This season, I think Bertie...

Will start far more games for us than people expect him to. I suspect Tis may think that we need his presence on the pitch early in games to stop us being bullied out of matches.

Discuss, and articulate your thoughts in a mature and thought provoking way, ensuring further reasoned debate.

Dunno mate, I think Bertie is used to beef up the midfield and give us a bit more strength in there. In that respect I think Rob Edwards will fill that role more, as well as, IMO, being a better all round footballer. Especially if we go 4-3-3, if Edwards plays will there be room for Bertie to start? It only leaves you space for one 'creative' midfielder such as Gill or Harley.

Interesting question though, and I definitely think Bertie has a role within the squad, but probably not as a starter.

Looks strong,but he's from France and you have to admit they're not the hardest lot around

Grecian_Harryj said:

Looks strong,but he's from France and you have to admit they're not the hardest lot around

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I guess you have never played rugby against them then ?

Not sure I can see Bertie as a minder for Manny or King Ted, but do agree that he will play a part.

Grecian_Harryj said:

Looks strong,but he's from France and you have to admit they're not the hardest lot around

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i heard when bertie plays this season were be wearing white!

I think that was exactly the thinking behind his start at Torquay, however, I think the addition of Panther will push Bertie out of the starting XI regardless of the tactics. If we want a tough battling midfield, Edwards, Manny and Gill would surely be in place ahead of Bertie.

If we play with a three man midfield, IMO it will be a mistake. If one of those three is Bertrand Cozic, it will be a catastrophe and it will mean that we will have a lot of talent on the bench.

Is that reasoned enough?

Happy that Bertie is in the squad, given that he's not costing the club much, but I think he'll only be involved when he's needed in certain games.

I have this niggling feeling that Bertie will be pushing for a first team place this season, I cant explain it, I just feel it. It's a 6th Sense.

edwin_price said:

I think that was exactly the thinking behind his start at Torquay, however, I think the addition of Panther will push Bertie out of the starting XI regardless of the tactics. If we want a tough battling midfield, Edwards, Manny and Gill would surely be in place ahead of Bertie.

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Now I find that interesting. I really don't see Gilly as a battler, more a passer, and I am not sure I would class Rob as that type of player. One things for sure, it's going to be hard to keep the all the midfielders happy all the time.

Goz, I tend to agree about a 3 in the middle not suiting Bertie, but in a 4 I could see him starting some games. I think people forget that Harley only played a handful of games for us last year, and that Artus started more.

It's long old season.

LammieLammieLammie said:

I really don't see Gilly as a battler,

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You want to be careful posting things like that.