Just to play devil’s advocate how many times has Rusyn actually played on the left to know if he’s any good there though? If that’s what they think his best position is then he needs to play there rather than through the middle. The problem last season was jack Clarke getting flogged for 90 minutes every week no matter what the score was. Still stand by what I say that there’s too many young lads competing for nailed places in that Xl and people will argue that they’re the ones who’ll replace the better players when they go which I understand but how are they meant to be anywhere close to ready when none of them really get a game and they’re competing with other young lads for the same position?
I’m going to go out on a limb and say there’ll be a release clause of some sort in there to leave for certain clubs or at certain times
Would make sense for all parties. And he deserves such a release clause. Pretty much rules him out of moving this summer though.
Think they knew it was likely, but they were ready to keep him. I think the business last summer needs to be set in proper context (though I concede there’s a bit of devils advocate from me too). The business was additions to an established team. As such they were a mix of players for now players to be on the fringes and players for the future. There’s no doubt that they didn’t get what they wanted from the window (where one or two of the fringe or young players make a massive breakthrough) but equally that doesn’t mean that it’s terminal for them. I’d argue we got two stick on first team champ players in Jobe and Seelt already and see Mayenda making the leap this season. All the rest barring maybe Rusyn (whose age profile means he’s got less of a chance at rehab with us) could certainly come good for us if we can find them the right minutes either at safc or elsewhere. So not immediate impact - and certainly not to plan - but the idea that they’re all terminal failures because they came from that cohort doesn’t make sense to me.
This for me was Speakman’s big mistake last year. Not the profiles, or even particularly the players chosen. More it was the miscalculation that more lottery tickets means your chances go up. A smaller squad with more reps would have probably served those young players better.
Yep,understand what you say. I don't think we can take last season as representative though....far too many changes to coaching...very little cohesion about selection for many of these young players. One of RLB's tasks is to get some kind of stability and consistency from the squad. It all look a bit scattergun at times. The squad needs trimming down,several don't look good enough and need to go. Allowing for injuries,a squad of 23, with another two or three young lads knocking on the door in addition, should be enough. Cover for every position,players knowing what's expected of them.
We knew we were losing Stewart and Amad from that squad. We needed ready made replacements (albeit the same quality highly unlikely) We brought in predominantly project players. Which isn't bad but the sheer volume and the lack of championship ready players wasn't what we needed..imo of course
Clarke signing a new deal is a tremendous vote of confidence in Le Bris as well btw. Must be really pleased with what he's seen from him
Yeah volume is the big issue. I’ll be honest I can see potential in almost all of our bloated 30 odd man squad. That’s a problem though. I think the aim will always be to have a slightly larger squad than other teams. It’s a natural byproduct of what we’re trying to do as a club. For instance it’s very noticeable that this is how Brighton tend to operate. Their squad is 5-10 bigger than most other prem clubs. It means that big sales already have an element of cover built in. However to work like that we need to be getting those players minutes - either here or elsewhere. A big improvement in loaning at safc needed this summer.
Last night was an illustration of where our squad has weaknesses. Only Moore, Ekwah, Rigg and Mundle looked like players who could step into the first team. Some areas we are strong and some worryingly week. Which players in which positions could step up in your opinion. GK - Moore FB - None. Maybe Alese when Ballard is back. Last night Anderson and Johnson both struggled. CB - Ballard - obviously first choice when fit Midfield - Rigg, Ekwah Wide - Mundle, Watson, Poveda Forward - none. Although when we sign a CF or two I think Mayenda can be classed as a decent sub. So, we are pretty strong in midfield and out wide but have major concerns at FB and slightly lesser concerns at CB. Before the close of the window we desperately need 2 x CF, a RB and a CB. Have I missed anyone out?
I'd say that's likely. An agreed release fee if we don't get promoted this season would make sense for all parties. We get to keep him this year and have one last go and if it doesn't work out, we sell a couple of assets and use the funds to rebuild. It'll probably go unmentioned as people get fixated on transfer fees but with Browne coming in and the new deals for Clarke and Ballard, I'd say we've raised our wage structure significantly, especially given that there is space for making Dan Neil one of our highest paid players too.
I'd add Triantis at CB. He wasn't perfect but definitely showed enough that I wouldn't be completely dismayed if he had to play.
