January 2024 Transfer Window

Can reassure you it’s not… I still don’t believe we will achieve anything like our potential under Rupp and Sparks and I long for the day they both move on.

However GA is doing a great job and good luck to him, maybe Rupp and Sparks will get lucky with this one but it’s by no means by design.

 

All the loans Tomkinson apart to go back. Pointon new deal and out on loan, Young and East back and depending on availability 2 players in should just about do it

 

Lucky with this one so unlucky with the others?....................cant have it both ways.

 

There have already been contract talks but as always, these things tend to drag on.

 

We don't play with a "10" anymore.

 

It crossed my mind Jordan that he could make a bloody good wing back. He gets up and down with pace, has the tricks and flicks and importantly he can whip a ball in from the flanks.

The only downside …not very tall?

I’m attracted to the idea personally.

 

I think he'd be wasted as a wing back. Defensively he's a bit naive, and gives away quite a few fouls. Height doesn't matter being a wingback, its more about up and down but being able to get back and defend (think Gary Neville). I'd prefer to see him as an out an out winger, or a number 10, which unfortunately means his time is limited here, as GA isn't playing that system. Mind you, Pattison is a similar player, and I am sure he'll shoehorn him into the team when he's fully fit.

 

Where would East fit in though Trevor?

 

Pattison played as an eight for Harrogate, very much the same position Walker is now playing. I think it’ll be them two for one spot. Considering their injury records it could work out perfectly that we rotate them and don’t over work them. I think Pointon could play that role as well, but he’s not battle hardened like them two. It’s noticeable that we’re already much more Street wise under GA and players like Walker and Pattison are going to be light years ahead in that respect to Pointon.

It’s a shame for him as he’s a talker and has had us all excited. However this very much has the feel of the early days under Parky, men over boys. So I wouldn’t get too attached to any youngsters from now on.

 

We have three in central midfield. Walker playing in a free role mostly ahead of Smallwood and Gilly and behind the front two. Isn’t that basically a ‘10’ role?

 

No. According to GA himself it's Smallwood in the "6" (DM) and Gillead with Walker as "8s" which is basically box to box central midfielders.

 

I think the plan is for Smallwood to be deeper and Walker and Gilliead to play further forward, the former to the left and the latter to the right. I really like the formation but would ultimately prefer Pattison to Gilliead as he so much more of a goal threat.

 

He is. But I’m not sure he has the same box to box engine as Gilly - who is Mr Duracell - nor as good defensively.

 

You may well be right and Gilly is certainly doing enough to keep his place at the moment. I'm sure Pattison was signed by Hughes to replace him though. Nice problem to have.

 

Well, we wont have the standard Billy Sharp link (not that he'd ever join L2 anyway) as he is joining Hull.

 

I think Pointon played as an "8" for the successful youth team he was part of (at least for some games). I think a lot of us have him pigeonholed as a winger but I'm not sure that's his preferred position. I think he regards himself as a "10". Given Walker thinks the same about himself and admits he's had to adapt to a new position as an "8" (listen to his Gillingham post match interview) I see no reason why Bobby couldn't do the same. Granted there are others ahead of him right now but a lot can change between now and the end of the season. Regardless, I'd be trying to sign him to longer contract if I was running the club.

 

If Young turns out to be a bad apple I think GA is the sort of guy who will suss him out quite quickly in training and how he conducts himself. After his start to the season I should imagine we won't have a problem moving him on.

 

Play Gilly away and Pattison at home?

 

Don’t forget he’s only young and if he bides his time he can learn to be a wingback. Out and out wingers arnt much required in modern football. He does need to go on loan to a good standard to get short term team time IF GA has decided he’s not ready yet….which seems could be the case?

 

Yes my thoughts to a T.