OK, I'll start the ball rolling. McNally, Lambert, Culverhouse etc! Ruddy, Rudd - possibly loan Steer. From what I've heard, Ruddy has pretty much silenced his doubters. Martin, Whitbread, Ayala, R Bennett and possibly Ward. Would love to see Tierney play again (though really doubt he will) and think Naughton would be a brilliant signing - as long as he wouldn't cost more than say £6M. Barnett to leave. Youngsters to be loaned out and possibly sign another 'up and coming' defender. I'd probably leave the midfield as it is. Surman hasn't impressed much lately, so maybe replace him. Haven't seen Korey this season - could he be ready to step up? Youngsters to be loaned out. Wilbraham and Martin to leave. Morison's first touch needs to improve - it has let him down a few times lately, or else he could be on his way as well and from what I saw yesterday, he could have created at least one decent scoring opportunity for himself. Can't wait to see Vaughan play a full 90 minutes and stay fit. I think Jackson and Holt have been incredible this season in most games. Could really do with cover for Holt, though realise we won't get anyone for much under £10M. I hope PL tries to get his signings done early, as he did this season.
Manager + coaching staff Mcnally Ruddy Rudd Steer (loan out) R Martin, sign naughton Tierney Bennett, Ayala, Whitbread Hoolahan, Surman, Pilkington, Bennett, Howson, Fox, Johnson, Smith (loan out) Holt, Jackson, Morison, Vaughan Out going... Drury, ward, Lappin, Crofts, Wilbraham, C Martin Youngsters to be loanded out again. I make that We need to get another RB, LB, CB, Fox type player, Winger, Striker... 6 more coming in!!!
Truth be told, I would be kind of sad to see any of the players go. And it might sound obvious, but it depends who we buy next season. If we don't get another LB in, then there is no way we'll be letting Drury go and I still think he offers something. I think Ward is better than people give credit for, and if Lambert was going to shop him, why make him captain vs Newcastle? Lappin has proved he can be useful at this level, Crofts and Wilbraham haven't been given much time but the former was brilliant last season and if Wilbraham was being sold he would of been in January when he had offers for him! I see another loan for Chris Martin myself.
Might be convraversal but I would keep ruddy and steer and would listen to offers for Rudd, steer seems to be all round the higher rated keeper and Rudd isn't going to want to be third keeper when he could play every week maybe as high as the championship.
Rudd is out of contract in the summer i believe. DM, i can understand why you and others would like to see the likes of ward, crofts, lappin and wilbraham kept as theyve been great for the team and when called upon theyve done a good job. But with them staying they would be taking up space for where improvements would and should be made. When you go through the squad list the first ones you would look at to get rid of would be the ones i listed. Surely if we got rid of wilbraham to free up space to bring in a rhodes or rodriguez you wouldnt be grudge it would you??
It is very easy to let sentiment stand in the way of sense. We could very easily have kept the Doc at the end of the league one campaign but it was time for him to move on. Similarly Cody Mac and McNamee had to depart last year. Hand on heart I think we will need to let a couple of faithful servants go this year.
You're right that my attachment to some players like Lappin and Drury is sentimental, and I feel Wilbraham is an easy target because of his age, whilst Barnett is clumsy. But with Barnett, the talent and physical ability to succeed are there in abundance, and I'd say we'd be better off not risking so many injury prone players, Ayala, Whitbred and Ward all often injured, and I'm starting to question what Vaughan, Rudd, Hoolahan (And maybe Crofts, so I might be contradicting myself a little) can still offer this club.
Turning this thread on it's head, in order to make way for re-inforcements, IMO we should say farewell to: Ward - sorry don't rate him and would be third choice CB at best when Ayala, Bennett are fit Morison - has 'shot his bolt' IMO Wilbrahimovic - Sorry but we can't carry 'strikers' who can't hit a barn door with a banjo Chris Martin - Has had his chance and blew it Crofts - hasn't really featured too much, probably because he's a Championship player at best Simon Lappin - He's a tryer, good Champ player might get a good fee for him Bradley Johnson - runs around like a headless chicken a la Jerry Goss, but doesn't score goals like Gossy did Barnett - Nuff said Just my opinion lads, shipping that lot out plus another seasons PL money and we could get in some real quality. Sounds harsh but remember, the rewards for success in football are immense and that's why it's also so ruthless at times and has absolutely no room for sentiment. OTBC .... CTI .... ILWT
James Vaughan is another one that I have my doubts about, he's been out nearly all season so is it a risk keeping him for another year? Its a tough one. Would like to see him get a run, but then if he gets Crocker again then that's just a waste of money and a squad player.
Considering the fee we paid Everton (spit) for him, I think we should see what he can do if and when he ever gets fit . Fact is, we'd never get anywhere near what we paid for him if he moved on so we might as well TRY and get him fit. Looks like another Kieron Dyer tho' doesn't he ?
My feelings are that in 2012/13 Holt will improve further.It's a big ask I know after this season but at 31 he is far from over the hill.He is currently a better player than at any point in his career and seems impervious to injury. Maybe more importantly he still seems underrated by opposition defences,either that or,and I am beginning to suspect this could be the case,his rumbustious style is one that is just impossible to defend against.His power in the air terrorises opposition centre backs and his deceptive subtlety with the ball at his feet (Goodison,yesterday) makes him for me one of the very best.His percentage of conversion of chances must be massive.I really think that next season he could get 20.
can i just ask why a-skwared suggested tierney won't play again? please tell me it isn't because of that ridiculous rumour it really is very simple - he has been injured. he's back in training - could feature again before the end of the season.
I'm not sure about Vaughan either. Not playing wise but just pure down time. Kickitoff is right, we wouldn't get any sell on for him. But on the other hand he's taking up wages and a place among the 25. We have seen this season that you can't have too many fit players. And last August I was so looking forward to him leading the attack with Holt with Morison as back up.
To put a positive take on this, IF he gets fit and IF he stays fit, it will be like having a new signing for next season already. Don't forget, Zak had the same issues and look at him now !
I have a feeling Wes will go. Not sure he fits in with the plans. I have often saw Ruddy as an average keeper but am prepared to eat humble pie as he has come on well and indeed looks more assured in every game. Would like another striker in as agree with much said above re Vaughan. Next seasons starting 11 Ruddy - Would like another more established keeper and Steer Naughton (please!) Bennett Whitbread (Ayala), Tierney - Probably need LB and another CB. Keep Norfolk Cafu get rid of Barnett and Ward. Drury- Squad player Fox - Possibly another similar player Howson, Bennett, and another break the play up type. Johnson looked OK but has wained and Crofts is Championship level.Bit mixed regarding Pilkington's role.So Phillips from Blackpool. Holt, Jackson Morison and would add another striker ?Rhodes Some decent players may be looked at if certain clubs go down (but not wishing to de disrespectful to any that might!). Lappin, C.Martin,Whilbraham to go. Loan again for Corey and others although I am not sure they will ever play at this level?
