Pretty decent analysis AddickRam, we're certainly starting to look stronger. I have to admit not knowing too much about Stephens, but the testimony from the Oldham fan seems to be encouraging. If we've spent £375k I assume that's the most we've spent on a player for quite some time (I think BWP was just under that?). One thing I would say is that it's quite unlikely McCormack will leave, he's probably on better wages here than he will find anywhere else so will stay. I wouldn't want him anywhere near the team for League games, but for League cup, JPT and Kent Cup games he'll do. Semedo will definately leave now, and whilst I think he's a very good player, if freeing up his wages has allowed us to bring in Hollands/Alonso/Stephens/Green then I think it has to be said that we are now a better "team" than last year, which is the main thing.
It will be interesting to see how wee line up next year, with some suggestions of a 433 or a 4231. I think we'll stick with a 442, Green, Hollands, Alonso, Jackson. As we know Evina likes to get forward i'd expect him to start LB and supply the width down the left and Jackson to play an inside left role being the one who is right up behind the strikers when going forward. That gives us width down both flanks, a quality end product from Green, goals and graft from Jackson, physicality with better technical ability in Hollands and creativity and control from Alonso. I also expect young Harriot to be involved a fair bit and because of the versatility that Evina offers down the left it wouldn't surprise me if the only other addition down that side was a left back.
I personally think it will be Alonso that is at least initially sacrificed from the starting team assuming all other choices are fit. I imagine it will take him the longest to adapt to the rigours of English League One football and perhaps needs to be eased into the fray. That's not saying that once he is settled he won't command a regular spot.
Its funny how in the article on SLP of our double capture....it mentions Stephens turning down Saints because there was no guarantee of being a first team regular.....is it guaranteed he will be a first team regular with us?
I would have thought that the midfield would be : Green....Hollands....Stephens...Jackson. Hollands being the strong tackler and Stephens the playmaker, although Powell did say he saw Jackson more as a centre midfielder this year..... Perhaps he didn't realise he would have this amount of money to spend on the team, which explains the Rochdale comment.
Its funny how in the article on SLP of our double capture....it mentions Stephens turning down Saints because there was no guarantee of being a first team regular.....is it guaranteed he will be a first team regular with us?
I'd like to think no one will be guaranteed a first team place. It would be nice to have a squad with competition across the pitch, so no one is certain of a place in the team.
Perhaps the article was simply alluding to the fact that Stephens would be far more likely to command a position in a League 1 team than a Championship side. That seems sensible enough to me.
So where does Stephens fit your master plan, Blankie?
Somehwere in the centre of midfield ;-)
@ShootersHillGuru made a good point about Alonso not settling quickly and Stephens could be the one who starts in the middle alongside Hollands. The good thing is we have options. It's exciting.
We'll look a better team next season purely cause the midfield is going to be a lot lot stronger, but in terms of ball winning, but doing something with it when it's won.
Do you think Dale from the Oldham had a personality clash with Paul Dickov , i'm sure a lot of of players will do , if he is anything like he was a player, feisty and likes to get under peoples skin , can you get away with that in the modern game?
Press conference, hahaha, we're not in the Premier League anymore, the big announcement happens on Twitter, then the OS, then it might be picked up in a 10 second news in brief section on SSN
The next stage will be a few quality loans and then things will start to look tasty thank you very much. As pre season starts tomorrow, I'm sure Chrissy will want to have as much time as possible for what will be a very new squad to gel.
We simply cannot have a back three with one, let alone two, wing backs. That'd be defensive suicide. If you were to play three at the back it HAS to be three centre backs, with Evina giving the width on the left hand side of midfield.
So many choices, all of which we cannot actually put together properly until we know just how many more players, and for what positions, we get in in the next 6 weeks or so
Comments
Followed by the signing of 3 players.
Would still love to keep Jose. Maybe with the new group in he would work well in a 5 man midfield. And he can still offer something in the back four
3-5-2
Evina to provide speed on the left side of the 3 man defence. Dailly as the old head in there somewhere. 1/2 others to be signed?
Middle of Green (R) Stephens Hollands Alonso Jackson (L)
Interchanging, free flowing football for 90 mins.
Somehwere in the centre of midfield ;-)
@ShootersHillGuru made a good point about Alonso not settling quickly and Stephens could be the one who starts in the middle alongside Hollands. The good thing is we have options. It's exciting.
Green and/or Stephens
no... i reckon if it isn't announced today then something has gone wrong with personal terms or medicals. Fingers crossed...
The only thing is, surely RichCawley would know if there was a conference called and know what time it was and therefore mention it on his twitter?
The next stage will be a few quality loans and then things will start to look tasty thank you very much. As pre season starts tomorrow, I'm sure Chrissy will want to have as much time as possible for what will be a very new squad to gel.
*NEW* *NEW* Evina
Green Hollands Stephens Alonso Jacko
Hayes BWP
Don't normally buy a programme at home matches these days and contribute to VG instead.
But will DEFINITELY need one for the Bournemouth match as won't recognise hardly any of the players out there in red shirts !
Solly NEW NEW Evina
Green Alonso/Hollands Stephens JJ
BWP Hayes/Benson
The squad is looking good. Still I'm not gonna believe the transfers have happened until they're on the O/S.