I was thinking about our present team and how they shape up to Turner's promotion team. At keeper I would say Leutwiler is better than either Neal or Smith. At left back I would say Jacobsen is better than Demetriou. Sharps and Cansdell-Sherif was a terrific centre-half pairing but then Grandison, Knight-Percival and Goldson are all really good in those positions so that is too close to call. The different ways the two teams play makes direct comparison difficult for the midfield but I would say the current midfield is overall more talented even though none of them look to be weighing in with as many goals as someone like Wroe could (he was a very underestimated player in my opinion). Obviously we play narrower now but the biggest plus for Turner's side would be on the wings with the magnificent Wright(with his many goals) and the brilliant if somewhat erratic Ainsworth. Upfront Collins of the promotion season was probably playing better than he is now (though I think he will end this season strongly). Akpro and Morgan are both a handful for defences with finishing being their weak point though I think Akpro is potentially a better player but he has to deliver more goals. I think Mangan is clearly better than Gornell. In terms of management I would say that Turner got a probably less talented bunch of players overall playing more consistently as a team (especially away) but of course this season is only about halfway through. We need a more attacking mind-set away to turn our midfield dominance into more points and that should be enough to get us promotion.
I really like Jacobson but think Demetriou offers more going forward and at crossing. Happy with the range of choices we have in CD and think they match up with what we had back with scs and Sharp, perhaps there can be a little more indecision with the CD 's and the goalkeeper. Right back is and was an issue. Happy with Luetwiler. Midfield is pretty good but as with the forwards, need to shoot more successfully at goal.
town owe much to ryan woods this season, but I fear our current away form may let us down at the final hurdle unless results come our way and we can take our chances. as for January not sure we need many more IF we can hang on to loan player/s. a striker would be good but everyone will be chasing the best. that young number 7 at blyth would be my target. Jarret someone, scored their winning goal. I believe we have a much improved squad compared to GT's promo squad, but so many woeful results away.
Atcham, GT's squad really got into their stride after Christmas so lets hope MM's can do the same. After GT's nightmare of a final season I think many of out fans do not fully appreciate how good a manger he really was , based on his long-term record. If MM is anywhere near as good (and he has made a very promising start) then we should be playing in League 1 next season.
and we shall do a lot better than bottom feeding if we our using our players. they will need security of extended contracts. I would rather not go through a season again like last season. GT got us up, but now time moves on and we have a modern dynamic manager, if we can hang on to him. all the while jacko is learning from him!
