Chris Zebroski

[Dave]

Chris Zebroski is totaly worthless now as a professional footballer, and Zebs needs realise that very quickly. If any club shows even a remote interest in him then Chris Zebroski should not even have the cheek to tell that club or any club what he wants in wages/contract lenght, he should simply accept whatever he is offered, his career is at risk and he does not have any power to bargin right now.

I do not think that Martin Ling can sign him, Lingy was quite clear and public about player behaviour and attitudes in the summer, he even named and shamed Danny Leadbitter and Lloyd Macklin as two players that needed to change their ways, what would it say about Martin Ling as a manager if he then six months later signed a player sacked by two clubs and served a community sentence while previously at Torquay.

Would I sign Zebroski the player , yes, just the player we are missing right now, would I want to sign Zebroski the person, no, we cant have a player here who is only to happy to go out clubbing the night before a game thats not on. Also he seems quite happy not to turn up for training, and seems to enjoy getting involved in fights.So all in all no thank you, their are other players out their who can do the same job that would not present the risk that signing Zebroski would.

[Chris B]

their [sic] are other players out their who can do the same job that would not present the risk that signing Zebroski would.

Please, feel free to name some/any of the 'other players' out there who are free agents, proven quality at League 2 level, and know our club as well as Zebroski does!

Your argument about how unprofessional he seems to be is absolutely valid. Like most, I expect Zebs to end up reunited with Buckle at Luton, but I would like us to offer him a contract until the end of the season. It'd hardly be the biggest risk. I don't think Ling really would be contradicting himself, either, considering he was happy enough to sign Rene - a player with a similar reputation of attitude problems - to be the key man in his side. Leadbitter and Macklin were just given a short, sharp warning their careers could be over before they began.

[Richinns]

Like CP Gull has indicated - it seems to me Ling has decided not to add now (and play a waiting game). Cannot see us offering a contact or loan to anyone, let alone Zeb, at the moment.

[Dave]

Chris B, I take on board what your saying, however there is no comparison between Rene Howe and Chris Zebroski, Rene Howe may have had some issues not entirely all his own fault, when loaned out here there and everywhere and then forced to train with the kids I believe by Peterboro, I should imagine it very difficult to keep your focus, but then again you do wonder what lead to that happening in the first place.

But to say they have similar problems is bizzare unless you know something I dont, when has Rene Howe been sacked by any club for assaulting a team mate, when has Rene Howe ever served a community service order for a seperate assault, when has Rene Howe been sacked for what is believed to be a number of problems leading up to going out the night before an important game, as far as I know, never. And thats why I belive it would be a massive risk, everyone can make a mistake, two incidents careless, three strikes and your out.

One of the most important things for a successful manager is to the full respect and trust of his players, to issue a short sharp but public shock to two players on one hand, and then sign a serial offender on another just because he is a very talented player could damage any trust and respect some of the players have for Lingy.

Had not meant to suggest there are a number of free agents out there as good as Zebroski, I was more thinking along the lines of it being January and the time many clubs make players availble for loan moves they have no intention of keeping past the summer. That said its pretty immaterial as CP gull who I know and tend to believe has suggested Lingy is not looking to sign Zebroksi or anyone else at the moment.

[CP Gull]

Well, judging by their recent "tweets" it seems that both Bodin and Macklin have had the all clear from the specialists, which has got to be good news, and with Jarvis already back in training I can see all three of them back in contention within the next 2 or 3 weeks ... I would think Bodin could even be back in the team/squad for this Saturday. So, the only long term casualty in the squad seems to be Ian Morris. With all this positive news I really don't think Lingy is too concerned about adding to the squad and I'm sure the Board would rather he didn't!

So, to bring the subject back to the OP, although part of me would love to see Zebs back in the squad, I really don't see it happening, particularly when we have already got Bodin, Macklin and perhaps even Thompson who offer something very similar.

I should add, in reference to Dave/Forever's post that I don't know that Lingy doesn't want to sign anyone but I just get the impression that he seems a lot less concerned than he perhaps was a few weeks back, partly no doubt due to the positive injury news (Bodin, Jarvis and Macklin all on their way back it seems) and partly due to Yeoman's positive contribution v AFCW I would suggest. If the "right" one comes along then fine let's bring him in, but not to worry if he doesn't we'll stick with what we've got seems to be the line of thought, reading between the lines.

[Dave]

Sorry CP, did not mean to put you foward as a "in the know poster" I merely believe your "suggestion" That Lingy may not be looking to sign players right now.

[Chris B]

Forever – it would be disingenuous of me to say Zebroski and Howe are identical cases. I don't think anyone apart from those involved will be able to definitively say what happened with Wotton, but of course Zebroski has followed that up with incidents that show he's a troubled character. That said, despite his unacceptable no-shows and disciplinary problems, Zebroski did contribute positively for Cheltenham, and is now available as a free agent.

If our injury problems are clearing up as those tweets suggest, why didn't Ling just say so?! Saying signing a big striker is top priority one week and it's not really too urgent the next without offering the most logical explanation just makes bored people like me question his desire to look outside the building for answers for a change (notwithstanding the obvious budgetary constraints)!

