Interesting how negative people are towards Smyth, I thought bar a couple and the right wing back performance he looked decent for us, ran the channels and moved well. His main issue was he sometimes also overran the ball off of the pitch haha
I think it's a bit unrealistic to expect better than Smyth as a bit part player, there's no way we are gonna get in as many 'quality' players as people think. I'm with Curbs, we will re-sign most out of contract and add about 4-5 new bodies and then 3-4 loans.
I also certainly was not happy with our squad this season, I was one of what felt like the few saying it was not even close to be strong enough for promotion, only a handful of players
I find it more interesting how many people are positive towards last year's 'squad players'. At this rate of opinion, we would have just re-signed most of them and have only Pratley and Oshilaja to replace, making it a very easy Summer. It doesn't quite add up, this was perhaps the most disconnected squad we've seen in a very long time. JFC won player of the year with the lowest average statbank score in the last 10 years. And his was the highest.
I don't have anything against Smith, I thought he was decent. But like Benjy put very well in one of his articles, we had the best collection of 'decent' players in the league without having any standouts. A squad of squad players. Smith was just another one of those. I think we need good players who will hopefully form the core of a team for the next few seasons.
Interesting how negative people are towards Smyth, I thought bar a couple and the right wing back performance he looked decent for us, ran the channels and moved well. His main issue was he sometimes also overran the ball off of the pitch haha
I think it's a bit unrealistic to expect better than Smyth as a bit part player, there's no way we are gonna get in as many 'quality' players as people think. I'm with Curbs, we will re-sign most out of contract and add about 4-5 new bodies and then 3-4 loans.
I also certainly was not happy with our squad this season, I was one of what felt like the few saying it was not even close to be strong enough for promotion, only a handful of players
I find it more interesting how many people are positive towards last year's 'squad players'. At this rate of opinion, we would have just re-signed most of them and have only Pratley and Oshilaja to replace, making it a very easy Summer. It doesn't quite add up, this was perhaps the most disconnected squad we've seen in a very long time. JFC won player of the year with the lowest average statbank score in the last 10 years. And his was the highest.
I don't have anything against Smith, I thought he was decent. But like Benjy put very well in one of his articles, we had the best collection of 'decent' players in the league without having any standouts. A squad of squad players. Smith was just another one of those. I think we need good players who will hopefully who will form the core of a team for the next few seasons.
I agree entirely. Some people are making out cases for keeping practically everyone !! We were bloody awful most of the season and the squad was nowhere near good enough for a top two challenge. The squad needs a major overhaul but with younger, more dynamic, hungry players to who we can give three year deals to create some stability so we don’t need a big overhaul every summer. Signing the likes of Smith and Smyth will get us absolutely nowhere.
You can have all the money in the world but if you're spending it on Jordan Rhodes...
Scored 52 goals in his last 2 seasons at this level, let's wank ourselves silly over a Exeter winger who 90% of people have never seen play and has never played above league 2.
Makes sense.
Randell Williams? Many of us have seen him play, he scored against us in 18/19 when playing for Wycombe in League 1.
I don’t know enough about Williams but I know I don’t want us bringing in too many older players who are on the way down. One or two is fine but that strategy didn’t work last season and we’re in a much better position to go and build a proper squad with 2/3 seasons in mind rather than 1.
I know nothing about Williams but (genuine question) if he played against us 2 years ago what is he doing back in league 2 ? I would of hoped we were going to target the best of League 1 as Chris Powell did. Nobody knows what is happening regarding new signings but so far we know of three players who have been released, the rest of those out of contract it seems that we are in negotiation with to sign new deals which would suggest the core of the squad will be the same as last season. This doesn't sound to me like the "he's letting everyone go" rumour that we heard nor that we are changing the make up of the squad & we need younger, fitter players to play a high energy pressing game. If TS believes that "We are going to blow it out of the division." with a large number of last years squad & league 2 youngsters I think he will be sadly mistaken. We have 15 players either under contract or have been offered new terms. JFC will possibly miss most of the season if he ever comes back at the standard we need. Even if we bring in another 10 will our squad be good enough when suspensions & injuries start to bite ?
No chance the core of the squad will remain the same. We need to sign a whole spine - a couple of CBs, probably 3 CMs including 2 starters and a starting striker or 2. M
The likes of Pearce and Watson will likely stay but I’ll be very surprised if the intention is for them to regularly start games, it’s blatantly obvious to every fan we need better. TS and NA will be going out intending to sign players to improve on what we have.
Being linked (not signed) Williams doesn’t mean all of our signings are going to come from the same level.
Impossible to judge at this stage but the aim will be automatic promotion and we should expect the squad to be stronger than last seasons. We put that one together late in the window under a salary and only missed out on the playoffs on goal difference.
