Let it be said, I really like Magennis. Now that he has established himself as the number 1, I think we'll see/have been seeing the best of him. It's no wonder he's been inconsistent when he has lost his place to Eaves so readily. His ability to make chances for himself and score goals has been noteworthy this season. It's also worth a think about all the shots he's banged in, that have been disallowed for one reason or other.
Not sure we should play him ahead of Ingram, but agree, he's a far better player than Eaves, something that was pretty obvious way back. Needs to work on keeping onside, but he's not alone on that. IF we go up, he could do a job next season, but we'd need KLP and Wilks to continue their development alongside him.
Eaves is struggling not because of a lack of ability, but because he does not suit the style of play that we have adopted. He isn’t a target man type of player, more of a diving header at the back post striker. It must be frustrating for him, but he just gets on with things. Whilst I might take the piss out of his running style, I believe that in the right set up he will score.
He's found his level I think. He'll be a decent option off the bench next season, but against better defences with better offside traps, I think he'll find it a bit tough. Made a very good contribution this season, can't be faulted.
Agreed. If you asked me which positions I'd look to upgrade if we were to go up, that's the first position I'd choose.
That’s always the position everyone looks at first. Everyone plays football manager & the first thing they do is try to buy the top scorers from lower leagues.
Let me put it another way, then: if you asked me if I'd be happy with each of the current starting XI (assuming Burke is back in and Alfie is in midfield) as a regular starter in the Championship, I'd be fine with pretty much everyone except the centre forward, with a question mark over the left-side forward too (partly cos it's not KLP's best position imo). I'd be open to certain upgrades elsewhere, of course, but the likes of Ingram, Coyle and Elder have earned a place for me.
That doesn’t work on Football Manager, there’s no dynamic development so most League One or Two players remain at that level until their stats start to die, then they drop down. In real life, it’s viable, provided the player is good enough. Just scoring goals isn’t enough to guarantee you’re a top marksman. Jamie Vardy is a prime example, he has the pace, movement and vision that allows him to play at a higher level, despite stepping up from a much lower division pretty quickly. We definitely need a good number 9 if we are to do alright in the Championship.
Said it before, I think KLP could be / could develop into our 'Jamie Vardy' .... but not in the system McCann wants to play (And should be left up front when we're defending irrespective of formation - perfect for quick breaks, stop the ball simply returning every time, occupy even scare a couple of their defenders'). Magennis, Eaves, whoever could be for a Plan B. Errmm ....
I think KLP is best suited where he is, cutting inside between full back and centre half. What we need is a striker in the box who can finish chances, I’m thinking back to Matty Fryatt, somebody of that ilk.
I’d take Marriott for striker. He’s not been prolific at Derby or Wednesday, but maybe the 4-3-3 may suit him more.
Thoughts on trying to get James Chester back? 32 years old, out of contract, 30 appearances this season for Stoke.. Need that Michael Dawson-esque CB to partner Greaves or guide his development.