Not over a 100 Championship games but Ben Thompson had 86, scored 9 goals with Millwall finishing 8th twice, once 9th and another time 11th (which is identical to Billy's record) and ended up at Stevenage!
He also was in the side that finished 21st under Harris. Ben Thompson hasn't got an inch of the technique and footballing brain the Mitchell has. He had the heart, passion and bollox but limited with his feet. Lets see where Mitchell is at the end of the season. If there's more to come from him Edwards will get it out of him.
I think it's fair to say that Thompson fitted us like a glove when Harris was in charge and Ben had all the attributes for what Harris deemed a Wall player for a proper wall side. The Championship has evolved from what it was five year ago. You have to be able to play a bit and have technically adept players. Bollock and bite of five year ago that got you 8th in table is now a recipe for relegation.
Billy holds his own, he never looks out of his depth. Yes he needs a bit more to his game but he copes. Ben Thompson in my opinion would get run ragged in this division now. He got hot headed and did reckless things cause he had to, kit was the only way he could compete cause he was essentially out of his depth.
I think we have to remember that all the players were playing to strict instructions under Rowett. We're now seeing a team that are playing with a bit more freedom and on the front foot. I believe that Billy is a highly intelligent player with scope for improvement given the correct coaching.
We saw it with Burey, gifted with technique but was never taught how to play without the ball or for the team. Lacking in hunger too so he's always going to hold himself back from kicking on. Billy has the heart and grit of a lion, He just needs bringing on so he's the finished article in the role he's been asked to play.
And for the record and in defence of you- Purley to other posters. I've sat by this fine gentleman for what must be a decade. I can say with confidence that he's as honest as the day is long and is being honest in his appraisal of Mitchell. It's not because of a personal dislike that makes him a critic of Mitchell but his honest opinion and on how he see's the game.
Me and my son have spent hours upon hours defending, agreeing and/or completely divided on a player. My son is a competitive sportsman, me less so and that means we'll have completely different views on one player because of how we see it and what we expect.