ProfitInMyPocket

Oh no, Billy Bodin starting for them, can see it now.

Batter Cornick all you like but there were worse performers than him yesterday. 

Tanner, Pring (second half) and Knight all had worse games then our resident flak taker. 

Hope we haven't paid 2m for another Kilkenny, thought Knight was really off it. Couldn't control the ball, lots of endeavour but really little quality. 

If Scott does magically stay my midfield three is still Naismith, Scott and James, none of the others come close to what these three can do together.

missing Naismith a lot, no passes going from deep into midfield into good positions.

Hitting a wall of players after the first pass time and time again. 

Fair play to Preston but we aren't doing enough when we have it.

Not sure if he is available but maybe Killian Phillips at Palace would be a half-decent replacement for Scott, did well at Shrewsbury last year.

Chuck a bit of cash for him and O'Brien if that is still being looked at too.

Maybe a midfielder on loan at the end of the window, other than that I don't see us signing two or three more.

Would prefer someone more creative to come in to midfield but there doesn't seem to be many up and coming players in League One/League Two that fit that role who could possibly make the jump up.

Unless we take a risk and look overseas for that type of player it is probably smart to go for someone who is reliable at this level and still has room for improvement in Knight.

Looks like we're going to have a lot of energy and running in this squad but think we might get unstuck against some teams who sit in and look to counter and win the percentages at set pieces, something which has been our Achilles heel in recent years.

Feel like our main sources for creativity will be Mehmeti and Naismith who can make something out of little. Another player who can do the midfield work and add that killer pass or drive past players from that position would be massive for our team. 

I like Knight and think he will be a good signing if he is to come but is he someone who is going to come in and be a real difference maker on the pitch? We'll have to wait and see. 

Maybe Wilson might go the other way, Derby friend of mine says they need wingbacks so that would be a good move for him if he isn't going to get time here.

Maybe Warne has offered him more of a guaranteed starting position and he's thinking through his options which is fair enough. 

Creativity and more legs in midfield for me - options from James, Williams, Naismith, McCrorie, King, OTC are fine but think we need something a little more in terms of creating chances - especially if Scott does go and Benarous doesn't make the step-up when he returns from injury.

And a back-up keeper for Max to compete with.

I'd be happy with the summer if it ended at that after these first three signings and the two I'd hope to see.

Shame but nice to see we have other targets lined up ready to go. 

Good young cover for atkinson and Pring. Can play LWB, LB and LCB. 

Derby mate of mine said he played LCB mostly as they played wingbacks most of the year but he did play a bit at LWB and LB.

Perhaps that's the O'Brien stuff from January moved on from too.

3 hours ago, CHIPLEY RED said:

I’m a glass half empty man tonight. We finished  the season OK but let’s not forget how bad we were around Xmas. 10 points off the playoffs is 1 worse than when LJ got sacked. So I’m not sure the only statistic that counts says we have improved. 
 

having said that the youngsters breaking through is very exciting and since mid Jan we have played some good football. 
 

Next season is a no excuses season for NP. We need a good start and by that I mean wins not just nice football. It’s going to be tough again but we should be challenging for a playoff spot not happy to finish in the bottom half again.

 

COYR

Coventry bottom for a long time at the start of this season, look at where they are now.  

QPR top at October now look at them, a fast start doesn't mean anything. 

Williams been really good so far, shame he hasn't been fit to put in these types of performances this season.

he's off balance and moving away from goal, and to hit that shot, what a finish by him there

A player who can pay RB, RWB, CB but seems like his best position is as a midfielder. 

Think we need a bit more drive, strength and energy in midfield too especially if Scott is moving on. 

We need versatile players if we are going to continue with a smaller squad. 

Investing in the right areas, nice to see us trying to get our deals done early. 

No messing about!

3 hours ago, Davefevs said:

Thought Wells was our best player today, thought he stood out amongst a lot of 6/10s.

Can't say he didn't work hard, improved more second half with the running in behind and in the channels but he seems to be snatching at chances in recent weeks. Our best finisher at the club but things don't seem to be going his way at the moment.

Wouldn't mind seeing Conway getting a chance leading the line, liked his cameos since his return, lots of really good link-up play but not sure he's ready to start yet maybe.

Would like to see Sykes, Scott and Conway come in for the remaining games. Weimann and Wells levels have dropped off.

Had plenty of chances today, looked really blunt when it came to the final ball or the final effort.

Can't say we haven't had the chances to win this game and more today.

Weimann letting the game pass him by, Scott would relish the gaps in midfield at the moment to receive, turn and run at their defence. Wells hasn't contributed too much in the build up but had a decent headed chance.

Would like to see AS and Conway on.

King and James been really good today again, just need a bit more drive when we win the ball back.

Created quite a few chances and got in to some really good areas.

Enjoyed that half, shame about the own goal but really think we can come back and win this. 

Lots of individual quality in their team but the way we are knocking the ball out and creating chances - I can see why their fans are nervous, we get one and can see the place turn on them.

2 minutes ago, 22A said:

JCH 55 goals in 2 seasons? If correct would be worth a punt.

However, diverting from the OP, we should be lookingt o sign from clubs promoted to the Prem as their players are good enough for the Champs, just not the Prem.

from probable clubs under FFP with players on wages 20k+ and above? not within our bracket anymore.

Think Tinnion and Pearson said we'd only sign top end championship players on frees if they are out of contract and suit our wage structure but otherwise we'll recruit from beneath and maybe abroad markets if the right ones are available at the right price. 

Worked very hard and caused a fair few problems today, was nice to see the whole squad come over to celebrate with him too.

Played some really nice balls through in the first half and deserved his goal and assist today.

Got to clear the ball there, trying to be too fancy. 

That boy Tanner, old school player he is.  

have that you twitter wobblers, well done Harry