Benson is a disgrace

In our last relegation debacle we had Joe Williams and Gardner in midfield and both were massively underwhelming for me, both still playing in the championship now though. I think Benson is no different from these two at that stage performance wise. I have less faith for Palmer as he's now "experienced" but can't play for 70 minutes and still looks way off it, I think his chance has gone and I would be amazed if he picks up a gig at this level again.

 

I can't make my mind up on Palmer and I'm certainly going to be interested what happens in the summer with him. If we do offer him a contract, if he does move on. If its still in the championship.

I suspect he would benefit from some stability and someone believing in him. But whether we see that at Oakwell, I'm not so sure.

 

Well Poya has said that it's touch and go for Styles tomorrow night, so somebody out of Palmer, Halme and Benson is going to have to come on and do a shift in midfield at some point.

We also need somebody that can come on and hold the ball up if Morris' one remaining leg gives way, not sure if there's anybody in the u23s that can step up for that though, now Bremang has gone out on loan.

 

My real problem with that whole incident isn't that Benson is in the wrong position in the first place, it isn't that he hesitates and takes a step back when he was in prime position to get the ball, it isn't Palmer's failed attempt at a tackle, (like you I don't know if he gets kicked, kicks himself, gets kicked by Benson or just falls down) all those are mistakes, we all make mistakes, it's Benson's dad run back to our area, that run where you actually move more slowly than walking, that isn't a mistake, that's a total lack of application and a dereliction of duties. I find that difficult to accept.

 

I think Palmer just threw himself to the floor to try and win a free kick to ease some pressure, and he was sold a dummy by Benson, but he should have just cleaned both Benson and Cairney out and cleared the ball.

But as you say, the meandering from Benson after Cairney wins the ball was unacceptable.