Player-boss hints at impact role for ‘Faz’
CHRIS TARDIF says playing on a 3G and players that can make an impact off the bench were foremost in his mind in selecting the match-day 16 for Saturday’s Hepburn’s Muratti Vase final.
Three uncapped players – Charlton Gauvain, Harry Tobin and Will Fazakerley – are included with the most debated pick being the quick elevation of striker and former professional cricketer, Fazakerley, who runs hot and cold.
It would surprise few that Tardif’s ‘impact’ reference was directed at the U21s Muratti man of the match, but perhaps the biggest debate remains who plays in goal and will the side play with a back three or four.
Tardif’s not for telling and he says although he has his starting XI fixed in his mind, nobody will know until after training tomorrow night.
It would be quite some story, and a fairytale ending to a fantastic career, if Tardif gives himself the No. 1 shirt and the Greens successfully defend the trophy.
Either way, it is almost certain to be his very last game.
He said that choosing the initial 25-man training squad was harder than naming the last 16.
‘But as time went by it picked itself with injuries and players playing themselves in or out of the squad,’ he said.
One of those injured players is Keanu Marsh, who got time against Upton Park FC last weekend, but struggled.
Thomas Dodds, player of the season for GFC in 2016-17 but dogged by injury this campaign, failed to make the last 16 despite a terrific showing for the U21s.
‘I think he’s a little bit off where he was last year, but his response to being told was top notch. He wished us all the best and it was a great reaction. It shows the character of the lad.’
Tardif said versatility was also key to selection in a smaller squad of 16.
