Most liked posts in thread: Kevin McDonald signs

Pace pace pace, please.

 

Personally I'm really pleased with this signing. An older head, yes, but along with his experience comes a lot of quality. As BCFC 1973 stated above, Gary Jones was not dissimilar in age and he was a massive hit for us.

The fact Exeter really rated him in the division above, suggests he is still churning out the performances. Now it's time to add some power and pace to the side like others have said.

Welcome aboard Kevin!

 

Good read. The guy has a hell of a lot of character and mental strength to get back playing after such a big operation.

Excited to see him in a city player - hope that comment of “lots of long balls etc etc…” doesn’t come to haunt him!

 

I think the ref and opposition might just get wise to that formation just before we kick off

 

Yes just got the message, a good signing, now for another striker.

 

Exeter fans rate him highly. Gary jones was similar age when he signed and he didn't do too bad. Think this cud be a very good signing

 

Yes I'd like a couple of pacey wide players to play either side of Jamie Walker (or whoever plays in that role) and maybe another striker but with pace to compliment Cooky. Not too bothered about McDonald's age, provided he is fit and passed his medical. Our immediate aim is to get promoted so we only need to think short term at the moment . The guy has got a very good CV plus at 6'4" he also has a physical presence which we will need in CM. I agree that pace is a good asset to have in your side but probably more important is having players who have craft, a physical presence and can read a game.

 

If Harry can improve his end product, we'll have some player. We started to see glimpses of his ability before he was struck down with injury. Hopefully having a year under his belt will make him feel relaxed in his surroundings. Add to that, Hughes playing him consistently in his best position, then finally we'll have the pace and quality we so badly lacked last season, down one side at least.

 

After yesterday Park I don’t see how Gilly gets a place in the starting 11. Not just based on his performance perse, rather the performance of others. On that showing Pattison and Walker, even Osadebe were streets ahead in similar roles .

I do see him as cover for those two in say the last 15-20 mins .

Compared to last term, the options we have in the middle are pretty scary.

In no specific order

Pattison
Walker
Osadebe
East
McDonald
Smallwood
Gilly
Pointon

Those riches gives us several formation choices, which MH said was the main aim. This counteracts the theory we were lacking in pace and goalscorers last season, it was noticeable, admittedly against a weak side, that of the 6 goals, 4 were scored by “ non forwards”.

I think the non signing of Williams , might have just been a blessing in disguise, compared to when Pattison and Walker are fully game fit. ?

 

According to the article, he was on trial with us in Jan and according to an Interview with McDonald, he almost signed for us before he signed for Exeter. Is this the signing we couldn't get through in Jan?

 

Great signing. Real quality an experience added to the midfield. Can see Hughes deploying a formation of 2 holding midfielders in Smallwood & Mcdonald. If we can now add some pace on the wings, we'l look like a really strong side

 

Due to his illness though. Not a lot you can do about that and along as he's over it, or at least managing it then it shouldn't cause an issue from what I've read.

 

Gilliead wasn't the problem. Far worse performers than him. Two factors for me that still see us in league 2, a manager who i hope knows where he went wrong and in imbalance in midfield that saw us lacking pace all over.

 

That's my thought.

Playing in the wingers, and obviously Andy Cook.

We need some good athletes with good brains out wide, maybe someone like Harry Chapman will really shine with a player like McDonald in the team.

 

I disagree. Gillead was an integral part of the problem as he neither defended well or contributed in attack. How many times have we had players that can "run around a lot" and certainly put in the effort but barely effect games?

Gillead was one of the first players we desperately needed to replace if we had ambitions of challenging again this season.

 

Good to see McDonald is nearing fitness and ready for some game time. It's a shame he's not been available for pre- season as I'm really interested to see how we play with him pulling the strings from the middle of the park.

Fingers crossed he comes through without any set backs and we see him in league action very soon.

Article from T&A: https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportlatest/23688706.kevin-mcdonald-ready-first-bradford-city-game/

 

Another dubious contract length considering his age and ability to play a high number of games.