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Real shame and lol looking forward to reading Strachan's 'response' in that other article - TBH I can't see what he can say in terms of defending such behaviour as it was reported on this site before and elsewhere, months ago, Williams stating that he was requiring injections before every game. At the time it was quite shocking to hear of a 20 year old doing that really (Still is) and so it's no surprise that he's now not made the squad due to still ongoing concerns over that injury/fitness. And with the kid choosing to do this, an experienced coach, should know to hold back his enthusiastic young charger, especially with prospects of a World Cup spot on the horizon - but no, no foresight, playing each week in the Championship > World Cup.
Reminds me of some of those young AFL players etc... the same old story, don't rush them back, a bit of 'recovering time' is all it takes. But no, they work them into the ground to get every last drop - short term gain over long term. And ofcourse so many end up having to retire by their late 20s due to ongoing injury troubles or even troubles related to their time off due to injury (depression, chronic fatigue, going off the rails with ill discipline, drugs etc...).
He had a great season with 'borough but was it REALLY necessary for him to play RIGHT THROUGH that entire season, despite his clear injury concerns? Would having the last month or two off/light training only, REALLY hurt his 'borough career, let alone his World Cup chances.
And if he wanted to 'play through the pain barrier' to impress FOR the World Cup, then the irony is cruel.
BTW People bag Craig Moore for his preparation, including coming home early, and granted it wasn't the best preparation but the core of Moore's prep, you could clearly see, was making sure he was fit and the World Cup was clearly first, before his club career, even at the expense of. A number of other Socceroos/WC hopefuls clearly did the same, taking risky loan moves, training with other teams etc... it was all for the World Cup, but they were considered risks orientated on 'maintaining fitness/match fitness.'
Again, I don't see how Rhys' behaviour was going to benefit his WC prospects, given he had ALREADY impressed Pim and co with his appearances with Australia at the back end of last year AND impressed at club level around that same time. All he needed was a month or two off really, back end of this season, but no, he EVEN played the last few games of the season, even though 'borough had no chance of a play off spot by then!
Edited by GloryPerth: 3/6/2010 01:28:52 PM
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