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Disparity between McCarthy’s version of Tomlins fitness AND

Wed Mar 24, 2021 11:59 am

My View:
Tomlin on his day can be pure class, but you don’t see enough of it and that’s the problem.


50 odd appearances for Cardiff City in over three & a half years is not good enough and if Tomlin does not break in to the first team on a regular basics by April, it’s sure time to move him on?




There appears to be a disparity between Mick McCarthy's version of Tomlin's fitness and his own. Judging by his social media posts, he feels he is ready for a return to first-team action.


By Glen Williams

Wednesday 24th March 2021

McCarthy, though, insists he is not at the level required for his high-octane, pressing football.

“Tomlin is way of the fitness I require from my players and I expect 110% on the pitch from everyone of them.”


Tomlin seems to have struggled with every club he has been with his weight.


Tomlin was the star of the show last season, providing the stardust as Cardiff rocketed up to the play-off spots, having been cast aside by previous manager Neil Warnock.

It is too early to say whether Tomlin will enjoy a relationship with McCarthy more akin to Neil Harris or Neil Warnock, but the early signs don't fill you with too much confidence.

Perhaps McCarthy is just taking a more cautious approach and Tomlin, who has been playing regularly for Steve Morison's under-23s, will be right as rain after the international break, ready to kick on at the back end of the season.

Re: Disparity between McCarthy’s version of Tomlins fitness

Wed Mar 24, 2021 12:05 pm

Sadly Tomlin has had problems everywhere he has gone.



Lee Tomlin was almost two stone overweight... now the Middlesbrough star is out to devour Arsenal

Daily Mail

Lee Tomlin was rejected as a teenager by Leicester City and Liverpool

The forward was even sent out on loan by Rushden and Diamonds

He revived his career with help of Peterborough boss Darren Ferguson

Tomlin was sent off when Middlesbrough scouts went to watch him

The 26-year-old is now considered the finest player in the Championship

Lee Tomlin would be the first to admit he has gone dangerously close to blowing his career.

The Middlesbrough forward had a rather poor attitude and was kicked out of Leicester City — he was even sent out on loan by Rushden and Diamonds.
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Re: Disparity between McCarthy’s version of Tomlins fitness

Wed Mar 24, 2021 12:35 pm

I watched the U23 game that Tomlin played in this week against Birmingham.

He did nothing. As for his striking partner Isaak Davies he was awesome. Davies is far further up the ladder for the first team than Tomlin is going on that game.

Re: Disparity between McCarthy’s version of Tomlins fitness

Wed Mar 24, 2021 12:40 pm

This is the only criticism I have of McCarthy at the moment but I think MM is wrong in asking for Tomlin to be able to play 90mins before bringing him into the team. Time and time again Tomlin has shown he only needs 20mins to change a game, just look at last season:

1-1 draw v Sheff W. Subbed on 76mins, 1 goal.
2-2 draw v Charlton. Subbed on 67mins, 1 goal.
2-1 win v West Brom. Subbed on 64mins, 1 goal.
3-1 win v Preston. Subbed on 77mins, 1 assist.
1-0 win v Bristol. Subbed on 66mins, 1 assist

Most goals and most assists last season despite being 11th in terms of minutes played says how valuable he is.

Mick has had an incredible start it can't be denied but if Tomlin is fit enough to have been playing 90mins for the U23's I think he should be making the first team bench as an impact sub to see the games out.

Re: Disparity between McCarthy’s version of Tomlins fitness

Wed Mar 24, 2021 12:42 pm

Bakedalasker wrote:I watched the U23 game that Tomlin played in this week against Birmingham.

He did nothing. As for his striking partner Isaak Davies he was awesome. Davies is far further up the ladder for the first team than Tomlin is going on that game.


Brum completely dominated the game, I dont think anyone played particularly well. Tomlins link up play was pretty good though. He put Harris through on goal in the first half and Tomlin was also clean through on goal in the second half but the city player didn't put him through.

The decision making throughout the game was pretty poor, compared to how well they've played in recent games.

