Andersen Kane Cole Oulare Leya Iseka Any idea when they will be fit enough to join up with the dirst team?
Andersen is the only one missing from training. Schopp said he's a matter of weeks away though, not months. Kane was touch and go for today according to Marcus. Oulare and Iseka are available, but not up to speed yet. Cole was missing due to 'covid related restrictions' according to someone on Facebook.
REDS: Collins (GK), Brittain, Sibbick, Helik, Kitching, B.Williams, Styles, Palmer, Woodrow (c), Frieser, Morris. Subs: Walton (GK), J.Williams, Halme, Oduor, Moon, Benson, Thompson Add the 5 senior players to yesterdays squad, Andersen, Kane, Cole, Oulare, Leya Iseka Who drops out? Halme Moon Thompson need to select 2 more Frieser and Oduor maybe. It makes a strong squad
With only 7 subs again, I can see only 1 CM on the bench so maybe Kane / Palmer as examples might not make the match day squad. I also think that does for the front 6 too I reckon 1 will miss out each match.
You are possibly right which highlights that good players may miss out , for example you mention Palmer who I thought in the first half yesterday he was our best player , minds you there are always going to be players missing through injuries & covid isolation etc so it pays to have a competitive squad
This is exactly whats needed, competition for places even on the bench. Of course keeping players happy and motivated is also important but they have to earn their places on the training ground and on the pitch. i see three areas. Players like Palmer who have established regular starts to push on and now contribute even more. Step it up. Like Styles did. Then player like Williams’s, Kane, Halme who have looked like they have had a few chances but never a long run of late to secure a place and make it hard for the coach. The new players to hit the floor running and prove their worth from the off. We have signed a few strikers, centre mid and centre half last few windows that are expected to be ready made first team squad. Morris did exactly that and looks like Kitchin will too. Then its a case of performing on the pitch and contributing to winning games and they essentially hold their place.
Frieser got a start, played well and had a goal disallowed. I don't see him being dropped from the squad. It's up to the new lads to show they deserve to be in the team over those who were brilliant for us last season and not just expect to be in a matchday squad just because we've just signed them.
I agree, the work has to be put in on the training ground first and then the chance to show what you can do on 5he pitch.
Keep the team that started on Saturday and bring subs on as and when players are underachieving or things need changing. If the subs improve things then think about having then as starters for the next game. All up for grabs.
Id like to see frieser and Oduor stay in the matchday squad but if the missing 5 all come in to the squad then its a tough choice to drop 5 from the squad that went to Cardiff. Who would you drop taking in to account that the new 5 should be challenging for a starting place and have cost a bit. Not an easy question
