Current Squad - Who is surplus to requirements?

[Sothall_Blade]

Assuming we need at least two players to cover each position and allowing for long-term injuries.
Who in the current squad is surplus to requirements and who should be sold, released or sent out on loan?

First Team:-
Long
McMahon, Maguire, Higginbotham, Hill
NEW RM, Doyle, McDonald, Blackman
Kitson, Murphy

Replacements:-
Coyne
Westlake, Kennedy, Jean-Francois, Williams
Flynn, Whitehouse, McAllister, McFadzean
Porter, Ironside

Long-term injured:- Howard, Collins, Miller
Sell or release:- Barry, Chappell, Tonne, Philliskirk
Send back:- Cofie
Release (or Coaching):- Creswell

That would leave us paying the wages of 25 first teamers, five of whom are youngsters. That’s by no means excessive.

We should be looking to cash in on the surplus “Development” players while they’re still under contract and have a value (however small).

Creswell either needs to start contributing on the coaching side or Danny needs to persuade him to go.
Sending him on scouting missions and playing him for 5 minutes is no good for either us or him.

 

[Rodders]

Keep:
Long
Maguire
Higginbotham
McDonald
Blackman
Miller

The rest:
Meh

 

[Pinchy]

McAllister to go as well. Murphy will be used as a wide player. I expect another striker to come in. Ideally I should like to see a replacement for Doyle with greater talent, speed (of thought and foot) and athleticism.

 

[LoughboroBlade]

When everyone's fit we potentially have 4 left backs, so I expect Williams might be moved on in this window. The emergence of Whitehouse and signing of Murphy would cover both positions McAllister covers, so he'll probably be let go too. I suspect one of Porter or Cresswell would be allowed to leave - other than Murphy, I'd be surprised if anyone other than Duffy is brought in.

 

[JohnDenver]

Creswell either needs to start contributing on the coaching side or Danny needs to persuade him to go.
Sending him on scouting missions and playing him for 5 minutes is no good for either us or him.

On his salary I'd describe it as bloody good work.

 

[Balham]

I agree with most of what you've gone with Sothall but the absence of Flynn from the first XI is strange.

In:
I don't think we'll sign anyone else once (if?) Murphy has joined. Higginbotham will provide depth at centre half but I don't know if he'll play once Collins is fit.

Out (permanent)
It wouldn't surprise me at all if Porter is heading back to Motherwell as part of the Murphy deal. He was due back on Boxing Day but hasn't even made the bench since then yet there has been nothing from the club informing of a setback in his recovery.
I'd hope that Williams' name has been circulated given his abysmal showing against Hartlepool, the signing of Higginbotham and the return of LJF: as Loughboro says we've now got 4 left backs in the senior squad.
McAllister should be transfer listed - with Whitehouse being chosen ahead of him against Doncaster you'd imagine that his time is up. Can we get £100k out of Shrewsbury?
Finally, for his sake and ours I hope Cresswell can find a new club. He's always going to give his all but that isn't good enough now. Scunthorpe looked interested earlier in the season and now they've lost Clarke they could be back in for him. Wishful thinking?

Out (loan)
It's been rumoured that McFadzean and Chappell will be heading to Motherwell on loan in the Murphy transfer. If that is true it wouldn't be a surprise if Chappell's move becomes permanent in the summer: it's Darren's favourite point but he is 21 now and hasn't ever consistently challenged for a first team start.
Tønne and Philliskirk really need to go on loan to either a lower League One club or any side in League 2 to see whether they can cut it in League football. Last chance saloon for both.

Two weeks ago I'd have suggested that Ironside should be sent on loan but he's probably now considered to be the back-up target man. Instead, he's now got a chance to push Kitson for a starting spot and he should be applauded for that - his attitude has been exemplary.

