Most liked posts in thread: Richard Smallwood

Cooke was a good player. Stats speak for themselves (In terms of chances created) He excelled under T&S. He was our main player in that team. When he got injured, our form plummeted. It just goes to show that players can excel in certain systems. I think its clear that Hughes didn’t see Cooke fitting into the team he’s trying to build, so Cooke was let go. It is what it is

Anyways, This forum is dedicated to Smallwood. Who is most likely to partner him? Someone who can do the dirty work an provide the energy in midfield? i.e. Sutton or Gillead, Or are we looking at a deep lying playermaker instead? i.e East

 

That’s the conundrum, but yes if Watty goes then it’s Gilly or East alongside Smallwood. Only MH / GH know the “plan” , so let’s see what happens close season ?

 

You say we don't have enough to get into the top 7 well that was only 19 points difference across the whole of last season to 7th and 22 of auto's so quite easily rectified with the players we already have IMO. We drew 16 games so turning half of those into wins and losing a lot less of the 16 games would have seen us in a much stronger position. So its not as hard as you make out.

 

19 points is a lot.

 

Yes of course, but it’s only turning half of our draws into wins surely?

 

Ha ha ha ha !

 

I'm very sceptical about our many young signings. But to be fair that is hugely down to our recent history failings. The one thing I do find refreshing about the coming season is the positive comments regarding our signings from previous clubs, the lad from Walsall apart I'm used to glad he's gone etc. Maybe it'll work maybe it won't but I definitely like the new direction.

 

Last season isn't irrelevant at all.

What a Leeds going to win the PL now. We finished in 14th and the other teams above us were all better.

We have brought in 2 -3 decent players. The rest that finished above us will sign players for sure that will improve them. Don't forget we have lost 2 starters and more than likely a 3rd in Watt.

Currently in my mind we are about a top 10 team but we are still far off from top 7 and certainly top 3. Not saying or hoping we can't finish in the top 7 but our squad isn't that great currently.

 

What have been our league positions since being in div 2?

We are losing 3 of our best players. We don't have a better squad. Better manager I give you. Squad I don't.

 

If he was on say 3k, and his agent had made suggestions that he would only accept something similar (this would have happened from Christmas onwards), that might have been in the decision to release him as opposed to offer him a new contract. I suppose your logic is we didn't offer him a contract on reduced terms so we didn't want him per se?

 

Crawley - 1 new player, owned by the wagmi lot.

Mansfield have lost 4 regulars who were all on loan last season. No guarantees they return. Bishop, Longstaff and Murphy will be hard to entice back or replace.

Tranmere have lost a raft of experienced players....Clarke, McManaman, Spearing, Maynard.

Newport lost a few - including Telford and another 1 who went to higher league.

Swindon - waiting on 3 or 4 key players to agree deals including Payne.

Northampton will be up there again. Salford are always lurking. No doubt Doncaster will have a say as they are doing bits - as are Walsall - signed loads. As will Stockport.

Cant comment on Crewe, Wimbledon and Gillingham who came down.

What I will say is Walker, Smallwood and Chapman would pretty much walk into any L2 side.

 

Dont disagree with that which is why Posh, Wigan and Rotherham were all linked.

 

Bradford
Crewe
Doncaster
Mansfield
Northampton
Salford
Stockport
Swindon
Tranmere
Walsall

Majority of those 10 sides will make up the top 7 next season. Probably be a surprise too.

That said its only June so things can change between now and July 30th.

 

Without looking into it, are the lower finishes play offs and the higher finishes autos? I'm sure it's not that simple, but I'm just curious. I'm out and about so can't check.

 

Swindon's team looks to be slowly dismantled partly due to their old boss Garner at Charlton. Its ok being paid money for players but as we know its hard to replace like for like (I'm more thinking Wells here) as our signings don't necessarily reflect that this year

 

I think you feel you a monster on The Stranger Things with magic powers!

 

That’s how football is run.

You put your hand in your pocket to try to generate profit or commercial value.

The money comes from the owner. If he isn’t willing to do that then you might as well own us.

It’s it’s embarrassing you are defending failure!

 

Not defending failure you twerp, I’m defending the club against a THIRD administration. It’s not your money …It’s always easy to spend other peoples money chirping from the armchair!

 

Looks like we can add Crawley to the list of teams competing for a top 7 spot.

What was it Adams said? No point having all the best data if you can't afford the players?

Watch the NFT boys start signing some quality

 

Im wishing them well and rooting for them to prove the doubters wrong.

Seem like decent blokes and come across well in interviews. Theyve had some horrible things sent there way on Twitter. Alot by our fans - even when they went to Crawley.

Twitter really is the pitts.