Watford striker Troy Deeney could make a return to first team action against Bristol City

Picture: Action Images Picture: Action Images

Troy Deeney could make a surprise return to action at the weekend as the striker, who was only released from prison last week, is in contention for a place on the bench to face Bristol City.

Deeney played 45 minutes for a Watford XI on Wednesday and head coach Gianfranco Zola admits he was surprised by the player’s level of fitness.

Zola said: “Troy Deeney did very well in my opinion. It was the first game he had played since his return and I was not expecting him to be at that level yet, so I was pleased with his performance. It was very encouraging.

“He might be available to be on the bench on Saturday and we will consider it tomorrow (Friday),” he admitted.

Fitz Hall and Stephen McGinn also returned during the friendly with Queens Park Rangers Under-21s and McGinn is fit enough to play a part tomorrow, after 19 months out with a knee ligament injury.

Zola said: “Of the players who played in yesterday’s game, it is still too early for Hall to be considered. But Troy Deeney and Stephen McGinn should be available for selection.”

Hall is one of six Watford players who look set to definitely miss out at the weekend, and there are doubts over another three.

There is good news for Zola in that Marco Cassetti has recovered from the eye injury he suffered against Brighton on Tuesday night.

Zola said: “John Eustace, Prince Buaben and Jack Bonham are the long-term absentees. Alex Geijo is still out for the game and so is Geoffrey Mujangi Bia.

“Then there are a few players that we need to see tomorrow before we can rule them out. We are still debating Ikechi Anya and Sean Murray has a little problem.

“There is also Joel Ekstrand, who didn’t start the last game because he was ill and we are not sure if he has recovered.

“Cassetti should be okay though. Yesterday he was alright so he shouldn't be a problem.”

Watford will come up against a Bristol City side who will have one of their summer transfer targets in goal.

Tom Heaton had agreed a move to Watford and passed his medical prior to the club’s takeover but the new regime pulled out of the deal at the 11th hour.

Comments(48)

Bobbyhowfield says...
5:55pm Thu 20 Sep 12

I understand he's been keeping fit playing 'keepy uppy' with Fred West during time in the pokey !!

CroxleyTandoori says...
5:59pm Thu 20 Sep 12

Must win game on Saturday. Pressure is on anyone that loses 5 games on the spin

akureyri says...
6:13pm Thu 20 Sep 12

What this says about the fitness of the other players, if Troy Deeney is in a position to be in the team at the weekend, after his absence, is worrying.

thehornet35 says...
6:32pm Thu 20 Sep 12

akureyri wrote:
What this says about the fitness of the other players, if Troy Deeney is in a position to be in the team at the weekend, after his absence, is worrying.
Or maybe Troy has been really motivated and kept himself at a decent level of fitness? Glass half full...

mooneysmagic says...
6:44pm Thu 20 Sep 12

akureyri wrote:
What this says about the fitness of the other players, if Troy Deeney is in a position to be in the team at the weekend, after his absence, is worrying.
Probably got a better gym and better fitness instructors at the prison.

Casterbridge says...
7:18pm Thu 20 Sep 12

I'd welcome him back. More mobile than Iwelumo, but less effective as a target for knock-downs. It struck me at the Brighton game how much we miss Tiny at our own set pieces, as well as the opposition's.

endean2 says...
7:24pm Thu 20 Sep 12

akureyri wrote:
What this says about the fitness of the other players, if Troy Deeney is in a position to be in the team at the weekend, after his absence, is worrying.
you took the words r ight out of my mouth.
HOW in heavens name can we have a man 3 months inside be in the correct physical condition to play
............and we have a list of players who have been with for 6\8 weeks who are. still are unable to get on the pitch?
sorry this simply does not make any sort of sense to me.
do we have the right people assesing the condition of this massive influx of players?

DuffmanWFC says...
7:26pm Thu 20 Sep 12

The way we are set up to play means Deeney will fit the team ethic better than big Chris!
He has a much better scoring ratio and should pip big Chris to a slot on the bench as he ain't really doing much is he? He will slot in well with Vydra and Forestieri

andyandyandy says...
8:11pm Thu 20 Sep 12

Exactly how unfit is Geijo???