Re: Disparity between McCarthy’s version of Tomlins fitness

Wed Mar 24, 2021 12:53 pm

WestCoastBlue wrote:This is the only criticism I have of McCarthy at the moment but I think MM is wrong in asking for Tomlin to be able to play 90mins before bringing him into the team. Time and time again Tomlin has shown he only needs 20mins to change a game, just look at last season:

1-1 draw v Sheff W. Subbed on 76mins, 1 goal.
2-2 draw v Charlton. Subbed on 67mins, 1 goal.
2-1 win v West Brom. Subbed on 64mins, 1 goal.
3-1 win v Preston. Subbed on 77mins, 1 assist.
1-0 win v Bristol. Subbed on 66mins, 1 assist

Most goals and most assists last season despite being 11th in terms of minutes played says how valuable he is.

Mick has had an incredible start it can't be denied but if Tomlin is fit enough to have been playing 90mins for the U23's I think he should be making the first team bench as an impact sub to see the games out.


If we are chasing a game, I can't ever see mick turning to the youngsters to change try change the game. We do have Williams but for a 'creative' player, his career shows he isnt that creative. He does drive forward and win free kicks ect though I suppose. Whatever people's opinions are of Tomlin, he's a game changer. He's played 90mins of the last 2 u23s games now. I'm sure if he can do that then he can run for 10-15mins in a proper game.

Re: Disparity between McCarthy’s version of Tomlins fitness

Wed Mar 24, 2021 12:58 pm

Except for one season the guy been stealing a living at this club. Leave him ho on free and pay him off. Bad example to the yongsters!!

Mental health issues I guess are up for discussion and might explain a lot I guess. Just seems a everday convenient excuse today .


But hey, Im no expert and depresion effects us all regardless of class .

Re: Disparity between McCarthy’s version of Tomlins fitness

Wed Mar 24, 2021 12:59 pm

did those cryptic tweets mean he had covid then? explain the strange absence.

Re: Disparity between McCarthy’s version of Tomlins fitness

Wed Mar 24, 2021 1:05 pm

blue lagoon wrote:Except for one season the guy been stealing a living at this club. Leave him ho on free and pay him off. Bad example to the yongsters!!

Mental health issues I guess are up for discussion and might explain a lot I guess. Just seems a everday convenient excuse today .


But hey, Im no expert and depresion effects us all regardless of class .


Id imagine its not very convenient for the people suffering from mental health issues.

Re: Disparity between McCarthy’s version of Tomlins fitness

Wed Mar 24, 2021 1:20 pm

Bakedalasker wrote:I watched the U23 game that Tomlin played in this week against Birmingham.

He did nothing. As for his striking partner Isaak Davies he was awesome. Davies is far further up the ladder for the first team than Tomlin is going on that game.



Ian, I watched the whole game live you and I was shocked he did absolutely nothing, just plodding about.

Re: Disparity between McCarthy’s version of Tomlins fitness

Wed Mar 24, 2021 1:24 pm

WestCoastBlue wrote:This is the only criticism I have of McCarthy at the moment but I think MM is wrong in asking for Tomlin to be able to play 90mins before bringing him into the team. Time and time again Tomlin has shown he only needs 20mins to change a game, just look at last season:

1-1 draw v Sheff W. Subbed on 76mins, 1 goal.
2-2 draw v Charlton. Subbed on 67mins, 1 goal.
2-1 win v West Brom. Subbed on 64mins, 1 goal.
3-1 win v Preston. Subbed on 77mins, 1 assist.
1-0 win v Bristol. Subbed on 66mins, 1 assist

Most goals and most assists last season despite being 11th in terms of minutes played says how valuable he is.

Mick has had an incredible start it can't be denied but if Tomlin is fit enough to have been playing 90mins for the U23's I think he should be making the first team bench as an impact sub to see the games out.



yes mate that list happened after him turning up fit on year 3 of a 3 year contract.. then he got injured...and being able to play 90 minutes against youngsters who will mostly never play for their respective first teams can be a long way off being 1st team.. there are different levels

Re: Disparity between McCarthy’s version of Tomlins fitness

Wed Mar 24, 2021 1:27 pm

WestCoastBlue wrote:This is the only criticism I have of McCarthy at the moment but I think MM is wrong in asking for Tomlin to be able to play 90mins before bringing him into the team. Time and time again Tomlin has shown he only needs 20mins to change a game, just look at last season:

1-1 draw v Sheff W. Subbed on 76mins, 1 goal.
2-2 draw v Charlton. Subbed on 67mins, 1 goal.
2-1 win v West Brom. Subbed on 64mins, 1 goal.
3-1 win v Preston. Subbed on 77mins, 1 assist.
1-0 win v Bristol. Subbed on 66mins, 1 assist

Most goals and most assists last season despite being 11th in terms of minutes played says how valuable he is.

