Jazz and Ward - both contracts up at end of season. What would you do? Me, offer Jazz another 2 years. Let Ward go. If fit, Jazz can be an asset at rb or as a marking mf. Not many can mark Hazard out of the game as Jazz did for Wales. I have said all along that Ward is a good guy and runs his socks off for the team but as a striker he is no better than lower Championship or Div. 1.
Sorry Bluey, but I see it the other way around. Jazz was poor for Fulham when we swapped Malone for him - most of the Fulham fans were glad to see the back of him. He's practically spent the last 3 years with us on the treatment table and I'd let him go. Once that recurring injury scenario sets in it's likey to re-occur and we'll be stuck with him again. May seem a bit harsh but this is business. Ward is a pain in the arse to defenders, especially when brought on later in the game as an impact sub. May seem a luxury to renew the contract of a player like that but he can do some damage at the right time if we're chasing a game. I'd offer him something to stay even if it wasn't a lot in terms today's ridiculous wages - it would be up to him then if he couldn't find a better deal elsewhere.
I would move both on to be honest. Right back replacement will be a priority as we'll be down to coxe as the only recognised RB. We have a couple strikers on the books (as well as our RB striker) and we probably need to drop 1 or 2 to sign a new one.
I know what you mean Sparks but Ward's goals per game return is poor - like most of our strikers in the last 10 years - and he spends a lot of the time keeping the physios busy. In reality I suppose both could go assuming we can sign better replacements.
Bluey - I wouldn't break sweat if both went as long as there's forward thinking at the club behind the decision as to replacements. The argument for Ward is that he's a player who can win a game whereas Jazz is more likely to lose it for you - he's had some bad lapses these past few games and got away with it. If Ward fluffs his lines like that glaring miss in the final moments against Wigan, he's just as likely to pop one in when he comes on as sub like he did at home against Barnsley.
Definitely release Jazz. Ward is decent back up. If we can move on Vassell and Glatzel then id keep Ward. Unfortunately I think we will struggle to move either on.
The latest I heard was he was back on grass.........but they're trying to wean him off it...... Seriously though, Warnock knew him from his time down Cornwall where I think he comes from and took a punt on based upon his recollections of 8 years ago. He bought him with a known history of injuries for about 2 mill and the Brummies couldn't believe their luck. Looks like another Jazz to me, and although it may seem harsh, the sooner we get rid of these chronic walking wounded the better.
Warnock seemed to like signing sicknotes or injured players. He signed pato when he only had 1 leg. Its the only one that panned out, and then not in the position he signed him for.
Vassell is in his first year of a 3 year contract. No one is likely to buy him with his injury record, and lack of football, so we either offer him for free once fit or pay him off, like so many others in recent years. Or perhaps he will get fully fit and become the goal machine we have craved for so long. Lovely flock of pigs flying past my window..... I don't get the love for Ward. He is no better than a lower level Championship player - at his best. We need better. Nothing against him for effort, chasing and closing down but he is a yard slow of pace and three inches too short in the air to be as effective as we need. Also his first touch is not the best. I will wish him well for the future but he needs to be moved on.
I think both can go. I like both players and they do have something to offer when fit. See where Richards is nearer the end of the season, if he’s on the physio’s table again, let him go. Ward is an impact sub, nothing more.