Jon_mk says...
8:14pm Thu 20 Sep 12

How Deeney doesn't have a muscle imbalance is beyond me.

jasonwatford says...
8:19pm Thu 20 Sep 12

all new singning tospend 1 weeks in prison...simples

Hampshire hornet says...
8:40pm Thu 20 Sep 12

Jon_mk wrote:
How Deeney doesn't have a muscle imbalance is beyond me.
It was all that touching his toes he did whilst inside....

D.unstable says...
8:46pm Thu 20 Sep 12

He had access all areas whilst inside, heard he kept on the right side of Mr Big.

DuffmanWFC says...
8:51pm Thu 20 Sep 12

Still can't believe Geijo is still not fit tho! I really hope he's worth the wait? If so him, Deeney, Forestieri and Vydra could get us the goals we need to turn it round!

aussihornet says...
8:55pm Thu 20 Sep 12

I think battocchio is back with the squad following Under-20 involvement, so he did decent on debut v Derby, should be great signing for us in time!

AngelHornet says...
9:01pm Thu 20 Sep 12

DuffmanWFC wrote:
The way we are set up to play means Deeney will fit the team ethic better than big Chris!
He has a much better scoring ratio and should pip big Chris to a slot on the bench as he ain't really doing much is he? He will slot in well with Vydra and Forestieri
f he pips hi slot on the bench, who is going ob thmain striker Saturday?

AngelHornet says...
9:04pm Thu 20 Sep 12

Apologies! I meant to say, who would be the main striker if Deeney pips Iwelumo to the bench?

mooneysmagic says...
9:12pm Thu 20 Sep 12

AngelHornet wrote:
Apologies! I meant to say, who would be the main striker if Deeney pips Iwelumo to the bench?
By no stretch of the imagination can Iwelumo be described as a striker!

watford1881 says...
9:21pm Thu 20 Sep 12

Why don't we just send back Alex Geijo.. His been at the club since the beginning of August & is still not fit.. Deeney hasn't played for months & is in this week or maybe next.. We really need goals right now...

gloryhornet4 says...
9:30pm Thu 20 Sep 12

Thanks to all the posters above. Constructive comments that for me sum up the problems. Players at the club for weeks that are not match fit and forwards that despite their efforts don't deliver.

When TD knew he was in bother we saw him playing from then on - scoring and tired at the end of games, through endless running. Seems he has carried on the motivation to keep his act together. Fantastic achievement to be in contention so soon. Time the others in the squad who are not match to up their training.

garston 'orn says...
9:55pm Thu 20 Sep 12

Going to try and buy a forestieri shirt befor saturday! 10 lettered surname gotta be expensive but with watford having the option to sign him permanently at the end of season hopefully it will be a shirt i can wear for a good few years!

Holly68 says...
10:30pm Thu 20 Sep 12

Give Geijo a break !

I spoke to him Tuesday night, he was fit to play last Saturday then pulled his groin in training end of last week, he is very frustrated and desperate to play.

He should be fit for home game in two weeks time

I can tell you his attitude is first class and he is targeting 20 goals this season.

He is not a physical beat em up heskey beast, he is quick, skilful, both footed and good in the air

I think he gonna be very good

KeithMercer says...
10:48pm Thu 20 Sep 12

Hope you are right Olly !
thanks for keeping us in touch with your insider knowledge. I believe we are very fortunate to get the Pozzos in and things are going to be great in the long term.Obviously there are going to be hiccups on the way and sometimes it is going to be frustrating. But we should be patient and most importantly get behind the team and in numbers much greater than we presently are !!
C O Y Hs

londomollari says...
11:31pm Thu 20 Sep 12

My very first thought on reading the article was "How can this guy, who has been in prison for months, match up to the fitness of the first team squad?". Remember, he has had no pre-season build up at all.Then I found many on here with the same thought. I hope that we really have to praise Deeney for his stunning and truly remarkable dedication, and not **** the coaches, staff and players for their poor standards of fitness.

londomollari says...
11:34pm Thu 20 Sep 12

Does this site really ban the word 'd4mn"?

