Pim Balkenstein

[vaalae]

Hi all,

Been ages since I've been on here - we got rid of that prat of a manager of ours, and in Paul Jewell have finally got someone decent in (the first since Joe Royle.)

Was just wondering how Pim Balkenstein was going for your lot? When he was with us Jim Magilton commented that it was up to the training staff to get the best out of him as if they didn't it would be their failure given how gifted he was.

With us he seemed quick, physical and had fair bit o the ball. Just tried to be a bit too fancy at times - wondering how he's settled since?

All the best for the off season - hope you find yourselves a good gaffer - what went wrong with Scott??

 

[Brain-dead Bee]

He hasn't (yet) lived up to the promise he showed when on loan to us, and wasn't first choice in the latter half of the season. He seemed slower and less sharp than he had previously. There is still a good player in there somewhere, so we all hope he can regain it in a new season under new management (assuming we have a manager by then)

 

[RitchBee]

He hasn't (yet) lived up to the promise he showed when on loan to us, and wasn't first choice in the latter half of the season. He seemed slower and less sharp than he had previously. There is still a good player in there somewhere, so we all hope he can regain it in a new season under new management (assuming we have a manager by then)

Numerous injuries didn't help his cause if I recall he had an operation towards the end of season to sort this out. So hopefully next season he'll be able to stay injury free.

 

[Chopper]

Imo our most gifted centre back has everything just looked so far off the pace last year and really struggled also he didnt get too much of chance. Hopefully this year he can show us what a good player he is and he has time on his side only 23.

 

[shouldbee]

Imo our most gifted centre back has everything just looked so far off the pace last year and really struggled also he didnt get too much of chance. Hopefully this year he can show us what a good player he is and he has time on his side only 23.

Fully agree with you Chopper. He has the natural ability to be our best centre back, and one of a very few of our squad who could hold his own in the Championship. I hope whoever takes over as manager will recognise his potential and make him first choice CB.

 

[Owlsmoor_Bee]

Fully agree with you Chopper. He has the natural ability to be our best centre back, and one of a very few of our squad who could hold his own in the Championship. I hope whoever takes over as manager will recognise his potential and make him first choice CB.

I don't necessarily disagree with what you've said above but he has to earn that place. Leon and Karleigh were rightfully our first choice pair last season and regardless of his ability, Pim will need to work very hard to prove himself worthy of a place in front of either of them.

 

[Brentford_till_die]

I don't necessarily disagree with what you've said above but he has to earn that place. Leon and Karleigh were rightfully our first choice pair last season and regardless of his ability, Pim will need to work very hard to prove himself worthy of a place in front of either of them.

spot on.

 

[Guildford Bee]

Don't rate him at all. He's slow, his judgement is poor, he never looks to keep it down and his passing is woeful. He wins a few headers but that's it - very expensive mistake.

 

[NorthamptonBee]

Don't rate him at all. He's slow, his judgement is poor, he never looks to keep it down and his passing is woeful. He wins a few headers but that's it - very expensive mistake.

I thought that 10 game or so spell with Leon when he was on loan looked the start of something special, thou shall not pass, then we go to Swindon and lose 3-2 with comedy defending and they never looked the same pair again.

 

[BuzzBeeSi]

Don't rate him at all. He's slow, his judgement is poor, he never looks to keep it down and his passing is woeful. He wins a few headers but that's it - very expensive mistake.

I actually think he is one of the worst CBs we've had in years. He has all the physical attributes but can't read a game and has poor technical ability, IMHO.

 

[Beeky38]

I thought that 10 game or so spell with Leon when he was on loan looked the start of something special, thou shall not pass, then we go to Swindon and lose 3-2 with comedy defending and they never looked the same pair again.

Didn't Pim get carried off with a busted cheek bone at Swindon?

 

[JOABee]

what went wrong with Scott??

please dont start the scott argument again, its only just finished!

Pim's a quality player and definitely has skill and to me was unfortunate not to play more this year.

 

[Brentford_till_die]

Didn't Pim get carried off with a busted cheek bone at Swindon?

Yep

 

[Houghton Bee]

hasn't looked interested in playing for us since he signed, his sending off against oldham (? cant remember the team) was nothing short of disgraceful, imo he went looking for a reason to be suspended. i can accept a player not being overally talented as long as they give 100% on the pitch. however if he sorts himself out and makes an effort then he could be quite a decent player.

 

[mattbee85]

Good player, by far the best passer in our defence with a solid left foot!!!! Not given enough games by scott. For me he has to partner KO or LL in the centre!!! Injuries didnt help but the new man in charge will hopefully get him back to his best and i think when given games he will soon establish himself!!!!

