Clement had only been in post a week when he chose the lineup on Tuesday, so it's hardly surprising he went for Mattsson to replace Topić as he arrived match fit with a number of games already played and then he played more for us. Wright has only started two games this season and had 3 sub appearances. That will likely change with Topić out for the season but he'll need to build up more match fitness. We also don't know how Wright and Mattsson did on on the bleep test.
I would have Wright as one of the first names on the starting sheet, Just as I would have McConville. Both have been properly brought up in a football sense at top level clubs. Though neither was considered too good to sell when we came calling, both display an assurance and awareness that appears lacking in too many of their teammates. What they need is maximum gametime to bring them on. We should be building our future round them.
I agree, both have been talked about having big leadership potential despite their young age. They can only improve and start to show their potential if they get good consistent minutes. We saw in a short space of time how Wright grew after a tricky first couple of games last season. Clement has mentioned that Wright needs to work on his game off the ball, Mattsson is better in that front. The trouble for Wright is J think he is a more natural replacement for the McLean role, but with him being captain he is unlikely to leave the field - especially at the moment. Clement has also said he doesn’t want to move too many people’s positions around while he is building the foundations of his play which is unlikely to see McLean dropped into left back
It goes back much further than the beginning of this season. The injury problems last season played a big role in our collapse from February onwards (acknowledged by Knapper but not when it came to sticking or twisting with Thorup), and Wagner experienced his own share. I think it needs to be investigated right back to the opening of the Avant Training Centre with its "state of the art" fitness and medical facilities. What new appointments were made then and since. Who left and why?
Knapper has, or should have, no input to the training regime implemented by the head coach. It should be the same coach and his minions responsibility for training and fitness. The fact remains that successive coaches have failed to create a sufficiently fit squad. This then becomes the fault of the SD for employing them in the first place. Very much a chicken and egg scenario.
Ron Davies was an example of a player outstanding in the air, with exceptional spring and the ability to "hang" at the top of the jump which meant he could time his headers perfectly. People thought it was a natural talent but in fact, as he revealed later, it was something he put a lot of work into in training, in particular strengthening his knees. Those knees became a real problem for him in later life.
Both Attanasio and Knapper have spoken about it. Some (unspecified) measures were apparently taken following conclusion of the internal revue. But with the toll of injuries continuing unabated into the new season, external assessors were then brought in. Speaking about the issue on Canary Call, MA revealed that the initial conclusions of that external review were "unfavourable". As I understand it, the full findings are now with the club and a plan of action is being drawn up, to which process I imagine Philippe Clement will be a valuable contributor.
I doubt they will ever release details of what was wrong and the steps taken but I’ll just be happy to things put right and evidenced on the pitch
Given the attention the issue has received, I would think the Pink'Un guys will be briefed once changes have been instituted. Also Knapper has indicated he intends to be more communicative in future. I wouldn't expect much in the way of finger pointing, but changes in backroom staff are normally announced so that's something to look out for in due course.
In one of the early interviews he gave following his arrival, Vlad mentioned how good he was finding Roberts's coaching. Sounded as if he thought TR was a cut above what he was used to.
Declan Rudd announced to take over the role with immediate effect
