Emerging from the 'Black Hole'

So, a welcome return for MickeyD and Thomas. Also a quick reappearance from March. We had 9 out of the season's starting 11 available yesterday.
My question, now though is, will we ever see Tracey or Lankester again? Both of these MAY be an improvement on the season's starting XI (or not: who would Shilow replace?) but were both mooted, at some stage, to be back in contention in December. We now know that hasn't happened. What's more, neither is being brought up as 'soon to return'. Have we seen the last of them? Will either actively appear again in a red shirt?
Now, of course nobody wishes players to be rushed back prematurely, indeed we're all aware that neither MickeyD or March were pain-free yesterday but having raised hopes at one stage of the pending return of of either of these players, shouldn't the club explain why this has not happened? I understand strategic secrecy on a match-to-match basis but these are two, effectively, very long absences and knowing the state of health now will not aid our opponents tactical planning, unless of course they both appear in the squad for Barnet!
Just give us a real update.

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Originally Posted by gazan

So, a welcome return for MickeyD and Thomas. Also a quick reappearance from March. We had 9 out of the season's starting 11 available yesterday.
My question, now though is, will we ever see Tracey or Lankester again? Both of these MAY be an improvement on the season's starting XI (or not: who would Shilow replace?) but were both mooted, at some stage, to be back in contention in December. We now know that hasn't happened. What's more, neither is being brought up as 'soon to return'. Have we seen the last of them? Will either actively appear again in a red shirt?
Now, of course nobody wishes players to be rushed back prematurely, indeed we're all aware that neither MickeyD or March were pain-free yesterday but having raised hopes at one stage of the pending return of of either of these players, shouldn't the club explain why this has not happened? I understand strategic secrecy on a match-to-match basis but these are two, effectively, very long absences and knowing the state of health now will not aid our opponents tactical planning, unless of course they both appear in the squad for Barnet!
Just give us a real update.

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It's a load of BS imo, sorry for saying this but the Alex really need to up their consultation with the only people that matter and that is the fans. They don't need to keep things secret as now we have 5 subs that can be used, the opposition can easily work out what needs to be done and to change it if needed. Its time they had board meetings and expressed their concern about our lack of form etc and also bring back the club fans interaction discussion board and fgs stop acting like goons! ;). Why was it a secret not to explain why Mickey D was absent for so long. Pity he was involved in allowing the opposition to score their goal yesterday but we will forgive him as he is badly needed by the team and the manager..

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Originally Posted by gazan

So, a welcome return for MickeyD and Thomas. Also a quick reappearance from March. We had 9 out of the season's starting 11 available yesterday.
My question, now though is, will we ever see Tracey or Lankester again? Both of these MAY be an improvement on the season's starting XI (or not: who would Shilow replace?) but were both mooted, at some stage, to be back in contention in December. We now know that hasn't happened. What's more, neither is being brought up as 'soon to return'. Have we seen the last of them? Will either actively appear again in a red shirt?
Now, of course nobody wishes players to be rushed back prematurely, indeed we're all aware that neither MickeyD or March were pain-free yesterday but having raised hopes at one stage of the pending return of of either of these players, shouldn't the club explain why this has not happened? I understand strategic secrecy on a match-to-match basis but these are two, effectively, very long absences and knowing the state of health now will not aid our opponents tactical planning, unless of course they both appear in the squad for Barnet!
Just give us a real update.

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Tracey I have no idea. Jack Lankaster was the pre match guest in the lounge before the Cheltenham game. He talked about his knee injury and about being given some rehab advice by a specialist. This did not go to plan as his knee kept swelling up after exercise. Since then he has had some different advice off another specialist and he said that he is much more confident this time around. He also said that the plan is to be back in contention in February. I don't think that he was any more specific than that, ie the beginning or the end.

Thanks for this. Good to know. But I don't why the club can't say any of this.

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Originally Posted by gazan

Thanks for this. Good to know. But I don't why the club can't say any of this.