 

[Brentford 4 Life]

I like Pim and when on form i beleive he is our most gifted defender. I think he was unlucky this season with injuries, tough competition from LL and KO (who have been very good) and the fact when he did get his chance it was always a baptism of fire ie Posh away when we had no confidence and they score goals for fun. I love Leon but would prefer Pim to start next season providing he can put in the performances he did around the Everton game when he had the zoro mask. He was awesome around that period.

 

[Guildford Bee]

Good player, by far the best passer in our defence with a solid left foot!!!!

I just can't fathom why people think this. He looks like his should be a good passer, but he just isn't. The vast majority of his cross-field balls are overhit and I've lost count of the amount of times he 'passes' the ball straight off the pitch. I'd love to see some stats about how often he retains possession.

Osborne's passing is twice as good and Leon is a far better defender. He is nowhere near either of them in terms of quality.

 

[Salford Bee]

Leon and Karleigh are, rightfully, ahead in the pecking order. Third choice

 

[detours]

He has obvious talent, but this season unfortunately he wasted his opportunity to get back in the team with a careless sending off. Later on when Leon got injured Pim had the bad luck to get injured too, instead of cementing his place we had that turkey Neilson at CB.

As for being our best CB, that is simply not true. Karleigh is by far and away our most promising CB, and going on consistency over the past 2 seasons it would be Leon. I still think we have potentially a top 6 defence, and Pim will get to play his part next seaon.

 

[Brentford 4 Life]

I just can't fathom why people think this. He looks like his should be a good passer, but he just isn't. The vast majority of his cross-field balls are overhit and I've lost count of the amount of times he 'passes' the ball straight off the pitch. I'd love to see some stats about how often he retains possession.

Osborne's passing is twice as good and Leon is a far better defender. He is nowhere near either of them in terms of quality.

I wouldnt go that far i think on their days both KO and PB can pass very well but on others they can both be woeful. Neither are gifted passers of the ball but are above average for a L1 defender.

 

[Guildford Bee]

I wouldnt go that far i think on their days both KO and PB can pass very well but on others they can both be woeful. Neither are gifted passers of the ball but are above average for a L1 defender.

I have no stats to back it up but I believe Osborne completes a far greater percentage of passes than Pim and, probably due to the shaky spells in his early years, does not get anywhere enough credit for his passing ability. If Osborne could cut out the ever more occasional mistakes he would be pretty close to the complete centre-half. Pim isn't in the same class I'm afraid.

 

[Brentford 4 Life]

I have no stats to back it up but I believe Osborne completes a far greater percentage of passes than Pim and, probably due to the shaky spells in his early years, does not get anywhere enough credit for his passing ability. If Osborne could cut out the ever more occasional mistakes he would be pretty close to the complete centre-half. Pim isn't in the same class I'm afraid.

I disagree, i think Pim is just as good, if not better than Karliegh but needs to prove his real value as consistently as Karliegh does. I think though we are lucky to have this sort of dilemma, 3 very good Centre halves all capable of superb performances.

 

[favershambee]

I disagree, i think Pim is just as good, if not better than Karliegh but needs to prove his real value as consistently as Karliegh does. I think though we are lucky to have this sort of dilemma, 3 very good Centre halves all capable of superb performances.

Based on his performances last season, Pim failed to maintain any consistency and failed to reach his potential and in my opinion fulls well short of KO and Legge.

 

[Gonads2]

Lets not be to quick to write off a 23 year old BOY who had a great spell with us initially and then struggled. He certainly has the potential to do well for himself in the game so lets not be tooo hasty!! It wasnt very long ago that KO was getting stick on here and LL bided his time a bit (as a player we hadn't really heard of) and they have come good. Just back the BOY because that's all he is and we all like to feel appreciated in our place of work!!

 

[North London Bee]

This is a pivotal season for Pim. It just dod not happen for him last season and his year was perhaps best summed up by his stupid and senseless sending off against MK Dons.

He has it all. Pace, power, skill, aerial ability and a great left foot.

It is totally up to him and hopefully he will step up to the plate.

 

[mundee4england]

I'm with NLB. I really think he has the attributes to be a great defender at this level but it just didn't happen last season. Given a run in the side I think he would become first choice. This is a big season for him!

 

[Newbury Bee 09]

This is a pivotal season for Pim. It just dod not happen for him last season and his year was perhaps best summed up by his stupid and senseless sending off against MK Dons.

He has it all. Pace, power, skill, aerial ability and a great left foot.

It is totally up to him and hopefully he will step up to the plate.

