Simpson has been in and around the first team squad for large parts of the season. i think it's a bit naive to say he hasn't improved simply based on his sporadic appearances out of position for the reserve team - reserve football is abysmal now and subconsciously players like Simo and Piqué are probably going to struggle to re-adapt to those circumstances after having been playing in the Premier League and Champions League. without watching him in training, the only real way of judging Simpson's season and any improvement is on how well he's done with the first team, and bar the Everton game he's done well. i struggle to see Eckersley being given even the limited chances Simpson has had, and i'd wager good money Simpson will go on to have the better career.