I agree, those prices would be great. As long as we show some ambition early in the summer, I'm sure fans will start coming back. Traore looks a decent start, now just to add a few more to it
I think we need to bring in at least 5 first teamers; RB CDM CM RW and ST I can see quite a few leaving; Forss, Bernard, Elder, Wilks, Eaves, Walsh, Thudd, Emmanuel. I wouldn't be surprised to see McLoughlin go either. Moncur? Williams?
I'd be very happy to have Ingram and Baxter pushing for the #1 spot next season and Cartwright going out on loan to L1/2
Can't make up my mind about Emmanuel. He was great, a fans favourite last season until he was harshly (imo) displaced by Coyle. But we've seen nothing of him at this level nor do we really know what his injury was and what his current condition is. Do we take a chance on him? He'll be worth bugger all on the market because he's been out for so long. A dilemma.
We need around 8/10 when departures are taken into account. Keeper, Cente half, full back either side, 2/3 midfielders, 2 wingers and striker.
I don't think it's as cut and dry as that, Ingram is a much better keeper then most give him credit for. Shota is a big fan also, as we have seen by him sticking with him. I'd say they both come back pre season as equal and it's up to them to fight it out ( if we get Baxter that it )
Oh definitely I just think his stock will be high and he may fancy himself as being guaranteed someone’s number 1. Baxter is better for me but if we could have them both I’d be over the moon as I don’t think another team has 2 keepers as dependable as ours.
He's a good keeper, I think Baxter is better and will only get better but Ingram needs a new contract and not just the year triggering. On another note, it's days like today that make me think that we shouldn't keep Smallwood, he really struggles when we're in possession and never looks at ease
He’s a really good player in a low block. Which is what we’ve played this season, i think he should be kept around next season to be in and around the squad. Bringing him on to see out games etc. But yeah he’s not an expansive player but he wasn’t brought in to be that.
Baxter will/should get better then Ingram yes, but ATM they are pretty equal imo. Baxter is very well thought of in the game so would have options. Smallwood in really split on, long term he really isn't an option, but for 1 more season as we transition, I think he'd be worth having in the squad
Of course. I just think it's a bit like the Grant argument from when Acun took over. Do you get rid now, or wait till next year and release him then? I don't think there's much chance of him staying around longer so it depends who you bring in. I'm 50:50 on it
The team needs stability through pre season, the number of departures will be high as it is. Players like Smallwood have earnt a chance to stay here. We know he can turn up against the top sides as he has done this season good option off the bench too to see out a game if we are leading. Cannon, Moncur, Walsh, Hudds all be leaving so we need to have some continuity.
Just need a nasty bastard at the back. McLoughlin just watched Afobe flick the ball on today which is unlike him to be fair.
But we'll have continuity. Ideally 8/9/10 of those who started today will still be here in July. It's not like we're completely ripping the side and starting again. The squad as a whole needs a big overhaul but that's largely due to us having zero depth or anything on the bench
