Right lets get the debate, we know what players we want to stay and which ones to go and we know some may leave but what players do we need to bring in, is it a new defender or two to make sure that we don't concede as many, is at a new keeper if Gazza leaves, is it a new midfielder to make it even stronger or a touch faster or is at a new striker if you think we need something extra, Have your say.
I do not think we have much of a clue who is staying and who is going although several of the senior players are in contract until 2013 (Lee Whelpdale, Kedwell Frampton Birchall) so like it or not these will be the backbone of the team next year and there is little chance of them being bought by anyone else. Other teams may fancy Payne, Gazza, Miller and Jackman but it would be nice to think some will still be at Priestfield. The club is fortunate to have good youngsters coming through in Essam, Fish, and Evans. Overall that is a decent starting group And Flitney/Montrose are good squad members. So far as new signings or contract renewals are concerned it would be worth setting out some principles. Firstly they should be 25 or less. Secondly, they must have played (or been available) for 35 games this season. Thirdly, they must be capable of playing at league 1 level because that is where we may be in 2013/14 which would be the second year of their contracts. We must go for a small number of high quality and robust players. A much smaller squad of players who stay fit is a lot better than a big squad of people who enjoy a few weeks in the treatment room. They do not get injured intentionally but their playing records make it perfectly clear who is likely to be available 90% of the time and who will only manage 20%. Key things for next season are to avoid reliance on loan players. A season long loan for one player is fine but thats it barring an injury disaster in a specialist position.
Width... we are crying out for two natural wide men, sadly playing the likes of Spills or Lee as makeshift wingers simply doesn't cut it, especially if Hess wants to play 4-4-2. Also, unlike Bristol, I feel we need an experienced head (i.e. 25 plus) to play as a midfield general, too often the midfielders have been all over the place, leaving the back four (especially the fullbacks) unprotected and we need more leadership in the middle.
I do agree with you there as they can be like headless chickens at times, the midfield is quiet good at the moment with the likes of Whelpdale, Lee and Payne, but I think we could do with one with the age on his side as they are very young together and when we play Montrose aswell they have about an average age of 22-23 which is a bit young, someone who is about 28 would be good. I think if we do get someone else we could go back to Jackman at left back, I know he is better in midfield but we would have a very good midfield.
Two fast skilful wingers to add the pace and quality crossing we are badly missing, also a creative central midfield player and a new left back, add them and a change in tactics and we have the makings of a promotion winning squad.
way too early to say as it really depends on who hess resigns but we definatly need to look at the defence and look to bring in some pace in the midfield and at the back. then if we sign tomlin then i think were sorted up front. like has been said quality first quantity second
Don't think we will be very active in the transfer market as far as players IN are concerned - I believe that a lot of our budget was spent last summer in the expectation that those group of players would take us up. But I may be wrong. Echo the sentiments about wingers and creative players being key - there is also a distinct lack of pace in the squad which is slightly worrying, mixed in with the apparent fatigue that we often showed towards the end of numerous matches. Hopefully we can get Fuller fit for the start of the season, and Martin needs somebody to replace him at LB, however I'm willing to accept he could be an adequate squad member..at a push. Also, with Oli seemingly set to leave, and deals for Kuffour, Tomlin and Vine at this stage exceedingly unlikely, we will need another striker in case the anticipated Kedwell/Birchall partnership struggles to fire.
I think it is much of a case of replacing the ones that leave and TOM TOM, why would a deal with Tomlin be highly unlikely, remember he is out of contract now and he was out of favour at Dag and Red so it is up to him to where he wants to go and with him being from Gillingham I don't see why he wouldn't join us, lets say if Daggers offer him a contract and we do he will come to us I think.
