Deadbat
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Defenders
Neill Collins Collins I do not think was ever seen as someone who would be around if ever we did get up but with Maguire going and us lacking leadership you felt he would still be a regular-ish player in his last year of his contract despite his pace/mobility restrictions. However he was dropped to start the season and then only played 8 games. He had a few stinkers at Swindon and Chesterfield and it was noted how deep we defended when he played but others had been as poor and it was odd he was soon completely out of favour despite us continuing to ship goals and injuries. It was clear as he did not make the bench there has been a disagreement as you do not go from being a regular and seen as a steady player to nowhere near even the bench. Collins said all the right things publically and carried himself well speaking of how desperate he was to play for a great set of fans etc. He ended up going to join his former pal Micky Adams (who signed him originally for the Blades) and was influential as they eked out a few results after a poor run previously to stay in the league. He will probably sign there permanently as his United contract now us running out. Some have said he should have been brought back for the play offs but like with Campbell Ryce, Clough would rather cut his nose off to spite his face at times and thus the chance of a reconciliation; even if short term seeded impossible and he did not come back. Clough preferred to play people all over the place than swallow his pride.
Grade E+
Jay McEveley United were his 11th club before the age of 30. Once having played in the same youth team as Wayne Rooney at Everton before being released. After his apprenticeship at Blackburn, he has never stayed at a club more than 2 years. He played under Clough at Derby but had moved down the leagues and was actually released by Swindon at the end of the 13/14 season. Without a club Clough took him as cover till the end of the season. He ended up in the side very quickly and started at Peterborough in the first win. He did ok originally mainly playing centre back but also played some games at right back too. For the most part he has been a regular and did really well up to Xmas with some committed displays showing surprising quickness and at times showing to be decent on the ball. His penchant for giving away silly free kicks started just before Christmas and this continued for a few months often his fouls leading to goals from such set plays and he and his fellow defence lost headers, thus compounding the fouls. His decent form started to dip and more mistakes started to crop in as we seemed incapable of keeping many clean sheets and after an excellent performance at White Hart Lane he gave away a ridiculous penalty. After this he and the side were involved in some really sloppy displays particularly at the Lane. He did score a great long ranger v Colchester but his form was far removed from when he first came. Indeed it seemed when Basham and Kennedy played we looked much stronger and when these two were both fit; McEveley ended up out of the team. Even when he returned from a few niggles, it seemed Clough preferred even Brayford centre back and he was only on the bench at most in the run in before playing against Chesterfield. He played v Swindon but did not convince. Out of contract at the end of the season; I would not expect him to return and expect him to seek club number 12. The sort of average journeyman that is not where we should be looking to improve the side and clubs standing but he did do ok initially before settling down to show why he was without a club to start the season.
Grade D+
John Brayford It was seen as a real long shot that he would return after he served as the talisman of the run in the previous season earning him cult status. It was no surprise that he impressed back at Cardiff and was a regular under both managers there. However incoming manager Russell Slade had been told to make cuts and Clough continued to sniff around. Allegedly we lodged a few bids throughout the season and I think eventually Cardiff just accepted the inevitable as Brayford had hinted he would like to return. It seemed an awful lot of money (if the 1.5 million is to be believed) and apparently he is on a very sizeable wage. Still most United fans were delighted to have him back and it was seen as quite a coup. A few months later and sadly many felt that the funds may have been used on other areas (striker etc) as although Brayford did ok, he was not the same as last season. He looked a little sluggish and his touch was off. He made a few mistakes defensively and was not the attacking player we had seen last season. We lacked the same solid players at the back and the team was a different one to the side he left. He missed the injured Flynn who had complimented each other well and then due to injuries ended up centre back for long spells. He did his best here but is clearly not his best position. Had some good games when he showed determination and strong play of before but not consistently. Came off injured in the 1st leg of the playoffs which was a blow despite him not being in top form. He is a good player and although his form has been patchy; I am certain when he settles down to right back he is one of few players capable (as he proved at Derby and Cardiff) of making the step up. Having two solid centre backs; a la Maguire and Collins; will help him as he can go forward more and not fear what is happening behind him. Seems a really top bloke, loves the club and embraces the city and the fans. Been captain quite a bit and I am sure he will be a United player and favourite for many years to come. The news he is out till probably Christmas with a serious knee injury means we will need a new right back to start the season.
