Smaller Squad

[robbiez666]

PH mentioned that this season we're going to have a smaller squad.

Given that we had 2 players to each position last season, with 4 going out, I assume we'll be looking to cut it by 4.

Leaves us a bit thin on the ground if the kids go out on loan.

 

[ThatJa]

He also wants 6 in, apparently.

A small squad at this level is around 22.

 

[Champagneblade]

Maybe it just means he’s not looking to have to send out on loan and subsidise the wages of senior players.

I’d imagine the loan players we send out are going to be our U23s this time around rather than someone on 20k per week who can’t get in the match day squad.

We’ll probably not have 3 senior keepers and we’ll likely have just 2 back up centre backs.

I can appreciate that some of these will occupy different roles in the squad, but presently we can already go with:

G - Foderingham, Davies, Eastwood
D - Baldock, Bogle, Basham, Gordon, Egan, Lopata, Robinson, Norrington-Davies, Stevens, Lowe
M - Norwood, Fleck, Coulibaly, Osborn
AM/F - Berge, Burke, N’Diaye, Sharp, Brewster, McBurnie, Jebbison, Osula

That’s 25 without returning loan players Dewhurst, Amissah, Boyes, Brunt, Broadbent, Neal; Hackford coming back from injury and Arblaster, Maguire, Peck and Gomis who have all trained with the seniors.

There’s plenty of young players we can send on loan and still leave a reasonable squad.

It’s just a question now of:
1. Where we can afford to send a youngster on loan and replace them with a senior free or loan.
2. Which players we will receive attractive bids for and how effective we are at replacing them or whether we see enough depth already I.e. we probably won’t fall over backwards trying to replace Burke but we’d probably want another creative player if Berge left.

Still another month to go.

 

[BigBed]

Or, hes just realised we wont have the 5 subs were now allowed!

 

[Houston_Blade]

It’s because we’re selling Berge, he’s referring to physical size.

 

[Toronto Blade]

Smaller squad also a smaller budget. Going to be a tough start as some of our injured are not ready. Bogle has a bad injury he won't be ready for the start of the season. Players need a good preseason injury free look at what happened last season with little preseason action.

 

[SwissBlade]

It’s because we’re selling Berge, he’s referring to physical size.

And Mousse has already gone....

 

[Kozzy_is_my_Dad]

3 points:

• We need CB competition.
• We need midfield legs and energy, Fleck and Norwood cannot be our first choice all season long.
• We need some creative spark in there. We have goal scorers but few creators. N'Diaye cannot play that role alone and this issue gets worse if we sell Berge.

He also wants 6 in, apparently.

A small squad at this level is around 22.

...which leads me to this point. I just don't see where the money comes from??

 

[Nicolaus_Copernicus]

3 points:

• We need CB competition.
• We need midfield legs and energy, Fleck and Norwood cannot be our first choice all season long.
• We need some creative spark in there. We have goal scorers but few creators. N'Diaye cannot play that role alone and this issue gets worse if we sell Berge.

...which leads me to this point. I just don't see where the money comes from??

Sales

 

[Champagneblade]

3 points:

• We need CB competition.
• We need midfield legs and energy, Fleck and Norwood cannot be our first choice all season long.
• We need some creative spark in there. We have goal scorers but few creators. N'Diaye cannot play that role alone and this issue gets worse if we sell Berge.

...which leads me to this point. I just don't see where the money comes from??

End of the day, you have to back your players.

So Coulibaly to come in and provide legs initially in cameos.

Maybe someone to put pressure on Fleck that is attainable. I asked on another thread about Joe Ralls from Cardiff. Only ever played at this level and PL in over 300 appearances. 28. Worth a shout. Hardly unobtainable.

That's your midfield sorted.

Davies hopefully we can have as the keeper.

I see Tom Lawrence still not been picked up. Would be useful and offer leadership as he was Derby captain. 11 goals and 5 assists in 38 games last season.

Then you just need to work out the defence. You've got Norrington-Davies who can cover left centre back and you have Gordon and Lopata who have played for the first team so you have some flexibility.

