Antoni Sarcevic

Someone in another thread (sorry, can’t remember which poster) said they've spoken to a fan from one of his old clubs, and he is often known to return from the summer a bit out of shape in pre season before getting sharper and turning it on. That may well turn out to be the case again.

On the evidence so far, though, Walker is a better player. In fact, I’d say there aren’t many better than Walker in this division. He’d be one of the first names on the teamsheet for me after Cook. That is whether Sarcevic is fit or not.

Yep, he is a bit fragile, but play him when he’s fit. Different gear in League 2.

 

I don't think he's fragile. I think he just plays on the edge and literally puts himself into every tackle at 110%, which will eventually hurt. And I agree about the rest. Best in this league and would easily fit into league one.

 

I think Sarcevic will come good in this team. It's good having options in midfield, but in Sarcevic & Walker, we are talking about guys who always get knocks. Pattison has been the same in his career, all these lads will get starts and their moments throughout the season. It's good having options in midfield, best teams do. Look at the last time we went up, everyone assumes it was Doyle and Jones in CM all season, but Ricky Ravenhill started 21 league games that season.

Having Sarcevic, Walker or Pattison to come on into the middle is far better than last season when it felt like we had to play Smallwood and Gilly because McDonald couldn't go anymore. Or the season before trying to get East or Clayton to perform in a play off calibre L2 team when both were non-league level at that stage.

 

Yep I agree.
Walker does miss a lot of matches and always has throughout his career.
Patto was out all last season so isn't fully fit like someone who has played a full season prior, and Sarcevic never plays a whole season.
All 3 over the whole year, rotated, should be more than enough to contribute to the season goal of promotion.

 

Fair comments about the injury proneness and rotation. We do seem to have some great options to mix it up and I don’t think many teams have a stronger bench of options than we do with Smith/Oliver/Kavanagh behind Cook/Sando and Odour/Bobby/Patto/Wright as backup for others. Can’t remember all the loans, but Adams is still to get a proper run out too?

 

Catch 22 isn't it? Rotation and depth can be fine, but some players need to play regularly to find a rhythm.

I personally question whether we have much top 3 quality in our squad, but there are 2 options (or more) for every position which will hopefully pay off over the season, and allow strong in game management, with the ability to have players run their bits off for 60-70 mins and then make changes, with no drop in intensity or quality.

I mean in midfield we have 3 positions, covered by Smallwood, Odour, Walker, Pointon, Pattison, Sarcevic, Adams. 6 options at Centre Back that all look similar(ish) in quality.

 

When we signed a fair few Hearts fans where decked that he down at our level they thought the only thing holding him back from playing at least Championship level was his injury record

 

I do think at this level it's a war of attrition and quality doesn't always translate. Having a decent squad with cover that works hard will likely be enough for a playoff to top 3 finish.

 

Seeing Walker thunder into tackles should hopefully inspire his teammates just as much as it gets the crowd going. Unfortunately we only have Smallwood and Walker (maybe Bobby) willing to put everything on the line..

 

A Smallwood - Walker - Sarcevic midfield would surely be right up there with the best in this league. I'd like to try that when he's back. Kelly seems the sort that would put their body on the line to stop a goal.

 

Yes forgot about Kelly.

 

Kelly has to put his body on the line because Wright leaves him so exposed - sorry mate couldn't resist

 

All three are decent players but there's not a great deal of pace and movement in two of the three. It would maybe worry me if we were playing against an energetic and mobile team.

At some point that combination will probably be used though so you'll definitely get your wish.

 

GA has confirmed that Sarcevic will be out for a few months with the injury.

 

I think they might find a few crunching tackles headed their way..

 

Knee

 

is that poor medicals again?

 

Really... That's him done for the rest of the season.

 

I think we have a first eleven that can compete with most teams if picked correctly.