What do we think about the chances of Podge playing at Tranmere? I, like many others, have an interest in him playing as we want him to be top scorer in the league and skin the bookies. However, I am sure that PH will not be worried about that. I imagine he will be rested and probably start with Bogle and Pittman.
How do others see it?

In a similar position. Would like him to play and score to win the bet, but, if I didn't have money on him, I'd much prefer that he be rested along with a few others. Hard to call Hurst on this one. He often seems to do the opposite of what is logical or expected. Maybe he'll play.

I'd put my money on podge and disley being rested.

I think he might play. He was rested at Dover so I think there'll be others in greater need.

In an ideal world, that lad at Cheltenham will pick up a knock in training this week and then Podge can spend Saturday evening visiting the set of Brookside for all I care!

Although in his post match Saturday he did suggest that the club would prefer to be away first leg so maybe he will aim for that, he says fingers crossed. Can't see anyway that Holman won't be playing.

We play to win , not for someone's bet .  After drawing a blank in Saturday  I would have thought Podge would like to have another 90 minutes play time , and do what he is paid to do.

Does anyone know Bradley Wood personally.

Give him a quick call and tell him to crock Holman in the 1st minute on Saturday.  ;D

Don't quite understand the not caring where finish so long as in playoffs angle; surely professional pride dictates you try and get as many points on the board and finish as high a position as possible?

I know there's a balance of saving key men but still a job to do. Let's say we get turned over and Tranmere were to sneak in -that would be a massive psychological blow. We'd be totally out of form with many fans ready to turn. Who knows the vitriol might rise forth by the fans in attendance if we embarrassed and that would be a terrible dent to togetherness.

I'm desperate for Podge to be top scorer but Grimsby Town bigger than my bet and if I was Hurst I'd probably rest Podge.

So a few changes but a strong team to try and win, peripheral squad members go out there and seize your chance to be in managers thoughts for playoffs.

Quoted from Les Brechin

Does anyone know Bradley Wood personally.

Give him a quick call and tell him to crock Holman in the 1st minute on Saturday.  ;D

Now now Les. That's not very sporting is it.

I'm sure Holman would love to be top goal scorer but playing in the FL next season I'm sure was his main priority.

Whatever happens, Holman will be lifting the trophy on Saturday, taking part in the open top bus parade on Sunday, and off to Magaluf with the rest of the team on Monday for a well deserved rest.

Quoted from voiceofreason

Now now Les. That's not very sporting is it.

I'm sure Holman would love to be top goal scorer but playing in the FL next season I'm sure was his main priority.

Whatever happens, Holman will be lifting the trophy on Saturday, taking part in the open top bus parade on Sunday, and off to Magaluf with the rest of the team on Monday for a well deserved rest.

Let's hope nothing horrible happens like Wright falling off the top deck bus in a drunken stuper.  ;D

Rest him. Not worth the risk of him getting injured or sent off.

The quote of Rik e B's "fans ready to turn" made me chuckle as the majority of the 'regular posters' on here turned and have been trying to turn others months ago. Thankfully their efforts have not been rewarded as the 4500 crowd on Saturday shows the majority of the paying public are still behind their team.
However back to the point of the thread surely it is in our interest to ensure Tranmere are kept out of the play offs and that we finish 3rd so start Podge and if on opportunity comes to take him off after an hour or so take it.

Quoted from thevera

The quote of Rik e B's "fans ready to turn" made me chuckle as the majority of the 'regular posters' on here turned and have been trying to turn others months ago. Thankfully their efforts have not been rewarded as the 4500 crowd on Saturday shows the majority of the paying public are still behind their team.
However back to the point of the thread surely it is in our interest to ensure Tranmere are kept out of the play offs and that we finish 3rd so start Podge and if on opportunity comes to take him off after an hour or so take it.

I think Braintree will take care of that. They only need a point against Altringham and should manage that.

We should 100% pick our strongest team on Saturday. 3rd place and a home 2nd Leg is absolutely crucial. We don't want another Newport where they come to BP in the 1st Leg and shut up shop and nick a 1-0 win- especially as the goals have dried up at BP recently.

Last season was easy because Eastleigh had to come to BP and take the game to us. If we had been at home first they would have parked the bus.

I don't think Podge would be very happy if he doesn't play and Holman ends up being top goal scorer.

The ONLY concern from the clubs point of view as to whether Podge plays or not is whatever is best for the promotion chances of GTFC.  Personal pride as top scorer or fans bets shouldn't come in to it.

Of course I hope he gets it whatever happens, and those with a bet on him can buy the champers after the Wembley play off win  :)

Quoted from GollyGTFC

We should 100% pick our strongest team on Saturday. 3rd place and a home 2nd Leg is absolutely crucial. We don't want another Newport where they come to BP in the 1st Leg and shut up shop and nick a 1-0 win- especially as the goals have dried up at BP recently.