On injuries and suspensions we should improve in both areas. The medical department has had investment from TS and we’re not having to bring in bargain bucket signings. We had a terrible disciplinary record last season but stronger teams tend to keep the ball more and give away fewer fouls. Bowyer was also demanding when it came to tackling, even subbing players for missing tackles.
I’m convinced we’ll be stronger than last season, we’re in a much better position than this time last year when we didn’t even know if we’d have a club.
Interesting how negative people are towards Smyth, I thought bar a couple and the right wing back performance he looked decent for us, ran the channels and moved well. His main issue was he sometimes also overran the ball off of the pitch haha
I think it's a bit unrealistic to expect better than Smyth as a bit part player, there's no way we are gonna get in as many 'quality' players as people think. I'm with Curbs, we will re-sign most out of contract and add about 4-5 new bodies and then 3-4 loans.
I also certainly was not happy with our squad this season, I was one of what felt like the few saying it was not even close to be strong enough for promotion, only a handful of players
And just a handful at best imo. We missed a lot of the season with Inniss and Famewo at CB. I think they are capable enough to be the CB pairing to achieve promotion, based on what I’ve seen. We need 4 new full backs imo. Never gonna happen as Purrington and Gunter are on 2 year deals, so we’re only likely to bring in 2 new full backs, or one if we keep Matthews. A full back quota of Gunter, Purrington, Matthews and one other isn’t really inspiring me with confidence.
Fair enough, we’re probably looking at Pearce as cover, but that leaves us likely to pick up just one other CB. I’d say it needs to be a bloody good CB.
Midfield isn’t strong imo. I’ve got no idea what Jayisemi can bring to the table. I think he will be good with a full close and pre season under his belt, but we just don’t know. JFC is likely to be back in Dec/Jan. I rate this boy’s professionalism and I guarantee he does everything right in rehabilitation etc, but I still believe he shone last year on account of the dross around him.
I’m not a fan of Gilbey. Yes, there was definitely an upturn under Adkins, but I’ve watched a lot of football over the years, and he just doesn’t strike me as a player that can go any higher than league one, or drive us to promotion. That’s just my opinion, I could well be wrong.
Watson is Watson. If he’s here then we just have to accept it. He should definitely be used as a bit part player. I like Morgan, I think he can definitely play a role, but that leaves another wide player, and an absolute unit in the middle to break up play. I would say the midfield is 4 short, maybe 5
Finally, up top. This is actually the area I think we may be okay, if we get Stockley, plus 1 other if we keep Aneke. I think Washington is decent. Works hard, got a decent(ish) return, and can add something. Stockley would be great. The only thing I would say, is find him a strike partner. I felt the 4-3-3 fell away a bit toward the end. He cut quite a lone figure in some of the final games. I would like him to form a partnership with someone
for me, we’re probably only looking at 1 full back :-(
1 CB
We’re probably looking at 4 midfielders and maybe 1 other forward after getting Stockley and Aneke secured on deals
I’m definitely in the squad overhaul camp but I guess those that want to keep the majority of the squad are the ones that were anti Bowyer rather than anti this squad. If you look at Adkins record (W5 D4 L1) with the squad it’s actually promotion quality.
I’m definitely in the squad overhaul camp but I guess those that want to keep the majority of the squad are the ones that were anti Bowyer rather than anti this squad. If you look at Adkins record (W5 D4 L1) with the squad it’s actually promotion quality.
Even that record (under 1.9pts per game) is not guaranteed promotion, its guaranteed a play off spot for sure but that's a lottery.
I was anti bowyer post October 2020, and I was anti 80% of this squad.
Interesting how negative people are towards Smyth, I thought bar a couple and the right wing back performance he looked decent for us, ran the channels and moved well. His main issue was he sometimes also overran the ball off of the pitch haha
I think it's a bit unrealistic to expect better than Smyth as a bit part player, there's no way we are gonna get in as many 'quality' players as people think. I'm with Curbs, we will re-sign most out of contract and add about 4-5 new bodies and then 3-4 loans.
I also certainly was not happy with our squad this season, I was one of what felt like the few saying it was not even close to be strong enough for promotion, only a handful of players
And just a handful at best imo. We missed a lot of the season with Inniss and Famewo at CB. I think they are capable enough to be the CB pairing to achieve promotion, based on what I’ve seen. We need 4 new full backs imo. Never gonna happen as Purrington and Gunter are on 2 year deals, so we’re only likely to bring in 2 new full backs, or one if we keep Matthews. A full back quota of Gunter, Purrington, Matthews and one other isn’t really inspiring me with confidence.
