Squad size......

[Tipps69]

Obviously last summers transfer debacle has been done to a death & having now been able to look at The Championship & weigh up what it's all about, I think a major part of thing is the size of the squads towards the middle / top of the division.

I think if we could get a squad of 18-20 players that were classed 1st team, we could be in a position to work our way up the league!

Now I'm not saying we should go out & get a squad of the standard of Andre Grey or Dwight Gayle & spend £6m+ on each incoming player because that will never happen.

I'm talking about getting a squad of the standard of an Aden Flint, Joe Bryan, Luke Freeman or Korey Smith.

These types of players are all steady first teamers who are able to improve their performances & if we had a squad of this sort of standard, we would be able to switch players in & out of the squad & give players a bit of a rest now & then, this is something that all the clubs in the top half are able to do & this allows them to keep their performance levels at a decent level, while helping to avoid those niggling injuries or just shear exhaustion as was the case earlier in the season.

Now this may mean spending a couple of million pounds on possibly 8/9 or maybe even more players but by spreading the cost out & not trying to pump it all on one or two marquee signings, it will mean we should be able to get players in inside our wage budget as well.

Looking at the squad, we are covered for Goal Keepers, Flint & Golbourne at the back & maybe Ayling in the right-back spot, then we are okay with Smith & Bryan in midfield & maybe Pack & having to find a spot for Freeman as I don't think right midfield is his position & then Kodjia up top, so that's 8 or 9 first teamers up to the required standard!!

But that leaves us needing, for just the first eleven, a centre-half, right-midfielder & another striker or "number 10" plus then those others to give us that squad of first teamers of 18-20 players!!

The rest of the permanent squad I'm sorry to say just don't really cut it at Championship level.

So can we really bring in around 10 permanent signings of the required calibre to take us to the next level & have us looking towards the upper echelons of The Championship next season?

Rather than us looking over our shoulders at a relegation spot?

[Murraysrightplum]

A big flabby squad who aren't better than what we have now then?

[Tipps69]

I think the basis of our first team are okay & are able to perform to a better standard than our league position but because they were beasted during the first half or so of the season, they became overrun & were unable to compete!!

You look at Brighton, they were able to change their starting eleven with five players, not of a higher level of those that had played on the Saturday but players that had a better fitness than those they replaced because they had played in previous games!!

If we were able to replace a tired Smith or Kodjia with a fully fit Smith or Kodjia, I've no doubt we would have a few more points on the board plus those that aren't in the starting line-up for a few games will have a point to prove & up their game to prove that point & then you will have the domino affect of the players out of the first eleven always wanting to do better & you'd keep the whole squad hungry to perform better!!

Whereas at the moment we're not in that position & if we have an injury or two, we are having to bring in far inferior players & that then allows for us to get beaten more regularly or for player to have to play while running on empty!!

[Nomad]

22 minutes ago, Tipps69 said:

Obviously last summers transfer debacle has been done to a death & having now been able to look at The Championship & weigh up what it's all about, I think a major part of thing is the size of the squads towards the middle / top of the division.

I think if we could get a squad of 18-20 players that were classed 1st team, we could be in a position to work our way up the league!

Now I'm not saying we should go out & get a squad of the standard of Andre Grey or Dwight Gayle & spend £6m+ on each incoming player because that will never happen.

I'm talking about getting a squad of the standard of an Aden Flint, Joe Bryan, Luke Freeman or Korey Smith.

These types of players are all steady first teamers who are able to improve their performances & if we had a squad of this sort of standard, we would be able to switch players in & out of the squad & give players a bit of a rest now & then, this is something that all the clubs in the top half are able to do & this allows them to keep their performance levels at a decent level, while helping to avoid those niggling injuries or just shear exhaustion as was the case earlier in the season.

Now this may mean spending a couple of million pounds on possibly 8/9 or maybe even more players but by spreading the cost out & not trying to pump it all on one or two marquee signings, it will mean we should be able to get players in inside our wage budget as well.

Looking at the squad, we are covered for Goal Keepers, Flint & Golbourne at the back & maybe Ayling in the right-back spot, then we are okay with Smith & Bryan in midfield & maybe Pack & having to find a spot for Freeman as I don't think right midfield is his position & then Kodjia up top, so that's 8 or 9 first teamers up to the required standard!!

