I was awaiting Dobson’s return for this, but no matter, because now we’ve signed Docherty, we could feasibly put out a team starting with the first 11 letters of the alphabet:
Isted Edmonds-Green Jones Gillesphey Campbell Docherty Berry Henry Fraser Kanu Ahadme
😎 (I love silly crap like this. A bit like that squad we had a few years ago that had about 9 players who all had different first names, but they all began with A.)
I was awaiting Dobson’s return for this, but no matter, because now we’ve signed Docherty, we could feasibly put out a team starting with the first 11 letters of the alphabet:
Isted Edmonds-Green Jones Gillesphey Campbell Docherty Berry Henry Fraser Kanu Ahadme
😎 (I love silly crap like this. A bit like that squad we had a few years ago that had about 9 players who all had different first names, but they all began with A.)
We are ahead of where we would be most seasons on the eve of the first friendly which is fantastic to see.
The only really major piece of the puzzle left is the goalkeeper. Get that sorted and we’d be more than ready to start the season next weekend.
Still want three to round out the squad (GK, CB, CM) and then start work on finding new clubs for unwanted players but otherwise things are looking very good.
How I see it really, definitely the three signings I think we need. I wouldn’t be against two further CM’s with Taylor going or another striker with Kanu going League 2 but they’re not desperate.
When I look at the squads im not convinced we have enough to be top 2, but remain hopeful if we can get the last few in.
Expecting Isted, Asiimwe, Fraser, Ness and Henry to move on, wouldn't be shocked if Edun did as well. Could honestly get 3 decent loan signings in for the GK, CB and CM if needed.
Think we can do better than Watson for the back up, if Ramsay gets injured again. Watson is not up to it.
I think Watson is fine for cover, he was arguably the most improved player from the Nathan Jones effect. I mean if he wanted to go or an offer comes in then by all means accept and move him on but think he showed enough under Jones end of last season to do a job as cover.
Asiimwe has improvement in him - he’s technically and athletically good enough.
Expecting Isted, Asiimwe, Fraser, Ness and Henry to move on, wouldn't be shocked if Edun did as well. Could honestly get 3 decent loan signings in for the GK, CB and CM if needed.
Squad is really starting to take shape now. GK, CB, midfielder and i think we're pretty set for the start of the season. Fair play to Jones he said he wanted the majority of his signings through the door early, and he's done that. Also i know they're often ridiculed but credit to the management team as well for getting the deals done.
Could also maybe look to get a PL youngster in on loan but that's probably unlikely as his parent club would want guarantees on playing time which i doubt Jones would do. But it's nice to be in a position where a loan is considered an added bonus rather than a deadline panic signing to fill a position.
I have to say I'm happy with the business we've done so far. Yes we do need a couple more additions, but you can see that NJ is building a big, strong athletic squad to play his way. The owners need to be applauded for backing him so far. I was disappointed to see May go, but sometimes shit happens, the signings of Godden, Ahadme and Docherty make up for that loss. As for Dobbo, perhaps him moving on will allow Coventry, who I think is a good footballer, to flourish in a 3 with Berry and Greg. Let's see who else comes in, but so far, it's been a good window.
I have to say I'm happy with the business we've done so far. Yes we do need a couple more additions, but you can see that NJ is building a big, strong athletic squad to play his way. The owners need to be applauded for backing him so far. I was disappointed to see May go, but sometimes shit happens, the signings of Godden, Ahadme and Docherty make up for that loss. As for Dobbo, perhaps him moving on will allow Coventry, who I think is a good footballer, to flourish in a 3 with Berry and Greg. Let's see who else comes in, but so far, it's been a good window.
I think we've done fairly well overall. I would imagine that fans of other clubs seeing players like Docherty, Berry, Mitchell, Ahadme signing on would not necessarily be jealous but definitely would consider those strong signings. Mannion less so perhaps but he was not really intended as first choice anyway. Godden is one that could go either way but I do think his experience and attitude will help a lot in training etc.
I suspect we will see more outgoings than incoming now but that's not a bad thing as sad to say there are probably some we do need to move on for various reasons.
We're not done yet but I am happy enough with what has happened so far. May leaving is still a blow but probably less than it would have been if we hadn't been able to see the club proactively moving and not scrambling on the last day.
Keep seeing people say we need to sign a wide player, why? We are clearly playing with wingbacks and no wingers so why waste budget on one?
Isn't an attacking full back or wing back a wide player when a team is on the attack. Shaw was always crossing from wide and in an advanced position in recent tournaments for England.
