Time for Liam Sercombe to Deliver on his Potential

This will Liam Sercombe’s 7th season as a professional, though he is only 23. He made his début aged 17 in the opening game of the 2007/08 season, coming on for Andy Taylor in the 11th minute of the 4-1 win away to Altrincham. Incidentally, in the 7 games he played in his début season City never lost.

Sercs has now played 175 games for the Grecians, with a return of 14 goals. For which the most memorable goal, at least for Exeter City fans, was the goal against Plymouth Argyle at St James Park last December.

His best spell, in terms of performance, came at the end of the 20122/12 season, when he sc0red 5 times in 5 games when the Grecians battled against relegation. His link play with Gow, Noble and Dunne could have been crucial in avoiding relegation if that midfield had been settled earlier.

Last season was not as good for Liam as City fans had hoped. It then finished over Xmas when he suffered a broken ankle against Barnet. In a sometimes crowded midfield it was not easy for Sercs to have a role and stand out. His one man of the match game was away to Oxford United when City won 4-2 and in particular his 2nd half performance was commanding.

There was a moment in the recent Yeovil friendly when we thought the Sercs we know and need was back. He took the ball and took on the opposition, but then turned in across the pitch and instead of shooting or passing he lost the ball. The one move the showing the potential of the young man and also the vulnerability.

In a midfield that will likely to feature a combination of Oakley, Bennett, Gow, Davies and Doherty then Sercs will need to find a real role if he is to feature ahead of some of those players. Failure to do so may mean his career in football could come to an end at the end of the season. Deliver on the field then a valuation of £250k+ may well be realistic. Without doubt if Sercombe delivers on his potential this season then the Grecians will no doubt progress, but will Paul Tisdale give him a defined role so that he fits in with the likes of Oakley, Doherty and Gow?

Some recent comments, some of which confirm that Liam is very much up for the coming season.

Paul Tisdale talking to the official site after the Swansea game said:-

He has belief in his own game.  He doesn’t think twice, he just does what he does.  You’re seeing a player now getting back to his form – he’s not had that for a good year or two with his injuries. That’s the first time I’ve seen him so snappy to the loose ball, snappy into the tackle, and more importantly, he’s snappy when he receives it.

He looks like he means business.  Even when he plays a four or five yard pass, he means business.  So it’s nice to see him back.

Some of the comments from Liam on Twitter

Loved playing back on st James park last night against a strong QPR side, I’m buzzing to be back and thanks for all tweets #UTC

Buzzing to be making my 1st appearance back on st James park after 6 and half months later #cantwait #ecfc #qpr

@lawsondath92 (Lawson D’ath) yea going well mate thanks, feeling sharp and in probs best shape I’ve been In, you all good?

Liam spoke to Official site at the end of June about being back and wanting to play:-

It was good for me to be back on the coach with the other players and having a bit of banter,” said Sercs. “It was a bit too soon to risk me or put me on the bench, but that was ideal for me really just to be part of the warm-up and being back on a pitch.

It’s been a frustrating time, so it was a good feeling to be back with the lads.

It’s always a bad time to get an injury, but if you’re going to choose a time for one then that wasn’t the worst time. At least this way I’m back and fit in time for pre-season and the friendlies. It’s been a short summer because the physio gave me a good programme to get me back into shape and get my ankle stabilised.

I’ve been sticking to all of that, and now I feel in good shape. I’m feeling ready now, and I can’t wait until the season starts.

Come on Liam!