Making the step up: squad thoughts

[Balham]

All this talk about transfer targets has got me thinking about the squad: who might make the step up and who might struggle. These are just my opinion; players in bold are ones I feel can be relatively sure of their places next season.

GK:
Moore - hasn't ever been a regular at Championship level but he was understudy to a very good goalkeeper in David Marshall. Has shown glimpses of the required ability but also a couple of weaknesses (near post in particular)
Long - poor this season and hasn't really kicked on. Can see him heading out, either on loan or permanently but as it stands, he's not performing at the required level.
Eastwood - unproven. Emergency backup at best.

DF:
Wright - Mr Consistent. A talker and an organiser who may surprise a few people if, and only if, we continue with the 3 at the back system. He won't feature if we revert to a back 4 as he lacks the pace and mobility to play in a two.
O'Connell - come on leaps and bounds this season. A Brentford supporting colleague said he was good but was always liable to make a mistake: those mistakes are becoming rarer and rarer. If he continues to progress at the rate he has over this season he'll go far.
Basham - mobile and tenacious but there's something I can't put my finger on which makes me doubt he'll be a shoe-in next season. Deserves to start in the back three though.
EEL - cult hero but his leaden footedness and lack of positional awareness means he shouldn't be pursued next season
Wilson -

WB:
Freeman - exceptional this season going forward but there are still question marks defensively as his man seems to get away from him too often. We concede a lot of goals down the opposition left and that will be targeted next season
Brayford - will he come back? Probably more defensively solid than Freeman but lacks the attacking dynamism.
Lafferty - another consistent performer. Positionally excellent but frustratingly gives the ball away playing simple passes. He's a solid squad player but no more.
Hussey - came in, played the first few games then disappeared off the face of the earth. The irony is that he is probably better suited to a wingback role in the system we're now using than the fullback role he struggled in at the start of the season

MF:
Coutts - excellent all season and looks to be back to his best. Should make the step up
Fleck - same as Coutts. Should be able to handle the step up.
Carruthers - from the sublime to the ridiculous at times: can glide past opponents like they're not then then will fail to make a 5 yard pass. With a Wilder/Knill preseason behind him he should improve.
Reed - regressed over the past two seasons but there's an opportunity for him to go out on loan back in League One next season and prove that his early promise wasn't a flash in the pan
Whiteman - exceptional on loan at Mansfield in League Two: has to take any opportunity he's given in pre-season or another loan spell beckons.

AM/Wingers:
Duffy - fades towards the end of games but always looking to make things happen. That means he loses the ball more than most. Deserves a chance but that might be limited to cameos from the bench
O'Shea - came in, scored some important goals but ultimately is he good enough? I'm not sure
Chapman - unfortunate injury but worth an enquiry for another loan spell. Boro may want him to get more games though
Done - what can I add to the discussion? His workrate is second to none, his skills are second to most.
Scougall - never really kicked on and will probably leave. Has to go down as a waste of money given he cost £400k, making him the second most expensive player in the current squad. Will probably end up at Burton.

ST:
Sharp - lethal when the ball falls to him anywhere up to 18 yards out. Has led his boyhood club to glory and will lead the side again next season. Should be looking for 10-15 goals.
Clarke - since his return from injury he's looked a different player. Strong, good in the air, clever feet and intelligent movement allied to a really nice ability to curl the ball into the bottom corner from the edge of the area. The question remains, though: can he maintain this form?
Hanson - played the role Akinbiyi did in 2005/06. He's performed well in the time he's played but he's not technically good or mobile enough to make the step up. I would imagine he'll be here until January 2018 but with limited appearances from the bench.
Lavery - grew into the season but mixes occasions of looking like a proper player with spells of not being able to control the ball. One for the future: I'd expect his appearances to be from the bench
McNulty - barely featured this season, either on loan at Bradford or back at the Lane. Terrible performance against Fleetwood seemed to make up Wilder's mind

