What do we think the position of the "maybe one other" will be?
I actually think - looking at the size of Ipswich's team last night - we could do with another CB...
But also we look light at RB/RWB
and do we have enough cover in the middle of the park - say, if Coventry were to get injured?
I think it's just the wing backs where we look light. I'd like a quality RWB but I agree with others that it's likely that we bring in Lembikisa and/or Bennett to cover there.
With JRC, Coventry, Anderson and Doc in the middle I think we're fine there - believe Knibbs has the physicality to play further back if required as well.
NJ said there will be 1 maybe 2 more. Ones definitely Knibbs the fact he’s said maybe 2 probably suggests he’s not convinced on either Bennett or Lembikisa staying longer term. We do probably need an out and out wingback more than anything else at present but can see us waiting to try and get the best possible loan available. Touch wood but Edwards and Apter should be able to manage without cover for 1-2 games
I have slight concerns about the quality of CB depth should Jones or Ramsay take a knock. Something that they both do over the course of the season. Burke is our Championship level CB wildcard. Fingers crossed.
I’m expecting a RWB but can’t see another CM coming in when we gave 8 competing for what is likely to be 3 spots.
Coventry Docherty JRC Anderson Carey Berry Knibbs (hopefully officially confirmed today) Fullah (even if we loan him out I don’t think we need another)
With discussions on here about the 11 starting against Watford we should remember that some of the players that joined later on have missed some of pre season and will be slightly behind both on fitness and learning the system. I think Kelman and Knibbs will be on the bench for Watford. They will likely be in our best 11 but they are unlikely to be starting against Watford.
How are Kelman and Knibbs behind on fitness. They’ve been in full training.
They’ve not downed tools. Fitness wise they’re the same as the others. is Apter behind because he only had half of the week in Slovenia. if they’re behind, it will be in the understanding of how our old squad played and the old squad’s understanding of how they play.. Powell managed a similar transition perfectly well.
It's about minutes. They've both missed games and minutes in pre season for their clubs before we bought them because they were expected to move. They've therefore had much less minutes than the rest of our squad.
Fitness is a science and numbers game. There has been talk of our whole squad being behind because of the playoffs meaning our pre season started a week late.
Then throw in knowing the system and their teammates which they haven't had time to build those on the pitch relationships.
A lot will come down to their individual bodies. Remember when Cullen missed 3 months for a dislocated shoulder and came back and played 90 mins twice a week immediately. Bow said it was because his body was a bit of a freak of fitness. Maybe one of them are like that. But I think chances of them both starting against Watford are pretty minimal.
I have slight concerns about the quality of CB depth should Jones or Ramsay take a knock. Something that they both do over the course of the season. Burke is our Championship level CB wildcard. Fingers crossed.
I don't think we could possibly expect better than Jones, Ramsey, Gillesphey, Burke, Bell, A Mitchell, Z Mitchell considering where we are realistically expecting to finish this season.
"Crystal Palace have joined the chase to sign Hull City defender Cody Drameh following his impressive performances in pre-season. Several Championship clubs are also interested in signing Drameh this summer. #cpfc #hcafc"
Can Bell play lwb or are his legs gone for that position, if so, maybe a back-up lwb too (maybe Bennett)
Different players I know, but would be odd to sign 35 year old Bennett because Bell’s legs have gone.
Wouldn’t be surprising to see a different LWB come in. Looks clear Enslin isn’t in the first team plans just yet, a loan would be good for him. Had we not gone up I think he’d have probably been cover for Edwards.
"Crystal Palace have joined the chase to sign Hull City defender Cody Drameh following his impressive performances in pre-season. Several Championship clubs are also interested in signing Drameh this summer. #cpfc #hcafc"
Yeah I'm sure his name was mentioned very early in the window as a target.
"Crystal Palace have joined the chase to sign Hull City defender Cody Drameh following his impressive performances in pre-season. Several Championship clubs are also interested in signing Drameh this summer. #cpfc #hcafc"
I know a Leeds fan who said his effort level once he's got a contract is woeful. Take with a pinch of salt of course
I’m expecting a RWB but can’t see another CM coming in when we gave 8 competing for what is likely to be 3 spots.
Coventry Docherty JRC Anderson Carey Berry Knibbs (hopefully officially confirmed today) Fullah (even if we loan him out I don’t think we need another)
I know it's only a friendly. But after watching the Ipswich game last night, I'd say we have 3 Championship ready 'proper' CMs - Cov, Doc, JRC. Anderson looked miles off it yesterday (speed of the game caught up with him), Fullah is a prospect (albeit a v exciting one). The others in the list are more attacking minded. Carey in particular did not seem one to get stuck in at all, but produced a great cross which led to our goal. I don't think he is a CM at all. Point being - I think we need another proper CM who is physical (Ipswich looked so much bigger than us last night) and can get stuck in, track back, press etc. JRC was superb at all of those things, by the way.
My earlier post about CB - Ipswich's defence were massive and really quite imposing at corners. Ramsey Gillesphey Jones whilst dominating League 1, might be a little lightweight in the Championship, esp w injuries. I can't comment on Burke but I think a big CB might come in handy.
RB/RWB definitely needed - however I'm not sure it should be the trialist. But what do I know! In NJ we trust.
Comments
We are definitely in need of a pacey RWB, being good at football will also help! 😬
Coventry
Docherty
JRC
Anderson
Carey
Berry
Knibbs (hopefully officially confirmed today)
Fullah (even if we loan him out I don’t think we need another)
https://x.com/SportsPeteO/status/1950502186821067080?t=NRov7dssWDUGNpIP9_CNVA&s=19
"Crystal Palace have joined the chase to sign Hull City defender Cody Drameh following his impressive performances in pre-season. Several Championship clubs are also interested in signing Drameh this summer. #cpfc #hcafc"
Wouldn’t be surprising to see a different LWB come in. Looks clear Enslin isn’t in the first team plans just yet, a loan would be good for him. Had we not gone up I think he’d have probably been cover for Edwards.
Doc played there last Saturday looked pretty good so we are covered
My earlier post about CB - Ipswich's defence were massive and really quite imposing at corners. Ramsey Gillesphey Jones whilst dominating League 1, might be a little lightweight in the Championship, esp w injuries. I can't comment on Burke but I think a big CB might come in handy.
RB/RWB definitely needed - however I'm not sure it should be the trialist. But what do I know! In NJ we trust.
The RWB needs to be able to attack and defend at this level.
Watson was lacking in both areas in league 1.