But that leaves us needing, for just the first eleven, a centre-half, right-midfielder & another striker or "number 10" plus then those others to give us that squad of first teamers of 18-20 players!!

The rest of the permanent squad I'm sorry to say just don't really cut it at Championship level.

So can we really bring in around 10 permanent signings of the required calibre to take us to the next level & have us looking towards the upper echelons of The Championship next season?

Rather than us looking over our shoulders at a relegation spot?

I was right with you until I saw Luke Freeman. If you really think he is one of our best players I despair. Very lucky to be getting in the side IMHO. Still living off his good form in League one last season.

[Rich]

We not only need to increase the size of the squad but, we also need to increase the size of those in the squad. Too often I've seen our players unable to compete physically with the strength and speed of the opposition, especially in the latter stages of games, which has ultimately seen us drop points.

[Robin Ashton]

21 minutes ago, Tipps69 said:

 

If we were able to replace a tired Smith or Kodjia with a fully fit Smith or Kodjia,

Cloning our best players is the way to go then.

[Tipps69]

In reply to Nomad.......

 

But maybe if he was able to rest or knew he'd be pushed for his place, it would automatically push him that extra 10-20% to perform to the required standard!!

He's not a poor player, he is just one of many that have been flogged week after week & not allowed to perform at his optimum because of it plus now playing in a foreign position.

Ideally, he could be used in conjunction with Bryan on the left hand side & that would allow us to rest each of them without dropping the standard of the team!!

This season we haven't had the luxury of being able to rest anyone, let alone allow them to get over any niggles that they maybe carrying!!

[Tipps69]

6 minutes ago, JonDolman said:

I don't think we will get any more than 5 permanent ones in. And probably get any more we need on loan. I certainly expect us to have a much stronger squad next season. 

I'm just going what LJ has said recently about not wishing to bring in a loan signing & upsetting the nucleus of the squad, I think he will want permanent signings of which I think a couple will be unknowns for France, Spain or other foreign countries just because of it being more value for money.

I wouldn't be surprised to see one or two loan signings but I believe LJ will ultimately be looking for permanent signings that he knows he will be able to work with for a few seasons & be able to get his playing philosophy into them & know it is more likely to stick over the years rather than someone who will need replacing in a few months or after a season when they go back to their parent club.

[FlintWonderwall]

I wouldn't be expecting 8/9 first teamers this year. 3/4 at most plus loans. The squad will build over time.

[City1970]

2 hours ago, Nomad said:

I was right with you until I saw Luke Freeman. If you really think he is one of our best players I despair. Very lucky to be getting in the side IMHO. Still living off his good form in League one last season.

So is Flint and Bryan.

[Guest twodogs]

8 minutes ago, City1970 said:

So is Flint and Bryan.

Sorry but can't agree with either of those two. Flint is a leader and while not the most skillful on the ball does a fantastic job and would die for the cause. Bryan is a young player learning all the time and will only get better.

[Davefevs]

Wouldn't surprise me to see Winnall and Mawson join up with LJ.

[1960maaan]

I don't think the current squad size is far off, maybe 1 or 2 more max. That said 4 of them are loans. I wasn't Bakers biggest fan but after all this time (depending on fee) I think he would be a good permanent addition along with Tomlin (again depending on form and fee) . Then we would still need to add maybe the other 3 , whether that was loans or not depends on SL and the "war chest" LJ. 

We could obviously do with adding quality, but where I don't think Agard is good enough to take us up the Championship, as a back up he would be useful. The same would apply in a couple of other positions but I think a steady build is the way forward.

[cidered abroad]

13 hours ago, Nomad said:

I was right with you until I saw Luke Freeman. If you really think he is one of our best players I despair. Very lucky to be getting in the side IMHO. Still living off his good form in League one last season.

I'm glad I am not the only one who thinks this. Now the most overrated member of our squad.

[robin_unreliant]

How many of the current squad out of contract in the summer? I think maybe Wilbs and Wagstaff but is that it. We will need at least as big a squad as this year so five loans plus those two suggests we need seven minimum. Would be nice to get 4-5 permanent so we aren't relying on the loan system which I believe FIFA are trying to stop.

