I think most would agree that the team/squad will need strengthening next season but from the present squad who are the definite starters at 3.00 pm day one of the new season in the championships without wanting to be derogatory to our existing players, imo the starters would be Solly, Wiggins, Morrison, Holland, Kerm, Jackson, Cort
BWP,Stephens,Hamer Taylor, Green, Waggy would be bench for me. Remainder Prichard, Hughes,Evina Hayes,Euall,Haynes,Sullivan not going to see a lot of in my view.
0
Comments
: - )
Come 1 July we'll have a much better idea about who's staying and who's going. Then we can start to speculate.
I'm hoping we'll bring in 3-5 proven Champ players to take us to the next level. Think we'd also see 2/3 extra players as competition (cover for RB for one).
Expect Euell, Doherty and Alonso to be released (and Mambo?). Clarke will surely be sold and maybe some of Hayes, Hughes etc if the right offer comes in for them.
For me though, we need another striker (or strikers) to challenge Yann and BWP, another CM and a left winger. Possibly also sign DN'G as an impact sub as he can play anywhere in attack.
The central midfield will be sorted with a more regular attacking midfielder who can bang in some goals. Someone LIKE Darren Ambrose (not him though).
Its worth looking at some of the players who will be going down with Portsmouth or Coventry. The likes of Sammy Clingan are too good for League One.
the obvious 'deadwood' (Doc, Alonso),
those who just don't fit in (Hayes, Clarke),
short term signings (Euell, Hughes possibly)
youngsters who didn't make it (e.g. Mambo)
The 2 recent loanees (Cook, N'Guessan) may become permament signings, I suspect Russell won't.
Depending on whether any youngsters can make the breakthrough, we'll need
A 4th CB
RB cover
LM cover if we don't sign Cook and Harriott isn't ready.
CM - someone with the potential class of Stephens, the energy of Russell and discipline of Hughes!
A replacement for Hayes/Clarke.
The big question is whether some of our current 1st team is good enough for the Championship, as most haven't played (or played much) at that level. I guess we'll only find out when we've had a few games at that level.
I can see vacancies in central defence, central midfield, wide on both wings (depending on the shape that CP envisages to play next season) and striker. I think around six of the current squad will depart and will be replaced by a similar number. I am in favour of a small, quality squad and not a squad filled with bench warmers. We were fortunate not to have had too many injuries this season. Signing fit players and keeping them fit is an essential part of any team planning, though Wright-Phillips and Demba ba have shown that not all 'scans' are accurate. I am so looking forward to next season.