My thoughts all in one (1 Viewer)

pipkin73

Well-Known Member
Robins has said he wants to keep money back for January. With all the new players i think he needs to.
We don't know who will hit the ground running, who will be slow to settle in to a new team and formation and who will be duds.

If you remember, after the West Brom game, he said he was not happy with some players and new ones would come in if they won't raise their games. So maybe that was a dig at some of last seasons play-off wining squad and why he has brought so many new ones in, albeit most before that game.

We have increased the squad size to about 35 players now, that's more than 3 players for each position, but it's not an even split. CM and upfront seems high in players and CD weaker than we would like.

Some players will be for development, some for squad rotation, as if we do ok in the cups we could play up to 55ish games, more if we get to the play-offs again.

Also, look what happened last season with injuries. What if some of our best players break down with long term or season long injuries again, at least now we have players to fill those voids. Also, we have lot's of young players and they need resting, so again players in most positions to rest them as they get tired and loose form over a season. We also have players coming back from those long term injuries and they could take a few months before being up to game speed.

When i look at the squad, i can't pick a team as just to much choice and to many variables.
What level are Westbrooke, Allassani, Williams, Mason etc at. From pre-season and other reports from here Allassani looks good and can score goals, would be in a Championship squad now bar his injuries so great lets pick him. Hang on what about Andreu, Bayliss, Jones when fit, Ogogo, Kelly, Doyle?

Maybe when everyone is fit, Ogogo, Kelly and Doyle will rotate. So where then Bayliss, Andreau and Allassani, that's a nice attacking three in front of the defensive 2, but then what about Jones, Westbrooke, Shipley and Bakayoko who seems to be a player that can play on the wing like Vincenti was supposed to do.

Then upfront we have Hiwula, who if played central i think could be our new McNulty, but who with? Biamou who puts it about and scores some great goals and has also improved by the month since moving here but still has much to learn. JCH who should have made the position his own but instead goes for a garden picnic every time someone comes near him. Bakayoko or Allassani, but we don't know how they will settle yet and the one of our own, Ponticelli who would need to play with a big man so could be a choice of him or Hiwula up top with one of the big men.

Lot's of questions in all that and i'm sure Robbins will have the same ones, but he has tried to cover all positions that are questionable with at least 2 players, saved money for January as by then he will have more of an idea of the players performing and where he needs to improve. Lets just hope we don't have any bad injuries in CD before then.

And breath....
 

pipkin73

Well-Known Member
When I look at the squad I see plenty of quantity but short on quality especially up front. I hope I'm proved wrong.
With the players i mentioned before i think for this league we have some of the best players in it. Some very creative players who could easily play a level above. We are just missing the goal scorrer and i do think that in the correct possition that could be Hiwula with others such as Andreau, Allassani and even Bayliss knocking some in.
I think we are a team rather than a team set up to help 1 player. I can see 10+ from all the above (if Allassani is played enough) and 15+ from Hiwula if given a central role. Thats 45 goals before anyone else adds and Davies, Willis etc can always get some if we deliver good corners etc..

Who do you think out of the possible start players are short of quality?
 

Magwitch

Well-Known Member
I’m certain he will bring in a couple of loans too in what positions I’m not sure defence probably for one maybe goalkeeper. Having such a large and versatile squad leads me to think any loan would be to go straight into the match day squad
 

zuni

Well-Known Member
think its the fear of no mcnulty style goal scorer, we have been spoilt for a season ...but like the previous poster said we need a team that can score from all over the pitch not just one man who if he goes dry we drop like a stone
 

cooperskyblue

Well-Known Member
When I look at the squad I see plenty of quantity but short on quality especially up front. I hope I'm proved wrong.

