The real reason for some many knee injuries that they don't want you to know is down to the DESSO pitch at Selhurst. There is no give in it as there is with a 100% grass pitch. A combination of modern boots/studs with this sort of pitch creates a kind of velcro effect, whereby feet are 'sticking to the pitch' and players' knees etc. aren't able to twist sufficiently with the lack of 'give'.

My spies tell me that everyone (and not just at Palace)want to keep this quiet. If a player has a career ending injury for example and it is found to be a result of the playing surface/boot combination then there are huge legal and financial ramifications.

They obviously forgot to tell Roy that

This week Roy Hodgson, the England coach, has accused these pitches of being a “snake in the grass”. For many, pitches are becoming a common villain in the player injury story.

The surfaces that Hodgson, Sir Alex Ferguson and other managers have denounced are known as ‘Desso pitches’

The Desso file. Sounds like a new film where ex players retired early from injury sue clubs where their career ending injury occurred.

COYP

At last the truth;

I’m sure the Selhurst pitch accounts for Sako being injured at West Ham, Jules and Cabaye training, Wickham at Swansea ... any real need to go on ..

These theories about Desso pitches aren't new news & I've not seen anything to back up the stories.

Of our knee injuries three weren't at Selhurst & the two that were both involved heavy tackles (on the same player. in the same game - perhaps KdB is to blame? ).

A majority of our injuries are impact ones

(and I type too slowly when on the phone)

Edited by Nobbybm (27 Feb 2018 1.07pm)

Will this be five? It's gonna be five! It IS five!

After a tip? Are you on wash and blow dry duties this afternoon?

Don't start the season unprepared, at the bottom, and there'll be fewer injuries. Guaranteed.

COYP