BALLARD APPEAL REJECTED

Regis Le Bris has confirmed that Dan Ballard's suspension appeal has not been successful and therefore the defender's season will come to a premature end. Lutsharel Geertruida has struggled to nail down a position in the team during his loan spell, so perhaps these final three games are the chance he's been waiting for.

RULE IS CONFUSING

“Yes, we are (disappointed) because the situation was a bit unclear. The Premier League is built around physicality, duels and intensity. I think Ballard tried to grab the shirt in the duel but unfortunately the long hair got caught. It wasn’t intentional but the law is the law and I understand the referee’s point, but at the same time I think for the rule it’s a bit unclear.”

HIS SEASON IS NOW OVER

“We’ll try to use the time to prepare for next season because we don’t have another choice. It’s an opportunity (for others) of course, because this season we’ve had different options.”

CHANCE FOR GEERTRUIDA?

"He is versatile, just like Trai. It is really useful for the manager, the coaching staff and for the team because when we need someone ready to play as a midfielder, centre back or right back then he can manage different positions. He did well. At the same time, the competition in the specific position is often high, so for him it’s a big advantage on one side but probably sometimes a bit difficult to manage, because you don’t play every game. But he is so useful for the squad. We might have an option.”

FRUSTRATING SEASON FOR HIM

“It’s not an easy one, but I think you have different roles in a team so you can’t compare your workflow and your output with the others. For Lutsha he has a specific profile which I repeat is really interesting for the manager and the team as well, I hope. It is different, but so useful. Not (discussing his future) yet, it’s too early.”