Poyet's challenge to Hoskins

Will Hoskins Will Hoskins

Gus Poyet has challenged Will Hoskins to force his way back into the Albion first team.

But he does not expect the striker to be ready to compete for a place in the home game against Middlesbrough on Saturday.

Hoskins returns to full training with the rest of the squad tomorrow after recovering from a broken foot sustained in pre-season.

Poyet was disappointed to see the striker opt to join Sheffield United on loan for the second half of last season.

But the Albion boss said: “There is nothing for or against. He is under contract and it depends on a lot of options.

“He left last January, he never played for us again.

“It depends on him now, not on me. It is not in my hands, it’s in his hands.

“It depends if he is good enough to perform.

“If you can do better than someone else, you can play.”

Hoskins has not been listed in the Albion squad printed on the back of the match programme for home games.

The same applies to out of favour Matt Sparrow and Romain Vincelot.

Poyet said: “When he deserves to be there he will get a number.

“If in December or January, if the best player on the pitch in training for weeks is Matt Sparrow, he will get a number and he will play.”

Hoskins had made a bright start to pre-season before he was injured on the trip to Spain.

Poyet said: “Last week he was doing everything you can do but on his own – sprinting, jumping, turning, kicking the ball, passing. “From Tuesday he joins in with the team.

“That doesn’t mean he is going to be available to play straight away.”

Craig Mackail-Smith, Andrew Crofts, Will Buckley and Vicente are also due to rejoin the squad when work resumes tomorrow.

Comments(37)

7Rookie says...
9:50am Mon 15 Oct 12

Hope he gets fit and reproduces the form that brought him here. Was looking good in preseason and we need more competition up top

Gibseagull says...
9:54am Mon 15 Oct 12

At last, guarded recognition from Gus that Hoskins may have a part to play. I believe Hoskins has the wherewithall to become an excellent Championship striker for us so long as he doesn't get injured again. Given his recent history of injuries, a fully fit Hoskins would be like signing a new player in a key area for us. Fingers crossed!

the taffster says...
10:03am Mon 15 Oct 12

both vincelot and hoskins are championship players,i dont know why vincelot is out of favour.he looks a class act.

Captain Haddock says...
10:33am Mon 15 Oct 12

First, I agree with you Taffster.

Secondly, I think Gus's comments above sound very stern (albeit with a carrot being dangled) but actually I have heard from my source that Gus has a blanket policy of not wanting players included in the programme team listings etc unless and until they are in first team squad contention.

He could perhaps have articulated that in a slightly gentler fashion here but then this is Gus we are talking about! (Said more with bemused endearment than as a dig btw).

Clean Sheet says...
10:52am Mon 15 Oct 12

I think we need to remind ourselves that while GP speaks good English, it is not his first, or probably his second language, so sometimes his comments may not be as he means them. I can stumble by in Italian, but I'm not sure I could convey all my thoughts.

Dr Baldhead says...
11:08am Mon 15 Oct 12

Like many I think given a run of games and an uplift in confidence, Will can show his worth and improve the team.

The irony is that his deal with us runs out next May. If he has a good second half of the season, as we all hope he will, the chances are he'll leave on a free anyway - I think it was take something very special to entice him to re-sign for Albion after the way he's been treated.

dave from bexill says...
11:24am Mon 15 Oct 12

Yep, agree. What I've seen of Vincelot, he can cover adequately in a number of positions, particularly at left back for Bridge.
I think it's good that Hoskins seem on the way back at last(again) as he looked a decent player in a position where we we remain short of good options, especially when CMS is injured. I'm not sure off hand how many games Will has played since arriving at the Albion, either for us or whilst on loan at Sheffield Utd,but it's obviously very few. I wonder how it is then that he's not had the sort of anti feeling that Vicente has had to suffer on here from some quarters.
I was away for a few days last week and looked forward to catching up with all things Albion on my return, only to find the Vicente saga was back on the agenda to the point where frankly it's boring and in some cases stupid, in particular those who seem to think he's pulling a fast one because he wants away. With regard to what Taricco was saying about not knowing for sure Vicente's fitness situation, it seems to me all he's stating is that the club awaits information from the medics, which is not the same as saying neither he nor Gus have had contact or conversations with Vicente or any other injured player.
I do think also that on occasion Gus and Mauricio's words get taken out of context. The are Spanish speakers and though their English is excellent, interpretation can be misleading and perhaps the Argus would be better suited to confirming things rather than quoting their words verbatim.
Anyway it's nice to be back and have a moan. My wfe says I'm a miserable so and so when there's no game for a fortnight. UTA

