James Shield Mischief making?

[Paulus]

Lee Hendrie, the former Aston Villa and England international, is available again after suspension and, despite being told he can leave if a suitable offer is received, circumstances could prompt United to reassess his situation.

Blackwell's explanation for failing to name him on a short-handed bench in Berkshire did not tally with reports from Hendrie's team mates that he is "flying in training" but, after numerous false starts, it is not inconceivable that he will be offered one final chance of redemption.

"Lee is still working on his fitness," Blackwell said. "Because he's not quite there yet it didn't seem right to drag him all the way down...when it would be better for him to continue his work at our place."

last three paragraphs from the online Star article today.

Given that Shield's contributions are either wrong or so benign as to defy a description as news, this sticks out a bit.

Is it club politics, as in Blackwell putting pressure on the board effectivly saying, give me some money McCabe you can see I couldn't even name a full bench? Is it Blackwell carrying on personal grudges at the expense of the club? If you accept Blackwell's reason re Hendrie, why wasn't Carney on the bench? We had no-one to cover an injury to Taylor for example.

I find it interesting that Shield has chosen to highlight this when normally he says nothing controversial at all. Smoke and fire?

 

[Mad Mick]

Aint it smoke and mirrors?

 

[Paulus]

I think I got me metaphors mixed it's No smoke without fire isn't it

 

[Dutch]

Thought it was sticky tape and mirrors!

 

[Dutch]

Oh and on the original post, I've given up hoping Hendrie will get another last chance

 

[Fiery Blade]

A fit Hendrie is a must for the bench at least ! I would advocate a fit Hendrie should be in the team but Blackwell doesn't like him or can't manage him perhaps thats more like the truth.

 

[little di]

It drives me crazy! A darn good player who can't get a game, can't even get on the bench. Sometimes I think I might as well spend my Saturday watching the local bowling club.

 

[SwissBlade]

If he earns his place on the bench/ in the team then great. But if he doesn't earn it then I don't agree with filling the bench for the sake of it Just because we're allowed 7 subs

That goes for any other player that pulls on the red and white.

In fact, at times i'd rather us play with 9 or 10 men instead of giving some players a shirt

 

[Come from away]

Hendrie's basic problem is not his ability, it's his inability to stay fit (avoid injuries).

 

[davidpinder]

sorry i have to put up on the blackwell quote "it didn't seem right to drag him all the way down" i am a fan of taking plenty of players to away games just for the atmosphere in the dressing room it is good for the team. Hendrie can training on the pitch before.

 

[Houso]

Hendrie's basic problem is not his ability, it's his inability to stay fit (avoid injuries).

Precisely. I don't see the issue here; Hendrie picked up an injury last week and thus missed Saturday's game.

That said, it is VERY frustrating when we only name 6 players on the bench. I cannot understand why we can't simply give a younger player a taste of a first team match day. It can only help with motivation to succeed and progress to that level.

 

[BrixtonBlade]

Or auction the place. I know a few people who'd spend a load on that!

 

[Fiery Blade]

The only reason for naming six substitutes on the bench is that Blackwell is a Tit and likes making a point - next games programme notes will probably cover Blackwell bleating about a having a small squad and the economics of football
Excellent idea giving the place to a youngster who might be destined for the first team in the future!

 

[SwissBlade]

The only reason for naming six substitutes on the bench is that Blackwell is a Tit and likes making a point - next games programme notes will probably cover Blackwell bleating about a having a small squad and the economics of football
Excellent idea giving the place to a youngster who might be destined for the first team in the future!

Totally disagree.

We'll be stretching the bench to seat 50 next then all the kids can feel the matchday experience.

Let them earn their place on the bench. If they're good enough to play the game then we put them on the bench, otherwise leave them at home.

I think we'll get more benefit out of them working harder in training for the fewer places on the bench.


I don't know what Readings dressing room is like but from the NW documentary the Leeds Away, Millwall, Highbury were only big enough for the 15 players then! Away Dressing rooms aren't known for being massive

 

[Fiery Blade]

Its not United that changed the rules on numbers of substitutes its the Football League
With your theory perhaps just put a chair there for one substitute and have the rest of the squad working there balls off to sit there!

 

[Ave It!!]

Hendrie needs to be given a chance and as Howard is recovering from illness surely now is the time!
Give the lad a chance and he could be the MF player we've been yearning for since MB left!

UTB

 

[Zlatan]

Shield is a numpty of the highest order.

Can anyone remember his article in The Star about the NFL when it was at Wembley? Everything in there was in reference to what his mate who attended the game had told him!

As for Hendire, I think he deserves some playing time. He's certainly got a lot more to offer than Brian Howard, that's for sure.