Flint out for the season (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)
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SWINDON TOWN: Flint out for the season
6:00am Friday 3rd February 2012 in STFC By Gary Rose
SWINDON Town have been rocked by the news that Aden Flint has been ruled out for the rest of the season through injury.
The defender, who joined from non-league Alfreton last year, has been a revelation for the Robins and his partnership with Alan McCormack has contributed to the club boasting one of the best defensive records in English football.
Concerns were raised, though, when Flint was absent from the squad to face Leicester in the FA Cup last Saturday and Town boss Paolo Di Canio confirmed earlier this week that the 22-year-old had suffered a recurrence of his groin injury during training.
Flint saw a specialist and initial prognosis suggested that he faced at least three months on the sidelines.
Di Canio has sought a second opinion from another specialist, who has experience of dealing with injuries similar to Flint’s, and he is expected to receive that later today.
But the 43-year-old has reluctantly conceded that the defender is unlikely to play again this season.
“This afternoon Flint will have the final opinion from a specialist and he will make the decision,” said Di Canio.
“We have two options and only he can decide. The other day he asked me what I would do, but I can’t tell him what to do.
“I am not a surgeon and I cannot play with a player’s career.
“I am not selfish to try and make him recover without surgery and have an injection, which would allow him to play in the final push. That is not fair.
“There are two ways for him to go. The first is surgery, which means he can recover in three months and be fully fit for next year.
“The other option is not to have surgery and to wait and see what is going on and in three months he could be fit, but not like before.
“But I cannot tell him what to do, he needs to speak with his family. I cannot play with a player’s life. He is young and it is not fair.
“We will have the final word today from a specialist who has experience with this kind of injury and then Aden will make his decision.
“We will support him in any way we can to ensure he recovers the best he can. The time is three months at least, so the season is finished for him. That is the reality.”
Joe Devera will likely continue his partnership with McCormack against Burton tomorrow, while on-loan Arsenal defender Daniel Boateng is also available.
Di Canio has also not ruled out dipping into the loan market for reinforcements at the back and up front, if the right players become available.
He added: “We don’t have pressure to do this but if we find the right situation for us then why not?
“I prefer to have a permanent player who can feel the cause straight away, while a loan player can come to challenge for a place but he knows that he will likely go back to his own team in two or three months.
“However, if we find a very good player, with good professionalism then we can consider this situation again. Not just talking about this position, but also a striker.”
Comments(72)
bushwacker
says...
6:13am Fri 3 Feb 12
LeGod
says...
6:15am Fri 3 Feb 12
wedgec
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6:44am Fri 3 Feb 12
tractorski-red
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6:51am Fri 3 Feb 12
Onwards and Upwards.
old town robin
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7:01am Fri 3 Feb 12
Swindon1984 wrote:Agree with your thoughts 1984, if Devera can maintain some good form it will soften the blow of Flint's loss. Not sure when the best time would be to blood young Boateng, he may get some game time on Saturday if Paolo thinks Mac or Dev needs to be fresh for the Barnet cup game the following Tuesday.
Very bad news but Devera seems to have improved of late and there's cover with Boateng. A blow, definitely, but hopefully not a catastrophic one.
One thing for sure we don't want to start conceeding goals from high balls again. It's our achilles heel and without Flint in the middle opposition will try to take advantage of it.
London Red
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7:12am Fri 3 Feb 12
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He is only 21 so needs to think what is best for him over the next 10-15 years not the next 10-15 weeks
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Though could he go under the knife post Wembley? As that is the only real thing he will miss out on this year.
U REDS
says...
7:16am Fri 3 Feb 12
deviant in the tupping pen
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7:38am Fri 3 Feb 12
sagarlout
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7:45am Fri 3 Feb 12
Very well done matey and get well soon.
LionelHutz
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8:05am Fri 3 Feb 12
Missing out on a possible Wembley visit is the most disappointing thing.
Wilesy
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8:18am Fri 3 Feb 12
Cibocchi or maybe Risser could also step in at cb I guess, so we do have cover for the consistent Macca, the improving Devera and the unseen Boateng, but if there are funds available a loan signing would be prudent. If I was an opposition manager I would play two big centre forwards against us.