gilesy97 says...
12:00am Fri 21 Sep 12

Interesting that Deeney might feature , considering the "thoroughness" the present medical staff have with minor injuries/ fitness etc. But it shows the positve attitude of Deeney , and I'm sure he'll give 100% as always. He's not as skillfull as most , but will give his all. For me let Deeney partner Iwellumo as last year whilst the other forwards get over their fitness problems ,especially as Vydra seemed to spend a lot of time uneccessarily playing too deep ( managers orders I suspect), and on Tuesday , having to help out the "old boy" Cassetti whilst he got the run around from Buckley. Iwelumo needs someone along side him to flick the ball onto ...it worked second half v Bolton when Vydra had no option but to push up. If we start the games playing football positively ( as we do when we are behind especially ) we will hammer some sides. I'd like to see a settled team for a few games and not this "pre season" nonsense we're getting at the moment. I'm sure then , we'd click much faster . I'm not sure that Zola is tactically up to speed as yet ...but I supose that would be seen by some as a negative comment :)

tonyevans22 says...
5:25am Fri 21 Sep 12

TBH the club knew way in advance about the pending trial on Troy,and I think he knew he was going down,so he knuckled down and showed commitment and that paid off for him.He has obviously worked hard in the gym inside and since losing his father,having a baby he has a life ahead of him.I am sure he will want to put things right.To be so fit puts the other players to shame who have not looked after themselves.I don't know how much football all these players we have brought in have had at there previous clubs,but it does not sound like that much.I am not sure about some of these signings.Big Chris keeps himself in shape at his age so there is no excuse for the others IMO.

pete50 says...
8:43am Fri 21 Sep 12

Big Chris keeps himself as fit as last season so he can get to and from the dressing room!

Chris the Vic says...
8:45am Fri 21 Sep 12

It is simply time for the Pozzos and Nani to make a statement.

How can Deeney be so fit and so many from Udinese sent to us for a year long loan be so unft.

Are they incapable this year of getting their players fit or do they see us as a dumping ground for the injured etc.

I like Vydra and Abdi, the signing of Almunia was good, the timing of the sale of Tiny was awful and given Cassetti's age, perhaps Tiny should have been given a two year deal.

Putting the Pozzos to one side, this management team to date are very similar to what Sullivan and Gold described when they sai West Ham were a very badly run club.

From a WFC perspective we have far less worries now over financial problems nd far greater worries of mismanagement with regard to the team.

Hopefully GFZ will pull it around with the remnants of last years team and with Vydra ad Abdi.

As for Geijo and Hall will they ever play?

The Rover says...
8:57am Fri 21 Sep 12

endean2 wrote:
akureyri wrote:
What this says about the fitness of the other players, if Troy Deeney is in a position to be in the team at the weekend, after his absence, is worrying.
you took the words r ight out of my mouth.
HOW in heavens name can we have a man 3 months inside be in the correct physical condition to play
............and we have a list of players who have been with for 6\8 weeks who are. still are unable to get on the pitch?
sorry this simply does not make any sort of sense to me.
do we have the right people assesing the condition of this massive influx of players?
Simple. Prisons are becoming more like 5 star hotels. Deeney will have been in the gym every day, and probably training more inside than he does usually.

SAHornet says...
8:59am Fri 21 Sep 12

I think that most people already know that Hall is severely injury prone and there are even some that say that he is a serial philanderer. If this continues with him, perhaps the time is coming when we release him from whatever contract he has and find a suitable replacement.

As far as Geijo is concerned, does anyone know if he has a record of proneness to injuries?

SAHornet says...
9:06am Fri 21 Sep 12

SAHornet wrote:
I think that most people already know that Hall is severely injury prone and there are even some that say that he is a serial philanderer. If this continues with him, perhaps the time is coming when we release him from whatever contract he has and find a suitable replacement.

As far as Geijo is concerned, does anyone know if he has a record of proneness to injuries?
I think that most people already know that Hall is severely injury prone and there are even some that say that he is a serial philanderer. If this continues with him, perhaps the time is coming when we release him from whatever contract he has and find a suitable replacement.

As far as Geijo is concerned, does anyone know if he has a record of proneness to injuries?

SAHornet says...
9:07am Fri 21 Sep 12

SAHornet wrote:
SAHornet wrote:
I think that most people already know that Hall is severely injury prone and there are even some that say that he is a serial philanderer. If this continues with him, perhaps the time is coming when we release him from whatever contract he has and find a suitable replacement.

As far as Geijo is concerned, does anyone know if he has a record of proneness to injuries?
I think that most people already know that Hall is severely injury prone and there are even some that say that he is a serial philanderer. If this continues with him, perhaps the time is coming when we release him from whatever contract he has and find a suitable replacement.

As far as Geijo is concerned, does anyone know if he has a record of proneness to injuries?
Sorry, didn't mean philanderer. I meant "lazy bugger" or whatever the word for that is. Embarrassed !

