Training Wednesday 16/9

[Douglas Higginbottom]

A few more out training today but missing were Barry , Tevez , Micah and still no RSC. Good to see Stevie back again and looking pretty good I thought. Johnson also out so hopefully the bronchitis was nothing much. A lone cameraman today still looking for Ade pictures but his first target was Craig Bellamy who was first out as usual and was caught having some fun with one of the coaching/physio staff in a wrestling challenge. Bellers was winning as he picked on the smallest guy around but you can guess at the headline the gutter press might use if so inclined.

Youngsters involved to make numbers today were Greg Cunningham and Jack Redshaw.Quite a few missing again after last night's reserve game ( nice 4.3 win at Wigan which would have been better if Nedum and Silvinho hadn't been taken off at 4.1) Not much special to report in the training itself although some top finishing by Zabba and a couple of really nice ones by Johnson even if it was only 7 a side. Just great to see him time a run perfectly on the first one and then come in at the back post to convert a great dinked cross by SWP. For the 7 a side various people sat out at times and Bellamy all the time . No doubt just making sure he didn't overdo things.

Lescott , Ireland and Toure also notably sat out for spells. Barry did appear later doing some gentle jogging and even better Tevez was also out doing some light work later on. No word on RSC so maybe he will be with them on Friday.

[steve isle of man]

Thanks Doug
Would Jonno look out of place in a premier game now?
Is he still sporting the crew-cut and bum-fluff look?

[Douglas Higginbottom]

Thanks Doug
Would Jonno look out of place in a premier game now?
Is he still sporting the crew-cut and bum-fluff look?

Just the crew cut I think. I was thinking about whether he is ready yet watching today. Not for a full game I would say but I could easily see him on the bench. He still has a touch , sees a pass and shows awareness of what's around him.

[mr_nool]

Thanks Doug
Would Jonno look out of place in a premier game now?
Is he still sporting the crew-cut and bum-fluff look?

Just the crew cut I think. I was thinking about whether he is ready yet watching today. Not for a full game I would say but I could easily see him on the bench. He still has a touch , sees a pass and shows awareness of what's around him.

That's excellent news! I really would like to see the lad back in his old form, but I fear (yet) another set back.

[Dameerto]

Glad to hear they're not risking Bellers too much - last thing we need is HIM missing the derby match too.

[Kyle]

Ah we would be fine, Richards has been doing some striking for the U21's haha...

[Dameerto]

Oh darn, I'd just got Suart Pierce out of my memories too

[Ted Hughes]

Thanks Doug
Would Jonno look out of place in a premier game now?
Is he still sporting the crew-cut and bum-fluff look?

He wouldn't look out of place playing for Sale Sharks in the Guinness Premiership! Strong looking lad now. I'm quite optimistic about him now, having seen him the other day but it's best to give him time I think.

[Original Dub]

Cheers mate

[steve isle of man]

Dear Ted Hughes

I guess you endorse Doug's view that he is now more muscle than pork?

[Manx Blue]

Thanks Doug
Would Jonno look out of place in a premier game now?
Is he still sporting the crew-cut and bum-fluff look?

back to work stevo! Hope you're missing mrs Manx already! ;)

[john@staustell]

Haven't ruled out Tevez yet whatever the OS says. Les can be a bit sneaky.

[Dameerto]

Haven't ruled out Tevez yet whatever the OS says. Les can be a bit sneaky.

I was thinking that when I read it.

[Ted Hughes]

Dear Ted Hughes

I guess you endorse Doug's view that he is now more muscle than pork?

He just looks like powerful muscular lad now to me, like the sort of player who you can't easily knock off the ball & who'd take some stopping going for a header as opposed to the slightly thin looking character he was. Not seen him in 11 v 11 so I can't judge how his fitness is for the PL but he looks nice & light on his feet & not as if his build will impair his football ability.

[avoidconfusion]

Haven't ruled out Tevez yet whatever the OS says. Les can be a bit sneaky.

Wouldn't be too surprised if RSC makes a shock appearance on the team sheet on Sunday.

[Biamp]

Cheers Doug, good news regarding Jonno.

[Biamp]

Haven't ruled out Tevez yet whatever the OS says. Les can be a bit sneaky.

Wouldn't be too surprised if RSC makes a shock appearance on the team sheet on Sunday.

yeah, possibly making the bench; alongside Tevez.

[10.Goater_Legend]

Cheers Doug great news regarding Johno!.

[Blue Since 76]

Haven't ruled out Tevez yet whatever the OS says. Les can be a bit sneaky.

Wouldn't be too surprised if RSC makes a shock appearance on the team sheet on Sunday.

As long as there is no risk of him aggravating his injury, I'd have him on the bench. If we happen to be a goal down with 10 minutes to go, you can stick him up front and launch stuff at him. He only needs to head it, so should be ok. Give Petrov and SWP something to aim at too.

[Slim]

Be great to see RSC and Johnno on the bench this weekend (if we have room...quality!). They certainly add a different dimension to just about everyone else in the squad.