Jump to content
IGNORED

The Squad-taking Shape?


Bristol Boy

Recommended Posts

SENIOR

GK:Basso-Weale-Henderson

RB:Orr,Keogh,Wilson B,Wilson J

LB:McAllister, Fontaine

CH:McCombe, Carey,Keogh, Fontaine, Partridge

CM:Skuse, Noble, Johnson, Russell,Artus

RW:Murray, Betsy, Wilson B, Sproule

LW:Wilson B, Betsy, Murray, JMW, Showunmi,McIndoe

CF:Brooker, Showunmi, Finnbogason

ST:Jevons, JMW, Plummer

Concerns remain over the fitness of Weale & Brooker.Do they have the ability to play even 40 games a season? Last season we played 60 games!

Given today's signing, we could probably play the fastest forward line outside the Prem with McIndoe, JMW, Plummer & Sproule lining up fron left to right!

If no players leave, I think we'll sign a striker and that'll be that before the deadline.

If Skuse moves on, we'll need a holding midfielder and if Jevo leaves then we may sign another striker or attacking midfielder to play in the hole if Noble's out and GJ still fancies 4-4-1-1.Signing two wide players suggests that he's committed to playing with width in either that or a 4-4-2 and we've probably got more back up in the wide areas than anywhere else.

The noises GJ's making about Finnbogasson seem positive and I reckon he'll join us.If we're only playing one striker up front then one would think that it'll be one of Brooker, ES, Signing & Finnbogasson.

On what I've seen & read, I'm pleased with the signings overall and I reckon we've paid out something like £500k in fees with more to come with clauses.As always, only time will tell.

Over to you!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Two strikers needed I feel and I agree one of them looks likely to be Finbogasson. I am hoping the other is either the Polish chap we're linked with or someone who's name we haven't yet seen. I don't like the idea of Trundle.

I wouldn't be surprised to see us line up 451/433 sometimes with Noble, Johnson and Skuse all playing particularly away from home.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

all I want is a quick forward, personally though we have spent good money on 2 players, I'd be happy if we signed Finnbargson (going on what I've heard about him and him continuing to impress in Lativa) and also having a look at some other trialist forwards, maybe this polish chap.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I think its pretty obvious what we need - we need a proven striker !

We've now got six wingers, but only three strikers. And of those three, one is always injured and the other two havent completely convinced so far.

Tristan Plummer and this finnish youngster sound promising - but neither are proven performers. Relying on either would be a gamble.

Hopefully GJ has got another wonderful surprise up his sleeve...

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Still need at least one striker I think, but the squad is looking better now! Think if the fees ever come out we will be surprised! Cant see Mcindoe costing less than 750K and sproule 500k IMO!

McIndoe only cost Wolves 250k from Barnsley in January. Wouldn't be surprised if it was a similar figure to that. Saying that, he was a wolves first team regular until the end of the season.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Two strikers needed I feel and I agree one of them looks likely to be Finbogasson. I am hoping the other is either the Polish chap we're linked with or someone who's name we haven't yet seen. I don't like the idea of Trundle.

I wouldn't be surprised to see us line up 451/433 sometimes with Noble, Johnson and Skuse all playing particularly away from home.

I think Trundle would be an exciting addition.

Agree about needing strikers, Finbogasson looks nailed on, but reckon we do need another.

Big concern remains the lack of goals from midfield?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Two strikers needed I feel and I agree one of them looks likely to be Finbogasson. I am hoping the other is either the Polish chap we're linked with or someone who's name we haven't yet seen. I don't like the idea of Trundle.

I wouldn't be surprised to see us line up 451/433 sometimes with Noble, Johnson and Skuse all playing particularly away from home.

Spot on Nibor. I think Finbogasson will definately sign as both player and manager have been making very positive noises about the move. Any hint of potential and I'm sure he'll be given a two-year deal at the very least. I'm not liking the idea of Trundle and would much prefer Niedzielan myself but I do think, either way, one more striker on the back of any Finbogasson deal will conclude the wheeling and dealing for the summer and complete a very capable squad for the Championship.

