As you’ll read further down this page, our Brighton fan writer thinks James Milner is being handed appearances in order to help him surpass the Premier League record. We’ve asked you if you think that’s the case.
Here are some of your opinions which focus on Milner playing when perhaps he shouldn’t:
Joe: I do not agree with the Milner vanity project. He should be a member of the coaching staff and not a member of the playing squad. We have younger, better options than him.
David: There is no doubt that Milner has been a great player but age catches up with everyone. He is therefore only able to give 100% in very short bursts and should only come on as a substitute in desperate situations when younger legs are not available. Brighton must come well before breaking records and I am sure he realises that.
Jake: It’s been clear for some time he’s not up to it any longer, not for Brighton and probably any Premier League team considering the intensity of the modern game. I’m sure his experience was useful but with Pascal Gross back to provide that alongside superior playing capability maybe it’s time to advance to a potential coaching role. That said, Hurzeler does seem to love an out-of-position utility player, so no surprise there’s a real bromance.
Brian: Bringing Milner on towards the end of any game affects the balance of the midfield, usually causing unnecessary problems. I think the manager is just giving Milner an opportunity to beat record appearances rather than to improve team.
Some however think using Milner is not an issue…
Graham: Utter nonsense. Milner is brought on to shore up the midfield being a more defensive player and far more experienced than others. I’d ask the question why Gomez is shoehorned into every single starting 11 if we’re fantasising about contractual liabilities.
Rozzer: Milner has represented the best of professionalism in English football for some time now. He has been a role model to thousands of youngsters in how he conducts himself on and off the pitch and he is deserving of this record. There will always be opportunity for him to do that this season without having too much impact on Albion. Well done Milner.