I disagree, the only quality we have lost from an attacking point of view is McNulty and certainly a big loss but we have also gained Andreu and Jones back and signed Hiwula who I think looks like he could be a threat especially with his pace that he showed in flashes on Saturday. I would rather him played down the middle though, rather than on the side left as he did vs Scunthorpe.
 

standupforcity

Well-Known Member
I'm really happy with how the squad looks and the options available. We've a basket of goodies, and it's now down to the manager to prove his worth and manage these players for a long season ahead. When was the last time we had a squad as strong as this, to cover injury eventualities? I'm confident any of them to come in and do a job if someone is sidelined for the season again....exciting times ahead and can't wait for tomorrow..
 

stevefloyd

Well-Known Member
I’m certain he will bring in a couple of loans too in what positions I’m not sure defence probably for one maybe goalkeeper. Having such a large and versatile squad leads me to think any loan would be to go straight into the match day squad
I don't think he will bring in a keeper on loan, we will have to go with Burge again with O'Brien as number 2 then Addai putting pressure on O'Brien
 

GaryJones

Well-Known Member
You never know BabaYakaCocoa up front and HiwouldHulahoop between them could rack up a few goals.
I'm optimistic that we might already have a McNulty replacement in the building - exciting times ahead!
 

GaryJones

Well-Known Member
I'm really happy with how the squad looks and the options available. We've a basket of goodies, and it's now down to the manager to prove his worth and manage these players for a long season ahead. When was the last time we had a squad as strong as this, to cover injury eventualities? I'm confident any of them to come in and do a job if someone is sidelined for the season again....exciting times ahead and can't wait for tomorrow..
Agree with this!
 

DannyThomas_1981

Well-Known Member
Let's say there are no more additions.

Preferred team after 10 games? This is after all players are fully fit and settled in:

Burge

Sterling, Willis, Davies, Brown

Kelly, Ogogo

Jones, Bayliss, Andreu

Hiwula

The great thing about this season is the quality of the players that we have in the squad - it's much deeper. You could make a very serious case Grimmer (I love Jack and I'm picking Sterling here mainly on his potential), Mason, Doyle, Hyam, Biamou (excluding Grendel), Allassani in any line up. And that's before we've seen what AB can do.
 
Last edited:

Esoterica

Well-Known Member
Let's say there are no more additions.

Preferred team after 10 games? This is after all players are fully fit and settled in:

Burge

Johnson Willis Davies Brown

Ogogo Kelly
Bayliss

Jones Hiwula Andreu

The great thing about this season is the quality of the players that we have in the squad - it's much deeper. You could make a very serious case Grimmer (I love Jack and I'm picking Johnson here mainly on his potential), Mason, Doyle, Hyam, Biamou (excluding Grendel), Allassani in any line up. And that's before we've seen what AB can do.
Johnson=Sterling?
 

covcity4life

Well-Known Member
Robins has said he wants to keep money back for January. With all the new players i think he needs to.
We don't know who will hit the ground running, who will be slow to settle in to a new team and formation and who will be duds.

If you remember, after the West Brom game, he said he was not happy with some players and new ones would come in if they won't raise their games. So maybe that was a dig at some of last seasons play-off wining squad and why he has brought so many new ones in, albeit most before that game.

We have increased the squad size to about 35 players now, that's more than 3 players for each position, but it's not an even split. CM and upfront seems high in players and CD weaker than we would like.

Some players will be for development, some for squad rotation, as if we do ok in the cups we could play up to 55ish games, more if we get to the play-offs again.

Also, look what happened last season with injuries. What if some of our best players break down with long term or season long injuries again, at least now we have players to fill those voids. Also, we have lot's of young players and they need resting, so again players in most positions to rest them as they get tired and loose form over a season. We also have players coming back from those long term injuries and they could take a few months before being up to game speed.

When i look at the squad, i can't pick a team as just to much choice and to many variables.
What level are Westbrooke, Allassani, Williams, Mason etc at. From pre-season and other reports from here Allassani looks good and can score goals, would be in a Championship squad now bar his injuries so great lets pick him. Hang on what about Andreu, Bayliss, Jones when fit, Ogogo, Kelly, Doyle?

