Michael Morrison

[Fez of Mahrez]

I think he deserves a massive amount of credit for his first season in the Football League. To step up from the Conference and start around 40 games for a League One club is difficult enough but to do it as a young centre-back at a club with massive expectations is extremely tough. He's had a shaky spell or two during the season and has showed huge character to keep plugging away and keep earning his games. It was clear to see in pre-season that Pearson was coaching him through the games and trying to get him to organise the defence. He's thrived on that sort of responsibility. He's still got a long way to go but it's extremely encouraging to see young players improve over the course of the season.

When Tunchev and then Gilbert suffered their injuries, I think most of us assumed our season would become a lot more difficult but Morrison has been the main reason that we've coped with those setbacks - first of all putting in some superb displays at centre-back just after Tunchev's injury at Palace to give the team some much-needed assurance and secondly the last few weeks when I think he has been excellent at right-back to see us over the line. The goals against S****horpe were just a bonus really but scoring two goals in front of 30,000+ people is going to live long in his memory I'm sure - and he fully deserves that for the effort he's put in all season.

As for next season, I'd have no qualms about him playing in the Championship - I think it's a tougher league physically and we will need one or two more players with Morrison's strength and height, particularly in midfield. He is a real asset at set-pieces in particular, which as we all know from last season can be a vital plus-point. We won't be able to cut through defences in the same way we have this season so we'll have to make more of our set-pieces next season.

I wouldn't go overboard with regard to his future at the club. I've seen a lot of people say he's a future captain. That's something that is difficult to predict. I don't think many would have been saying it about Steve Walsh when he first arrived. I think he's got true desire to do well for us and for Pearson though and that's a great starting point for a long career with a club.

Cambridge fans have more important things to think about at the moment with the Conference play-off semi-final second leg tomorrow but if any happen to read this then good luck tomorrow and rest assured that we're not just a bigger club who have poached one of your youngsters and stuck him in the reserves - we've given him a go and I think he's proven his quality.

[Nugent]

Great post, I have to admit he has surprised me.

[Cropwellfox]

Agree with the above. We need to build on this season and get a core of players who will be around the club for more than the average 18 months that we've suffered from over the last 5 years. Morrison is definately one of them, there's nothing to suggest his development won't continue, particularly with Pearson and Brown to help him along. He's only got a year left on his contract, getting him on a longer-term deal should be one of our priorities for the close season.

[Hullfox]

It seems to me that Morrison has never flinched from putting a shift in when it mattered and is one of our unsung heroes.

Pearson has to take some credit for keeping him in the frame but ultimately Morrison's success this season is down to the lad himself.

He is now surrounded at the club with some real defensive talent, I hope he continues to improve himself.

[clazkel]

Morrison has been great this season, he started off shakey in pre-season, but well done to Pearson for sticking with him. Hes come on the most out of all the players and deserves alot of credit. I felt sorry for him being dropped afew times for Kisnorbo and Brown. I hope he starts with Hobbs next season. Well done Morrison

[BoneDog]

I agree. Morrison is solid with no fear. Even at right back he has confidence (when he is obviously a centre half). I was happy first game of the season watching him and now I am proud and can't wait to see him progress further. I reckon he will be a major piece of our defence for the next 3 or more years. YES Michael, you've earned ya stripes this season and I trust that you will move to a higher level in the coming season. Respect

[davieG]

I've kept a close eye on him as he was my 'one to make an impact'.

I think he's been solid and reliable. He's made a significant contribution to the side and been a major part of a tight defence. Even the hoofing he gets criticised for is generally measured, considered and aim at a particular person and not always Howard. In fact I'd go as far to say it's more long passing than aimless hoofing that we've been used to from our CBs. For a big guy he's also looked surprisingly comfortable on the ball.

He also put in some creditable performances at RB, yesterday he was up and down the line particularly 1st half before Gradel came on filling in when Oakley inevitably drifted inside.

Albeit with only 3 goals I believe he's also our highest scoring defender.

Next season will be a big test for him because the competition for places seems to put him 4th behind Tunchev, Hobbs then Brown so he's going to have to work that much harder to force his way into the team.

He's earned his place in a Championship squad - Good luck to him

[Candidcamera]

In the last few yeaqrs we have not seen a youngster do as well as him. Stearman had a good spell when he came in to the team and then a very poor spell. This lad seems to have the right attitude to learn. That's what its all about. Stearman had it Mattock has got it and all the loanees seemed to have it. Well done.

[Lillehamring]

obviously, i haven't seen to much of him in action, but i have to say in the leeds game when our final ball and finishing (bar the goal) was pretty poor, when he had that driving angled shot from the edge of the box, pushing up from RB, it was the highlight of the match for me (bar the goal).

I think pearson will be very happy to know that he can acquit himself iin that position, as it could mean not having to rush out for cover for that position

whether he can cut it at RB (or even CB) in the championship remains to be seen, but i'd guess the step up from non-league to L1 is as big, if not a bigger step than from L1 to CCC...

[MC Prussian]

Credit where credit is due - Morrison, alongside many others this season, has indeed been outstanding and bridging the gap of two football levels within half a season and without a major drop in performance is a class act. He has coped really well in League One. We couldn't have expected it to happen, but now that it has, I guess we can consider ourselves lucky (without forgetting Pearson's influence on getting Morrison in the first place).

Fez, your post is worth an

[Joe.]

