contract based on performances on the pitch - which is a shame because I really, really like the bloke.

 

Yes. He'll come good again. USA! USA! USA!

 

Christ, some of the comments in this thread. Donnie's got limitations to his game, hence why he's in the 3rd division, but he's far from the worst centre half I've seen at Oakwell by a long chalk. Though some are making out he's the second coming of Peter Hamdyside.

 

He's an awful defender. Had a few good moments at the other end of the pitch where he's grabbed the headlines and endeared himself to the crowd but at the end of the pitch he's paid to play in he's been absolutely woeful

 

Sorry but no. He’s not quite there even though he has looked good on a few occasions. I’m sure we can do better

 

Decent in air horrendous when ball.on floor

 

Handyside performed the best overhead kick clearance off the line that I have ever seen. And I'm sorry, but he also played more professional games in the football league than Donovan will ever play. The centre back that you have chosen as the worst ever was much, much better than Donovan Pines. He just demonstrably was. And I didn't rate Handyside that much.

 

He's great in the air when attacking, but whilst defending he allows the ball to bounce so often. If he could cut that out he'd be instantly better. I do think he's a decent centre back, old fashioned. Physical, decent tackler, decent in the air when in the box (but as I said, not when running back and defending) but looks so suspect with the ball to feet and isn't always the best positionally and attackers can get wrong side of him... especially when the ball bounces I wouldn't be opposed to him being a back up centre half for us, but unfortunately he seems too injury prone for even that.

 

Definitely think so. Wouldn’t be surprised to see him return to DC United, Philadelphia or New England due to his hometown etc.