So in summary:
Shoe-ins: Sharp, Fleck, Coutts, Basham, O'Connell
May be replaced: Moore, Freeman, Lafferty, Duffy, Wright, Clarke
Squad players: Wilson, Lavery, Carruthers
Departures: Hanson, Whiteman (l), Reed (l), Brayford, Long (l), O'Shea, Done, Hussey, Scougall, McNulty

Targets:
First XI:
Goalkeeper to challenge (and replace) Moore
Right fullback/wingback more defensively and positionally sound than Freeman
Mobile, strong centre half
Attacking midfielder with high stamina
Centre forward

Squad:
Winger(s)
Central midfielder to challenge Coutts and Fleck
Left fullback/winger better than Lafferty

 

[McGrath]

I think I'd give Freeman and Lafferty a chance. I also think Clarke has the talent, and Wilders managed to get him to use it.

Also, I think Hanson will stay. He won't start many but he's perfect to bring off the bench if we're chasing a game and the opposition has parked the bus

 

[elgoog44]

"Goalkeeper to challenge (and replace) Moore", I personally think that would be harsh on Moore, I think he will step up nicely to the championship and would be our regular 1, agree on Long, as I have posted before maybe best move for him would be Scotland as he had a good spell there as a Number 1 but not got a future here and not at a higher level which is sad to say always thought he would kick on, but you live and learn.

 

[elgoog44]

I also personally think Carruthers will play a very big part in our season next year after a full pre season with Wilder and Knill, hopefully can change a few aspects of his game and become a better all-rounder who can add the little spark and magic when needed.

 

[elgoog44]

I think I'd give Freeman and Lafferty a chance. I also think Clarke has the talent, and Wilders managed to get him to use it.

Also, I think Hanson will stay. He won't start many but he's perfect to bring off the bench if we're chasing a game and the opposition has parked the bus

Clarke for me will again play a big part next year, he as always underachieved at clubs and looks like with the right manager in place he is showing his best, that and a full pre season with us and he will be good to good for next year, might even get a few games ahead of Sharp something that would not have been said earlier in the season.

 

[Paulus]

With the comments from CW after he got injured I reckon there's a very good chance Joe Riley will join us on a year loan which will beef up the left back/left wingback position. I think Chapman will be playing for Boro.

 

[Working Class Hero]

There's a few there that I'd disagree with.

Moore - Everything I've seen so far suggests he can make the step up. Admittedly, his flaws might show up a lot more in a harder league, facing more attacks.

Basham - He'll be a very useful squad player as he can play in a number of positions but he is definitely not a shoe in for me. He's shown he's poor technically over the last couple of years and for all his heart and great form/confidence at the moment, I believe he'll need more than that in the Championship.

Freeman - Will be fine as long as we play with wingbacks.

Lafferty - Would probably be fine if we played a flat back 4.... probably.

Duffy - I see no reason to change a perfectly balanced midfield 3. I can see that midfield being comfortable in the division above, simply because its been way too good for this one. He will probably be the one who is rested/subbed more often though.

Lavery - Just to make a small point that he's 25 at the start of the next season and not really done it in either division, so I don't see him as one for the future. I agree though that he's decent to have as a squad player for the time being.

 

[McGrath]

There's a few there that I'd disagree with.

Moore - Everything I've seen so far suggests he can make the step up. Admittedly, his flaws might show up a lot more in a harder league, facing more attacks.

Basham - He'll be a very useful squad player as he can play in a number of positions but he is definitely not a shoe in for me. He's shown he's poor technically over the last couple of years and for all his heart and great form/confidence at the moment, I believe he'll need more than that in the Championship.

Freeman - Will be fine as long as we play with wingbacks.

Lafferty - Would probably be fine if we played a flat back 4.... probably.

Duffy - I see no reason to change a perfectly balanced midfield 3. I can see that midfield being comfortable in the division above, simply because its been way too good for this one. He will probably be the one who is rested/subbed more often though.

Lavery - Just to make a small point that he's 25 at the start of the next season and not really done it in either division, so I don't see him as one for the future. I agree though that he's decent to have as a squad player for the time being.