[Lrrr]

It's emergency loans isn't it? Nothing to stop us loaning good premier league youngsters etc eg baker, caulker etc on season loans.

[PHILINFRANCE]

1 hour ago, robin_unreliant said:

How many of the current squad out of contract in the summer? I think maybe Wilbs and Wagstaff but is that it. We will need at least as big a squad as this year so five loans plus those two suggests we need seven minimum. Would be nice to get 4-5 permanent so we aren't relying on the loan system which I believe FIFA are trying to stop.

I believe that Wilbs has a clause in his contract whereby he is granted a year's extension if he plays 30 games this season - which he has or will do.

[robin_unreliant]

18 minutes ago, PHILINFRANCE said:

I believe that Wilbs has a clause in his contract whereby he is granted a year's extension if he plays 30 games this season - which he has or will do.

Wasn't that last season? Would be a bit surprised if he had this clause again this time. As he is captain I guess it is possible though.

[Tipps69]

3 hours ago, 1960maaan said:

I don't think the current squad size is far off, maybe 1 or 2 more max. That said 4 of them are loans. I wasn't Bakers biggest fan but after all this time (depending on fee) I think he would be a good permanent addition along with Tomlin (again depending on form and fee) . Then we would still need to add maybe the other 3 , whether that was loans or not depends on SL and the "war chest" LJ. 

We could obviously do with adding quality, but where I don't think Agard is good enough to take us up the Championship, as a back up he would be useful. The same would apply in a couple of other positions but I think a steady build is the way forward.

But my point being is that I'd expect us to try & get a squad of the standard of the players I stated previously & those players being permanent signings, which would mean replacing Wagstaff, Wilbraham, Agard, Reid, Burns, Little, Williams, El Abd & then the loan signings of Baker & Tomlin (am I missing any other loan signings?)

So that in theory would mean a possible 10 new players & that may well be dependant on us being able to move those players out first & if that's possible, I don't think we will be looking at making the "marquee" signings of a Grey or Gayle but of a more low key player / fee that will enable us to up the standard / quality of the squad to our higher quality players so that the quality of the squad will have been raised on this season, allowing us to swap players over on a match day without significantly dropping the quality of our starting 11, which can't be said for our current squad / team.

[...]

It always comes down to a discussion about 'size', does it not?

Why are we so paranoid about 'size'?

Is it too big - is it too small.

"Yada-yada".

We should all just work with what we have been given, and be happy.

 

Uncle TFR

[1960maaan]

1 hour ago, Tipps69 said:

But my point being is that I'd expect us to try & get a squad of the standard of the players I stated previously & those players being permanent signings, which would mean replacing Wagstaff, Wilbraham, Agard, Reid, Burns, Little, Williams, El Abd & then the loan signings of Baker & Tomlin (am I missing any other loan signings?)

So that in theory would mean a possible 10 new players & that may well be dependant on us being able to move those players out first & if that's possible, I don't think we will be looking at making the "marquee" signings of a Grey or Gayle but of a more low key player / fee that will enable us to up the standard / quality of the squad to our higher quality players so that the quality of the squad will have been raised on this season, allowing us to swap players over on a match day without significantly dropping the quality of our starting 11, which can't be said for our current squad / team.

I can't see us signing 10 players of enough quality ffor the purpose, I do think we will rely on the loan system again and gradually build the side, specially after LJ said about disturbing the changing room.

1 hour ago, Taxi for Rennie said:

It always comes down to a discussion about 'size', does it not?

Why are we so paranoid about 'size'?

Is it too big - is it too small.

"Yada-yada".

We should all just work with what we have been given, and be happy.

 

Uncle TFR

Thing is , because of the loans it is actually smaller than it appears 

[Lanterne Rouge]

Couldn`t sleep last night and found myself thinking about the squad for next season.

