Doesn't really explain why he refused to play for the u21s, and why, if RM was so keen to keep the promotion team, was tall Paul welcomed back into the fold? Clearly theres some application and effort issues there; You've played your part as well ABK, so don't just go blaming the ex management.
I don't know, I think Martin clearly had issues with some players. I would be open to him coming back into the fold.
I dunno; look at the likes of Manning, Wood and Onuachu. None of them were getting a look in at the start of the season. All played for the u21s and forced themselves back in. ABK could have done the same, he chose not to. Unfortunately, he can't expect to waltz back into a side that had just got promoted after not wanting to be a part of it. Sounds like he just didn't want to put in the effort that Paul has.
ABK was allegedly lazy and overweight……..if he wants to play, he has to prove otherwise….,RM is gone ….so clean slate o’clock.
If ABK is lazy he won't get anywhere near a Juric team. So I'm not worried, don't think he'll pull his socks up for it either.
I'd suggest that Wood's chance has come as a result of Bednarek's injury, followed by Stephens' suspension. If both had remained available throughout, I doubt Wood would have got a look in, regardless of his U21 performances. From what we've seen from him in recent weeks, it seems crazy that Martin wasn't using him earlier. Whether that will ever apply to ABK, who knows. With Manning meanwhile, his reemergence in the side has coincided with whatever went on between Martin and Taylor. Hopefully Juric gives everyone a clean slate (at least for the next two weeks anyway, until the window is open!).
Regarding Wood, that kinda backs up my point though; yes he had to wait for Bednarek/Stephens to be unavailable, but he kept himself going in the background. He played for the u21s, he put the effort in ... there might be an alternative universe somewhere where that was ABK - but here he chose not to, and so wasn't in a position to take his chance (as Wood has) when it came along. As far as I'm concerned, he's only got himself to blame really.
He didn't even keep himself fit. By all accounts has a terrible attitude. I'm all for a clean slate, and if Juric can get his head right, there's a hell of a player in there, but I'm not counting on it one bit.
St. Mary's Stadium, Southampton Thursday 26 December 2024 Southampton V West Ham United 15.00 KO. Referee: Lewis Smith. Assistants: Stuart Burt, Steve Meredith. Fourth official: James Linington. VAR: Stuart Attwell. Assistant VAR: Richard West.