Last season was easy because Eastleigh had to come to BP and take the game to us. If we had been at home first they would have parked the bus.

This

Put out the reserves/those needing match fitness, inc a rest for Macca, dont agree it matters where we finish, we will have to win games either home or away so it is purely down to the team/manager /officials if we get through not who or what order we play in.

Quoted from GollyGTFC

We should 100% pick our strongest team on Saturday. 3rd place and a home 2nd Leg is absolutely crucial. We don't want another Newport where they come to BP in the 1st Leg and shut up shop and nick a 1-0 win- especially as the goals have dried up at BP recently.

Last season was easy because Eastleigh had to come to BP and take the game to us. If we had been at home first they would have parked the bus.

Agree with this. It might be pure coincidence but the only year we've got to the final we were at home second.

Quoted from GollyGTFC

We should 100% pick our strongest team on Saturday. 3rd place and a home 2nd Leg is absolutely crucial. We don't want another Newport where they come to BP in the 1st Leg and shut up shop and nick a 1-0 win- especially as the goals have dried up at BP recently.

Last season was easy because Eastleigh had to come to BP and take the game to us. If we had been at home first they would have parked the bus.

Ok but what if we lose the away leg, (everyone seems to think we will start the home game with lead but thats no more likely than us starting with a deficit if form is anything to go by), they can still park the bus at BP

I think he should play at least for part of the game. Keep him match ready and after last Sat I think he would want to play and get back into scoring ways.

Play our strongest team and win the match,  they need to gel more on Saturdays evidence before the important games start, Hurst who dares wins.
We don`t need Tranmere in the equation.

Just imagine the ball runs away from Podge he slightly off balance goes for tackle and completely mistimes the tackle. Cheating Tranmere players surround the ref - Podge gets a straight red card and he's out the play offs. The same goes for Disley, Nolan, Nsiala, Tait - we should only play first teamers if they need a bit of game time - say Arnold or Gowling. It's just not worth the risk.

Or he might get hit by a bus.

I want to say we need to go full whack to get the second leg at home but the way we've struggled at home of late makes me wonder.

Newport played a weakened side against us 3 years ago on the final day and we ripped them apart.   They then proceeded to make easy work of us over the two legs.

3rd, 4th or 5th.  Wherever we finish we'll have to beat any two of the other three teams.  If we're good enough, we'll go up.  That's all there is to it.

I'd prefer to finish 3rd and be at home second, if I was Hurst deep down I'd want to match last season's final position. But it not worth risking major disruption to first team stalwarts for playoffs. He especially needs to keep an eye on positions we low in numbers in, then there's the regulars such as Disley who would definately benifit or are deemed too important.

I would rest him.Important games coming up and dont want to risk any injury now were in the play offs.Also hopefully the extra rest will give him that extra edge in the games coming up in the play offs

With McNulty at the back for the Trannies it might be worth giving Podge a rest and save him some lumps and bruises till the play offs.

If things aren't going their way in our game or at Braintree can see their players getting frustrated late on and the nasty tackles creep in.

My side on Saturday

Macca

East
Gowling
Pearson
Gregor

Jennings
Clay
Henderson
Arnold

Hoban
JP

Bench: Warrington, Straker, Bogle, Sunter, Venney

My selection would be all about the condition of players and protecting vital assets. My worry would be at centre back where both Gowling and Toto have been injured. I'd probably prefer not to play either, but that leaves us 1 short. I'd leave out Monkhouse on similar grounds too, to allow him better recovery. Hurst obviously sees him as vital. I'd rest Disley to freshen him up. Podge would be left out too to protect him from disgruntled and physical Tranmere defenders with a grudge, and Pittman would play with Hoban or Bogle. Not sure how injured Hoban has been, or how valuable he is. Nathan Arnold is an unknown (although obviously not to the manager) - does he need game time, or more recovery?

Nolan has played a lot of games in recent months and so has Tait.

You could make a good case for Clay, East, Pearson, Marshall, JPP, Bogle, Henderson, Hoban, Jennings, Robertson all needing some game time to get 'in the groove' and ready to be called upon.

how can Holman be the divisions top scorer when 20 odd goals where when he played for another club in another division ? what if a top championship goal scorer moved to a premier league club and ended up top scorer , would he be golden boot winner ? a load of bollox UTM  

He hasn't? He got all his other goals at Woking, a team in the same division?

Holman scored the goals for Woking on loan from Colchester. And he isn't the division's top scorer at the moment. He's one behind Amond. And that's where he's gonna stay!

