03 Jan 2025 14:01:58
Shame about Fofana and BB but slightly better news about James and Lavia.
I think the game against Palace will be difficult. They are playing better now than earlier in the season and I think there manager sets his team up well.
COME on MY MIGHTY BLUES.
03 Jan 2025 14:42:47
The hood thing is that Chabs can't play against us. They have a nice settled defence now which took time to gel.
I wonder how long the better news about James will last, I'm not overly confident he will last half a dozen games before he is injured again.
03 Jan 2025 15:12:27
I have got a clue what the latest James injury was! I’m not a doctor of physio but I would suggest a very gradual return to first team action might be a good idea.
03 Jan 2025 15:59:52
Tom, a gradual return has been tried in the past. I’d be surprised if he plays more than half a dozen games this in the remainder of the season.
03 Jan 2025 17:09:59
Dont suppose Chabs can be brought back in January?!
03 Jan 2025 17:29:16
Jimbo, if he plays a dozen games of what remains of this season I would consider that to be a result.
03 Jan 2025 17:57:02
I'm sorry Tom but to me that's not a very good result.
03 Jan 2025 18:02:42
Bill, I’m guessing it will be about four games before he could play a full 90mins and given his history I think they will want him available for the WCC.
03 Jan 2025 18:29:19
Tom, the cycle with James is always the same, injured, managed minutes, 4 or 5 games ineffective then perhaps a couple of decent games and injured again.
03 Jan 2025 21:30:47
Bill, absolutely club captain on £200+ per week who has made no contribution over the last two seasons is not a result. Fofana big fee; high wages: 32 appearances in 3 seasons certainly not a result.
03 Jan 2025 22:06:33
I don't like being cold to who could have been our new JT however he is taking a space in our squad for what 10-15 games a season.
That should mot be acceptable nor should Fofana warrant a place at CFC.
We need to sell both which can free up space for players we can relay on.
Sorry to sound hard but I'm totally fed up with players playing a few games a season for us. Definitely neither should be anywhere near the WCC at the end of the season.
03 Jan 2025 23:06:44
I hate the idea of good players nog playing because of what seems like constant injury issues but it’s not deliberate.
There wages were agreed when they were fit. The club is aware of the potential risks attached to a fixed term contract and the players are aware there is an element of insurance policy with a fixed term contract.
I just hate the idea of good player going to another club and never being injured again. I take on board the taking up squad room issue but I’m happy for the management to make that decision.
04 Jan 2025 09:40:24
Tom, what you say is true but the club must move on and not concern itself with players who are unavailable. As I said we have cover at right back but not CB. Our defence is our Achilles heel, which is not surprising as it consists of a dodgy keeper and players who are always injured or not good enough. We need a win today but I am not confident.
04 Jan 2025 10:37:06
Sorry Tom, but I have to agree with Jimbo here.
If they leave and have an injury free career, great. I will be happy for them, but for sure, looking over the last few seasons, it's not going to happen at CFC.
04 Jan 2025 10:37:14
Jimbo, I just can’t see us “moving on” from James or Fofana for some time.
I’m also not confident about getting a result against palace but I am hopeful.
04 Jan 2025 11:28:08
Tom, a coach cannot build a successful defensive unit on players who are never available. What I mean by moving on is bringing in players or promoting academy players. If players like James and Fofana ever stay fit they can fight for their places.
04 Jan 2025 12:30:43
I wouldn’t have a clue if the remainder of there football careers will be injury free.
I just can’t see them leaving the club anytime soon. My guess is our manager would like them in his squad but he might have to view them as squad players rather than certain starters for a while.
I have no problems with the club buying a quality CH or RB but we do have Gilchrist, RA and a very young Argentinian lad to consider.
04 Jan 2025 14:42:18
Tom, we need an experienced CB.
04 Jan 2025 15:55:09
Jimbo, that’s not my point. I just can’t see us selling James or Fofana.
We may well sign an experienced CH at some stage but I just can’t see it happening in this window.
04 Jan 2025 17:22:24
Tom, I can’t see any club buying James or Fofana.
04 Jan 2025 18:29:34
Jimbo, exactly my original point. They will not be easy to move on. It’s ok talking about it happening but for me that’s not realistic.
It could end up as Ed001 said, more of a risk reward sale.