Is The Jury Out ? - No.10 - Tom Craddock | Vital Football

Is The Jury Out ? - No.10 - Tom Craddock

Chix

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Continuing the series. We are up to <b><font color='#A32B70'>No.10 Tom Craddock </font></b>

So, we are about a quarter of the way into the season so I feel we are now able to judge every player on the books with regard to their contribution to the squad.. although in this case it might prove <b><font color='#A32B70'> a little contentious</font></b>

We were advised that Craddock was <b><font color='#A32B70'> on Guy’s radar</font></b>as far back as <b><font color='#A32B70'> early May</font></b>.

In fact, one paper even stated that Craddock was one player that Guy had <b><font color='#A32B70'> admired</font></b> for a long time .. then low and behold before the month was out Tom Craddock had signed a <b><font color='#A32B70'> two year contract </font></b>with the Blues effective July 1st

The 26 year old <b><font color='#A32B70'> ex-premiership striker </font></b>arrived at Fratton with an impressive goal record, having scored 28 times for Oxford and 34 for Luton in the last four seasons.

"If you want to be promoted from one league to another then you have to bring in goalscorers and that's what we have got with Tom," said manager Whittingham, but despite this <b><font color='#A32B70'> some fans voiced their concerns</font></b> over his previous injury problems.

The Oxford Mail’s David Pritchard had no concerns for Pompey however “I think he is a natural scorer – <b><font color='#A32B70'> probably the best finisher Oxford have had for a good few years” </font> </b>and “Everyone would want a Tom Craddock in form week-in, week-out in their side”

I for one was looking forward to seeing Tom in a Pompey shirt

So how has he done ?

Well with only <b><font color='#A32B70'> one start </font></b>and four sub appearances<b><font color='#A32B70'> we are yet to find out! </font></b>

Guy is still of the opinion that <b><font color='#A32B70'> Craddock with come good </font></b>but due to a groin problem and then a knee problem we have yet to see him even warm the subs bench since mid-September.

Rumours hit the internet a couple of weeks ago referring to fact that Craddock had visited a specialist but there was found to be nothing wrong with him .. expect in his head it said. Whether there was any substance to the rumour I have no idea, but<b><font color='#A32B70'> I do expect to start seeing some return for his wages before too long.. </font></b>but hey that’s my view and<b><font color='#A32B70'> I am after your opinion</font></b>

So you know the format by now.. You give your thoughts on the following question...
<b><font color='#A32B70'> “If you were Guy would you be
a) Pleased or
b) Disappointed with the players contribution so far? </font></b>

Obviously you can add any evidence to support your answer and also open debate with those that you may disagree, or indeed agree with.

That’s it from me, the rest is for you to comment on but just one last thing... Remember we are in League Two and we are not allowed to buy players - Guy has to bear this in mind and so should you </font>
 
Came in with a decent goalscoring record to be fair, but also arrived with a reputation of being a sick note!

Hindsight is always grest isnt it but fesr Whittingham rushed into this one, certainly made a mistake with a 2-year deal...

Difficult to say too much as we have seen so little but will have to say at this time definitely a disappointment tbh.
 
Shame really as he has the face of a player that could really fit with the club if that makes sense... I know what i mean lol

The only thing in his favour for me is that the injuries he has have been picked up while at Fratton .. so you can forgive him for that to an extent.

Agree that a two year contract seems a waste of money so far .. but it is still early days so fingers crossed we may change our minds in time..