Edwards, Ramsey, Jones, Small, Coventry will all step up as regular first teamers. Anderson I think may do as well, really impressed with so much of his game. Godden, Berry, Mannion, Gillesphey are all capable squad players Aneke, Henry, Watson, Gilbert, McIntyre, Ahadme, AMB will all leave I think. Leaburn I just don't know, like most of the other kids. Personally think we need 5 first teamers and 3-4 squad players. Teams promoted last season bought in 20 or so players each (across the summer and winter windows)
Edwards, Ramsey, Jones, Small, Coventry will all step up as regular first teamers. Anderson I think may do as well, really impressed with so much of his game. Godden, Berry, Mannion, Gillesphey are all capable squad players Aneke, Henry, Watson, Gilbert, McIntyre, Ahadme, AMB will all leave I think. Leaburn I just don't know, like most of the other kids. Personally think we need 5 first teamers and 3-4 squad players. Teams promoted last season bought in 20 or so players each (across the summer and winter windows)
Midfield needs a playmaker & some wide players. Can't play into the Championship with TC and a makeshift right wideman.
Up front is where we need it most. Ahadme, Kanu & Mbick are obviously not Championship material. Aneke is out of contract & Hylton is too old. That leaves Godden & an injured Leaburn. So imo we need at least 2, if not 3 proper strikers.
So in my book we need at least at least 8 players....preferably 10. We wont do though as Nathan likes a tight ship, so I'm expecting 4 or 5 in.
Even in League One this season we've seen the dangers of not having quality coming off the bench. The reason we got through the Playoffs and end of the season the way we did was because we could bring on Karoy to add energy in the midfield and Chuks to give a roadblock for the ball when we cleared it. What we didn't have was pace to come on for TC and threaten the opposition on the break or a realistic replacement for Jones or Small if they weren't available. You should always be looking to sign players better than the ones you have and we need to be looking at another keeper, a flying RWB who can push high and defend, a CB to challenge Lloyd Jones and one to challenge Gillesphey, a solid alternative to Edwards and Docherty, a central midfielder who can offer the bit of Anderson as well as the guile of Gilbert, pace up front and someone who can win the high ball and finish like Godden. Not an easy task but the good thing is that all those aren't essential. The ones that are are keeper, RWB, two centre mids and some pace and power up front
I think we need a lot. I wouldn’t agree that the defence is “fine” for the Championship. We need a new keeper and competition (and possibly replacement) for Gillesphey. We also need replacements for A. Mitchell and T. Watson.
I reckon we need about 7 players for the first team alone (6 if we keep Small) and probably 15 total if you add in squad players.
15 signings for a squad that just got promoted, surely not.
I think it'll be half that
I agree: 15 signings is fantasy football. Unless Andy Scott is back in the building and we have Evangelos Marinakis us our new owner that is so OTT and I'm not sure it will be more than 6 new faces in the 20 player match squad come early August.
We do obviously need upgrades in the team/Squad but team spirit can disappear quicker than Charlton fans when we lose a game if we have a major cull again after getting promotion.
I’d like to see a proper partner/foil for Godden. I know it’s not the way we play but think he could benefit from a Mark Bright type player.
I do think we’re lacking in midfield. Again, not the way we play, but there will be times where we’re going to need more creativity in midfield. I think Jones tried to address that with Gilbert, so hopefully he has a look at that in the summer. Wouldn’t mind another winger either.
bring in half a dozen all capable of starting - wouldn't buy any squad players, they will come from youth and current starters - we got rid of most of the dead wood in the last window - i think a champ quality keeper and centre back, 2 central midfielders, a striker and a winger
Surprised so many doubt MG. He’s been arguably one of our strongest players and part of a miserly back three. Think he’ll be ok.
Think the argument though is he’s not on Jones or Ramsay’s level and that’s the kind of players we need if we want to stay up. He probably falls under the umbrella too good for L1 not good enough in the championship. Plymouth had arguably one of the worst defence in championship and Gillesphey couldn’t even break into that back line
Surprised so many doubt MG. He’s been arguably one of our strongest players and part of a miserly back three. Think he’ll be ok.
I think the main issue is, the difference in pace. The pace of the championship is a different level, and most teams have players with devastating pace, we don't have one imho.
There's also the lingering fact, that he was deemed not good enough by a Plymouth side who were relegated.
Sometimes you're the perfect man for the right job.
What is evident, is that Macca can play well in a back 5, is definitely a top league 1 centre back, and does in fact have the best technique at the club!
The risk is, can he step up to the championship. I think he will make a very useful squad member personally, and wouldn't be too alarmed to see him on the bench or at least given a chance if we strengthen elsewhere.
I think defensively we are fine also if we don't strengthen. We get Zach Mitchell back from loan who I am very excited about as well.
But we do need two starters in midfield in my opinion who are better than Docherty and Berry. Also two wide midfielder or wingers, one of which to probably replace Small.
Also we should sign at least two, maybe even three strikers because we now only have Godden as a senior striker. A fit Leaburn can make the step up but that is a big ask. I don't see Kanu and Ahadme as serious alternatives yet next season.
