oucho
Well-Known Member
The following first teamers' contracts expire at the end of the season (I've excluded loanees):
Stokes
Johnson
Thomas
Fleck
JOB
Lorentzon
Cole
Phillips
Ricketts
Tudgay
Martin
Ramage
MAF
Hunt
Henderson
Finch
Accepting that JOB, Cole and Fleck are likely to leave in the summer (assuming we don't go up, in the case of the latter two), which ones would you renew?
Other than Stokes, it's hard to see how any of these are nailed-on choices for contract renewal. Martin and Phillips would probably get a yes from me, but other than them and the others who are likely to leave, it's hard to make a really strong case for anyone, either based on age, consistency of fitness or qualify of performance.
Ricketts has't had a good run of late and is already 33. Finch and Thomas could never cut it. MAF and Hunt haven't worked out. Henderson is a 34-year old journeyman. Ramage is just a mystery and a definite no. Johnson just not fit enough to be paid his wages. Tudgay has had flashes but after 8 goals in 2 seasons and at 33, I'd take my chances elsewhere. Lorentzon doesn't exactly demand another contract either.
If my suggestions were followed, we'd currently have a squad of 10 players contracted for next season: Burge, RCC, Haynes, Phillips, Martin, Stokes, Willis, Rose, Vincelot, Lamerias. That's one area where we need to be better i.e. having a solid spine of the team on logner deals, for continuity and team building purposes. Only a couple of those contracted for next season could really be called "spine of the team, key players."
Stokes
Johnson
Thomas
Fleck
JOB
Lorentzon
Cole
Phillips
Ricketts
Tudgay
Martin
Ramage
MAF
Hunt
Henderson
Finch
Accepting that JOB, Cole and Fleck are likely to leave in the summer (assuming we don't go up, in the case of the latter two), which ones would you renew?
Other than Stokes, it's hard to see how any of these are nailed-on choices for contract renewal. Martin and Phillips would probably get a yes from me, but other than them and the others who are likely to leave, it's hard to make a really strong case for anyone, either based on age, consistency of fitness or qualify of performance.
Ricketts has't had a good run of late and is already 33. Finch and Thomas could never cut it. MAF and Hunt haven't worked out. Henderson is a 34-year old journeyman. Ramage is just a mystery and a definite no. Johnson just not fit enough to be paid his wages. Tudgay has had flashes but after 8 goals in 2 seasons and at 33, I'd take my chances elsewhere. Lorentzon doesn't exactly demand another contract either.
If my suggestions were followed, we'd currently have a squad of 10 players contracted for next season: Burge, RCC, Haynes, Phillips, Martin, Stokes, Willis, Rose, Vincelot, Lamerias. That's one area where we need to be better i.e. having a solid spine of the team on logner deals, for continuity and team building purposes. Only a couple of those contracted for next season could really be called "spine of the team, key players."