Updates from Ward today: On Youth: “We have everybody back in good condition, which is good. I like to get the ball out quickly, and games start within a couple of weeks. There is an opportunity for the younger lads, they are not what I call young kids anymore, they have to come out and push for the first team. They are not just here to make numbers up, and they have come back in a very determined mood. The squad is settled and it gives everybody an opportunity. We have 20 odd boys in the squad, and over half of them are under 21. The senior boys have a major part to play in developing this group and pushing the team along.”” On Hunter: “Shaqs wasn’t ready last year to be around the senior group, but he played a bit part in the junior side that won competitions. He comes well recommended to me and he has a job on his hands. He certainly has the ability, he just needs the desire to push and put that together." On Injuries: “Matt Gill is within three weeks of joining the group, which will give him some catching up to do, but everything is going really well for him. Garry Kenneth still has rehab work to do, the process with the cruciate is a nine month recovery period. The injured players are getting to the stage now where they think they can do more and we have to put the reins on. They are working hard, and are in good shape, and we will get them in when the time is right.” On Comings/Goings: “I am in constant chats with John-Joe’s agent and everyone knows the situation. I am trying to do it, and there is no secret about that. There has been no interest in any of my players. We have a very settled squad, and the group is very much together. I certainly wouldn’t want to lose anybody at this moment in time." Your thoughts Gasheads on this catch up with Ward?
On Youth: Its nice to have a bundle of young talent at the club pushing for a first team place. Even if they are odd boys . On Hunter: So sounds like all the talk of him having a bad attitude problem preventing him from getting in the team was a load of bollocks look forward to seeing him. On Injuries: Just nice to have an almost fit squad for once. Gill has a chance in the midfield again this season but I think Kenneth is finished with us IMO. On Comings/Goings: No interest in our players that's good news meaning the Parkes rumour was again a load of old bollocks . The JJOT situation is dragging on a bit now I hope JW does convince him to sign but he really needs to have other players in mind for the start of the season.
i still think too much youth and inexperience. should be interesting to see how they handle 1st team football. i have heard the bad attitude problem by quite a few people. i dont doubt it to be honest. ward is giving him a chance. see if he can take it. do you think gill and o'toole would be a good partnership? glad parkes is staying. dont think we can afford to let him go. we kept a lot of clean sheets 2nd half of the season.
Will Gill ever get in a full season? I don't think so! I think he would be in direct competition with O'Toole.
Hopefully JW is the man to breath life into Gill I'm sure he's got it in him after all he had a contract at Norwich so they obviously saw something in him from his days at Exeter.