dave from bexill says...
11:27am Mon 15 Oct 12

Clean Sheet wrote:
I think we need to remind ourselves that while GP speaks good English, it is not his first, or probably his second language, so sometimes his comments may not be as he means them. I can stumble by in Italian, but I'm not sure I could convey all my thoughts.
Absolutely Clean Sheet

tug509 says...
12:14pm Mon 15 Oct 12

I would like to think that Hoskins and Vincelot have still got a bright future with us.Hoskins especially needs to earn a place for both his and our good.I hope he reads this thread as i have no doubt the vast majority want him to have his chance.Vincelot always looked at ease on the ball and happy to play anywhere,so i hope he can up his game sufficiently to impress Gus. Sorry Dave from Bexhill,but how can you assume to interpret exactly what GP and MT mean about Vicente,none of us on here can do that ,which is why we judge the position as best we can from the facts available.The facts being ,he is not fit and not available,and we are almost a quater way tthrough the season.No witch hunt just the way it is. On the rumours site we are being strongly linked with Piazon and Wilson (Liverpool and Chelsea res) for a short loan!..UTA

Claude Back says...
12:22pm Mon 15 Oct 12

Captain Haddock wrote:
First, I agree with you Taffster.

Secondly, I think Gus's comments above sound very stern (albeit with a carrot being dangled) but actually I have heard from my source that Gus has a blanket policy of not wanting players included in the programme team listings etc unless and until they are in first team squad contention.

He could perhaps have articulated that in a slightly gentler fashion here but then this is Gus we are talking about! (Said more with bemused endearment than as a dig btw).
I agree with you Cap'n also with Clean Sheet. Gus seems to have taken it personally because Hoskins wanted to go out on loan when he could not get a game here.

Claude Back says...
12:22pm Mon 15 Oct 12

Captain Haddock wrote:
First, I agree with you Taffster.

Secondly, I think Gus's comments above sound very stern (albeit with a carrot being dangled) but actually I have heard from my source that Gus has a blanket policy of not wanting players included in the programme team listings etc unless and until they are in first team squad contention.

He could perhaps have articulated that in a slightly gentler fashion here but then this is Gus we are talking about! (Said more with bemused endearment than as a dig btw).
I agree with you Cap'n also with Clean Sheet. Gus seems to have taken it personally because Hoskins wanted to go out on loan when he could not get a game here.

IRISHGULL says...
1:14pm Mon 15 Oct 12

Just been on the middlesbrough news website, it looks like they are really struggling up front with injuries. Combined with our defensive record, all bodes well for saturday

tinker000 says...
1:17pm Mon 15 Oct 12

Vincelot (NOT EL SPANYO) should be on bench fb/cb cover ,Hoskins well how big is the sick bed????.

BITE on this you non stop posters

Tommy11 says...
1:28pm Mon 15 Oct 12

I have just seen on the Albion website that you can buy the live game Albion 0-1 Birmingham on DVD for £9.99!!....what a bargain!!

I work in Croydon and just seen Hoskins in a CPFC tracksuit having a coffee and chin wag with Glen Murray.

pte says...
2:42pm Mon 15 Oct 12

Tommy11 wrote:
I have just seen on the Albion website that you can buy the live game Albion 0-1 Birmingham on DVD for £9.99!!....what a bargain!!

I work in Croydon and just seen Hoskins in a CPFC tracksuit having a coffee and chin wag with Glen Murray.
Was that at Greggs the Bakers? Coffee and a bacon roll for £1.99

markymark03 says...
3:02pm Mon 15 Oct 12

Hoskins,

The Man,

The Myth (very much so),

The legend?

