Your Replies:
Mike Brand, Bromley
With Winterburn's retirement just around the corner this seems
like a good signing in an otherwise bleak time for us. But
Winterburn has been one of the most consistent and professional
players for us of late so there's no need to get rid of him
just yet. The rest of the season can be used for Labant to become
acquainted with life in the Premiership whilst adding some much
needed cover before coming a regular in next season's
campaign.
Matt Dynan
Anyone who has played in the Champions' League has to be good.
Plus, as an international player he hopefully will become a massive
bargain, just as Seb Schemmel has turned out to be. Good luck
Vlad.
David Dhannoo, Ashingdon
My reaction to the signing of Vladimir Labant is good, but
Winterburn is playing well at the moment. I think Roeder should
experiment with the two in first team games to see which one
performs the best, ideally Labant could play in the reserves for a
while while Winterburn plays first team football.
Kevin Salter, Rochester
I think give him a go. No disrespect to Nigel but we need someone
fast down that side, to keep up with on-rushing wingers. I think as
long as he keeps his cool, and is aware of the dangers in front of
him, he would flourish in that position. I would also like to see
more of Defoe making the starting line-up. He has proved to be an
excellent striker, and may even be lucky to make the full England
squad if he plays more.
Ian Davey, Alton, Hants
If Nigel is playing well and can hold down the left-back position
at the standard he has set so far this season I see no reason to
rush Vladimir into the team. However, if Vladimir gets a run at it
from the subs bench and performs creditably he should remain and
make Nigel have to fight for the place. It's always the same
when a new face comes into a squad as cover for an ageing
established star. Does loyalty and the belief of using an older and
more experienced player take precedence over getting a new/younger
player into the team? That's one for Glen and Sarge to sort
out. Me? I'd leave it as it is for now.
Terry Willett, Gravesend, Kent
Nigel admits himself that he is finding it more difficult to
recover after matches now. With a tight schedule ahead he will
probably welcome a break, but if he is playing well and is feeling
fit he should be first choice. It should be a case of if it's
not broken don't fix it.
Jay Dee
Outside the first 11 we are pushed to find quality, so if Labant is
half as good as Repka then he's a great acquisition.
Winterburn's done a fantastic job, but if Labant can offer us
options going forward as well as defensively, then put him straight
in. Supposedly a free-kick specialist too? Well, we need all the
goals we can get!
Paul Davies, Walthamstow
Labant should be made to compete for his place. Nigel Winterburn
has been outstanding this season, giving his all every time he
played. He has been an inspiration to the other team members, and,
from a fans point of view, it is great to see someone playing with
such commitment. To push him to one side now would not be a fitting
reward for his efforts.
Gary Poole, Leicester
I think Glenn was right to sign Vladimir as we need extra cover in
that position. Nigel is reaching the end of his career and has
definitely lost a yard or two of his pace. Whether he plays in
place of Nigel is up to the gaffer to decide. If he performs well
in training, and Glenn thinks he is better than Nigel, I have no
objection to him turning out for the first team. I want to see the
player who can give the best performance out on the pitch, and the
best person to make that decision is Glenn.