' Were they wrong to release him? '

Were Leeds United wrong to release Sol Bamba?

HITC

Tuesday 4th April 2017

Sol Bamba has rejuvenated his career at Cardiff City.

Cardiff’s Sol Bamba scores their second goalCardiff’s Sol Bamba scores their second goal

Sol Bamba entered the 2016/17 season as Leeds United's club captain, but began September being released by the club.

The Ivory Coast veteran was not in Garry Monk's plans and the manager felt it was in the player's best interests to move on, and he has re-established himself at Cardiff City.

Bamba has managed more tackles and more interceptions than any Leeds centre-back, including popular star Pontus Jansson.




Team Interceptions per game Won Tackles per game Appearances
Sol Bamba Cardiff 3.52 1.85 27
Pontus Jansson Leeds 1.75 1.07 28
Kyle Bartley Leeds 1.55 0.76 38
Liam Cooper Leeds 1.45 0.82 11


The glitch on Bamba's season was his crazy red card against Ipswich in December, but that aside he has impressed for Neil Warnock's Cardiff, helping them to a win against Leeds at Elland Road earlier in 2017.

When Leeds released Bamba, it seemed like a fair decision considering he had fallen out of favour, but was it really the right one?

Sol Bamba of Leeds United with Jake Bidwell of BrentfordSol Bamba of Leeds United with Jake Bidwell of Brentford

Monk's first choice partnership of Kyle Bartley and Pontus Jansson have been key to Leeds' success. Liam Cooper has been less consistent when called upon.

Bamba could have been a better option to retain than Cooper, even if Monk felt it was better for squad harmony that he did not keep an impatient veteran on the sidelines.

With the uncertainty around Pontus Jansson's fitness and squad status after missing the last two matches, Leeds lack of strength in depth at the position is just one more injury away from being really stretched.



The defender said earlier this year he felt no ill will towards Leeds for letting him go with how it has worked out. Few Leeds fans would surely begrudge him his success in rebuilding his career either.

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Their loss is our gain. Thank goodness we didn't do what previous inept managers wanted and get rid of Gunnar. These two are our rocks and now with big Ken the first names on the teamsheet for any quality manager.

I love Sol Bamba's commitment on the pitch he has CCFC DNA running right through him. However, you know he is one bad decision away from blowing a gasket. To keep all that is good about SB we also have to accept the bad and probably he will get sent off at least twice a season.

Bamba is my choice for player of the season, but Gunnars should be captain next season.....he is Iceland captain and perfect for the job.