Grade C
Bob Harris Harris was re-signed after doing really well the run in the previous season and certainly seeing United get the better of the exchange with Tony McMahon going to Blackpool. Harris was thought to be a shoe in for the left back spot for the season but he started really poorly and you kind of saw why he had ever established him anywhere before. He was poor in the opener and then scored in his own net v Coventry. He was dropped and did not get back in the side until mid October. He stayed in and his form improved for a period. He scored a cracker at Bradford and another long ranger at Fleetwood and was one of our better players. He also assisted in the winner v Southampton. He was back to being a regular with a few knocks seeing him miss occasional game. His form dropped off though and at times he was quite erratic; often within the same game; with some good pieces of play mixed in with some really sloppy elements. Some fans lauded him as the best left back in the division but the reality was way off that as he, like the rest of the side completely lacked any kind of consistency. He scored a crucial goal to get us in the playoffs v Orient but his form has been mixed. He had a shocker at the Lane v Swindon and Byrne him a merry dance. In the second leg he had another nightmare and was culpable on quite a few goal. Showed his attacking play with some good crosses though. Believe he has an option year that will be taken up. He is not great but is ok and there are other areas in the side we need to improve before his position; that are more obviously weaknesses. Still have my doubts whether he is solid enough to play higher up the leagues if we did get promoted.
Grade C-
Terry Kennedy Kennedy has featured quite a bit at the end of the previous season as Untied rotated the squad due to the cup runs etc. He was not involved to start this season with more knee problems cited but then he was given a chance after Xmas as he got back to some level of fitness and we had a number of centre back problems. Played well at QPR against England candidate Charlie Austin and stayed in the team as we went on a better run. His return did seem to coincide with our better performances results but sadly despite some good displays; he could not stay fit and often played one and missed one for the rest of the way. He went off a couple of times at half time v Oldham and Bradford and we did not see him again which was a shame. A committed defender who is brave as a lion; he reads the game quite well and is decent in the air. A proper defender who may be limited technically; but the sort of player you need to stop conceding goals. When he played (10 starts) we only lost once. Worrying that his knee issues do not seem to go away or get any better and if his knee is in the state that some say it is; then he may struggle to go on long term.
Grade B-
Kieron Freeman had done well as mostly cover in the end of the previous season when we had so many games. He did not play in the bigger cup games but in the league played both right and left back. He was ok but made some mistakes and I was not convinced he was better than what we had. So I was not too bothered when he was not resigned even though Clough went for him again. It seemed his wage demands were too much and it fell through. He ended up on loan at Mansfield but came back to Derby and Clough went for him again and secured his release on a longer term deal. I did feel he joined a plethora of average players at the club and not sure he would be a regular or improve things. He actually came on and made a real difference in midfield against Coventry giving a ten man United energy and life. Came on a few times in midfield but got back in the team at Scunthorpe and scored. He then played both right back, with Brayford being centre back for spells, and then also left back when Harris was out injured. I cannot recall many poor games until a wretched one v Chesterfield and felt in the run in he was one of our better players and was a regular from mid March onwards. Played well and scored v Swindon at the Lane. Had a few shoddy moments in return but the whole defence was at sea. He was one of few in squad he had some pace and athleticism and maybe was better on the ball than I gave him credit for. If he can keep up form he has showed then I expect he will challenge Harris (if he returns) for the left back spot next year. Brayford will end up back at right back I hope so he may only have one spot to go at but a useful man for cover here and for both full back positons.
