Sikora signs new contract

With Adams stated aim of a smaller squad he should get first team chances in early season EFL cup and trophy games

 

While some questioned installing a 'link coach' for the next three years, actually if Adams is true to form he'll be here for around the same length of time (providing he does well) and he can afford to have a smaller squad if Trueman is working to make sure a few of our younger players are ready for SOME first team action.

I see the link coach as being pivotal to enabling Adams to keep a trimmed down squad. You only need two seniors in each position if you potentially have a young lad that can step up to the bench now and again.

Obviously if there are long term injuries or multiple injuries to a particular position Adams would have to rely more heavily than he'd like on youngsters and/or loans, but it could be an economic way to ensure our first team budget is invested more efficiently.

 

Fair point.

 

Maybe Mark Trueman will coach/ manage a team made up from the academy and first and second year pros playing behind closed door midweek games to give them all game time.

 

Yeah that's the worry Fordy. To be honest he looks physically up to first team football so if he's worth a contract I'd say make it a 2 year deal. That gives the club some protection if he does well and attracts interest from bigger clubs. Plus from the lad's point of view it gives him some short term financial security so he can concentrate on his football. And although he's only 19 he will have bills to pay, or contribute to. As for motivation, if he gets anywhere near the first team squad I think Derek Adams will take care of that.