I don't think Simon Francis was underrated - I think he was genuinely shit for us!
Scott Wagstaff and Paul Hayes are good shouts.
i don't think wagstaff was underrated . He was recognised as a good honest trier , with minimal ability ; nobody ever gave him much grief, despite limitations
But I think those 'limitations' are overstated. He was/is much less limited than many made out. Had decent enough technique, a good finisher and had a good cross on him. When a winger is willing to work hard defensively and runs all day for the shirt some people just automatically assume that he must be limited.
A lot of shouts for Paul Hayes, have to confess I only saw him maybe 2-3 times but thought he looked like a thoroughly average goal poacher who wasn't particularly good at football.
For those who had Jerome Thomas, I'd go with him being the most overrated and most underrated player for us. Great at times, woeful at others.
I'll add Rob Elliot, who I always thought looked class for us. Also, Parish Newsletter, though he was rated pretty highly by some.
Hayes wasn't a poacher. More of a link up striker. Formed a good partnership with BWP straight away, something that doesn't happen too often. He'd drop deep and pick out passes.
Managed to find statbank from that season, he only scored 3 but also got 5 assists (12 starts, 7 sub apps). Wasn't a Championship standard but he played a part that season, especially the first few months.
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Very much underrated for me.
I'm getting old...