Tom was a class act, is now 34, and the only football he's played in over a year is a half against a L2 side and 75 mins against a school trip from Carrington in friendles. I'll trust Grants judgment on whether he still has what it takes for competitive football, before getting sentimental about former glories, or making declarations about what kind of role he's still capable of. Suspect if anything it'll be similar to Okocha in 07/08 in terms of game time if we offer him any deal at all.
Tom was/is(?) A class act, but it's one thing doing it in pre season against opposition that is also going through a pre season/trying not to get injured/gaining match fitness etc... It's a totally different kettle of fish once a ball is kicked in anger and points are at stake. If and it's still a big if...he comes in, I think it'll be a bit part role more aimed at him aiding player development then him coming to play and heavily influence us on the pitch
I know who I would rather start against Preston in the Championship when choosing between Smallwood & Huddlestone
Yes and that's Smallwood without a doubt. Tom's only been with us a week, and he'll be miles off proper match fitness. Thinking that Huddlestone is in any sort of condition to be starting on Saturday is completely mad. Maybe after the first international break
Not to mention theyre completely different types of player. One has a quarter-back style passing game but doesnt offer a lot defensively, the other is a ratter who'll tackle his granny to get the ball back then play it off simply to the ball-players.
You are as usual talking from a stance that what you say is based on facts I’ll enlighten you it’s not it’s your opinion. I’d start Huddlestone and if needed I’d bring on Smallwood because we have no other ****er to bring on in that role.
Tom should not and I'm almost certain he won't start at the weekend, I'd be surprised if he's even registered as a player by then. The Tom of 4/5yrs ago then yes.... The Tom that's mid 30s and hasn't played for over a season... Just no
No, I'm talking common sense. It was a stupid thing you said and it's ridiculous to suggest he should start when he can't even get through a full 90 mins against Utd's u23s when all their best u23s are with their first team. Not even mentioning that he's not had a club for the past year. Tom was great for us, but can we stop going completely OTT on a 34 year old who's not been able to get a Championship offer in the last 2 summers.
Again your ego takes hold. If I have a choice between Smallwood or Huddlestone I’d pick Hudds without doubt. Do I think Hudds is a long term solution absolutely not. You see you once again revert back to your ego and miss what I’m saying. I’ve made my point now I’m gonna go home drink some beer and shave my arsehole Peace out
If he’s willing to accept a low offer, I see no harm in offering him a year’s contract as cover. I don’t expect him to be a starting player, but in cup games he could play against lower opposition and captain the youngsters we put out.
On a separate note Howden you may have convinced a few on here that you are in the know I find it hilarious
No, you're talking complete bollocks. As a fan, you can't pick Huddlestone because you actually don't know what level he's at anymore. Logic dictates that he's nowhere near match fit. You're picking Huddlestone off what he was years ago, not what he is today. Grant's given zero indication so far that's he's planning to offer him a contract, if anything he's done the opposite and he's the one that's seen him training and he'll know what level he's at. This is exactly what I'd do as long as we have space in the 25.
Glad I can be a form of entertainment for you.... I'll keep it up! Not sure how I'll sleep now though tonight
Here's an idea, don't pick either of them. Hudds would be a lovely option off the bench in the last twenty, assuming his fitness levels are sufficient and we can afford him. Starting on Saturday I'd rather have Jones with Bernard at CB if they think he's up to it, or Cannon/Docherty/Moncur. Smallwood looked a long way off the pace against Sunderland. On the rumours about a Man City loanee, is Delap a totally crazy possibility? We would (to him) be a much lesser club than Stoke, but perhaps with a much higher chance of regular games.
We do mate honestly I know a few on here and who read this site and we all know you are completely full of ****e
Don’t forget one isn’t actually rated at championship level and the other is proven. Apart from a fitness point of view, Smallwood couldn’t lace Tom’s boots