Starting eleven

But replied to a post saying "if the season started tomorrow"

 

Yes, if the season started tomorrow with all players fit? Your point is...

 

Got to prove his fitness first.

I don't think he has the right to say where he wants to play at this minute.

 

@bantamJS - not sure if you would want to comment on here or if you feel it is appropriate but did you get any idea of where he is in terms of a comeback?

 

He didn't say too much, and I wouldn't want to pressure him, but when people say 'he's miles off' I wouldn't be too sure. Obviously the first few weeks are too soon, but I'd expect mid-late September.

 

The last 3 times I've attended training Jake has not been there.
When I saw him training by himself I thought he was on the long road back, hope the lad hadn't had another set back, lets hope not.

 

Hes doing alot of gym work, regaining his muscle strength and stability, too early for proper ball work but expect to see him on the training pitch once the season has started - unless, as you say, he has had a set back, but no mention of that from him.

 

You seem to know him, any truth in it that it was misdiagnosed with a serious groin injury but was really his back that was the issue? Therefore the major hold up and having to start from scratch essentially?

 

Cant say too much, but it wasnt all plain sailing put it that way. He got sent for a groin operation, then 2 days later Edin rung him and asked him if he could play! But ye, it wasnt as simple as what the first diagnosis said

 

The club should've just been honest that there has been feck ups along the way instead of all this secrecy instead of Reeves taking the brunt of the suspicion. Not on really.

 

Absolutely! Hes strong enough to not let it ruin his reputation, his conscience is clear and cant wait to get back into it - and Bowyer highly rates him, which is always a good sign.

 

So misses all of pre season then? when we're in the thick of it he might return to full training?

So,if it's an injury and he isn't ready to kick footballs about then if back in September then lucky if we see him until around November/December

 

He'll be doing his own pre pre-season training by the sounds of it. All cardio/muscle/prep work before he starts on ball work. Rush him back without the prep work and you're back to the beginning again.

 

Yeah I get that and I agree don't rush but if back in full training in September then we won't see him until Nov/December at the earliest.

 

Shame really, think he was/is a very tidy footballer and moves the ball well. Would be an asset to the midfield fully fit. Saw more from him in that brief time before the injury than Akpan and Anderson. Hopefully dropping down a level and playing in a more confident team may boost their ability.

 

No, he will be doing ball work early August - HOPEFULLY - so a good few week ball work, and with no re repercussions, hopefully by end of September he will pulling on the claret and amber again.

 

Fair enough mate.

No pressure or expectations on him from me and managing him correctly is right. No rush. Rather a player be 100% fit an 80%.

 

Akpan is a dreadful footballer.

He'll struggle even in league 2.

 

I'm not convinced either Tolly. Just clutching at straws knowing I potentially have to watch him for another year. Never seen such a weak tackler for a bloke of his size. Ducks out of a lot of headers too. Doesn't seem to have any sort of bottle. I understand he's on a big wage so would be tough to move on but he would've been one of the first ones out of the door for me.

 

Despite the fact he is already proven in League 2? He's definitely not performed to our expectations so far but who did last season? However, he has shown glimpses of promises and their are signs of a decent player their.

I suggest injuries, a toxic atmosphere and a complete amateurish set up last season will have not helped anyone impress. He has much to prove to us but I have no doubt he can handle League 2.