Grade B-
Harrison McGahey was pursued much of the summer by Clough who had seen something in him in some games at the end of the 13/14 season for Blackpool. Only 18 when he arrived; he was seen as a promising defender that was raw but had a powerful physique. It was thought he was one of the future and was not massively involved pre season so it was a big shock when he started against Bristol City. I thought he looked shaky in this game and was technically poor but he started for the first 9 games. He did ok in some and then less so in others (Swindon away). He was very good at West Ham in the League Cup apparently. It did not help he had many different partners from Collins, to Alcock, to McEveley. The team were shipping goals and him and Collins were taken out of the firing line. He did not play much at all until coming back just after Xmas and coming on at right back v MK Dons and really struggling in this position. He played at Port Vale and was apparently similarly poor. He disappeared after this and ended up at Tranmere but only played four times for the bottom side in the whole league and was apparently really shaky there too. I have heard some fans says he has some promise and point to his age and build but I will be honest I saw nothing in him to think we may have a potential player. Hope I am wrong but he lacks anything whether it be aerial domination, pace, ability to read or technical ability to suggest he will go and do anything at a decent level. Sounds harsh but he does not look much better than the lad McGinty we had the other year, who was of a similar build and ‘so called promise’.
Grade D-
Andy Butler came in after being Walsall skipper and player of the season. He seemed a solid signing and as it proved at least went some way to replacing Maguire but he was in and out pre season. He seemed unfit and sluggish but then so did many others. Maybe carrying too much weight and maybe he had a run in with Clough but he was out of favour very quickly and did not feature other than a league cup game when he scored. After this he ended up on loan back at Walsall and then signed for Doncaster on loan and then permanent on a free. Clough and Butler had subtle digs at each other. It was a bizarre situation. Why sign him if was not good enough? Clough said there was no fall out but it seemed pretty obvious there had been. When he came back with Doncaster he looked slow and cumbersome I felt and not sure he would be good enough for a promotion side but is he any worse than Alcock, McGahey or McEveley. Probably not. He may have won a few vital headers to stop so many set piece goals and as with Collins, whilst they are still not players I would not see as kingpins in any higher level; at this league would they have done any worse? Do not think so. Clough’s pettiness and mismanagement at centre back cost us dear this season.
Grade E
Craig Alcock was released by Peterborough and then given a new contract. He turned it down and opted to come to the Lane. Originally from the West Country, he had played at Yeovil before joining Posh. He had been mostly a regular at London Road initially until being in and out of the side in the past two seasons. He was thought to be the new right back at Lane but ended up starting at centre back and was one of our more impressive players against Bristol City. He showed real spring for a small player and seemed decent on the ball too. Indeed in the early games he was one of our stand out players. He was a regular up to mid November but his form dipped and he made some poor mistakes as he played mostly right back in the end (his natural position) and seemed technically very limited and never seemed close enough to his man. He lost his place as Flynn ended up right back and the converted winger impressed as Alcock was out of the side and got a few injuries. He was never able to get back in the side and when Brayford signed; it seemed he would be further away from the side. He had a few cameos from the bench in the run in mainly due to the fact we had a limited amount of centre backs and so the full backs came inside and he had to cover at times. Played in the 2nd leg at Swindon and looked out of his depth. Was awful really as the 5th goal from Obika was startling to watch him show his man inside and then fail to challenge as he was right on goal. Still has another year left on his contract. Not sure he will see it out. A player who is not going to be close to the starting eleven if we have any ambitions of moving up the league/s. Be surprised if he is still at the club come Xmas time.
Grade D-
Paddy McCarthy McCarthy came in and whilst shaky first game; he settled down and was really solid for a spell as he and Basham formed a decent partnership. He looked a good signing and gave us some solid defensive play but then his form dipped and he looked very slow and erratic. He made mistakes and his distribution for a Premier League players was awful. Ended up injured and then returning to Palace. A real mixed spell but no great loss when he went back; showed how poor he had become that he was not retained when we had no centre backs.
Grade D-
The rest
Ioan Evans got a one year professional deal and is one that is seen as promising. He has been involved in Wales youth squads at a national level. He played for Sheffield FC for a period.
Jason Paling and Julian Banton were both given pro deals a year ago but unsure if they will remain moving forward. Neither has been regulars for even the reserves/u21’s with the latter playing at Matlock to end the season.
Next season
An area of the side that looked so secure with Maguire, Collins, Harris and Brayford. Of course three remain but the likelihood is that Collins is on his way (out of contract) and Harris also may not return (has an option on his contract). However the defence was unsettled all season and we never had any continuity with full backs at centre backs, centre backs at full backs, players being out of favour, loanees not working out and the constant give away of set piece/headed goals.
