THE CONCRETE ROUNDABOUT (TCR)

Some guy I heard a rumour about that can play Centre Back who apparently plays for some club called Milton Keynes Dons. Don't know if this is true. He was last seen on the same Bermudan island as Darragh Burns. It was just when the rescue ship came to pick Burns up they forgot all about Stewart.

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It's the hope that kills you

The "age catching up with him thing" has been spoken for ten years minimum. Promoted to the Championship, won't be able to handle the pace etc and he was arguably our best player.
Relegated to L2 after being dropped by Neilson, legs are gone, spent too long out, clearly doesn't have it any more.
Promoted out of L2 - might need to become a squad player, couldn't handle it last time.

2 years and a player of the season award later he is a playoff semi-finalist in L1 having had a superb season at left centre half.

Granted he's older and he's had injuries but up until the start of Jan I'd argue he's looked no different to how he performed and looked 10 years ago. He's had a rough few games and that happens to everyone. He'll be fine. I don't disagree we need to manage his game time and keep him fit. But he's generally doing okay

Lewington doesn't care for sentiment. Doesn't care for records and doesn't really care for pointless longevity. If he realises tomorrow against Accy that his legs are gone and his mind has been on that for a few months, he'll retire at full time. He won't prolong it to the end of the season. He said in a Sky Sports interview in December that he feels great and I believe him.

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GEORGE BALDOCK




ONE OF OUR OWN

At some point, all of those things you say havent happened, will happen. I suspect its just a slight drop in form currently but also it could be something a little more fundamental.

I remember seeing Gary Neville talking about it. Still being picked at united, playing champions league but knowing he couldnt quite hit the levels any more. Still a good solid player but unable to get where he once could.

I agree about Lewington not giving a shit about sentiment or anything else like that and am pretty sure he will call time on himself when he feels the time is right and not just be phased out by whatever manager is at the helm at that time.

The Gary Neville thing sprung to mind too, but he also said he made his mind up that day and knew it was his last game. Lewie would do the same.

I don't think anyone's deluding themselves that he is nearly 40 and that poses questions, but he wouldn't be the first player to go past that mark and had their game time managed better still able to perform at some kind of peak.
Totti, Giggs, Pizarro, Maldini, Sheringham.. I get the "they're some of the best ever" thing but that's absolutely irrelevant, Lewington is one of the most consistent performers at the level he's played for 20 years so that's the balanced argument there. He'll be fine for as long as he wants to play.

As for right now, I agree he needs to sit a few games out from the start.

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GEORGE BALDOCK




ONE OF OUR OWN

I think the main difference between Lewington and those others guys you mentioned isnt ability, its all relative to the level you play at right. I think its the physical condition. All of those other players were able or disposed to maintain a level of physical conditioning. Lewie might very well be as aerobically fit as he ever has been but his body shape is getting more like mine every week and he cant do a great deal about that Im afraid.

Well he can because he's been considered a lump for a lot of his later years, and come back in pre season looking slim and refined..

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GEORGE BALDOCK




ONE OF OUR OWN

Its not fat (in my case it is but probably not so much a pro footballer). Its a kind of thickening where you are somehow bigger than you was but without being 'soft'.

Im not explaining it very well but most blokes around 40 will understand.

Ah but Ronaldo would have fled in tears at that afc game away when one of the 'true faithful' went over the barrier and advanced towards Lewie who simply stared him down.

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Gimme Gimme Shock Treatment

If Lewington wants to play for another five years then so be it, he can do what he want. He should have naming rights over the whole stadium. What he has done for us as a club is nothing short of Football Legend. Here's to another 5 years, Dean.

Lewie does have the spread of an older bloke now but he is still fit. The issue is he's made some mistakes - if he sits out the next couple and gets back fit he will be good for the AFC game.

He will definitely call it a day when he knows he can't do it any more.