So from those who have seen these lads, what's a reasonable expectation for this season:
a) Loaned out to a lower league club
b) Kept around, maybe get a handful of sub appearances
c) Could play maybe 10-15 games in an emergency
d) Would be happy for them to be the main backup
e) Should be in the first team
Firstly, I agree with most of the last few posts. I'd say:
Bigirimana-first team material already. Best position is probably Sammys but with his engine, pace and passing range, he would be comfortable in either of the central berths. I'd say he's pushing Deegan/Baker hard for one of those positions (with Bell my first choice). He'd compliment Bell perfectly. If Gael plays like he did yday in the remaining pre-season games, frankly, he's a guaranteed first choice. His potential is
through the roof!
Thomas-not quite a first choice, but good backup. I wasn't quite as impressed with him yday as some people-he needs to be a bit quicker with his decision making, and perhaps a bit stronger. Or maybe anyone would pale next to Bigirimanas performance! Connor did lay on both goals with lovely balls, though-he does look like he'll be a cracking player in a years time.
Christie-he'd be a 5-10 games mainly as sub option, but would also benefit greatly from some loan action. Very quick and strong, good talker, no little skill for a defender, versatile and good stamina. I wouldn't mind going with him as backup to Hussey on what I've seen so far. Really impressed and surprised me yday. Is he related to Iyseden Christie? Has similar pitbull qualities to the journeyman striker.
Jeffers-similar to Christie, backup or emergency starter, but I don't see him gaining much from loans as he has already gone and got lower-league gametime. I think he needs to stay and be coached. Looks to have bulked up and was decent yesterday-one powerfull header, pretty quick, some good link-up play. Got to be challenging Platt; I wouldn't mind him given a chance as 4th choice striker.
Wilson-is very quick, with flair, so could be a good impact-sub. Bit frail maybe. Has had some loan experience but probably needs some more at a slightly higher level.
Ruffles-decent passing, but missed a sitter yesterday. Reminded me of Adam Walker (who won the Nonleague Papers MOTM, btw). Still young, hard to judge yet, needs some loan experience.
Phillips-very young yet. Isn't he still in the youth team? Got forwards well at pace and tackled very strongly, but cross delivery wasn't the best yday. I think he has potential, and I liked his attitude. He certainly comes from good stock