Sat in the local public house last night, watching the second leg of the play off game between Forest and Sheffield United, I witnessed an interesting debate.
On the table behind me, a group of lads were debating whether Luton Town would have beaten Huddersfield Town, over the two legs, if Elijah Adebayo had been fit enough to play.
As we are all aware, Adebayo, suffering from a hamstring injury, was only fit enough to come on as a substitute, in the 90th minute, as Nathan Jones tried, desperately, to force the game into extra time.
The fact that Adebayo was only given a very limited cameo appearance suggests, to me, that the striker was far from being fully fit and was only to be used in an emergency.
But, returning to the debate, from what I could hear, the consensus was that our prolific striker would have certainly gotten on the end of a couple of the numerous chances Luton created in the first halves of both games.
Of course, its all ‘ifs and buts’ now but what are your views on the subject matter?
If Elijah Adebayo had been fit, would we now be looking forward to a trip to Wembley?
Please feel free to have your say in the comment facility beneath this article.
COYH’s
Play-Off Final - Nottingham Forest v Huddersfield Town
Nottingham Forest to Win!
Huddersfield Town to Win!
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Morning mh, nj has now admitted adebayo wasn’t even fit enough to be a sub. And wasn’t able to more than hobble around. Therefore making a nonsense of would he have made a difference. He should never have been thrown on. For me the question is what idiot made the decision to include him? An use him. When they had a recalled loanee fit an unknown quantity to the opposition ready to go. We knew it was a single match shoot out so we had nothing to lose. Due respect to hylton an Cameron but every side we played knew there limitations and can combat them. An unknown could have thrown there planning into disarray. Just my opinion.
a good opinion at that Chris, but would a fully fit Elijah have swung the odds in our favour? Was he on the bench to purely worry the opposition? And what was the point of bringing Neufville back not to even include him in the squad?
Idiot…..bit strong….
Hi Alan, nj has said he was hobbling couldn’t run an wasn’t even fit to play why then risk him for 6 mins. It could have led to a very big injury that could have cost the lad his career your a physio an you think that’s not the action of an idiot. Sorry Alan we disagree strongly on this.
Not disagreeing. Just thought the term “idiot” was a bit strong. I had a physio meeting yesterday and I asked the question myself. There was a reason he was bought on. Had it worked he would have been subbed if we got extra time. Before people jump down my throat with ” what waste of a sub” the rules state teams get an extra substitution in extra time….
Neufville coming back may be so Hart can get a good look at him in camp before making all of his summer decisions and strategy so can understand that… Putting Elijah on the bench as a mind game makes no sense with 3 attackers on bench, was obvious even to me that he was never going to play with all the additional cover so I am sure Huddersfield had seen through it… Needed some fresher legs in Middle of the park available and could that sub space have been afforded to cater for this need more?… Who knows but immensely proud of the boys, what a season and biggest game of my Luton fan life we did ourselves proud (first game was in the league away at Old Trafford the season we went down so a long wait lol)
If, buts, maybe’s, and lots of them. Bringing Neufville back, he should have given the unknown player a good 30 minutes in the 2nd half and played Elijah. Half fit would never do it. HOWEVER, I am so proud of the whole team and everyone around them. They were the better team. Just the last 20 yds let them down. So proud.
whoever the “IDIOT” was,they sure helped us get this far. good that alans inside information gives us another outlook, always good to see both sides. i am not a big fan of hylton or jerome, but they gave all they could,till they run out of gas. i know i go on about it , but please give some young players a chance. maybe alan can give us some whispers on that. stay cheerful guys. COYH.
Without doubt Adebayo would of made a huge difference, the ball stays up the opponents end longer , he can occupy 2 centre half’s giving Cornick more space , Hylton had a good first half but ran out of steam , plus With all the corners we had Adebayo would of made us more of a threat , he’s a all rounder , tidy on the floor & a good finisher .
Hi Alan, I’m guessing this was njs theory he spoke about standing adebayo to get on a cross from a free kick or corner not running about just keep in the box.
Also just to be clear about my idiot comment this is because I remember the days when 100s of promosing players had there careers finished early because of overuse of cortisone injections an being rushed back to play to early managers an clubs wanted bums on seats. The players had no option and these things let to poor quality of life after the end of their career. And remember in those days a footballer earned little more than the working man. And often had to find a job in the off season. As he wasn’t paid. That’s why nowadays with modern technology I could see no reason to risk the boys career for 6 mins with a choice of subs. In this modern age I call this poor management strategy an that’s why I called whoever an idiot an I stand by that. Jimbo yes every player contributed through the season an deserves plaudits but management on a crucial day one off game should as you an I an others have said gone down another route an protected a valuable asset not risked him. Therefore an idiot.
chris, we have all been idiots at some point in our lives. alans comment is fair enough, thats what this forum is all about. it would be boring if we agreed with each other all the time, at the end of the day we are all passionate luton supporters, i am sure if elijah had been fit, we would have trounced huddersfield. i just hope he fully recovers from his thigh injury. stay safe.COYH.
Chris I can assure you no injections were administrated on Addy, we are not that idiotic….he was put on for to give there defence something to ponder and hopefully create space for others…just didn’t work on the nite….Anyway we move on…..busy couple of months ahead, try and get most of the walking wounded up and running after a short break. COYH.
Hi Alan, I know that can’t you see what my point was though I thought I explained it clearly enough. We have moved on from back then. That’s my whole point. There was absolutely no need to risk that asset with proper management!!!!
Your not seeing my point either, so forget it…..