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Smith and Berra Face Battle for Starting Spot
Tuesday, 2nd Aug 2016 06:00

Town boss Mick McCarthy has hinted that senior central defenders Christophe Berra and Tommy Smith will be battling it out for the left-sided central defensive berth with the right-footed Adam Webster having been added to the squad from Portsmouth over the summer.

The 21-year-old, who joined the Blues for £700,000 plus Matt Clarke earlier in the summer, played his first 90 minutes of pre-season during Saturday’s 2-1 defeat to Belgian second division side Royale Union Saint-Gilloise.

Asked whether his record Town signing will be fit enough to start against Barnsley in this weekend’s Championship opener, McCarthy said: “We’ll see how he recovers. He has been out for 13 weeks but he’s played well and he is a good player.”

Notably, the Webster was partnered by Berra, 31, in the first half on Saturday and 26-year-old Smith, like the Scotland international left-footed, in the second.

McCarthy admits he has a big decision ahead of him: “You mean having two left-sided centre-backs and I’m only going to play one?

“If that’s the case and Adam gets in the team, which I’m sure he will at some stage, it’ll be the best one who plays.

“One’s not going to be happy about it but they know the score, they’re not daft. They can see there’s one here and they’ve all got to be better, the intensity on them has heightened, hasn’t it?”

The Town boss says Webster has all the attributes to go a long way in the game: “I see Manchester City signing John Stones for £50 million. I’m not suggesting he’s anything like that at the moment, but he will be a really good centre-half because he’s a big fella, he’s got pace, he can handle it, he’s got two good feet. I think he’s got real potential to be a top, top player.”

Meanwhile, McCarthy is pleased that Smith put pen to paper on a new three-year deal, with an option for a further season, last week: “He’s been a stalwart of the team and I’m delighted he’s signed.”


Photo: Action Images



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Cloddyseedbed added 20:42 - Aug 2
I'll be happy and settle for the strongest player to start in each position on the pitch, if for any reason that player is clearly under performing then a different choice should be made. Stop all the picking the same players even if they are under performing or playing them out of position and we might finally get somewhere. We have a good choice of players now in most positions but the thought of Chambers starting as right back once again sends shivers down my spine. That is one area that has not been addressed and surely Emmanuel or a new signing must take that position. I like Chambers as a good solid pro with great attitude and leadership qualities but not in that position!
Pick the team to start on Saturday on merit, not on favouritism.
2

Cloddyseedbed added 20:45 - Aug 2
For the record I never agreed to bringing in Berra. It just complicated the back four and made Chambers and Smith play out of position. We should have signed a right back instead of Berra.
3

Seasider added 20:56 - Aug 2
Seems as though Digby,a Barnsley reject,is not doing what Mick thinks he can at the moment.

However remember him making a wonderful crossfield pass,think it was for the goal that Pitman scored against Colchester;so must not judge on one match.

Do think that Knudsen has still got to improve at left back,as has Chambers on right,going by last match against the Belgian club.Think that Emmanuel and Kenlock should be the competition for those positions.

As for the centre backs,personally havn't seen enough of Malarcyk to form a judgement;but then nobody has because he hasn't been given much of a chance.Think that one of the c/b's may go before end of window,which will probably be him,although depends if any takers;if not could be Berra who would command a fee to re-imburse ME who has at

last spent money.
2

mos added 20:58 - Aug 2
Great news!

Should improve the performance of all 3 centre halves.
0

Seasider added 21:00 - Aug 2
Or even Digby out on loan.

Or Digby on loan



0

RaymondovicBlue added 21:40 - Aug 2
For me this is No brainer.... Berra came with all the fanfares and what not BUT Smith was our best and most consistent defender all last year... Not only covering for Berra on many occasions but also doing all this whilst playing on the wrong side!!!!!! Berra want good enough on his best side last year... Tommy deserves a change to shine on the better foot after all the blame he's unfairly had on here. Others may disagree which is fine.... But what does it matter... Only one man's opinion matters and I'll follow the team regardless of who wears the shirt.....just HOPE SMITH DOES!!!!!
3

Warkys_Tash added 21:47 - Aug 2
Agree with GerkensBeard & a lot of other posters.

Knudssen for me is pony.

Give Kenlock a chance, looked good whenever I have seen him, also want to see more of Emmanuel
1

GiveusaWave added 23:12 - Aug 2
Kenlock was destroyed by Bantick in his last game. All players have bad games but Digby and Kenlock were outstandingly bad against aFC Sudbury. Liam Wales bullied Kenlock off the ball far too often and when Bantick had the ball he went by Kenlock with ease. I have seen Kenlock play ok before but on that performance...oh dear. He simply wasn't able to match the strength, pace and power of Sudbury.
0

Walk_the_Wark added 00:01 - Aug 3
Wow! We still have optimism on here!..poor deluded souls. McCarthy out- but wait ME is happy mid table so the status quo remains
-3

BrettenhamBlue added 06:37 - Aug 3
One signing and happiness abounds! Sorry but I am more realistic.
0

chenners17 added 09:17 - Aug 3
That Kaikai from Palace that we have reportedly been keeping tabs on scored TWICE again yesterday for Palace! Fingers crossed he comes to us on a season long loan
2


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