That’s good to hear then. He’s been performing solidly by all accounts. But of course, you’d bring Jack back of the two. He’s able to cover centrally or to the left, adds balance and uses the ball well. I’ve no qualms about using McCarthy. He’s an exceptional bloke, one of the brightest footballers I’ve met and has been very unlucky during his time at Oakwell. If played right or central in a three, no problem at all. He’s a little slower than Maël for example but on the ball he’s decent and he’s a threat from set plays. Asking him to fill in as the left sided defender for the next four/five matches isn’t ideal in terms of balance and isn’t likely to make him look good. But maybe needs must. Alternative is to go four at the back, but I think that sees us ripped a new anus down the sides if I’m being honest. Tough luck on DC, but it’s an opportunity for him and the players to prove (not for the first time) that I know nowt about football!
Roberts and Earl both calf injuries. https://barnsleyfc.org.uk/threads/bfc-site-injury-update.334372/
He's 34 not 44,for a so called old un he's been superb for us and has probably another couple of seasons at least.
I think he's been good especially of late. But at 35 in 6 months calf injurys like he's got can occur more. Like said he will be a big miss.
Thanks a bit lower than I thought looked like his hammy not sure which is worse but as they say it tis what it tis.
Overplayed for his age. Look at how many games he's played in no time at all because of lots of midweek fixtures. He didn't get a rest for the cup game we played two hours of. It won't have helped Earl either.
Whenever we've gone with a back 4, and we've changed to that a few times in games this season, he's played 4 centre halves. He clearly doesn't trust the wing backs as full backs. Can't say I blame him. It's looked pretty solid. But it's Earl that's gone to left back... If only we'd had the foresight to see that only having one left wing back, only signing wing backs that can't play full back, not signing any strikers, but bringing in two defensive midfielders who both sit on the bench, wasn't such a hot idea.
We won’t get Shepherd back until the New Year, he will be busy over the Christmas period with all those nativities
I think Gent could easily play LB and I think Lofthouse could easily play RB. Feel sorry for Lofthouse, has been messed around this season playing all kinds of positions and bit parts here and there.
I've seen nothing to suggest they're anywhere near good enough. Lofthouse because he just isn't and Gent because he's not ready. Clarke and the rest of the coaching staff appear to think the same judging by the selections they make.
yep - whenever we’ve gone to 4 at the back we’ve had 4 centre halves playing - not a great indictment of the defensive qualities of cotter/gent/o’keefe/lofthouse.
I’ve said elsewhere - leaving Shepherd at Bradford gets him another 25ish games this season, to help him develop. Recall him, and he’ll get 5/6 max when Earl and Roberts return. I just think for both parties, he’d be best staying at Bradford.