How does this sound and would it be competitive in the championship (names in brackets are loans converted to permanent or new signings) ;

GK  O`Donnell, Fielding, O`Leary

RB  Ayling, Little, Vyner

CB  Flint, (Pearce), Williams, (Curtis Nelson - Plymouth), (Alfie Mawson - Barnsley), El Abd

LB  Golbourne

RM  (Albert - Middlesbrough), Burns, Freeman*

CM  Smith, Pack, Reid, (Tomlin), (Conor Hourihane - Barnsley)

LM  Bryan, Freeman*, Wagstaff, (Kemar Roofe - Oxford)

ST  Kodjia, Agard, (Sam Winnall - Barnsley), (Tom Bradshaw - Walsall), (Ashley Barnes - Burnley), (Nicky Ajose - Swindon)

I`ve purposely not included Baker as I think either Villa will want him back or wages will be an issue. I`ve also assumed Wilbs will retire. Freeman`s there twice as he can play on either side. I`ve not included Bradley Dack as a potential signing as I think he`s overpriced.

With some cover at left back for Scott Golbourne and maybe another right back, I don`t think that would be a bad squad. I reckon all the newbies are gettable and wouldn`t cost more than about 6-8m in total.

Tin hat on now!

[Lrrr]

Albert won't be returning, either Boro go up and then either want him or he goes to a top champ club, or Boro don't go up and he stays. As for LB cover Bryan and Williams could easily act as cover.

For the new signings I can't see Barnsley selling us 3 of their players.

[Lanterne Rouge]

10 minutes ago, hodge said:

Albert won't be returning, either Boro go up and then either want him or he goes to a top champ club, or Boro don't go up and he stays. As for LB cover Bryan and Williams could easily act as cover.

For the new signings I can't see Barnsley selling us 3 of their players.

Fair comments but Albert`s still got a love for the club and does seem to have these occasional fallouts with Boro. He`s also the sort of bloke who`s not all about the money I reckon. As far as Barnsley are concerned, money talks and if we offered 3-3.5mill for all three, I think they`d at least talk to us.

[simon uk]

Good post. My opinion is that we need to look higher than those players to take us to the next level. Tomlin on a perm is a good start, there are loads of experienced championship midfielders around, like lansbury and cohen at forest, and judge at brentford. I saw mile jedaniak is on the bench usually at palace, if we could get him he would be an excellent upgrade on pack and much less of a risk than dack.depends on what the objectives are for the season, 3 or 4 signings at this level should put us in the top 10. Also, all things being equal do we have a top 10 championship keeper on the books?

[Tipps69]

1 hour ago, simon uk said:

Good post. My opinion is that we need to look higher than those players to take us to the next level. Tomlin on a perm is a good start, there are loads of experienced championship midfielders around, like lansbury and cohen at forest, and judge at brentford. I saw mile jedaniak is on the bench usually at palace, if we could get him he would be an excellent upgrade on pack and much less of a risk than dack.depends on what the objectives are for the season, 3 or 4 signings at this level should put us in the top 10. Also, all things being equal do we have a top 10 championship keeper on the books?

And we're seemingly back hunting for the likes of Grey & Gayle!!

Burnley we're locked in protracted talks for Lansbury over the summer for a transfer of £5m+ & Judge was linked with them during this winters transfer window for £4m+!!

We should of learnt from last summer & be aiming slightly lower with our targets, to be able to get the required players in who will up the quality of our squad to match the quality of our better players & with the hope that LJ is able to improve those players further to help move the whole squad forward.

That's my opinion on things!

[GrahamC]

We'll need five new players this summer.

In an ideal world Nathan Baker and Lee Tomlin would be two of them but their wages rather than their fees might make that tricky.

Certainly we need a couple of defenders (I'm expecting Pearce and Baker not to return), a couple of midfielders (Galdwin has already gone back and Waggy, bless him, is out of contract) and a striker to assist/ take some pressure off Kodjia.

[Tipps69]

10 minutes ago, GrahamC said:

We'll need five new players this summer.

In an ideal world Nathan Baker and Lee Tomlin would be two of them but their wages rather than their fees might make that tricky.

Certainly we need a couple of defenders (I'm expecting Pearce and Baker not to return), a couple of midfielders (Galdwin has already gone back and Waggy, bless him, is out of contract) and a striker to assist/ take some pressure off Kodjia.