We finish with several players futures uncertain. I cannot see Collins or McEveley coming back. Brayford will remain as will Freeman. Alcock was barely even on the bench the 2nd half of the season and even though he has another year; I cannot see why he would remain. Kennedy with so many injury problems there is real doubt over his long term footballing career looks unlikely sadly due to his knees.
We do not have any youngsters coming through that look ready either. McGahey does not look ready and out of the kids in the u21’s; only Evans seems to have some potential.
So in short we could be left with two or three full backs, Brayford (who is out till Xmas), maybe Harris and Freeman. McGahey will be still here but not as a first teamer. That is it.
If Basham is going to play more in midfield which he probably needs to, we need two starting centre backs and maybe 1 cover one too depending if Kennedy carries on. This is a key area of recruitment. We hope he does better than the likes of Butler (yes he fell out with him but he looked poor for Doncaster), McGahey and McCarthy who he signed last season with none looking good enough for a promotion contender.
Sadly we know there is a good chance one of his first signings will be Shaun Barker (another crock like Wallace, Coutts etc) and then one other of his mates; he will probably go for Jake Buxton if he is still out of favour too. Be nice if we thought out of the box a bit but cannot see it. We do need a commanding centre back, probably two as the success of the likes of Brayford and Freeman (attacking full backs depend on it). I think those two are fine at this level and I actually would not be bothered if Harris did not come back as he has been woefully inconsistent but Brayford’s injury may mean he is retained. Freeman has surprised me since he came back. Still we have no cover in these areas (save Alcock) and so we probably need at least one full back to sign too. A lot of work to be done.
Player / Position Years remaining (contract expires)
Defenders
Neil Collins Out of contract (2015)
Jay McEveley Out of contract (2015)
Bob Harris Out of contract - option year though (2015 or 2016)
Terry Kennedy 1 year (2016)
Harrison McGahey 1 year (2016)
Craig Alcock 1 year (2016)
Kieron Freeman 2 years (2017)
John Brayford 3 years (2018)
Neill Collins Collins I do not think was ever seen as someone who would be around if ever we did get up but with Maguire going and us lacking leadership you felt he would still be a regular-ish player in his last year of his contract despite his pace/mobility restrictions. However he was dropped to start the season and then only played 8 games. He had a few stinkers at Swindon and Chesterfield and it was noted how deep we defended when he played but others had been as poor and it was odd he was soon completely out of favour despite us continuing to ship goals and injuries. It was clear as he did not make the bench there has been a disagreement as you do not go from being a regular and seen as a steady player to nowhere near even the bench. Collins said all the right things publically and carried himself well speaking of how desperate he was to play for a great set of fans etc. He ended up going to join his former pal Micky Adams (who signed him originally for the Blades) and was influential as they eked out a few results after a poor run previously to stay in the league. He will probably sign there permanently as his United contract now us running out. Some have said he should have been brought back for the play offs but like with Campbell Ryce, Clough would rather cut his nose off to spite his face at times and thus the chance of a reconciliation; even if short term seeded impossible and he did not come back. Clough preferred to play people all over the place than swallow his pride.
Grade E+
Jay McEveley United were his 11th club before the age of 30. Once having played in the same youth team as Wayne Rooney at Everton before being released. After his apprenticeship at Blackburn, he has never stayed at a club more than 2 years. He played under Clough at Derby but had moved down the leagues and was actually released by Swindon at the end of the 13/14 season. Without a club Clough took him as cover till the end of the season. He ended up in the side very quickly and started at Peterborough in the first win. He did ok originally mainly playing centre back but also played some games at right back too. For the most part he has been a regular and did really well up to Xmas with some committed displays showing surprising quickness and at times showing to be decent on the ball. His penchant for giving away silly free kicks started just before Christmas and this continued for a few months often his fouls leading to goals from such set plays and he and his fellow defence lost headers, thus compounding the fouls. His decent form started to dip and more mistakes started to crop in as we seemed incapable of keeping many clean sheets and after an excellent performance at White Hart Lane he gave away a ridiculous penalty. After this he and the side were involved in some really sloppy displays particularly at the Lane. He did score a great long ranger v Colchester but his form was far removed from when he first came. Indeed it seemed when Basham and Kennedy played we looked much stronger and when these two were both fit; McEveley ended up out of the team. Even when he returned from a few niggles, it seemed Clough preferred even Brayford centre back and he was only on the bench at most in the run in before playing against Chesterfield. He played v Swindon but did not convince. Out of contract at the end of the season; I would not expect him to return and expect him to seek club number 12. The sort of average journeyman that is not where we should be looking to improve the side and clubs standing but he did do ok initially before settling down to show why he was without a club to start the season.