Ironically the one who may miss out now is Ferry, particularly away from home, as Risser and J Smith add height to the team, and we have enough creativity with Ritchie and Rooney.
Stickshaker
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8:20am Fri 3 Feb 12
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Get better soon Flinty!
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COYR
John Young's Grumpy
says...
8:29am Fri 3 Feb 12
Get well soon Aden - you will be missed but take the time and care to return to fitness so you and STFC keep going onwards and upwards!!
Another view
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8:30am Fri 3 Feb 12
RED-MERLIN
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8:44am Fri 3 Feb 12
John Young's Grumpy wrote:These things happen, we have cover ! long term we must have him fit !
Whilst this a blow, we cannot accept that it will harm our efforts for promotion. No team should build itself and its fortunes around one player. PDC is astute enough to work out how to manage this gap and to keep us on track.
Get well soon Aden - you will be missed but take the time and care to return to fitness so you and STFC keep going onwards and upwards!!
sadgit
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8:50am Fri 3 Feb 12
Stratton Red
says...
8:58am Fri 3 Feb 12
*
Just hope tomorrow's not frozen off... -6 this morning!
billbst
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8:59am Fri 3 Feb 12
London Red
says...
9:01am Fri 3 Feb 12
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Flint also missed the start of our recovery and Macca and Devera did just fine then - including our double over Southend and Crawley!
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Yes a blow but not vital as the squad has developed and grown - as PdC said the 8 has turned into 15 or 16!
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Also Boateng is a massive fella - in the photo of him and PdC his whole head was above PdC!
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So if we do need height he can provide it - you are not the Arsenal reserve captain making around 30 appearnaces if you are cack!
SeanG92
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9:02am Fri 3 Feb 12
Hope the lad makes the right choice so we can have a fully fit Flint back sometime in the future. And for now hopefully Devera or Boateng can step up to the plate.
the don69
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9:02am Fri 3 Feb 12
SAPFanSTFC
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9:07am Fri 3 Feb 12
Wilesy wrote:It is a big blow for Swindon but an eveen bigger blow for the poor lad.
Make no mistake this is a massive blow for the promotion hopes and a real blow for Aden, best wishes to him. The recent article did hint at a serious problem as you don't get a second opinion if the first one is good news, so today's is no great surprise. Cibocchi or maybe Risser could also step in at cb I guess, so we do have cover for the consistent Macca, the improving Devera and the unseen Boateng, but if there are funds available a loan signing would be prudent. If I was an opposition manager I would play two big centre forwards against us. Ironically the one who may miss out now is Ferry, particularly away from home, as Risser and J Smith add height to the team, and we have enough creativity with Ritchie and Rooney.
..
One thing though is that Devera has really upped his game in recent weeks so all looking good at the back still - maybe Saturday is the day to give Boateng a debut?..surprised he hasn't even shown as a sub as yet - or is he not as good/fit as hoped.
..
Good news from Burton is that they are still without Kee and Richards for Saturday hence the main reason behind their recent slump.
--
Make the most of it and a big result please Town!
stfc2012
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9:22am Fri 3 Feb 12
badger58
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9:50am Fri 3 Feb 12
Rhs Boydy
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9:52am Fri 3 Feb 12
It's now time for Boateng to step up and show Paolo he's ready to play and can cover Devera and Macca.
Even Angrier Monkey
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9:53am Fri 3 Feb 12
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He was rubbish in the early weeks of the season but since then he's been decent whenever he's played. Not as good as Flint, but more than capable at this level.
stfcknowitall
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10:08am Fri 3 Feb 12
Get well soon Flinty!
I know its only one game guys but don't forget we won 4-1 away at a top 3 side so Its proven we can play without him. Onwards and Upwards!
Mr_Spunk
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10:09am Fri 3 Feb 12
SAPFanSTFC
says...
10:22am Fri 3 Feb 12
Mr_Spunk wrote:It had crossed my mind but we seem to have some pretty good covers so would hope a 3pm game should be ok.
Just wondering, whats the chances of cancellation due to frozzen pitch tomorrow? Anyone else concerned?
hertz
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10:30am Fri 3 Feb 12
Oi Den!