Fair enough, we’re probably looking at Pearce as cover, but that leaves us likely to pick up just one other CB. I’d say it needs to be a bloody good CB.
Midfield isn’t strong imo. I’ve got no idea what Jayisemi can bring to the table. I think he will be good with a full close and pre season under his belt, but we just don’t know. JFC is likely to be back in Dec/Jan. I rate this boy’s professionalism and I guarantee he does everything right in rehabilitation etc, but I still believe he shone last year on account of the dross around him.
I’m not a fan of Gilbey. Yes, there was definitely an upturn under Adkins, but I’ve watched a lot of football over the years, and he just doesn’t strike me as a player that can go any higher than league one, or drive us to promotion. That’s just my opinion, I could well be wrong.
Watson is Watson. If he’s here then we just have to accept it. He should definitely be used as a bit part player. I like Morgan, I think he can definitely play a role, but that leaves another wide player, and an absolute unit in the middle to break up play. I would say the midfield is 4 short, maybe 5
Finally, up top. This is actually the area I think we may be okay, if we get Stockley, plus 1 other if we keep Aneke. I think Washington is decent. Works hard, got a decent(ish) return, and can add something. Stockley would be great. The only thing I would say, is find him a strike partner. I felt the 4-3-3 fell away a bit toward the end. He cut quite a lone figure in some of the final games. I would like him to form a partnership with someone
for me, we’re probably only looking at 1 full back :-(
1 CB
We’re probably looking at 4 midfielders and maybe 1 other forward after getting Stockley and Aneke secured on deals
That’s 7 players
Actually 8 maybe, depending on the Amos situation
We need at least 2 CBs with Oshilaja and Famewo gone.
Not convinced Aneke will stay and we haven’t secured Stockley yet.
When I saw Rhodes name mentioned I thought I hope no one suggests we sign him. Way past his best and not someone I’d want to sign. Cecil might be a better option.
I think he was a tad naive. The word was already out that we'd be looking to bring down the age of the squad and Watson had, supposedly, triggered his extension so it was hardly likely we would be keeping on another mid-30s player.
Did he do a job for us? Yes, and we won't forget that crucial goal against Doncaster in a hurry.
Do I wish him any ill will? Of course not. I hope he has as long a career as he wants, but just not here.
I think he was a tad naive. The word was already out that we'd be looking to bring down the age of the squad and Watson had, supposedly, triggered his extension so it was hardly likely we would be keeping on another mid-30s player.
Did he do a job for us? Yes, and we won't forget that crucial goal against Doncaster in a hurry.
Do I wish him any ill will? Of course not. I hope he has as long a career as he wants, but just not here.
I'm definitely sympathetic to him but he's looking at it from the perspective of his own personal position (obviously, and understandably) whereas Adkins and the upper management are looking at the squad as a whole - thinking about how the squad will have to change and adapt not just this season but in terms of the next 2-3 years conceivably.
And when you look at it from that perspective... Well you have to say it's time to say thanks for the memories and the effort but we have to cut our losses. Eventually that fitness will wane and then he's taking up a place in the squad we could offer to someone who will hopefully grow and develop and be part of the future.
If Watson didn't have his clause then he'd be gone instead/as well but that's just the luck of the draw I think.
No nonsense stopper in the Pearce mould, currently playing right side of a 3 with Blackpool. Northern Ireland International. I don't expect Gunter to continue with Wales after the Euros so Ballard would help get to 3 call ups.
Interesting how negative people are towards Smyth, I thought bar a couple and the right wing back performance he looked decent for us, ran the channels and moved well. His main issue was he sometimes also overran the ball off of the pitch haha
I think it's a bit unrealistic to expect better than Smyth as a bit part player, there's no way we are gonna get in as many 'quality' players as people think. I'm with Curbs, we will re-sign most out of contract and add about 4-5 new bodies and then 3-4 loans.
I also certainly was not happy with our squad this season, I was one of what felt like the few saying it was not even close to be strong enough for promotion, only a handful of players
And just a handful at best imo. We missed a lot of the season with Inniss and Famewo at CB. I think they are capable enough to be the CB pairing to achieve promotion, based on what I’ve seen. We need 4 new full backs imo. Never gonna happen as Purrington and Gunter are on 2 year deals, so we’re only likely to bring in 2 new full backs, or one if we keep Matthews. A full back quota of Gunter, Purrington, Matthews and one other isn’t really inspiring me with confidence.
Fair enough, we’re probably looking at Pearce as cover, but that leaves us likely to pick up just one other CB. I’d say it needs to be a bloody good CB.
Midfield isn’t strong imo. I’ve got no idea what Jayisemi can bring to the table. I think he will be good with a full close and pre season under his belt, but we just don’t know. JFC is likely to be back in Dec/Jan. I rate this boy’s professionalism and I guarantee he does everything right in rehabilitation etc, but I still believe he shone last year on account of the dross around him.
