Summer 2023 Transfer Rumours

Clayton's gone and was gone so the quality of our midfield deteriorated.

So an area that improved, as we saw with the points haul we got with Clayton in the team (let's remember we only lost one out of fifteen league games when he was in the team).

However, even though I never saw that threesome as bad as everyone else did, of course it can be improved.

 

The wingback positions have not been neglected, all our full backs apart from Hendrie, can play that role. I think fans underrate Ridehalgh, who is street smart and good enough to play that role.

Plus there's still 50+ days of the window remaining.

 

The opposition were poor yesterday but IMO Hendrie had a good game, setting up the third goal.

 

If needed, I think Ridehalgh, Halliday and Hendrie can do a job in those positions but are first and foremost full-backs as opposed to wing-backs. Given the sort of players Oduor and Oyegoke reportedly are (quick and attack-minded) we clearly recognise that we need a different type of player to fulfil the WB role but have my reservations about both at this stage, particularly Oduor who was pretty dreadful yesterday.

 

I don't believe we have anywhere near enough quality in the wingback position. Ridehalgh is a steady Eddie full back, but wingback is a key role at both ends of the pitch and he doesn't have the mobility. I'd say the same with Halliday. Hendrie isn't good enough for either a full back or wingback role in any meaningful capacity. And I'm not making any judgements based on the first 45 mins of pre season, but Odour didn't even resemble a professional footballer, which is a little worrying.

Our best choice for a wingback role is probably Gillead.

We still look short in our squad for me. I expect a few will leave, but we need more quality and depth at Centre Back, Wing Back and up top, especially in wider areas.

 

If we are going with a 3-5-2, then we need to bring in 2 quality wingback as you say. Maybe these are the loan signings we are waiting for?.

Not a fan of the system to be honest, prefer 4-3-3 these days

 

I don’t rate him all that much Dave, steady and away type full back, but a wing back no.

 

And yet Hendrie was the only one who looked like he could play wingback yesterday both Ridehaigh and Halliday can only play if it’s a back 4 and Ofour isn’t a footballer

 

If we are going down the 3-5-2 route, then you would think Hendrie's best position would be right hand side of the back three.

 

Either system can work, it's all about how you do it. I'm keen to get someone close to Cook, but the worry with 352 is, I can see Ridehalgh and Halliday being little more than full backs so itll be a back 5, and we'll have Smallwood and MacDonald sat just in front. So we'll become even more defensive, whereas what's needed is more cutting edge and pace in attacking and wide areas.

Right now, I fear we've gone backwards rather than forwards. We need 3 or 4 quality signings.

 

Agree. It doesn't naturally follow that a good right back would be a good right wing back

Wing backs need good pace and stamina to get up and down the pitch. Halliday is the closest to having those attributes compared to Ridehalgh and Hendrie.

 

All about opinions Kev, Halliday had a steady season last season possibly the nearest we have regards a wing back but I don't believe he's a natural wing back. unfortunately we conceded to many headed goals from that side of our team.

 

There are very few players in league two who can play that role, for me they are in most cases defenders who are quick but after that we tend to struggle, if your playing a wing back it not a bit of good if he's got down into a good position to cross the ball but then makes a pigs ear of it, the number of time posters quoted on here last season how many more goals Cook could have scored with decent quality crosses.

 

Zero chance of that happening.

We lacked height at the back last season , putting Hendrie in the back three would be a backward step, especially at front and rear set pieces.

 

Yet Hendrie is 3 inch taller than Halliday.

 

Gillead is definitely closest when you look at his athleticism but his reluctance to drive at a player or even just sling the ball across whenever he gets a yard would really reduce his effectiveness in that role I think.

So much so that I'd just take the gamble on Halliday instead (depending on the new lad).

 

Putting Hendrie anywhere near the first XI is a massive step backwards regardless of his position or role.

 

I wouldn’t put either in the back three. They arnt central defenders either of them!

Hudders said in the back three. Not a chance.

 

Dont disagree we need quality but id say 1 or 2. Disagree we gone backwards. Weve brought in better than we have lost - on paper anyway.

 

I won’t judge Odour on this match just like I won’t judge Stubbs who was the worse player on the pitch over the two halves. Just as Stubbs will improve as we go along hopefully so will he.