With regards to the formation, the signings of McIndoe and Sproule indicate a definate plan to play with width, which is what I've been crying out for years now. That could hamper any plans to play 4-5-1 but I fully expect that formation to be deployed most weeks away from home and especially against the free-scoring big guns when we play them.

My excitement level's just gone up a notch! :yahoo:

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Two strikers needed I feel and I agree one of them looks likely to be Finbogasson. I am hoping the other is either the Polish chap we're linked with or someone who's name we haven't yet seen. I don't like the idea of Trundle.

I wouldn't be surprised to see us line up 451/433 sometimes with Noble, Johnson and Skuse all playing particularly away from home.

I agree, I simply cannot see the point of adding so much pace and then signing Trundle up front.GJ seems to be keen on Finbogasson, so a pacy striker, please.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Two strikers needed I feel and I agree one of them looks likely to be Finbogasson. I am hoping the other is either the Polish chap we're linked with or someone who's name we haven't yet seen. I don't like the idea of Trundle.

I wouldn't be surprised to see us line up 451/433 sometimes with Noble, Johnson and Skuse all playing particularly away from home.

I wouldn't mind seeing Trundle at City.His lack of pace and the fact that he's a bit of a late developer have disuaded sides from signing him, but City could provide his last hurrah and you never know.He's got skill and can finish.His left foot adds a natural balance to the attack and, in Brookers continued absence, he can hold the ball up and play others in.I'm not saying he's the best that's out there, but perhaps he's affordable and can add some quality in an area we need it.......not to mention goals!!

The issue with LJ & DN in the same midfield can be solved in two ways-One would be to play 4-3-1-2 using Noble in the hole.That would mean not playing two wide men and you have to think that won't happen with GJ signing two wingers and retaining the services of Murray.The 4-4-2 or 4-4-1-1 is by far the most likely utilising different formations home & away.

LJ & DN in a two man central midfield, with wingers, would be exciting but would invite huge pressure on the defence who'll be up against far better, not to mention quicker players this season-An anchor, in the form of Skuse or Russell would always be needed and to do that you'd have to sacrifice a striker or a winger.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

With regards to the formation, the signings of McIndoe and Sproule indicate a definate plan to play with width, which is what I've been crying out for years now. That could hamper any plans to play 4-5-1 but I fully expect that formation to be deployed most weeks away from home and especially against the free-scoring big guns when we play them.

4-5-1 (well almost) could be played against QPR as follows:

......BASSO..................

ORR..........CAREY............MCCOMBE..............MCALLISTER...

........SKUSE...................

SPROULE....JOHNSON........NOBLE.....MCINDOE.............

.........SHOWUNMI...................

OK, it's more of a 4-1-4-1 but it still utilises both wide players.

If Sproule's suspended then Murray would play.

I'm assuming we don't sign another player who can play as as lone striker (I think we will) and that SB's injured (I think that's a safe assumption, as well!) for the purposes of this illustration.

We have two major signings and McCombe,Carey & McAllister are key players, so I reckon I won't be far away, for the away games in particular.What's the odds on Betsy leaving??

Link to comment
Share on other sites

We have two major signings and McCombe,Carey & McAllister are key players, so I reckon I won't be far away, for the away games in particular.What's the odds on Betsy leaving??

Odds on I'd say. His chances will be limited now to say the least. Back up left winger is the best he can hope for.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

4-5-1 (well almost) could be played against QPR as follows:

......BASSO.....

ORR..........CAREY............MCCOMBE.MCALLISTER...

........SKUSE......

SPROULE....JOHNSON........NOBLE.....MCINDOE.............

.........SHOWUNMI......

OK, it's more of a 4-1-4-1 but it still utilises both wide players.

If Sproule's suspended then Murray would play.

I'm assuming we don't sign another player who can play as as lone striker (I think we will) and that SB's injured (I think that's a safe assumption, as well!) for the purposes of this illustration.

We have two major signings and McCombe,Carey & McAllister are key players, so I reckon I won't be far away, for the away games in particular.What's the odds on Betsy leaving??