 

[shouldbee]

I suspect Pim will be first choice if Uwe gets the gig, he will be able to recognise his talents. There are plenty of big brute central defenders in league 1 and 2 who can head the ball 30 yards, and they will never play at a higher level.

 

[BFC1997]

I suspect Pim will be first choice if Uwe gets the gig, he will be able to recognise his talents. There are plenty of big brute central defenders in league 1 and 2 who can head the ball 30 yards, and they will never play at a higher level.

I dunno, Leon Legge is being looked at by Championship Clubs.

 

[ChinaBee]

I think his distribution will be his downfall

 

[ChrisSmith1992]

I think when he was on loan, just like Alan Bennett, he was class. The moment he signed that contract having that safe feeling he'd be with us for a few years he started to slack off. I think his passing is absolutely dire and he lacks some pace which last year he looked like he possessed. I still think he can be a decent player but no-way should he be starting for us next season.

 

[Beeky38]

Maybe like others signed by Scott, Balkestein went from hero to zero quicker than a rat down a drain pipe. This summer he doesn't have to think about which country he's going to be living in, just get his head down and concentrate on playing his football for Brentford. He can still be a very good player for us.

 

[Southern Bee]

Maybe like others signed by Scott, Balkestein went from hero to zero quicker than a rat down a drain pipe. This summer he doesn't have to think about which country he's going to be living in, just get his head down and concentrate on playing his football for Brentford. He can still be a very good player for us.

He has the most ability out of our 3 CBs but Legge and Osborne clearly care, Pim doesn't always seem to be bothered somehow.

 

[Bridge Bee]

There is no doubt that PB has potential to be the best centre back at the club, but at this stage that's all it is, potential. For a big guy I sometimes think he doesn't fancy the rough stuff.

We chased him all over europe last summer which meant he came in late and under cooked due to a lack of a decent pre-season. You could point the finger at him and say he didn't take good enough care of himself during the summer after his release from Ipswich.

Subsequently he had a season full of poor form and niggling injuries - both the result of a lack of pre season I would imagine. Luckily for Pim we'll have a new manager and a clean slate for all, as Leon and Karleigh were rightfully ahead of him last season.

 

[sonofabee]

There is no doubt that PB has potential to be the best centre back at the club, but at this stage that's all it is, potential. For a big guy I sometimes think he doesn't fancy the rough stuff.

We chased him all over europe last summer which meant he came in late and under cooked due to a lack of a decent pre-season. You could point the finger at him and say he didn't take good enough care of himself during the summer after his release from Ipswich.

Subsequently he had a season full of poor form and niggling injuries - both the result of a lack of pre season I would imagine. Luckily for Pim we'll have a new manager and a clean slate for all, as Leon and Karleigh were rightfully ahead of him last season.

I also don't think he expected or really wanted to be playing for us!
He turned us down as intended to get a deal in Europe, didn't and ended up back here.
His woeful display vs MK Dons was like watching a different player from the one who was masterful against Leeds. We know he can play and at his best he would be an automatic start but this could be make or break season.

 

[Bridge Bee]

I also don't think he expected or really wanted to be playing for us!
He turned us down as intended to get a deal in Europe, didn't and ended up back here.
His woeful display vs MK Dons was like watching a different player from the one who was masterful against Leeds. We know he can play and at his best he would be an automatic start but this could be make or break season.

Agreed. He can either come back strong and become a player that is sought after, or he can fade away into L2 and out of the game. I'm sure he'll come good.

 

[Bigbee]

You love him long time for five Dollar ?

 

[vaalae]

Hmm thanks all, a WIDE range of response - it's a funny old game.

He is a big guy...who is sometimes quick, sometimes slow, and can pass brilliantly...or not at all lol.

I'll do my own research on "THE SCOTT ISSUE" then, don't want to start WWIII! (we're having enough of that on the mian ITFC board...and this is prior to the transfer window even opening! :O

All the best for next year. Would be good to renew the ITFC / Brentford relationship that seemed to kick off a while back - Rhodes / Clarke / Price (don't think he was ITFC when he went to you..Derby?) and Pim.

The reserve league is a joke and the players get nothing from it, far better to actually play in games that count.

 

[Alex Callow]

Tommy Smith as well, I seem to remember he was quite decent.

 

[Ambrose_1889]

Better buck his ideas up or his name vill go on ze list.

 

[Stormbee]

Carbon copy of Alan Bennett in my opinion. Great when on loan but once he got his contract became lazy and disinterested.

 

[mhead bee]

Karleigh is by far and away our most promising CB,

Promising!!!!!!!!!!!

