NEXT HOME GAME - TBC
NEXT AWAY GAME - SUPPORTERS XI ARE PLAYING WORCESTER AT MALVERN ON SUNDAY AUGUST 3rd AT 3.00pm

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Another 48 Hours

Graham Turner has just 48 hours to decide what squad he wants to enter the crucial Xmas period with.

The loan window closes on Thursday night and, with keeper Matt Murray now unlikely to feature, another stopper is a priority before the deadline. While Darren Randolph remains a registered player it would make life difficult appealing to the FA for dispensation to sign another keeper post-deadline should Craig Samson become injured.

It may be a case of waiting until January to make drastic changes to the squad. Loanees Randolph, Moses Ashikodi, Robbie Threlfall, Matt Murray, Andy Williams, Lionel Ainsworth and - without any evidence to the contrary - contracted players Sam Oji and Nick Chadwick will all be subject of debate whether they stay with the club. That's eight players that Turner will have to make a decision on while he hears the chimes for the New Year.

While Randolph's departure can't come quickly enough for Turner, and neither Murray's nor Ainsworth's injury situations is currently clear, the other five split opinions of the fans. Ashikodi has a very mixed response, but showed signs of brilliance before being kicked out of the game against Swindon. Threlfall impressed many last season, but is the boy up to a man's fight - especially after another lengthy spell on the sidelines? Willo has just one goal in fourteen games since his return, is that enough? Oji had a lukewarm reception prior to his injury, and many appear to have forgotten he remains a Bulls player after three months out. Chadwick is yet to impress with only a penalty goal from ten appearances.

For some of those eight they have a month to prove their worth. The pack will be shuffled, it's just a question of when - and how.