A pitch inspection scheduled for 9.30am will take place at Edgeley Park tomorrow morning as a ‘precaution’ after the three recent postponements against Torquay twice and Swindon.
Another postponement would leave the Hatters possibly 6 points adrift of 23rd place, albeit with two games in hand.
I hate to sound repetitive, but I can only report on what’s going on – and it’s another turbulent week. At a fans forum last night, gaffer Gary Ablett revealed:
1. County can’t afford bandages and equipment for the club physio’s and doctors to use, nor any sort of energy drinks or basic equipment for the players at the training ground.
2. Goalkeeping coach Paul Gerrard paid £1200 out of his own money to purchase some heart monitors and training equipment for the squad as County couldn’t afford it.
3. Jim Melrose’s latest bid has been rejected by administrators – and Ablett ‘hasn’t seen or spoke to Melrose in two months.’
Though on a ‘positive’ note, and to Ablett’s credit, he did say that 20th place would be an enormous achievement this season, and when the restraints were lifted he would be aiming for the play-offs next season. Talk about aiming high..and I wouldn’t disrespect Ablett by saying that the quote has an air of Carlton Palmer telling us that we’d be champions after getting relegated, but we do need to be careful, as you all well know.
Just another normal week at Edgeley Park then!
Vital Quotes:
Gary Ablett: ‘I think we would be the first to admit that our performance against Wycombe wasn’t good enough.’
‘We have to put that right against Charlton and, even though we know they’re a good side, we’re confident we can get something from the game.’
‘We need to start picking up points and moving up the table as quickly as we can and, hopefully, right a few wrongs.’
County Team News:
Defender Johnny Mullins is suspended, falling foul of the ‘5 yellow cards’ ruling, so he misses out tomorrow and then can return for the Torquay tie at Moss Rose.
Oli Johnson is a doubt again, while Carl Baker – who, it was revealed, was the subject of a rejected £150k bid from Coventry – trained on Thursday and Friday after feeling unwell.
Matty McNeil will deputise at centre-back, making his Edgeley Park comeback after returning to the club on a 6 month deal.
Sadly, defender Luca Havern has been diagnosed with a heart illness, and will miss the rest of the season. His contract runs out in January, though I’d imagine the club will stick with the youngster. Havern’s heart problem meant that a place was available in the limited 20 man squad for McNeil to return.
Player to watch: Matty McNeil
It’s got to be hasn’t it? The subject of the fans jeers at points in his County career, but ex-boss Jim Gannon clearly saw something in him and that’s good enough for me…McNeil has a presence up front and at the back, and if he’s the best we can afford in the predicament, ten it could be much worse.
Charlton Athletic Team News:
Frazer Richardson, Kelly Youga and Izale McLeod are all doubts.
However, Leon McKenzie is fit again and youth product Lewis Perkins is in the squad for the first time.
Jose Semedo returns from suspension.
Player to watch: Nicky Bailey
The Addicks top scorer this season was the subject of abuse from fans of his former club Southend last weekend, and will be looking to put all that behind him with a solid performance at EP.
Match Odds
County – 7/2
Draw – 5/2
Charlton – 8/13
Match Prediction:
County P-P Charlton. Game to be switched to Gigg Lane in the middle of March.
Next Fixtures:
COUNTY v Torquay
Moss Rose (Macclesfield FC – yes it is a home game!)
Tuesday 15th December ’09
FA Cup 2nd Round
K.O 7:45pm