The guy has played 136 games for Brentford and another 18 out on loan, he is 23 years old. He hardly fits into the category of most promising does he? He is the same age as lionel messi believe it or not, obviously that is where the comparison ends

 

[Houghton Bee]

Promising!!!!!!!!!!!

The guy has played 136 games for Brentford and another 18 out on loan, he is 23 years old. He hardly fits into the category of most promising does he? He is the same age as lionel messi believe it or not, obviously that is where the comparison ends

please dont mention such an inferior player in the same sentence as sir karleigh, thank you.

 

[KGB]

Whilst accepting your point re 'promising', I think that KO proved last season that he is currently the best central defender that we have.

It is interesting that others talk about players like Weston, Grabban etc and say that they have potential and 'could' come good, KO doesn't seem to get those allowances or assumptions made for him.

It is however noticeable that many more people are noticing his positive contributions and ability.

I suspect that if he had joined us at the beginning of last season from another club, he would have been hailed as a really good signing, but sadly for him, he had to suffer from a very young age by playing in one of our worst squads for a generation as well as being continually played out of position. His strength of character in face of the criticism he has faced has been outstanding imo.

Promising!!!!!!!!!!!

The guy has played 136 games for Brentford and another 18 out on loan, he is 23 years old. He hardly fits into the category of most promising does he? He is the same age as lionel messi believe it or not, obviously that is where the comparison ends

 

[sabigai]

I agree thought he had a great season.

 

[vcmazz]

Hi all,

Been ages since I've been on here - we got rid of that prat of a manager of ours, and in Paul Jewell have finally got someone decent in (the first since Joe Royle.)

Was just wondering how Pim Balkenstein was going for your lot? When he was with us Jim Magilton commented that it was up to the training staff to get the best out of him as if they didn't it would be their failure given how gifted he was.

With us he seemed quick, physical and had fair bit o the ball. Just tried to be a bit too fancy at times - wondering how he's settled since?

All the best for the off season - hope you find yourselves a good gaffer - what went wrong with Scott??

Hi vaalae,

I think we have yet to see the best of Pim (it's been a case of 'Pim's on ice', if you will), but I definitely think we will next season. I think our new boss Uwe Rosenior will get the best out of him. I'm one of the camp who goes with the idea that there is a very good player in there somewhere and as has been said before - injuries didn't help.

Against Everton, we got him to stand next to Karleigh and I thought the pair of them looked class .

We're not sure what went wrong with Scott. He just broke one day and nobody could fix him. He just seemed to lose the plot and kept signing dozens of right sided midfielders on loan every week and started moving the furniture around. Still, it all turned out well for him in the end as he is at Rotherham now - a club of which we Bees are all remarkably envious :yes:.

 

[Brentford_till_die]

Whilst accepting your point re 'promising', I think that KO proved last season that he is currently the best central defender that we have.

It is interesting that others talk about players like Weston, Grabban etc and say that they have potential and 'could' come good, KO doesn't seem to get those allowances or assumptions made for him.

It is however noticeable that many more people are noticing his positive contributions and ability.

I suspect that if he had joined us at the beginning of last season from another club, he would have been hailed as a really good signing, but sadly for him, he had to suffer from a very young age by playing in one of our worst squads for a generation as well as being continually played out of position. His strength of character in face of the criticism he has faced has been outstanding imo.

 

[detours]

Promising!!!!!!!!!!!

The guy has played 136 games for Brentford and another 18 out on loan, he is 23 years old. He hardly fits into the category of most promising does he? He is the same age as lionel messi believe it or not, obviously that is where the comparison ends

Right... I see that you just compared a brentford defender with probably the best striker in the world. And someone actually agreed with your point... amazing. Obviously the word 'promising' is a standard that 99% of footballers in the world dont come under in your world. Does Richard Lee have promising brentford career ahead of him? lol Of course not, he is nowhere near as good as Pele!?

My original statement: 'karleigh is the most promising CB at the club'. Now, you can disagree with me, perhaps you think that McCraken, Legge or Pim have the obvious talent to play at a higher level for the rest of their career and will surpass karleighs future career. Its just my opinion that in a pool of 4 position-specific players at brentford, karleigh is the most promising. I could accept you disagreeing with that. But dont paint my post as outlandish and ridiculous, before going on to hold up Lionel Messi as a *sane* comparison to Osborne. Obviously you are lacking a sense of irony. There is nothing wrong with what I said, but your retort was nonsense.

 

[WisBee]

....................................somethings never change, do they??......................:shrug:

 

[detours]

....................................somethings never change, do they??......................:shrug:

........................no they don't, you still haven't worked out how to use a full stop or capital letters properly..........................................:shrug: