Mixed feelings on the timing of the break. On the down side we were on a great run of form. On the upside some time for a few players to get some rest and injured players to finish their rehab. On the downside, a lot of travel for some of our squad and more miles in their legs. On the upside a chance for gunner to get some game time. Patterson played the whole 90 in a one nil defeat last night. Full back not centre mid. Interesting that Colin said he didn' know he couldn't defend before signing him. Poor scouting? Iceland lost 3-0 but can' find a report to see if gunner played.colin said he'd agreed for a half. Can't even see when the Philippines play. Hope everyone comes back fit.
Apart from the potential travelling fatigue problems, I don't think this crop of "friendly" matches will do much harm. In fact they should keep some of our guys sharp with the lack of intesity and pressure to win the games being paramount. Good job (I hope ) our first game back is at home to Burton which should provide an opportunity to re-bond at the CCS without the pressure. EDIT - It could have been Derby away for instance...
Not a fan of these breaks but it could help with players coming back refreshed. They will need it we have 8 games in 29 days unless it snows in Derby.
Gunnerrson had 45 minutes. No indication he was injured. Jamie Ward played an hour for NI. Traore had a few minutes for his nation plus Grujic had 75 minutes for his.
Good to hear ward and traore had game time. Must be approaching a fully fit squad. Ideal timing. So what's our midfield 3 with everyone fit?
The beauty is that we could run one of the 3 into the ground for 60 mins then bring on another. With games coming Saturday Tuesday Saturday the guy who bust a gut gets the next game off and another slots in. We're going to need all 6 between now and the end of the season. Ralls grujic and Paterson would be my starting 3. Gunner needs to earn his place off the bench. Put NML on the right for 60 then kadeem. Ken up front then madine. It would keep the defences on their toes for the whole 90. I'm sure Colin will beg to differ and will undoubtedly get it right.
The only thought is on Ralls injury. When is he expected back. When all fit it's a problem I'm quite happy to have though.
Ralls is the crucial one. Think we’ve seen the impact he has on the team whilst he’s been missing, bit like Morrison. Hopefully soon. Regardless of who’s starting - having Gunnarsson come off the bench to close out a game rather than Halford has to be the biggest plus of a fully fit team Not to take away from the cracking job the back ups have done
If (when) we go up there will be quite a few players given the opportunity to ply their trade elsewhere. Many of us could see favorite players on they way but that's the nature of the beast.
https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport...l-etheridge-philippines-cardiff-city-14463283 Not the usual story coming from international breaks but no worry we have Lee Camp to come in
I'd be more concerned if we were losing him for 5 games this season. He's made himself first choice and would be a miss for the run in.
Too right - remember the shambles when Bywater came in for the run in a few years back ps. Incidentally we'll be seeing him on Friday.
Great cause for celebration for him. After a shaky start he has become Mr. Reliable and has made tremendous improvements since coming to us. Yet another successful, yet bargain basement, acquisition by NW. Hope he goes to the Asian Cup as a Premier player with us. He deserves it. One of several excellent candidates for our Player of the Season. #spoiltforchoice