Mick has had an incredible start it can't be denied but if Tomlin is fit enough to have been playing 90mins for the U23's I think he should be making the first team bench as an impact sub to see the games out.




Tomlin needs to get fit first and that’s been his problem at every club.

He has had long enough already to be fit, Mick McCarthy knows what he is doing and has already said a fit Tomlin is a good player and if he thinks Tomlin can change a game nowadays you can be sure Big Mick won’t hesitate to give him a chance.

But 50 odd appearances for us is just not good enough and if you look at his track record he has had a problem at every club.

He is 32 yrs old and by now he should know he has certainly wasted a lot of his life as he is a talented player.

For me well paid for doing nothing.

Re: Disparity between McCarthy’s version of Tomlins fitness

Wed Mar 24, 2021 2:41 pm

skidemin wrote:
WestCoastBlue wrote:This is the only criticism I have of McCarthy at the moment but I think MM is wrong in asking for Tomlin to be able to play 90mins before bringing him into the team. Time and time again Tomlin has shown he only needs 20mins to change a game, just look at last season:

1-1 draw v Sheff W. Subbed on 76mins, 1 goal.
2-2 draw v Charlton. Subbed on 67mins, 1 goal.
2-1 win v West Brom. Subbed on 64mins, 1 goal.
3-1 win v Preston. Subbed on 77mins, 1 assist.
1-0 win v Bristol. Subbed on 66mins, 1 assist

Most goals and most assists last season despite being 11th in terms of minutes played says how valuable he is.

Mick has had an incredible start it can't be denied but if Tomlin is fit enough to have been playing 90mins for the U23's I think he should be making the first team bench as an impact sub to see the games out.



yes mate that list happened after him turning up fit on year 3 of a 3 year contract.. then he got injured...and being able to play 90 minutes against youngsters who will mostly never play for their respective first teams can be a long way off being 1st team.. there are different levels


Of course there are different levels but if Tomlin can play back to back full 90 minutes games for the U23 I would be very surprised if he's not fit enough to play the last 20 minutes of a Championship game

Re: Disparity between McCarthy’s version of Tomlins fitness

Wed Mar 24, 2021 2:49 pm

Forever Blue wrote:
WestCoastBlue wrote:This is the only criticism I have of McCarthy at the moment but I think MM is wrong in asking for Tomlin to be able to play 90mins before bringing him into the team. Time and time again Tomlin has shown he only needs 20mins to change a game, just look at last season:

1-1 draw v Sheff W. Subbed on 76mins, 1 goal.
2-2 draw v Charlton. Subbed on 67mins, 1 goal.
2-1 win v West Brom. Subbed on 64mins, 1 goal.
3-1 win v Preston. Subbed on 77mins, 1 assist.
1-0 win v Bristol. Subbed on 66mins, 1 assist

Most goals and most assists last season despite being 11th in terms of minutes played says how valuable he is.

Mick has had an incredible start it can't be denied but if Tomlin is fit enough to have been playing 90mins for the U23's I think he should be making the first team bench as an impact sub to see the games out.




Tomlin needs to get fit first and that’s been his problem at every club.

He has had long enough already to be fit, Mick McCarthy knows what he is doing and has already said a fit Tomlin is a good player and if he thinks Tomlin can change a game nowadays you can be sure Big Mick won’t hesitate to give him a chance.

But 50 odd appearances for us is just not good enough and if you look at his track record he has had a problem at every club.

He is 32 yrs old and by now he should know he has certainly wasted a lot of his life as he is a talented player.

For me well paid for doing nothing.


This is my point though. MM seems to want Tomlin to be able to play a full 90mins before he gives him a chance back in the first team, but I think we've all seen he's a good enough player that only 20 minutes is enough for him to make an impact on a game. If he can play 2 full 90min games back to back for the U23's then surely he should be fit enough to play 15-20 minutes at the end of a Championship game.

As I said there's basically nothing to fault with MM's time here so far but Tomlin has had issues his entire career, including for us, yet he's still one of our best players despite these fitness issues. But if MM is waiting until he can play 90mins of Championship football then I think he's made a mistake in this case.

