Squad numbers.

[morty]

Russel Martin has one, interesting....

 

[Canaryboy]

Wouldn't read too much into Martin having the number 5, because I'm sure we'd have quite liked to have taken that number 9 off of Oliviera, but that wouldn't be very wise because if we're stuck with him then no benefit to having a giant sulk around the place for a year. Pretty sure we're better off having Jarvis, Martin, McGovern etc in good spirits even if we don't want them to actually kick a ball.

Notice we've not given Hoolahan's shirt number away.... back for another year on £5k a week?

Neil Adams giving Van Wolfswinkel a stupid squad number was seen as petty and vindictive when we did that.... and it was.

 

[morty]

Generally I would read the players numbered as 1 to 11 as being primarily first choice players. Thats why Martin's number surprised me a bit.

My theory re numbers probably doesn't stand up to close scrutiny though.

Surely Jamal should have had first dibs on Husband's number?

 

[dj161]

don't think it really works like that anymore to be honest, sure Lewis is going to be first choice left back this season, but it's just not British to take Husband's number away from him while he's still at the club

 

[Fenway Frank]

I agree dj, some players who may be first choice have a number they like to have, Hooper was 33 wasn’t he

 

[morty]

I slightly jest, but in days gone by, getting a number between 1 and 11 meant something.

 

[Canaryboy]

Surely Jamal should have had first dibs on Husband's number?

Would be bad management to start taking numbers off of people and I doubt it happens very often.

If you are saying to players that its a squad game and every man is important, and that players will be picked on merit.... then you don't turn around and say "Husband I'm giving your shirt to Lewis because you're sh*t mate".

Plus if it worked like that then Hoolahan wouldn't have had the number 14 shirt for years.... and Klose would have Zimmermann's number.

One thing that is a bit odd is giving Godfrey number 4 though, even considering the above.

 

[Fenway Frank]

"Husband I'm giving your shirt to Lewis because you're sh*t mate".

If Farke isn’t going to tell him then who is ?

 

[Number 9]

Russ has number 5 yet the Captain is way down the list!

 

[dj161]

Hanley wore 31 when he first broke into the Blackburn side for a few seasons, so I guess thats just a number he likes and was available when he signed last season
Tarnsfermarkt.co.uk has a list of all numbers players have worn throughout their career

https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/grant-hanley/rueckennummern/spieler/121385

 

[Din]

Love the fact that Hanley is captain. Frustrating as well that we can't give anyone the number 9 shirt because we can't move Nelson on.