Player Reviews 2009/10 (Midfielders)

Following on from the last two weeks Season Reviews, we bring you our very own Player Reviews.

In a three-part series, we look back at our defence, midfield, and strikers. We will give them our opinions, and also a rating out of 10.

Enjoy, and if you disagree, just join up and share your thoughts in the Vital Hartlepool forums.

Player Reviews (Midfielders)

Ritchie Humphreys – Contract Extension May 2010
Player Verdict: Legend Ritchie has come under some criticism from some fans this season, but no one can fault his passion for the cause. Situated in the central of midfield, Humphreys has a eye for a pass, and links up well with others. However, he has been dispossessed of the ball too many times, but he has shown enough to warrant him a deserved testimonial year.
(7/10)

Leon McSweeney from Stockport (Free)
Player Verdict: Mixed views have been shared by fans on the pacy winger, who can run all day along. He poses a threat on the ball, but has been seen to be lazy, and tries to beat his man to many times, which often loses him the ball. (5/10)

Ritchie Jones – Released May 2010
Player Verdict: Ritchie Jones is yet another player whose people’s opinions differ. His inconsistency led to his release, but their is no hiding from his talent. When he wants, he can be amazing, but when he doesn’t want to, he is a waste of space. A very disappointing season from the midfielder, but one player won’t find it hard finding a new club.
(6/10)

Andy Monkhouse
Player Verdict: Monky was excellent this season in a under-performing squad. His mazy runs at players, getting himself in goal scoring position, his lethal boot, all make him a player to be aware of. He is rumoured to be on the radar of Gus Poyet at Brighton, and next season could be his last at Pools, unless his team mates rise to Monky’s talents.
(8/10)

Antony Sweeney – Contract Extension May 2010
Player Verdict: The midfielder endured a terrible season in the blue and white. The attacking midfielder clearly struggled to adapt to his favoured position again, after two years away from it. He runs all day, but he was unable to do much on the ball. He is a great player on his day, however he didn’t produce his potential this year. Despite his failings, with a pre-season under his belt with Joe Gamble, I expect him to return fresh next season, and like the player we once saw. Big big season awaits.
(4/10)

Jonny Rowell – Released May 2010
Player Verdict: The youngster had high hopes at the Vic, but his failure to push the boat out means he was one of seven to depart. The midfielder has a great vision, and gets into great areas, but with a midfielder list as long as his arm, he was never given the chances he deserved. Despite his release, the youth team graduate has a big future.
(3/10)

Jon-Andre Fredriksen from Sarpsborg 08 (£8,000)
Player Verdict – What a strange season for the Norwegian. After impressing in pre-season friendlies he impressed even more in the opening month of the season. A great passer of the ball who can switch play delightfully, isn’t afraid to get stuck in, but those attributes haven’t been enough for him to hold down a first team spot. Out in the wilderness since September, many fans have been scratching their head as to why Chris Turner refused to play the talented midfielder. (4/10)

Joe Gamble from Cork City (Free)
Player Verdict – The biting midfielder does what it says on the tin. Not afraid to lunge in to break up play, he sits in the middle park and ticks the game along for Pools. Despite his tiny frame, he wins almost every aerial challenge, and has cut out stupid mistakes in Pools’ midfield. A real bargain of a midfielder, who will be even better after a full pre-season under his belt. Great player (8/10)

Return tomorrow for our final player reviews on our strikers.