Saul G P Tong says...
3:05pm Mon 15 Oct 12

From the noises that Gus is making it's 'Last Chance Saloon' for Hoskins to prove himself at the club so let's hope he remains injury free and can re-establish himself within the squad. Sounds like his previous personal problems are behind him too so fingers crossed and good luck Will.

pablobrowno says...
4:33pm Mon 15 Oct 12

I think Hoskins is probably very similar to Dobbie, and I think Dobbie is probably the better version.

Bish May Turn says...
5:27pm Mon 15 Oct 12

If you fall out of favour with our Gus it can be a very long road back into the circle of trust, just ask Nicky Forster. Hoskins has got to lose the sick note label and make an impact with the Albion should his chance arise. Like many on here, i believe he is a decent player, would just like the chance to see him in action fully fit.

VegasSeagull says...
7:37pm Mon 15 Oct 12

No one has a right to expect to make the team sheet, each player must earn that right.
To look to go out on loan because you can't force your way onto the sheet says more about the player than it does Gus.
When Hoskins chose a loan deal he took away an option for Gus, not a clever move if Gus asked him not to go. The loan deal over he now has to prove himself again for if he doesn't then his next move might turn out to be permanent.
Players have to commit to clubs, clubs don't have to commit to players. It's all about performances and performances are all about the player. Hoskins will get his chance, there will be matches for him but only he can deliver what is needed to keep him on the sheet.
I don't care who it is, CMS, Bridge or Tom, if your form goes away then it is up to you to get it back, there are enough in the squad to replace you. Those that get their chance to shine must take it when they can, nobody is owed anything by Gus, anything other than the chance to deliver.

Jonathan Mouette says...
8:17pm Mon 15 Oct 12

Words fail me... Let me try... Patronising...? Condescending...? Supercilious...? The latter is probably closest but is still not quite there. Unbelievable.

Good luck Will, I sincerely hope it works out for you (and, as a result, for us). Fingers crossed.

Hovite says...
8:38pm Mon 15 Oct 12

Supercilious is quite a powerful word JM according to my friend Thesaurus.

tug509 says...
11:25pm Mon 15 Oct 12

BRIGHTON & HOVE ALBION ARE IRREDEEMABLY INCREDIBLY FANTASTICALLY MAGNIFICENTLY SUPERBLY BRILLIANT .And there not bad either,...and you think your bored with no game!!!!...UTA

Jonathan Mouette says...
7:57am Tue 16 Oct 12

To anyone who is confused, my previous posting referred to the contribution made immediately before me, not to GP or other contributors. And no, supercilious isn't too strong in this particular case. Voilà!

dave from bexill says...
8:24am Tue 16 Oct 12

Vegas, who exactly are they, these players in the squad who can replace "CMS, Bridge or Tom" I assume you don't mean like for like?

hoskins a winner says...
9:08am Tue 16 Oct 12

Will Hoskins is still the only i have seen in 54 years of supporting the Seagulls whom our supporters were singing sign him up when he was playing for the opposition. He is a class act and probably one of only 5 or 6 of this squad that could play in the Premiership
Just needs to be fit and have pitch time

Cabin fever says...
9:18am Tue 16 Oct 12

Jonathan Mouette wrote:
To anyone who is confused, my previous posting referred to the contribution made immediately before me, not to GP or other contributors. And no, supercilious isn't too strong in this particular case. Voilà!
It was lost on me, because I don't bother reading his drivel.

What's the problem?

Hovite says...
10:06am Tue 16 Oct 12

It's a great example of the word JM ;o)

Baldseagull says...
10:08am Tue 16 Oct 12

Vegas, before Hoskins went out on loan, Gus had agreed a deal with Bournemouth to offload him, for the same fee we paid.
The player first heard of the deal at the same time as the rest of the world, when Bournemouth announced it in the press.
He turned it down almost immediately.
I am pretty sure Hoskins would not have looked to get away on loan if this had not happened.
From the outside, as I see it, Gus did as much, if not more, to sour the relationship.

Hoskins is certainly good enough to have been in the side last season, but spent a lot of time injured, this season he will find it tougher for competition but if he gets a chance I would back him to keep his place, or at least do enough for some of us to wonder why he hasn't.