Balham's first choice XI

Long​

McMahon Maguire Higginbotham* LJF​

Blackman Doyle** McDonald Flynn​

Kitson Murphy​

*Collins to challenge for Higginbotham's spot when fit - but the man in form keeps the shirt
** ditto Whitehouse to challenge Doyle - who I think would relish the competition

 

[LoughboroBlade]

Finally, for his sake and ours I hope Cresswell can find a new club. He's always going to give his all but that isn't good enough now. Scunthorpe looked interested earlier in the season and now they've lost Clarke they could be back in for him. Wishful thinking?

If the interest earlier in the season was genuine, it would be worth offering Cresswell as part of a deal for Duffy. I would prefer we kept hold of Porter - Kitson is often unavailable due to injury, and Porter has done well for us for the vast majority of the season. From the type of player Murphy is, Motherwell signing Porter would make very little sense. They are apparently strapped for cash (hence why they are keen for a quick sale of Murphy) and already have a big striker. That's not to say that Porter might be heading elsewhere, but I'd be happier with us retaining him till the summer.

 

[davidpinder]

I'd get rid of Porter and Williams send back cofie assuming murphy is coming in, then see if we go up if we do the list is pretty long.

 

[stannyblade]

Someone has said Porter has gone as part of Murphy deal

 

[KenMcnaughtsNuts]

mcallister, williams, cofie, porter, tonne.

howard may be a surprise one of he gets fit, no idea if he's close or not. if we keep long do we really need howard if he's on first team wages? obviously we need 2 goalies, but depends on if he's on good wages or not, of which i have no idea to be honest!

 

[Ashtonsmashton]

Assuming we need at least two players to cover each position and allowing for long-term injuries.
Who in the current squad is surplus to requirements and who should be sold, released or sent out on loan?

First Team:-
Long
McMahon, Maguire, Higginbotham, Hill
NEW RM, Doyle, McDonald, Blackman
Kitson, Murphy

Replacements:-
Coyne
Westlake, Kennedy, Jean-Francois, Williams
Flynn, Whitehouse, McAllister, McFadzean
Porter, Ironside

Long-term injured:- Howard, Collins, Miller
Sell or release:- Barry, Chappell, Tonne, Philliskirk
Send back:- Cofie
Release (or Coaching):- Creswell

That would leave us paying the wages of 25 first teamers, five of whom are youngsters. That’s by no means excessive.

We should be looking to cash in on the surplus “Development” players while they’re still under contract and have a value (however small).

Creswell either needs to start contributing on the coaching side or Danny needs to persuade him to go.
Sending him on scouting missions and playing him for 5 minutes is no good for either us or him.

New you mean ne Lm flynn RM and Blackman plays strike or RM and flynn plays LM nowwwwwww so we need a LMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMm

 

[Ashtonsmashton]

My team

GK
LONG
McMahon, Maguire, Higginbotham, Hill
Flynn, Doyle, MacDonald, New LMMMMMM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Porter will injured kitson, Murphy that's if he signs, if not Blackman

 

[Ashtonsmashton]

Someone has said Porter has gone as part of Murphy deal

Gone Jamie Murphy not even signed yet

 

[Ashtonsmashton]

I agree with most of what you've gone with Sothall but the absence of Flynn from the first XI is strange.

In:
I don't think we'll sign anyone else once (if?) Murphy has joined. Higginbotham will provide depth at centre half but I don't know if he'll play once Collins is fit.

Out (permanent)
It wouldn't surprise me at all if Porter is heading back to Motherwell as part of the Murphy deal. He was due back on Boxing Day but hasn't even made the bench since then yet there has been nothing from the club informing of a setback in his recovery.
I'd hope that Williams' name has been circulated given his abysmal showing against Hartlepool, the signing of Higginbotham and the return of LJF: as Loughboro says we've now got 4 left backs in the senior squad.
McAllister should be transfer listed - with Whitehouse being chosen ahead of him against Doncaster you'd imagine that his time is up. Can we get £100k out of Shrewsbury?
Finally, for his sake and ours I hope Cresswell can find a new club. He's always going to give his all but that isn't good enough now. Scunthorpe looked interested earlier in the season and now they've lost Clarke they could be back in for him. Wishful thinking?