 

[mattbianco1]

If we're going with 2 players for every position +youth players as backup, here's what we've got and what we need

I've put potential/rumoured signings in GREEN
And youth players in ITALICS

GK
RCB - CB - LCB
RWB - RCM - LCM - LWB
CAM
ST - ST​

GK
Foderingham
Davies
Eastwood

RCB
Basham
Gordon
NEED MORE

CB
Egan
Lopata
NEED MORE

LCB
Robinson
O'Connell
Anel

RWB
Baldock
Bogle
Seriki

LWB
Lowe
RND
Stevens

CM
Norwood
Fleck
Coulibaly
Osborn
Brunt
Need more x2

CAM
Berge
Ndiaye
Lawrence

ST
Sharp
Brewster
McBurnie
Burke - outgoing?
Jebbison
Osula

Striker-wise, Ndiaye and Lawrence can fill in up top so would be OK there.
CB - Anel would be 1st choice LCB, but capable in RCB or CB so Robinson would come in to cover if Anel had to shift over.
Definitely need some midfielders - 2 decent CMs, maybe only 1 if this Coulibaly turns out to be decent.

Suggestions...

CB
Jake Cooper or Daniel Ballard from Millwall/Arsenal.
Bielik from Derby, can also cover CM.
Levi Colwill was at Huddersfield on loan from Chelsea
Matt Clarke on loan from Brighton.

CM
Cairney (Fulham) - cheeky loan. Will he be 1st choice in PL
Massengo (Bristol City) - always rated him
Cantwell (Bournemouth) - been mentioned in rumour mill as a potential loan
Hourihane - grew into the role a bit as the season went on. Not my 1st choice but available for free
Brannigan (Oxford) - goal scoring mid.
Wiles (Rotherham) - already linked
Bannan (Pigs) - just for shits n giggles


CAM
Ilias Chair
Callum O'Hare
and use Ndiaye as a ST.

 

[Snowflake]

If we're going with 2 players for every position +youth players as backup, here's what we've got and what we need

I've put potential/rumoured signings in GREEN
And youth players in ITALICS

GK
RCB - CB - LCB
RWB - RCM - LCM - LWB
CAM
ST - ST​

GK
Foderingham
Davies
Eastwood

RCB
Basham
Gordon
NEED MORE

CB
Egan
Lopata
NEED MORE

LCB
Robinson
O'Connell
Anel

RWB
Baldock
Bogle
Seriki

LWB
Lowe
RND
Stevens

CM
Norwood
Fleck
Coulibaly
Osborn
Brunt
Need more x2

CAM
Berge
Ndiaye
Lawrence

ST
Sharp
Brewster
McBurnie
Burke - outgoing?
Jebbison
Osula

Striker-wise, Ndiaye and Lawrence can fill in up top so would be OK there.
CB - Anel would be 1st choice LCB, but capable in RCB or CB so Robinson would come in to cover if Anel had to shift over.
Definitely need some midfielders - 2 decent CMs, maybe only 1 if this Coulibaly turns out to be decent.

Suggestions...

CB
Jake Cooper or Daniel Ballard from Millwall/Arsenal.
Bielik from Derby, can also cover CM.
Levi Colwill was at Huddersfield on loan from Chelsea
Matt Clarke on loan from Brighton.

CM
Cairney (Fulham) - cheeky loan. Will he be 1st choice in PL
Massengo (Bristol City) - always rated him
Cantwell (Bournemouth) - been mentioned in rumour mill as a potential loan
Hourihane - grew into the role a bit as the season went on. Not my 1st choice but available for free
Brannigan (Oxford) - goal scoring mid.
Wiles (Rotherham) - already linked
Bannan (Pigs) - just for shits n giggles


CAM
Ilias Chair
Callum O'Hare
and use Ndiaye as a ST.

What a wonderful imagination you have !! Let’s hope some of it comes to pass.