For England: The lack of width on the left this time is because Shaw hasn't played, Gordon's was only put on in the 89th minute etc and Trippier only uses his left foot to stand on.
Same scenario for Charlton you need to the ability to cross from wide on the left or right. Teams still need players who can cross from both sides and from advanced positions. So top attacking full backs but also forwards who can cross. Kanu 1st assist was when he went wider on the left for Leaburn to score. I'm a great fan of forwards like Taylor (hush your mouth Sam 🤐) and Grant who could play central and wide.
Seems like most are feeling positive about our transfer activity but to get a true picture, it must be time for the “whelmometer” to make an appearance. It never lies!
We’re not likely to play with wingers that often and you already have Campbell and Edwards who can/have played those positions, so I would put it as low priority.
Keep seeing people say we need to sign a wide player, why? We are clearly playing with wingbacks and no wingers so why waste budget on one?
We could do with the option in the squad to play with wingers if we want to change a game, but I agree there’s no point wasting budget on an out and out winger who will spend most of their time on the bench.
What would probably be ideal is a number 10 who’s comfortable out wide, but I’m not convinced Jones wants that type of player in midfield. I think he’s more likely to use players like Berry or Anderson there, i.e. hard working CMs who like to get forward, rather than say a Jonny Williams or Billy Clarke.
Keep seeing people say we need to sign a wide player, why? We are clearly playing with wingbacks and no wingers so why waste budget on one?
Isn't an attacking full back or wing back a wide player when a team is on the attack. Shaw was always crossing from wide and in an advanced position in recent tournaments for England.
For England: The lack of width on the left this time is because Shaw hasn't played, Gordon's was only put on in the 89th minute etc and Trippier only uses his left foot to stand on.
Same scenario for Charlton you need to the ability to cross from wide on the left or right. Teams still need players who can cross from both sides and from advanced positions. So top attacking full backs but also forwards who can cross. Kanu 1st assist was when he went wider on the left for Leaburn to score. I'm a great fan of forwards like Taylor (hush your mouth Sam 🤐) and Grant who could play central and wide.
If we are counting wing backs as wide players then we have loads of wide players and don’t need any more.
I was awaiting Dobson’s return for this, but no matter, because now we’ve signed Docherty, we could feasibly put out a team starting with the first 11 letters of the alphabet:
Isted Edmonds-Green Jones Gillesphey Campbell Docherty Berry Henry Fraser Kanu Ahadme
😎 (I love silly crap like this. A bit like that squad we had a few years ago that had about 9 players who all had different first names, but they all began with A.)
I think the board and NJ have done everything we could have reasonably expected of them so far. It feels like we have a positive buzz around the club, some new players from a higher level to see in the friendly games to come, and the promise of a couple more to come at least.
Keep seeing people say we need to sign a wide player, why? We are clearly playing with wingbacks and no wingers so why waste budget on one?
Isn't an attacking full back or wing back a wide player when a team is on the attack. Shaw was always crossing from wide and in an advanced position in recent tournaments for England.
For England: The lack of width on the left this time is because Shaw hasn't played, Gordon's was only put on in the 89th minute etc and Trippier only uses his left foot to stand on.
Same scenario for Charlton you need to the ability to cross from wide on the left or right. Teams still need players who can cross from both sides and from advanced positions. So top attacking full backs but also forwards who can cross. Kanu 1st assist was when he went wider on the left for Leaburn to score. I'm a great fan of forwards like Taylor (hush your mouth Sam 🤐) and Grant who could play central and wide.
If we are counting wing backs as wide players then we have loads of wide players and don’t need any more.
I would count any player who has the ability to cross the ball from a wide position and doesn't have to do a Trippier and cut back onto his Right foot when taking up a wide position on the left or vice versa. Hopefully we do have the enough of these players now.
Campbell will play a part from the bench and maybe plan B or when a full back is tiring. Still room for a ''Winger" to run at defenders in the last 30 minutes or so depending on the situation.
My mantra is flexibility and out guess the opposition Manager or head coach or if you only have a Plan A like Pep them make sure it's a brilliant Plan A.
This is the mediocre 3rd tier so we don't need to emulated Champion league winners but we do need some skill, nous and fitness with a better 16 player involved in a game than the last few mid table seasons.
Slightly hopefully but will we miss Alfie, George and Corey over the full 24/25 season ?