I’m not a fan of Gilbey. Yes, there was definitely an upturn under Adkins, but I’ve watched a lot of football over the years, and he just doesn’t strike me as a player that can go any higher than league one, or drive us to promotion. That’s just my opinion, I could well be wrong.
Watson is Watson. If he’s here then we just have to accept it. He should definitely be used as a bit part player. I like Morgan, I think he can definitely play a role, but that leaves another wide player, and an absolute unit in the middle to break up play. I would say the midfield is 4 short, maybe 5
Finally, up top. This is actually the area I think we may be okay, if we get Stockley, plus 1 other if we keep Aneke. I think Washington is decent. Works hard, got a decent(ish) return, and can add something. Stockley would be great. The only thing I would say, is find him a strike partner. I felt the 4-3-3 fell away a bit toward the end. He cut quite a lone figure in some of the final games. I would like him to form a partnership with someone
for me, we’re probably only looking at 1 full back :-(
1 CB
We’re probably looking at 4 midfielders and maybe 1 other forward after getting Stockley and Aneke secured on deals
That’s 7 players
Actually 8 maybe, depending on the Amos situation
We need at least 2 CBs with Oshilaja and Famewo gone.
Not convinced Aneke will stay and we haven’t secured Stockley yet.
I think it’ll be closer to 11/12 than 7/8.
And how do you know we haven’t ??
Stockley been openly seen looking at houses in the Bexley area ... PNE want to recoup most of their 750,000 but he not worth that .. the player wants to join it’s just down to the clubs to come to a deal
Interesting how negative people are towards Smyth, I thought bar a couple and the right wing back performance he looked decent for us, ran the channels and moved well. His main issue was he sometimes also overran the ball off of the pitch haha
I think it's a bit unrealistic to expect better than Smyth as a bit part player, there's no way we are gonna get in as many 'quality' players as people think. I'm with Curbs, we will re-sign most out of contract and add about 4-5 new bodies and then 3-4 loans.
I also certainly was not happy with our squad this season, I was one of what felt like the few saying it was not even close to be strong enough for promotion, only a handful of players
And just a handful at best imo. We missed a lot of the season with Inniss and Famewo at CB. I think they are capable enough to be the CB pairing to achieve promotion, based on what I’ve seen. We need 4 new full backs imo. Never gonna happen as Purrington and Gunter are on 2 year deals, so we’re only likely to bring in 2 new full backs, or one if we keep Matthews. A full back quota of Gunter, Purrington, Matthews and one other isn’t really inspiring me with confidence.
Fair enough, we’re probably looking at Pearce as cover, but that leaves us likely to pick up just one other CB. I’d say it needs to be a bloody good CB.
Midfield isn’t strong imo. I’ve got no idea what Jayisemi can bring to the table. I think he will be good with a full close and pre season under his belt, but we just don’t know. JFC is likely to be back in Dec/Jan. I rate this boy’s professionalism and I guarantee he does everything right in rehabilitation etc, but I still believe he shone last year on account of the dross around him.
I’m not a fan of Gilbey. Yes, there was definitely an upturn under Adkins, but I’ve watched a lot of football over the years, and he just doesn’t strike me as a player that can go any higher than league one, or drive us to promotion. That’s just my opinion, I could well be wrong.
Watson is Watson. If he’s here then we just have to accept it. He should definitely be used as a bit part player. I like Morgan, I think he can definitely play a role, but that leaves another wide player, and an absolute unit in the middle to break up play. I would say the midfield is 4 short, maybe 5
Finally, up top. This is actually the area I think we may be okay, if we get Stockley, plus 1 other if we keep Aneke. I think Washington is decent. Works hard, got a decent(ish) return, and can add something. Stockley would be great. The only thing I would say, is find him a strike partner. I felt the 4-3-3 fell away a bit toward the end. He cut quite a lone figure in some of the final games. I would like him to form a partnership with someone
for me, we’re probably only looking at 1 full back :-(
1 CB
We’re probably looking at 4 midfielders and maybe 1 other forward after getting Stockley and Aneke secured on deals
That’s 7 players
Actually 8 maybe, depending on the Amos situation
We need at least 2 CBs with Oshilaja and Famewo gone.
Not convinced Aneke will stay and we haven’t secured Stockley yet.
I think it’ll be closer to 11/12 than 7/8.
And how do you know we haven’t ??
