blandford_cherry
UTC Legend
In the grand scheme of things that’s very good news. Didn’t think we would see him for the rest of the season
I always read that as back fit to play in 3mths. As regards cover, may make EH think how short we are there with Franno as the only 'proper' right back. Guess Fraser or Pugh (at a push) could do a job but neither are long term options.Does that mean back in training in 3 months? Can never decipher what that actually means. Also as it says “up to” 3 months we might not need to get cover in Jan.
I guess it comes down to what's out there on the market.
If there's a right back knocking around available to start talks with now, either on loan or cheap, able to confirm early in Jan - then great. If we have to spend all of Jan hunting around, then by the time the deadline comes around it might not be worth it.
Or we could go looking for what I assume is a planned long term right back signing, only try to bring it forward to Jan instead of summer 2019 when we usually do our big buys.
Worst comes to worst Eddie has to get Wee Man or Lerma to do a job there when Franno inevitably needs a breather. But knowing Smith is likely to be back for the final run in means there's less pressure to go out and buy.
In my opinion we should be buying someone to compete for a first choice right back spot - we should have done this anyway like we did on the left.
Never sign back-ups if you can help it - always try and improve. If the guy with the shirt keeps his spot, like Daniels has done so many time, then good for him.
You are right though - it depends on what is available.
Also, gutted for Smith, but relieved it's not as bad as first feared, though for him it likely seems a big mountain ahead of him
That's what I think too Neil TBH, but this site https://www.physioroom.com/fanzone/players/adam-smith/ implies that he'll return on the 23/02/19 - assuming 'return' means fit to play. Confused..Funny. I always read it as fit to train in 3 months...not play.
Wonder what the truth is!