Out of contract players

Not for me. Central midfield needs a complete overhaul and we also need a new captain. Neither of those things will happen if Smallwood is still here.

 

Agreed. Send him on his way, if only so we dont have to see those floated set pieces ever again

 

Whereas I’m inclined to agree, if he can be signed on a deal more favourable to the club and as a squad player could he be useful?

I guess it all rests on Macdonalds future. He’s contracted for one more year and I’d prefer him since his impact on and off the field is likely more influential. That said, will he even get through one more season?

 

Be happy to see Smallwood stay aslong as he plays the role he did Saturday, sit in front of the back 3 and let the 2 8s in Pattison and Walker have an influence higher up the pitch. Dont really know where the issue he isn’t a good captain comes from nobody can hear what he says on the pitch and there’s been multiple managers now that could have come in and changed it so he must do something right

 

Compare him to Jones or McCall and you’ll know where it’s coming from.

 

Jones and McCall were freaks that come around every millennium..... I thought Pattison would have done a job but got injured ....... I would not be too bothered if Smallwood left

 

I think there is a massive danger if we're pinning our attacking midfield hopes on Pattison and Walker, they're both likely to be far from fully fit for longer than we can rely on if we are to make true progression next season

 

Other clubs tend to pick up belting midfield loanees from Prem/ CC clubs. Young, skilful, endless runners….aka Josh Cullen when he was younger. We never seem to go for them . If it costs …it costs!

 

Add Vincelot to that list from recent ish times.

 

Please don't jump on me - only asking because I don't know. Was Gary Jones any good before he came to us? Was he considered a big signing at the time? Obviously his performance once he came here speaks for itself.

 

He was a legend at Rochdale, but probably considered a bit above average L2. The stars were aligned when he came here, right place, right squad etc.

 

Playing for Rochdale against us he looked 6 ft ninety strong and very good

 

I thought he was past his best when we signed him, how wrong I was.
A tremendous attitude and a great leader, I think we let him go a season too soon.
There aren't many like him around.

 

I would wager had Smallwood joined at that time with Parky and had that squad around him he would more than likely been a successful signing. Same with a few players we've had here since that period. As said already on themis thread, the stars really do need to align to make everything work, some players aren't afforded that luxury.

 

You need a team where the majority and not the minority are battlers and have a never say die attitude. Those who'll die for one another. If its the other way round (as we've seen so often), you end up where we are season after season. We talk about characters and this is one of the most important traits. Bring in winners and you've half a chance. Bring in serial relegation fodder and your heading for a fall.

 

First and foremost you need an environment which is conducive to getting the best of players. That means first and foremost someone at the top who knows what they are doing.

 

We know that Gent is in-charge of all transfers and scouting, but does he also control the contract negations? Or is that now done through Sharpe in his new role? Might be an awkward next family get together with the Smallwoods if Gent doesn't offer him a new deal (Smallwood and Gent are related through marriage, he is related to Smallwoods wife).

 

Smallwood has to go but knowing our bad luck, GA and Gent will activate the option for another year.

Need a quality young CM on loan next season e.g. Josh Cullen, Lewis O Brien. Our loan signings must be better, as they have been mediocre this season.

 

I think even if we offered the likes of Stubbs an Chapman contracts, they wouldn't stay.

 

Problem with this team is there are too many positions that need fixing. only ones that are good enough for right now are Goalkeeper an Right back. Thats it. Everywhere else too uncertain

Id like an upgrade on Richards but I dont think we'l get one. So they'l leave LB be

Platt is a good enough starter, Id prefer Kelly as backup. A L1 quality CB needs to be brought in to elevate that entire back line. Someone quick, strong in the air an good with their feet. And an additonal backup

CM is the biggest job. I dont even trust Mcdonald as back up, hes only good for 20 mins, irrespective of how good he is in those 20 mins. Smallwood needs to go. Hasnt worked out. Gillead a good squad player, good for certain games but not all. So a midfield partner is needed for Pattison, along with an additional backup.

If Walker's contract is renewed an Pointon stays, then id say LW is good. But personally I dont see either things happening

Same with Strike force. Young an Cook. Young will be off, Cook will probably follow if GA stays.

Then theres RW. Odour not good enough, Wilson never played. Kavanagh is decent but I dont see him as an out an out winger