Thursday 1 March 2007
Thatcher injury a big loss
I've not looked but have we kept an unchanged team this season? After Saturday's wonder result against West Ham an unchanged XI for Watford was a given but Diawara's booking on the last possible weekend to pick up a suspension put pay to that and now there are big doubts over Ben Thatcher and Marcus Bent for this weekend.
Thatcher is a big loss, he has been outstanding since he arrived and I can't think of a foot he has put wrong. He has been invaluable on the pitch helping transfer Pards ideas, confidence and calm to those around him. There was a lot of anti-feeling when he was signed but he has made a real difference and I would take real issue with fans who still ostracise him for past misdeamenours. His attitude has been first rate, particularly under huge scrutiny at Fratton Park.
JFH will take big Bent's place but replacements for Diawara, "the best centre-half you have never heard off", and Thatcher are less clear. Bougherra and HH are obvious choices but will alomst certainly miss out due to injury. The other option is to bring back Sankofa and play Young at left-back with the returning Fortune, with much needed match practice under his belt, coming in alongside El Khak.
One area that should pick itself is the one that has caused us the most problems this season - the midfield, where hopefully Song who was key to us playing at such a high tempo Saturday, will continue to impress alongside Matt Holland. Let's also hope that Ambrose and Thomas have left a little bit back after their inspirational displays last week.
And anyone know where Andy Reid is? The old porker was last heard off sneaking back into his Marbella hotel room after breaking curfew on the recent trip to get some late night paella. Seriously having him back challenging for a place will be another big lift in our relegation fight.
Talking of which many Addicks seem fixated on Wigan but their recent displays have been as good as ours and with the excellent Paul Jewell in charge, players returning to fitness and an easy-ish run in, I reckon they could beat the drop too. Sheffield United and Man City are a different proposition though. ¶ 17:28
Thatcher is a big loss, he has been outstanding since he arrived and I can't think of a foot he has put wrong. He has been invaluable on the pitch helping transfer Pards ideas, confidence and calm to those around him. There was a lot of anti-feeling when he was signed but he has made a real difference and I would take real issue with fans who still ostracise him for past misdeamenours. His attitude has been first rate, particularly under huge scrutiny at Fratton Park.
JFH will take big Bent's place but replacements for Diawara, "the best centre-half you have never heard off", and Thatcher are less clear. Bougherra and HH are obvious choices but will alomst certainly miss out due to injury. The other option is to bring back Sankofa and play Young at left-back with the returning Fortune, with much needed match practice under his belt, coming in alongside El Khak.
One area that should pick itself is the one that has caused us the most problems this season - the midfield, where hopefully Song who was key to us playing at such a high tempo Saturday, will continue to impress alongside Matt Holland. Let's also hope that Ambrose and Thomas have left a little bit back after their inspirational displays last week.
And anyone know where Andy Reid is? The old porker was last heard off sneaking back into his Marbella hotel room after breaking curfew on the recent trip to get some late night paella. Seriously having him back challenging for a place will be another big lift in our relegation fight.
Talking of which many Addicks seem fixated on Wigan but their recent displays have been as good as ours and with the excellent Paul Jewell in charge, players returning to fitness and an easy-ish run in, I reckon they could beat the drop too. Sheffield United and Man City are a different proposition though. ¶ 17:28