I was awaiting Dobson’s return for this, but no matter, because now we’ve signed Docherty, we could feasibly put out a team starting with the first 11 letters of the alphabet:
Isted Edmonds-Green Jones Gillesphey Campbell Docherty Berry Henry Fraser Kanu Ahadme
😎 (I love silly crap like this. A bit like that squad we had a few years ago that had about 9 players who all had different first names, but they all began with A.)
Are you retired by any chance ?
He is Lord Romford and he has servants to look after him. Carry on my sweet Lord.
I have been critical of NJ but have to admit that he seems to be assembling a squad that will suit his style of play, which will become clearer as the friendlies progress, so well done NJ, the SMT and Owners. I know most will disagree but I hope that Scott Fraser will become our playmaker, he was good when he first came to us but deteriorated due to his injury, but is now injury free.
Keep seeing people say we need to sign a wide player, why? We are clearly playing with wingbacks and no wingers so why waste budget on one?
Jones has played a 433/4231 at times at all his clubs so he definitely likes the option, plus, he wanted it enough to bring in lualua after all.
Think it wouldn't hurt to have the next AM someone who can play across the 3 attack mid spots. A loan might be best given it won't be a guaranteed starter.
Comments
Edmonds-Green Jones Gillesphey
Campbell Docherty Berry Henry
Fraser
Kanu Ahadme
😎
(I love silly crap like this. A bit like that squad we had a few years ago that had about 9 players who all had different first names, but they all began with A.)
Could also maybe look to get a PL youngster in on loan but that's probably unlikely as his parent club would want guarantees on playing time which i doubt Jones would do. But it's nice to be in a position where a loan is considered an added bonus rather than a deadline panic signing to fill a position.
Sounds like George wants to move to a Foreign country.
😉
The owners need to be applauded for backing him so far. I was disappointed to see May go, but sometimes shit happens, the signings of Godden, Ahadme and Docherty make up for that loss. As for Dobbo, perhaps him moving on will allow Coventry, who I think is a good footballer, to flourish in a 3 with Berry and Greg.
Let's see who else comes in, but so far, it's been a good window.
and a goalie. Not sure we need a cb but Sonny Bradley would be a bonus.
I suspect we will see more outgoings than incoming now but that's not a bad thing as sad to say there are probably some we do need to move on for various reasons.
We're not done yet but I am happy enough with what has happened so far. May leaving is still a blow but probably less than it would have been if we hadn't been able to see the club proactively moving and not scrambling on the last day.
Isn't an attacking full back or wing back a wide player when a team is on the attack. Shaw was always crossing from wide and in an advanced position in recent tournaments for England.
For England:
The lack of width on the left this time is because Shaw hasn't played, Gordon's was only put on in the 89th minute etc and Trippier only uses his left foot to stand on.
Same scenario for Charlton you need to the ability to cross from wide on the left or right. Teams still need players who can cross from both sides and from advanced positions. So top attacking full backs but also forwards who can cross. Kanu 1st assist was when he went wider on the left for Leaburn to score.
I'm a great fan of forwards like Taylor (hush your mouth Sam 🤐) and Grant who could play central and wide.
What would probably be ideal is a number 10 who’s comfortable out wide, but I’m not convinced Jones wants that type of player in midfield. I think he’s more likely to use players like Berry or Anderson there, i.e. hard working CMs who like to get forward, rather than say a Jonny Williams or Billy Clarke.
Peter Garland !
Looking forward to the season ahead
I would count any player who has the ability to cross the ball from a wide position and doesn't have to do a Trippier and cut back onto his Right foot when taking up a wide position on the left or vice versa. Hopefully we do have the enough of these players now.
Campbell will play a part from the bench and maybe plan B or when a full back is tiring. Still room for a ''Winger" to run at defenders in the last 30 minutes or so depending on the situation.
My mantra is flexibility and out guess the opposition Manager or head coach or if you only have a Plan A like Pep them make sure it's a brilliant Plan A.
This is the mediocre 3rd tier so we don't need to emulated Champion league winners but we do need some skill, nous and fitness with a better 16 player involved in a game than the last few mid table seasons.
Slightly hopefully but will we miss Alfie, George and Corey over the full 24/25 season ?
He is Lord Romford and he has servants to look after him.
Carry on my sweet Lord.
I know most will disagree but I hope that Scott Fraser will become our playmaker, he was good when he first came to us but deteriorated due to his injury, but is now injury free.
Jones has played a 433/4231 at times at all his clubs so he definitely likes the option, plus, he wanted it enough to bring in lualua after all.
Think it wouldn't hurt to have the next AM someone who can play across the 3 attack mid spots. A loan might be best given it won't be a guaranteed starter.