I would go with that team

but if sproule is suspended then Wilson will start (more pace)

Betsy will come good

Also am i the only one who thinks we need cover at Left Back

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I think Trundle would be an exciting addition.

Agree about needing strikers, Finbogasson looks nailed on, but reckon we do need another.

Big concern remains the lack of goals from midfield?

Trundle I'm sure would provide moments of excitement I'm just not convinced that he'd do it week in week out enough to justify a significant fee and wages and the fact that we'd not get any money back at the end of it.

The goals from midfield one is interesting... most people would be surprised but last season we got 23 goals from the midfield, around half of them from the central area. I don't think that return is too bad and we haven't had a central midfielder hit double figures since... Gary Shelton?

The issue with LJ & DN in the same midfield can be solved in two ways-One would be to play 4-3-1-2 using Noble in the hole.That would mean not playing two wide men and you have to think that won't happen with GJ signing two wingers and retaining the services of Murray.The 4-4-2 or 4-4-1-1 is by far the most likely utilising different formations home & away.

LJ & DN in a two man central midfield, with wingers, would be exciting but would invite huge pressure on the defence who'll be up against far better, not to mention quicker players this season-An anchor, in the form of Skuse or Russell would always be needed and to do that you'd have to sacrifice a striker or a winger.

I think in a flat 442 with LJ and DN we'd be a little lightweight particularly if we have two predominantly attacking wide players. If you look at how Chelsea won the title with 433/451 they did it with 3 central midfielder, one who effectively anchored and the other two who played box to box, two wingers who had pace and license to attack and a strong centre forward. Now I wouldn't compare the quality of course but the tactic worked because they could get forward quickly and get 9 outfield players behind the ball under pressure. I think we could do something similar, though with Enoch as the striker I'd be concerned that he's not strong enough or good enough in the air (despite his size). If Brooker were fit...

I would go with that team

but if sproule is suspended then Wilson will start (more pace)

Betsy will come good

Also am i the only one who thinks we need cover at Left Back

I reckon Wilson will be challenging for right back with Orr. I think McAllister is good enough at left back and in Fontaine we have competent cover for the odd game. Any lengthy absence could be a problem.

All that being said, GJ doesn't pick predictable sides. Much will depend on how players come through the pre-season and just because we've signed Sproule and McIndoe wouldn't make them automatic starters. I'd have a sly bet on Fontaine pushing hard to get into a centre half spot too - his extra pace could help.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Guest ashtonyate
Trundle I'm sure would provide moments of excitement I'm just not convinced that he'd do it week in week out enough to justify a significant fee and wages and the fact that we'd not get any money back at the end of it.

The goals from midfield one is interesting... most people would be surprised but last season we got 23 goals from the midfield, around half of them from the central area. I don't think that return is too bad and we haven't had a central midfielder hit double figures since... Gary Shelton?

I think in a flat 442 with LJ and DN we'd be a little lightweight particularly if we have two predominantly attacking wide players. If you look at how Chelsea won the title with 433/451 they did it with 3 central midfielder, one who effectively anchored and the other two who played box to box, two wingers who had pace and license to attack and a strong centre forward. Now I wouldn't compare the quality of course but the tactic worked because they could get forward quickly and get 9 outfield players behind the ball under pressure. I think we could do something similar, though with Enoch as the striker I'd be concerned that he's not strong enough or good enough in the air (despite his size). If Brooker were fit...

I reckon Wilson will be challenging for right back with Orr. I think McAllister is good enough at left back and in Fontaine we have competent cover for the odd game. Any lengthy absence could be a problem.

All that being said, GJ doesn't pick predictable sides. Much will depend on how players come through the pre-season and just because we've signed Sproule and McIndoe wouldn't make them automatic starters. I'd have a sly bet on Fontaine pushing hard to get into a centre half spot too - his extra pace could help.

I can see Carey ending up at right back

Link to comment
Share on other sites

What's Needed Now?

Lee Trundle. Adds (Gary's favourite word) - QUALITY to our attack.

