I reckon after he couldn’t get 25, Apter asked for 30. Likely because that’s the number Messi has been wearing at PSG/ briefly Miami(?)/ first squad number at Barcelona.
It was said in one of the pre season videos he’s a big Messi fan.
There are many positives to keeping a squad together ahead of the new season but the downside is you get some stinkers like this in the gaps. Olaofe 22? Apter 30? Knibbs 41? Jones out.
Tants taking Chuks' 22 is fine (though I would have given it to Mbick personally)
Apter wears 25 usually, Mannion has that though and Apter's other shirt number is 36 but I believe Gough used that last season and is keeping it.
Knibbs, no clue why he took 41, maybe he loves rice, maybe he grew up at number 41 on whatever street he lived on, who knows.
22 is a backup right back's number. It's bad enough that Chuks had it in the first place
Is it? Most international teams use 22 as a keeper number actually
Knibbs taking Declan Rice's 41. Maybe he seems himself playing that role.
No one in the world is going to be happier than you if Knibbs starts a match as an 8 at some point this season
Not sure if I admit to this but I said on the match thread from the Southend game I could see Carey and Knibbs playing as dual 8s in some games against weaker teams. One of them stays, one of them goes. The oppo DM doesn't know which one to follow.
I can't see Knibs playing as an 8 with a 10 in front. Subtle but important difference!
When you see all the players listed like that, you realise we have got quite a squad numerically wise.
For us recently and for league 1 absolutely. Compare it with other championship clubs and I don't think its out there at all. Its a tougher league even compared to when we were last here. You need proper depth and some.
Knibbs taking Declan Rice's 41. Maybe he seems himself playing that role.
No one in the world is going to be happier than you if Knibbs starts a match as an 8 at some point this season
Not sure if I admit to this but I said on the match thread from the Southend game I could see Carey and Knibbs playing as dual 8s in some games against weaker teams. One of them stays, one of them goes. The oppo DM doesn't know which one to follow.
I can't see Knibs playing as an 8 with a 10 in front. Subtle but important difference!
Would be fine in L1 and maybe against a decimated Sheffield Wednesday but do that against any of the other 22 Championship teams and our midfield will be totally swamped. I can only see that happening if we're desperate for a goal in the last 10 mins of a match
Knibbs taking Declan Rice's 41. Maybe he seems himself playing that role.
No one in the world is going to be happier than you if Knibbs starts a match as an 8 at some point this season
Not sure if I admit to this but I said on the match thread from the Southend game I could see Carey and Knibbs playing as dual 8s in some games against weaker teams. One of them stays, one of them goes. The oppo DM doesn't know which one to follow.
I can't see Knibs playing as an 8 with a 10 in front. Subtle but important difference!
How about not playing a ten and play a fluid and interchangeable midfield. Both “8”s would still have licence to get forward and you have the added insurance of a very defensive minded left wing back and 3 centre backs .
Comments
It was said in one of the pre season videos he’s a big Messi fan.
Last season these were occupied by Potts/McIntyre (15), Asiimwe (19), Tennai (27) and A.Campbell/A.Henry (28).
The classic examples being Chris Solly taking number 20, as there was already a number 2 at the club. (2+0=2)
And Yann, when he came in, Hayes was already number 9, so he took 18 (1+8=9)
I can't see Knibs playing as an 8 with a 10 in front. Subtle but important difference!