Disagree on Basham. I think for a Centre Half he's technically very good, he has some pace and is a very good tackler. He was superb against Spurs in the League Cup and see no reason why be can't be good in the Championship. Also he moves into midfield during games if we're getting bullied our out numbered, which is important

 

[Boxer Blade]

Where's ched? Isnt he a shoe in? or just a squad player? Come on Balham do keepup

 

[sufcboy95]

Reckon Moore deserves his chance in the championship. I'd get someone in to replace lafferty. And surely if brayford wants to come back, we should have him back. He's been burtons stand out player, and plays a posistiom where we need players.

 

[Houso]

Glass half full then?

 

[Working Class Hero]

Disagree on Basham. I think for a Centre Half he's technically very good, he has some pace and is a very good tackler. He was superb against Spurs in the League Cup and see no reason why be can't be good in the Championship. Also he moves into midfield during games if we're getting bullied our out numbered, which is important

I just think he's bang on form at the moment and enjoying playing in a winning team full of confidence. He's been very poor at times for me the previous two seasons and I worry that the step up will highlight his weaknesses. Good to have around I just don't agree that he can be sure of his place as Balham said.

 

[blade too long]

All this talk about transfer targets has got me thinking about the squad: who might make the step up and who might struggle. These are just my opinion; players in bold are ones I feel can be relatively sure of their places next season.

GK:
Moore - hasn't ever been a regular at Championship level but he was understudy to a very good goalkeeper in David Marshall. Has shown glimpses of the required ability but also a couple of weaknesses (near post in particular)
Long - poor this season and hasn't really kicked on. Can see him heading out, either on loan or permanently but as it stands, he's not performing at the required level.
Eastwood - unproven. Emergency backup at best.

DF:
Wright - Mr Consistent. A talker and an organiser who may surprise a few people if, and only if, we continue with the 3 at the back system. He won't feature if we revert to a back 4 as he lacks the pace and mobility to play in a two.
O'Connell - come on leaps and bounds this season. A Brentford supporting colleague said he was good but was always liable to make a mistake: those mistakes are becoming rarer and rarer. If he continues to progress at the rate he has over this season he'll go far.
Basham - mobile and tenacious but there's something I can't put my finger on which makes me doubt he'll be a shoe-in next season. Deserves to start in the back three though.
EEL - cult hero but his leaden footedness and lack of positional awareness means he shouldn't be pursued next season

explain the term poor season for george long

hes played in 3 league games
got beaten by a worldy at bolton no keeper would have saved we drew 1-1 with rochdale
and we lost 0-3 at home to southend due to horrific cock up all by defenders left him exposed completely

I dont get this constant berating of a player who was the previous season behind an atrocious defence
and took unnecessary blame for it

Moore has had the benefit of playing behind a solid unit , but he too has made the odd misjudgement, but gets 100 per cent benefit of the doubt

how is it a poor season when hes hardly responsible for letting in 1 goal v rochdale and I dont think he could have done anything about it

 

[Balham]

explain the term poor season for george long

Started the season as undisputed #1. Lasted 3 games, only played in the Chuckaturd since then. He might not have been to blame for the goals we conceded in those opening three games but you can't really badge that as anything other than a disappointment.

Where's ched? Isnt he a shoe in? or just a squad player? Come on Balham do keepup

Haha..don't follow the snooker that closely so I've missed whatever's going on in the Cue Meltdown thread

Glass half full then?

Yeah, mainly because Carruthers pissed in it....arf

 

[blade too long]

Started the season as undisputed #1. Lasted 3 games, only played in the Chuckaturd since then. He might not have been to blame for the goals we conceded in those opening three games but you can't really badge that as anything other than a disappointment.

disappointment for him that Moore was so good
doesnt mean he was so bad
CW knew his confidence was down after being behind jerry cottles circus defence we had last season, gave Moore the shirt and he took his chance

Moore never got a look in at Cardiff
only the same, footballers have to accept that

 

[BanbridgeBlade]

Have to disagree about Moore & Duffy.