Stockley been openly seen looking at houses in the Bexley area ... PNE want to recoup most of their 750,000 but he not worth that .. the player wants to join it’s just down to the clubs to come to a deal
Because we have not. Literally neither club nor the player have indicated that it's done. We know it's a deal that everyone would LIKE to happen but it's not done yet
No nonsense stopper in the Pearce mould, currently playing right side of a 3 with Blackpool. Northern Ireland International. I don't expect Gunter to continue with Wales after the Euros so Ballard would help get to 3 call ups.
It's hard to imagine a no nonsense stopper ever playing in the Arsenal first team! They've not had "proper" defenders since the days of Adams, Bould and Keown
I’m definitely in the squad overhaul camp but I guess those that want to keep the majority of the squad are the ones that were anti Bowyer rather than anti this squad. If you look at Adkins record (W5 D4 L1) with the squad it’s actually promotion quality.
Even that record (under 1.9pts per game) is not guaranteed promotion, its guaranteed a play off spot for sure but that's a lottery.
I was anti bowyer post October 2020, and I was anti 80% of this squad.
Total shake up needed in my humble opinion.
That record equates to 87.4 points, would likely get you second spot. But I’m with you on the idea of a shake up.
I’m definitely in the squad overhaul camp but I guess those that want to keep the majority of the squad are the ones that were anti Bowyer rather than anti this squad. If you look at Adkins record (W5 D4 L1) with the squad it’s actually promotion quality.
Even that record (under 1.9pts per game) is not guaranteed promotion, its guaranteed a play off spot for sure but that's a lottery.
I was anti bowyer post October 2020, and I was anti 80% of this squad.
Total shake up needed in my humble opinion.
That record equates to 87.4 points, would likely get you second spot. But I’m with you on the idea of a shake up.
We missed out on 88 in 2019 mate
Its unlikely to miss out on 88 but it happens, feel the Owner wants outright this season.
Interesting how negative people are towards Smyth, I thought bar a couple and the right wing back performance he looked decent for us, ran the channels and moved well. His main issue was he sometimes also overran the ball off of the pitch haha
I think it's a bit unrealistic to expect better than Smyth as a bit part player, there's no way we are gonna get in as many 'quality' players as people think. I'm with Curbs, we will re-sign most out of contract and add about 4-5 new bodies and then 3-4 loans.
I also certainly was not happy with our squad this season, I was one of what felt like the few saying it was not even close to be strong enough for promotion, only a handful of players
And just a handful at best imo. We missed a lot of the season with Inniss and Famewo at CB. I think they are capable enough to be the CB pairing to achieve promotion, based on what I’ve seen. We need 4 new full backs imo. Never gonna happen as Purrington and Gunter are on 2 year deals, so we’re only likely to bring in 2 new full backs, or one if we keep Matthews. A full back quota of Gunter, Purrington, Matthews and one other isn’t really inspiring me with confidence.
Fair enough, we’re probably looking at Pearce as cover, but that leaves us likely to pick up just one other CB. I’d say it needs to be a bloody good CB.
Midfield isn’t strong imo. I’ve got no idea what Jayisemi can bring to the table. I think he will be good with a full close and pre season under his belt, but we just don’t know. JFC is likely to be back in Dec/Jan. I rate this boy’s professionalism and I guarantee he does everything right in rehabilitation etc, but I still believe he shone last year on account of the dross around him.
I’m not a fan of Gilbey. Yes, there was definitely an upturn under Adkins, but I’ve watched a lot of football over the years, and he just doesn’t strike me as a player that can go any higher than league one, or drive us to promotion. That’s just my opinion, I could well be wrong.
Watson is Watson. If he’s here then we just have to accept it. He should definitely be used as a bit part player. I like Morgan, I think he can definitely play a role, but that leaves another wide player, and an absolute unit in the middle to break up play. I would say the midfield is 4 short, maybe 5
Finally, up top. This is actually the area I think we may be okay, if we get Stockley, plus 1 other if we keep Aneke. I think Washington is decent. Works hard, got a decent(ish) return, and can add something. Stockley would be great. The only thing I would say, is find him a strike partner. I felt the 4-3-3 fell away a bit toward the end. He cut quite a lone figure in some of the final games. I would like him to form a partnership with someone
for me, we’re probably only looking at 1 full back :-(
1 CB
We’re probably looking at 4 midfielders and maybe 1 other forward after getting Stockley and Aneke secured on deals
That’s 7 players
Actually 8 maybe, depending on the Amos situation
We need at least 2 CBs with Oshilaja and Famewo gone.
Not convinced Aneke will stay and we haven’t secured Stockley yet.
I think it’ll be closer to 11/12 than 7/8.
And how do you know we haven’t ??
Stockley been openly seen looking at houses in the Bexley area ... PNE want to recoup most of their 750,000 but he not worth that .. the player wants to join it’s just down to the clubs to come to a deal
I haven't seen him in the area. Usually they live in Chislehurst.
