Liam Pre Rotherham

[GrahamC]

4 hours ago, LondonBristolian said:

I think the problem is that, however many players you sign, there's always a risk of an injury crisis. Admittedly we are quite prone to them though!

For me, a lot depends on some other questions

1) Are Murphy and Stokes part of the squad next season?

2) Is Knight-Lebel seen as a long-term squad option rather than a short-term bench filler?

3) Is Backwell, Seb Palmer-Houlden, Yeboah or anyone else going to be becoming part of the squad?

4) Can we get Naismith, Atkinson and Benarous fit and playing regularly?

5) Will Conway stay?

 

In theory two new additions could take us to around 27 players and that could be enough. Certainly many more than 28 and the squad starts to be over-filled with players who aren't playing if there isn't an injury crisis and that can be a bad thing. 

I think two players is enough if there are no departures beyond James and King, we're confident on Atkinson and Naismith's fitness and four of JKL, Murphy, Stokes, SPH, Benarous, Backwell and Yeboah (or others) are ready to be squad players. But if we're not able to get the numbers up through those players who are missing or not ready, two won't be enough. 

Obviously guesses but these are mine;

1. Stokes yes, Murphy no.

2.Yes.

3. Seb P-H yes, Backwell possibly, Yeboah no.

4. Presumably we are expecting the first two to be available (if still here), the latter would sadly be a real leap of faith.

5. No.

Edited April 25 by GrahamC

[mozo]

31 minutes ago, GrahamC said:

Wouldn’t we still be able to get compensation in a year because of his age?

Yes, but closer to free than his true value.