Maybe when everyone is fit, Ogogo, Kelly and Doyle will rotate. So where then Bayliss, Andreau and Allassani, that's a nice attacking three in front of the defensive 2, but then what about Jones, Westbrooke, Shipley and Bakayoko who seems to be a player that can play on the wing like Vincenti was supposed to do.

Then upfront we have Hiwula, who if played central i think could be our new McNulty, but who with? Biamou who puts it about and scores some great goals and has also improved by the month since moving here but still has much to learn. JCH who should have made the position his own but instead goes for a garden picnic every time someone comes near him. Bakayoko or Allassani, but we don't know how they will settle yet and the one of our own, Ponticelli who would need to play with a big man so could be a choice of him or Hiwula up top with one of the big men.

Lot's of questions in all that and i'm sure Robbins will have the same ones, but he has tried to cover all positions that are questionable with at least 2 players, saved money for January as by then he will have more of an idea of the players performing and where he needs to improve. Lets just hope we don't have any bad injuries in CD before then.

And breath....
Very good post.

Well done you
 

DannyThomas_1981

Well-Known Member
When I look at the squad I see plenty of quantity but short on quality especially up front. I hope I'm proved wrong.

Half agree Singers. I see tremendous quality in the overall squad. Bayliss, Ogogo, Andreu, Jones are a class above. Mason impressed Saturday and it's important to know that fellow professionals see Brown as the best left back in this division. Willis in my opinion can play in the Championship. Hiwula has the talent - let's see what he can do. I do agree that we are missing that marquee forward signing that everyone was hoping for - but let's see what happens in the loan window. This is already the best quality squad I have seen in years.
 

COVKIDSNEVERQUIT

Well-Known Member
Robins has said he wants to keep money back for January. With all the new players i think he needs to.
We don't know who will hit the ground running, who will be slow to settle in to a new team and formation and who will be duds.

If you remember, after the West Brom game, he said he was not happy with some players and new ones would come in if they won't raise their games. So maybe that was a dig at some of last seasons play-off wining squad and why he has brought so many new ones in, albeit most before that game.

We have increased the squad size to about 35 players now, that's more than 3 players for each position, but it's not an even split. CM and upfront seems high in players and CD weaker than we would like.

Some players will be for development, some for squad rotation, as if we do ok in the cups we could play up to 55ish games, more if we get to the play-offs again.

Also, look what happened last season with injuries. What if some of our best players break down with long term or season long injuries again, at least now we have players to fill those voids. Also, we have lot's of young players and they need resting, so again players in most positions to rest them as they get tired and loose form over a season. We also have players coming back from those long term injuries and they could take a few months before being up to game speed.

When i look at the squad, i can't pick a team as just to much choice and to many variables.
What level are Westbrooke, Allassani, Williams, Mason etc at. From pre-season and other reports from here Allassani looks good and can score goals, would be in a Championship squad now bar his injuries so great lets pick him. Hang on what about Andreu, Bayliss, Jones when fit, Ogogo, Kelly, Doyle?

Maybe when everyone is fit, Ogogo, Kelly and Doyle will rotate. So where then Bayliss, Andreau and Allassani, that's a nice attacking three in front of the defensive 2, but then what about Jones, Westbrooke, Shipley and Bakayoko who seems to be a player that can play on the wing like Vincenti was supposed to do.

Then upfront we have Hiwula, who if played central i think could be our new McNulty, but who with? Biamou who puts it about and scores some great goals and has also improved by the month since moving here but still has much to learn. JCH who should have made the position his own but instead goes for a garden picnic every time someone comes near him. Bakayoko or Allassani, but we don't know how they will settle yet and the one of our own, Ponticelli who would need to play with a big man so could be a choice of him or Hiwula up top with one of the big men.

Lot's of questions in all that and i'm sure Robbins will have the same ones, but he has tried to cover all positions that are questionable with at least 2 players, saved money for January as by then he will have more of an idea of the players performing and where he needs to improve. Lets just hope we don't have any bad injuries in CD before then.

