Rumor that Surman has done is cruciates in! I read somewhere on wednesday that he had travelled to Southampton but had to return early due to an injury. I know that he has'nt been involved much but hope he makes a speedy recovery and soon back in contention!
If he has, that's six months out at least, plus a bit of time to get back up to speed. A real shame, because I felt he had a part to play later in the season as first team players need rest. I think he'd be great next to Johnson and Tettey
I felt with Surman he had found the perfect role under lambert on the left of the diamond, but he seems to struggle in either a central role or on the wing. He's an intelligent player, and a very good player to have as back up. Will be a shame, and with only basically 3 wingers on the books for the rest of the season that puts the question out would hughton look to get someone in for that side in January OR maybe recall Simon "the king of Spain" Lappin!!??
I agree, he's best in the diamond and i doubt we'll play that, but i just think the left hand side of a three man mid-field would have suited him- say when Hoolahan needed a rest, we'd have a team like this: .....................Ruddy..................... Whittaker..Turner..Bassong..Garrido ....................Johnson................... ........Tettey.................................. .........................Surman............... Bennett...........................Pilkington .....................Holt........................ Give or take a few players
I felt Surman was more effective as an attacking player. In our current system he wouldn't get in if my assumption is correct. He is never going to go past people but is useful in a support role and moving into spaces. But he doesn't have the defensive capabilities of Johnson and Tettey or the ability of Howson if we need to change it. If we stay up this season, I don't think he would have played much part in it, obviously if its a cruciuate, he won't play any part.
I see him as a valuable member of the squad but not a first choice starter. Not sure why, but just a little short in several departments which is a shame, particularly guile and vision.
As ICHB pointed out, at least there is still Lappin as a back up if it is true (I think Lappin is back at the end of the month). Johnson can also play on the left, and both are stronger defensively than Pilks or Surman. It's reassuring the way CH has built up a deep squad which can cope with injuries when they happen. A big change from past managers, that's for sure.
That's a shame a really bad injury that one I hope he recovers quickly. Surman's a funny player his either brilliant or absolutely terrible there is no in-between average performances, I do think he tends to be anonymous in some games but then next week his running the show for you.
Equally, whilst it's not his best position, and I wouldn't want to move him unnecessarily, but Wessi can cover the left, with Howson or Butterfield to take the attacking midfield role. We've definitely got the best strength in depth we've seen in years.
