Enda Stevens Closer Than Ever?

[Ryan Amoo 14]

Joins on loan. 

http://www.ntfc.co.uk/news/article/stevens-signs-2008682.aspx

[John]

Superb signing and yet more great news. Straight into the team.

We don't act like a club about to implode?

[NaggerPagger]

We don't act like a club about to implode?

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[guest49]

Not heard of him but looks like some signing. I get the impression that we are hellbent on getting promoted this season.

[DrillingCobbler]

What's interesting is that Gregor Robertson has played every league game this season at left back and Widler feels a change is needed... And must of identified that position as our weakest.

Given the last 3 away games I'm inclined to agree with him on the basis that Tozer has been brilliant and even Archer has shut a fair few of us (particular myself!) up with some decent displays whilst Duke continues his rehabilitation.

I've no idea how he did at Donny or Notts but what I do know is that both of those clubs are higher than we are...and he's not a kid (24) so he comes with some pedigree.

I also like it when we borrow a player who potentially could become ours if all goes well and this lad ticks that box as well.

[southofthecounty]

What's interesting is that Gregor Robertson has played every league game this season at left back and Widler feels a change is needed... And must of identified that position as our weakest.

Given the last 3 away games I'm inclined to agree with him on the basis that Tozer has been brilliant and even Archer has shut a fair few of us (particular myself!) up with some decent displays whilst Duke continues his rehabilitation.

I've no idea how he did at Donny or Notts but what I do know is that both of those clubs are higher than we are...and he's not a kid (24) so he comes with some pedigree.

I also like it when we borrow a player who potentially could become ours if all goes well and this lad ticks that box as well.

Herd from my cousin that he's a steady if unspectacular defender. Quite a bit of European  experience too.

[Gen.Disorda]

I've no idea how he did at Notts 

I know a fair few notts fans ill try get a review

[Adam-NTFC]

Villa fan says - "He doesn't look out of place in the Premier League." He's seen most of the games he's played.

Looks like a very solid addition!

[Razor]

Chris Wilder seems to see things the way the majority of fans do, has done since the day he come through the door and that's very refreshing. The only decision of his I've disagreed with strongly was his decision to play Richards in the Autowindscreens on Tuesday...

Robertson is clearly our weakest link and I'm glad he can see that too, hopefully a good signing.

[The 12th Marquis of Sixfields]

you do know it was a different leg that got injured don't you with Richards? ie: it most likely would have happened anyway

[Razor]

you do know it was a different leg that got injured don't you with Richards? ie: it most likely would have happened anyway

Yes I know it was the other leg.

And no it most likely wouldn't have happened if he had been rested ie: he was not on the pitch and in a position to pick up a pointless injury in a meaningless 2nd team game.

[TbananaG]

I thought Edna was very good today: bit of a slow start but very solid after that and looks like he can run with the ball and pick a pass. Confidence built noticeably through the game.

[cobbler_rob]

Where was he for Blyth's goal?

[The 12th Marquis of Sixfields]

Yes I know it was the other leg.

And no it most likely wouldn't have happened if he had been rested ie: he was not on the pitch and in a position to pick up a pointless injury in a meaningless 2nd team game.

no i clearly meant it was ready to go so would have happened the next time he played. dont you think meaningless 2nd team games are good games to bring players back from injury then. why do you think players go out on loan after injury/played in the reserves?

[bungle]

you do know it was a different leg that got injured don't you with Richards? ie: it most likely would have happened anyway

Players coming back after a spell on the sidelines often get injuries to the 'other leg' due to a tendency to overcompensate for the original injury. I suppose we'll never absolutely know whether Richards would have got this injury if he'd been given more rest time and eased in more gently i.e. given 20 minutes at the end instead of 40 minutes at the start. 

What I do know is that this is the most ridiculous injury crisis I've have ever seen and Wilder himself has acknowledged as much. What we also know is that there has been a culture of mismanaging injuries at the club for some time - C.f. Langmead being rushed back, Artell's references to 'murder tackles in training' etc. I'm sure that CW is much more sensible about it than Hoofroyd, but I can't help wondering if some vestiges of this old 'play through the pain barrier culture' is still at the club.

We're lucky we've had the budget to bring in the likes of Cresswell and the loanees - otherwise we really would be screwed. 

[Razor]

no i clearly meant it was ready to go so would have happened the next time he played. dont you think meaningless 2nd team games are good games to bring players back from injury then. why do you think players go out on loan after injury/played in the reserves?

You can't possibly know for sure he'd have got the same injury in the next game. Even if he got exactly the same injury after 42 minutes or whatever it was at least we'd have had him for 42 minutes against Burton on Saturday, who know's how the game might have been different for us then...

As for sending players out on loan/2nd team games yes that's great for players who have been out for a while like Nicholls - Rico had only missed one week! Hardly in need of game time given he's played 90 / 180 minutes per week for us since the start of August - with that amount of playing time it's hardly surprising he got injured, hence why it was inevitable / preventable.

But whatever it's done now, spilt milk and so on. Hope Wilder has a replacement lined up.

[guest2235]

Where was he for Blyth's goal?

My thought at the time, now confirmed having seen the highlights.

[John]

When the wing back goes forward, somebody is supposed to cover. You can't expect your full back to make up thirty yards on his man when he is involved in an attack that suddenly breaks down. The goal was a bi of a fluke anyway, it only got through to Blyth because two players missed it.

[everbrite]

When the wing back goes forward, somebody is supposed to cover. ............................. it only got through to Blyth because two players missed it.

Even I noticed that! - but I thought other players including the midfielders went awol.

Next week is Cheltenham away who have Marquis (suspended??)  and have'nt won in eight...already I have a sinking feeling.

[Montgomery Eypoke III]

Where was he for Blyth's goal?

In the middle. Covering for the absent centre half.