We only have Premier league players round here; too expensive for League one!
I’m definitely in the squad overhaul camp but I guess those that want to keep the majority of the squad are the ones that were anti Bowyer rather than anti this squad. If you look at Adkins record (W5 D4 L1) with the squad it’s actually promotion quality.
Even that record (under 1.9pts per game) is not guaranteed promotion, its guaranteed a play off spot for sure but that's a lottery.
I was anti bowyer post October 2020, and I was anti 80% of this squad.
Total shake up needed in my humble opinion.
That record equates to 87.4 points, would likely get you second spot. But I’m with you on the idea of a shake up.
Thinking about nd chiming in on the amount of signings we need:
- GK x1 (to allow AMB to go out on loan) - FB x 1 (starting left back, assuming Matthews re-signs) - CB x 2 (Even with JP we only have two under contract so we need a starting CB and first choice cover with JP as 4th choice) - WM x3 (we only have JD so having two players for each position means we need 3 more. Two to play on the right and another leftie to compete with JD) - CM x3 (even if Watson & JFC sign we only have 4 with JFC out until Jan 22 at least. Given he's played a 3 in most games then we need 6 so i'd expect us to sign 3 more starters) - CF x2 (Assuming one will be Stockley, I expect Chuks to re-sign but Ronnie to leave so we'd need one more. This could be x2 if Chuks does go elsewhere)
Total Needed = 12
You'd expect 3 or 4 to be on loan with the desire to reduce the reliance on loans. Either way it's a massive turnaround and amount of work to get done in a short period of time.
With players not accepting contracts it could be even more. Interesting times ahead, this thread could get very busy soon - with actual rumours!
Interesting how negative people are towards Smyth, I thought bar a couple and the right wing back performance he looked decent for us, ran the channels and moved well. His main issue was he sometimes also overran the ball off of the pitch haha
I think it's a bit unrealistic to expect better than Smyth as a bit part player, there's no way we are gonna get in as many 'quality' players as people think. I'm with Curbs, we will re-sign most out of contract and add about 4-5 new bodies and then 3-4 loans.
I also certainly was not happy with our squad this season, I was one of what felt like the few saying it was not even close to be strong enough for promotion, only a handful of players
And just a handful at best imo. We missed a lot of the season with Inniss and Famewo at CB. I think they are capable enough to be the CB pairing to achieve promotion, based on what I’ve seen. We need 4 new full backs imo. Never gonna happen as Purrington and Gunter are on 2 year deals, so we’re only likely to bring in 2 new full backs, or one if we keep Matthews. A full back quota of Gunter, Purrington, Matthews and one other isn’t really inspiring me with confidence.
Fair enough, we’re probably looking at Pearce as cover, but that leaves us likely to pick up just one other CB. I’d say it needs to be a bloody good CB.
Midfield isn’t strong imo. I’ve got no idea what Jayisemi can bring to the table. I think he will be good with a full close and pre season under his belt, but we just don’t know. JFC is likely to be back in Dec/Jan. I rate this boy’s professionalism and I guarantee he does everything right in rehabilitation etc, but I still believe he shone last year on account of the dross around him.
I’m not a fan of Gilbey. Yes, there was definitely an upturn under Adkins, but I’ve watched a lot of football over the years, and he just doesn’t strike me as a player that can go any higher than league one, or drive us to promotion. That’s just my opinion, I could well be wrong.
Watson is Watson. If he’s here then we just have to accept it. He should definitely be used as a bit part player. I like Morgan, I think he can definitely play a role, but that leaves another wide player, and an absolute unit in the middle to break up play. I would say the midfield is 4 short, maybe 5
Finally, up top. This is actually the area I think we may be okay, if we get Stockley, plus 1 other if we keep Aneke. I think Washington is decent. Works hard, got a decent(ish) return, and can add something. Stockley would be great. The only thing I would say, is find him a strike partner. I felt the 4-3-3 fell away a bit toward the end. He cut quite a lone figure in some of the final games. I would like him to form a partnership with someone
for me, we’re probably only looking at 1 full back :-(
1 CB
We’re probably looking at 4 midfielders and maybe 1 other forward after getting Stockley and Aneke secured on deals
That’s 7 players
Actually 8 maybe, depending on the Amos situation
We need at least 2 CBs with Oshilaja and Famewo gone.
Not convinced Aneke will stay and we haven’t secured Stockley yet.
I think it’ll be closer to 11/12 than 7/8.
And how do you know we haven’t ??
Stockley been openly seen looking at houses in the Bexley area ... PNE want to recoup most of their 750,000 but he not worth that .. the player wants to join it’s just down to the clubs to come to a deal
I haven't seen him in the area. Usually they live in Chislehurst.