VegasSeagull says...
12:28pm Tue 16 Oct 12

dave from bexill wrote:
Vegas, who exactly are they, these players in the squad who can replace "CMS, Bridge or Tom" I assume you don't mean like for like?
You assume correctly.The point that the moron missed was, Gus will treat all the same.

VegasSeagull says...
12:29pm Tue 16 Oct 12

VegasSeagull wrote:
dave from bexill wrote: Vegas, who exactly are they, these players in the squad who can replace "CMS, Bridge or Tom" I assume you don't mean like for like?
You assume correctly.The point that the moron missed was, Gus will treat all the same.
IMHO of course

VegasSeagull says...
12:31pm Tue 16 Oct 12

Baldseagull wrote:
Vegas, before Hoskins went out on loan, Gus had agreed a deal with Bournemouth to offload him, for the same fee we paid. The player first heard of the deal at the same time as the rest of the world, when Bournemouth announced it in the press. He turned it down almost immediately. I am pretty sure Hoskins would not have looked to get away on loan if this had not happened. From the outside, as I see it, Gus did as much, if not more, to sour the relationship. Hoskins is certainly good enough to have been in the side last season, but spent a lot of time injured, this season he will find it tougher for competition but if he gets a chance I would back him to keep his place, or at least do enough for some of us to wonder why he hasn't.
and I hope you are right as I too think he has something to offer

Sacre Bleu says...
1:19pm Tue 16 Oct 12

Baldseagull wrote:
Vegas, before Hoskins went out on loan, Gus had agreed a deal with Bournemouth to offload him, for the same fee we paid.
The player first heard of the deal at the same time as the rest of the world, when Bournemouth announced it in the press.
He turned it down almost immediately.
I am pretty sure Hoskins would not have looked to get away on loan if this had not happened.
From the outside, as I see it, Gus did as much, if not more, to sour the relationship.

Hoskins is certainly good enough to have been in the side last season, but spent a lot of time injured, this season he will find it tougher for competition but if he gets a chance I would back him to keep his place, or at least do enough for some of us to wonder why he hasn't.
Re Hoskins, you do well to remind us of the debacle over the "deal" with Bournemouth.

lAnd I don't buy this business of GP/MT's words or intentions being misinterpreted through language shortcomings. More a case of not knowing when to say less show solidarity with the players. Recently we were told that senior management had no regular contact with injured players (eg Vicente) because "the medical room is the other side of the training ground", and now we learn that Will Hoskins' loan to Sheffield United was contrary to the manager's wishes and that as a result seems to be on some kind of probation under which he has to convince the boss that he's still up to the job! Ditto Vincelot. Some things are surely better dealt with in confidence between the parties concerned? All we need to know is whether a player is fit, back in training, fully committed and in contention for selection. And in a similar vein, do we have to be assured repeatedly that we "will love Dobbie" - surely that's up to the supporters to decide? Sounds like someone's not convinced...........
...

CAKEBEARD says...
1:42pm Tue 16 Oct 12

pablobrowno wrote:
I think Hoskins is probably very similar to Dobbie, and I think Dobbie is probably the better version.
Diagree Pablobrowno, Hoskins is way better than Dobie who is limited.

CAKEBEARD says...
1:43pm Tue 16 Oct 12

pablobrowno wrote:
I think Hoskins is probably very similar to Dobbie, and I think Dobbie is probably the better version.
Diagree Pablobrowno, Hoskins is way better than Dobie who is limited.

Jake-Forster-Caskey-Peng says...
1:43pm Tue 16 Oct 12

i would love to see more of will in more ways than 1

SecondReserve says...
7:24pm Tue 16 Oct 12

It's very hard to know what to make of Hoskins. The facts are that since he joined we have played 56 league matches, of which Hoskins has started just 2 (and he was substituted both times) and come on as a sub 5 times. So in 15 months he has not yet played a full game for us. That could be considered to constitute being a sicknote (after all even Vicente has played an awful lot more than Hoskins). But, regardless of that, as he hasn't yet played even one full match we don't really have any idea whether he's good enough or not.

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