I had the opportunity on Saturday at Rushden and Diamonds to run the rule over the new players in the Colchester United team whilst taking a critical look at some of the current playing staff.
Although friendly matches do not mean a great deal (unless you lose them!) nevertheless they are an important means of gauging the likely first eleven and those who might break into the first team.
My focus is on the new additions to the team that Lambo has brought in:
Ben Williams; new number 1 Goalkeeper – whilst many will feel that Dean Gerken's departure was not a good move, I feel that Williams will be a considerable asset. He is a good shot stopper, can kick well with both feet and certainly commands the penalty area. He also keeps the defenders on their toes. He made some good saves, was extremely fortunate in the second half when he flapped at a long range speculative effort which squirmed out of his arms and hit the upright before dropping harmlessly wide, but overall gave an assured performance. A good acquisition.
Magnus Okuonghae; new central defender – I'm going to stick my neck out here and suggest Magnus for Player of the Year. He was totally committed, won everything in the air, looked composed on the ground, formed a good partnership with Rio and will certainly not look out of place in League 1 this season. A very good acquisition.
Lee Beevers; Oh dear, Beevers has only just returned to the team and whilst he was signed for his versatility and he did play in both full back positions (one in each half), he was hopelessly lacking in match fitness. He failed to get back to defend and was guilty of over hitting balls towards the strikers. I fear that he will be found out when playing against better opposition than I witnessed Saturday. Jury is still out on Beevers.
David Fox; second half substitute (54 minutes) few opportunities to impose himself on the game. What he did was effective without being spectacular. Operates mainly in central midfield and not dissimilar to Perkins and Izzet in style and build. Championship experience though so perhaps too early to judge at present. Reasonable prospect.
Joel Thomas; from my position in row 2 of the stand, I had the opportunity to watch the players warming up and to be able to watch the half time kick about. Thomas certainly looks the part; he is tall and fit and possesses the skills. I think his nickname should be “Thierry” because he bears more than a passing resemblance to a young Thierry Henry. Nimble on the ball, he came on after 68 minutes for Scotty too hotty Vernon. Thomas played off Clive Platt who won the ball in the air and flicked on to him. Unfortunately he was caught offside far too often and on one occasion when offside ran on and flicked the ball over the keeper's head and into the net. A wag in the crowd called out “that's his second goal in two years.” In a league match of course such action would have resulted in a booking for the Frenchman. Now I think that he has potential and with more match experience will form a decent partnership with Platt. Late on in the game he had an opportunity to shoot but I think over elaborated on the ball and the chance was lost. Still I think “Thierry” will add value to the team. Good potential.
The other “new” player on display was Steven Gillespie. No really not only did he start the game but lasted until the 54th minute. That was as good as it got however. Gillespie was woefully unfit and has this annoying habit of making rash and very strong challenges on the half way line. I hadn't noticed this before but then remembered the challenge at Crewe last season when he was dismissed (a straight red for violent conduct). This is more than an irritating part of his game because I think it contributes to his injuries. At Huddersfield last season he played about 20 minutes in the second half and demonstrated pace, ability on the ball and tried an outrageous chip which almost deceived the keeper. He is well short of that fitness level. This part I cannot understand, he has not played since the end of the season, had the summer to rest and then start training , has played one friendly and a bit part in another and we are no further forward than last season. Good money was paid for Gillespie and so far we have had scant reward. Saturday he walked over to the bench and announced to Lambo that he was ready to come off. Part of me feels that although his fitness is in doubt so is his commitment. Harsh perhaps but what else are we to conclude after yet another poor performance. Clearly although a very promising player at Liverpool where he scored goals for fun in the reserves the wheels have fallen off. Perhaps we have been unlucky with injuries reducing his appearance but at present it looks like a poor return for £400,000. On Saturday's showing he looks highly unlikely to play any part at Carrow Road next week. A pity because I believe that he has talent but when are we going to see it manifest itself?
Of the players to depart the one that I miss is Mark Yeates, on Saturday we had two opportunities to score from direct free kicks, Gillespie took one and managed to find the wall. Hammond put his over the bar. I'm not being critical of Hammond because his free kick at Huddersfield last season was pure class but he cannot score free kicks with the regularity of Yeatesy.
So what about Lambo's line up at Norwich next week? Everyone will have their own views. On Monday the news that Kevin Lisbie is rejoining the U's on a season long loan from Ipswich Town is warmly welcomed and makes everyone's job of team selection just that little bit easier.
Lisbie scored 17 goals in the championship for Colchester and providing he remains fit should provide a similar or even better return this season. After the disappointment of at least nine strikers turning the U's down during the summer break his arrival is an excellent fillip for the whole club and I am sure that Clive Platt will be looking forward to resurrecting his goal scoring partnership with the pacy striker.
Lambo's possible Carrow Road line up:
Williams
Maybury, Baldwin, Okuonghae, Tierney
Vincent, Perkins Hammond, Hackney
Platt, Lisbie
Subs: Cousins, Beevers, Izzet, Fox, Wordsworth, Thomas, Gillespie (if fit) or Vernon.