Newell Speaks, Flash plays!

By Albatross
January 16 2003

Mike Newell has been answering a few questions, and the Reserves have played a friendly at Blackburn. The good news is that Flash is back!

Mike Newell and Kevin Sheedy did a talk in at the Blackhall RAFA club last night (Wednesday), and Pools World have got a clip of some of the highlights available for subscribers.

A couple of things stand out though. First up, Newell was asked about Adam Boyd. While it was obvious that Newell recognises his ability, he also indicated that he doesn't think his attitude and application is up to scratch. Boyd had his problems with Chris Turner, and there seemed to be constant tales about him not getting his head down and working. It seems that things are yet to change, and although Newell was at pains to talk about him having talent and being one for the future the concerns about Boyd not fulfilling his obvious potential will not be allayed by Newell's comments. In contrast, when asked about signing another Keeper Newell was quick to praise Jim Provett for his hard work and said he'd done all that could be asked of him in training.

The other point that stood out concerned the offering of contracts to the current squad, sparked by a question about Graeme Lee. Newell stated that he will do anything possible to keep players, but that if they're out of contract and won't sign another there's little he can do. Spike has been the subject of a number of rumours over the last few years, and with his contract up at the end of the current season there have to be question marks about whether he'll still be at the club next season.

He also, inevitably, commented on the Gordon Watson situation, and sounded rather exasperated as he explained that there was no problem between him and Flash.

On the subject of Flash, this afternoon has seen a major step on Watson's road to recovery in a friendly for the Reserves at Blackburn. He played the full 90 minutes of the game which Pools won 4-3, although he failed to get on the scoresheet. Goals for Pools came from Hendo (2), Jermaine Easter, and an own goal. Paul Smith was due to be making a return from injury in the game, but although he travelled with the squad he was suffering from a virus and in the end didn't play. John Cogger - a 19 year old Full Back from Man Utd - joined up with the squad for the game, and played for most of the match.

A clue to what may happen in the absence of Spike on Saturday also came in the ommission of Jon Bass from the Reserve Squad for the game, and inclusion of Simms, Sharp and Arnison. This seems to indicate that Barron will move inside to partner Westwood, with Bass starting at Fullback. A full preview of the Oxford match will be up late on Friday Morning.

Newell has already stated though that Flash will not be rushed back into action, and I would guess that it's more likely he'll be looking to return to First Team action at the end of January or possibly early in February. No doubt defenders across the division will be quaking in their boots.