I suppose the underlying question is , how many of the current players will still be in the team next season SHOULD we get promoted ?? Let me start... I think Hamer could turn into a good goalie, Solly def after his last few performances, Morrison def - not sure about Taylor, Wiggins defo, Hollands prob, Jacko not sure, Stephens not sure, Waggy unsure, Kermy yes and BWP yes. So, thats 6 yes's and 5 not sures. What do you think?
I think all eleven listed would be able to do a job in the Championship. Think they have the makings of a reasonable mid table championship side. All we have to do now is actually get there ! By the way, sadly Euell is past it.
Well, we cannot be sure about any of them. There are always surprises, and usually three who disappoint for every one who blossoms. But if we are talking about hunches I would think Stephens, Waggy (as a second striker) and Hollands could hold a place in our mid-table Championship side simply because they will be used to the team, and promoted sides usually benefit from some momentum for a season or two. That doesn't mean they could walk into anyone else's Championship side. I think you could add Evina and Green to the "yes"s and maybe others will have come through in a year's time like Pritchard, Harriott or Mambo. I have to agree that Taylor, Jackson, Hayes and Sullivan have found their level. Euell is past it for second tier football next year, but I wouldn't write him off entirely for this season just yet. He did well for Doncaster this calendar year in the Championship and everyone remarks on how fit he still is, so it is not like his legs have gone (as seems to have happened to Doherty). His mediocre performances could come from trying too hard and needing to find his right position, not easy with mostly ten minute cameos. He could still have a part to play.
i think we need at least 4 or 5 new players if we were to be promoated,i think we need an experienced keeper at championship level,a left sided player cover for jackson and perhaps 2 strikers who have championship experience i would love varney to return give another crack and perhaps get mcginty back as he looks good in man utd reserves,we could also get likes of top out of contract players like vassell at leicester and heskey at villa who contract i think nearly up.
Not sure about Stephens? He'd easily fit in- in fact I think he is better suited as the Championship is more cultured compared to the hustle and bustle of League One. I think as a team all eleven would make it in the Championship, easily. Individually and there would be a few ?'s. Lucky it's a team game, eh?
put it this way when we get promoated they be very good prem and championship players available on a free worth snapping up
I pretty much fully agree with your assessment Eddie. However, i think Jackson could potentially do a job in the Championship (at CM not LM though for me).
Yes, I agree. He has another season or two at that level in him if playing centre-midfield and not having to chase up and down the wing. And we already have one possible replacement in Evina.
We've got to stop agreeing like this Eddie . Evina for me could effortlessly slip into the LM berth. I'd like to see him operate there for a bit at this level though, prior to making my mind up on whether he could play there in the Championship. Imo Jackson has immense quality, the ability to pick a pass and is able to slow things down when required. In CM he'd see more of the ball so would therefore be more influential. Having said that, I'm a big fan of not fixing stuff that aint broke!!
go JA go... put down the mouse and keyboard and scour the north of england for new players. then come back in august and let us know what you've found.
Jackson is a classy player, who could easily cope with the Championship, you can see that in his ball control. His dead balls are deadly too, his corners were our biggest threat in the first half on Sunday.
Our first choice team would be about half way up the current championship, maybe outside chance of playoffs. Results so far suggest we are as good as last years promoted sides. And maybe even stronger than the norwich and Leeds teams of 2 years ago. Agree that strength in depth could be a problem at that level, mainly right back, center mid and left wing. Up top either Hayes and Bwp or Kermit and Bwp could do the job, but not Hayes and Kermit together! Therefore, a 4th striker is a must, and Waggy is not the answer!
For me he looked very slow and ponderous when he came on. In fairness to him, it's difficult coming on so late off the bench. I don't want to be too critical because he was only on for 10 mins or so, he's young, inexperienced and completely new to this level of football. I have no doubt he'll improve with time.