Last week we heard that Brad Smith was back training at AFCB having been on loan at Seattle Sounders for the past couple of seasons. The left back never made the grade first time around, but has been quite a success over the other side of the Atlantic. With Eddie Howe's injury problems, the addition of Brad Smith to the squad is certainly good timing if he stays after January.
While Eddie Howe says, he needs to work out what is best for AFCB and for Brad to see if Brad Smith goes out on loan again or not, the left back position has been a problem all season. Diego Rico has done excellently well filling in, but he is going to be playing a lot of games and when he was suspended it was difficult to replace him.
I'd like to see Rico given some competition for a starting place. Eddie usually likes every position to be competed for, and while Rico has played well he hasn't had someone really rival him of late. Everyone is going to have to be on their toes to play in the team with so many crucial games coming up. Bournemouth don't look like they are going to be lavish in their cash sending in January, and Brad Smith is ready-made to fit straight back in - it would be like a new signing.
 |
| Can Brad Smith be a useful addition to AFCB's squad for the run-in. |
Advertisement
Brad Smith would be a natural replacement whenever Howe might like to give Rico some rest bite. The bench has looked short of left back defenders with Lloyd Kelly and Charlie Daniels being absent, and Brad would surely be serving AFCB much better if he could be part of the squad for the rest of the season. He has lots of experience and knows the Premier League. It would just be a case of assessing whether Smith is up to speed or if the game for a return.
Advertisement
I'd like to see Rico given some competition for a starting place. Eddie usually likes every position to be competed for, and while Rico has played well he hasn't had someone really rival him of late. Everyone is going to have to be on their toes to play in the team with so many crucial games coming up. Bournemouth don't look like they are going to be lavish in their cash sending in January, and Brad Smith is ready-made to fit straight back in - it would be like a new signing.
On the subject of returning players, how about recalling Arter from Fulham ?
ReplyDeleteGreat goal last week from Harry. He definitely has the bite that without Lerma we miss and as his goal last week shows he's prepared to take it on like he would with us.
ReplyDelete