Re: Disparity between McCarthy’s version of Tomlins fitness

Wed Mar 24, 2021 4:09 pm

WestCoastBlue wrote:
skidemin wrote:
WestCoastBlue wrote:This is the only criticism I have of McCarthy at the moment but I think MM is wrong in asking for Tomlin to be able to play 90mins before bringing him into the team. Time and time again Tomlin has shown he only needs 20mins to change a game, just look at last season:

1-1 draw v Sheff W. Subbed on 76mins, 1 goal.
2-2 draw v Charlton. Subbed on 67mins, 1 goal.
2-1 win v West Brom. Subbed on 64mins, 1 goal.
3-1 win v Preston. Subbed on 77mins, 1 assist.
1-0 win v Bristol. Subbed on 66mins, 1 assist

Most goals and most assists last season despite being 11th in terms of minutes played says how valuable he is.

Mick has had an incredible start it can't be denied but if Tomlin is fit enough to have been playing 90mins for the U23's I think he should be making the first team bench as an impact sub to see the games out.



yes mate that list happened after him turning up fit on year 3 of a 3 year contract.. then he got injured...and being able to play 90 minutes against youngsters who will mostly never play for their respective first teams can be a long way off being 1st team.. there are different levels


Of course there are different levels but if Tomlin can play back to back full 90 minutes games for the U23 I would be very surprised if he's not fit enough to play the last 20 minutes of a Championship game




its no good saying... of course ...and then following up with how youd be very surprised if one does not mean the other.... huge difference..

Re: Disparity between McCarthy’s version of Tomlins fitness

Wed Mar 24, 2021 4:31 pm

skidemin wrote:
WestCoastBlue wrote:
skidemin wrote:
WestCoastBlue wrote:This is the only criticism I have of McCarthy at the moment but I think MM is wrong in asking for Tomlin to be able to play 90mins before bringing him into the team. Time and time again Tomlin has shown he only needs 20mins to change a game, just look at last season:

1-1 draw v Sheff W. Subbed on 76mins, 1 goal.
2-2 draw v Charlton. Subbed on 67mins, 1 goal.
2-1 win v West Brom. Subbed on 64mins, 1 goal.
3-1 win v Preston. Subbed on 77mins, 1 assist.
1-0 win v Bristol. Subbed on 66mins, 1 assist

Most goals and most assists last season despite being 11th in terms of minutes played says how valuable he is.

Mick has had an incredible start it can't be denied but if Tomlin is fit enough to have been playing 90mins for the U23's I think he should be making the first team bench as an impact sub to see the games out.



yes mate that list happened after him turning up fit on year 3 of a 3 year contract.. then he got injured...and being able to play 90 minutes against youngsters who will mostly never play for their respective first teams can be a long way off being 1st team.. there are different levels


Of course there are different levels but if Tomlin can play back to back full 90 minutes games for the U23 I would be very surprised if he's not fit enough to play the last 20 minutes of a Championship game




its no good saying... of course ...and then following up with how youd be very surprised if one does not mean the other.... huge difference..


I'm saying I understand that the intensity and quality is going to be lower for the U23's but I would be surprised if Tomlin is considered so unfit that he can't come on for 20 minutes at the end of the game. The reasoning for him not being included in matchday squads is lack of fitness.

My point is I think MM is wrong is saying Tomlin isn't at the correct fitness levels because it seems as if MM is waiting until Tomlin can play a full 90minutes of first team football before he can be considered fit enough to play. Personally, I disagree because I think if Tomlin is fit enough to play only half a game or 30 minutes then he would be a useful asset to the team as we saw last season on several occasions (10 games subbed on, 4 goals and 3 assists).

Re: Disparity between McCarthy’s version of Tomlins fitness

Wed Mar 24, 2021 4:45 pm

WestCoastBlue wrote:
skidemin wrote:
WestCoastBlue wrote:
skidemin wrote:
WestCoastBlue wrote:This is the only criticism I have of McCarthy at the moment but I think MM is wrong in asking for Tomlin to be able to play 90mins before bringing him into the team. Time and time again Tomlin has shown he only needs 20mins to change a game, just look at last season:

1-1 draw v Sheff W. Subbed on 76mins, 1 goal.
2-2 draw v Charlton. Subbed on 67mins, 1 goal.
2-1 win v West Brom. Subbed on 64mins, 1 goal.
3-1 win v Preston. Subbed on 77mins, 1 assist.
1-0 win v Bristol. Subbed on 66mins, 1 assist

Most goals and most assists last season despite being 11th in terms of minutes played says how valuable he is.

