Limited options; it would appear that The Florists are unwilling to complete a transfer and/or meet Jack's salary demands before tomorrow, plus they are bringing in another defender today on loan. Reading are unlikely to complete any deals by tomorrow given their proposed takeover, so it would appear that Jack has one option only away from City: Wigan. Maybe running down his contract may work best for him albeit if he stays I can't see him getting much if any game time with us. I can see The Florists paying him a signing on fee with a pre-contract in May and saving themselves a bob or two in the process. Don't see this one working out how City would hope............
I don't think that Hobbs features in Bruce's plans at all, I can't see him being anywhere near the squad on Saturday.
You saying he wouldn't have opportunities if he stayed. As Bruce has said all along they shipped him out over concerns over his knee and with a view to getting him off the wage bill. If we don't sell him, it would be stupid not to utilise an asset in the fight against relegation. He would get games ahead of McShane and/or Bruce I would think. Bruce was given priority over Hobbs to keep in the squad because Bruce was likely on a lower wage.
I would say better than Bruce. On recent performances when fit I would have Macca ahead of Hobbs (thought I would never say that until a year ago).
Point being if one can't be organised short-term then I think he comes back into first team plans until then. Considering he can then go out on emergency loan to any club, playing for us won't harm his chances of finding a club.
Obviously Macca is just coming back from injury, but there have been familiar dodgy moments in the last couple of games. He has done very well this season, but if those bad decisions/unforced errors are going to creep back into his game Jack Hobbs has to be a miles miles better option. It is a bit silly of Bruce citing concerns over his knee as an issue with Hobbs when you look at Alex Bruce hobbling his way through most games. Based on his performances on the pitch I would certainly put Hobbs ahead of A Bruce too. S. Bruce's performance as a manager is mixed. Loads of positives, but we really need a plan b that doesn't involve lumping the ball forward quickly to forwards a la the second half of last season (obviously we were awful and got promoted as much by luck rather than judgement in the end), but at least early on that looked to be the plan against Palace. Lets see if he can come up with one.
Hobbs would never have made some of the one on one hard tackles Bruce Jnr has made on many occasions this season. He is good in the air but slow getting across to tackle players running through.
Hobbs ability in the air, plus Bruceys ability in the tackle, plus A N Other's ability to pass the ball then you might have a Premier League player!!!!
Philip Buckingham ‏@PJBuckingham Wigan are in the driving seat to sign Jack Hobbs ahead of tomorrow's deadline.