Then Kjarten or another striker as exciting potential/cover.

And i'd be very happy with our squad for next season.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Guest The Premiership Reality
Two strikers needed I feel and I agree one of them looks likely to be Finbogasson. I am hoping the other is either the Polish chap we're linked with or someone who's name we haven't yet seen. I don't like the idea of Trundle.

I wouldn't be surprised to see us line up 451/433 sometimes with Noble, Johnson and Skuse all playing particularly away from home.

I think you watch tooo much porn mte :tv_horror:

Link to comment
Share on other sites

In regards to the selections debate, consider this.

SL's interview on the BCFC site, states that WHOEVER we sign will be BETTER than what we have, we don't need more players of the same standard.

To me that indicates Sproule and Mcindoe will be long odds on for first pick selections. Likewise Finnbogason, if he is given a contract we can assume he is better than what we have.We already have Showumni, Jevons, Williams, Plummer and Brooker on the books. Finnbogason by SL's definition, will only get a contract if he's better than the 5 forwards we have.

If he gets his contract, that should send a real wake up call to the other 5, especially if GJ plays a 4-4-1-1 formation.

Basso

Wilson Carey McCombe McAllister

Sproule Johnson Skuse Mcindoe

Noble

Finnbogason.

Something like that gives us plenty of speed around the pitch, we will need it.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

In regards to the selections debate, consider this.

SL's interview on the BCFC site, states that WHOEVER we sign will be BETTER than what we have, we don't need more players of the same standard.

To me that indicates Sproule and Mcindoe will be long odds on for first pick selections. Likewise Finnbogason, if he is given a contract we can assume he is better than what we have.We already have Showumni, Jevons, Williams, Plummer and Brooker on the books. Finnbogason by SL's definition, will only get a contract if he's better than the 5 forwards we have.

If he gets his contract, that should send a real wake up call to the other 5, especially if GJ plays a 4-4-1-1 formation.

Basso

Wilson Carey McCombe McAllister

Sproule Johnson Skuse Mcindoe

Noble

Finnbogason.

Something like that gives us plenty of speed around the pitch, we will need it.

According to today's WDP, Noble is not going to Latvia because of a groin strain picked training on his own before pre-season started. He is going to have treatment at Lilleshall and GJ hopes he may be fit enough to play in some of the later friendlies.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

According to today's WDP, Noble is not going to Latvia because of a groin strain picked training on his own before pre-season started. He is going to have treatment at Lilleshall and GJ hopes he may be fit enough to play in some of the later friendlies.

My days they are slow! GJ said that last week.

Anyway, back to the original post.

JMW isnt a striker, he is a winger. And a pretty decent one at that. I feel we only need 2 more players. A striker and a defender.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

God I hope not. Carey is a great centre half but right back he is not. Those long balls still give me nightmares.

True enough, however I think if you give any of our back 4 more options they will opt for the shorter pass. I was wondering about Carey before, mainly because I really can't see Keogh just being cover and an "off the bench" player much longer. It's nice for us to have so many options but not great for the individuals involved necessarily. Keogh would hope to be a first team regular by the end of this season, IMO.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

In regards to the selections debate, consider this.

SL's interview on the BCFC site, states that WHOEVER we sign will be BETTER than what we have, we don't need more players of the same standard.

To me that indicates Sproule and Mcindoe will be long odds on for first pick selections. Likewise Finnbogason, if he is given a contract we can assume he is better than what we have.We already have Showumni, Jevons, Williams, Plummer and Brooker on the books. Finnbogason by SL's definition, will only get a contract if he's better than the 5 forwards we have.

IMHO Plummer & Williams will be fringe players at best, unless we have major injury worries and with SB & ES having problems in that dept that could well happen.They could go out on loan if all goes well.Jevons wasn't good enough last year and I can't see how that's going to change.

Nobles injury is more worrying in many ways as we don't have a replacement for him in a 4-4-1-1 and that could mean 4-4-2 & a flatter 4-5-1 away.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
×
×
  • Create New...