Out (loan)
It's been rumoured that McFadzean and Chappell will be heading to Motherwell on loan in the Murphy transfer. If that is true it wouldn't be a surprise if Chappell's move becomes permanent in the summer: it's Darren's favourite point but he is 21 now and hasn't ever consistently challenged for a first team start.
Tønne and Philliskirk really need to go on loan to either a lower League One club or any side in League 2 to see whether they can cut it in League football. Last chance saloon for both.

Two weeks ago I'd have suggested that Ironside should be sent on loan but he's probably now considered to be the back-up target man. Instead, he's now got a chance to push Kitson for a starting spot and he should be applauded for that - his attitude has been exemplary.

Balham's first choice XI

Long​

McMahon Maguire Higginbotham* LJF​

Blackman Doyle** McDonald Flynn​

Kitson Murphy​

*Collins to challenge for Higginbotham's spot when fit - but the man in form keeps the shirt
** ditto Whitehouse to challenge Doyle - who I think would relish the competition

Assuming we need at least two players to cover each position and allowing for long-term injuries.
Who in the current squad is surplus to requirements and who should be sold, released or sent out on loan?

First Team:-
Long
McMahon, Maguire, Higginbotham, Hill
NEW RM, Doyle, McDonald, Blackman
Kitson, Murphy

Replacements:-
Coyne
Westlake, Kennedy, Jean-Francois, Williams
Flynn, Whitehouse, McAllister, McFadzean
Porter, Ironside

Long-term injured:- Howard, Collins, Miller
Sell or release:- Barry, Chappell, Tonne, Philliskirk
Send back:- Cofie
Release (or Coaching):- Creswell

That would leave us paying the wages of 25 first teamers, five of whom are youngsters. That’s by no means excessive.

We should be looking to cash in on the surplus “Development” players while they’re still under contract and have a value (however small).

Creswell either needs to start contributing on the coaching side or Danny needs to persuade him to go.
Sending him on scouting missions and playing him for 5 minutes is no good for either us or him.

MURPHY'S NOT A DONE DEAL

 

[stannyblade]

Well Murphy was tweeting last night as if it was

 

[SotonBlade]

Why are so many putting Murphy up front. The guy is a winger.

Can see another winger coming in, if not a striker. It'll be either/or not both.

Expect 2 to go, Porter and McAllister for me, although that leaves us incredibly short in the middle of the park

 

[LoughboroBlade]

Why are so many putting Murphy up front. The guy is a winger.

He can play both, as DW has already stated in his interview on Murphy. He sounds like he's played a variety of roles in his time at Motherwell - playing of the more physical Higdon up front, or as a winger. We'll probably see him in both roles, but initially I reckon he'll be used up front with Blackman staying wide right.

 

[Putney Blade]

Someone has said Porter has gone as part of Murphy deal

Now this would be a good way to start the new year. Surely Porter can't stay?

Still need creative central midfield player for Doyle, left winger for Blackman (he can go play upfront with Kitson), Murphy can replace Flynn (he can warm the bench).

UTB

 

[sheffielder]

Without reading anyone elses

These can go for me without getting replaced

Coyne when Howard is fit
Williams
Philliskirk
Tonne
McAllister

Edit - I believe Porter to have already gone but not announced. Motherwell taking on his contract with no fee

 

[sheffielder]

Now this would be a good way to start the new year. Surely Porter can't stay?

Still need creative central midfield player for Doyle, left winger for Blackman (he can go play upfront with Kitson), Murphy can replace Flynn (he can warm the bench).

UTB

If we are missing a creative player, it is because McDonald needs to pull his finger out, not Doyle...

 

[blade too long]

Ideally I should like to see a replacement for Doyle with greater talent, speed (of thought and foot) and athleticism.

is that possible ?

