Roberts Skips Training

Gary Roberts was dropped from todays squad after skipping two training sessions during the week. The news was confirmed on Radio Stoke by Steve Holland following the 1-0 defeat at Carlisle, which Roberts missed.

Holland, clearly not in the mood for messing about, told the media that Roberts may be included in the squad for Tuesday’s trip to Swansea if he turns up for training in the next couple of days.

Holland told CreweAlex.net: ‘Gary was left out of the team for disciplinary reasons. He missed a training session last week and wasn’t considered for a place because of that. If he trains on Monday then he will be under consideration for Tuesday’s night’s trip to Swansea.’

Leaving Roberts out of the side all seems a bit over the top for missing a training session or two. He shouldn’t have done it and should definitely be disciplined, but if he’s not turning up for training then you wonder if telling him to have the Saturday off is the worst punishment we can hand out? A fine and extra training next week should surely be sufficient.

Leaving him out of the side against the likes of Carlisle, and maybe Swansea, does not help the team one bit. It could also backfire on Holland as I think fans will take Roberts’ side before they take Holland’s – regardless of Roberts’ actions.

What are your thoughts?