Grade D+
John Brayford It was seen as a real long shot that he would return after he served as the talisman of the run in the previous season earning him cult status. It was no surprise that he impressed back at Cardiff and was a regular under both managers there. However incoming manager Russell Slade had been told to make cuts and Clough continued to sniff around. Allegedly we lodged a few bids throughout the season and I think eventually Cardiff just accepted the inevitable as Brayford had hinted he would like to return. It seemed an awful lot of money (if the 1.5 million is to be believed) and apparently he is on a very sizeable wage. Still most United fans were delighted to have him back and it was seen as quite a coup. A few months later and sadly many felt that the funds may have been used on other areas (striker etc) as although Brayford did ok, he was not the same as last season. He looked a little sluggish and his touch was off. He made a few mistakes defensively and was not the attacking player we had seen last season. We lacked the same solid players at the back and the team was a different one to the side he left. He missed the injured Flynn who had complimented each other well and then due to injuries ended up centre back for long spells. He did his best here but is clearly not his best position. Had some good games when he showed determination and strong play of before but not consistently. Came off injured in the 1st leg of the playoffs which was a blow despite him not being in top form. He is a good player and although his form has been patchy; I am certain when he settles down to right back he is one of few players capable (as he proved at Derby and Cardiff) of making the step up. Having two solid centre backs; a la Maguire and Collins; will help him as he can go forward more and not fear what is happening behind him. Seems a really top bloke, loves the club and embraces the city and the fans. Been captain quite a bit and I am sure he will be a United player and favourite for many years to come. The news he is out till probably Christmas with a serious knee injury means we will need a new right back to start the season.
Grade C
Bob Harris Harris was re-signed after doing really well the run in the previous season and certainly seeing United get the better of the exchange with Tony McMahon going to Blackpool. Harris was thought to be a shoe in for the left back spot for the season but he started really poorly and you kind of saw why he had ever established him anywhere before. He was poor in the opener and then scored in his own net v Coventry. He was dropped and did not get back in the side until mid October. He stayed in and his form improved for a period. He scored a cracker at Bradford and another long ranger at Fleetwood and was one of our better players. He also assisted in the winner v Southampton. He was back to being a regular with a few knocks seeing him miss occasional game. His form dropped off though and at times he was quite erratic; often within the same game; with some good pieces of play mixed in with some really sloppy elements. Some fans lauded him as the best left back in the division but the reality was way off that as he, like the rest of the side completely lacked any kind of consistency. He scored a crucial goal to get us in the playoffs v Orient but his form has been mixed. He had a shocker at the Lane v Swindon and Byrne him a merry dance. In the second leg he had another nightmare and was culpable on quite a few goal. Showed his attacking play with some good crosses though. Believe he has an option year that will be taken up. He is not great but is ok and there are other areas in the side we need to improve before his position; that are more obviously weaknesses. Still have my doubts whether he is solid enough to play higher up the leagues if we did get promoted.
Grade C-
Terry Kennedy Kennedy has featured quite a bit at the end of the previous season as Untied rotated the squad due to the cup runs etc. He was not involved to start this season with more knee problems cited but then he was given a chance after Xmas as he got back to some level of fitness and we had a number of centre back problems. Played well at QPR against England candidate Charlie Austin and stayed in the team as we went on a better run. His return did seem to coincide with our better performances results but sadly despite some good displays; he could not stay fit and often played one and missed one for the rest of the way. He went off a couple of times at half time v Oldham and Bradford and we did not see him again which was a shame. A committed defender who is brave as a lion; he reads the game quite well and is decent in the air. A proper defender who may be limited technically; but the sort of player you need to stop conceding goals. When he played (10 starts) we only lost once. Worrying that his knee issues do not seem to go away or get any better and if his knee is in the state that some say it is; then he may struggle to go on long term.
