Seeing that the transfer window reopens this weekend I thought I'd ask which types of players are you all hoping Crawley sign next month and why? I think the following types of players will be what I'd put on my shopping list:
A poweful box-to-box midfielder (as most of our current ones are very similar in style and aren't particularly mobile) A center forward that's good in the air (especially against the types of defenders in this division) A back-up right back (as Francomb's future is clearly in midfield and we only have Davies who is a natural in that position) A back-up left back (Tsaroulla and Gallacher have struggled with injuries a bit this term and ideally I do not want to have to resort to putting Francomb at LB again)
I do feel though that there will be more outgoings than incomings however due to the size of the squad
Outgoing - Given our injury situation and lack of strength overall in the squad, any of the realistic first team choices shouldn't go anywhere - lets see what we need to do to keep them especially the really short term contracted ones.
Incoming - Agree generally with what's been said before but priority in my mind is the striker then a midfielder who can run the show. Even somebody like big John Akinde could offer us something (did I say that!)
We should probably expect to lose Lynch and Marshall as someone will offer them a better deal than a month to month contract.
I would expect to see some of the youngsters leave. Either on loan or released.
Incoming.
I would also like to see a back to goal striker signed. He doesn't have to be a big lump just capable of fighting for and keeping the ball up top.
Again I agree with the box to box midfielder. I think our midfielders are pretty good but they are all sit and play types.
Lastly, as its that time of year, a fairy godmother who could grant us our wish to be able to afford these signings..
Jim Baker
I think we could sign Lynch on a longer term contract potentially, depending on how he's settled here and how much he'd cost in wages. If that happens I would expect one of either Dallison or Craig to leave though in order to balance the wage books. I'd be surprised if Marshall is still here this time next month as I'd guess someone in the National League would be willing to offer him a longer-term deal (teams like Stockport, Chesterfield or Grimsby). Quite a few loan deals will be running out in January too and to be honest as you said I'd expect those players to be either sent out on loan again or be moved on permanently
A striker who can bully defenders around would be ideal actually thinking about it, Akinde might be worth a punt you know, wasn't that long ago he was scoring for fun in this league
We should probably expect to lose Lynch and Marshall as someone will offer them a better deal than a month to month contract.
I would expect to see some of the youngsters leave. Either on loan or released.
Incoming.
I would also like to see a back to goal striker signed. He doesn't have to be a big lump just capable of fighting for and keeping the ball up top.
Again I agree with the box to box midfielder. I think our midfielders are pretty good but they are all sit and play types.
Lastly, as its that time of year, a fairy godmother who could grant us our wish to be able to afford these signings..
Jim Baker
I think we could sign Lynch on a longer term contract potentially, depending on how he's settled here and how much he'd cost in wages. If that happens I would expect one of either Dallison or Craig to leave though in order to balance the wage books. I'd be surprised if Marshall is still here this time next month as I'd guess someone in the National League would be willing to offer him a longer-term deal (teams like Stockport, Chesterfield or Grimsby). Quite a few loan deals will be running out in January too and to be honest as you said I'd expect those players to be either sent out on loan again or be moved on permanently
A striker who can bully defenders around would be ideal actually thinking about it, Akinde might be worth a punt you know, wasn't that long ago he was scoring for fun in this league
Unfortunately without Jim's fairy godmother I don't think we are realistically going to see any money spent and are more likely to follow the Crawley model and find a hoped for gem deep in the non league depths. While we are away watching other games - keep the eyes open for that player!!
We need more options for sure but season ticket holders got half their money back 5 months ago so I think the budget is going to be tight this season, Yems may have to manage without big additions til the summer, but I’m sure he’s making his case otherwise to our powers that be. Some inward loans would be nice
Unless there are buyers lined up I imagine few players will leave. Any incoming will therefore be cheap loans and unattached types.
I would however move on Marshall and Bansal-McNulty on the basis that Yems clearly doesn't fancy them and there isn't much point having players who rarely play.
As we have struggled with numbers at times due to injuries and covid any 'outs' will almost certainly need replacing with an 'in'. Anyone off loaded is likely to be a short term loan out to a lower status club. I believe we would benefit from a big strong tall no. 9 for long aerial balls but doubt he exists on a shoestring budget.
Incoming - Agree generally with what's been said before but priority in my mind is the striker then a midfielder who can run the show. Even somebody like big John Akinde could offer us something (did I say that!)
Akinde is an interesting shout. Good target man and plenty of experience. I always thought he didn't get a fair chance at Crawley and has a decent scoring record elsewhere.
Unless there are buyers lined up I imagine few players will leave. Any incoming will therefore be cheap loans and unattached types.
I would however move on Marshall and Bansal-McNulty on the basis that Yems clearly doesn't fancy them and there isn't much point having players who rarely play.
Bansul-McNulty's loan deal runs out this month so I don't expect him to be around by February considering he hasn't played much (only started 1 game I believe). As previously said I think someone else will offer Marshall a more lucrative contract plus more playing opportunities so think he could go soon too.
With the news about Blondy today I'm sure a reserve goalie has now been added onto the shopping list (as think Jones is still out on loan and I'm not sure if Dion Curtis-Henry is still at the club, I didn't think much of him in the one game (Leyton Orient in EFL Trophy) I've seen him play too).
Even though I do think Dallison is decent if he isn't going to play again anytime soon I'd offload him this month as well as I'm sure plenty of clubs would want to have him in their team and if we can extend Lynch's contract that would give us 4 decent center backs to choose from when they are fully fit (Tunnicliffe, Lynch, Craig and Ludwig)
Wouldn’t like to see Dallison go. Solid player and if we plan to play 3 at the back like today he will be needed. We’d only be straight back in the market again when/if Craig retires (he’ll be 37 this summer).
I’d agree that stopping outgoings is most important but if there is anyone incoming I’d like it to be a big no 9. Just to give us another option/way of making our way up the pitch that we don’t have at the moment.
I wouldn't be surprised if Tony decides to call it a day this summer to be honest considering his contract runs out at the end of the season
And I'd defo would much rather Dallison stayed too but something clearly has gone on behind the scenes and I'm sure he'd prefer to be starting regularly instead of not being in matchday squads at all
I have a hunch Dallison will be off in January, which will be a big shame, but for whatever reason he’s become very much out of favour. A real asset as can play left back or centre back in a back 4, as well as left side in a back 3.
As has been mentioned, if we’re playing 3 at the back, we need a couple in reserve. Tunnicliffe will hopefully be one, but we’d also need another if Dallo goes.