"To me, he's responded in the right way to being left out last weekend. He'll be keen to be back in the side for Saturday and the weeks ahead if he doesn't agree a deal with somebody else." Most of us (me included) would have had Maynard tarred and feathered this week after the way he has negotiated his career, but I would like to introduce another element into the proceedings. The words above are from our esteemed DM, and they throw another light or dimension on the situation. It takes a detached and professional mind to disassociate itself from the history, and the personality involved. It shines out to me that Mr McInnes is looking very much out for the interests of our football club. Anyone who has witnessed the abilities of Nicky Maynard on a football field for the last 3 years would know that he has something to offer as a player. The only issue which would be of interest to McI would be Maynard's motivation. It would appear from the BC World site that he is. I see this as good news. 1) Maynard is still interested in playing and scoring for Bristol City, at least for the next few months. This could be important as far as keeping us in the Championship. It could be that we will be safe anyhow (and I subscribe to that view), but Maynard is a classy player and he could yet have a decisive word to say in our future. 2) I think that McInnes is in the game (as opposed to on it!), is thinking shrewdly, is completely in touch with the situation, and is making a better job of it than we are (myself included)!
Maynard was hot property and a real rising star a few short seasons back before the lengthy injury he suffered. Since coming back his goal average has dropped by 30% and that's a lot. I have every faith in the fact that Del will put the interests of the club above those of himself and NM despite of what he might think of the developing situation personally. So unless NM has already brokered himself a deal for the Summer when his contract expires, the transfer window closes on Tuesday and I'm sure he is well aware of that fact and that he needs to at least pay the club lip service. Lets face it, everyone can make a better job of football management than us, except for Keith Millen that is !
Its quite simple for me. We are crap playing 4-4-2 with our current squad. our best results and performances have been with 4-5-1. We definitely need to have a solid team against Reading or they will rip us a new one. We cant afford any passengers for this game. We have brought in Chris Wood and promised him football, he would appear to fit a 4-5-1 formation better than Maynard and he is keen to play, has a good goal ratio. Dell will achieve absolutely nothing destroying our 'prize asset' but has said clearly he was dropped for football reasons. (as listed above!) Dell wont give a flying one about Maynards history or reputation, if he feels he will do good things he would play him and says so, if he feels he has better options he will go with them. If it were me I would chose the latter. (I'm not dell) We wont start against Reading as a 4-4-2! and I dont feel we can play both Adomah and Bolasie, but hey I'm not Dell. (with Marv out we may have to try it!) **** Maynard, he's neither the be all or end all! I'm glad we have a manager who was clever enough to get us another option. cos I really wouldn't want to be depending on Maynard right now!
I hope we go with a unchanged side,lets give Reading something to think about. Adomah and Bolasie on form what a prospect. Let Reading worry about us. I reckon will will win this one.