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10:37am Fri 3 Feb 12
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I don't think it's such a massive blow for Flint himself. 3 months out is not that long for a 21 year old footballer. And I think he'll get more opportunities to play at Wembley. I'm sure he will be very much involved in and around the club for the remainder of the season. He can rest easy in the knowledge that he's made a massive contribution already this season. If we win the title he will deserve his medal as much as anyone else in the squad, and if he comes back fighting fit in 3 months time, everyone will be happy.
swinRhino
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10:44am Fri 3 Feb 12
AdderB
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10:46am Fri 3 Feb 12
And I wish AF a speedy recovery He has been superb for us at the back . I think we will miss him because he's just so dominant in the air and is likely to score goals as well. Paulo's advice seems sensible . Take your time young man!
zznewyork
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10:59am Fri 3 Feb 12
International Robin
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11:05am Fri 3 Feb 12
On a slightly different topic, BBC Sports says on the article in regards to this horrible news that we paid £150k for Flint.. Although now he's worth more than this weight in gold but can't help but think we paid more than we should of considering the league he was in etc...?
Swindon1984
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11:15am Fri 3 Feb 12
SAPFanSTFC wrote:Fingers crossed - my first home game since the Wigan match and hope the trip back won't be in vain! If the unthinkable happesn and the games called off it'll be an afternoon down the beehive so could be worse! :-)
Mr_Spunk wrote: Just wondering, whats the chances of cancellation due to frozzen pitch tomorrow? Anyone else concerned?It had crossed my mind but we seem to have some pretty good covers so would hope a 3pm game should be ok.
red white
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11:24am Fri 3 Feb 12
Reality Red
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11:32am Fri 3 Feb 12
I dont normal concern myself with blokes groins but this is sad for all concerned
Get well Chap ..soon !
the wizard
says...
12:15pm Fri 3 Feb 12
“I am not a surgeon and I cannot play with a player’s career.
“I am not selfish to try and make him recover without surgery and have an injection, which would allow him to play in the final push. That is not fair.
Brilliant words and attitude from diCanio, and total support, and we have come to expect nothing less.
Although a blow we have others who will step up to the mark, and that is why Boateng has been brought here. Lets hope he can step up to the plate, I'm sure the effort will be there.
Custodian
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12:19pm Fri 3 Feb 12
I think Devera's a good player, by the way, but I think Flint is the better option against the majority of League Two forwards.
All the best, Aden.
Warwickshire Red
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12:22pm Fri 3 Feb 12
the don69
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12:24pm Fri 3 Feb 12
Oi Den!
says...
12:26pm Fri 3 Feb 12
International Robin wrote:Disagree. If we paid £150k we got a bargain. Fair play to Alfreton for negotiating a decent price for him. Bigger clubs take smaller clubs for a ride far too often on transfer deals.
Gutted for Flint. In Paolo we trust that he will fill the gap with temp quality until the end of the season, if not perm and beyond. On a slightly different topic, BBC Sports says on the article in regards to this horrible news that we paid £150k for Flint.. Although now he's worth more than this weight in gold but can't help but think we paid more than we should of considering the league he was in etc...?
Davidsyrett
says...
1:05pm Fri 3 Feb 12
the don69 wrote:town website confident game will go ahead. Semm to already have the hot air dryers!
3 games OFF already in div2 and our game is looking a bit dodgy,because there will be another severe frost tonight(get some hot hair blowers under the covers)could be an afternoon shopping with the misses!what a pain hahaha!!!!!!!!!!
stfclondon
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1:09pm Fri 3 Feb 12
the don69
says...
1:19pm Fri 3 Feb 12
Davidsyrett wrote:Yes they have now put,some sort of heated dome over the pitch,to defrost parts of the pitch that are frozen solid,lets hope it works(then I wont have to go shopping).
the don69 wrote:town website confident game will go ahead. Semm to already have the hot air dryers!
3 games OFF already in div2 and our game is looking a bit dodgy,because there will be another severe frost tonight(get some hot hair blowers under the covers)could be an afternoon shopping with the misses!what a pain hahaha!!!!!!!!!!
London Red
says...
1:25pm Fri 3 Feb 12
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Had we signed the same Flint from say Leicester for £150k (would have probably been more if you go by Caddis, Ferry, Ritchie etc) its OK but as he was from Alfreton it was too much??????
