Sunday, January 14, 2024

Caddis Hopes Injured Players Will Soon Be Back


After winning yesterday's game with five players missing, Hereford manager Paul Caddis said he hoped those players would soon be available.

But first he explained why Jason Cowley, who was sent off last Saturday, couldn't play.

"His suspension started today," said Caddis.

"I think it's to do with the type of red card, I think it's because it's violent conduct so he misses three games, today, Kings Lynn and Rushall."

Four other players were missing.

"Last week was probably the worst Sunday I've had since I took the job.

"We went up there and lost 3-0.

"We then lost Andy Williams who didn't even come on the pitch, his calf is really sore.

"We lost Babos after 15 minutes, we lost Cowley red card, we lost Paul Downing with a hamstring, we lost Jordan Lyden to a calf.

"I don't think the pitch helped, It's not an excuse.

"The reason we took Lyden off with half an hour to go was to protect him.

"But the boys who have in today have done briiliant. It shows we've got a decent enough squad now.

"I just said to the players it's January 13th, we're still up the top end of the division, we're into the last 16, we're a brand new group.

"We're not making excuses in terms of injuries, we've dealt with it, it's not been ideal but we've got over it.

"And the bigger picture is that these lads have turned a lot of negativety when we first came to the club and turned it into positives.

"The supporters are right behind us, the players have got that connection with them.

"So far, so good."

But Caddis revealed that he only had nine fit players when training finished last Tuesday.

"It's been a tough week.

"I think I picked up a couple more grey hairs on Tuesday night when we finished.

"We're hoping Babos, Lyden, Willo - it's difficult with Willo. He came back from a long term injury, these niggles are going to happen - and Paul Downing, we'll see how he progresses during the week.

"I don't imagine any of the four being out for any longer than two weeks.

"Hopefully it's two or three days but we see on Tuesday."