Just heard that Brentford Midfielder Johnathan Douglas is currently completing his medical after agreeing terms to join us. Can anyone else back this up? If so this will be another great signing imo.
EADT and TWTD appear to believe so, and Douglas is not a wanted man under Brentford's new regime. He looks like a decent signing, particularly as cover/competition for Skuse, considering Douglas is more of a tenacious midfielder than a creator. He's also a former Republic of Ireland international, so I guess he'll fit in. Although at 33, he is getting on a bit.
I would be happy enough with this signing. Squad is shaping up nicely, with a good mix of youth and experienced warriors.
Good signing for me. Saw a video on TWTD about his goals last season - think he hit 8. Of all our players, I wonder what this may mean for Kevin Bru? Midfield now = Skuse/ Bru/ Coke/ Bishop/ Bru/ Douglas/ Tabb/ Hyam on the way we're led to believe, 7 into 2 doesn't go ( with Hyam of course injured ) Out wide = Fraser / Niles / Toure - Will Bishop play RM on occasion like last season, Tabb LM?! Up top = the four main men. So that's 14 players in essence fighting for 6 spots! I do wonder if there is a player or 2 Mick is tempted to cash in / move on.
Competition for those places will be fierce. Everyone will be forced to work hard and perform. Hope it has a positive effect.
Presumably Coke would need time to settle in and gain match fitness, so a spell in the U21s seems likely for the first month or so. As you say, Hyam is out for God knows how long, and he's been very injury-prone recently. I think out of all those midfielders, I'd like to see Jay Tabb moved on, if anybody wants him. Douglas and Skuse are similar to the qualities he offers in central midfield, and we now have a couple of pacey wide players, so the need for him to play out wide is diminished. I like Bru. If he can toughen up a bit and keep fit, then he could be an important member of the side. I think in terms of passing range and ability, he is one of, if not the best, passer of the ball in our squad.
I think we're being a little bit harsh on Tabb here - though SURELY he will never play on the wing again. I'd have him in my squad all day long reliable player. I guess you're right on Coke, Traore same boat, Hyam injured, and Bishop suffering shin splints.
Think this is a decent signing just to give Skuse some competition, however our midfield now is starting to look pretty crammed and tbh there's not too many standout players in there, alot of workers. Think we've been desperate to find a midfielder who can put their foot on the ball and take the sting out of a game.
