Selection problems for Turner
With several players injuried and the two loan players due to return to their clubs, Graham Turner could have a selection problem for next Saturday's game against Woking.
As far as is known Ben Smith is out for most, if not all, of the rest of the season after his shoulder injury yesterday. Jamie Pitman has hernia trouble and it is bound to need attention sooner than later. Sometimes players can cope with this type of injury, Matt Clarke was a case in point last season, for a while but with Pitman missing yesterday's match it has to be assumed that he could be out for a few weeks.
Ryan Green was rated as 50/50 for yesterday's game earlier last week so hopefully he will be back soon. Jordan King was also on the injury list but it is thought that he will be available next weekend.
As regards the two loan signings, both were due to return to their home bases after yesterday's game. However Anwar Uddin is not featured in the Bristol Rovers squad on their official site, whereas when he first came to Edgar Street mention was made of his loan to the Bulls. Whether this can be taken to mean that he is able to continue on-loan to Hereford is not certain.
Chris Palmer from Derby has had the difficult task of taking over Paul Parry's place in the squad. Whether he has, in Turner's opinion, fitted in well enough for Derby to be asked if his loan spell can continue remains to be seen.
However even if the two loan players stay for another month, the Bulls look short of a mid-field man to take Ben Smith's place. Graham Turner will need to bring someone in early this week to give any player time to slot in at Edgar Street.
Turner usually plays his cards close to his chest, but if the Bulls are to remain in contention for that top spot, he will need to strengthen his squad urgently.