It’s interesting.
Sheridan’s versatility has perhaps worked against him. But equally he’s not replacing Payne, Nagasawa or Rufer. Or Tuiloma or James.
But I would argue Sheridan has been a reliable player for Chief. He’s essentially had one job- defend. He’s been defensively solid. Sometimes he’s made forward runs, played some passes in behind or even thundered a shot twice, but not before the defense is solid.
I think most of us thought that Loke or LKH would be our LB/LWB. Neither of them were comfortable defending an high line against the A league attacks we’ve seen this year, but Sheridan was. Where ever he’s been he’s worked hard and been useful for his coach. I’d say without him we’d be last by some distance.
However, the career path is reminiscent of Rufer/Ridenton/Fenton, rather than Payne, Surman or others.
LKH has been tried at a bunch of places and shown that LCB in a 3 is his best/only position to potentially start in. However he looked good there at age group, that pass he fizzed for Armiento was a piece of class.
Hughes is older?
Conchie I think has been given a fair few chances at 6, not secured a place there, and only able to get minutes further forward.
Chief, and the rest of us want Piper to play as a forward. He’s settled there and he’s improved his ability in that position since last season. I’d argue that he’s much improved and still improving. And frankly he’s a player who makes things happens and I was skeptical, but I’ve become a fan. He’s exciting to watch.
So summing up, Sheridan has been a handy utility to cover gaps, Chief attempted to push LKH further forward, but that failed and others are not trusted in their preferred position (including Supyk who doesn’t have much versatility) and including KH at LB.
I don’t think this is down to fluid play or tactical flexibility, but just because we’ve had a patchy squad with injuries and we’ve been struggling, even now a little at LB/LWB because ideally Armiento should be further forward, to cover a starting 11.