Next one up to sign on the dotted line? That would be Master Eagle.
His was the name that was missing this week, but as Roeder laid out some of his summer thinking at Colney this afternoon, so it became clear that the gaffer still has room for Robert in his thinking. No mean feat given the queue of his Academy contemporaries that were filing out of the exit door after Hucks – particularly when the 21-year-old didn't play a game all season – he made it to the bench for the away trip to Barnsley under Roeder. But no futher.
But it seems that the gaffer has seen something in Leiston's finest – he's about to pen another one-year deal before heading for a long, hot summer in the gym.
“He's going to sign a new, one-year contract,” was the word from the manager today.
Is that because you've been impressed with what you've seen?
“That's because I think he's not a bad player,” said Roeder, with a sweet, left foot riding to the Academy product's rescue. That and the kind of attitude that Roeder wants.
Four inches taller and the kid would be laughing.
“Technically, he's gifted and I think with a full year working with us and working in the gym with a specific strengthening programme.
“And although I don't think he's going to grow much taller, I think we can make Robert stronger – and that will help him. Left-footed players are quite rare – and he has got a very nice left-foot. It's quite cultured – so he's earned the year with his attitude and his motivation to try and get another contract here.
“And a couple of weeks ago, his dream's come true – he's staying here for another year.”
Indeed, the deal 'might even be today'.
Re-read the gaffer's thoughts on Hucks and why he was allowed to fly the nest and Eagle may still have his work cut-out to force his way into Roeder's first team thinking; he's got to get beyond Matty Pattison first away on the left – and then whoever else Roeder has in mind to 'soften the landing' after his lordship's exit.
Bright, little eager player that he is, old Ferret can't for the life of him see Eagle being the player(s) that the boss had in mind. But fair play, the lad's got the gig. And with the gig, comes a chance.
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