Moore has had very little to do over the season but, when called upon often makes the save to keep it at 1-0 or 0-0. Other keepers may let their concentration lapse & make more mistakes. If we are under the cosh more in the Championship I reckon he'll stand up & be counted.

Duffy for me should have been in the POTY conversation. Covers a lot of ground & can find a pass with ease. Lost track of how many times he's played a pass out wide then all of a sudden he's popping up on the overlap. Tires late on but I'd say thats due to workrate. I think he'll do just fine stepping up

 

[GCB_SUFC]

Lafferty is 'Positionally excellent'? Are you sure?? His positional sense is his main weakness, which would have been highlighted even more if we didn't have a centre half of O'Connells quality covering him every time he makes a mistake.

 

[robbiez666]

Chris strikes me as the kind of manager who is likely to give the players a chance who've served him well.

I'd expect
---------------------Moore
------------Basham O'Connell New
Freeman --------------------------------Lafferty
Coutts Fleck
-------------------New or Duffy (fitness worries)
-------------Sharp --------The Inevitable

I assume Brayford will go but you never know. He'd probably do a slightly better job in a higher league than Freeman, but the latter has earned his chance.

The only other players I can see him sticking with, unless we can't shift them, are Carruthers, Clarke and Lavery. Not sure the former has impressed them though. We'll see.

I'd like to see, in a perfect world, Duffy get a chance. However, he's struggling to make 60 minutes at the moment, so it may only be from the bench.

 

[BushBlade]

I don't think we'll bring in any more than three regular first team players.

 

[BushBlade]

Lafferty is 'Positionally excellent'? Are you sure?? His positional sense is his main weakness, which would have been highlighted even more if we didn't have a centre half of O'Connells quality covering him every time he makes a mistake.

In a 352 the centre left defender is expected to defend the wide areas when the wing back is pushing forward.

 

[blade too long]

We are very dependant on rampaging backs punching holes in teams this means providing cover for them as they go forward so the balance is everything
We will utilise 2 steady eddies to fill these voids who can keep the shape at the back that allows freeman and o connell for example to cause mayhem
Our biggest strength has been the options we've given up front , and our ability to play neat passing football then immediately change to crossing in and stretching defences

a 1-2 between oshea and freeman inter laced with a ball into Hanson to lay it off, defenders get unsettled
Im not too concerned about the personnel as its our system thats working for us
The addition of 3 players of quality can only enhance our squad , but they have to have that work ethic to play within the team or they wont add anything

 

[Foody]

On the whole I'd agree, however I think it's a little harsh on a couple of players: Moore has been excellent this season and he a natural leader, be very happy to have him as first choice. I also think Lafferty will be solid for us next season, for me, he has been the unsung hero of this side; we've really missed him when he hasn't played.

I'm still not convinced that Clarke will cut it in the Championship, he seems to go through a constant cycle of being an excellent L1 striker, get a contract in the Championship, fail, rinse and repeat. Even with the Wilder factor I just cant see it being any different this time round and can't see him hitting double digits.

Agree about competition at RB though, Freeman still concerns me defensively, this season it hasn'nt mattered because we've controlled most games, I just can't see that continuing when we step up to the Championship. I hope I'm wrong and we can still afford that marauding wing back, but I remain skeptical.

For me the priorities are: 1 experienced Championship CB, 1 Combatitive midfield enforcer type, 1 striker, 1 full back. Plus a few extras for cover; probably a winger/ wide player, back up keeper and another CB.

We haven't even played our last match yet and I already can't wait for the new season to begin!

 

[BerksBlade]

Not sure the first XI will change much from this season.
Moore will be given the chance and should be good enough. I don't think Long will benefit from staying as backup, so I would bring in an experienced keeper as a deputy. We'll need a replacement for EE-L - Wilson still somewhat unproven due to lack of games. Could Brayford cover both FB positions? If not we need backup there (Riley?). Midfield looks pretty sorted - I think we'll see Duffy and Carruthers sharing one position. Probably need another CM as injury cover for Coutts & Fleck. Up front I think Billy & Clarke will do OK. Then there's "you-know-who". We could do with some pace as well, so maybe look to loan a young PL striker?