 

[Dan Emery]

If we're going with 2 players for every position +youth players as backup, here's what we've got and what we need

I've put potential/rumoured signings in GREEN
And youth players in ITALICS

GK
RCB - CB - LCB
RWB - RCM - LCM - LWB
CAM
ST - ST​

GK
Foderingham
Davies
Eastwood

RCB
Basham
Gordon
NEED MORE

CB
Egan
Lopata
NEED MORE

LCB
Robinson
O'Connell
Anel

RWB
Baldock
Bogle
Seriki

LWB
Lowe
RND
Stevens

CM
Norwood
Fleck
Coulibaly
Osborn
Brunt
Need more x2

CAM
Berge
Ndiaye
Lawrence

ST
Sharp
Brewster
McBurnie
Burke - outgoing?
Jebbison
Osula

Striker-wise, Ndiaye and Lawrence can fill in up top so would be OK there.
CB - Anel would be 1st choice LCB, but capable in RCB or CB so Robinson would come in to cover if Anel had to shift over.
Definitely need some midfielders - 2 decent CMs, maybe only 1 if this Coulibaly turns out to be decent.

Suggestions...

CB
Jake Cooper or Daniel Ballard from Millwall/Arsenal.
Bielik from Derby, can also cover CM.
Levi Colwill was at Huddersfield on loan from Chelsea
Matt Clarke on loan from Brighton.

CM
Cairney (Fulham) - cheeky loan. Will he be 1st choice in PL
Massengo (Bristol City) - always rated him
Cantwell (Bournemouth) - been mentioned in rumour mill as a potential loan
Hourihane - grew into the role a bit as the season went on. Not my 1st choice but available for free
Brannigan (Oxford) - goal scoring mid.
Wiles (Rotherham) - already linked
Bannan (Pigs) - just for shits n giggles


CAM
Ilias Chair
Callum O'Hare
and use Ndiaye as a ST.

Brunt's gone hasn't he?

 

[Fatlad666]

If we're going with 2 players for every position +youth players as backup, here's what we've got and what we need

I've put potential/rumoured signings in GREEN
And youth players in ITALICS

GK
RCB - CB - LCB
RWB - RCM - LCM - LWB
CAM
ST - ST​

GK
Foderingham
Davies
Eastwood

RCB
Basham
Gordon
NEED MORE

CB
Egan
Lopata
NEED MORE

LCB
Robinson
O'Connell
Anel

RWB
Baldock
Bogle
Seriki

LWB
Lowe
RND
Stevens

CM
Norwood
Fleck
Coulibaly
Osborn
Brunt
Need more x2

CAM
Berge
Ndiaye
Lawrence

ST
Sharp
Brewster
McBurnie
Burke - outgoing?
Jebbison
Osula

Striker-wise, Ndiaye and Lawrence can fill in up top so would be OK there.
CB - Anel would be 1st choice LCB, but capable in RCB or CB so Robinson would come in to cover if Anel had to shift over.
Definitely need some midfielders - 2 decent CMs, maybe only 1 if this Coulibaly turns out to be decent.

Suggestions...

CB
Jake Cooper or Daniel Ballard from Millwall/Arsenal.
Bielik from Derby, can also cover CM.
Levi Colwill was at Huddersfield on loan from Chelsea
Matt Clarke on loan from Brighton.

CM
Cairney (Fulham) - cheeky loan. Will he be 1st choice in PL
Massengo (Bristol City) - always rated him
Cantwell (Bournemouth) - been mentioned in rumour mill as a potential loan
Hourihane - grew into the role a bit as the season went on. Not my 1st choice but available for free
Brannigan (Oxford) - goal scoring mid.
Wiles (Rotherham) - already linked
Bannan (Pigs) - just for shits n giggles


CAM
Ilias Chair
Callum O'Hare
and use Ndiaye as a ST.

You get my vote for the recruitment officer role

 

[Blacksea]

Bogle is not going to start the season,no definite date for coming back and no guarantee he isn't going to be affected again when he does play EFL again.We have no cover for RB,Laird on loan from Man U would be a good move if they let him out,also can operate at RWB.