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A players worth should be judge by their ability/potential - not where they are playing - can't remember who but some non league team rejected £750k for a player this window!!!
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If that was the case we should have bitten Bournemouth's hands off at whatever their latest offer for Ritchie was as we are only L2!
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Current value for Flint must be close to £1m - as that is apparently what McFadzen was being looked at for and Flint is easily up there with him as the best in this league!
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That rumoured value might be total cack - which would lower Flint's value - but whatever it was they should be on par as those two are probably the cream of L2
the don69
says...
1:38pm Fri 3 Feb 12
Swindon1984
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1:45pm Fri 3 Feb 12
London Red wrote:Agreed - we would be outraged at a league 1/championship club getting one of our best assets for cheap, there's no reason a non-league club shouldn't be adequately compensated for the loss of one of their better players. Regardless of where he came from, we got a cracking defender, well worth £150,000 and one we'll doubtless make a profit on when he chooses to leave. Get well soon Aden.
I think the whole where he came from bit is ridiculous . Had we signed the same Flint from say Leicester for £150k (would have probably been more if you go by Caddis, Ferry, Ritchie etc) its OK but as he was from Alfreton it was too much?????? . A players worth should be judge by their ability/potential - not where they are playing - can't remember who but some non league team rejected £750k for a player this window!!! . If that was the case we should have bitten Bournemouth's hands off at whatever their latest offer for Ritchie was as we are only L2! . Current value for Flint must be close to £1m - as that is apparently what McFadzen was being looked at for and Flint is easily up there with him as the best in this league! . That rumoured value might be total cack - which would lower Flint's value - but whatever it was they should be on par as those two are probably the cream of L2
EastleazeRed
says...
1:51pm Fri 3 Feb 12
the don69 wrote:Gonna say its touch and go cause its going to get down to - 4 overnight, but just heard they are going to cover the pitch with a heated dome.
Just heard Cheltenham's game is off,so if we play and win,we will be top of the league!!!!!!!!!U REDS.
avo
says...
2:09pm Fri 3 Feb 12
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As one of the people who posted about about an incident with AF in Old Town, you will just have to trust me that it was based on texts in my office last week. It was not made up by me for sure.
And I wish AF a speedy recovery He has been superb for us at the back . I think we will miss him because he's just so dominant in the air and is likely to score goals as well. Paulo's advice seems sensible . Take your time young man!”
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Don't worry about it, who's to say it didn't happen anyway, just because it coincides with some bad personal news for the guy?
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Nobody's gonna hang you out to dry for sharing in good faith, news that was doing the rounds in your office at the time! If they do, then they need to look at themselves a bit first.
jacket64
says...
2:44pm Fri 3 Feb 12
Oi Den!
says...
2:52pm Fri 3 Feb 12
avo wrote:Good post. And if it's not true, the person who invented the story also needs to have a good look at himself.
AdderB said: . As one of the people who posted about about an incident with AF in Old Town, you will just have to trust me that it was based on texts in my office last week. It was not made up by me for sure. And I wish AF a speedy recovery He has been superb for us at the back . I think we will miss him because he's just so dominant in the air and is likely to score goals as well. Paulo's advice seems sensible . Take your time young man!” . Don't worry about it, who's to say it didn't happen anyway, just because it coincides with some bad personal news for the guy? . Nobody's gonna hang you out to dry for sharing in good faith, news that was doing the rounds in your office at the time! If they do, then they need to look at themselves a bit first.
London Red
says...
2:58pm Fri 3 Feb 12
the don69
says...
3:00pm Fri 3 Feb 12
jacket64 wrote:Bargain of the decade!Git Fit soon Aden you will become a top class Centre back!!!!!!!!
Flint cost £80k got that from an Alfreton Director.
avo
says...