But would that not leave us short of cover & not allow us significant cover?

The same problems that we have encountered this season, which has been the main reason why we haven't been able to rest / rotate players.

We need to be looking at a deeper squad, with the standard slightly raised so that we don't particularly notice when the changes are made unlike now.

And from reading the notes on the Q&A with SL, Nathan Baker looks unlikely as Villa will probably see him as someone who is able to do them a job in this division when they are probably relegated!!

[Lrrr]

Depending on his wages Waggy could be good cover for us, seems a player who won't kick up a fuss about being on the bench most weeks, if he wants to move on for first team football fair enough but otherwise could be worth keeping hold of.

[GrahamC]

Well, having 2 more options in midfield than we have now (no disrespect at all to Waggy but he isn't a first choice), an additional defender option (as Baker has been an automatic pick, Pearce not) and another first choice striker would definitely make us stronger than we have been.

That would takes us up around 21 players plus the likes of Vyner and those with us this season like Flint, Freeman, Smith, Bryan and Ayling would all have a full season's Championship football under their belt, unlike last summer.

[Fiale]

Bryan proved he can be effective as a CM, also think Burns is wasted on the wings. We need cover for LB, also Vyner is a CB, he stepped in when asked as we had no one to play RB - is he going to be coached into that role now ? Not sure, but maybe whoever we get in to cover CB should be flexible enough to play RB.

[Ivorguy]

I don't think anyone has mentioned Osbourne.  Guess club will be looking to offload him, El Abd, and Wagstaff - possibly Agard as well.  Wilbraham looks a likely candidate to to go.  From what SL said yesterday unlikely Baker will come, and would we want Pearce ? Hope we pull stops out to keep Tomlin. 

It's to be a difficult task for MA, Burt, and Lee to sort all this out before next season

Of course if we are relegated different thinking may be needed re Agard, El Abd, Osbourne, Wagstaff ; plus if relegated we may have to replace Bryan, Smith and Kodjia.  

Exciting times indeed

 

[Tipps69]

55 minutes ago, Ivorguy said:

I don't think anyone has mentioned Osbourne.  Guess club will be looking to offload him, El Abd, and Wagstaff - possibly Agard as well.  Wilbraham looks a likely candidate to to go.  From what SL said yesterday unlikely Baker will come, and would we want Pearce ? Hope we pull stops out to keep Tomlin. 

It's to be a difficult task for MA, Burt, and Lee to sort all this out before next season

Of course if we are relegated different thinking may be needed re Agard, El Abd, Osbourne, Wagstaff ; plus if relegated we may have to replace Bryan, Smith and Kodjia.  

Exciting times indeed

 

I would say it's a given that Osbourne will be gone, hence the reason why he was sent out on a season long loan to AFC Wimbledon & dependant on when El Abd's contract is up he'll be gone unless he has another year left, then we may struggle to get rid of him!!

But it's not just a case of replacing what we might be able to get rid of, the squad isn't big enough & hasn't been all season, so we need more depth to it & that has to be of a decent standard, not just players to fill gaps, they have to be able to step up to the mark when required!

We need to stop allowing players to come here & have a free ride on very good wages!!

[grubby]

does anyone know how much (more £'s) we'll get as a championship club next season compared to this? I'm wondering how this'll work out for us AFTER we have stayed up , fingers x'd. as the 20th and last prem club will be getting something like £120m.  

We should have some reasonable shout at getting some solid players NOT marquee signings, we need solid rather than spectacular. Maybe in season 17/18 after a comfortable mid table finish we might look for a marquee signing or 2 to push on.

I also hope that Tomlin fancies staying as he has the Xfactor that Trundle had when we were so close at Wembley, you need to be unpredictable.

[Shtanley]

The main thing is midfielders that can score. Roofe and Dack would be on my list. 

[Lanterne Rouge]

13 hours ago, Shtanley said:

The main thing is midfielders that can score. Roofe and Dack would be on my list. 

My boy Conor gets his share too!!!!!!

[Shtanley]

5 signings.

A centre back to play with Flint that's fairly comfortable with the ball, Curtis Nelson, Alfie Mawson or John Egan. 