Grade B-
Kieron Freeman had done well as mostly cover in the end of the previous season when we had so many games. He did not play in the bigger cup games but in the league played both right and left back. He was ok but made some mistakes and I was not convinced he was better than what we had. So I was not too bothered when he was not resigned even though Clough went for him again. It seemed his wage demands were too much and it fell through. He ended up on loan at Mansfield but came back to Derby and Clough went for him again and secured his release on a longer term deal. I did feel he joined a plethora of average players at the club and not sure he would be a regular or improve things. He actually came on and made a real difference in midfield against Coventry giving a ten man United energy and life. Came on a few times in midfield but got back in the team at Scunthorpe and scored. He then played both right back, with Brayford being centre back for spells, and then also left back when Harris was out injured. I cannot recall many poor games until a wretched one v Chesterfield and felt in the run in he was one of our better players and was a regular from mid March onwards. Played well and scored v Swindon at the Lane. Had a few shoddy moments in return but the whole defence was at sea. He was one of few in squad he had some pace and athleticism and maybe was better on the ball than I gave him credit for. If he can keep up form he has showed then I expect he will challenge Harris (if he returns) for the left back spot next year. Brayford will end up back at right back I hope so he may only have one spot to go at but a useful man for cover here and for both full back positons.
Grade B-
Harrison McGahey was pursued much of the summer by Clough who had seen something in him in some games at the end of the 13/14 season for Blackpool. Only 18 when he arrived; he was seen as a promising defender that was raw but had a powerful physique. It was thought he was one of the future and was not massively involved pre season so it was a big shock when he started against Bristol City. I thought he looked shaky in this game and was technically poor but he started for the first 9 games. He did ok in some and then less so in others (Swindon away). He was very good at West Ham in the League Cup apparently. It did not help he had many different partners from Collins, to Alcock, to McEveley. The team were shipping goals and him and Collins were taken out of the firing line. He did not play much at all until coming back just after Xmas and coming on at right back v MK Dons and really struggling in this position. He played at Port Vale and was apparently similarly poor. He disappeared after this and ended up at Tranmere but only played four times for the bottom side in the whole league and was apparently really shaky there too. I have heard some fans says he has some promise and point to his age and build but I will be honest I saw nothing in him to think we may have a potential player. Hope I am wrong but he lacks anything whether it be aerial domination, pace, ability to read or technical ability to suggest he will go and do anything at a decent level. Sounds harsh but he does not look much better than the lad McGinty we had the other year, who was of a similar build and ‘so called promise’.
Grade D-
Andy Butler came in after being Walsall skipper and player of the season. He seemed a solid signing and as it proved at least went some way to replacing Maguire but he was in and out pre season. He seemed unfit and sluggish but then so did many others. Maybe carrying too much weight and maybe he had a run in with Clough but he was out of favour very quickly and did not feature other than a league cup game when he scored. After this he ended up on loan back at Walsall and then signed for Doncaster on loan and then permanent on a free. Clough and Butler had subtle digs at each other. It was a bizarre situation. Why sign him if was not good enough? Clough said there was no fall out but it seemed pretty obvious there had been. When he came back with Doncaster he looked slow and cumbersome I felt and not sure he would be good enough for a promotion side but is he any worse than Alcock, McGahey or McEveley. Probably not. He may have won a few vital headers to stop so many set piece goals and as with Collins, whilst they are still not players I would not see as kingpins in any higher level; at this league would they have done any worse? Do not think so. Clough’s pettiness and mismanagement at centre back cost us dear this season.
