Garvan v. Miller

After the stand-off over the summer between player and club regarding his new contract, Owen Garvan was all set for a big season with Ipswich. Yet, he has found himself in a battle for a first team place with that player who in many ways represents the opposite of Garvan, Tommy Miller.

Both Tommy Miller and Owen Garvan have found themselves in and out of the squad over the duration of the season so far. Yet, its been Miller who has found himself in posession of the shirt as the season gets into its most important phase.

Whilst Garvan represents youth and the academy, two factors which are guaranteed to make any player a fan favourite, Miller has, until recently, been something of an anti-hero amongst fans.

On this website, we have often unashamedly championed the cause of Tommy Miller. However, this season really does seem to be turning into a victory for style over substance.

Garvans popularity amongst the fan base ensures that his delicate and measured skills will always be appreciated. Undeniably, he is a player of some class. But, there are clear flaws in his game. He cannot help a lack of pace, something which unfortunately is not going to improve. However, his finishing and awareness in front of goal has often been found wanting. Whilst 6 goals is a healthy return and represents the best goalscoring form of his career, it is pushed up by two direct free kick goals which, even in the best light, could not be described as shots on goal.

Equally, his poor tackling ability, which has often resulted in cards previously in his career, ensure that he cannot be used in certain roles.

Miller, by contrast, has been steady and controlled all season, in whatever role he has been asked to play. His defensive skills ensure the ball is retained and used intelligently, whilst his offensive skills, which are clearly the strong suite in his game, have been pushed to the fore in recent weeks. Reliably able to perform in a variety of positions, and change mid-game, the question marks over whether he would be rewarded with a new contract have been replaced by questions about who should play alongside him.

And currently it seems that question mark now appears over Owen Garvans head.