Match Thread vs. Eastleigh FC 15.01.22 [FAT4]

[jackal2]

That was a very encouraging interview. My biggest doubt about Eli Sam has always been about his commitment, but his comments about training suggests I might have got him wrong. He's still something of an enigma because he's had his share of showing very little when he's had the chance, but I would love him to make me eat my words by the end of the season.

As IB said at the start of the season, I think it's always been a case of finding the right position for Eli Sam. Everybody (me included) assumed when he arrived, and looking at the size of him, that he could play as a target man, but appearances are deceptive. He's much happier playing off somebody else and having the opportunity to come deeper and run at defenders at times. I also suspect that if he gains the confidence of having a good run of games, his finishing will get sharper, though to be fair he's bagged a few goals already. He just hasn't played that many games compared to others. Nice to hear that IB recognises his potential though. We've seen too many players leave us in the past without being given a proper opportunity, only to play their best stuff somewhere else!