Blues boss Paul Hurst was pleased with striker Freddie Sears’s contribution playing as the number 10 during Tuesday’s 1-0 win away against the MK Dons, the former West Ham man having netted the game’s only goal from the penalty spot, but believes he should show more confidence when in more threatening areas.

“I think Freddie did well, his movement’s good, he’s clever,” Hurst said when asked what he made of the 28-year-old in the unfamiliar role. “He’s probably one of those players I feel I will be on at. He took his penalty very well.

“But he gets in certain positions and I just want him to believe in himself. Sometimes he does ever-so-well to get in an area and then I just feel that perhaps he could have a little bit more confidence, self-belief for that end product that you’re looking for.”

Sears, who faces the Hammers, the club he supports and where he played as a youngster in tomorrow's friendly at Portman Road, went 38 games without a goal before netting a goal in each of the final two games of last season.

“I think here he probably hasn’t scored too many goals but I don’t really see why he can't add that to his game,” Hurst reflected. “I watch him on the training pitch, again sometimes it’s just believing in yourself, taking that chance.

“He’s a very unselfish player, he does a lot of work for the team, which I admire, but at the same time when he gets in areas have that confidence to either take that shot on or maybe drive at the man and try and force a mistake.”

Photo: Pagepix

trncbluearmy added 08:30 - Jul 27 Yep,that`s what Dino`s special style of coaching does for you,hope PH can sort him out because there is a bloddy good player in there somewhere
34

MrJase77 added 08:31 - Jul 27 Again, this is what the previous manager has done to him.
22

spanishblue added 08:32 - Jul 27 Ha Dino knocked that out of him, it was go backwards my son and don,t you shoot at goal keep the ball we,re trying not to lose
19

Superfrans added 08:44 - Jul 27 #moveon #hesgone
10

1RWR added 08:57 - Jul 27 It's all very well saying "move on & he's gone" but he's the reason Freddie's confidence has been shot to pieces. Don't care what anyone says, it'll take a huge arm around Freddie's shoulder to get him back to his best but I'm hopeful PH is that man. Go Freddie...go!
25

christiand added 08:59 - Jul 27 Hopefully, PH will get the best out of Sears. Keeping the ball on the deck and exploiting Sears' movement, this era could be like a breath of fresh air for him!!!
16

fergalsharkey added 08:59 - Jul 27 Freddy aibt good enough. End of.
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Nthsuffolkblue added 09:00 - Jul 27 Indeed. MM was clearly happy with the role Sears did. When he first came here he played through the middle and scored goals. I am certain Hurst can employ him as the striker he sees the potential in.
5

PortmanTerrorist added 09:02 - Jul 27 Sears is the epitome of why the Club had to change, esp the manager. A player with ability, drive and a real feel for the Club was used (abused) in a negative way leading to suggestion of any positive on-pitch activity. If PH can unravel the knots MM tied in Sears head then we could have another £8m striker on our books who is more than capable of playing the PH way.

21

Reecex28 added 09:04 - Jul 27 When he arrived he was a natural,confident goalscorer - MM used him as a workhorse. Give him the confidence and freedom needed - BINGO
19

Palestine added 09:29 - Jul 27 Loving these comments above! Make him sound like Boxer out of Animal Farm!
1

fergalsharkey added 09:31 - Jul 27 Boxer was more composed in front of goal.
0

TonyMowbray added 09:32 - Jul 27 Presume you meant 'ain't Fergal Sharkey? But remember, a good goal scoring striker these days is hard to find!
5

Edmundo added 10:25 - Jul 27 True striker, the lasting kind? Tony Mowbray? :-)
3

Suffolkboy added 10:56 - Jul 27 I like the emphasis on his current strengths and abilities ; & I'm sure fron the way PH has couched his remarks FS will be doing his best to respond appropriately . Not certain any of this can or should be laid at MM's door ; ex ref and Colchester supporter relayed similar ' doubts. ' when Freddie came so the analysis is probably bang on , and if we can couple goals to his energetic commitment , then we and he will be delighted . All in all this piece brings optimism ! Come on ITFC !

1

Bert added 11:53 - Jul 27 So many references to MM on here. Hasn't he left the club ? Whether Freddie played out wide or up front he never really looked comfortable which is probably more to do with his self belief than any current or former coaching. I like the guy and hope he gets his mojo back so we have different options.
2

TractorRoyNo1 added 12:09 - Jul 27 Same age as Waggy if PH can sort him out then he could also be an £8m player
0

Gforce added 12:32 - Jul 27 You'd be lucky to get 80.000 let alone 8 million !!
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mkbobby added 12:34 - Jul 27 I HAVE ALWAYS THOUGHT FREDDIE WAS A GOOD PLAYER BUT WAS PLAYED IN THE WRONG WAY I HAVE THIS FEELING THAT THIS SEASON JUST MIGHT BE HIS SEASON, SO MUCH SO ( KNOW ITS A LONG SHOT) THAT I HAVE HAD A COUPLE OF £S EW AT 150/1 ON TOP GOALSCORER
0

Gforce added 12:45 - Jul 27 Mkbobby ... You should have bought a couple of pints instead,at least you'd have got something for your money 😁😁
1

mkbobby added 13:05 - Jul 27 like I said gforce its a long shot and I don't know where you drink but £4 doesn't get much more than a pint in mk at least the bet might last a couple of weeks at least lol
0

SheptonMalletBlue added 15:57 - Jul 27 Great player Freddie, lets hope we see him at his best this season, I'm sure we will.
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62WasBest added 18:13 - Jul 27 Well Sear's in good company as Gareth Southgate also needs to say the same as Hurst to the England team.
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RRanger added 18:55 - Jul 27 There is a good player in there somewhere but I think PH is spot on with his comments. I remember wr en he was the next great thing at West Ham. We bought him from Colchester I fearhe has been an under achiever for most of his career. MM obviously saw somethingin him at Colchester otherwise he wouldn't have bought him. I don't think he'll ever be more than a 10 goals a season player which doesn't mean he's not worth his place in the team.

0

leftie1972 added 20:01 - Jul 27 Gotta love Freddy!
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