 

[Fatlad666]

 

[Fatlad666]

Last laird came out Chorley dog ruff

 

[Champagneblade]

Looking at this once more:

G - Foderingham, Davies, Eastwood
- Eastwood,
+ Amissah

D - Baldock, Bogle, Basham, Gordon, Egan, Lopata, Robinson, Norrington-Davies, Stevens, Lowe
- Nobody
+ Clark, Ahmedhodžić

M - Norwood, Fleck, Coulibaly, Osborn
- Nobody
+ Doyle, McAtee, Arblaster

AM/F - Berge, Burke, N’Diaye, Sharp, Brewster, McBurnie, Jebbison, Osula
- Burke
+ Khadra

The squad is now too big IMHO.

I think we need at least 5 players to move out.

Gordon and Lopata are the obvious ones defensively. It benefits both to play games. We have 3 LWB but given Robinson's absence we can be forgiven for keeping that extra body around.

I really think we should be looking at the midfield. At present I'm looking at Fleck and Osborn and thinking others can do a better job. Better they go somewhere and play. The two City lads didn't come here to watch either.

Up front, given I'd probably always play N'Diaye either as a 10 or 9, that gives Sharp, Brewster and Jebbo competing even before back on the grass McBurnie returns. Makes sense to ignore bids and see how Osula does in men's football on loan. It would be great if Burton were open to it, though I appreciate this was idle speculation by the Star.

The Prince has done his bit this summer but I also feel the management needs to do theirs especially as we wouldn't mind a right back while Bogle is out. There is no point paying good money for players to sit it out, which on merit Fleck and Osborn should do. Likewise, youngsters spending an extra year in the U23s or on the bench and not getting on is also not productive. Thoughts?

 

[Ndiayewillalwaysloveyou]

Looking at this once more:

G - Foderingham, Davies, Eastwood
- Eastwood,
+ Amissah

D - Baldock, Bogle, Basham, Gordon, Egan, Lopata, Robinson, Norrington-Davies, Stevens, Lowe
- Nobody
+ Clark, Ahmedhodžić

M - Norwood, Fleck, Coulibaly, Osborn
- Nobody
+ Doyle, McAtee, Arblaster

AM/F - Berge, Burke, N’Diaye, Sharp, Brewster, McBurnie, Jebbison, Osula
- Burke
+ Khadra

The squad is now too big IMHO.

I think we need at least 5 players to move out.

Gordon and Lopata are the obvious ones defensively. It benefits both to play games. We have 3 LWB but given Robinson's absence we can be forgiven for keeping that extra body around.

I really think we should be looking at the midfield. At present I'm looking at Fleck and Osborn and thinking others can do a better job. Better they go somewhere and play. The two City lads didn't come here to watch either.

Up front, given I'd probably always play N'Diaye either as a 10 or 9, that gives Sharp, Brewster and Jebbo competing even before back on the grass McBurnie returns. Makes sense to ignore bids and see how Osula does in men's football on loan. It would be great if Burton were open to it, though I appreciate this was idle speculation by the Star.

The Prince has done his bit this summer but I also feel the management needs to do theirs especially as we wouldn't mind a right back while Bogle is out. There is no point paying good money for players to sit it out, which on merit Fleck and Osborn should do. Likewise, youngsters spending an extra year in the U23s or on the bench and not getting on is also not productive. Thoughts?

McAtee is a cam. I'd sell Lopata, Lowe, Broadbent and Berge for extra funds and a smaller squad.

 

[Bladesman]

Looking at this once more:

G - Foderingham, Davies, Eastwood
- Eastwood,
+ Amissah

D - Baldock, Bogle, Basham, Gordon, Egan, Lopata, Robinson, Norrington-Davies, Stevens, Lowe
- Nobody
+ Clark, Ahmedhodžić

M - Norwood, Fleck, Coulibaly, Osborn
- Nobody
+ Doyle, McAtee, Arblaster

AM/F - Berge, Burke, N’Diaye, Sharp, Brewster, McBurnie, Jebbison, Osula
- Burke
+ Khadra

The squad is now too big IMHO.

I think we need at least 5 players to move out.

Gordon and Lopata are the obvious ones defensively. It benefits both to play games. We have 3 LWB but given Robinson's absence we can be forgiven for keeping that extra body around.

I really think we should be looking at the midfield. At present I'm looking at Fleck and Osborn and thinking others can do a better job. Better they go somewhere and play. The two City lads didn't come here to watch either.

