Out for 6 weeks! Very bad news to lose one of our players of the season. So we're back to 4 fit defenders again. Grandison and Hazell should return around the same time (Christmas/New Year). How long will Regan be out? Have to go back into the loan market I think. One more injury or suspension and we're playing someone out of position.
Regan was near to full recovery so I guess that he will get auto selection at RB unless Goldson keeps him out
we must loan if necessary. hopefully we shall be stronger in defence in january, but the next 6 games are vital to our promo push, and we should maintain our defence
Goldson slotting into RB for me. He did excellently but I think Turner will still want someone in on loan for cover by Saturday. Maybe Geohaghon, who's been warming the bench at Barnet so far?
Paul Downing? He was here on loan from WBA last season and returned without ever playing but Turner knows him from a Hereford loan spell and must rate him.
I'm happy with Goldson starting - he's deserved it on the basis of some brilliant performances this season - looked very solid defensively and decent going forward. It's nice to give an academy player a chance, and hopefully some game time will ensure that he will remain happy.
The lack of defenders on the books is one of the mysteries of the summer releases/signings. I can only assume that we missed out on someone that GT saw as key to the squad, I dont think Regan was on the radar initially.
I've no problem with playing Goldson. He deserves his chance and is a good player. But I still think 4 fit defenders for a month or more in a squad chasing promotion is too few. All it takes is another injury or poor tackle and we're stuffed. Given the number of absentees we've had from defence already, it seems very likely this will happen, in which case I don't think it's putting it too strongly to say we could wreck our promotion chances if we don't have adequate cover. I'm sure it's being worked on as I write!
