Darren Pratley signs on a four year deal

[Lofthouse Lower]

Hate to say I told you so, but......

So where is he going to fit in? Haven't seen much of him but he has a reasonable scoring record so presumably won't be hanging back and replacing Muamba any time soon.

http://www.bwfc.co.uk/page/General/0,,1 ... 77,00.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[BWFC_Insane]

Hate to say I told you so, but......

So where is he going to fit in? Haven't seen much of him but he has a reasonable scoring record so presumably won't be hanging back and replacing Muamba any time soon.

http://www.bwfc.co.uk/page/General/0,,1 ... 77,00.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I believe he went to Swansea as a holding midfield player. And was sort of converted into a more progressive role.

So I imagine he could do either, which given our system means he'll have to do both all at the same time.

What I've seen of him he looks like a strong athletic midfielder. So thats always good. Lets hope he's up to the pace and intensity of the premiership. Decent goals record at Swansea so hopefully he'll contribute a few from midfield.

The bits I've seen of him he's either looked very very good, or absolutely dire. Not sure if that was down to uncertainty over his contract or whether he is a bit inconsistent!

[t_o_molloy]

Considering Holden played deeper than Muamba when he played anyway, I could see a partnership of Holden and Pratley when fully fit.

Coyle said a couple of weeks ago that Mark Davies was a big part of his plans though, so no idea really.

[thebish]

still no PSG... that's the qualification needed...

[thebish]

Coyle said a couple of weeks ago that Mark Davies was a big part of his plans though, so no idea really.

you mean "Mavis" surely??

[Lofthouse Lower]

Considering Holden played deeper than Muamba when he played anyway, I could see a partnership of Holden and Pratley when fully fit.

Coyle said a couple of weeks ago that Mark Davies was a big part of his plans though, so no idea really.

Probably a big part of the physio's plans too

[ohjimmyjimmy]

still no PSG... that's the qualification needed...

it was taken yesterday

[thebish]

I didn't realise he'd come through the yoof ranks at Fulham with Savis... when he's fit - where will Savis fit in??

[Lofthouse Lower]

He won't be.

[Lord Kangana]

No, he was at Fulham at the same time. Theres 6 years between them.

[Lofthouse Lower]

He had previously made 199 appearances during a five-year stint with Swansea, scoring 31 goals.

Fair-to-middling

[elfil76]

after all the talk, I am looking forward to see him play. Have not seen him play at all.

[Rodney Trotter]

Do we really need Pratley though when we're signing Thiago?

[seanworth]

Considering the injuries last season and how tired Muamba looked at the end, I'm sure he'll have no problem fitting in.

[bristolwanderer]

I am pretty sure he will fit in no problem.

[mullayo]

No, he was at Fulham at the same time. Theres 6 years between them.

Was that the same time as Zight? Or Maylor?

[Forkbeard]

So I imagine he could do either, which given our system means he'll have to do both all at the same time.

Which will suit him down to the ground.

Pratley's not the most skilful player in the world, but he's a lot better technically than many of his detractors at Swansea gave him credit for. His biggest strength however is an engine that could drive a train. On many an occasion he's dragged us back into games almost single handed through sheer effort and force of will, and over the last 4/5 years we almost always played better with him in the side and in form than without.

Your best bet is to give him an unrestricted midfield role. Make him sit deep and you won't see the best of him. Allow him to pop up where he wants and cover every blade of grass and you will. He'll be winning tackles deep in your half and ten seconds later having a pop at goal. He's that sort of player, and he'll be hard for us to replace. Doesn't score that many (although he did this year) but he'll get some and create a few too.

[Lord Kangana]

No, he was at Fulham at the same time. Theres 6 years between them.

Was that the same time as Zight? Or Maylor?

You've gone too far this time.

[BWFC_Insane]

He had previously made 199 appearances during a five-year stint with Swansea, scoring 31 goals.

Fair-to-middling

Indeed but he started out as a holding midfield player.

Last season he got twelve goals, not bad considering he didn't start for large parts of the season due to his contract issue!

[Lofthouse Lower]

No, he was at Fulham at the same time. Theres 6 years between them.

Was that the same time as Zight? Or Maylor?

Do one