Eastsussexhornet says...
9:17am Fri 21 Sep 12

Bobbyhowfield wrote:
I understand he's been keeping fit playing 'keepy uppy' with Fred West during time in the pokey !!
Wouldn't have much of a test bearing in mind Fred West has been dead for 10 years.

Eastsussexhornet says...
9:31am Fri 21 Sep 12

The team sheet may though have to soon run to two pages in the programme. I have never picked it up so many times as against Brighton to see who they were. Despite that, I think we probably have the most skillful set of players in the league. The problem is that it's like saying "I have the most powerful car in the world but it's in bits in the garage. I do a bit of assembly each weekend so I'll race you with it in January."

And, against Brighton, although we deserved at least a point out of it, we really didn't fully utilise the resources we had. Why play wingers (good wingers) and then play up and down hrough the middle? Also, as I have said before, this "passing game" is fine if you can do it properly. Otherwise, all that happens is that the possession stats look good but we never get near the goal.

We need wider play, we need to go forward more instead of dilly dallying around in our own half and a good forward to collect the crosses. Yes, I am hoping that Deeney makes a difference.

Dr,Oftaw says...
9:40am Fri 21 Sep 12

Chris the Vic wrote:
It is simply time for the Pozzos and Nani to make a statement. How can Deeney be so fit and so many from Udinese sent to us for a year long loan be so unft. Are they incapable this year of getting their players fit or do they see us as a dumping ground for the injured etc. I like Vydra and Abdi, the signing of Almunia was good, the timing of the sale of Tiny was awful and given Cassetti's age, perhaps Tiny should have been given a two year deal. Putting the Pozzos to one side, this management team to date are very similar to what Sullivan and Gold described when they sai West Ham were a very badly run club. From a WFC perspective we have far less worries now over financial problems nd far greater worries of mismanagement with regard to the team. Hopefully GFZ will pull it around with the remnants of last years team and with Vydra ad Abdi. As for Geijo and Hall will they ever play?
mr rhyming slang you really are one.stop spouting drivel, baz is gone dyche is gone last years dross football is gone, get over it, do try to be more POZZOtive.some players are unfit, so what they cost us nothing and we have a big squad that is fit.take a look at man u`s squad do their fans keep banging on about their unfit players? no.

Travelling Hornet says...
9:41am Fri 21 Sep 12

gilesy97 wrote:
Interesting that Deeney might feature , considering the "thoroughness" the present medical staff have with minor injuries/ fitness etc. But it shows the positve attitude of Deeney , and I'm sure he'll give 100% as always. He's not as skillfull as most , but will give his all. For me let Deeney partner Iwellumo as last year whilst the other forwards get over their fitness problems ,especially as Vydra seemed to spend a lot of time uneccessarily playing too deep ( managers orders I suspect), and on Tuesday , having to help out the "old boy" Cassetti whilst he got the run around from Buckley. Iwelumo needs someone along side him to flick the ball onto ...it worked second half v Bolton when Vydra had no option but to push up. If we start the games playing football positively ( as we do when we are behind especially ) we will hammer some sides. I'd like to see a settled team for a few games and not this "pre season" nonsense we're getting at the moment. I'm sure then , we'd click much faster . I'm not sure that Zola is tactically up to speed as yet ...but I supose that would be seen by some as a negative comment :)
I think dedication to training is the one thing the new players can learn from our the English ones.
Sometimes in life you need a wake up call to take stock of what you have and might lose. Going to prison was Troy Deeneys. And should be a big lesson to others around him too!
As for Zolas tactical awareness I think he's doing fine, Chelsea would not trust one of their finest young players to his care and techniques if they thought he wasnt coaching the players correctly.
One last thing, I think Marco Cassetti is a superb signing for us, at 36 he provides an old head to marshal the defence, i know at his age he may have lost a bit of pace, but his experience counters this . On Tuesday he was like a beaded Italian assassin , you don't get to play for Italy if you are a poor defender!!!!!!!!
It reminds me when GT signed the leaden footed Pat Rice at RB for his 'old head' back in the 80s.