Lyle Taylor lived in Ebbsfleet - has anyone bought his house?
Thinking about nd chiming in on the amount of signings we need:
- GK x1 (to allow AMB to go out on loan) - FB x 1 (starting left back, assuming Matthews re-signs) - CB x 2 (Even with JP we only have two under contract so we need a starting CB and first choice cover with JP as 4th choice) - WM x3 (we only have JD so having two players for each position means we need 3 more. Two to play on the right and another leftie to compete with JD) - CM x3 (even if Watson & JFC sign we only have 4 with JFC out until Jan 22 at least. Given he's played a 3 in most games then we need 6 so i'd expect us to sign 3 more starters) - CF x2 (Assuming one will be Stockley, I expect Chuks to re-sign but Ronnie to leave so we'd need one more. This could be x2 if Chuks does go elsewhere)
Total Needed = 12
You'd expect 3 or 4 to be on loan with the desire to reduce the reliance on loans. Either way it's a massive turnaround and amount of work to get done in a short period of time.
With players not accepting contracts it could be even more. Interesting times ahead, this thread could get very busy soon - with actual rumours!
Pretty much where I am at, although not quite on the wingers/strikers. If we're going to go 433 and want 2 players for every position I doubt we're going to have 4 wingers and 4 strikers, that's 5 players not starting every week. Personally I feel we'll go with something like a 23 man squad, 3 wingers, 3 strikers and Washington as the sort of 4th choice for both.
So I feel we're about 10 short (assuming Amos, Matthews, Pearce, Watson and Aneke sign new deals). Not counting JFC for the first half of the season, but in Watson, Gilbey and Morgan we do have three.
Interesting how negative people are towards Smyth, I thought bar a couple and the right wing back performance he looked decent for us, ran the channels and moved well. His main issue was he sometimes also overran the ball off of the pitch haha
I think it's a bit unrealistic to expect better than Smyth as a bit part player, there's no way we are gonna get in as many 'quality' players as people think. I'm with Curbs, we will re-sign most out of contract and add about 4-5 new bodies and then 3-4 loans.
I also certainly was not happy with our squad this season, I was one of what felt like the few saying it was not even close to be strong enough for promotion, only a handful of players
And just a handful at best imo. We missed a lot of the season with Inniss and Famewo at CB. I think they are capable enough to be the CB pairing to achieve promotion, based on what I’ve seen. We need 4 new full backs imo. Never gonna happen as Purrington and Gunter are on 2 year deals, so we’re only likely to bring in 2 new full backs, or one if we keep Matthews. A full back quota of Gunter, Purrington, Matthews and one other isn’t really inspiring me with confidence.
Fair enough, we’re probably looking at Pearce as cover, but that leaves us likely to pick up just one other CB. I’d say it needs to be a bloody good CB.
Midfield isn’t strong imo. I’ve got no idea what Jayisemi can bring to the table. I think he will be good with a full close and pre season under his belt, but we just don’t know. JFC is likely to be back in Dec/Jan. I rate this boy’s professionalism and I guarantee he does everything right in rehabilitation etc, but I still believe he shone last year on account of the dross around him.
I’m not a fan of Gilbey. Yes, there was definitely an upturn under Adkins, but I’ve watched a lot of football over the years, and he just doesn’t strike me as a player that can go any higher than league one, or drive us to promotion. That’s just my opinion, I could well be wrong.
Watson is Watson. If he’s here then we just have to accept it. He should definitely be used as a bit part player. I like Morgan, I think he can definitely play a role, but that leaves another wide player, and an absolute unit in the middle to break up play. I would say the midfield is 4 short, maybe 5
Finally, up top. This is actually the area I think we may be okay, if we get Stockley, plus 1 other if we keep Aneke. I think Washington is decent. Works hard, got a decent(ish) return, and can add something. Stockley would be great. The only thing I would say, is find him a strike partner. I felt the 4-3-3 fell away a bit toward the end. He cut quite a lone figure in some of the final games. I would like him to form a partnership with someone
for me, we’re probably only looking at 1 full back :-(
1 CB
We’re probably looking at 4 midfielders and maybe 1 other forward after getting Stockley and Aneke secured on deals
That’s 7 players
Actually 8 maybe, depending on the Amos situation
We need at least 2 CBs with Oshilaja and Famewo gone.
Not convinced Aneke will stay and we haven’t secured Stockley yet.
I think it’ll be closer to 11/12 than 7/8.
And how do you know we haven’t ??
Stockley been openly seen looking at houses in the Bexley area ... PNE want to recoup most of their 750,000 but he not worth that .. the player wants to join it’s just down to the clubs to come to a deal
You’ve said why yourself - he’s not secured until the clubs and player all agree terms and the deal is completed.
