Season ahead

Apart from the obvious financial contstraints, I think Mick sees this squad as good enough overall to compete.

He's inherited a squad and acquired since, players of a similar type to the ones already at the club. There's been no change of direction - he sees it just as a matter of getting the "group" to perform to the tune he's playing.

The fact is that we've a reasonable depth of cover, but only of a similar standard to first choices in a distinctly average squad. We have no "go to" players who are vital for success. It seems like we've got an orthopaedic surgeon trying to perform brain surgery - if a scalpel isn't available, we'll use a mallet.

If it clicks and Mick hits the right spot with that mallet, all credit to him, but I feel the lack of skill and class in the squad will consign us to suffering a run around like last night against Southampton. I know they're Prem League, but there are teams in the Championship who can do that as well.

 

No doubt about MMs intentions given the signings he's made. More of the same.

Id be fine with that as a wrapper if there was a bit of star dust to be sprinkled. Not sure Tomlin and Colwill have enough dust to last a season.

So, if Plan A isn't working, a change of personnel and carry on with Plan A.

I wonder if there'll be any last minute loanees. A couple prem youngsters maybe?

 

I’ve no great expectations about how we'll go this season looking at our squad. Not enough creative quality. A few Tomlin flashes won’t be enough. Central defence is a concern if Morrison has an injury prone season.
It’ll be a series of peaks and troughs. Mid table mediocrity.

 

Have to agree with Ninian. I know key players have been absent but those available have hardly impressed against lower league opposition, never mind last night.

A thumping win is needed over Newport at the weekend so we start the season with a little confidence.

The rash of Covid cases is not good as players' strength and durability are likely to be affected for a few weeks.

I think a couple more signings are essential, loans okay, to bring some extra energy to the squad at the start of the season. A poor start will see us trying to catch up all season.

 

Just to add to my air of pessimism I can't see us starting next season with MM and TC -
or them being here in January

 

Nice one Nin.

Empty glass with a hole in the bottom.

Regrettably you could be right. Football on a shoe string. Russell Slade with attitude.

 

Definitely mid table season ahead. We may have fleeting hopes of a playoff push button there's no way we'll sustain any kind of consistent form.

In fact, I'll go so far as to stick my neck out and say that I now believe we'll go back to a Dave Jones type period of Championship football for at least the next 5 or 6 years.
Probably flirt with both promotion and relegation at various points along the way.

Not a terrible place to be but not overly inspiring either.

 

Mid table.

The teams with parachute payments will be up top.

 

Mixed outcomes, but DJs tenure was quite entertaining

 

True. No one like Bothroyd, Chopra, Whitts, McCormack, Burke and others.

 

Wots the matter boys thrown all your toys out of the pram,its going to be a great season I don't think we will go up automatic but I can see us making the playoffs,cheer up and give the team a welcome on the 7 th of august ,I think we will have a good start 6 points and top of the table.just saying.

 

Like the optimism William......

 

Love the French wine. Hic!!!

 

Glen’s a bit unsure about who’ll keep v Barnsley- he needs to come off the fence

 

If Mick goes with Phillips from the start, I wouldn't be at all surprised to see Smithies go before the window closes.

 

Id be stunned.

Hes a big earner.

Personally I think hes comfortably our best keeper. Though Im happy with Phillips.

 

If Smithies leaves we'll need another keeper as our third choice hasn't played at Championship level yet.

 

Yes. I cant see Smithies going though.

Hes one of a few we wont shift because of wages. He will probably go on a free next summer.

 

I agree - I'd put Smithies well ahead of Phillips, but he's on £33K a week whereas Phillips is on less than £5K.

That makes me worry that a situation is being engineered.

 

Just back from the Newport game.

Have to say I actually quite liked the look of Collins. He's pretty composed with the ball...

If he and Keifer are played together they could actually be a decent combo (big IF on two up top though).

Giles looked OK. Think he'll be the same as many of our other wingers... capable of really good things but infuriatingly inconsistent and will make the wrong choice on quite a few occasions.

Smithies was decent again too.

Not the toughest of workouts but I was glad to get over and see a game at long last.