Forgot to mention this in my match report. While the boy was getting his autographs, Diakite came through with the other match day players, holding his wash bag. I assumed he was in the squad, but he wasn't!! Curious eh?
His boiler has broken down at home. Just came along for a ****, shower and shave .... ..... and to support his mates
Very strange. Still think that we don't know the whole story here. Wonder how good his pre-season was. That might dictate how quick he comes back.
Yeah...I didn't like to ask if he was in the squad. Perhaps I should have. I just assumed he was. Hope he's not so fragile that he had to be withdrawn at the last minute!!
We didn't play like a team that was thrown together so doubt he was expected to start. Might have offered respite to Faurlin who is certainly being thrown back in the deep end. Agree that there's a bit we'll never know but Diakite being around the team suggests he'll be in the mix soon.
Hoping the Hughes management team are simply putting the sick-notes and messers in their place whilst the season is still bedding in. If that's the case then it's all good. This, in stark contrast to last season when they were trialing most of the fringe players in competitive first team games, at great risk to the points / cup results so desperately needed at the time. Quite obvious that Diakite ain't gonna get his place back that easily nowadays. Whatever his personal reasons for absence are and/or have been, in a quality managed system there has to be a price to pay for lack of availability; and not just the recent spell either. What about the business end of last season?
I get that...but he must have been in the plans to at least be in the squad if he passed the fitness test? This suggests a physical problem rather than a mental one?
Maybe it's a physical problem being mended, maybe it's something else - like messing a messer about to underline the fact it's a two-way street. I don't know... What I do know is that this board's primary match reporter was in a position to shake hands AND at the same time get Diakite's take on things - but failed to even ask the question!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (clue who!) Never mind. Probably too starry eyed at the time!
Brix.....he was signing my boy's autograph book and I wished him all the best. I wasn't about to start questioning him on all these depression rumours. Plus, his English seemed pretty limited. Besides, as he had come in with the others and looked ready to play, I assumed his problems were behind him. Just for you, I'll ask one of them something telling next opportunity.
I did tell Ale that it was great to have him back and to ignore all those "donkey" jibes if that helps? (Ok....made up the donkey bit)
Out of interest Col what time do you normally get there to catch the players? My lad would love it but would get bored if there's too much hanging around in between. We normally get there about 1.30 at present.
He will need patience mate. We get there at about 12noon-12.15pm. The players park in the school behind the school end and walk in past barriers into the away fans' entrance of the school end. The players need to be in by 1pm and most turn up between 12noon and 1pm. A bit boring waiting but your boy will love it. The players generally are very good and do signatures and photos as long as they're not running late. There's usually a steady stream of players arriving from around midday till 12.45pm. Hope that helps.
