White can help ease U's defensive shortage

7:45am Thursday 18th October 2012 in Sport

Reliable - John White can play anywhere in the back four for Colchester United. Reliable - John White can play anywhere in the back four for Colchester United.

Colchester United manager Joe Dunne says he would have no hesitation turning to long-serving John White to help ease his defensive problems.

The U’s could be left short of central defensive cover for the visit of Carlisle United this weekend, following Matt Heath’s hamstring injury.

Heath was withdrawn in the second half of Colchester’s 2-1 friendly win over West Ham United.

And although it appears as though the injury is not as bad as first feared, the experienced defender could still be set for a spell on the sidelines.

See Thursday's Gazette for more on this story and all of the latest Colchester United news, including Karl Duguid's exclusive weekly column.

Comments(14)

super waluigi says...
8:00am Thu 18 Oct 12

What about bender and aldred. I thought they had been loaned out for this purpose.

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U's fan says...
9:28am Thu 18 Oct 12

I think Aldred is on loan to Barrow until the end of November unless we inserted a call back clause he is going to be a Barrow player until then.

I think Bender is available at present but I would rather see John White play instead he has done a good job in that position before and has much more experience.

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Noah4x4 says...
9:46am Thu 18 Oct 12

Whilst unfortunate for Matt Heath (his disappointment was obvious on Tuesday as he limped off), I think it is a good move to try and mould John White into a central defender rather than persist with him only at full back.

Like Magnus and Eastman, he is a popular, good, solid, no-nonsence tackling defender, but perhaps lacks the ball playing skills of our incumbent full backs and some of those in reserve. It is simply a question of style and fit with the current U's tactics and line up and not necessarily one of relative ability. I think a shift of position into central defence could revive his career.

Bender, Aldred, Coker and Ramm are excellent future prospects, but I think Joe Dunne is right to currently offer them loan and/or U21 experience, and turn to John White for centre back cover in the absence of Heath. As an able full back, John also offers cover there, perhaps allowing more options on the bench in midfield and up front where our new style of play often demands fresh legs after 70 minutes. However, to achieve such complete 'utility' status John does need some games at centre back under his belt(particularly in the light of our new tactics); initially from the bench and with the reserves. In summary, I think this is a good opportunity for John and fans should welcome Joe Dunne's confidence in him.

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Surb says...
10:01am Thu 18 Oct 12

John White should be playing anyway, instead of Wilson... end of.

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Ozzie says...
2:09pm Thu 18 Oct 12

John White is a star and needs to be back in the first team as soon as possible or we may be in danger of losing our seasoned campaigner elsewhere. He is a true club man and deserves his chance, in whatever capacity that be, left back, right back, or centre half. He could adapt easily into any of those roles. I agree with previous posts, as much as I like Brian Wilson, I would like to see John given his chance in the first team again possibly at right back, but then again Karl Duguid could always cover that position. Up the U's!!

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Boris says...
3:53pm Thu 18 Oct 12

Agreed, John White is one of our best players, and he should be a permanent fixture in our starting line-up, as he has been for various long periods in the past.

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U'sforever says...
5:07pm Thu 18 Oct 12

I see by the Price of Football 2012 survey the u's cheapest season ticket costs more than seven premiership teams cheapest season tickets, and 16 championship teams cheapest season tickets, And the dearest in league one. WHY?

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U'sforever says...
5:39pm Thu 18 Oct 12

sorry the second dearest in league one

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crazy comments says...
5:59pm Thu 18 Oct 12

super waluigi wrote:
What about bender and aldred. I thought they had been loaned out for this purpose.
Having watched a few matches involving the second strings I have to admit that I dont think Tom Bender or Aldred will be successfull playing as centre backs. I've mentioned it before Bender does not have the physique to be a centre back, far to lightweight, though could be more adapted as a midfield player. John White to me is the best alternative we have, and I think J.W. has it spot on.

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Toecap Joe says...
6:54pm Thu 18 Oct 12

I, and several friends, feel that Brian Wilson would make a good midfielder.

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wellnow says...
8:45am Fri 19 Oct 12

don't quite understand the comment.john white is a colchester player free and fit to play.super who is the j.w.you refer to?

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super waluigi says...
11:36am Fri 19 Oct 12

Dunno wellnow. I never mentioned any j.w!!!!! Ask crazy

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crazy comments says...
5:33pm Fri 19 Oct 12

wellnow wrote:
don't quite understand the comment.john white is a colchester player free and fit to play.super who is the j.w.you refer to?
Ooops, Sorry supposed to be J.D. not J.W. my mistake.

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Boris says...
2:39am Mon 22 Oct 12

Well now John White is half way there - he played half a match. Hope he will soon start some games.

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