http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/13368272.stm So the FA have charged Baird for swearing at the ref. I remember seeing it on TV but assumed it hadn't been or wasn't going to be picked up on. If he gets suspended then a recall is likely for either kelly or pantsill. However any suspension for Baird should not prevent salcido from being dropped, as we could play pantsill right back and kelly left back, or even if briggs is fit then he could come in for the last two games at left back. Thinking about it, I'd rather have someone like simon davies covering full back than keep salcido in the team. I think he has played there very occassionally before.
I thought Salcido looked pretty good against Liverpool. Certainly looked better than Baird did. Seems a bit harsh to drop him after a good game to bring in a no-hoper like Kelly.
Salcido looked good against Liverpool? Are you serious? He was dreadful. He should be dropped immediately. I'd much rather Kelly or Briggs in there.
If it's nailed on that Pantsil is leaving I'd like to see him be given a least the Arsenal game to sign off and say goodbye (maybe put Arshavin or Walcott into the stands with one of his famous mis-timed tackles ) as he has been part of the recent Fulham Folklore and I will miss him. Also hope Gera gets his chance as well.
Nice as it would be to give JP and Gera a send off, if they are definitely going I'd rather we looked forward and tried things that might be useful for next season. For example, I'd rather see the likes of Kalaniklic or Hoesson being given a chance instead of Gera, if they are being considered for first team action after the summer. Sentiment aside, we need to be building a team and preparing our next folk heroes.
Midway through the Liverpool match I posted on Salcido's last performance for Fulham (Surylc - you nearly got me going about Salcido's good performance) and speculated that all we needed to ruin things was 1 or 2 red cards to finish our Europa league hopes, then hear that Chris Baird got a charge.
I have never seen a worse performance from a left back than that. Were you watching the game? Just atrocious. Im sad to see Pantsil go- he was a great mix of a player- from solid to horror (eg against blackpool) Always thought both he and Gera clearly weren't liked by MH. Will be v. sad to see Gera on his way- especially if we qualify for Europa League enxt season!
