Most liked posts in thread: Starting eleven

Hes doing alot of gym work, regaining his muscle strength and stability, too early for proper ball work but expect to see him on the training pitch once the season has started - unless, as you say, he has had a set back, but no mention of that from him.

 

Cant say too much, but it wasnt all plain sailing put it that way. He got sent for a groin operation, then 2 days later Edin rung him and asked him if he could play! But ye, it wasnt as simple as what the first diagnosis said

 

So misses all of pre season then? when we're in the thick of it he might return to full training?

So,if it's an injury and he isn't ready to kick footballs about then if back in September then lucky if we see him until around November/December

 

Fair enough mate.

No pressure or expectations on him from me and managing him correctly is right. No rush. Rather a player be 100% fit an 80%.

 

Akpan is a dreadful footballer.

He'll struggle even in league 2.

 

I think Donaldson may count.

 

Doyle and Akpan weak links there for me. Swap Doyle for Ismail and buy another cm

 

That's the rule for home grown. Home grown rule does still exist in the EFL but it's very hard to fail as you only need 7 players that have been with an English or Welsh club for 36 months before his 21st birthday.
Club developed rule is an EFL specific rules and slightly different. A club-developed player is defined as one who has been registered to the club for at least a year before the end of his under-19 season.
This has been discussed on Twitter over the last couple of days and with the rule there is no reason why Donaldson shouldn't count as he was with the club for more than 12 months before the end of his U19 season.

 

Yeah I agree, in an ideal world I’d offload Akpan and bring in someone like Anthony Grant to partner Palmer, think that would have the makings of an excellent team.
Point I was making was more around formation and shape, playing one winger and a central attacking player means we can dominate midfield, have an outlet out wide and still play with 2 strikers. Only downside is it puts a bit of pressure on the fullbacks, but I think they are up to it

 

Hi Fordy. I agree with you about needing to prove his fitness first, plus if and when he is fit Gary Bowyer will make the call on where he plays. The good thing about him talking like that though sounds like he is at least positive about actually getting back on the pitch!
Let's wait and see,

 

As above apart from Hornby In goal switching Scannell to the left and Ismail on the right

 

Agree. Even if he was 100% match fit at the beginning of the season, don't think for a minute Bowyer would put extra pressure on him by starting him. If he does play for us again, I think he will be eased back in gently and will come on as a sub a few times before starting him is even considered.

 

Has it even been confirmed that Colville has signed? Not seen it anywhere...

 

O’Donnell

Mellor
A N Other
P.O’Connor
Longridge

Scannell
A N Other
Anderson
Ismail

Doyle
Donaldson

Subs
Hornby
Richards-Everton
Wood (or Robinson if avail)
Akpan
A N Other (winger)
A N Other (pacy striker)
Vaughan

 

Thanks for explaining, but still disagree. Facets that look potentially strong, but other areas that are as weak as a tea bag dipped in tepid water...!

 

If Doyle clicks with Donaldson in pre-season, there is no reason why he cannot start and force Vaughan to have to win his place.

 

With the players at our disposal so far and dependant on them staying i would say certain players are guaranteed starters. O'Donnell in goal, Paudie O'Connor, Longridge, Richards-Everton, Akpan, Scannell, Vaughan. 4 places up for grabs dependant on formation. I'd expect Mellor to start but not sure where Bowyer will play him, he looked fairly handy when played further up field. He seems to favour Anderson in a central midfield role so i'm guessing he will be a probable starter. I'd expect Donaldson to be a starter as well at this stage of his career, doesn't want to be bench warming. Left side not sure, maybe thats a slot open for Ismail or Robinson if he ever becomes available. McCartan is a possibility, not sure how he fits into the plans, not good enough for the 10 role prefer him as striker cover.

 

Yes, Guiseley next Saturday, followed by Brighouse the following Tuesday.

I just can’t see Doyle being left on he bench if he clicks with Donaldson and Vaughan doesn’t

 

Might go to the Brighouse one, not far down the road for me. Last season has put me off Doyle, maybe i'm being a bit unfair rating him on the fiasco of what was last year but his all round game disappointed me. He's as slow as an oil tanker and has the same turning circle. Maybe Bowyer sees a role for him but i wouldn't be disappointed to see someone else come in.

 

And yet you just wrote that you were sat next to Lawrence and asked if we knew what you asked him, before saying “nothing” as you wanted to leave him alone.

Now THAT was a pointless post..!