It think we will see ELF in good time before the play offs. Doubt we will see Ballard. Had a really bad year for injuries and this one will have his season done. It's probably not a bad thing, so he can work on his conditioning to play 40 games next year. Sick note at the moment.
Its weird with Ballard. First season he had 2 bad injuries and missed a lot of games - last season he didn't have a single problem and played all but 3 games (where he was suspended), then this season it's been 3 or 4 problems. Think you are right that we won't see him this season - why risk it?
Playoffs still on, very slim shot of autos but former incredibly more likely. Taking a less emotional view we are doing well and arguably over achieving, however 8 wins in 22 isn't great but we've managed to keep it ticking over despite injuries etc Plenty of work to be done despite the fact 69 points got playoffs in the Mowbray season. It's not negative to think its playoffs and weve just got to hope that key players are fit for them, we've shown an ability to get up for the big games so with that there's every chance. Isidor, Mundle, Le Fee and the two full backs are imperative.
Ballard ? Doubtful. His stock has went down with inability to play a run of games and we won't want to accept a low amount. I don't want him moved on. I want him to get fit !
This is the thing - we have some very talented lads in the shape of Ballard, Cirkin, Huggins and Alese, but these lads cannot stay fit. I don't know if it was why they were moved on from the PL clubs we took them from, but it's certainly what is (IMHO) stopping any PL clubs coming in for them
To be honest I don’t really think an automatic promotion place will go to us. If that’s the case, missing Le Fee isn’t such a big deal. If he comes back with 3 or 4 games to get up to speed (in the middle) for the playoffs it may even be a good thing. Patterson should play. He’s still our best keeper and it wouldn’t do his confidence much good dropping him. When anyone other than Roberts plays RW we really miss him and seem to step up a gear when he comes on as a sub. I know he’s not scoring much but with Mundle back it should help him. Poveda on after 65 minutes. Is Seelt fit. If yes, him and Hjelde for defensive bench options. I think we’ll get a draw. * Triantis got another assist yesterday. He’s scoring and assisting just about every game.
I have to admit I instantly forget about players once they’re injured and take no more notice until they're back on the pitch. When the club say 4 to 6 weeks it’s seems to me they're being vague because it’s impossible to know for certain. I don’t pay much attention and don’t ‘count the days’ until the given date. I don’t believe that Ballard’s previous club could’ve predicted his current injury either. All clubs have injuries and there’s no mystery, imo, it’s a contact sport.
Still, it's not a great look when we are signing lads who then end up injured for months. Mayenda was the same last season. Hopefully Abdullahi can get fit, have a good preseason and offer us something next year.
Abdullahi was signed for the future, they spotted something in his medical that said he’d need an operation at some point and decided to do it straight away as he wasn’t needed was always the plan and doesn’t look bad imo in this case
It’s the game we’re playing at the moment and these things will happen. As long as the value of the squad keeps rising we can cover these situations. As you said with Mayenda it’s sometimes longer than the supporters would like but the club seems happy with it. We can’t always afford to sign oven ready players who’ll challenge for a place immediately. It’s really no different to spending years developing players like Rigg, Watson, Neil, etc.
Makes me wonder if it’s half the reason we signed some of the lads on the terms we did. Cirkin, Ballard, Huggins etc were all known have injury worries. Seems like a risk we’re willing to take and one that’s probably more than paid off judging by the value of some these lads.
Is Dan Ballard becoming this generation’s John Mensah. Fantastic player, unfortunately made of biscuits!.
My Wednesday supporting mate reckons Bannan, Smith and another centre half are out tomorrow. Bannan will be big miss for them, if true of course.