Grade E
Craig Alcock was released by Peterborough and then given a new contract. He turned it down and opted to come to the Lane. Originally from the West Country, he had played at Yeovil before joining Posh. He had been mostly a regular at London Road initially until being in and out of the side in the past two seasons. He was thought to be the new right back at Lane but ended up starting at centre back and was one of our more impressive players against Bristol City. He showed real spring for a small player and seemed decent on the ball too. Indeed in the early games he was one of our stand out players. He was a regular up to mid November but his form dipped and he made some poor mistakes as he played mostly right back in the end (his natural position) and seemed technically very limited and never seemed close enough to his man. He lost his place as Flynn ended up right back and the converted winger impressed as Alcock was out of the side and got a few injuries. He was never able to get back in the side and when Brayford signed; it seemed he would be further away from the side. He had a few cameos from the bench in the run in mainly due to the fact we had a limited amount of centre backs and so the full backs came inside and he had to cover at times. Played in the 2nd leg at Swindon and looked out of his depth. Was awful really as the 5th goal from Obika was startling to watch him show his man inside and then fail to challenge as he was right on goal. Still has another year left on his contract. Not sure he will see it out. A player who is not going to be close to the starting eleven if we have any ambitions of moving up the league/s. Be surprised if he is still at the club come Xmas time.
Grade D-
Paddy McCarthy McCarthy came in and whilst shaky first game; he settled down and was really solid for a spell as he and Basham formed a decent partnership. He looked a good signing and gave us some solid defensive play but then his form dipped and he looked very slow and erratic. He made mistakes and his distribution for a Premier League players was awful. Ended up injured and then returning to Palace. A real mixed spell but no great loss when he went back; showed how poor he had become that he was not retained when we had no centre backs.
Grade D-
The rest
Ioan Evans got a one year professional deal and is one that is seen as promising. He has been involved in Wales youth squads at a national level. He played for Sheffield FC for a period.
Jason Paling and Julian Banton were both given pro deals a year ago but unsure if they will remain moving forward. Neither has been regulars for even the reserves/u21’s with the latter playing at Matlock to end the season.
Next season
An area of the side that looked so secure with Maguire, Collins, Harris and Brayford. Of course three remain but the likelihood is that Collins is on his way (out of contract) and Harris also may not return (has an option on his contract). However the defence was unsettled all season and we never had any continuity with full backs at centre backs, centre backs at full backs, players being out of favour, loanees not working out and the constant give away of set piece/headed goals.
We finish with several players futures uncertain. I cannot see Collins or McEveley coming back. Brayford will remain as will Freeman. Alcock was barely even on the bench the 2nd half of the season and even though he has another year; I cannot see why he would remain. Kennedy with so many injury problems there is real doubt over his long term footballing career looks unlikely sadly due to his knees.
We do not have any youngsters coming through that look ready either. McGahey does not look ready and out of the kids in the u21’s; only Evans seems to have some potential.
So in short we could be left with two or three full backs, Brayford (who is out till Xmas), maybe Harris and Freeman. McGahey will be still here but not as a first teamer. That is it.
If Basham is going to play more in midfield which he probably needs to, we need two starting centre backs and maybe 1 cover one too depending if Kennedy carries on. This is a key area of recruitment. We hope he does better than the likes of Butler (yes he fell out with him but he looked poor for Doncaster), McGahey and McCarthy who he signed last season with none looking good enough for a promotion contender.
Sadly we know there is a good chance one of his first signings will be Shaun Barker (another crock like Wallace, Coutts etc) and then one other of his mates; he will probably go for Jake Buxton if he is still out of favour too. Be nice if we thought out of the box a bit but cannot see it. We do need a commanding centre back, probably two as the success of the likes of Brayford and Freeman (attacking full backs depend on it). I think those two are fine at this level and I actually would not be bothered if Harris did not come back as he has been woefully inconsistent but Brayford’s injury may mean he is retained. Freeman has surprised me since he came back. Still we have no cover in these areas (save Alcock) and so we probably need at least one full back to sign too. A lot of work to be done.
Player / Position Years remaining (contract expires)
Defenders
Neil Collins Out of contract (2015)
Jay McEveley Out of contract (2015)
Bob Harris Out of contract - option year though (2015 or 2016)
Terry Kennedy 1 year (2016)
Harrison McGahey 1 year (2016)
Craig Alcock 1 year (2016)
Kieron Freeman 2 years (2017)
John Brayford 3 years (2018)
