Taiwo Atieno

[Fonda]

Kee’s ability is obvious and I’m surprised anybody would question it. I really rate him and expect him to give a much better account of himself in the position he’s most comfortable in this season. But I do fear he lacks a degree of professionalism. There’s no real excuse for a professional footballer to lack basic fitness. He’s obviously got a chunky frame (a bit like Rooney in fact), but that doesn’t explain his inability to comfortably complete 90 minutes. If he’s going to fulfil his undoubted potential he needs to knuckle down and work harder.

[Regiment]

from what i've seen, i have to say Billy strikes a ball as well as anyone in the division. he just needs to get fitter, shed a few pounds, and he could be a very decent player.

[Bigman]

Oddly enough, in the playoff games against Shrewsbury when he played on the right wing, despite it obviously not being his preferred position I thought Billy put in a good shift there and ran his heart out for the cause. When I saw him play up front he didn't seem to have the same energy, and compared with the likes of Zebs who never stopped running he did look unfit. He also didn't strike me as being the best at holdup play, a lot of balls bouncing off him through miscontrol, or being fairly easily taken off him if he did bring them down. He can't half finish from the edge of the box though! If we play in a way that better suits him (compared to last season) I think he could score quite a few.

Having not seen Atieno or Howe I don't know whether Kee would even be guaranteed to start in our best 11, or assuming he did, which of those two he'd be best paired with - any thoughts?

In an attempt to get vaguely back on topic, anyone heard anything on Taiwo's likelihood to sign? I may be being pessimistic but having come on trial you'd think he'd have pretty much made his mind up already, unless he was holding out for longer/more money.

[Richinns]

Atieno not involved tonight. Looks like this is not going to happen now. Wonder what will happen to him as his record does not bode well and cannot be a better offer on the table - can there?

[Bloggy]

Perhaps he's having a game elsewhere tonight?

Edit: Watching from the stands - signing tomorrow!

[Richinns]

Yeah - I just saw that on the twitter feed. Wierd he would not be involved if true? Unless he is injured I guess.

[luketufc]

Leadbitter was also not involved tonight either, so maybe Ling's plan is to give them both the full 90 on saturday after resting them this evening.

[MarineGull707]

Rumour sweeping the ground tonight was that Buckle could be ready to offer him a deal! Heard we had offered him a one year contract and he wanted time to consider it. Maybe he is holding out to see what other offers he gets!

[CP Gull]

Rumour sweeping the ground tonight was that Buckle could be ready to offer him a deal! Heard we had offered him a one year contract and he wanted time to consider it. Maybe he is holding out to see what other offers he gets!

Not what I heard.

He (Atieno) was there tonight as I saw him after the game. He didn't play because he didn't want to risk injury before he had signed a contract.

Hopefully signing a two year deal tomorrow.

[Colorado Gull]

Rumour sweeping the ground tonight was that Buckle could be ready to offer him a deal! Heard we had offered him a one year contract and he wanted time to consider it. Maybe he is holding out to see what other offers he gets!

P**s off Buckle!! He was on trail with us! Haven't you signed enough? Give your old side a bit of respect and stop sticking your nose into our business, you aren’t here no more and not welcome here anymore!

I do hope Taiwo agrees with us tomorrow! Go on Atieno, sign your name on the dotted line!!

[MarineGull707]

Buckle looked very comfortable sat there tonight, laughing and joking with certain members of our board!!

[hellsgut]

I've got no problem with him coming to any game at Plainmoor, as long as he pays to get in like the rest of us.
I would be really upset to think he just waltzed in.

[ferrarilover]

Not what I heard.

He (Atieno) was there tonight as I saw him after the game. He didn't play because he didn't want to risk injury before he had signed a contract.

Hopefully signing a two year deal tomorrow.

Close...

Matt.

[Richinns]

Close...

Matt.

Please do share then!

[oxgull]

Buckle being in the family stand and Taiwo not playing leads me to be suspicious to be honest. Never count your chickens and all that. Wouldn't be the first time a player has been stolen away just before he is about to sign a contract. I will be waiting for some positive news but whatever happens ML is putting together a very useful squad for L2 this season so I will remain upbeat, especially after the 3 - 0 drubbing of the greeks