when stewart first got games i was struggling to decide who he reminded me of the most, SNQ or SKP...i then realised it was both, SKP would chase anything and SNQ had that knack of making space for himself, i had an idea he would more than 'replace' wyke.
Probably more down to fatigue than anything else as AN did say early on that some of the players had been over used and needed resting also DN did state that he felt that his form had dipped due to feeling tired. Just think he had been used far too much by LJ early in campaign and not been looked after well enough to build his match stamina
I think the retained list may suprise us, LJ said he preferred a small squad, which hampered us with options at times. Our bench looked brilliant for the final on Saturday, but I don't think Alex Neil will want a season and a squad that he has limited options in several positions
Lad over the road saying the young Bellingham lad has had initial talks and wants 50% game time. I know nothing about him apart from his brother is bloody good and plays for Dortmund, bit seems a bit excessive to be asking for that. Hopefully just silly season rumours
hed be announced quickly as the deal is already on paper just needs to be activated. From what Gooch said it sounds like they’re all meeting to discuss futures today so I guess we may hear today.
No negotiating or begging to be done. The 6 month contract had an option on our end to extend by 2 years. We can trigger that at any time.
Sorry lads but....Will Grigg is still our player I think, what is AN or Speakman going to do with him? Could he be found a place in the squad as he might bother his arse in the Championship...Tin hit firmly in place.
Broadhead out of the Wales squad with injury. I'm on the fence with him. I think he's a cracking player but I'm not sure his injury record is worth a risk on unless we can get a very good deal out of it.
We would need to find a way to manage him. Similar to John Mensah but he was an extreme and I wouldn't do that again but how about a cryo-chamber which Defoe swore by to aid recovery. Obviously I'm not a physio so have no idea if it could be done but it's an avenue I would hope we would explore if we do try to bring him back permanently.
Hopefully we start getting some news today. Here are my predictions. I expect we will trigger Roberts' extension although I must confess I don't actually think he's that good. Don't want to put a downer on things but his end product is usually pretty poor and he got away with it in League One but unsure in Championship I wouldn't try to sign Broadhead permanently. Again I know that might be unpopular but his injury record is unfortunately too poor. Doyle I'd expect to go back to Man City and probably get another League One loan. But I wouldn't begrudge him another spell with us Hoffman and Dajaku to go back to their clubs Gooch to get a new deal - good versatile option Wright to get a new deal (pretty much the only no brainer) I expect Burge will get a 1 year extension as well as back up keeper. Seems very popular in the squad. McGeady, Willis, Xhermajli, Grigg to be released
I'd have broadhead, as long as it's on a free or a nominal fee and as a back up striker as he clearly won't be fit enough times to be a first choice. Hope we sign Roberts, think he's the sort of player who will be even better next season in a higher league, bit like Pritchard.
2 players for each position has to be the plan. I know you can only put 18 players in your matchday squad, but injuries will happen and the bench at times this season was minging
Tin hat on here but if we got a decent offer from a league one team for Onein I'd take it. Would have absolutely no problem if he stays, due to his flexibility, but would hope we could do better in centre mid. He was ideal for what we needed in midfield towards the end, but would hope Dan Neil would be ahead of him in the pecking order next season, and Matete. That's without adding to it.
Might be 20 in the matchday squad with 5 subs available from 9. Premier League are doing that next year and EFL are going to vote on it.
Not sure I'd want Burge here. We need a good quality experienced keeper to push Patterson on. I'd definitely would keep Roberts he's got something about him same with Pritchard. Gooch and Wright should definitely get extentions. They'll be decent squad members next season.