A midfielder that can be cover/rotation for Smith and Pack, Jordan Cousins or Alex Gilbey. 

2 attacking midfielders that can score goals, preferably one that can play wide. Bradley Dack, Kemar Roofe. Maybe Hourihane. Any other suggestions? 

Finally, and a big one. A striker that can come on or play with Kodjia that will actually score goals. Can't think of who I'd want though. Winnall and Bradshaw look good but I think someone will appear over the summer who will look more enticing. 

[TammyAB]

29 minutes ago, Shtanley said:

5 signings.

A centre back to play with Flint that's fairly comfortable with the ball, Curtis Nelson, Alfie Mawson or John Egan. 

A midfielder that can be cover/rotation for Smith and Pack, Jordan Cousins or Alex Gilbey. 

2 attacking midfielders that can score goals, preferably one that can play wide. Bradley Dack, Kemar Roofe. Maybe Hourihane. Any other suggestions? 

Finally, and a big one. A striker that can come on or play with Kodjia that will actually score goals. Can't think of who I'd want though. Winnall and Bradshaw look good but I think someone will appear over the summer who will look more enticing. 

Hal Robson-Kanu? Not the most prolific, I know but he is a decent versatile player who would probably get a few assists as well. I would have thought that he would be available too from Reading.

[Tipps69]

1 hour ago, Shtanley said:

5 signings.

A centre back to play with Flint that's fairly comfortable with the ball, Curtis Nelson, Alfie Mawson or John Egan. 

A midfielder that can be cover/rotation for Smith and Pack, Jordan Cousins or Alex Gilbey. 

2 attacking midfielders that can score goals, preferably one that can play wide. Bradley Dack, Kemar Roofe. Maybe Hourihane. Any other suggestions? 

Finally, and a big one. A striker that can come on or play with Kodjia that will actually score goals. Can't think of who I'd want though. Winnall and Bradshaw look good but I think someone will appear over the summer who will look more enticing. 

I would expect to see maybe one or two to come in from our French & Spanish scouts, better value for money!!

[Tipps69]

32 minutes ago, Kodjia said:

Hal Robson-Kanu? Not the most prolific, I know but he is a decent versatile player who would probably get a few assists as well. I would have thought that he would be available too from Reading.

Think I heard his contracts up as well at the end of this season & on that basis I have wondered about him.

[Chairman Mao]

21 minutes ago, ten minutes of rough said:

And yet he has contributed massively with assists of late, as recently as last Saturday. He has been ever present in the squad, and yet you think he is overrated...why?

This season that isn't necessarily a good thing!

[Lanterne Rouge]

I mentioned Ashley Barnes earlier in the thread. He`s been out with a broken leg all season but can see him being surplus to requirements if Burnley go up. Local boy too.

[Tipps69]

27 minutes ago, Red Right Hand said:

I mentioned Ashley Barnes earlier in the thread. He`s been out with a broken leg all season but can see him being surplus to requirements if Burnley go up. Local boy too.

Maybe a gamble the club wouldn't be willing to take, I would guess he's on an okay wage at Burnley plus the broken leg factor........

Equals a bit of a risk that I think the club maybe trying to get away from.

Hoping to get players in that will have a sell on value........

[LocoPal]

We're bottom of the league!

Chart below shows club order in terms of squad size (Charlton biggest squad with 32 and 15 players of those that are out of contract this summer).

Also shows is the total market value of those players out of contract at each club.

Seven shown against City are Tomlin, Baker, Pearce, Gladwin (gone), Williams, Wagstaff and Wilbraham, so most of that must be Tomlin and Baker's value i would guess.

[Lanterne Rouge]

17 hours ago, Tipps69 said:

Maybe a gamble the club wouldn't be willing to take, I would guess he's on an okay wage at Burnley plus the broken leg factor........

Equals a bit of a risk that I think the club maybe trying to get away from.

Hoping to get players in that will have a sell on value........

Might be worth a half season/full season loan though subject to medicals of course with them paying some of his wages. Not sure what contract he`s got though - he might be out in the summer for all I know.