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I totally agree with you. I wouldn't be surprised if we go through the whole season
without Tracey making an appearance, but I hope not.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by gazan

So, a welcome return for MickeyD and Thomas. Also a quick reappearance from March. We had 9 out of the season's starting 11 available yesterday.
My question, now though is, will we ever see Tracey or Lankester again? Both of these MAY be an improvement on the season's starting XI (or not: who would Shilow replace?) but were both mooted, at some stage, to be back in contention in December. We now know that hasn't happened. What's more, neither is being brought up as 'soon to return'. Have we seen the last of them? Will either actively appear again in a red shirt?
Now, of course nobody wishes players to be rushed back prematurely, indeed we're all aware that neither MickeyD or March were pain-free yesterday but having raised hopes at one stage of the pending return of of either of these players, shouldn't the club explain why this has not happened? I understand strategic secrecy on a match-to-match basis but these are two, effectively, very long absences and knowing the state of health now will not aid our opponents tactical planning, unless of course they both appear in the squad for Barnet!
Just give us a real update.

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Definately a welcome return for MickeyD, March and Thomas, pleased the Barnet game was postponed, Mickey obviously wasn't fully fit, would hate to see him sidelined again. Thomas is obviously not fully fit or he would have started and hopefully March came through that game with no ill effects.

As for Lankaster he obviously came back too soon, but would be a welcome addition to the team, when fit to play again and i don't think anybody expected Shilow to come back before 2026. He got a 2 year deal so the club are probably resigned to him playing a bit part this season if he plays at all.

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Originally Posted by Gobstopper

Definately a welcome return for MickeyD, March and Thomas, pleased the Barnet game was postponed, Mickey obviously wasn't fully fit, would hate to see him sidelined again. Thomas is obviously not fully fit or he would have started and hopefully March came through that game with no ill effects.

As for Lankaster he obviously came back too soon, but would be a welcome addition to the team, when fit to play again and i don't think anybody expected Shilow to come back before 2026. He got a 2 year deal so the club are probably resigned to him playing a bit part this season if he plays at all.

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Yes, Mickey's calves were firmly wrapped when he went to salute the Gresty End after game, so the weekend off may have been really helpful for him.

I agree Shilow was never likely do much if anything this season, however much he may be hoping to - i think they only include him (and Tabs) in the injury updates because they're contracted players.

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Originally Posted by ShropshireAlex

Yes, Mickey's calves were firmly wrapped when he went to salute the Gresty End after game, so the weekend off may have been really helpful for him.

I agree Shilow was never likely do much if anything this season, however much he may be hoping to - i think they only include him (and Tabs) in the injury updates because they're contracted players.

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But what of the accounts of Shilow possibly returning in December. That was so clearly wrong. Who made that judgement call? It just seems that diagnostic skills in that department are poor.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Gobstopper

Definately a welcome return for MickeyD, March and Thomas, pleased the Barnet game was postponed, Mickey obviously wasn't fully fit, would hate to see him sidelined again. Thomas is obviously not fully fit or he would have started and hopefully March came through that game with no ill effects.

As for Lankaster he obviously came back too soon, but would be a welcome addition to the team, when fit to play again and i don't think anybody expected Shilow to come back before 2026. He got a 2 year deal so the club are probably resigned to him playing a bit part this season if he plays at all.

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On the website that I have just been on it states that Shilow has got a one year contract, with an option of a second year. I imagine that the second year is stacked in the club's favour but I could be wrong. I would think that he would have to play a certain number of games this season and prove his fitness before the second year could be triggered.

Interesting! However, it's not so much contracts that's bothering me but the low quality of information coming out of the treatment.
To repeat, if someone's return is imminent, then I understand the use of a little strategic secrecy but if the player's outlook for return is longer term then I can't see the need for secrecy. What's more, we have been given false hope/expectations of return of certain players that were clearly and worryingly well wide of the mark.