He's certainly been an astute signing by Pearson that's for sure. When Tunchev got injured there was a significant lack of faith in the abilities of Hobbs and Morrison to fill the large void if I remember correctly, but they've both smashed those doubters this season.

Morrison in particular has shown at least one thing that Hobbs couldn't achieve successfully; filling in at right back. Since Gilbert was injured we've only conceded 3 goals in 5 games, and Morrison has barely put a foot wrong in his spell there. Don't get me wrong, I think it's far from a long-term solution, but at least we know we have adequate cover for a first choice right back should we require it.

The only way is up here for him in my opinion. Pearson clearly rates him highly, as shown by his apparent eagerness to involve him as somewhat of a marshall of the defence when he plays in the middle, and he'll get his opportunities next season I'm sure. With competition as fierce as what we have at centre back next season, he's going to have to battle hard for his place that's for sure.

[Corky]

Good signing and will only get better. Played well at right-back the past few matches as well, gets forward into attacking positions and is a solid defender.

Pearson has used the loan market and the money available to him very wisely, and Morrison is another example of that.

[Granno]

Another brilliant post by Fez.

Morrison has come from the non-league and shown his hunger and desire to play football. Peterborough also seem to purchase a majority hungry players from non-league, and it pays off for them.

I think we'll be seeing a lot more of Morrison next season, and then we can see what he is really made of in a much tougher league.

[Bert]

I was and probably still am one of his biggest critics. I really didn't like him at the start of the season, but as he's played more games, as each game has gone by, he's impressed me more and more and I've had to start eating my words. Which if he carries on, I gladly will do. He'll enjoy it in the championship 'cos I think the physical aspect of the game is very well suited to him. Anyone that went to Hinckkley in pre-season will know what I mean.

Whenever he's played "out of position" at right back I've thought he's looked just as solid, if not more solid and has never let us down there.

All in all, a fantastic first season for Morrison and here's to many more.

[J.Lisemore]

To step up from Non-League football, play as many games as he has played and perform well is brilliant. It really has been a team effort from the lads this year and everyone played their part.

[Cobbo]

I think this lad could go a long way.

He is very strong in the air - good with the ball at his feet and tackles well. His distribution has improved no end.

With someone like Brown around now, he will be perfect to learn off too (except when he goes into telling him how to pass..).

An excellent first season in the football league.

[lcfc81]

I've kept a close eye on him as he was my 'one to make an impact'.

I think he's been solid and reliable. He's made a significant contribution to the side and been a major part of a tight defence. Even the hoofing he gets criticised for is generally measured, considered and aim at a particular person and not always Howard. In fact I'd go as far to say it's more long passing than aimless hoofing that we've been used to from our CBs. For a big guy he's also looked surprisingly comfortable on the ball.

He also put in some creditable performances at RB, yesterday he was up and down the line particularly 1st half before Gradel came on filling in when Oakley inevitably drifted inside.

Albeit with only 3 goals I believe he's also our highest scoring defender.

Next season will be a big test for him because the competition for places seems to put him 4th behind Tunchev, Hobbs then Brown so he's going to have to work that much harder to force his way into the team.

He's earned his place in a Championship squad - Good luck to him

Must say I agree whole heartdly with this.

Have got frustrated a number of times over people repeatedly dismissing him for Hoofing.

I accept he can be direct but he is far to calculated with his distribution for it to be called 'hoofing'.

[BrockwellFox]

I really didn't like him at the start of the season, but as he's played more games, as each game has gone by, he's impressed me more and more and I've had to start eating my words.

Same here, thought he was going to be a liability at first but he has improved week on week.. look forward to seeing just how far he can go!

[Salieri]

Morrisons done extremely well this season for a young player making a big step up. He's gonna be 3rd or 4th choice centre back next season but when he gets his chance i'm sure he'll acquit himself well in the Championship. We've got a good blend in Tunch (class), Brown (solid, experienced) and two very promising defenders in Hobbs and Morrison.

Hopefully Gilbert will be returning on a permanent basis and Stocky on loan and we'll have a very solid defence.

[breadandcheese]

Couldn't agree more with all the praise for Morrison. He's stepped up two leagues and looked like he's played at this level all his life. At 21, he can certainly play higher and could if he keeps improving his game be able to make the step up into the premiership.

The fact that Morrison was moved to right-back ahead of Hobbs shows he's more versatile out the two. Quite frankly, we're in a very comfortable position for years to come at central defence, providing we don't sell them.

[Guest Mickyblueeyes]

I think he will become a very good RB for us next year.

He has a lot of competition at CB, but he's shown in recent weeks he's more then capable of performing at RB.

[AMYB101_LCFC]

I like Morrison he's a good player.

I think he's been great this season and I was really pleased for him when he scored those two goals at the Scunny game!

He's going to get a lot better in the Championship I think!

And I'm sorry everyone but I just have to say it! :laugh: He's a babe!!

[Salieri]

I like Morrison he's a good player.

I think he's been great this season and I was really pleased for him when he scored those two goals at the Scunny game!

He's going to get a lot better in the Championship I think!

And I'm sorry everyone but I just have to say it! :laugh: He's a babe!!

Here we go again...

[Koke]

He's done really well and has held his own incredibly well considering he played Conference football last year. He hasn't sulked and complained when he was dropped for Brown - Instead he pulled his sleeves up and put a shift in at RB. I think the lad will go a long way. And he has definitely earned his place at the club in the Championship.

[AMYB101_LCFC]

Here we go again...

I said sorry before I said it.. :laugh: