The Preseason Thread - 2025/26

I'm not too concerned about performances/ results yet.
Pre season is the best time for a manager to get to know his squad and get them to understand the style(s!) of play. That's how it works on paper anyway!

 

I like the fact that it sounds like they are genuinely being made to work hard physically. Be nice to actually have fit players for once.

 

When did friendly results / performances actually matter?

They don’t. All I care about is how we play against Wrexham first game of the season.

 

Exactly, the first part of pre season is about fitness, and as our team were lacking seriously in that department, it’s probably been a bit harder and longer to get that into their legs.
I’d imagine they’ll be having another tough week in Spain and then things will slow down a bit getting ready for the season.
From what Still said, he wanted them to go through the pain barrier today, toughen them up etc.

 

Couldn’t have put it better myself. Robotic football is boring.

 

Just watched the highlight videos - exteremly short and edited obviously - and it still looks like we are playing Russell Martin Defence at the back. Their goal was scored from it and three out of their four chances shown came from crap and thoughtless passing and play in our defensive zone.
I hope Still stamps that crap out.

 

I can’t recall seeing Smallbone ever running at speed

 

Still has said that both players and fans will have a clear idea of his thoughts next week as he has decided to take a reduced squad to Spain,

Says that the real real stuff now starts next week.

Who will not be travelling to Spain??

He has used 27 players so far with 4 senior players returning in Edward’s, Downs, Fernandez and Bednarek.

I’d imagine most of the senior players would go, less possibly Bednarek? But will be interesting to see.

 

I like this approach. It sends a clear message to those left behind. Work hard and you may get back into my plans (either that or “bye then”)

 

I would assume it will mainly be leaving the ones we want to shift and/or those who are not committed to being here

 

Ramsdale, Bazunu, McCarthy
Bree, Sugawara
Manning, Taylor, Welington
Wood, Stephens, Quarshie, Edwards, Bednarek, THB
Downes, Aribo, Smallbone, Charles, Matsuki, Fernandes
Edozie, Fraser, Robinson, Dibling
Stewart, Archer, Armstrong, BBD

That’s 28 without Downs and youngsters(including Sanda) who got minutes already.

THB, Downes, Matsuki & Dibling have got knocks, so I don’t think we’ll see anything too controversial in terms of recognised senior players not making the trip

 

I wouldn't say 28 is trimmed down though. If he goes for something like 23/24 there may well be some notable omissions. I also think Downs will be with the squad by then.