I appreciate that it is one large part of a striker's role, but the unfortunate reality is that there are very few players capable of scoring plenty who we can afford. I don't think Morgan's great by any stretch of the imagination, but I think labelling him a "lemon" (although I appreciate it's in zest) is somewhat bitter. Oh dear. This thread may descend into a rack of dreadful puns reminiscent of when Sawyers joined..
You are actually using Wrexham as an example of a club giving youth a chance. The combined age of their strike partnership is something like 77. I was amazed how few youngish players they have in the team.
well im only quoting whats in the paper right in front of me, but 8 youth players in the first team shows that they are building up a cracking youth policy un-like ourselves, and its got to be the way forward if Rowland is unwilling to spend, we cant depend on loanee's all the time...or does he think we can?...and Lenny your remark .."but the unfortunate reality is that there are very few players capable of scoring plenty who we can afford." ....Green, Cunnington, Gash, Brown and Barnes-Homer ....99 goals between them this season, any of them would love to step up to this division, and it wouldn't cost the earth to get them here either...what if we signed Kidderminsters Anthony Malbon & Micheal Gash...37 goals between them, and don't say 'they would find it difficult in this league'... remember us playing Hereford earlier in the season?.....to many players are just happy to pick up their wages here, that's our problem!!
Just back from watching the stiffs. A comprehensive win and surprising Bury could even field a team what with most of their professionals being involved tonight. The stand out performer was Wildig finding time and space to dominate central midfield. McAllister and Parry paled into insignificance in comparison although the former with his bustling style came into it more towards the end. I am told that Leslie used to do the same in the reserves. Woods seems to be being primed as Purdie's replacement as utility man. Started off at right wing back and ended up in the centre of the defence when Goldson went off. Bradshaw and Asanti had a free run with not much to oppose them but ultimately disappointed. Ryan's finish looked just as composed as anything we have seen from Bradshaw.
The Alliance Trophy, which you quote, is a youth team fixture and nothing to do with the first team. The last first team starting eleven was Maxwell, Ashton, Clowes, Artell, Walker, Hunt, Clarke, Evans, Wright, Adebola, Rushton with Ormerod coming on as a sub. There are quite a few 30 somethings keeping out the youths.
Conference players have been debated all season long. Our one defeat to Hereford doesn't mean that other non-league players would suceed; there are plenty who have struggled to make the same impact at this level such as Tubbs and Vardy (both of whom were far from cheap). Others, like everyone's favourite Marvin Morgan and Matias Pogba have also failed to look as good in league football as they have in the conference. I know that there are plenty of talented players at that level, no debate. However, what people have been crying out for all season long is a proven goalscorer - not a massive, massive gamble. The players you list have scored a fair few, but have averaged fewer than 20 goals apiece this season. Up two divisions, with a massive jump in quality between League Two and League One (as we've witnessed), they'd do well to hit half that. I'd like to see the club investing in a youth set up. Again, sound logic. However, if it meant that we had to slash the playing budget and rely on youth (the benefits of a revamped system would not be felt for 4/5 years at the very least) then I wonder how many would settle for it then. Again, it is a big gamble, because we could fall two divisions in that time, and the time taken to reach that level again could permanently damage the future of the club. Look at Crewe- fallen from Championship to League Two, and it takes time to get back (although they will soon). I'm sure there's a balance to be found (just like with non-league signings!), but I don't think we do as bad a job as people think with our academy. When both of us win the lottery, we can each buy a similar-sized football club in League One and go our different ways about developing them. Until then, we'll just desperately hope that our own advocated method pays off for clubs so we can say "I told you so"! Good summary of the reserves, KDS. Interesting that there were several players who stand a decent chance of being involved with the first eleven on Saturday playing and no Doble - is he being primed for a start ahead of Asante, or is he injured? Finally, if people haven't seen it already, there's a pretty frank interview with Morgan here: http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11761/8643979/Shrews-in-vogue Must admit I'm surprised there's championship interest in him!
I am assuming Doble is injured as he did not figure in the 15 nominated. Asante and Goldson were withdrawn when Town went 3-0 up, so obviously are going to figure on Saturday. Purdie went off injured after 15 minutes. Walked off so maybe OK for the squad.
No Grandison though, which either means Turner doesn't feel he needs to regain sharpness or that he aggravated his injury. Whilst I really don't want him to be injured, the former would be very worrying as it seemed clear that he was lacking match practice and would have benefited from a little more game time.
Interesting interview from MM. Stating that the core of the team wasn't fully replaced means quite a lot for a member of the squad to mention it.
Bury only fielding 11 players and two subs tonight. Scunthorpe currently on 65% possession and two shots, although they have already made a sub! http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/22075521
Bury losing, Colchester losing, Oldham winning at HT. Not great results so far for town. Come on bury and yeovil!!!
It turned out good for us in the end- Bury won 2-1, Colchester lost 2-0 Amazing amount of cards for Sheffield and Brentford in their game. Both goalies yellow carded, twelve cards in total including 3 reds (two were second yellow) Town are staying up unless our goal difference to Scunthorpes changes for the worse by 20 goals
Phew! That was close. Still won't buy season ticket until I see what's happening. Perhaps MM could get a job a spokesman and kit designer. AJ could commission three loggerheads in the design. Quite a few posters predicted our goal difference would be critical.
I bought my season ticket before the end of the first early bird. One point out of three games needed and perhaps after saturday's game we might see some youngsters getting some game time. Doble, Bradshaw, Woods, Wildig etc all need time. Gayle is back with town btw.
the biggest unknown factor is gt. has he had enough, or is he in for a penny in for a pound. good decision graham. now as tinned hats has said, we need a proper youth squad or acadamy, we need an experienced more mature striker or player coach and a new player assistant manager. we certainly need more experience in m/f. a goal difference of -8 is creditable , but a positive gd is required by next may. having lived from the seat of their pants, the squad deserve their new kit and of course rowland, our old traditional badge back. unless there is a statement soon on the badge, aj can promise another summer of discontent in another place, *** ROWLAND ** chequebook please and will you be told.
AJ - interesting thread about the Badge http://www.shrewschat.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=16&t=5796 IanWhit who is from the club seems to be mentioning the slight possibility of a fans consultation on it at some point in the future.
