Just looking at the club first team squad. I can't remember having so many options selection-wise all over the pitch, maybe with the exception of keeper. Centre backs - Kipre, Ng, Simpson, Denham, McGuinness and Nelson - although the latter two have a lot to do to make up ground. Fullbacks/wingbacks - Romeo, Campbell, Collins and Bagan Midfield holding/box to box - Wintle, Ralls, Rinomhota, Adams, King Midfield creative - Sawyers, Sang, Colwill Out wide - O'Dowda, Philogene, Ojo, Tanner, Whyte Up top - Watters, Etete, Harris, Davies Anyone else in the next fortnight would need to be an obvious improvement otherwise don't bother.
Somewhat trite to suggest another striker is required, but one is. Isaac Davies is not an out and out striker and it’s him or Harris for one spot. Out of that list some will go out on loan according to SMs recent statement. McGuiness, Sang, King & Whyte are the likely but do feel Sang in particular has a role to play in central midfield and also as an utility player.
We've been in worse positions Sparkey. Other teams have better players in individual positions, but as shown by our bench, our replacements aren't a significant step down from our starting line up (in a good way). As important is playing as a team. Still amazed by how quickly the coaching team have built a coherent squad from a group of disparate players. Still a couple youngsters who could step up to the bench if needed as well. Unless SM decides to play a back 3, we can lose 2 CBs. Whyte is now surplus to requirements as well. Maybe one or two youngsters need regular football and could be loaned out. A much better position than scrabbling around for leftovers at the end of the window. As you say Sparkey, we should only make additional signings if they are a significant step up from what we have, AND fit the playing style and ethical philosophy. As for strikers, ours are a young group so don't think a premier league youngster would really help the squad. However, to quote posters from other boards, in SM we trust.
Highly rated 16 year old Charlie Crew signs a 2 year scholarship with Leeds. Been with us since he was 8.
I think as we continue to progress the club will be a more attractive choice for youngsters. Just for the moment, the call of perceived "big boys" in the top flight may be too alluring for some. Hope it works out for him.
The kicker is someone like Matondo goes to Man City, never plays, then gets sold for £10M and we dont see a penny.
Yep saw that too. TBF either McGuinness or Nelson were likely to depart after Simpsons arrival. Not seen enough of the game yet to judge Simpson but it sounds like after a slightly shaky start he bedded in really well. Ng has sung his praises, especially after only really just arriving and getting little time with the team. Yet another encouraging sign.
If McGuinness goes to the Wendies it should be to guarantee game time for him to develop and give more experience but with a recall option if needed. Kipre, Ng, Simpson and Denham give us a comfortable 4 with Nelson as back up. I would prefer to see Nelson going but clearly we appear to have little need for 6 cb's. I'm sure Pato and Vaulks will give McGuinness a warm welcome.
Pint Pot (McGuinness) has signed on season long loan with the Wendies. Good move for him TBH. Let's see if it improves him for next season's Premier League campaign with us
Terrible for the lad. Starts the season on fire and its over in 3 games. Does SM dip into the loan market or trust Bagan with cover from Callum to see the season out. The option of 3 at the back I suppose. An early challenge for SMs management.
