Jason Tindall insists Federico Fernandez is still ‘in contention’ to feature under Eddie Howe, despite the fact he was left out of the squad once again last weekend.
The Argentine hasn’t been included in our matchday squad for each of our last FOUR league games, with his last appearance coming in our 2-1 defeat to Wolves eight weeks ago.
That said, Tindall insists that the 32-year-old has trained ‘extremely well’ since he arrived at the club, describing him as an ‘outstanding professional’, a great guy and a ‘real leader’ in the group.
So, it seems there’s been no rift or fall out, with the NUFC assistant stressing that he still has a big part to play and will come back into the side at some point.
Here’s what he had to say when discussing the defender’s recent absence – which has left fans scratching their heads given Ciaran Clark’s recent struggles:
“Feddy, of course he’s in contention, just like the rest of the squad,”
“Everyone’s always in contention for every game, but the manager will always pick the team that he believes is the best to win the game.
“He will choose the bench providing what we feel is needed to cover for that game. I can only speak on how Feddy’s been since we’ve been here.
“He’s trained extremely well.
“He’s an outstanding professional, a fantastic guy.
“He’s a real leader in the group, and I’m sure with so many games in the Premier League, every one of these players will be called upon at some point.
“As and when that happens, who knows?”
Personally, I’d bring Fede straight back into the side tomorrow. His best days may be behind him, but I back us to be more switched on defensively when he’s in the side ahead of Clark.
Here’s a reminder of what Graeme Jones said about the defender after he was left out of the squad for our 1-1 draw at Crystal Palace a few weeks back:
“I really like Feddy as a defender, but I didn’t see any value in putting him on the bench,”
“If you’re winning, you’re not going to put him on, and if you’re losing, you’re not going to put him on.
“Feddy needs to start – or not.
“So it’s the same reason as I left him out of the 20 (against Crystal Palace).”
So it’s Lascelles and Clark again….Another 3 conceded.
BillytheFish(Quote)
Don’t believe it. Everyone knows he is our best central defender. You don’t leave out your best defender and replace him with the poorest.
Groucho(Quote)
It is statements like that which leads me to believe Jones is an idiot and will be gone in the summer. If antbody reads the chat they will know I want Jones nowhere near the club and think it will become apparent to Eddie as the weeks go on that Jones is a clown.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
Is it another case of not playing him for contractual reasons? Offered a new contract but will be paid more or cant be let go if he plays so many games? Seems to me the most likely scenario with January coming closer.
sickandtired(Quote)