A few pages ago someone on here posted a video of the 2010/2011 season of Pete. He scored 15 goals that season and his love for the club and fans was genuine in his celebrations. Now, every goal in that video, what position was PO playing?... He was upfront, on the shoulder of the last defender. Thats where he is best and most lethal.
Now, I'm not going to point fingers at Clarke or any of the management staff here, however, you have to see the guys point. He is an out and out striker. He loves to score goals, and thats what the guy does best. Now, i can agree with most on here that he has a sulk every now and again and has been inconsistent this year. However, ask your self this, if someone brings in a 19yr old to do the same job you do, and have done pretty well so far (15 goals 10/11 season) wouldn't you be a little nervous and hurt? Now, is the right way to handle that business in the public media? No. However, we have no idea what goes on behind the scenes of our club. He may have had conversations with Clarke about his displeasure of playing out of position, and Clarke may be just sticking to his guns, as most managers do. Its no surprise to me that he handed in a transfer request. Im a wide player, and if i was asked to play RB for a few games i would in a heart beat. HOwever, if i was asked to do it and then never saw my position again and i was sitting the bench, or playing RB for the season after a "Loanee" came in, well its only human nature to be upset...
I do not agree with the way PO has handled this situation at all, however, in my job, if a 18/19yr old came in and was doing a decent job but not as well as i know i can do it and i was asked to take a secondary role after proving i am the man for the job... I can see where pete may be a little hurt. Also, this talk i see of how we saved him and gave him the chance of English football. Yes, i agree and no i don't at the same time. At some point someone would have noticed him out there, but it was albion who gave him the offer first, and again you can see his genuine thanks and love for the club in the video posted. If i was in charge he would be one of the first names on the team sheet every week, sulk or no sulk, he really can turn a game around with a moment of magic...
Thanks for everything Pete! If it wasn't for your 15 goals then we wouldnt be where we are now... IMO, your "debt" as most see it was repaid. If you want to play upfront then i bid you farewell, if Albion cant give you that...