Mannion is a calming presence and has come into his own in a few recent games relieving pressure by claiming crosses and balls into the box. He has solid kicking and distribution but, for me, his shot stopping has never totally convinced. I think AMB may well have saved at least one, maybe two, of Wrexham's goals on Saturday but he wouldn't have been so dominant in commanding his area and might have cost us goals in other games during this run-in. If we don't get promoted, I think Mannion is fine as a first choice in League One and the money might be better spent on improving our squad depth and adding more pace and creativity. If we get promoted, AMB should be moved on and we should be looking for an upgrade on Mannion.
There was another discussion here about penalty saving, and Mannion's slightly average shot stopping ability does somewhat show when facing penalties. I could never imagine him springing full stretch to save a penalty, something which might be important if we get to Wembley.
Indeed maybe he should be subbed off for AMB just for the shootout!
AMB is the least athletic GK around. You could barely slide a sheet of a4 paper under his feet when he jumps. Lead boots.
2 years ago absolutely I'd have taken Santos , feels like he's past his best and not worth looking at anymore.
He's not really what we need. Whichever division we're in we'll need someone who is at least on par with A. Mitchell or Gillesphey and preferably a marked improvement and I don't think that's Santos any more. Plus it's very possible that Z. Mitchell is going to be there or thereabouts next season too and Santos would probably very expensive for a third/fourth choice CB.
He'd be the kind of signing that would make me think we're looking at more time spent scrapping in League One instead of making a serious go of promotion.
Warne wants him at MK Dons, Bolton fans don't sound too surprised and are saying they should move on.
Without sounding too harsh, any player Bolton don't want, I don't want. We are genuinely a better side than them at present, which hasn't been the case for a while.
You do wonder though if Nathan Jones is the kind of manager that can bring some life back into a player like Santos. He's only 29 and got a lot of experience, big unit as well with a fair bit of pace from what I can remember.
Warne wants him at MK Dons, Bolton fans don't sound too surprised and are saying they should move on.
Without sounding too harsh, any player Bolton don't want, I don't want. We are genuinely a better side than them at present, which hasn't been the case for a while.
You do wonder though if Nathan Jones is the kind of manager that can bring some life back into a player like Santos. He's only 29 and got a lot of experience, big unit as well with a fair bit of pace from what I can remember.
Why bother with players on the down slide,
Because sometimes there are more factors to why a player has lost his way.
Apparently he had a good relationship with Evatt, he may have been unhappy with how he was treated.
He might have got fed up of playing to a high level and failing promotion twice, could be low on confidence.
I certainly wouldn't be upset if we signed him, as if its the version from 1-2 years ago, he's genuinely a very good player.
There's plenty of examples of players switching clubs and revitalising their careers.
First realistic name on my wishlist: Jamie McDonnell
Was on loan from Forest to Colchester this season. Played 32 times (29 starts) and won Colchester’s young player of the year award.
Defensive minded midfielder - absolutely loves a tackle. Top 2% of League Two for “tackles won”, “duels won” and “aerial duels won”.
He’s very much a player that Nathan Jones would fall in love with IMO.
Think it would be a loan if in League One - possibly buy outright (with clauses) if we were promoted.
Where does he fit in though? Coventry, Anderson, Doherty and Berry all have more experience at a higher level and at least three of those four also offer an alternative in the tackling/defensive side of things. You've also potentially got Terry "New Signing" Taylor to come back (albeit he might well leave) plus either of Laqeretabua and Z. Mitchell can possibly step up into that role.
On paper he's a decent shout but I don't see it happening.
Huddersfield releasing quite a bit of their squad including a number of starters
Maybe not if we go up, but Josh Koroma could be a good backup to TC in that hybrid LW/ST type role. He's even done alright in the championship previously
One I'd want us to take a punt on, especially if Small leaves, is Neufville from AFCW. He has had a great season over there and I reckon would make the step up to League 1 pretty easily, he's very athletic. If we're in the championship though it would probably be too big a step
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He'd be the kind of signing that would make me think we're looking at more time spent scrapping in League One instead of making a serious go of promotion.
Apparently he had a good relationship with Evatt, he may have been unhappy with how he was treated.
He might have got fed up of playing to a high level and failing promotion twice, could be low on confidence.
I certainly wouldn't be upset if we signed him, as if its the version from 1-2 years ago, he's genuinely a very good player.
There's plenty of examples of players switching clubs and revitalising their careers.
Anyway, I don't see it, especially if we go up.
Was on loan from Forest to Colchester this season. Played 32 times (29 starts) and won Colchester’s young player of the year award.
He’s very much a player that Nathan Jones would fall in love with IMO.
Think it would be a loan if in League One - possibly buy outright (with clauses) if we were promoted.
You've also potentially got Terry "New Signing" Taylor to come back (albeit he might well leave) plus either of Laqeretabua and Z. Mitchell can possibly step up into that role.
On paper he's a decent shout but I don't see it happening.