BlackWhiteGold
Well-known member
I think it's a Riccio beat-up. I can't see anything but common sense between Richo, Benji with Api, TDS.I love Api.....however, the reality is that TDS should be more than ready to take his spot as a starter in 27. He has the remainder of this year all of next year and 2 full preseasons before he laces up the boots as our starting 9. He is currently not that far off and still has plenty of time to develop. If we extend Api and TDS leaves well that sends a message to our younger players, and no its not like the Galvin situation, its obvious TDS wants to stay. I don't like how this has played out, where his manager is holding us to ransom, however Api needs to understand that if he does extend it will be to play second fiddle to TDS. I would say the fact Benji is getting him 80 mins in cup is an indicator that he is serious about developing TDS...he gets a few games back to back in firsts to get a taste, then heads back to cup for conditioning and development. I don't like him sitting on the bench week in week out and coming on for 15 or 20mins, it will stunt his development.
2026 - Plan for Api 55-60 mins, TDS 20-25 mins off bench. Share goal kicking duties.
2027 - Plan for TDS to start games. Roughly 40 mins game time each. Potential for Api to stay on-field as a small middle. Api retains club captaincy and team co-captaincy with Romey.
Simple.