Hawkins, McLeod & El-Abd are major doubts for Saturday

[BensGrandad]

What happened to all the sightings and rumours about Jamie Peters of Ipswich signing for us on loan.

 

[saltash seagull]

think people are being a bit harsh on joel here...elphick and lynch kept clean sheets against leeds,forest and donny at the back end of last season

 

[Couldn't Be Hyypia]

We have an embarrassment of riches in the CB position - which is proven by this debate. It's a great position to be in. Would like to have the same issues on the wings and up front too.

 

[S'hampton Seagull]

We have an embarrassment of riches in the CB position - which is proven by this debate. It's a great position to be in. Would like to have the same issues on the wings and up front too.

Indeed. Shows how important it is for us to strengthen the squad this week. We are fine when everyone is fit, but as we know, that almost never happens

 

[Couldn't Be Hyypia]

Exactly. Just reading this thread shows some people seem to think that if you like JOEL you have to hate one of Elphick or the HAWK. I don't see it like that. I think the vast majority of people realise we have 3 or 4 quality centre-backs. It's just a case of who you think is the best/worst of them, and I'm not ashamed to say Lynch would be the first defender on my team sheet. The other two may be good, but our Joel is superb.

That's what makes NSC so good - it's your prerogative to be wrong.

 

[algie]

Whats the bet if Lynch plays and has a stormer,he will still be dropped when Hawkins is fit.Nothing like keeping your shirt.

 

[Couldn't Be Hyypia]

Whats the bet if Lynch plays and has a stormer,he will still be dropped when Hawkins is fit.Nothing like keeping your shirt.

Might be better to wait and see if either of those two things happen before you get a bee in your bonnet?

 

[steward 433]

Better get Johnny Wilkinson in then, either as a loan player or kicking coach.

 

[unnameable]

Lynch is like Rio Ferdinand early in his career: graceful, elegant, often commanding, but prone to lapses of concentration that cost his side points.

 

[Couldn't Be Hyypia]

Lynch is like Rio Ferdinand early in his career: graceful, elegant, often commanding, but prone to lapses of concentration that cost his side points.

Wow - that's quite a comparison!

 

[1066familyman]

We have an embarrassment of riches in the CB position - which is proven by this debate. It's a great position to be in. Would like to have the same issues on the wings and up front too.

Agreed entirely.

I'm hoping that the inevitable suspensions and injuries will give all three a fair crack of the whip this season. I'm definitely a big Lynch fan but also reluctant to break up any winning combination. I think if the Hawk doesn't make this Saturday and Lynch plays a blinder, THEN we will see more clearly where MA's thoughts are on this.

 

[HseagullsH]

Out of interest why do you think MA has not made a Fair judgement so far?
Lynch and Hawkins (as well as Virgo, Elphick and El Abd) had the whole of pre-season to make an impression. The solid defence we have had so far certainly does not prove MA wrong.

It was always going to be difficult keeping all the Cenre Backs at the club happy but they will all play during the course of the season. I honestly cannot see how having a player injured and having to change a winning team could possibly be seen as good news.

I think the reason Hawkins is playing instead of Lynch is because Hawkins is Adams signing. Micky wants to make the team more of his own, not an inherited team from Wilkins.

I am sure if it was Lynch signed this transfer window, it would be Lynch in the starting line up at the moment.

As for his other signings, Mcleod was a def starter, he has found a place for Virgo and is constantly looking to include Livermore whether left back or left mid.

 

[Falmer Faithful]

.

 

[Kneon Light]

I think the reason Hawkins is playing instead of Lynch is because Hawkins is Adams signing. Micky wants to make the team more of his own, not an inherited team from Wilkins.

I am sure if it was Lynch signed this transfer window, it would be Lynch in the starting line up at the moment.

As for his other signings, Mcleod was a def starter, he has found a place for Virgo and is constantly looking to include Livermore whether left back or left mid.

I disagree. I think he is playing Hawkins because on what he has seen so far he trusts him more (not saying he doesn't rate Lynch by the way). I also think he has gone for Hawkins for experience.

In terms of making sure his signings are in the team I think it is because of their quality rather than because they are not Wilkins players. Livermore was proabably the biggest name we signed yet he would not be in the team had it not been for the injury to McLeod.

I think Adams will be fair to everyone and judge them on what he sees. He's not so petty that he would leave out a quality signing just because he wasn't one of his (if he was to do that surely it would be Hawkinds and Virgo at the back with Livermore in midfield)

 

[Kneon Light]

I find it refreshing that we are debating our best centre back partnership, at least we have strength in depth enough that we can name 3/4 we are comfortable can play in that position

The real worry should be how long is McLeod going to be out for as with him we seem far more creative and threatening in the final third.

You can win if you concede but not if you dont score!

Agreed, McLeod's injury is a real worry. The team do not look anywhere near as potent going forward without him.