Mickey Quinn, not so thin says...
10:08am Fri 21 Sep 12

Travelling Hornet wrote:
gilesy97 wrote:
Interesting that Deeney might feature , considering the "thoroughness" the present medical staff have with minor injuries/ fitness etc. But it shows the positve attitude of Deeney , and I'm sure he'll give 100% as always. He's not as skillfull as most , but will give his all. For me let Deeney partner Iwellumo as last year whilst the other forwards get over their fitness problems ,especially as Vydra seemed to spend a lot of time uneccessarily playing too deep ( managers orders I suspect), and on Tuesday , having to help out the "old boy" Cassetti whilst he got the run around from Buckley. Iwelumo needs someone along side him to flick the ball onto ...it worked second half v Bolton when Vydra had no option but to push up. If we start the games playing football positively ( as we do when we are behind especially ) we will hammer some sides. I'd like to see a settled team for a few games and not this "pre season" nonsense we're getting at the moment. I'm sure then , we'd click much faster . I'm not sure that Zola is tactically up to speed as yet ...but I supose that would be seen by some as a negative comment :)
I think dedication to training is the one thing the new players can learn from our the English ones.
Sometimes in life you need a wake up call to take stock of what you have and might lose. Going to prison was Troy Deeneys. And should be a big lesson to others around him too!
As for Zolas tactical awareness I think he's doing fine, Chelsea would not trust one of their finest young players to his care and techniques if they thought he wasnt coaching the players correctly.
One last thing, I think Marco Cassetti is a superb signing for us, at 36 he provides an old head to marshal the defence, i know at his age he may have lost a bit of pace, but his experience counters this . On Tuesday he was like a beaded Italian assassin , you don't get to play for Italy if you are a poor defender!!!!!!!!
It reminds me when GT signed the leaden footed Pat Rice at RB for his 'old head' back in the 80s.
...but he was run raged and hauled off at halftime for some spurious injury to prevent further embarrassment. 36 is fine for a central player but not someone to mark a wideman.

Mickey Quinn, not so thin says...
10:11am Fri 21 Sep 12

Dr,Oftaw wrote:
Chris the Vic wrote:
It is simply time for the Pozzos and Nani to make a statement. How can Deeney be so fit and so many from Udinese sent to us for a year long loan be so unft. Are they incapable this year of getting their players fit or do they see us as a dumping ground for the injured etc. I like Vydra and Abdi, the signing of Almunia was good, the timing of the sale of Tiny was awful and given Cassetti's age, perhaps Tiny should have been given a two year deal. Putting the Pozzos to one side, this management team to date are very similar to what Sullivan and Gold described when they sai West Ham were a very badly run club. From a WFC perspective we have far less worries now over financial problems nd far greater worries of mismanagement with regard to the team. Hopefully GFZ will pull it around with the remnants of last years team and with Vydra ad Abdi. As for Geijo and Hall will they ever play?
mr rhyming slang you really are one.stop spouting drivel, baz is gone dyche is gone last years dross football is gone, get over it, do try to be more POZZOtive.some players are unfit, so what they cost us nothing and we have a big squad that is fit.take a look at man u`s squad do their fans keep banging on about their unfit players? no.
....but would they bring in 16 players and still be unable to play some of them weeks/months later ? I guess the frustratustration is really with Geijo...it may not be his fault but we desperately need him out there on the pitch. Would be less of an issue if it was one of our 137 central defenders.

Agree with The vic re Taylor too.

Travelling Hornet says...
10:15am Fri 21 Sep 12

Mickey Quinn, not so thin wrote:
Travelling Hornet wrote:
gilesy97 wrote:
Interesting that Deeney might feature , considering the "thoroughness" the present medical staff have with minor injuries/ fitness etc. But it shows the positve attitude of Deeney , and I'm sure he'll give 100% as always. He's not as skillfull as most , but will give his all. For me let Deeney partner Iwellumo as last year whilst the other forwards get over their fitness problems ,especially as Vydra seemed to spend a lot of time uneccessarily playing too deep ( managers orders I suspect), and on Tuesday , having to help out the "old boy" Cassetti whilst he got the run around from Buckley. Iwelumo needs someone along side him to flick the ball onto ...it worked second half v Bolton when Vydra had no option but to push up. If we start the games playing football positively ( as we do when we are behind especially ) we will hammer some sides. I'd like to see a settled team for a few games and not this "pre season" nonsense we're getting at the moment. I'm sure then , we'd click much faster . I'm not sure that Zola is tactically up to speed as yet ...but I supose that would be seen by some as a negative comment :)
I think dedication to training is the one thing the new players can learn from our the English ones.
Sometimes in life you need a wake up call to take stock of what you have and might lose. Going to prison was Troy Deeneys. And should be a big lesson to others around him too!
As for Zolas tactical awareness I think he's doing fine, Chelsea would not trust one of their finest young players to his care and techniques if they thought he wasnt coaching the players correctly.
One last thing, I think Marco Cassetti is a superb signing for us, at 36 he provides an old head to marshal the defence, i know at his age he may have lost a bit of pace, but his experience counters this . On Tuesday he was like a beaded Italian assassin , you don't get to play for Italy if you are a poor defender!!!!!!!!
It reminds me when GT signed the leaden footed Pat Rice at RB for his 'old head' back in the 80s.
...but he was run raged and hauled off at halftime for some spurious injury to prevent further embarrassment. 36 is fine for a central player but not someone to mark a wideman.
What was the score at HT ?