 

[seanbeenstattoo]

Not sure the first XI will change much from this season.
Moore will be given the chance and should be good enough. I don't think Long will benefit from staying as backup, so I would bring in an experienced keeper as a deputy. We'll need a replacement for EE-L - Wilson still somewhat unproven due to lack of games. Could Brayford cover both FB positions? If not we need backup there (Riley?). Midfield looks pretty sorted - I think we'll see Duffy and Carruthers sharing one position. Probably need another CM as injury cover for Coutts & Fleck. Up front I think Billy & Clarke will do OK. Then there's "you-know-who". We could do with some pace as well, so maybe look to loan a young PL striker?

Not need for a young PL striker. We have Lavery. He wasn't given the number 9 shirt to bench warm any longer than needed to get him match fit.

 

[Alfreton14Blade]

Moore, Lafferty, Bash, O'Connell, Wright, Coutts, Duffy, Fleck, Carruthers, Sharp, Lavery, Clarke all to be integral parts of the squad, at least to start the season. As will a certain personage who's currently being smuggled in. And O'Shea too, probably. Reckon we'll have a pretty stable squad going into the season, without a great many changes.

Brayford/Freeman is an interesting one. Got a strange feeling Freeman's current high stock will be cashed in on (though I hope not) and Brayford brought back. Can't help feeling that someone's gonna need to get sold, to raise at least some of the finances for the season ahead. Whiteman too, maybe.

Leaving the following as outs (or maybes): Long, Hussey, Wilson, Scougs, McNulty, Hanson, Reed. Can't see EEL being brought back. Chapman, can see us bidding for him but probably no-go given Boro's plight. Brooks (if he signs a new contract?) out on loan.

 

[Pinchy]

Im not too concerned about the personnel as its our system thats working for us

Systems never won a sausage. Quality players win trophies. Put ten shadow-chasing ragamuffins in the 'system' and see how it goes...

You talk a lot of sense sometimes BTL. This just isn't one of them.

 

[McGrath]

I'm shocked people are questioning Moore.

He made a huge difference when he came in at the start of the season because he gave the defence confidence.

And that save he made from Taylor's free kick at home to Northampton was a worldy. It kept us in the game which we won in the last few minutes. That save was a season defining moment

 

[GaryHamsonsLeftBootLace]

You have to give Moore credit. He spends most of the game standing on the edge of his area watching us pass the ball around opponents. When he's called upon he's made some great reaction saves despite those long periods of inactivity. He commands his area and the back 3 (or is it 5). That was the first thing we noticed when he came into the side. He's still young and learning his trade. I think he's more than capable at Championship level.

As an aside, I heard an interesting interview with David Seaman once where he said he hated games. He said they were boring as he was in an Arsenal side that allowed the opposition to create few chances. He said training was his passion and the actual games were just an inconvenience.

 

[Balham]

I'm shocked people are questioning Moore.

He made a huge difference when he came in at the start of the season because he gave the defence confidence.

And that save he made from Taylor's free kick at home to Northampton was a worldy. It kept us in the game which we won in the last few minutes. That save was a season defining moment

We'll have to agree to disagree. It was at a saveable height and it was a long way out; he shouldn't be getting beaten from there. Our recent keepers haven't been good enough so we're not used to seeing them pull of what should be routine saves for a top third tier keeper.

Don't get me wrong, I think he's a decent keeper. I just think we need a backup of a sufficient standard to challenge him.

 

[McGrath]

We'll have to agree to disagree. It was at a saveable height and it was a long way out; he shouldn't be getting beaten from there. Our recent keepers haven't been good enough so we're not used to seeing them pull of what should be routine saves for a top third tier keeper.

Don't get me wrong, I think he's a decent keeper. I just think we need a backup of a sufficient standard to challenge him.

From where I were sat it looked incredible, that was going like a rocket and Taylor's been banging them in his whole career, there's plenty of Premiership keepers not got anywhere near some of his freekicks