3:08pm Fri 3 Feb 12
Oi Den! wrote:You do have to wonder what makes people start the story off in the first place, whatever the story is lol, surely there is more to their own life than stooping to such levels!
avo wrote: AdderB said: . As one of the people who posted about about an incident with AF in Old Town, you will just have to trust me that it was based on texts in my office last week. It was not made up by me for sure. And I wish AF a speedy recovery He has been superb for us at the back . I think we will miss him because he's just so dominant in the air and is likely to score goals as well. Paulo's advice seems sensible . Take your time young man!” . Don't worry about it, who's to say it didn't happen anyway, just because it coincides with some bad personal news for the guy? . Nobody's gonna hang you out to dry for sharing in good faith, news that was doing the rounds in your office at the time! If they do, then they need to look at themselves a bit first.Good post. And if it's not true, the person who invented the story also needs to have a good look at himself.
.
Big difference between sharing something you have heard in good faith, and making something up for the hell of it.
London Red
says...
3:13pm Fri 3 Feb 12
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He basically responded with we have the best squad in the league - he said yes we had spent but spent well
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Said Ritchie is a thorn in everyone's side and Caddis is far and away the best RB in the division
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Also mentioned Ferry and Smith and that we have now added to that with Cox
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Ended it with they would have to probably put in thier best performance of the season to get anything out of the game!
avo
says...
3:15pm Fri 3 Feb 12
Peter Noble 4ever
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3:21pm Fri 3 Feb 12
Rhs Boydy
says...
4:47pm Fri 3 Feb 12
London Red wrote:I respect Karen Brady's sex toy a lot and think he'll have a very successful career in management and my opinion has gone up after reading this.
On another note - just listened to the interview with Pesscyhoweveritspelt and they asked him exactly the same question about PdC's remark about being the best . He basically responded with we have the best squad in the league - he said yes we had spent but spent well . Said Ritchie is a thorn in everyone's side and Caddis is far and away the best RB in the division . Also mentioned Ferry and Smith and that we have now added to that with Cox . Ended it with they would have to probably put in thier best performance of the season to get anything out of the game!
I do wonder if he's looked at our results after managers have slagged us off and gone "no thanks, lets not write Paolo's pre-match talk for him."
the wizard
says...
5:05pm Fri 3 Feb 12
London Red wrote:After reading the above, Wizard reckons that is fancy talk from a decent bloke saying he is putting all his men behind the ball hoping they can get summut on the break, if they are lucky enough to get one.
On another note - just listened to the interview with Pesscyhoweveritspelt and they asked him exactly the same question about PdC's remark about being the best
.
He basically responded with we have the best squad in the league - he said yes we had spent but spent well
.
Said Ritchie is a thorn in everyone's side and Caddis is far and away the best RB in the division
.
Also mentioned Ferry and Smith and that we have now added to that with Cox
.
Ended it with they would have to probably put in thier best performance of the season to get anything out of the game!
Redgollum
says...
5:14pm Fri 3 Feb 12
35yrRED
says...
5:31pm Fri 3 Feb 12
COYR's
Since 1950
says...
7:33pm Fri 3 Feb 12
The club has to do what's right by the player. No point in doing long term damage for short term gain. Best of luck for his recovery and return to the game.
It's a big loss, there's no doubting that. However, I have faith in the squad with cover at the back. I suppose we'll get an aerial bombardment from now to the end of the season though.
Swindon Abbot
says...
7:56pm Fri 3 Feb 12
I am wondering if any season ticket holders are unable to attend the oxford match? If so could I have the code...! Much appreciated thankyou
Malkym
says...
9:30pm Fri 3 Feb 12
London Red wrote:You are b!oody priceless sometimes! Did i miss the 2nd leg v Barnet where we made it to Wembley?
Think he should undertake surgery . He is only 21 so needs to think what is best for him over the next 10-15 years not the next 10-15 weeks . Though could he go under the knife post Wembley? As that is the only real thing he will miss out on this year.
Oi Den!
says...
11:30pm Fri 3 Feb 12
Rhs Boydy wrote:I don't recall any manager slagging us off. And I don't think for a minute that any one of the managers in our division would pay any attention to what their rivals have said about us or anyone else.