Up front, given I'd probably always play N'Diaye either as a 10 or 9, that gives Sharp, Brewster and Jebbo competing even before back on the grass McBurnie returns. Makes sense to ignore bids and see how Osula does in men's football on loan. It would be great if Burton were open to it, though I appreciate this was idle speculation by the Star.

The Prince has done his bit this summer but I also feel the management needs to do theirs especially as we wouldn't mind a right back while Bogle is out. There is no point paying good money for players to sit it out, which on merit Fleck and Osborn should do. Likewise, youngsters spending an extra year in the U23s or on the bench and not getting on is also not productive. Thoughts?

If we didn't have injury issues I assume Gordon would be going out on loan.

 

[robbiez666]

Looking at this once more:

G - Foderingham, Davies, Eastwood
- Eastwood,
+ Amissah

D - Baldock, Bogle, Basham, Gordon, Egan, Lopata, Robinson, Norrington-Davies, Stevens, Lowe
- Nobody
+ Clark, Ahmedhodžić

M - Norwood, Fleck, Coulibaly, Osborn
- Nobody
+ Doyle, McAtee, Arblaster

AM/F - Berge, Burke, N’Diaye, Sharp, Brewster, McBurnie, Jebbison, Osula
- Burke
+ Khadra

The squad is now too big IMHO.

I think we need at least 5 players to move out.

Gordon and Lopata are the obvious ones defensively. It benefits both to play games. We have 3 LWB but given Robinson's absence we can be forgiven for keeping that extra body around.

I really think we should be looking at the midfield. At present I'm looking at Fleck and Osborn and thinking others can do a better job. Better they go somewhere and play. The two City lads didn't come here to watch either.

Up front, given I'd probably always play N'Diaye either as a 10 or 9, that gives Sharp, Brewster and Jebbo competing even before back on the grass McBurnie returns. Makes sense to ignore bids and see how Osula does in men's football on loan. It would be great if Burton were open to it, though I appreciate this was idle speculation by the Star.

The Prince has done his bit this summer but I also feel the management needs to do theirs especially as we wouldn't mind a right back while Bogle is out. There is no point paying good money for players to sit it out, which on merit Fleck and Osborn should do. Likewise, youngsters spending an extra year in the U23s or on the bench and not getting on is also not productive. Thoughts?

Hecky has confirmed Berge is a CM and McAtee a AMC.

I think the worry is that midfield.

No more signings but I presume a couple of the kids will go out on loan.

 

[CaptainMorgans]

Looking at this once more:

G - Foderingham, Davies, Eastwood
- Eastwood,
+ Amissah

D - Baldock, Bogle, Basham, Gordon, Egan, Lopata, Robinson, Norrington-Davies, Stevens, Lowe
- Nobody
+ Clark, Ahmedhodžić

M - Norwood, Fleck, Coulibaly, Osborn
- Nobody
+ Doyle, McAtee, Arblaster

AM/F - Berge, Burke, N’Diaye, Sharp, Brewster, McBurnie, Jebbison, Osula
- Burke
+ Khadra

The squad is now too big IMHO.

I think we need at least 5 players to move out.

Gordon and Lopata are the obvious ones defensively. It benefits both to play games. We have 3 LWB but given Robinson's absence we can be forgiven for keeping that extra body around.

I really think we should be looking at the midfield. At present I'm looking at Fleck and Osborn and thinking others can do a better job. Better they go somewhere and play. The two City lads didn't come here to watch either.

Up front, given I'd probably always play N'Diaye either as a 10 or 9, that gives Sharp, Brewster and Jebbo competing even before back on the grass McBurnie returns. Makes sense to ignore bids and see how Osula does in men's football on loan. It would be great if Burton were open to it, though I appreciate this was idle speculation by the Star.

The Prince has done his bit this summer but I also feel the management needs to do theirs especially as we wouldn't mind a right back while Bogle is out. There is no point paying good money for players to sit it out, which on merit Fleck and Osborn should do. Likewise, youngsters spending an extra year in the U23s or on the bench and not getting on is also not productive. Thoughts?

