ARTICLE: Bardsley, Pope and Stephens injury latest

[ClaretTony]

Bardsley ruled out for certain

See link
https://www.uptheclarets.com/bardsley-p ... ury-latest

[NewClaret]

I don’t think we’ll see Pope now if he’s been carrying an injury. A good opportunity for BPF but I was hoping we’d be at full strength and push as high as possible.

[FCBurnley]

Could be BPF v Leeds !!!! He will love that

[boatshed bill]

I don’t think we’ll see Pope now if he’s been carrying an injury. A good opportunity for BPF but I was hoping we’d be at full strength and push as high as possible.

I just hope that it's not an injury in connection with his shoulder dislocation.

[Burnleyareback2]

I just hope that it's not an injury in connection with his shoulder dislocation.

I just hope it’s actually an injury and not protection ahead of a sale.

[NewClaret]

I just hope it’s actually an injury and not protection ahead of a sale.

Probably more a favour to keep get him fit for the Euros.

Shame though as it’d have been nice to see us climb the table and finish closer to where we finished last season.

[frankinwales]

Wow, a bit strong that I think....

It seems to have been a rather desperate signing to get somebody / anybody in to make up the numbers when we had so many injuries, not disgusting though

Hopefully this won't happen with our new regime.

UP THE CLARETS.

[Zom Zom]

A 'disgusting' signing?

One that hasn't worked out so far is probably a fairer assessment.

[taio]

What an absolutely disgusting signing Stephens was.

Well over the top that. He was signed as back-up hence the fee. It's turned out we haven't needed him.

[mkmel]

What an absolutely disgusting signing Stephens was.

More of a disgusting comment by you rather than a disgusting signing!

[djemba-djemba]

Well over the top that. He was signed as back-up hence the fee. It's turned out we haven't needed him.

The few games he has been needed and used he’s been trash.

Waste of money and a wage.

[Claret_tinted]

I hope Stephens is moved on in the summer

[tiger76]

Why don't people have any faith in BPF?, whenever he's been called upon he's been perfectly adequate as far as I can see. Remember his penalty saves in the MK cup tie for instance.

And if Pope is carrying a knock then there's absolutely no point risking his fitness is there.

Bardsley probably wouldn't have played in these last few games anyway, not with the form Lowton is showing.

Stephens was a relatively cheap back-up signing, and if we hadn't signed anyone then plenty of folks would be moaning, Damned if we do and damned if we don't.

[nil_desperandum]

Why don't people have any faith in BPF?, whenever he's been called upon he's been perfectly adequate as far as I can see. Remember his penalty saves in the MK cup tie for instance.

Was BPF disguised as Norris for that game?

[IWOODLOVETT]

I think Pope must have a problem with his shoulder - the clue was the number of times he chose to punch rather than catch the ball v Fulham.

[tiger76]

Was BPF disguised as Norris for that game?

Forgot about him play Norris in that case.

We've probably been spoilt for keepers in recent years, and we were never going to be able to keep Hart, Heaton & Pope happy, hence why the former 2 moved on, but although neither BPF or Norris are in Nick Pope's class at least not yet, if the rumours are correct about Pope perhaps moving on then why not give his understudies an opportunity to fight for the jersey.

[Quickenthetempo]

I think Pope must have a problem with his shoulder - the clue was the number of times he chose to punch rather than catch the ball v Fulham.

Would punching not hurt the shoulder more?

[warksclaret]

Whilst SD makes a lot of references to injuries, we have been amazingly lucky in a number of areas. Since Mee & Tarkowski teamed up together after the first 6 or so games, it has been basically both starting every game. How many PL teams other than Brighton can match this with their CH pairing.We all know how exposed we are in the centre half area should one be injured. Pope another spine of the team has missed only several, while one of our most productive and flair players McNeil has played virtually every game as has Westwood and Brownhill. We have never been exposed at fullbacks, with Lowton starting nearly every game. Admittedly Taylor has missed a few games but Pieters has deputised brilliantly, saving goals and earning us points. The areas where we have been exposed has been Cork (but Brownhill deputised), and to some degree all the forwards except Vydra have missed games, but since new year Vydra has produced his best unbroken run.The big area of injury has been Brady and JBG, but I cannot honestly say, from what they delivered when fit, that we have missed them.Lets hope all this does not create a comfort zone for Mr Pace Had we had a real injury issue we would really have been struggling. I also believe no one has yet been suspended this season, which has helped immensely.

[IWOODLOVETT]

Would punching not hurt the shoulder more?

Maybe, but not if you’re knocked off balance with the ball in hand, which is exactly how Pope (and Heaton) got their shoulder injuries in the first place.
I would suggest that Nick was probably told to punch instead of catch by the medical staff. Punching is out of character and catching is definitely one of Nick’s strengths.

[ClaretLoup]

Stephens is a funny one, he seems to get injured even when he has played for weeks, although I am sure he works hard in training.

[MACCA]

Stephens is a funny one, he seems to get injured even when he has played for weeks, although I am sure he works hard in training.

Firstly I dont think he was cut out for another season of premier league football at this age hense Brighton giving him away, but also a lot of older pros seem to get injured more towards the end of their careers.
More wear and tear on their body, usually things take a bit longer to fully heal.
Add that to his lack of game time, so when they drop in might not be fully match sharp and break down again.
it's not a great recipe if you want a fit and firing player immediately ready for action when called upon.