aefevans says...
10:22am Fri 21 Sep 12

Travelling Hornet wrote:
Mickey Quinn, not so thin wrote:
Travelling Hornet wrote:
gilesy97 wrote: Interesting that Deeney might feature , considering the "thoroughness" the present medical staff have with minor injuries/ fitness etc. But it shows the positve attitude of Deeney , and I'm sure he'll give 100% as always. He's not as skillfull as most , but will give his all. For me let Deeney partner Iwellumo as last year whilst the other forwards get over their fitness problems ,especially as Vydra seemed to spend a lot of time uneccessarily playing too deep ( managers orders I suspect), and on Tuesday , having to help out the "old boy" Cassetti whilst he got the run around from Buckley. Iwelumo needs someone along side him to flick the ball onto ...it worked second half v Bolton when Vydra had no option but to push up. If we start the games playing football positively ( as we do when we are behind especially ) we will hammer some sides. I'd like to see a settled team for a few games and not this "pre season" nonsense we're getting at the moment. I'm sure then , we'd click much faster . I'm not sure that Zola is tactically up to speed as yet ...but I supose that would be seen by some as a negative comment :)
I think dedication to training is the one thing the new players can learn from our the English ones. Sometimes in life you need a wake up call to take stock of what you have and might lose. Going to prison was Troy Deeneys. And should be a big lesson to others around him too! As for Zolas tactical awareness I think he's doing fine, Chelsea would not trust one of their finest young players to his care and techniques if they thought he wasnt coaching the players correctly. One last thing, I think Marco Cassetti is a superb signing for us, at 36 he provides an old head to marshal the defence, i know at his age he may have lost a bit of pace, but his experience counters this . On Tuesday he was like a beaded Italian assassin , you don't get to play for Italy if you are a poor defender!!!!!!!! It reminds me when GT signed the leaden footed Pat Rice at RB for his 'old head' back in the 80s.
...but he was run raged and hauled off at halftime for some spurious injury to prevent further embarrassment. 36 is fine for a central player but not someone to mark a wideman.
What was the score at HT ?
And even then, their only goal was a penalty.

pete50 says...
10:27am Fri 21 Sep 12

I'll reserve judgement of any sort about Cassetti's fitness as he was up against one of the divisions quickest and few left wingers.

D.unstable says...
10:49am Fri 21 Sep 12

Mickey Quinn, not so thin wrote:
Travelling Hornet wrote:
gilesy97 wrote: Interesting that Deeney might feature , considering the "thoroughness" the present medical staff have with minor injuries/ fitness etc. But it shows the positve attitude of Deeney , and I'm sure he'll give 100% as always. He's not as skillfull as most , but will give his all. For me let Deeney partner Iwellumo as last year whilst the other forwards get over their fitness problems ,especially as Vydra seemed to spend a lot of time uneccessarily playing too deep ( managers orders I suspect), and on Tuesday , having to help out the "old boy" Cassetti whilst he got the run around from Buckley. Iwelumo needs someone along side him to flick the ball onto ...it worked second half v Bolton when Vydra had no option but to push up. If we start the games playing football positively ( as we do when we are behind especially ) we will hammer some sides. I'd like to see a settled team for a few games and not this "pre season" nonsense we're getting at the moment. I'm sure then , we'd click much faster . I'm not sure that Zola is tactically up to speed as yet ...but I supose that would be seen by some as a negative comment :)
I think dedication to training is the one thing the new players can learn from our the English ones. Sometimes in life you need a wake up call to take stock of what you have and might lose. Going to prison was Troy Deeneys. And should be a big lesson to others around him too! As for Zolas tactical awareness I think he's doing fine, Chelsea would not trust one of their finest young players to his care and techniques if they thought he wasnt coaching the players correctly. One last thing, I think Marco Cassetti is a superb signing for us, at 36 he provides an old head to marshal the defence, i know at his age he may have lost a bit of pace, but his experience counters this . On Tuesday he was like a beaded Italian assassin , you don't get to play for Italy if you are a poor defender!!!!!!!! It reminds me when GT signed the leaden footed Pat Rice at RB for his 'old head' back in the 80s.
...but he was run raged and hauled off at halftime for some spurious injury to prevent further embarrassment. 36 is fine for a central player but not someone to mark a wideman.
In your opinion it was to save further embarrassment, didnt see that myself and I'm sure he would have been out second half if not injured. He was meant to be playing higher up than what we are used to watching, with Neuton or Nossy coming across when needed.....he will make that position his own, mark my words.

