‘There’s a good striker in Dennis’
Question: Have you heard anything from Kewell or anyone regarding the Australian striker that scored for us on trial?
Answer: It’s something that I will ask Kewell this week although I have not heard anything more in respect of Josh Bingham.
I suppose this is another added benefit of Kewell being the manager is that he will be aware of some Australian players that could make the grade. I remember Chris Herd signing on loan for Lincoln when Chris Sutton was manager. He was an Aussie who did very well and eventually went on to play in the Championship. Always strikes me there could well be a lot of hidden gems in Australia. It’s funny because I spoke to HK about this last week and he came over on a Big Brother scholarship scheme to sign for Leeds. It’s a long way to come though.
Question: Can you confirm if Rob Milsom has one more match left to sit out or two? I’m a bit confused how the Checkatrade match wasn’t classed as one for Jones when he had a ban?
Answer: It’s a nonsensical rule and, to be honest, it’s a bit of a headscratcher. Apparently, the FA say you are not allowed to play in the Checkatrade if you’re on a ban, but it does not actually count towards your suspension which is crazy so, in effect, it’s a four-match ban.
So Rob Milsom will sit out the game with Bury and then the game against MK Dons as his red card came in the league. That’s how I believe it works.
I just don’t see why Checkatrade games can’t be included in the ban because it’s still a designated firstteam fixture. Seems ludicrous to me, but then nothing in the game seems to make much sense these days.
Question: Do you think after the unimpressive performance against Newcastle’s under-21s, Kewell will get rid of a few in January? I’m not sure if it’s the style of play but Dennis hasn’t really ever looked like scoring and isn’t the answer to me if we are looking to put high dropping balls into the box against teams?
Answer: Much of the January window, I suspect, will be decided by the team’s position in the table. Alan Hardy said as much in his column last week.
I would anticipate some movement because Kewell has not had a window to operate in so far and other than free transfer signings, he’s had to make do with what he has got. As for Dennis, I think it’s a bit harsh to judge him given that he’s not really had an extended run in the team. Speaking to him after the Newcastle game, I know he was frustrated with the thigh injury in preseason that really set him back and he was playing catch-up for quite a while. I’ve no doubt there’s a good striker in there, but he needs to force his way into the team and play consistently.
The problem with that is Kane Hemmings and Jon Stead have formed a decent partnership and it will be tough to dislodge them especially while the team is in such good form.
Question: How long do you think it will be until Duffy is back in training? I know he’s not really in favour at the minute but some have to remember last season he was a very good leader and hopefully will return in a squad with more confidence than at Sincil Bank?
Answer: It’s going to be a while before we see him I think as his hamstring injury was a tear.
I am not expecting him back until at least next month and it’s going to take a while for him to get up to speed. Everybody knows my thoughts on Duffy in that I think he is a decent defender for this level, but like everybody else suffered a bad start to the season.
He was excellent last term and I certainly think out of all the centrebacks at the club, he is the most comfortable on the ball. But if Elliott Ward and Jamie Turley keep up their partnership, then it’s going to be very hard for the Welshman to win his place back.
Question: Do you think we will see Ben Hall again as he is on loan for the season. HK didn’t come over all that positively when asked by you the other day. I rated him very highly and Brighton must do as they have extended his contract.
Answer: Yes, Ben will be coming back. I am told that his groin problems were something to do with his pelvis which is why he’s been out a while. But I am told that it’s something he is getting sorted and it is hoped that he should be back before the end of the month.
He’s an exceptional young talent and had he been fit then Notts would have had three players on international duty as he plays for the NI under-21s too.
He’s got a great career ahead of him. I think it will be tough for him to break into the side seeing as Kewell seems to have settled on a Ward-turley partnership, but he’s got the quality to give Kewell food for thought.
Question: Danny Cowley taking Notts girls for training was class wasn’t it, fair play to him.
Answer: Yep thought it was absolutely superb from him. His daughter Isabella trains with the under-10s and after a long day, he still had the energy left in him to take the coaching session. He’s doing really well at Lincoln and I think they will end up winning the title. Even though they had injuries at the weekend they still won 6-2.
It won’t be long before somebody offers him a job in the Championship. But I am told he is very settled.