Quote ="jinkin jimmy"As Cruncher said, he can't believe anyone thinks Phelps is better than Roberts. I would find it equally strange that anyone thought Goulding was a better player than Phelps but, as I said, it's all moot now.'"
I find it equally strange that Phelps gets half the praise that he gets from some and I dont really see how you can say Phelps is a better player when Goulding is a far better winger and centre. Phelps hasnt really proved himself in any position during his time at the club and Roberts this season has shown himself to be a far better full back. Maguire obviously thinks that Roberts at full back with Goulding and Richards on the wing is our strongest back 3 as that is what he has gone with for most of the season, even when Phelps has been fit. If Phelps was that good then Maguire would have found a place for him.
Somehow a myth has been created that he is a good utility player despite nothing to back this up. He failed at hooker, was a complete disaster in the centre and average at best on the wing. His record at full back has been patchy to say the least and he is not a patch on Roberts, who is a completely different class of player, or even Tomkins on what he has shown so far. The mere fact that 2 coaches havent given him a chance at his supposed position of stand off, even when we have had injuries, doesnt exactly say much about his potential in that position. I really dont see how being tried in various positions, and failing in every one, makes him a good utility player.