As things currently stand, we've lost the following from last seasons squad... Basso, Gulacsi, Mannone, Dawson, Harper, Kilbane, Adebola, Atkinson, Garcia, Brady, King, so that's eleven gone(a few obviously weren't playing for us, but it's still quite a long list). In addition, we were expecting to try and shift Ghilas, Olofinjana, Simpson, McShane and Mclean(though this situation may change under the new manager) and there's possibly Devitt and Oxley who could join that list. Even if we don't move out the players that Nick planned to move out(some we will, there's no way Ghilas wants to come back and McShane doesn't expect to be playing for us), there's still a hell of a lot of work to be done. We've got nowhere near a full squad, there's only about 15/16 first team players left, I think we need about ten players.
remove those that werent ours, leaves only garcia and dawson which would possibly be kept but that might only be sentimental reasoning. new players bound to come in when our new messiah arrives, hundreds of players available but unrealistic names reappear on this site. Who had heard of Chester,Evans or Stewart before we bought them and Koren and Rosenior arrived on frees. Dont panic.
So didn't Dawson sign a new contract then? It will be a shame to see him go, but I've been waiting for Dudgeon to get his chance for months now. I hope we don't go and sign a new first choice left back.
I'm not panicking, I'm just saying there's a lot of players likely to be on their way and as a consequence, quite a lot of replacements to be found.
I think Dawson will stay. Whoever we bring in could get a few fans onside by signing him up. We need RB (and LB without Daws) and CB cover. A CM to play alongside Evans. (younger Mckenna) 2 wide men. Anywhere for 1 - 3 new strikers depending if Simpson and Mclean leave. 2 keepers. So yeah 8-10 as a minimum. But in a ideal world we'd also want cover for Koren. (i'd sell in all honesty and use the cash on Hammil/Knightly and a more complete CM and sign Giles Barnes as a creative midfielder from the bench.)
I can see 7-10 coming in to replace the leavers. Sell Koren ??! We might, won't, get the quality players we'd all like - but it's going to be an interesting summer.
A new deal was agreed with Dawson, but it was never actually signed and is now in doubt. That said, I suspect he may yet end up staying.
Great player and if it wasn't for him we wouldn't of had such a good season. But personally I'd like us to go back to 4-4-2 which Koren doesn't really fit in to. If he's happy to sit on the bench as an impact player to help us change games then I'd keep him for sure.
Southampton and Reading are having stock clearance sales, and as stated elsewhere there are loads of out of contract players. It will be a busy time. No summer break for some at the club.
Well he'd be daft to not want a new contract, what with his testimonial added into the equation and I just cannot see a new manager not recognising the benefit of having his experience in the building.
It all depends on what the new manager wants to play as to how the likes of Koren & others fit into their game plan.
At the end of the day, the longer Dr Allam & Son take to make an appointment, the greater the chance we have of getting a thick veiny one right up the chute and gaving a thoroughly lousy season.
Newly promoted and relegated teams are releasing alot of players, it would be easy to bring in the likes of Faubert and Nouble from West Ham to our bare squad, after releasing alot of players we need to keep Chester, Koren, Rosy and Stewart to maintain a strong squad and prove to other clubs we're not looking to sell
I'd build my team around Koren if I were the manager.. and I'd build the defence around Chester & Cooper. Dudgeon can play LB, he's the future there anyway. Only one off the list I'd have back is King, but maybe won't happen under new boss..
So playerwise I'd like, CB - Gerrard RW - King LW - Hammill CM - Green ST - Fuller ST - Loan from somewhere
I agree with you completely there except for one thing... Chester and Cooper? What happened to the best central defensive partnership in the league of Hobbs and Chester? Who knows, if Bruce comes in MAYBE he'll bring Craig Gordon with him?