 

[DazBlade88]

The majority seem to want Porter to leave, but he's done more than Cresswell and Cofie combined so far this season, and we gave him a contract extension in the summer. I'd be very, very surprised if he left in January.

I'd look at selling McAllister, returning Cofie and then looking at getting players like Philliskirk, Chapell and Tonne off the wage bill who are 20-21 but still not looking like doing anything for us. We'd have to recruit a striker with at least an element of pace though.

 

[stannyblade]

We'd have to recruit a striker with at least an element of pace though.

Blackman and Murphy have pace. I would look towards a winger myself like the kid from Hartlepool or Duffy from Scunny.
If Murphy and Blackman played on the same side of the pitch then one droping to midfield while the other went up front and changing back regular would confuse the hell out of many a defence

 

[DazBlade88]

Blackman and Murphy have pace. I would look towards a winger myself like the kid from Hartlepool or Duffy from Scunny.
If Murphy and Blackman played on the same side of the pitch then one droping to midfield while the other went up front and changing back regular would confuse the hell out of many a defence

I'd expect Murphy to play out wide more than down the middle. I have a feeling Blackman will be moving back up top alongside Kitson with Flynn and Murphy on the wings.

 

[Putney Blade]

Both need to pull their fingers out. Neither score, neither get into the box, rarely to do they create. Both are very good at passing sideways however...

 

[ghandi]

I'd expect Murphy to play out wide more than down the middle. I have a feeling Blackman will be moving back up top alongside Kitson with Flynn and Murphy on the wings.

If we do play with 2 wingers Whitehouse must play instead of Doyle as he is the type of player to make late runs into box and give another goal scoring option other than the front 2.

 

[super_pig]

i get the impression he doesn't like it but blackman has been a different player on the wing.. however i would like to see him on his proper (left) side so that he isn't inclined to cut inside so often

 

[Sothall_Blade]

A few thoughts on the above comments:-

Murphy - What position did he play last night for Motherwell? Winger or Striker? It's great that he's versatile but the position we most urgently need to fill is a replacement for Miller up front. Play him there..

Blackman - He's been doing well and still scoring from out wide, so why move him back up front? Also, he's left-footed so I see no problem with playing him wide left if we were to sign Duffy (for example).

Flynn - He's still not quite consistent enough to be our first choice winger for me. Ideal to have on the bench as cover for both wingers (if we signed one like Duffy).

Williams - He's currently our second choice left back and therefore not surplus to requirements until LJF proves his fitness. It could be a close call whether that happens before the permanent transfer window closes but I agree he would be surplus once LJF and Collins are both fit. We may be able to send him out on loan in Feb/March to offset his wages.

Porter - As DazBlade88 said he's contributed more than Creswell and Cofie combined. If Kitson were to get injured again we'd be short of a genuine target man. I wouldn't call him surplus personally.

Creswell - He might be on good wages but he strikes me as the kind of bloke who'd rather be contributing. Now he's slipped so far down the pecking order it makes sense for him to start coaching more and playing less OR move on. Scunthorpe wanted him when Knill was their manager so it's probably not still the case. We could do with Knill getting another job somewhere soon really!

 

[Balham]

The majority seem to want Porter to leave, but he's done more than Cresswell and Cofie combined so far this season, and we gave him a contract extension in the summer. I'd be very, very surprised if he left in January.

I'd look at selling McAllister, returning Cofie and then looking at getting players like Philliskirk, Chapell and Tonne off the wage bill who are 20-21 but still not looking like doing anything for us. We'd have to recruit a striker with at least an element of pace though.

I don't want Porter to leave but I think he will. He is the most unselfish of the strikers we've got at the club and brings more out of whoever he plays up front with than anyone else. However, he's now realistically second choice to start behind Kitson and second choice to come on behind Ironside and at 28, he's likely to be wanting games.

Cresswell is even further down the list and we should be actively trying to move him on.

 

[Deleted member 875]

I'd personally try and get rid of Westlake, Williams, McAllister, Blackman, Chappell, Tonne and one or two of the fringe players.