What No Kalala?

By: Mike James
Date: 25/05/2006

ARE other fans as confused as me regarding the relatively few games over the season that Jean-Paul Kalala has figured in the starting line-up?

It seems to me that he is eminently suited to the style of play adopted this season by the Mariners in order to "get out of this Division". He is strong on the ball, difficult to dispossess and scores goals.

Town do have some ability in the middle of the park - Bolland, Woodhouse and Goodfellow are all skilful - and it is disappointing to see the style of play too often bypass these players. I think that my confusion is borne out by statistics. Kalala has started 15 League games and Town's record in these is W8, D4, L3. The record in the 31 games which he did not start in is inferior to this. In addition, the 8 wins with Kalala playing included Torquay 3-0, Notts County 4-0, Rochdale 4-1 and Cheltenham 3-0. Also, he figured in the Carling Cup wins over Derby County and Tottenham. See The Bread-Winners .

I realise that he missed part of the season because of the African Nations Cup and wonder whether there is any connection between his going to this and his lack of selection. Any other thoughts or comments? Use the Message Board.

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