GK
Foderingham
Davies, Ea
Asimissah



D - Baldock, Bogle, Basham, Gordon, Egan, Lopata, Robinson, Norrington-Davies, Stevens, Lowe

- Nobody

+ Clark, Ahmedhodžić



M - Norwood, Fleck, Coulibaly, Osborn

- Nobody

+ Doyle, McAtee, Arblaster



AM/F - Berge, Burke, N’Diaye, Sharp, Brewster, McBurnie, Jebbison, Osula

- Burke

+ Khadra

 

[CaptainMorgans]

.

 

[Aston max]

Looking at this once more:

G - Foderingham, Davies, Eastwood
- Eastwood,
+ Amissah

D - Baldock, Bogle, Basham, Gordon, Egan, Lopata, Robinson, Norrington-Davies, Stevens, Lowe
- Nobody
+ Clark, Ahmedhodžić

M - Norwood, Fleck, Coulibaly, Osborn
- Nobody
+ Doyle, McAtee, Arblaster

AM/F - Berge, Burke, N’Diaye, Sharp, Brewster, McBurnie, Jebbison, Osula
- Burke
+ Khadra

The squad is now too big IMHO.

I think we need at least 5 players to move out.

Gordon and Lopata are the obvious ones defensively. It benefits both to play games. We have 3 LWB but given Robinson's absence we can be forgiven for keeping that extra body around.

I really think we should be looking at the midfield. At present I'm looking at Fleck and Osborn and thinking others can do a better job. Better they go somewhere and play. The two City lads didn't come here to watch either.

Up front, given I'd probably always play N'Diaye either as a 10 or 9, that gives Sharp, Brewster and Jebbo competing even before back on the grass McBurnie returns. Makes sense to ignore bids and see how Osula does in men's football on loan. It would be great if Burton were open to it, though I appreciate this was idle speculation by the Star.

The Prince has done his bit this summer but I also feel the management needs to do theirs especially as we wouldn't mind a right back while Bogle is out. There is no point paying good money for players to sit it out, which on merit Fleck and Osborn should do. Likewise, youngsters spending an extra year in the U23s or on the bench and not getting on is also not productive. Thoughts?

Honestly I would let Jebbison and osula go to Burton if JFH wants them, it would be good for the boys to have a season without pressure forming a partnership
Enda,fleck out on loan somewhere
Gordon and Lopata with a recall clause

 

[CaptainMorgans]

Goalkeepers
Foderingham
-----------
Davies (injured)
Amissah


RWB
Baldock
-----------
Bogle (injured)

RCB
Anel
-----------
Basham (injured)
K Gordon

CB
Egan
-----------

LCB
C Clark
-----------
J Robinson (injured)
Lopata

LWB
Lowe
-----------
Norrington-Davies
Stevens

CM
Berge
T Doyle (injured)
-----------
Norwood
Fleck
Osborn
Arblaster
Coulibaly

AM
Ndiaye
Khadra
-----------
McAtee

CF
Sharp
-----------
Brewster
Jebbison
McBurnie (injured)
Osula


GK - OK, so long as Davies' injury isn't too long-term and Wes keeps up his form.
RWB - Two strong options, but Bogle is out long term and Baldock does tend to pick up knocks. It's a shame we're not bringing in one more attack minded option on a short term deal.
RCB - looks strong. Hopefully Anel adapts quickly.
CB - If Egan were to pick up a long-term injury Clark would have to cover for him. We've been too reliant on the durability of Egan in recent seasons and I worry it will catch up. Probably a body light.
LCB - Let's see how Clark adapts to the demands of the Championship. Could be a big problem area (CB / LCB).
LWB - well stocked. But not enough attacking output from any of them.
CM - With Berge moving back we look covered (hopefully he improves here). Maybe need to loan one out (Osborn / Coulibaly / Arblaster). Need T Doyle back ASAP to pressure Norwood / Fleck.
AM - Three exciting options for 2 positions. Berge can also play the role. Potentially our strongest area, but it will need time to develop.
CF - On paper, looks fine. But with the form & fitness of these players I'm a bit worried. I would bring in one more experienced hold and link type in and loan at least Osula (and possibly also Jebbison).