Hampshire hornet says...
11:00am Fri 21 Sep 12

Would like to add to the debate that Iwelumo has been doing a good job this Season, If you watch him during the game he is trying to organise the team - he is constantly talking and encouraging - I say get off his back - He has been exposed as he has had no support for him to flick on to... He wouldnt be made Captain if he wasnt doing a job....

stevyweavy says...
11:10am Fri 21 Sep 12

Mickey Quinn, not so thin wrote:
Travelling Hornet wrote:
gilesy97 wrote:
Interesting that Deeney might feature , considering the "thoroughness" the present medical staff have with minor injuries/ fitness etc. But it shows the positve attitude of Deeney , and I'm sure he'll give 100% as always. He's not as skillfull as most , but will give his all. For me let Deeney partner Iwellumo as last year whilst the other forwards get over their fitness problems ,especially as Vydra seemed to spend a lot of time uneccessarily playing too deep ( managers orders I suspect), and on Tuesday , having to help out the "old boy" Cassetti whilst he got the run around from Buckley. Iwelumo needs someone along side him to flick the ball onto ...it worked second half v Bolton when Vydra had no option but to push up. If we start the games playing football positively ( as we do when we are behind especially ) we will hammer some sides. I'd like to see a settled team for a few games and not this "pre season" nonsense we're getting at the moment. I'm sure then , we'd click much faster . I'm not sure that Zola is tactically up to speed as yet ...but I supose that would be seen by some as a negative comment :)
I think dedication to training is the one thing the new players can learn from our the English ones.
Sometimes in life you need a wake up call to take stock of what you have and might lose. Going to prison was Troy Deeneys. And should be a big lesson to others around him too!
As for Zolas tactical awareness I think he's doing fine, Chelsea would not trust one of their finest young players to his care and techniques if they thought he wasnt coaching the players correctly.
One last thing, I think Marco Cassetti is a superb signing for us, at 36 he provides an old head to marshal the defence, i know at his age he may have lost a bit of pace, but his experience counters this . On Tuesday he was like a beaded Italian assassin , you don't get to play for Italy if you are a poor defender!!!!!!!!
It reminds me when GT signed the leaden footed Pat Rice at RB for his 'old head' back in the 80s.
...but he was run raged and hauled off at halftime for some spurious injury to prevent further embarrassment. 36 is fine for a central player but not someone to mark a wideman.
You must have been watching some other game to me as Cassetti was not run ragged. Buckley beat him for raw pace once (and Buckley can beat most people for raw pace of any age between 18 upwards) but as soon Cassetti saw that he adapted his style to counter Buckleys pace and just put his body in between Buckley and the ball each time which stopped Buckley's runs. He also put in two world quality crosses from the right (wasted with Iwelumu as the target man) which we then lacked in the second half. He clearly did get injured and would be interested to see a replay of what exactly happened. He may have been knackered by half time and due to come off but he was certainly one of our best players in the first half.

