We all at some time or another get to hear differing stories and rumours about our club and it's players, most of them are nonsense but we do thrive on them; it is all part and parcel of live. We all like a little bit of gossip.

I was told the other day that Grant Holt's injury problems are worse than we are being lead to believe and that he could be missing from the first team for quite a while.  I can understand not rushing to break the news, wanting to give the player as much time as possible to get match fit; it is clearly the case that Holt is struggling, he hasn't featured at all so far this pre-season.The makes him quite a way behind the other squad members in terms of fitness, with still no sign of things changing in the final two friendlies before the big kick off.

Paul Lambert said only the other day that he thought Holt was only rated as 50-50 to make the opener,  he would have one heck of a lot of ground to make up in the remaining 11 days if he was to make it.  Also while talking about his list of players missing through injury; Lambert also said if he thinks he will need another player added to the squad he would be talking with "The Powers That Be"

I know that he could be referring to any position on the park, but he could also be referring to Holt in particular as midfield and defence have the extra numbers.
It goes without saying that Holt is vitally important to the team,  a Figurehead, a Tailisman and a Leader are some of the  terms that were bestowed upon the guy last season; when he was missing we did look to have lost a little edge to our game and certainly someone to lead by example  from the front; that is no disrespects to the other boys, Holt is a one off.

I know Lambert has until August 31st before the window on buying shuts,  he also has the option of a short term loan deal now and later should he feel he needs to; but if Holt is really struggling wouldn't it be better to make a move while there are still a few decent players left before they are snapped up.  One player looking to move or have a loan deal is Rowan Vine at QPR, he is still young enough and strong, would certainly make a good stop gap; I am sure he was once a City target under a previous manager.  Ideally I would love to see Holt'y lining up for the toss up against Watford, but that looks increasingly unlikely, this makes me feel a little uneasy; perhaps another bustling type striker wouldn't be such a bad idea if only on a 3 month loan deal until The Man is back. 

I hope that what I was told is so wrong and any reading between the lines is wide of the mark as well, but I still have this huge question mark over Holt's injury, is it going to take longer then we hope or think ?  Or can I lay aside my worries and sleep more peacefully at night ?