Summer 2021 Transfers

The absence of Cooke and the difference a player of Donaldsons ability made in the number 10 role shows how important it is in the system we are playing competition for Cooke will be vital signing in the summer

 

I think there will be plenty of players available this summer and no doubt our recruitment bod is working on this now, perhaps even making a few phone calls to agents to see how the land lies with their clients. Once suitable personnel have been identified then it is up to the 4 of them to ensure as much as possible that they arrive at VP.

 

maybe his head has been turned

 

On a reduced contract id keep AOC. Definitely good enough for this level and a utility player

 

Lets break it down a bit :

GK : we have 2 keepers, both decent but nothing special. keep one an get rid of the other or bring in a higher calibre player for the position

RB : Would like to see hosannah back, but I cant see it happening tbh. So that position is a priority

CBs : One of the few positions we are blessed in. Id keep the current duo of POC and Canavan as the main men. Stauntan is a good deputy, If AOC wants to stay on a reduced wage then so be it; otherwise bring in another backup or keep Foulds.

LB : This one is a worry for me. Havent got a clue whats happened to Wood recently, only he’l truly know. If he could return to his previous form that would be great. Cant see it though so a replacement is needed

CM : Clear lack of depth here. We’l need a few bodies in here. For cover an to compete with whoever ends up staying post season. A player of real quality here will make all the difference. We’ve lost the midfield battle too many times this season

Wingers : The current system doesn’t suit our current crop of players in that position. Doesn’t mean they can’t come good though. Regardless; an upgrade is needed here. Someone who has that pace and ability to beat a man, to worry the opposition defence every time they run at em

CAM : Backup for Cooke. Everybody knows this

Strikers : Probably the most difficult one. Not only down to the fact that good strikers at any level are hard to come by, but the fact we have a few on our books who are all good in different things, but non truly suit our style of play. I expect to see city Sign Cook on a deal this summer, Haven’t got a clue about Rowe tbh, I like him, theres players that are 90% ability, 10% effort, hes one of them. As long as he gets decent service, I feel confident he can put chances away. That being said, unless there is a change in system, I cant see him fitting in the team. Don will probably retire this season. The lad from boro will be on his way back home. We’l need someone to cover our shortcomings, the type of striker we buy will all very much be dependent on the way T&S want to go about the next season

All in all, about 8-11 players I reckon before we are looking at a promotion challenging side

 

AoC probably end up in Scotland ....That’s where they seem to end up

 

That's where he came from.

 

I heard him in a recent interview say he wanted to stay and it was not all about money, at his age he needs regular starts.
As we are at present that might be the case but I would hope were looking for an upgrade so he could finish as a bench player on a lower deal.

 

If we want to truly progress under the new regime we have to recruit with purpose and get out of this league next season. Bang average in our squad isn't good enough. Anyone in the current squad fitting this description needs to be released and improved upon. Sparks and Turnbull have an opportunity (and probably a one time only chance), to keep the fans who've returned from the wilderness. The signings they make will have an impact on whether the waviering fans return next season, and how many season tickets they sell. We don't need wholesale changes but 4 our 5 starters is a must.

 

Which players would you say are not bang average then?

 

The issue is people just listen to Sparks buzz words but don't understand what he is really saying.

Example he said that money doesn't matter when signing players in a way of you can sign good players on the cheap. This is true. You can. I look at Andy Robertson brought for 8m and now one of the best LB's in the world. However, in the PL with the best manager and coaches you can take that risk but lets look at Div 2 Doyle helping Bolton go up. Vaughan goals put Tranmere in a prime position. We all knew Doyle and Vaughan were quality for our level but had the wrong manager(Bowyer) to get the best out of them.

We need quality signings because clearly quality players do make a difference.in this league. We just need to know how to play them. Get the best out of them but upgrades needed in all areas for me and hopefully with quality. At least 4-5 players the fans will get excited about.

 

If you’re asking who I’d release and look to improve on (if possible, but probably unlikely)

ROD
AOC
Connor Wood
Pritchard
Gareth Evans
Billy Clarke
Donaldson
Ismail
Novak

 

I expect AOC to stay on reduced terms after his recent interview saying it was not about money and that he's bought his first house 10 mins from the training ground.

Right back I expect FCD to push on with that position. Added to that I'd like us to have a go for Teddy Howe from Blackpool who really impressed against us for Scunthorpe who he's on loan at. If Grimsby go down, try to get Luke Hendrie, who's been a decent performer for them this season as per there fans' reviews despite their position.

Left back it would be good if Wood signed on, however if he doesn't, I'd like someone to step up and challenge Foulds. Or we go and sign some experience there. I do like Hussey at Cheltenham, but I suspect he will be playing league 1 football next season.

Midfield we are crying out for a tough tackling, big unit. Someone who dominates and is a presence, whilst Watt dictates play. Dare I say it, if Carlisle don't go up a bid for Callum Guy.

Winger wise, agreed as above we need some pace, Crankshaw and Vernam are both tricky but not super fast as say Connolly was.

Attacking midfield I'd like to see another added to Cooke/Scales position for depth.

Up front Cooke to sign for me to replace Donaldson and I'd personally like us to sign Paddy Madden as a replacement for Novak. Then we just need someone with raw pace to add on.

 

Paddy Madden has signed for Stockport.

Whilst I wouldn't mind Callum Guy, he is not a big unit as you put it

 

You forgot Paul Mullin good scouting from Cambridge. It’s about getting good value for money

 

For me, a really accurate analysis of where we're at. And up front, the conundrum continues to be Rowe - like you, I've a huge amount of time for this guy. He does things differently and can shake up a game with a touch. But how do M&S get him in a team formation that gets the best out of him, without sacrificing a little in other areas? I'm glad they're the managers and not me!

 

I think if you could pick the best XI from the squad they are a good side, as good as any in this division. Scratch beneath that and it’s poor. If AOC stays then apart from CB every position needs strong replacements or back ups. Clarke, Evans, Wood, Ismail, Pritchard, Donaldson even Novak can all go for me and if we can get stronger in, and some extra midfield depth, defensive and attacking, it’s a good squad next season. Up front will the be the challenge, I think we have one striker signed for next season.

 

I reckon Clarke and Donaldinho will get opportunities in the coaching staff with the younger kids, if they want it. Who is this Ismail you speak of? There's more chance of spotting the Loch Ness monster than seeing him appear for us. Wood I can see going, no big problem there for me. Pritchard similar, and Novak's now getting too injury prone to keep on. O'Donnell is ours for another year, and tbh, I can't see anyone coming in with a deal for him that'll pay more than we currently do. And has Evans got another year on contract too? Can't remember.

 

I thought Madden only signed on loan? As to put himself in the shop window instead of being frozen out at Fleetwood?

As for Guy I know he's not a big unit but he's a experienced grafter. Someone big in the midfield would be in the mould of Bahamboula, but finding one of those is difficult.

 

Madden signed on 3 year contract for moneybags Stockport on £3500 a week and sizeable transfer fee paid.