Until it’s 100% done he’s still a Preston player, regardless of whether he’s agreed his contract and is looking at houses in the area.
Comments
I don't have anything against Smith, I thought he was decent. But like Benjy put very well in one of his articles, we had the best collection of 'decent' players in the league without having any standouts. A squad of squad players. Smith was just another one of those. I think we need good players who will hopefully form the core of a team for the next few seasons.
The likes of Pearce and Watson will likely stay but I’ll be very surprised if the intention is for them to regularly start games, it’s blatantly obvious to every fan we need better. TS and NA will be going out intending to sign players to improve on what we have.
Being linked (not signed) Williams doesn’t mean all of our signings are going to come from the same level.
Impossible to judge at this stage but the aim will be automatic promotion and we should expect the squad to be stronger than last seasons. We put that one together late in the window under a salary and only missed out on the playoffs on goal difference.
On injuries and suspensions we should improve in both areas. The medical department has had investment from TS and we’re not having to bring in bargain bucket signings. We had a terrible disciplinary record last season but stronger teams tend to keep the ball more and give away fewer fouls. Bowyer was also demanding when it came to tackling, even subbing players for missing tackles.
I’m convinced we’ll be stronger than last season, we’re in a much better position than this time last year when we didn’t even know if we’d have a club.
Midfield isn’t strong imo. I’ve got no idea what Jayisemi can bring to the table. I think he will be good with a full close and pre season under his belt, but we just don’t know. JFC is likely to be back in Dec/Jan. I rate this boy’s professionalism and I guarantee he does everything right in rehabilitation etc, but I still believe he shone last year on account of the dross around him.
Finally, up top. This is actually the area I think we may be okay, if we get Stockley, plus 1 other if we keep Aneke. I think Washington is decent. Works hard, got a decent(ish) return, and can add something. Stockley would be great. The only thing I would say, is find him a strike partner. I felt the 4-3-3 fell away a bit toward the end. He cut quite a lone figure in some of the final games. I would like him to form a partnership with someone
for me, we’re probably only looking at 1 full back :-(
1 CB
We’re probably looking at 4 midfielders and maybe 1 other forward after getting Stockley and Aneke secured on deals
That’s 7 players
Actually 8 maybe, depending on the Amos situation
Interesting comments
Paywalled, but it's saying that Millar is likely to get a Championship loan move next season.
I was anti bowyer post October 2020, and I was anti 80% of this squad.
Total shake up needed in my humble opinion.
Not convinced Aneke will stay and we haven’t secured Stockley yet.
I think it’ll be closer to 11/12 than 7/8.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordan-cecil-2230ab19
Looks like we're getting serious with Charlton TV if she's coming in.
Did he do a job for us? Yes, and we won't forget that crucial goal against Doncaster in a hurry.
Do I wish him any ill will? Of course not. I hope he has as long a career as he wants, but just not here.
And when you look at it from that perspective... Well you have to say it's time to say thanks for the memories and the effort but we have to cut our losses. Eventually that fitness will wane and then he's taking up a place in the squad we could offer to someone who will hopefully grow and develop and be part of the future.
If Watson didn't have his clause then he'd be gone instead/as well but that's just the luck of the draw I think.
Its unlikely to miss out on 88 but it happens, feel the Owner wants outright this season.
They will share the same matchday walking frame to save costs
- GK x1 (to allow AMB to go out on loan)
- FB x 1 (starting left back, assuming Matthews re-signs)
- CB x 2 (Even with JP we only have two under contract so we need a starting CB and first choice cover with JP as 4th choice)
- WM x3 (we only have JD so having two players for each position means we need 3 more. Two to play on the right and another leftie to compete with JD)
- CM x3 (even if Watson & JFC sign we only have 4 with JFC out until Jan 22 at least. Given he's played a 3 in most games then we need 6 so i'd expect us to sign 3 more starters)
- CF x2 (Assuming one will be Stockley, I expect Chuks to re-sign but Ronnie to leave so we'd need one more. This could be x2 if Chuks does go elsewhere)
Total Needed = 12
You'd expect 3 or 4 to be on loan with the desire to reduce the reliance on loans. Either way it's a massive turnaround and amount of work to get done in a short period of time.
With players not accepting contracts it could be even more. Interesting times ahead, this thread could get very busy soon - with actual rumours!
So I feel we're about 10 short (assuming Amos, Matthews, Pearce, Watson and Aneke sign new deals). Not counting JFC for the first half of the season, but in Watson, Gilbey and Morgan we do have three.
Until it’s 100% done he’s still a Preston player, regardless of whether he’s agreed his contract and is looking at houses in the area.