londomollari says...
11:17am Fri 21 Sep 12

stevyweavy wrote:
Mickey Quinn, not so thin wrote:
Travelling Hornet wrote:
gilesy97 wrote:
Interesting that Deeney might feature , considering the "thoroughness" the present medical staff have with minor injuries/ fitness etc. But it shows the positve attitude of Deeney , and I'm sure he'll give 100% as always. He's not as skillfull as most , but will give his all. For me let Deeney partner Iwellumo as last year whilst the other forwards get over their fitness problems ,especially as Vydra seemed to spend a lot of time uneccessarily playing too deep ( managers orders I suspect), and on Tuesday , having to help out the "old boy" Cassetti whilst he got the run around from Buckley. Iwelumo needs someone along side him to flick the ball onto ...it worked second half v Bolton when Vydra had no option but to push up. If we start the games playing football positively ( as we do when we are behind especially ) we will hammer some sides. I'd like to see a settled team for a few games and not this "pre season" nonsense we're getting at the moment. I'm sure then , we'd click much faster . I'm not sure that Zola is tactically up to speed as yet ...but I supose that would be seen by some as a negative comment :)
I think dedication to training is the one thing the new players can learn from our the English ones.
Sometimes in life you need a wake up call to take stock of what you have and might lose. Going to prison was Troy Deeneys. And should be a big lesson to others around him too!
As for Zolas tactical awareness I think he's doing fine, Chelsea would not trust one of their finest young players to his care and techniques if they thought he wasnt coaching the players correctly.
One last thing, I think Marco Cassetti is a superb signing for us, at 36 he provides an old head to marshal the defence, i know at his age he may have lost a bit of pace, but his experience counters this . On Tuesday he was like a beaded Italian assassin , you don't get to play for Italy if you are a poor defender!!!!!!!!
It reminds me when GT signed the leaden footed Pat Rice at RB for his 'old head' back in the 80s.
...but he was run raged and hauled off at halftime for some spurious injury to prevent further embarrassment. 36 is fine for a central player but not someone to mark a wideman.
You must have been watching some other game to me as Cassetti was not run ragged. Buckley beat him for raw pace once (and Buckley can beat most people for raw pace of any age between 18 upwards) but as soon Cassetti saw that he adapted his style to counter Buckleys pace and just put his body in between Buckley and the ball each time which stopped Buckley's runs. He also put in two world quality crosses from the right (wasted with Iwelumu as the target man) which we then lacked in the second half. He clearly did get injured and would be interested to see a replay of what exactly happened. He may have been knackered by half time and due to come off but he was certainly one of our best players in the first half.
Don't often agree with Mickey Quinn, but I saw Cassetti's red faced and desperate runs against Buckley. Gus Poyet, not being a fool, saw Cassetti's lack of pace and switched Buckley as soon as Cassetti was booked. Sure, he looked great going forward, when he wasn't under pressure for pace. Personally, I thought Buckley failed to take full advantage

Rookery Veteren says...
2:12pm Fri 21 Sep 12

Holly68 wrote:
Give Geijo a break ! I spoke to him Tuesday night, he was fit to play last Saturday then pulled his groin in training end of last week, he is very frustrated and desperate to play. He should be fit for home game in two weeks time I can tell you his attitude is first class and he is targeting 20 goals this season. He is not a physical beat em up heskey beast, he is quick, skilful, both footed and good in the air I think he gonna be very good
Think Holly might be right. Cheered myself up yesterday watching Geijo score a shedload of goals on U-tube.
He looks to have the best parts of Priskins game but is much better in the air,more committed and has a goalscorers eye. I know video clips dont tell the whole story- even Fergie's made mistakes based on videos alone- but this man could finally be a replacement for Danny Graham. His speed and movement put him miles ahead of big Chris and he appears to have a lot more to his game than Deeney. GET HIM FIT.

Holly68 says...
1:18pm Sat 22 Sep 12

gilesy97 wrote:
Interesting that Deeney might feature , considering the "thoroughness" the present medical staff have with minor injuries/ fitness etc. But it shows the positve attitude of Deeney , and I'm sure he'll give 100% as always. He's not as skillfull as most , but will give his all. For me let Deeney partner Iwellumo as last year whilst the other forwards get over their fitness problems ,especially as Vydra seemed to spend a lot of time uneccessarily playing too deep ( managers orders I suspect), and on Tuesday , having to help out the "old boy" Cassetti whilst he got the run around from Buckley. Iwelumo needs someone along side him to flick the ball onto ...it worked second half v Bolton when Vydra had no option but to push up. If we start the games playing football positively ( as we do when we are behind especially ) we will hammer some sides. I'd like to see a settled team for a few games and not this "pre season" nonsense we're getting at the moment. I'm sure then , we'd click much faster . I'm not sure that Zola is tactically up to speed as yet ...but I supose that would be seen by some as a negative comment :)
Mark, I hope your gonna buy me a pint after the match today in the Y& R Lion :-)

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