We need to remember though that the Bonham deal will take time. Maybe wont be sorted either way until July. Coughlan said this last week. Bonham's contract don't run out until the end of June and he will be looking for the best deal for him and his family and the fact that he got so many clean sheets last season for us, we will not be the only team in for him. Coughlan added he hasn't given Bonham a deadline but obviously once July comes, he may be forced to look at plan B for a keeper.
Coughlan also said he wants a back up keeper too and that current keeper Alexis will be 3rd choice.
During the same interview (as pointed out already above), Coughlan said they are also looking at bringing in Jaks again. Personally I don't feel he will come back.
Coughlan said he told Payne, Mensah, Bennett and Matthews to look for new clubs. But Matthews was the only one who said he wanted to stay and fight for his place. Good on him. Coughlan was happy for Matthews to stay and see what he can do.
Twentyman asked Coughlan about the Plymouth job as he was odds on favourite for the job. Coughlan said Plymouth has made no contact with him or Rovers and he or Rovers have not made contact with Plymouth. He seemed uncomfortable about talking about that topic.
He discussed Leadbitter, Lines and Sinclair. Leadbitter made the decision for Coughlan saying he didn't feel his body was up for it due to so many injuries. I think that is brilliant from him because how easy would it have been to accept a new deal to guarantee himself a club and income knowing really is body aint up for it. Fair shout to him. Coughlan mentioned that Sinclair had been frustrated with the lack of game time and had rightfully been on Coughlan's back to get chances. Sinclair next season doesn't want to be a part player but wants more involvement but Coughlan couldn't guarantee it as he won't get ahead of Sercombe, Ogogo, Upson or Ollie. So it was in both parties interests to let Sinclair go.
Coughlan got to make staff cuts. Too many backroom staff apparently. He is looking at bringing in Joe Dunne though. Ex-Cambridge manager.
Coughlan said he wants a number 1 and back up keeper, a RB as Partington and J.Clarke may not sign new deals. A CB to replace Lockyer. A winger with pace who can play both wings. A striker who can score goals to take pressure off JCH.
That's 6 players. He said he is only looking at players who will improve the starting 11. Not to bolster the squad.
He spoke at length about Nichols. He believes Nichols will improve and get goals next season. He feels he is still a young lad and the price tag has effected his performances. What a load of crap. If £300k effects your performances, imagine how bad he would be if it was £1 million. He feels a good preseason will give him the confidence for a good season. Personally I think yes he works hard and he has improved with assists, which is not a lot btw, but his job is a striker. His job is to score. 2 seasons with no goals as a striker, he has done very well to get the faith shown in him from both DC and Coughlan.