[Unan]

On 26 February 2016 at 20:15, Nomad said:

I was right with you until I saw Luke Freeman. If you really think he is one of our best players I despair. Very lucky to be getting in the side IMHO. Still living off his good form in League one last season.

Not been to a game since January then

[Nomad]

1 minute ago, Griffin said:

Not been to a game since January then

Indeed I have. Sure he has been better since Jan but still very overrated by the happy clappers like you.

[Unan]

14 minutes ago, Nomad said:

Indeed I have. Sure he has been better since Jan but still very overrated by the happy clappers like you.

I'm no happy clapper, one of the few begging for him to be rested until recently. I just don't understand how he's lucky, can't pick Reid over him on current form, not in a million miles.

[Guest WsM-Red]

1 hour ago, Griffin said:

I'm no happy clapper, one of the few begging for him to be rested until recently. I just don't understand how he's lucky, can't pick Reid over him on current form, not in a million miles.

I agree with this. There's no way we can drop Freeman when he's one of the only players we have that can take someone on and beat a man. It's no fluke that he's regularly picked out by opposition fans as someone they'd like in their team and someone who caused their team trouble.

When Freeman over thinks things, he doesn't release the ball quick enough and can be incredibly frustrating to watch. When he's taking a man on and whipping a ball into the box without over thinking, he's brilliant. There's no way Bobby Reid offers the same things Freeman can. In fact, like I said I don't think there's many others in our squad who can offer the same as Freeman.

If I were playing against us, I would dread facing Freeman due to his speed, agility and quick feet, and would be delighted if I had to face Reid instead of him.

[Shtanley]

If he wasn't excellent at corners he wouldn't be in my team. 

6 minutes ago, WsM-Red said:

There's no way we can drop Freeman when he's one of the only players we have that can take someone on and beat a man. 

Reid, Tomlin, Bryan, Little, Ayling, Smith and Kodjia all take on people and beat them. Freeman is always busy and gets a lot of the ball. However he rarely finds a good pass or tests a keeper. Zero open play assists is shocking as is 1 deflected goal. 

[Guest WsM-Red]

1 minute ago, Shtanley said:

If he wasn't excellent at corners he wouldn't be in my team. 

Reid, Tomlin, Bryan, Little, Ayling, Smith and Kodjia all take on people and beat them. Freeman is always busy and gets a lot of the ball. However he rarely finds a good pass or tests a keeper. Zero open play assists is shocking as is 1 deflected goal. 

Reid isn't in the same bracket as Freeman in terms of quality, don't think he could beat 2 or 3 at the pace Freeman does and whip a ball in.

Tomlin could play there and as we know he is capable of beating a man but I think he's better behind Kodjia or in a free role.

I should've stated only player in that position as Little, Ayling, Smith and Kodjia all play in a different position to Freeman so wouldn't replace him there.

That leaves Bryan who has looked very confident recently and certainly starting to step up his game. I still don't think he's the same sort of player as Freeman in terms of his skill, flair and footwork but I think he would be the closest to challenging Freeman for his place.

However, if we are playing 4-2-3-1 I would like to see Bryan on the left with Freeman on the right and Tomlin just behind.

Out of interest if he wouldn't be in your team, who would? And would you stick to LJ's 4-2-3-1/4-4-2 or play something different?

[Shtanley]

10 minutes ago, WsM-Red said:

Reid isn't in the same bracket as Freeman in terms of quality, don't think he could beat 2 or 3 at the pace Freeman does and whip a ball in.

But like I've said Freeman hasn't got a single assist from open play? So he clearly hasn't beaten 2 or 3 and whipped a ball in. Reid doesn't play to beat players, he sees the pass and gives it early. He helped to create loads of chances on Saturday by doing just that. His simplistic approach is something under appreciated I feel. He's helped to create some massive goals and would've helped create another on saturday if Freeman didn't miss a sitter

[Guest WsM-Red]

1 minute ago, Shtanley said:

But like I've said Freeman hasn't got a single assist from open play? So he clearly hasn't beaten 2 or 3 and whipped a ball in. Reid doesn't play to beat players, he sees the pass and gives it early. He helped to create loads of chances on Saturday by doing just that. His simplistic approach is something under appreciated I feel. He's helped to create some massive goals and would've helped create another on saturday if Freeman didn't miss a sitter

Just because he hasn't got an assist doesn't mean he's not crossed the ball this season. I think he has beaten 2 or 3 and whipped a ball in a number of times this season, it just hasn't been finished by strikers. A few from Wilbs and Agard spring to mind. I admit he is infuriating to watch sometimes as he beats 2 or 3 then doesn't pass/release when he should and finds himself closed down or having to beat the players again. However, I don't think anyone deserves to start in his position over him.