London Red wrote: On another note - just listened to the interview with Pesscyhoweveritspelt and they asked him exactly the same question about PdC's remark about being the best . He basically responded with we have the best squad in the league - he said yes we had spent but spent well . Said Ritchie is a thorn in everyone's side and Caddis is far and away the best RB in the division . Also mentioned Ferry and Smith and that we have now added to that with Cox . Ended it with they would have to probably put in thier best performance of the season to get anything out of the game!I respect Karen Brady's sex toy a lot and think he'll have a very successful career in management and my opinion has gone up after reading this. I do wonder if he's looked at our results after managers have slagged us off and gone "no thanks, lets not write Paolo's pre-match talk for him."
mancrobin
says...
12:09am Sat 4 Feb 12
Oi Den! wrote:Whether we paid £150K or £80K, this man was a massive bargain and we will undoubtably miss him. However, the sqaud is now good enough to cope.
International Robin wrote: Gutted for Flint. In Paolo we trust that he will fill the gap with temp quality until the end of the season, if not perm and beyond. On a slightly different topic, BBC Sports says on the article in regards to this horrible news that we paid £150k for Flint.. Although now he's worth more than this weight in gold but can't help but think we paid more than we should of considering the league he was in etc...?Disagree. If we paid £150k we got a bargain. Fair play to Alfreton for negotiating a decent price for him. Bigger clubs take smaller clubs for a ride far too often on transfer deals.
I expect with Flint in the team we would have stopped at least one of the Leicester goals and with a correct decision on the Ferry foul, who knows what we could have achieved in the FA Cup......
What ifs, what ifs.. what is certain is that Aden should make the right decision and have the op, and make his comeback on the first day of the League 1 season 2012/13.
Potentially the best centre-back we've had since Frank Burrows.
CraigClark
says...
8:51am Sun 5 Feb 12
avo wrote:Not sure if theres truth in it at all but a contractor sparky was in my place of work the Monday after the Leicester game, saying a friend of his actually floored Aden outside McKenzies on the Friday evening. That friend being a former STFC youth player! I hope that it is a load of made up rubbish and that Aden recovers soon, along with Caddis... my player of the season so far.
Oi Den! wrote:You do have to wonder what makes people start the story off in the first place, whatever the story is lol, surely there is more to their own life than stooping to such levels!
avo wrote: AdderB said: . As one of the people who posted about about an incident with AF in Old Town, you will just have to trust me that it was based on texts in my office last week. It was not made up by me for sure. And I wish AF a speedy recovery He has been superb for us at the back . I think we will miss him because he's just so dominant in the air and is likely to score goals as well. Paulo's advice seems sensible . Take your time young man!” . Don't worry about it, who's to say it didn't happen anyway, just because it coincides with some bad personal news for the guy? . Nobody's gonna hang you out to dry for sharing in good faith, news that was doing the rounds in your office at the time! If they do, then they need to look at themselves a bit first.Good post. And if it's not true, the person who invented the story also needs to have a good look at himself.
.
Big difference between sharing something you have heard in good faith, and making something up for the hell of it.
CraigClark
says...
8:52am Sun 5 Feb 12
avo wrote:Not sure if theres truth in it at all but a contractor sparky was in my place of work the Monday after the Leicester game, saying a friend of his actually floored Aden outside McKenzies on the Friday evening. That friend being a former STFC youth player! I hope that it is a load of made up rubbish and that Aden recovers soon, along with Caddis... my player of the season so far.
Oi Den! wrote:You do have to wonder what makes people start the story off in the first place, whatever the story is lol, surely there is more to their own life than stooping to such levels!
avo wrote: AdderB said: . As one of the people who posted about about an incident with AF in Old Town, you will just have to trust me that it was based on texts in my office last week. It was not made up by me for sure. And I wish AF a speedy recovery He has been superb for us at the back . I think we will miss him because he's just so dominant in the air and is likely to score goals as well. Paulo's advice seems sensible . Take your time young man!” . Don't worry about it, who's to say it didn't happen anyway, just because it coincides with some bad personal news for the guy? . Nobody's gonna hang you out to dry for sharing in good faith, news that was doing the rounds in your office at the time! If they do, then they need to look at themselves a bit first.Good post. And if it's not true, the person who invented the story also needs to have a good look at himself.
.
Big difference between sharing something you have heard in good faith, and making something up for the hell of it.
Oi Den!
says...
2:24pm Sun 5 Feb 12
click2find
Swindon1984 says...
6:12am Fri 3 Feb 12