When managers repeat themselves as Nigel Pearson has done yesterday regards players it certainly needs highlighting. This is Nigel Pearson in July 2021, and then in February 2022. Not a lot of difference, and the same mantra.

In July Pearson was asked about Liam Walsh joining Swansea and responded “So it’s really my decision because I wanted to strengthen in a way which I had players that play the way I think we need to play, moving forward. It’s never an easy decision. When you let players like Liam go — I suppose Jamie Paterson would be in a similar category being popular... But I think sometimes either player, their shelf life has come to an end but also Liam had had some problems, injury-wise, and I just decided to move in a different direction. Hopefully that clarifies that I’m Public Enemy number one," said Pearson.

Interestingly Liam Walsh was one player who hasn’t made his mark this season at Swansea City since his transfer, he is now on loan at Hull City. Jamie Paterson on the other hand, on the pitch has flourished and is considered a very valuable asset for the swans.

Then remaining consistent on Jamie Paterson as he did with Liam Walsh, Pearson stated yesterday ”I know he is a really good player but sometimes players can be at a place for too long and need freshening up, I think he’s benefited from moving away. He was quite a popular player here and I know he’s quite popular with the fans. Every player has a shelf life and that doesn’t mean that in terms of their career, it means at football clubs players can be there too long”

Of course has Person known of Paterson’s resurgence as a professional footballer he would most certainly have regained his services. Most certainly Pearson’s logic seems right, we all have to move on to new pastures sometimes. It’s worked for Paterson but not for Walsh, the latter always considered to be the most skilful player at all the clubs he has played for. Unfortunately even at Swansea that skills base hasn’t worked out for him.

And already Walsh is discovering pastures new.

Photographs licensed from Reuters

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