Nathan Jones has admitted he has to be guarded over the fitness of certain players, even if that starts the supporter rumour mill spinning, because rival clubs are watching to try to gain an advantage.
Right back James Bree was a surprise omission from squad last Saturday as Luton lost 1-0 at Blackburn Rovers, while midfielder Joe Morrell had also been absent in the weeks prior.
Jones last week revealed it was because the Wales international had to have an injection in his heel, but says he couldn’t reveal that earlier.
Asked about Bree’s availability for the Championship clash at home to Huddersfield on Saturday, the manager said: “James Bree was almost involved last week but his calf wasn’t quite right. I don’t read social media but I understand there’s a lot of people on social media saying, ‘what happened to him?’
“One here, it’s very, very difficult for me to give you as much information as I possibly could because managers look at interviews and see. There’s analysts and everything is online now and they listen to it and see he’s injured, or he’s not playing, he’s this, or he’s that.
“So, I could give certain things away if I give too much information. I understand fans want information. (They’ll say) ‘well, how’s James Bree?’ ‘How about Joe Morrell?’
“We don’t get rid of players or treat people badly. Some people, at times, like Joe Morrell, he needed an injection in his heel, so he couldn’t play for two games.
“For me to say that, people say, ‘well, Joe Morrell’s not going to play now’.
“So, I want to give fans an understanding of why we don’t give too much away on a Thursday. If you (media) want to ask questions after on a Saturday, fine, I’ll give honest answers, but right now, we’ve got to be careful.
“I could be training with ten players here at the minute, but I wouldn’t let you know because that would give a lot to the opposition.
“James Bree was almost close to playing last week. He trained on Friday, didn’t feel quite right, so we pulled him from the game. That’s where we are with him.”
Superb post however I was wondering if you could write a litte more on this subject? I’d be very grateful if you could elaborate a little bit more. Kudos!
I have supported the club for over forty years . I have contributed to funs via buckets and season tickets etc . I would ask for transparency on club accounts . When I still read player sold or bought for undisclosed fees ? We as a club must develope together for the good of the club .