I think defensively we are fine also if we don't strengthen. We get Zach Mitchell back from loan who I am very excited about as well.
But we do need two starters in midfield in my opinion who are better than Docherty and Berry. Also two wide midfielder or wingers, one of which to probably replace Small.
Also we should sign at least two, maybe even three strikers because we now only have Godden as a senior striker. A fit Leaburn can make the step up but that is a big ask. I don't see Kanu and Ahadme as serious alternatives yet next season.
I’d be inclined to agree with you, along with a left sided player to compete with Edwards (who I really like, but there’s no cover) . However , if NJ decided lots weren’t good enough and ruthlessly replaced them, I’m sure we’d all be content . As many have said , we think a lot will step up, but there aren’t many proven championship players in there , and those that are are north of 32.
backup goalie full backs both sides 2 centre halves better than Docherty MF plus cover for Berry & Coventry better than the Gasbag up front to augment MG & ML
I think we need more pace and athleticism all over the pitch. If Small stays, I can see Edwards moving inside as not so many big lumps upfront in level 2. TS as LWB and we must get a rapid RWB. A tenacious ball carrier for Doc and an Aribo type for Berry.
Can Leaburn step up since injury? Godden only back-up for me, as with TC. So at least two quick, marquee strikers.
Surprised so many doubt MG. He’s been arguably one of our strongest players and part of a miserly back three. Think he’ll be ok.
I think the main issue is, the difference in pace. The pace of the championship is a different level, and most teams have players with devastating pace, we don't have one imho.
There's also the lingering fact, that he was deemed not good enough by a Plymouth side who were relegated.
Sometimes you're the perfect man for the right job.
What is evident, is that Macca can play well in a back 5, is definitely a top league 1 centre back, and does in fact have the best technique at the club!
The risk is, can he step up to the championship. I think he will make a very useful squad member personally, and wouldn't be too alarmed to see him on the bench or at least given a chance if we strengthen elsewhere.
We have Dixon with a fantastic burst of speed. Doubt many are quicker. Obviously NJ doesn’t think he’s ready but he’s been around the squad now for quite a while and will get a full pre season and no doubt additional during the summer. Agree we need to sign some more pace but at some point Dixon needs to step up or be moved on. Personally I’d be inclined to get him games in league one or two with a recall in January.
Surprised so many doubt MG. He’s been arguably one of our strongest players and part of a miserly back three. Think he’ll be ok.
I think the main issue is, the difference in pace. The pace of the championship is a different level, and most teams have players with devastating pace, we don't have one imho.
There's also the lingering fact, that he was deemed not good enough by a Plymouth side who were relegated.
Sometimes you're the perfect man for the right job.
What is evident, is that Macca can play well in a back 5, is definitely a top league 1 centre back, and does in fact have the best technique at the club!
The risk is, can he step up to the championship. I think he will make a very useful squad member personally, and wouldn't be too alarmed to see him on the bench or at least given a chance if we strengthen elsewhere.
We have Dixon with a fantastic burst of speed. Doubt many are quicker. Obviously NJ doesn’t think he’s ready but he’s been around the squad now for quite a while and will get a full pre season and no doubt additional during the summer. Agree we need to sign some more pace but at some point Dixon needs to step up or be moved on. Personally I’d be inclined to get him games in league one or two with a recall in January.
Yes I agree. He also gets a few goals by robbing players who don't realise how quick he is. Not afraid of tracking back either. Will be more rounded with a pre-season and full time training.
I think we should be looking for 3 big-ish (for us) ticket signings - GK, CM, ST. To strengthen the spine of the side and core of the squad. Make good use of the free agent market/budget signings to bulk out the squad - cover/competition for full backs, LCB, CM. There's value to be found here with top end league 1 players who have run down their contract looking for a champ gig like Tom Lockyer last time. Prem loans for No 10, wingers, another striker.
I know Jones doesn't like loans but I think for a year to see us through the transition to the league above we should be looking to make decent use of the loan market.
One thing is for sure. We absolutely need a bigger squad than last time we were in the champ and much bigger than we had 2nd half of this season. Youth players on the fringes are good and we want to give them the opportunity to put themselves in contention, we dont want to be relying on a midfield made up of youth players because we have an injury crisis and no other option.
It is always hard to let players go that get you promoted, but we do have a few that need replacing, I would like to see Dixon being given a few starts, and I would keep Godden, As much as I like Leaburn, sorry fella I think you need a season to prove your fitness, so maybe a loan?. Need two decent strikers, they will not be cheap, so would go for what is the best on offer prepared to play in the championship? Keep the rest, except..... But let go the following go.... Ahadme Watson Aneke Bouzanis McIntyre Gilbert Taylor Hylton Kanu Mbick AMB..... See if there is any money left, for a decent second keeper
Comments
STARTER (Backup)
NEW (Mannion)
NEW (Small)
RAMSAY (New)
JONES (New)
NEW (Gillesphey)
EDWARDS (New)
NEW (Docherty)
COVENTRY (New)
NEW (Berry)
GODDEN (New)
NEW (TC)
Extra squad members: A.Mitchell, Z.Mitchell, Anderson, Leaburn
Youngsters to be used or go out on loan.
