Clubs Mindset

Fair summary. You're right, losing Lewis and Cook would be a loss. I have an inkling that Lewis would give us another season, but it would clearly depend on any offers he/we get. If we don't go up, Cook will be off, I'm convinced. But then, we have to see it as an opportunity to become less dependent on one man. In those forward positions we have:

Cook
Oliver
Eisa
Derbyshire
Walker
Banks
Perreira
Nevers
Costelloe
Chapman
Young returning from loan.

10 players for 4 positions we've generally had, and that's without including Osabdebe or Gillead as attacking midfielders. I think that's too many. Reduce that to 8 and focus on a bit more quality. The only contracted forwards we have for next season are Oliver, Derbyshire, Young, Walker, Chapman. A decent base and scope for improvement.

 

Not onIy is it too many,but where are the goals coming from ,from that lot.If Cook stays,he can't be expected to carry the team for another season.

 

As you say, Eisa & Cook are OOC in the summer. Costelloe, Nevers, Banks & Perreira will go back so we could start the summer with Oliver, Derbyshire, Walker & Chapman. Presumably Young would go back out on loan.
If we're down to four forwards, there's plenty of scope for adding to the ranks.

 

His contract ends in summer 24, for me it’s a simple case of no promotion next season then we go out separate ways. If we’re doing poor in December then I’d sack him then and give someone a chance at a January window in preparation for summer 2024.

 

Smallwood hit the stand roof didn’t he?

 

I thought Young had something, but no goals in 15 appearances for Barrow is obviously poor... only 21 though, so maybe he'll come good. I thought he had more than Costelloe or Nevers, put it that way.

 

It may have to be the play-offs next season. Stockport & Wrexham will splash the cash again. That's two of the three promotion spots gone, presuming Stockport don't make it this time.

Gillingham will buy again with new owners and Doncaster owner has promised a large increase in budget. He says he owe's them after losing only 26 season ticket holders after relegation.

Forest Green will back Big Dunc in the summer. If MK Dons come down, then suddenly that's a very tough league.

 

I think Gillingham will be top of the pile next season. They are building a solid team down there and like him or loath him ( I detest the guy) Neil Harris has the full backing of the owners, players, and fans

I also FGR and MK will continue to struggle, and I think for Wrexham it won't be the walk in the park that everyone is predicting, considering the season they've just had

But hopefully we will be in L1 by then....

 

All ifs and buts let’s see, tbh other teams will look and say our name as you just had. It’s league 2 we should always be in the conversation for the autos. The 4 coming down as it stands weaken the league imo, Forest Green may have money but they’ve got a good hiding all season and an inexperienced manager. Wrexham and Stockport of course should be up there but so should we.

 

You missed out Odusina

 

Congratulations to Stuart, who achieved promotion to the Premier League with Sheffield United tonight.

He and Heckingbottom done good.

 

Is Rupp actively looking to sell the club or just waiting around to see if someone makes an offer?

 

Test him with a bid

 

+ other City connections McBurnie and Egan ...

 

From the blow out regarding WAGMI, it's clear bids have been put in, and Rupp has rejected them.

I have absolutely no idea why Rupp is still here, other than a personal need to put the club back where it was when he bought it - top end of League One, possibly even Championship.

After some years to think about it, I can't knock him for that.

However, I sincerely hope he seriously considers any positive bid from a more capable and competent source. The man could have left us to rack and ruin, but he's decided he's made this mess and he's doing what he can to get us out of it.

Unfortunately, he's still a novice and his abilities (beyond financial) are limited.

 

He's a defender.

 

The pitch was wide enough in 99 & 2013.

 

I have been coming to VP since 1958 without a proper count I think I have seen 6 or 7 promotions about one every ten years doesn’t reek of Success does it