Originally Posted by
ccfc_is_my_life
Whitts was on the decline though; not a number 10 nor a ball winning central midfielder, essential to Warnock's formations. Tomlin was bought to be an integral part of the side, number 10 providing that creative spark.
Tomlin hasn't featured for most of the season, playing minor cameos. Don't get me wrong, I fully agree he's capable of changing games for us. What I'm saying is that right now, he's not able to routinely play 90 minutes and for me that's on the player. Nice turn, nice run then gasping for breath.
Tomlin in the past referred to having "big ribs". We've heard his head was all over the place with the court case, community service etc - the reality is it's coming up to halfway through the season and he still does not appear to be physically capable of playing 90 minutes on a regular basis. I've zero doubt his fitness/match fitness is the number one issue behind that. Again, if you're a professional footballer then you can have one of two attitudes; either expect the club to sort your fitness out or work your bollocks off to improve your cardio to get near where it needs to be.
Yes, Tomlin can change a game in an instant even with 15 minute cameos. My point is why should we expect someone with his skill to be on the bench? He would have far, far more impact playing most games for the full 90. The fact he cannot do so, for me, is all on him.