Jay Smith

[fbm]

Calf problem, which is why he didn't play last night. Hopefully only a minor setback.

Prior and Edwards also injured, too early to say how bad Spinners is, and Eagles was one he's had for a while.

Looks like a Hunt/Barret central defence combo then... which should mean a Bentley/Maher central midfield.

Mmm... not bad on paper... will it make the transition to grass?

 

[Technician]

Barratt has been very good at the back and with Hunt in form, this could be an ideal pairing. Will be happy for Bentley to be back in his natural position alongside Maher and hope (as you say), that it has a good impact on our game Saturday!

 

[Hong Kong Blue]

I think we'd be vulnerable in the air with Hunt and Barrett as a central defender partnership. As I've said before, I think Hunt lacks the height to play there regularly, and Barrett IMHO doesn't dominate the way Spinner does. This would make us more reliant on the keeper than ever, when defending crosses and set-pieces......

On the plus side it means Bentley would almost certainly regain the central midfield spot.

I would guess that it would also delay a comeback for Nicolau as Tilly is unlikely to want to change 50% of his backline at the same time.

 

[sufcintheprem]

Quote[/b] (Hong Kong Blue @ Nov. 16 2004,14:48)]I think we'd be vulnerable in the air with Hunt and Barrett as a central defender partnership. As I've said before, I think Hunt lacks the height to play there regularly.

Surely Hunt's over 6ft? I'll find out tomorrow anyhow when Football Manager arrives

Seems unfair comparing Hunt's positioning and aerial ability with someone who's played more than three times as much league football as him.

One thing's for sure, the team looks considerably more mobile with Spinner and Eagles out. Then again, the age-old football adage is that there's nothing better than experience.

 

[Hong Kong Blue]

Quote[/b] (sufcintheprem @ Nov. 16 2004,17:22)]Seems unfair comparing Hunt's positioning and aerial ability with someone who's played more than three times as much league football as him.

Why is it unfair?

Surely you just want the best player to play and therefore maximise your chance of winning?

 

[BoyWonder2]

What about Corbett then? Surely he should have figured last night?

 

[Technician]

Quote[/b] (sufcintheprem @ Nov. 16 2004,17:22)]

Quote[/b] (Hong Kong Blue @ Nov. 16 2004,14:48)]I think we'd be vulnerable in the air with Hunt and Barrett as a central defender partnership. As I've said before, I think Hunt lacks the height to play there regularly.

Surely Hunt's over 6ft?  I'll find out tomorrow anyhow when Football Manager arrives

Seems unfair comparing Hunt's positioning and aerial ability with someone who's played more than three times as much league football as him.

One thing's for sure, the team looks considerably more mobile with Spinner and Eagles out.  Then again, the age-old football adage is that there's nothing better than experience.

... and the best form of defence is to attack! Having Bentley in the midfield, should give us the impetus to do that!

 

[Gremlin]

Quote[/b] (Hong Kong Blue @ Nov. 16 2004,14:48)]I would guess that it would also delay a comeback for Nicolau as Tilly is unlikely to want to change 50% of his backline at the same time.

Nic will travel, though. An injury during the game could mean 'utility player' Wilson has to be deployed somewhere other than at left back and of course Tilly will want cover for that position on the bench.

 

[LegendaryMrDude]

Quote[/b] (fbm @ Nov. 16 2004,13:33)]Calf problem, which is why he didn't play last night.  Hopefully only a minor setback.

I got an SMS today informing me that he was suffering from a ruptured achilles tendon and that he would be out for the rest of the season...

Southend rocked by Smith injury

talk about jinxed.

A real shame but I wouldn't be surprised to see him go at the end of his contract (if not before).

 

[The_Showstoppa15]

Possibly, but I think we should ofer him another 1 year eal, give him a chance to come back. The guy's been fighting his injuries for ages, and has said he's desperate to get back to playing for us. We all know what he can do, perhaps we should show him a little bit of faith?

 

[Barmy Army]

By giving him another 1 year contract may mean that we pay him another year's wages for doing nothing.

That money could be better used on another player who isn't so jinxed with injury.

 

[The_Showstoppa15]

I dunno then. I just feel that injured or not, he's a player worth keeping. If he's out 'till the end of the season, he'll be back and match fit a few games into next season. He has bags of talent and we all know what he can do. He's the type of player who could be useful in League One

 

[Jai]

We don't owe anybody a living, but Jay Smith should get at least a week to week deal. Anything longer is a risk, but it would destroy the lad if we released him, and this is a player who has shown both attitude and quality while wearing the blue shirt, which is more than I can say for a lot of players I have seen over the last ten years. He deserves one last chance IMO.

Get well soon Jay.

 

[DTS]

I feel so gutted for Jay - The bloke is a total football genius in my mind and the most complete midfielder we can have had foir ages. Tackles well , Scores goals , box to box , great distribution.....The bloke is imenese.

Find it sad to see people saying get rid of Jay. I agree its a shame he is not fit and isnt likely to be for this season but I wonder what price loyalty. Jay turned down a few clubs in the summer as he wanted to stay with us and now as soon as he gets a knock some say get rid of him. Smacks of double standards if you ask me.

 

[BrettieAngell]

If you read the peice on the site it doesnt sound like the club want to get rid of him, we have already had to wait almost a year so another 6 months wont make that much difference.

 

[fbm]

Quote[/b] (Barmy Army @ Nov. 17 2004,22:32)]By giving him another 1 year contract may mean that we pay him another year's wages for doing nothing.

That money could be better used on another player who isn't so jinxed with injury.

I think I'm right in saying that Jay's wages will be paid by insurance, so he won't actually be costing the club anything at the moment.

Perhaps someone in the know can confirm or deny?

 

[BoyWonder2]

Hopefully, like it says on the official site, he'll be back for pre-season so he can get that under his belt and then Tilly can make a decision after that. I'd love to see him play, his second half display away at Canvey will tell you why. The boy is class and I'd be gutted if he were to be tossed on the football scrap heap.