Mick has had an incredible start it can't be denied but if Tomlin is fit enough to have been playing 90mins for the U23's I think he should be making the first team bench as an impact sub to see the games out.



yes mate that list happened after him turning up fit on year 3 of a 3 year contract.. then he got injured...and being able to play 90 minutes against youngsters who will mostly never play for their respective first teams can be a long way off being 1st team.. there are different levels


Of course there are different levels but if Tomlin can play back to back full 90 minutes games for the U23 I would be very surprised if he's not fit enough to play the last 20 minutes of a Championship game




its no good saying... of course ...and then following up with how youd be very surprised if one does not mean the other.... huge difference..


I'm saying I understand that the intensity and quality is going to be lower for the U23's but I would be surprised if Tomlin is considered so unfit that he can't come on for 20 minutes at the end of the game. The reasoning for him not being included in matchday squads is lack of fitness.

My point is I think MM is wrong is saying Tomlin isn't at the correct fitness levels because it seems as if MM is waiting until Tomlin can play a full 90minutes of first team football before he can be considered fit enough to play. Personally, I disagree because I think if Tomlin is fit enough to play only half a game or 30 minutes then he would be a useful asset to the team as we saw last season on several occasions (10 games subbed on, 4 goals and 3 assists).



the reasoning is a manager of over 1000 games thinks he is not fit enough.... not the first manager to make the same call... and turning out for the under 23s does not trump that.. last season was then and has next to nothing to do with his fitness right now 8 months on and after an op... fitness at this level does not mean if you can stroll through an under 23s game for 90mins your ok for 20 at 1st team...if it did all the ex top end pros who now play veterans over 40s and could probably still look good in an under 23s game would be sat on benches up and down the country...

Re: Disparity between McCarthy’s version of Tomlins fitness

Wed Mar 24, 2021 6:48 pm

Judging by the photos I saw of Tomlin on here, I know who I believe...

Re: Disparity between McCarthy’s version of Tomlins fitness

Wed Mar 24, 2021 6:55 pm

skidemin wrote:
WestCoastBlue wrote:
skidemin wrote:
WestCoastBlue wrote:
skidemin wrote:
WestCoastBlue wrote:This is the only criticism I have of McCarthy at the moment but I think MM is wrong in asking for Tomlin to be able to play 90mins before bringing him into the team. Time and time again Tomlin has shown he only needs 20mins to change a game, just look at last season:

1-1 draw v Sheff W. Subbed on 76mins, 1 goal.
2-2 draw v Charlton. Subbed on 67mins, 1 goal.
2-1 win v West Brom. Subbed on 64mins, 1 goal.
3-1 win v Preston. Subbed on 77mins, 1 assist.
1-0 win v Bristol. Subbed on 66mins, 1 assist

Most goals and most assists last season despite being 11th in terms of minutes played says how valuable he is.

Mick has had an incredible start it can't be denied but if Tomlin is fit enough to have been playing 90mins for the U23's I think he should be making the first team bench as an impact sub to see the games out.



yes mate that list happened after him turning up fit on year 3 of a 3 year contract.. then he got injured...and being able to play 90 minutes against youngsters who will mostly never play for their respective first teams can be a long way off being 1st team.. there are different levels


Of course there are different levels but if Tomlin can play back to back full 90 minutes games for the U23 I would be very surprised if he's not fit enough to play the last 20 minutes of a Championship game




its no good saying... of course ...and then following up with how youd be very surprised if one does not mean the other.... huge difference..


I'm saying I understand that the intensity and quality is going to be lower for the U23's but I would be surprised if Tomlin is considered so unfit that he can't come on for 20 minutes at the end of the game. The reasoning for him not being included in matchday squads is lack of fitness.

