Being kicked all over the park

By Unnamed Sauce29/5 13:41Fri May 29 13:41:51 2026In response to Re: Jardine asks to leave

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There is one other fact that has been (as yet ) overlooked. Due to his size and shape Kyle is more what us old bast***s used to refer to as an "inside forward." A finisher. Often a clinical one. That was my position as a player. You get kicked all over the place, every game. Sometimes accidentally, if you use a bit of trickery. Sometimes deliberately, and mostly off the ball, as inside forwards tend(ed) to score a lot , and defenders hate having the mickey taken out of them.

I only ever played at a much lower level than Kyle but every Saturday I'd come away from a match black and blue. I had to soak in the bath afterwards so I could see which were cuts and which were bruises. I had a full time job. I could not afford to go into work on a Monday on crutches.

Kyle got far more physical treatment than he deserved last season. Officials gave him very little protection. You could never fault his courage, but maybe a part of him is saying " I'm not sure I want this." Our style also gave him little protection. We expected him to make the chances, as well as score them.

If playing football isn't fun any more, especially at this level you sometimes have to change clubs or reconsider your onfield role and also maybe reconsider the level that is best for you. I really get that. And I really respect it.