[AustrianAndyGull]

Forever – it would be disingenuous of me to say Zebroski and Howe are identical cases. I don't think anyone apart from those involved will be able to definitively say what happened with Wotton, but of course Zebroski has followed that up with incidents that show he's a troubled character. That said, despite his unacceptable no-shows and disciplinary problems, Zebroski did contribute positively for Cheltenham, and is now available as a free agent.

If our injury problems are clearing up as those tweets suggest, why didn't Ling just say so?! Saying signing a big striker is top priority one week and it's not really too urgent the next without offering the most logical explanation just makes bored people like me question his desire to look outside the building for answers for a change (notwithstanding the obvious budgetary constraints)!

Bizarre isn't it? Regardless of if Mackers is on the way back ( i'll not mention Billy as i believe he isn't up to changing our fortunes ) then i still think it would be madness to not at least add another fresh attacking face if only for the remainder of the season. Even if Mackers comes back in 2 or 3 weeks it could take him a while to get adjusted again and before you know it we're in trouble at the wrong end. If we have to rely on Billy to get us out of some brown stuff they we really are in trouble. Get someone in Lingy and stop fannying around mate. You know it makes sense!

[TorquayBoy]

^ Totally Agree! "Stop Fannying around!"

[Plymouth Gull]

Bizarre isn't it? Regardless of if Mackers is on the way back ( i'll not mention Billy as i believe he isn't up to changing our fortunes ) then i still think it would be madness to not at least add another fresh attacking face if only for the remainder of the season. Even if Mackers comes back in 2 or 3 weeks it could take him a while to get adjusted again and before you know it we're in trouble at the wrong end. If we have to rely on Billy to get us out of some brown stuff they we really are in trouble. Get someone in Lingy and stop fannying around mate. You know it makes sense!

Ling has said he's looking for someone who would actually add something to the team. This is going to take time, as, funnily enough everyone else is too.

I'd rather he took his time to get the right man rather than sign someone who is a complete and utter waste of time and money.

[AustrianAndyGull]

Love the sarcasm at the end of the first line Nick even though there wasn't any need for it but you carry on sunshine if it makes you feel better.

I am urging Ling to get someone in on loan because i feel we need someone. I didn't say for him to just bring in ANYONE for the sake of it asap. I trust Ling will have identified a few players he may move for and i am simply encouraging him to bring him in sooner rather than later but done in a tongue in cheek northern way. Why should any player that Ling brings in be certain to be any good then just because he has taken a bit more time considering doing it? The player still might turn out to be a total mef anyway and we're none the better for it. I just say, take the plunge, bring someone in for a few months and if he turns out to be crap then fair enough. At least he has tried to make us a better team in the short term and it gives us a fresh face and and extra body. It wouldn't cost us much at all either so what's the problem?

[Plymouth Gull]

It wasn't sarcasm, it was the truth, Andy. What is the point in getting someone in who won't add anything to the team? Angus has come in and strengthened the back line, and also gives us breathing space should one of Saah/Downes be out for whatever reason.

I'd rather him take the time and get it right, than panic and get in Jonny NoSkills who is just being paid to benchwarm.

[stevegull]

It wasn't sarcasm, it was the truth, Andy. What is the point in getting someone in who won't add anything to the team? Angus has come in and strengthened the back line, and also gives us breathing space should one of Saah/Downes be out for whatever reason.

I'd rather him take the time and get it right, than panic and get in Jonny NoSkills who is just being paid to benchwarm.

That's unfair on young Jonny who has worked hard for his crack at football! Our club would be lucky to have him here.

[AustrianAndyGull]

Fair enough Nick, i understand your view but you are no doubt not shocked to find my opinion is the polar opposite of yours.

I think maybe we are two blokes that have wildly differing views on most topics and so long as we continue to keep it respectful from here on in i haven't a problem anymore. I am actually looking forward to Stevegull's blog as we are both taking part with our views and writing a piece for it so at least it should get interesting!

(no offence Steve! )

I just think that with just over 3 months of the season left we may as well take a punt for the 3 months and see what happens rather than use what we have. I feel that by using what we have is already acceptance by Ling that he believes a play off spot is out of reach (IMO) even though he won't admit it. Bringing in somebody is at least an attempt to turn the season around for the positive instead of fizzling out over the next few months with nothing to play for. We need a bit of help and a bit of a kick to try and regain some form and if he can do that with what he has at his disposal then hats off to him but i think we would benefit from a new lad.

[stevegull]

Fair enough Nick, i understand your view but you are no doubt not shocked to find my opinion is the polar opposite of yours.

I think maybe we are two blokes that have wildly differing views on most topics and so long as we continue to keep it respectful from here on in i haven't a problem anymore. I am actually looking forward to Stevegull's blog as we are both taking part with our views and writing a piece for it so at least it should get interesting!

(no offence Steve! )

I just think that with just over 3 months of the season left we may as well take a punt for the 3 months and see what happens rather than use what we have. I feel that by using what we have is already acceptance by Ling that he believes a play off spot is out of reach (IMO) even though he won't admit it. Bringing in somebody is at least an attempt to turn the season around for the positive instead of fizzling out over the next few months with nothing to play for. We need a bit of help and a bit of a kick to try and regain some form and if he can do that with what he has at his disposal then hats off to him but i think we would benefit from a new lad.

No offence at all lad, I hope it gets interesting with your views together. There's nothing I can do if you come up with some tripe to write! I'll just be putting it on a page!