And the ref was rubbish. I know it was a friendly, but there's no excuse to ignore the rules of the game and only talk to players when in a league game it would have been a booking. If the ref had clamped down early the game wouldn't have been littered with niggling little fouls and stuff. At last Saints learned an important lesson about European football - there's an awful lot of cynical stuff! They had one shot on goal and that was the goal. Other than that, they kept possession and were a bit pretty, but not effective. Apart from the goal we looked "okay" in defence, but bearing in mind it wasn't a first team, we did okay, I thought.
Well it's not reckless when it's clear his knee has healed and it's just his match fitness that needs working on. I'm not expecting him to start but it would be nice to see him on the bench. If he can play a full 90 minute friendly he can be on the bench for competitive games.
Tom, trust me that an injury like he had, has not yet been fully tested and the strain and stress of true competitive football (premier league particularly) over a period of time, can still give him a set back. Ronald is 100% right to take it slowly with him. Your comment, "Just play him and see what happens," is unfortunately a reckless one. We absolutely must break him in gently. His knee has heeled, but it is the support and ability to withstand the stress and strain that builds up over the course of several weeks of games, that is the test.
Good interview with JayRod in the DM. Talks about the injury, getting married and what he hopes to achieve. Nice little detail here: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/fo...-newly-wedded-star-vows-come-better-ever.html
A side note from the programme. Jay was asked which team mate would win Big Brother....he said Steve Davis...adding that he is quiet, but funny and the TV audience would love him. Always interesting to hear one team mate's view of another. If Kelvin Davis was a Mr Man...he'd be Mr Tickle apparently!?!
Especially right at the end when we had got a goal back....what was the point of that? There have been a few injuries in similar matches for other teams....think we escaped lightly.
I'll put my hand up and admit i was one of the sceptical bunch regarding Jrod- both because of his sometimes wasteful finishing and doubts i've harboured on his ability post knee-op. But I think it is looking really promising the more i see him: 1. Physically he looks strong. Some are saying he's still quick, but a year in the gym looks as though he could be really effective in hold-up play too. I think he is even playing within himself as well with more to come. I wonder if Koeman sees him as the lone striker that could challenge Pelle? 2. Mentally he has a steely drive I admire. Seems composed in the goals he's scored preseason, but also has his feet on the ground enough to sign a new contract. And a great sense of humour. I really hope he continues to prove me wrong.
A longtime ago, before his injury, I said Jayrod will eventually play down the middle. I've beat that drum for a long time.
So I went to watch the highlights of Saturday on YouTube and an advert popped up. Twatbeard's face filled the screen advertising Nivea skincare products. I thought it was rather taking the pee. Vin
Is he 'still stiff' from not quite being fully match fit or is it that he moves differently having added a lot of muscle? Reminds me of those guys from the gym who have to walk funny and swing their arms funny because their muscles are in the way of a 'more natural' arm / leg position.
Pelle could be the Lord Charles one, Kelvin could be the old Grandpa and Harry Reed could be the cheeky one with freckles. Sadly the real dummy went to Liverpool and now advertises Nivea.
