We have 13 players signed for next year, 7 in negotiation, plus I assume Scott will want to offer Maguire a contract. That makes 21 if they all sign (unlikely) split as follows based on where Scott likes to play them:
6 Midfield: Campbell, Gladwin, L Kelly, Khaleel, Roles, Williams
3 Strikers: Fish, Lolos, Orsi
I would say we need a squad of 25/26 so it is clear where we need to strengthen - 2 experienced defenders (one left footed and one right footed) a strong midfielder (to cover in case Gladwin does not make it), and one experienced striker to give Orsi a rest sometime. I also feel we need to bring in another experienced keeper, possibly on loan to challenge Addai, and enable us to loan out Sandford for experience - he has only played 7 games at National League level.
Obviously, if we sell players, or some do not sign on for next year, we will need to replace them too.
That looks like a fair summary, though I’d rule out Gladwin as I think we can assume he’ll be in more of a coaching role. Perhaps he’ll be in the squad as emergency backup.
I do worry a bit about the amount of strapping Williams has had on his knee for most of the season, so would like good cover for him.
On that note, I think the medical/fitness team have done a great job this season getting people back from injury and preventing them in the first place - particularly compared with the last couple of seasons. That’s been pretty important with the size of squad we’ve had. I noticed Crewe’s squad listed in the programme last weekend was 42 compared with our 30, including 5 keepers (Stryjek being an emergency loan).
Didnt we learn a lesson from sick note Lynch with Gladwin?
It seems when we sign experienced players, we always get ones with dubious fitness. (And yes I'm aware Lynch joined us under the previous owners). There's more to data than XG. A bit of due diligence on players' injury records wouldn't go amiss. Because we could really do with the odd battle-hardened, experienced L1 player to boost the ranks. But only if they can manage more than 5 games in a row.
I really liked the depth to and versatility within the squad this season. From the the 21 listed, I’d like to see another striker, as a different option, and we need another couple of centre backs, due to the maths I’ve mentioned elsewhere.
At L1 level we will need 2 match ready options in every position.
Who - who knows. After the success of last summer's signings then more of the same is fine.
Also there is the possibility of other movements. For example Orsi has a year left on his current deal and presumably if we get a decent offer then a sale is possible rather than a free next summer.
As we are now a League 1 club perhaps we can attract higher quality loan players. Although with the exception of Maguire, Scott did not play them much last season which will not attract other clubs who want to give their younger players experience.
As we are now a League 1 club perhaps we can attract higher quality loan players. Although with the exception of Maguire, Scott did not play them much last season which will not attract other clubs who want to give their younger players experience.
unless the loans are better than what we already have why would Scott play them?
As we are now a League 1 club perhaps we can attract higher quality loan players. Although with the exception of Maguire, Scott did not play them much last season which will not attract other clubs who want to give their younger players experience.
unless the loans are better than what we already have why would Scott play them?
If the loans aren't better than what we already have, why bring them in in the first place? Olagunju the prime example.
Last Edit: May 27, 2024 8:58:41 GMT by Northgate Red
Maguire is not with us. He was a loan player who has gone back to his parent club.
However, he has been released by his parent club and both sides have intimated they will hold a negotiation with a view to him coming here. Hence, Sooty included him just like Gladwin and Tsaroulla etc.
Post by onetouchfootie on May 27, 2024 15:03:24 GMT
C62A. I’m no expert but as I understand it as a loanee he was returned to his parent club & despite being released the 1st June is the date upon which he can sign a contract for a new club. Maybe someone with a better knowledge than me can confirm or correct.?