Quoted from Mariner_09

My side on Saturday

Macca

East
Gowling
Pearson
Gregor

Jennings
Clay
Henderson
Arnold

Hoban
JP

Bench: Warrington, Straker, Bogle, Sunter, Venney

From a VGood source (not ketchup) you won't be far wrong with this starting line up on Sat.   8)

Quoted from Simariner

From a VGood source (not ketchup) you won't be far wrong with this starting line up on Sat.   8)

Do you know one of the players  ;)

With Tranmere still (just) in the play-off race won't we need to play a strongish team?, can there be any sanctions against us for fielding a weakened side?

If we play a weak team and they get in the play offs that could come back to bite us, so for me I would put a team out to win this game ,

I don't think we have any great advantage by being home or away first or second.  I say let's keep the key players fit and fresh for the play-offs.

Regarding the bet that I and many others on here have, I'm more concerned at how bad Lincoln are at defending, that'll be what scuppers us!

Hurst will put out a side that he considers best for GTFC. I think there will be quite a few changes but no question of any sanctions, it won't be the Youth team.

Rest up, give any knocks  extra recovery time and report back next week to prepare for the play offs.

I know it is a different thread but the team we put out will reduce the number of fans we take which makes the over the top Police arrangements look even more silly.

Quoted from Rick12

Do you know one of the players  ;)

I do but not this time...

Heard the saying 'straight from the horses mouth'?   ;)

Will not risk any injuries or daft red cards to the players that will be key for the playoff games.

Whilst walking up to receive his awards yesterday Podge slipped on the dance floor and tore his groin ;)

What if Hoban and Pitman score 5 goals apiece on Saturday.  Who would be the 2 strikers for the playoffs [  East and Pearson  ?  ] :)

Fellow Podge betters - If you want to hedge your bet and guarantee some profit, you can stick some money on Holman to score 2 or more goals against Lincoln at 4/1.

If Holman only scores 1 and ties Podge on 30 goals, as far as I know the bookies will still pay-out at half odds. I'm due £240ish back from my original bet on Podge (£7.50 e/w at 25/1), so i'm probably gonna stick £20 or so on Holman to score 2 or more to guarantee a decent return. Fingers crossed both Podge and Holman score a brace on Saturday - then i'll be totally quids in!

Which bookies gives 4/1 for Holman to score 2 or more?

I like your thinking

Bet365

Excellent idea. Thanks.

Quoted from Chrisblor

Fellow Podge betters - If you want to hedge your bet and guarantee some profit, you can stick some money on Holman to score 2 or more goals against Lincoln at 4/1.

If Holman only scores 1 and ties Podge on 30 goals, as far as I know the bookies will still pay-out at half odds. I'm due £240ish back from my original bet on Podge (£7.50 e/w at 25/1), so i'm probably gonna stick £20 or so on Holman to score 2 or more to guarantee a decent return. Fingers crossed both Podge and Holman score a brace on Saturday - then i'll be totally quids in!

Great idea. Just plonked £30 on him to score 2 or more.

Got in at 4/1 for Holman to score 2 or more.
Guarantees I get over £200 back even if Padraig doesn't play.
Less worried about team selection now, but lets hope we get the best of all worlds

Gtfc win
Holman doesn't score
We get Dover away 1st leg of playoff and either VGR or Braintree in final

Quoted from Rob_in_Grimsby

If we play a weak team and they get in the play offs that could come back to bite us, so for me I would put a team out to win this game ,

I don't think Newport had any problems when they fielded a weak side against us just before the playoffs. I think they made 8 changes to their regular line up.

I had a tenner each way at 25/1 so the each way part of the bet is a definite so at a quarter of the odds I'll make a profit of £62.50 so not too bad, I'll be happy with that. Would be nice for him to finish top though for an extra £250 profit.

I did 20 e/w at 25's so if he does it its worth about £700

where is the Holman to score 2+ bet on bet 365 site

Quoted from Magsinrio

where is the Holman to score 2+ bet on bet 365 site

It's under the tab called multiscorers, should be just below goal scorers. Click on it and the options open up.

You'll need to click on the match first and then all the tabs are underneath.

Good advice Chrisblor; given Podge is highly unlikely to play I was decidedly uneasy letting it ride.

Dribbled a touch onto 3 or more, too; just in case he rips Lincoln to shreds.

UTM

Currently hacking away at the knee joint of a Holman voodoo doll  >:(

Cheers found it now and did £15 at 16/1 for Holmasn hatrick as a bit of insurance and added him scoring 2 or more at 4's in a lucky 31 bet which really boosts the potential return. Means I have most stations covered with him as if he gets just 1 I will get half on the podge bet and none a big happy day.

There been some debate about whether any goals scored in the play-offs count. I was fairly sure they didn't but just found this on Bet365's terms and condition that confirm that it is only goals in the regulation season that count.

Quoted Text

Top Goalscorer
Only goals scored within the quoted division are counted for this market irrespective of the team (within that division) for which they are scored. The team quoted alongside the player is for reference only. Only league goals count - excluding playoff matches. Own goals do not count. Dead-heat rules apply.