... what are your thoughts? I'm usually against postponing our games but I think we could turn this to our advantage. We're due to play Bristol Rovers which is around a fortnight from now. There's talk of a call up for McGeady which would be great for him but not necessarily for us. Having said that postponing the game would help with our returning injuries and we could shift the game to midweek of the last week of the season. By that time Bristol Rovers would probably be clear of their relegation worries and 'on the beach' whereas I think our season will go right down to the last game. Hopefully Northampton will know their fate, by then, and we can clinch promotion then immediately plan for the Championship. Just a thought ...
I reckon if we have any of our 1st teamers on International Duty we should postpone. Tho this would give Barton more time to plan a way to beat us, we don’t do hoodoos any more, so we’ll beat them whenever we play them. Bart
Like the forward planning Smug, but there's so many equations going about at present it's got my head spinning. We just don't want to run out of steam like we did in Ross's first season and surely we have the squad to cope with that.
Not sure, yes if players get called up for international duty, almost by definition they will be our better team members... so yes postponing seems logical and good policy. Also I take the point about giving time to injured players to get fit. On the other hand, games in hand, often are the hardest to win cos of fixture congestion and playing after only a brief rest... It maybe that Mcgeady turns down the chance to play anyhow?
Given the relentless nature of the schedule this season, I'd be happy for them to get a week off as long as it doesn't endanger our momentum. We suffered in 2019 with too many postponed games and fixture congestion towards the end. It's only one game, so maybe a Saturday off to rest some weary bones would be welcome. As for McGeady, I'd rather he retired from international football and concentrated on getting us up. Can you imagine the entirely predictable scenario of him getting injured playing for Eire and missing the rest of the season? Wouldn't be the first time that's happened to us
Postpone in a heart beat. There's also a chance of course Jordan Jones is called up by Northern Ireland. Sure it puts the pressure on us if the other teams win. But it also puts the pressure on them knowing we still have to play. And it gives LJ more time to work with most of the squad on the training pitch, something he's been asking for. And completely agree with Bristol R. Come final week of season they're likely to either be up or down after a stressful relegation fight.
There is of course a "nightmare" scenario (I am using nightmare loosely as I'm sure we could cope) that McGeady and Jones both get call ups to their national teams but nobody else does. I think you need 3 call ups to postpone. Hopefully McLaughlin, Flanagan or Wright would also get called up to make the decision easier.
You know it's a complete farce when European games are played in a neutral country due to the isolation rules on return.
not sure about this, while a break would be beneficial and finally give LJ some decent time with the lads, i really want us to keep the momentum going, only one real long term injury and he is out all season apparently so apart from a few niggles i dont think there is anyone a break would benefit, injury wise.
Only concern being Barton will get Rovers up for this game regardless. Im inclined to agree it makes sense overall.
Personally I'd go with postponing it. Flanagan, Jones, Mclaughlin are all likely to be called up with a strong chance for McGeady. It would give us a short break to get people fit and recharge the batteries, soto me it's worth the risk. Plus how will we cope when Wyke gets his England call up as well
Could be wrong but think you can only request a postponement if it’s something like 4 or 5 of your players out on international duty. Doubt they’d let us for just one.
It is three and we could have that with McLaughlin, Flanagan and Jones never mind Gead s or O'Brien for that matter. If they all get called up its a no brainer to postpone.
Get what your saying and there's many pro's and cons, my feeling is that LJ has the players in a good positive place now. I say play them when it's due and stop any negative thoughts entering into their heads. We've had that for too long, we are Sunderland and let's go for the jugular!
Wait till the squads are announced , see who it affects then make the decision . Will be up to LJ whether he wants to play the game or not , don’t know how many internationals Bristol Rovers have in their squad if any .