Means we realistically need to sign an entire new team
Godden, Berry, Mannion, Gillesphey are all capable squad players
Aneke, Henry, Watson, Gilbert, McIntyre, Ahadme, AMB will all leave I think.
Leaburn I just don't know, like most of the other kids.
Personally think we need 5 first teamers and 3-4 squad players.
Teams promoted last season bought in 20 or so players each (across the summer and winter windows)
https://x.com/gilbz10/status/1927006093609210323?s=46&t=XKP2ZTnCO-QQ08I1djLdeQ
or is he assuming he is back in to the fold at Middlesbrough?
I agree:
15 signings is fantasy football. Unless Andy Scott is back in the building and we have Evangelos Marinakis us our new owner that is so OTT and I'm not sure it will be more than 6 new faces in the 20 player match squad come early August.
We do obviously need upgrades in the team/Squad but team spirit can disappear quicker than Charlton fans when we lose a game if we have a major cull again after getting promotion.
I do think we’re lacking in midfield. Again, not the way we play, but there will be times where we’re going to need more creativity in midfield. I think Jones tried to address that with Gilbert, so hopefully he has a look at that in the summer. Wouldn’t mind another winger either.
Keep Small if possible, use Assimwe as back up
Keep Ramsay, use Z Mitchell as back up
Keep Jones use Mitchell as backup
Sign left sided defender to cover Gillesphey
Keep Edwards ( sign above to cover along with Enslin)
Keep Coventry sign a back up
Keep Docherty and Berry but sign 2 to replace
Keep Anderson
Keep Campbell
Keep Godden and Leaburn
Sign 2 more strikers
Lose T Watson, Amb ,Gilbert ,Mcintyre, Chuks,Henry
Sell or loan Kanu, Mbick ,Ahadme
So I make it we need 8 but lose 9
There's also the lingering fact, that he was deemed not good enough by a Plymouth side who were relegated.
Sometimes you're the perfect man for the right job.
What is evident, is that Macca can play well in a back 5, is definitely a top league 1 centre back, and does in fact have the best technique at the club!
The risk is, can he step up to the championship. I think he will make a very useful squad member personally, and wouldn't be too alarmed to see him on the bench or at least given a chance if we strengthen elsewhere.
But we do need two starters in midfield in my opinion who are better than Docherty and Berry. Also two wide midfielder or wingers, one of which to probably replace Small.
Also we should sign at least two, maybe even three strikers because we now only have Godden as a senior striker. A fit Leaburn can make the step up but that is a big ask. I don't see Kanu and Ahadme as serious alternatives yet next season.
full backs both sides
2 centre halves
better than Docherty MF plus cover for Berry & Coventry
better than the Gasbag up front to augment MG & ML
So at least 9 probably 10
Out
Ahadme
Watson
Aneke
Bouzanis
McIntyre - End of Loan
Gilbert- End of Loan
Taylor
Hylton - Moves to Coaching team
In
i'd give Mannion and AMB a chance as i believe both performed well this season, however potentially a new GK
2x CB's
2x CMs
RWB
2x ST's
GK's
Freddie Woodman
Angus Gunn
Nathan Baxter
CB's
Jimmy Dunne
Harry Darling
Sean Roughan
Paudie O'Connor
Paddy Bauer - As backup only
RWB
Dijksteel
CM's
Ryan Ledson
Shelvey
sonny Carey
Josh Benson
Ethan Galbraith
ST's
Aaron Connolly
Emil Riis
Ricky Jade-Jones
Lawrence Shankland
Can Leaburn step up since injury? Godden only back-up for me, as with TC. So at least two quick, marquee strikers.
Zach, Karoy, Asiimwe and Enslin to get gametime.
Kanu, Mbick, Laqeretabua and Dixon on loan.
I'd assess TT in pre-season.
Make good use of the free agent market/budget signings to bulk out the squad - cover/competition for full backs, LCB, CM. There's value to be found here with top end league 1 players who have run down their contract looking for a champ gig like Tom Lockyer last time.
Prem loans for No 10, wingers, another striker.
I know Jones doesn't like loans but I think for a year to see us through the transition to the league above we should be looking to make decent use of the loan market.
One thing is for sure. We absolutely need a bigger squad than last time we were in the champ and much bigger than we had 2nd half of this season. Youth players on the fringes are good and we want to give them the opportunity to put themselves in contention, we dont want to be relying on a midfield made up of youth players because we have an injury crisis and no other option.
As much as I like Leaburn, sorry fella I think you need a season to prove your fitness, so maybe a loan?. Need two decent strikers, they will not be cheap, so would go for what is the best on offer prepared to play in the championship?
Keep the rest, except.....
But let go the following go....
Ahadme
Watson
Aneke
Bouzanis
McIntyre
Gilbert
Taylor
Hylton
Kanu
Mbick
AMB.....
See if there is any money left, for a decent second keeper