Core of the squad is excellent for this level. The potential for goals when you realize Moore scored 13 in 17 games last season in League 1, Bradshaw scored 22+ goals in two consecutive seasons in League 1 and Moncur scored 12 goals from midfield in League 1. Then Jason McCarthy got player of the season at two clubs we will be facing next season. Davies was fantastic in League 1 and his first season after promotion. That's a lot of proven quality. I think we have a lot of players such as McGheehan, Jackson, Hedges, Lindsay and Cavare who I expect to do well although the jury is still very much out. Finally the weak spots. Upfront as I've mentioned you couldn't find any better for League 1 but I'm a bit concerned about the depth considering we have two academy strikers as back up. Both look promising and are pacey but ideally we want another proven goal-scorer at this sort of level. In central midfield we could do with a Morsy sort of player who is strong defensively, this was a major problem at first in League 1 when James Bailey was our best hope at a good tackler. The two left backs have struggled but clearly we plan to use them so lets just see how they cope at a lower level I guess. On the wings I'm happy with the 3 we have but Isgrove's injury record is a concern. Overall I'd say get a player who can play as a forward and winger comfortably so its killing two birds with one stone. Bring in another keeper and loan out Jack Walton. Then the CDM I mentioned.
Pretty much how i see it. Although dont think we should rule Thiam out at this level. He could offer support out wide and up front. Noticed we've played Pinillos in DM a lot in pre season. So would imagine we would be looking to get a holding mid in before August. Or it could be that Stendel is a genius and Pinillos is the new Philip Lahm.
He can play in these positions but when you look at his career stats it really doesn't bode well. 25 goals in seven seasons and 13 of those goals were scored in the 5th tier of French football. In the last four seasons he's scored ten from open play. Five assists in the seven seasons or perhaps the other way round either way not great. Also I'm afraid he's not an Isgrove or Kent who offer a lot without the assists and goals such as exceptional defensive ability or dribbling skills.
Stats aside I saw enough in his game to suggest he could be a decent league one player. Actually played well when Morais came in and gave him a run of games out wide. Also remember him being excellent playing up top at Sunderland away. Then subsequently being dropped the next game.
Remember, we paid nearly a million for him. A million for someone who isnt particulary good at owt. Christ weve bought some duds in last 18 months, a few good ones but some poor laikers n all
Agree with pretty much all the OP except I feel Walton is at least good enough to challenge as the reserve keeper
I echo the sentiments on Thiam. I'm willing to give him a chance as a backup forward/winger, he showed glimpses of talent last season and could be a revelation down in league one. He could also be a complete flop and continue not to score any goals. Only time will tell. Other than that, I agree that we've some players who should be among the best in their positions in the division if they can live up to expectations.
Welcome to the board STO. Apparently it's rumoured we could be tracking a strike/strikers from Stendels old Club Hannover 96, a defensive midfielder and a winger to offer competition to Isgrove and Hedges, so that appears to check out with your " wish list."
I most definitely wouldn't want to be loaning Walton out anywhere, that would be crazy of us to do that. Ive got high hopes that this kid is the new David Watson etc, and I already rate him a lot higher than Davies.
Steady on Acido lets not be putting too much pressure on Jack, especially considering he has had 3 or 4 appearances to date. He looked promising there is no doubt about that but in my view its a little early to be saying he's the next legendary goalkeeper
Great news Donny Red. I'm sure a striker from Hannover 96 should be pretty decent if he has been getting game time there I mean its certainly a step up from League 1. I reckon Mottley-Henry will be or should at least be a regular this season but like I say with Isgrove's injury record we could really do with another body.
Honestly its hard to say. I thought Lee Johnson was on to something when he was going on about the 5-5-5 tactics and I thought Jose Morais might be decent working with Mourinho. So for this reason I'm not letting myself get too carried away at the moment but I'm looking forward to seeing how Stendel can implement his ideas. With both a new tactical approach and a coach from overseas mixed with being in a new division who knows what can happen right?
Your first post, and you remind us of James Bailey. I hope you don't have a list of such ne'er do wells, to squeeze into subsequent scribblings.