Lambert: Break Came at the Right Time
Thursday, 17th Oct 2019 10:59

Blues boss Paul Lambert believes the international break came at the right time for his side with one or two players carrying knocks.

James Norwood underwent groin surgery in Germany last week, while Kane Vincent-Young was forced off at half-time during the last League One match at Fleetwood, which the Blues won 1-0.

While there are no designated international breaks in League One, Town are able to have matches postponed if they receive three calls for qualifying players.

So far they have opted to make those requests, leading to the Rochdale away game and home match against Wycombe being put back to Tuesday 5th and Tuesday 26th November respectively.

The trip to Oxford United set for Saturday 16th November, the next international weekend, is also all but certain to be moved.

Lambert believes the postponements will benefit his side over the course of the season: “I think so. I think this one has certainly helped us because we carried a few knocks from the last game, so I think that's certainly helped us on that front.

“You're never quite sure with an international week. It's the same if you're in the Championship of the Premier League, you have those breaks.

“We've had to do it because there's been too many away and we've carried knocks, so that one probably came at the right time for us.”

At Accrington on Sunday Town will be looking to end a remarkable post-international break run which has seen them fail to win the first game following a hiatus on the last 20 occasions.

They most recently won immediately after a week off for internationals in September 2014 when they beat Millwall 2-0 at Portman Road. They have subsequently drawn 10 and lost 10.

Lambert says his young squad is handling the increased expectation that their position at the top of League One brings.

“I think they're thriving on it, I think they enjoy it,” he insisted. “I think they've gone out and played without any fear really.

“And they know the expectance level is there anyway, so I don't think they've had any trepidation about where they are in the table.

“This is a big club in this division with a massive fanbase and all the players have taken to it. I think that's the secret and they're thriving on it.”

Photo: TWTD

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Radlett_blue added 11:59 - Oct 17

I don't see how this can possible "benefit us" overall as the postponed games will simply be crammed in to a later date when we are equally likely to have players suffering from minor injuries. It's a zero sum game.
I am wondering if our abysmal record when returning from breaks is another indicator that our fitness/conditioning is not up to scratch. Just a thought, when combined with our poor injury record over recent years.

TR11BLU added 12:14 - Oct 17 In Lambo we trust
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SamsDad added 12:20 - Oct 17

The Rochdale game is scheduled for the midweek after the Bury game which is not happening, with an FA Cup tie to follow.
The Wycombe game is scheduled t precede the next FA Cup round.
Hardly crammed in!
There is one more to rearrange, Oxford is it, and the last international break coincides with the other cancelled Bury game.
Are you really saying you wanted to play Wycombe who, lets not forget are 2nd, without Judge, Downes, Norwood, KVY, Dozzell & Georgiou.
I don't see how there are still people moaning about this, its a no-brainer for me

monty_radio added 12:21 - Oct 17 I thought that the reason we have a large squad was exactlly to cope with such things?
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OwainG1992 added 13:27 - Oct 17 Why are people moaning about this? We are top of the league. Unbeaten and yet people need a reason to whinge. It's kinda pathetic.
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TractorClarke added 13:44 - Oct 17

@Radlett_blue

Whilst I appreciate your concerns I think that moving them is good, although I appreciate everyone has their own opinions.

My view is that whilst we are all aware there are going to be some crammed games, hopefully, with current form and unbeaten streak intact, we will have cemented ourselves at the top or at least top two. Therefore we can afford to have some crammed games and take the hit with a potentially weaker squad in terms of second string, which have done themselves proud so far when called on.

If we didn't move and got more sever injuries we would be in a worse place and potentially not still be unbeaten for a start. Id rather the risk of those things come later in the season then ruin what we have so far done at the start, as we are in such a good position to pull away from any chasing pack.

Edmundo added 13:50 - Oct 17 Unfortunately if we lose this weekend those who oppose a break will be "proved right". However, we are away on the telly, which is also usually a bad omen.
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Terry_Nutkins added 13:59 - Oct 17 So many experts in the news section as always! We're so lucky to have so many high calibre sports scientists, sports management professionals and strategists in our fan base who can make Lambert aware of all his poor decisions....
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SheptonMalletBlue added 16:39 - Oct 17 We'll find out on Sunday!
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Dissboyitfc added 07:41 - Oct 18 I am a big lambert fan! That said he hasn't got a crystal ball and when these games come whio's to say we won't have more injured players. Still feel personally the games should have been played. Time will tell!
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PortmanTerrorist added 09:45 - Oct 18

Well said SamsDad. Even if it was just for Norwood who has clearly been playing at 80% for weeks, this break needed to happen. Norwood sets the tone, is the talisman already. We need him fully fit and firing and we can be confident of not just maintaining our position but consolidating our lead.

Fully expect him to be playing Sunday and right at it. Unlucky Accrington ! COYB

Razor added 10:19 - Oct 18 I think if we are able to take advantage of this additional break, unlike other clubs then we should. Gives us more flexibility in our planning and as Lambo said this time it did just come at the right time.
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