And breath....
Very good post.

Well done you
Exactly my thoughts, no bitching , nice one Pipkin 73.
 

rob9872

Well-Known Member
Robins has said he wants to keep money back for January. With all the new players i think he needs to.
We don't know who will hit the ground running, who will be slow to settle in to a new team and formation and who will be duds.

If you remember, after the West Brom game, he said he was not happy with some players and new ones would come in if they won't raise their games. So maybe that was a dig at some of last seasons play-off wining squad and why he has brought so many new ones in, albeit most before that game.

We have increased the squad size to about 35 players now, that's more than 3 players for each position, but it's not an even split. CM and upfront seems high in players and CD weaker than we would like.

Some players will be for development, some for squad rotation, as if we do ok in the cups we could play up to 55ish games, more if we get to the play-offs again.

Also, look what happened last season with injuries. What if some of our best players break down with long term or season long injuries again, at least now we have players to fill those voids. Also, we have lot's of young players and they need resting, so again players in most positions to rest them as they get tired and loose form over a season. We also have players coming back from those long term injuries and they could take a few months before being up to game speed.

When i look at the squad, i can't pick a team as just to much choice and to many variables.
What level are Westbrooke, Allassani, Williams, Mason etc at. From pre-season and other reports from here Allassani looks good and can score goals, would be in a Championship squad now bar his injuries so great lets pick him. Hang on what about Andreu, Bayliss, Jones when fit, Ogogo, Kelly, Doyle?

Maybe when everyone is fit, Ogogo, Kelly and Doyle will rotate. So where then Bayliss, Andreau and Allassani, that's a nice attacking three in front of the defensive 2, but then what about Jones, Westbrooke, Shipley and Bakayoko who seems to be a player that can play on the wing like Vincenti was supposed to do.

Then upfront we have Hiwula, who if played central i think could be our new McNulty, but who with? Biamou who puts it about and scores some great goals and has also improved by the month since moving here but still has much to learn. JCH who should have made the position his own but instead goes for a garden picnic every time someone comes near him. Bakayoko or Allassani, but we don't know how they will settle yet and the one of our own, Ponticelli who would need to play with a big man so could be a choice of him or Hiwula up top with one of the big men.

Lot's of questions in all that and i'm sure Robbins will have the same ones, but he has tried to cover all positions that are questionable with at least 2 players, saved money for January as by then he will have more of an idea of the players performing and where he needs to improve. Lets just hope we don't have any bad injuries in CD before then.

And breath....

Cliffsnotes:
1) We know nothing yet and time will tell
2) He means Breathe not Breath

;)
 

Esoterica

Well-Known Member
When I look at the squad I see plenty of quantity but short on quality especially up front. I hope I'm proved wrong.
You said exactly the same thing last year, you were McNulty's biggest abuser - thought you might keep your powder dry this year.
 

rob9872

Well-Known Member
It appears that we're assuming players wont be injured, lose form, get suspended. There will be plenty of opportunity for most of the players to prove their worth, so we shouldn't start playing square pegs in round holes to accommodate and if that means a fully fit assumed starter doesn't get his chance, then he'll have to knuckle down, train hard and be ready when the opportunity comes.

I thought Junior Brown would be a cert at LB but he's not currently in possession of the shirt and Mason was excellent at the weekend. I like Tom Davies too, but the lads in the team deserve to stay imo. I also can't wait to see Jones back and flying, but if Andreu, Bayliss and/or Allassani are in form, then he'll have to wait. With the pace and delivery we have at our disposal I like our front options too - I'm sure they will get plenty created and the quicker the new lads can get that monkey off their back and find the back of the net for the first time, then I'm sure the goals will flow.

On Saturday I'd be looking to start with 9 of the 11 from last week and only change Burge and Grimmer for O'Brien and Sterling, but I suspect he'll only change Burge.
 

Gazolba

Well-Known Member
One big question is, can any of these players put away a penalty?
I hope we start the season knowing who our penalty-taker is.
 

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