Injuries

[TerryintheWest]

Any news on the Spinner, Cole, Bentley and Gray injuries?

 

[Ljubljana Branch]

I think that Gray will be training this week but won't be fit enough for the Battle of Essex on Saturday.

 

[mcshrimper]

Although Spinners injury looked nasty, apparently he was walking around after the game, so may be back sooner then first thought.
Bentley was rated 50/50 for last Saturday so should be in contention for the Col Ewe game.
The Col Ewe game may be too soon for Gray, but maybe he could come on for the last 25 mins - an excellent counter attacking option.
Not sure about Cole, Tilly said he took a knock on the ankle, hopefully he will be OK.

 

[Leeboy]

Bentley was supposed to be back in training last Thursday, so Walsall probably came to soon for him.

Hopefully he'll be available for Saturday, we could do with his physicality

 

[Ljubljana Branch]

Quote[/b] (mcshrimper @ Feb. 27 2006,12:04)]The Col Ewe game may be too soon for Gray, but maybe he could come on for the last 25 mins - an excellent counter attacking option.

With the hamstring-type injury I'd be extremely surprised if he wasn't 100% fit that he'd be risked.

Although if he was fit, Eastwood and Gray would cause a lot more damage than Goater and Bradbury IMO.

 

[mcshrimper]

An option may be to start with Freddy and Bradbury (even if Gray's 100% fit), as potentially they could be good together. IMO Bradbury needs competitive matches to enhance his sharpness.  I would then bring on Gray for the last 20 - 25 mins to test tired Col Ewe legs.
Saying that, will Tilly will want to use an untested striking partnership for such an important game?

 

[TrueBlue]

We need Freddy to be on top form for this game lets hope he did not burn himself out to much against Chesterfield though he has had a whole 2 weeks rest for this game.

 

[number11]

Quote[/b] (mcshrimper @ Feb. 27 2006,12:22)]Saying that, will Tilly will want to use an untested striking partnership for such an important game?

He went with Bramble and Eastwood for the Northampton play off game...that was a bit of a risk!!

 

[rabbloke]

Bradbury and Eastwood for me. Maybe its untried but all the other tried options have left a little to be desired. The Goat might be more effective left unfed on the bench and then given a final fifteen minutes to sate his appetite. A bigger worry for me is the midfield. A fit Bentley would be a help along with a Gutts firing on all four cylinders. I expect Gower to get the nod but for the first time in my life I am unsure of Maher. I have always been a staunch supporter of his but I feel this derby is going to be about graft and grit. Col U will attack, in waves, and I may prefer the 'break-up' play of Petts to Maher. It may leave us a little light in flair but in this match the finesse of a battering ram midfield may be more appropriate.

 

[mcshrimper]

I reckon that Maher was not as effective against Walsall due to his broken nose.  He seemed reluctant to get too involved with tackling and heading the ball - maybe Petts should have started with Mayer on the bench?  I'm not sure I would drop him just yet, maybe after a week he would have got his nose sorted and will be able to play unhindered.
How about Bentley (if fit) playing alongside Gutts in the centre, assuming that Cole shakes of his injury?  

Maybe Petts could play alongside Bentley in the centre - could this be an option bearing in mind Gutts recent poor form and temperament issues (Gutts is sure to see a yellow or worse in this game).  This partnership may have plenty of tenacity and fight but will lack any creativity or flair.

An interesting one for Tilly/Brush.  I doubt if they will do anything too drastic or try any new partnerships out (unless given little option).

 

[Shrimper2thecore]

Quote[/b] (number11 @ Feb. 27 2006,12:33)]

Quote[/b] (mcshrimper @ Feb. 27 2006,12:22)]Saying that, will Tilly will want to use an untested striking partnership for such an important game?

He went with Bramble and Eastwood for the Northampton play off game...that was a bit of a risk!!

Bramble was always a risk

 

[bluesmum]

my son is a friend of mitchell's and he has done his ligaments so will out for 4-6 weeks, it was first thought it was a break but after another xray this morning its confirmed as ligaments

 

[Ljubljana Branch]

Quote[/b] (bluesmum @ Feb. 27 2006,15:58)]my son is a friend of mitchell's and he has done his ligaments so will out for 4-6 weeks, it was first thought it was a break but after another xray this morning its confirmed as ligaments

Thats very disappointing.

Lets hope the JCR deal can be sorted out and we'll be decent cover. How important could JCR now be in our run-in.