My point is I think MM is wrong is saying Tomlin isn't at the correct fitness levels because it seems as if MM is waiting until Tomlin can play a full 90minutes of first team football before he can be considered fit enough to play. Personally, I disagree because I think if Tomlin is fit enough to play only half a game or 30 minutes then he would be a useful asset to the team as we saw last season on several occasions (10 games subbed on, 4 goals and 3 assists).



the reasoning is a manager of over 1000 games thinks he is not fit enough.... not the first manager to make the same call... and turning out for the under 23s does not trump that.. last season was then and has next to nothing to do with his fitness right now 8 months on and after an op... fitness at this level does not mean if you can stroll through an under 23s game for 90mins your ok for 20 at 1st team...if it did all the ex top end pros who now play veterans over 40s and could probably still look good in an under 23s game would be sat on benches up and down the country...


No doubt he knows more and has had decades more knowledge than me in management but managers make mistakes now and again. In this scenario I think he's making a mistake.
In his own words he's said he is waiting until Tomlin can play 90 minutes:
"Lee Tomlin not fit enough yet, no where near to put the effort I require, he is not there yet, I expect 90 minutes of 110%, Lee is a long way off that yet."

It's waiting until Tomlin can play 90 minutes of MM's style which is what I'm criticising. No offence to Lee, but I doubt in his career he's ever been in the form of fitness McCarthy is looking for, the running, pressing, chasing, etc MM has got the team doing is phenomenal. And I think it's beyond Tomlin to reach that fitness at this stage in his career. Most teams Tomlin has played for he's had fitness and weight issues yet he manages to be a very good footballer.
In the remaining games we've got, we'll probably see a couple more like the Huddersfield or Stoke games, tired, slow and uncreative. And it's the games like these where a 15 minute Tomlin cameo at the end can be the difference.

I also think you're doing a disservice to the quality of the U23's, it's not like it's a bunch of hungover 40 year olds strolling around a Sunday league match. I'd say the quality is comparable to some League 2 teams with some of the better U23 squads being on par with top end L2 teams. Consistently playing 90mins at that level should definitely be fit enough for 20 mins at the end of a Championship game.

Re: Disparity between McCarthy’s version of Tomlins fitness

Wed Mar 24, 2021 8:12 pm

Tomlin can be a cracking player but there’s no excuse for being over weight when it’s your job unless you’re on A nice big wage for doing nothing, have a Lamborghini with multiple holidays to Dubai.

Get shot of him.

Re: Disparity between McCarthy’s version of Tomlins fitness

Wed Mar 24, 2021 8:32 pm

Makes me laugh, we must put an arm around Murphy but Tomlin must go. Everyone was saying he must have a new contract last year as he dragged us to the playoffs last season. 10 mins of Tomlin from the bench is worth him being in the first team squad.

Re: Disparity between McCarthy’s version of Tomlins fitness

Wed Mar 24, 2021 10:32 pm

WestCoastBlue wrote:
skidemin wrote:
WestCoastBlue wrote:
skidemin wrote:
WestCoastBlue wrote:
skidemin wrote:
WestCoastBlue wrote:This is the only criticism I have of McCarthy at the moment but I think MM is wrong in asking for Tomlin to be able to play 90mins before bringing him into the team. Time and time again Tomlin has shown he only needs 20mins to change a game, just look at last season:

1-1 draw v Sheff W. Subbed on 76mins, 1 goal.
2-2 draw v Charlton. Subbed on 67mins, 1 goal.
2-1 win v West Brom. Subbed on 64mins, 1 goal.
3-1 win v Preston. Subbed on 77mins, 1 assist.
1-0 win v Bristol. Subbed on 66mins, 1 assist

Most goals and most assists last season despite being 11th in terms of minutes played says how valuable he is.

Mick has had an incredible start it can't be denied but if Tomlin is fit enough to have been playing 90mins for the U23's I think he should be making the first team bench as an impact sub to see the games out.



yes mate that list happened after him turning up fit on year 3 of a 3 year contract.. then he got injured...and being able to play 90 minutes against youngsters who will mostly never play for their respective first teams can be a long way off being 1st team.. there are different levels


Of course there are different levels but if Tomlin can play back to back full 90 minutes games for the U23 I would be very surprised if he's not fit enough to play the last 20 minutes of a Championship game




its no good saying... of course ...and then following up with how youd be very surprised if one does not mean the other.... huge difference..


I'm saying I understand that the intensity and quality is going to be lower for the U23's but I would be surprised if Tomlin is considered so unfit that he can't come on for 20 minutes at the end of the game. The reasoning for him not being included in matchday squads is lack of fitness.

