We have two loans (both in defence). We had three when Bright came at Xmas, the year before last. We also had three under Mowbray. I am a fan of loans, as they provide better quality players that we ever could afford to buy. Walsh is the supreme example of that.
Equally I wince every time we offer a three year contract - under Robins not one player has satisfactorily made it through three years. There are question marks about Kelly at our new level for instance. Just look at the turnover in the first team, and the job that has to be done getting rid of them when they drop out of the 1st eleven. I hope there is a standard 'get out' clause after two years. You can't just keep on acquiring players on three year contracts. That only works if you stay in the same division every season and so reduce player turnover
BUT there is always a risk, when you rely on as many as three loans, of being over reliant. Also if we take Garner or Field or whoever, the assumption must be that Kelly loses his place at sometime in the first 10 games and that would leave a very inexperienced centtral midfield.
Personally I'd like to see Shippers re-trained as a central midfielder as back up to Kelly. It will mean him learning to tackle...
So it is not straightforward. Answers on a postcard to M Robins, c/o Alan Higgs Centre.....
)