I agree completely with what you say about Reid not playing to beat players. This is because he plays in a different position to Freeman.

So who would you drop Freeman for and play in his position instead of him?

[Shtanley]

5 minutes ago, WsM-Red said:

Just because he hasn't got an assist doesn't mean he's not crossed the ball this season. I think he has beaten 2 or 3 and whipped a ball in a number of times this season, it just hasn't been finished by strikers. A few from Wilbs and Agard spring to mind. I admit he is infuriating to watch sometimes as he beats 2 or 3 then doesn't pass/release when he should and finds himself closed down or having to beat the players again. However, I don't think anyone deserves to start in his position over him.

I agree completely with what you say about Reid not playing to beat players. This is because he plays in a different position to Freeman.

So who would you drop Freeman for and play in his position instead of him?

In the final third I just think Reid sees the passes and actually knows when it's the right time to play the ball.
I don't think they're different because they play in a different position because when Freeman was playing behind the strikers he still tried to beat players all the time and rarely played the early pass. If someone else was whipping in these corners then Freeman would not be in my team, probably for Reid just so he can rotate with Tomlin and also Reid and Bryan have some killer link up play going. But because we aren't scoring that many set pieces are key and Freeman's delivery has got a lot better. In the summer attacking midfielders will be needed to come in considering Tomlin will leave. Dack and Roofe should both be enquired about

[Major Isewater]

On 27 février 2016 at 14:07, Tipps69 said:

But my point being is that I'd expect us to try & get a squad of the standard of the players I stated previously & those players being permanent signings, which would mean replacing Wagstaff, Wilbraham, Agard, Reid, Burns, Little, Williams, El Abd & then the loan signings of Baker & Tomlin (am I missing any other loan signings?)

So that in theory would mean a possible 10 new players & that may well be dependant on us being able to move those players out first & if that's possible, I don't think we will be looking at making the "marquee" signings of a Grey or Gayle but of a more low key player / fee that will enable us to up the standard / quality of the squad to our higher quality players so that the quality of the squad will have been raised on this season, allowing us to swap players over on a match day without significantly dropping the quality of our starting 11, which can't be said for our current squad / team.

You're making a " school

boy error " by not adding in the U 21's who will be given their chance to step up .

The likes of Vyner , Morrell , McCoulsky ? I am sure will be involved at some stage or another as LJ looks to bring through younger players .

[Tipps69]

1 hour ago, Major Isewater said:

You're making a " school

boy error " by not adding in the U 21's who will be given their chance to step up .

The likes of Vyner , Morrell , McCoulsky ? I am sure will be involved at some stage or another as LJ looks to bring through younger players .

Maybe but I would still expect the likes of SL, JL, KB & MA to be fully aware of the mess made of last summer & the fact that that left us short of quality in the depth of the squad!

If any of the U21's or younger players happen to come through then that will be a huge bonus but I honestly believe that unless any of those players make huge strides from now until the end of the season then they won't be considered for a place in the senior squad!

I believe all those "big wigs" will be aware that we need stronger cover to fill out the squad, an injury to a CB, CM or ST & we are struggling for adequate cover!!

Along with no proper RM/RW, let alone adequate cover should Freeman (who isn't a RM/RW) & we are struggling.

We have by far the smallest squad in the league but we have been fairly lucky with injuries & suspensions & I fear that that won't continue, especially if players are expected to play 2 / 3 games a week  along with the odd niggling injury that is bound to crop up.

We need to be able to rest players & allow such injuries to heal properly before they are required / expected to play another 10-20 games without the necessary recouperation period.

As a club we will struggle to progress on the pitch if we are expecting 46 games to be played by less than 20 players of an adequate standard!!