Keeper (Gauchi?) RB Roberts Shephard LB Bland Connell Russell Humphreys DKD Striker. Add another centre half, a couple of out and out wingers and at least 3 more strikers then we should be ready to go.
I think that the recruitment for thsi summer may well be dependant on the desired formation, if we're looking at 2 centre backs with RB and LB then we have Roberts, Shepherd, Loparta and Earl under contract (unless we want to put one of those out to a full back position - just realised that I forgot MDG) which should be enough, barring injuries, to see us through the season (i'm NOT saying they are good enough, thats for others to decide). I would expect a goalkeeper in to replace Kilip( someone on here suggested Adam Davies returning - I think we could do a lot worse if he is prepared to help the younger ones). I wouldn't be that surprised if the defence is pretty much players we currently have and we increase the attacking threat with a CF and attacking midfield/ wide players trying to force teams to defend more against us (the old adage the first line of defence is attack!!)
It's frustrating how we were only a couple of good tweaks away from being playoff contender's in January but we all know how that panned out. The full back situation leaves us with a fair few players to clear out which could hinder us
After conceding 73 there’s no way we can start next season with the defenders we have. I wish I could forget MDG lol. As others have said I don’t see Roberts starting week in week out and I still think Bradford will try to buy Shepherd. We need at least one new CH and probably full backs on both sides. Also need a high energy midfielder that can tackle and two strikers/wingers. Add in a keeper and that’s 7 players required.
433 New Keeper New RB, New CB, Shepherd, New LB Bland, Russell, Connell Jalo, New ST, Humphrys Can see bids for Phillips and DKD from championship clubs
I’d like to see a couple of b*****ds brought in. It’s something we lack in defence and midfield. We need one or two who are horrible to play against I think.
Totally agree, we've got the ying but we need the Yang to compliment it. Assuming we keep DKD I'd add a strong striker/target man to the list too.
I think theres plenty in the tank for Roberts to have a solid last season with us.I can see Phillips leaving and a few fringe players who Conor doesn't want.I don't think Bradford can afford Shephard.If we're going to play 4 at the back I can see us signing 2 solid dependable full backs using players already here as back up.Going to be an interesting couple of months.
If we can get 7 or 8 off the wage bill and bring in 2 or 3 that Conor knows and trusts rather than random DOF punts that'll do me. I'm not sure I'd go straight in with Shepherd as first choice centre back either - there seems to be an assumption he will be. That's where I'd want the experience to be. We need 25 fewer goals conceded next year to have a chance. We conceded 73 effing goals this season. 73! In League 1. So we can't fanny about in that area.
Hasn't got the pace to play the high line high press, just gets done for pace in behind. I've nothing against robbo love the bloke but if we're being serious about setting up how conor wants us to play then having pacey CB's is a must. Fantastic defender for us but can't see him being 1st choice tbh.
Marc has been a fantastic player for BFC he'll be great to have around the place with his experience but unfortunately time is catching up with him.
I know what your saying and I'm not for one instance saying that the players are good enough, I'm just working the numbers, If CH wants to play 2 centre backs and we have 5 on our books who are senior players then that should see us through the season numbers wise. I haven't mentioned the full backs delibrately as this position may require more changes to a more defensive style player from those that we have depending on the formation that CH wants.