Quote: Cruncher "Personally I think Phelps will need to improve enormously for us to offer him a new contract at the end of this season.
I agree that he's a willing lad, and that he adds sparkle on attack. But I feel that at some point we'll start looking at specialists for our specialist positions. I hope Phelps cements himself into the role, because everyone seems to like him - but if he can't add the extra 50% to his game (and that's how much I think he needs, if our team is to be where we all want it to be), then I suspect that his days will be numbered as we approach 2011.'"
I agree but am wary of saying anything too negative about such a popular player
I think as others have posted the fact he is a quota player and we have a young player who seems to be close to challenging for his spot could seal his fate. I think the only way he can prevent these things from forcing him out of the club is by becoming a very good full back in the space of the 2010 season but if he doesn't improve his game as discussed I'd be surprised if he got a new deal.
I suppose he could get a new contract as a utility back and we know IL likes him because he puts the effort in but as a specialist full back he's on thin ice IMO.
Most people have been looking for improvements in 2010 from Riddell, Roberts and Feka but Phelps is in that camp as well IMO but he has slipped under the radar due IMO to the fact it isn't lack of effort that was his problem whereas the others have been criticised for their attitude to fitness or how they played.
Dave