My point is I think MM is wrong is saying Tomlin isn't at the correct fitness levels because it seems as if MM is waiting until Tomlin can play a full 90minutes of first team football before he can be considered fit enough to play. Personally, I disagree because I think if Tomlin is fit enough to play only half a game or 30 minutes then he would be a useful asset to the team as we saw last season on several occasions (10 games subbed on, 4 goals and 3 assists).



the reasoning is a manager of over 1000 games thinks he is not fit enough.... not the first manager to make the same call... and turning out for the under 23s does not trump that.. last season was then and has next to nothing to do with his fitness right now 8 months on and after an op... fitness at this level does not mean if you can stroll through an under 23s game for 90mins your ok for 20 at 1st team...if it did all the ex top end pros who now play veterans over 40s and could probably still look good in an under 23s game would be sat on benches up and down the country...


No doubt he knows more and has had decades more knowledge than me in management but managers make mistakes now and again. In this scenario I think he's making a mistake.
In his own words he's said he is waiting until Tomlin can play 90 minutes:
"Lee Tomlin not fit enough yet, no where near to put the effort I require, he is not there yet, I expect 90 minutes of 110%, Lee is a long way off that yet."

It's waiting until Tomlin can play 90 minutes of MM's style which is what I'm criticising. No offence to Lee, but I doubt in his career he's ever been in the form of fitness McCarthy is looking for, the running, pressing, chasing, etc MM has got the team doing is phenomenal. And I think it's beyond Tomlin to reach that fitness at this stage in his career. Most teams Tomlin has played for he's had fitness and weight issues yet he manages to be a very good footballer.
In the remaining games we've got, we'll probably see a couple more like the Huddersfield or Stoke games, tired, slow and uncreative. And it's the games like these where a 15 minute Tomlin cameo at the end can be the difference.

I also think you're doing a disservice to the quality of the U23's, it's not like it's a bunch of hungover 40 year olds strolling around a Sunday league match. I'd say the quality is comparable to some League 2 teams with some of the better U23 squads being on par with top end L2 teams. Consistently playing 90mins at that level should definitely be fit enough for 20 mins at the end of a Championship game.



under 23s is not lge 2 standard... if it were the dozen or so that we leave go every year would all be playing in lge 2 which they are not....and top end pros who continue to play vets tend to not be hungover...would be a bit pointless...
nowhere near the level .. is what it says..no matter whats in your head....

Re: Disparity between McCarthy’s version of Tomlins fitness

Wed Mar 24, 2021 11:49 pm

Tomlin will never be fit to play in a McCarthy side.

Re: Disparity between McCarthy’s version of Tomlins fitness

Thu Mar 25, 2021 6:47 am

Grandstand wrote:Makes me laugh, we must put an arm around Murphy but Tomlin must go. Everyone was saying he must have a new contract last year as he dragged us to the playoffs last season. 10 mins of Tomlin from the bench is worth him being in the first team squad.



You can’t even compare the two.

The one has been the same on and of the pitch at every club he has played for and been given chance after chance.

The other has always kept themselves fit and did need encouragement.

Re: Disparity between McCarthy’s version of Tomlins fitness

Thu Mar 25, 2021 8:04 am

The thing about Tomlin is not so much the injuries, they happen and some people are unlucky.

What really gets me is that every pre-season or return from injury he appears, and I stress “appears”, to have put on noticeable amounts of weight. That simply isn’t acceptable for a professional sportsman.

A couple of extra pounds is to be expected but once the injury rehab has been completed you should really expect a player to be ready get game minutes into their legs and not spend another 4-6 weeks losing weight to allow them to play any more than 20 minutes !

No wonder McCarthy appears to be frustrated!!

Re: Disparity between McCarthy’s version of Tomlins fitness

Thu Mar 25, 2021 8:40 am

Come the summer he'll be gone.

Re: Disparity between McCarthy’s version of Tomlins fitness

Thu Mar 25, 2021 8:42 am

Escott1927 wrote:
blue lagoon wrote:Except for one season the guy been stealing a living at this club. Leave him ho on free and pay him off. Bad example to the yongsters!!

Mental health issues I guess are up for discussion and might explain a lot I guess. Just seems a everday convenient excuse today .


But hey, Im no expert and depresion effects us all regardless of class .


Id imagine its not very convenient for the people suffering from mental health issues.

You're not wrong; and Blue £agoon once agin shows his one-eyed views are so out of date to reality... :roll: :(