2021/22 Squads

[iesty wfc]

Not sure on that, it would depend on which of our current CBs we keep hold of. If we can't get Menayese and Hewitt doesn't sign another deal then we'll be severely lacking pace at the back. As much as I love Pearson, we shouldn't be signing players deemed not good enough for promotion rivals out of nostalgia. I kind of want him to come back here with another team and get a standing ovation from us. Probably the worst thing Russell Slade did as manager was getting rid of him for Nathan Clarke.

we are currently favouring a back 3 under Keates (although we all hope this will change) with Pearson, Kelleher, Vassell and French on rotation. We rely on Vassell and French for pace, Kelleher is a lankier Pearson and i would like to say an integral part of our squad for the next few seasons

if this is still the case next season, Pearson will almost definitely be kept on. His missus is also expecting so he wont want to mess around moving again

 

[#Beebot]

A bit premature for this, but not surprising that Grimsby fans are already looking at next season.

I'll make a detailed couple of posts on here later. The Barnet one should be a hoot.

 

[GTFCfish]

I expect we will sign at least 6 players to go straight into our team GK.

Christ I knew Keates was a defensive manager but that is ridiculous.

 

[Hollywood Red]

Christ I knew Keates was a defensive manager but that is ridiculous.

Just a sign of our chronic under spending over last season.For example we only started with 4 forwards. Jeffery ( the fattest winger in the World) Thomas ( who is out for 9 months) Yousef ( on loan) and Ponti(who has only scored 1 all season) with a young lad as backup.
Since we have conned Chesterfield to spend some of their budget on Yousef and signed the excellent Angus.So plenty of room in the squad for quality forward signings

 

[Wooderson]

Our fans are absolutely losing their minds at it already, even though we’ve not even really started and spent our first couple of years just trying to buy our way out with League One and Two players ‘who should be far too good for this league’ but have largely proven not to be...

Roberts has made three ten minute comebacks since having Covid and broken down after or during all of them. I’d say his career is pretty up in the air at this point, sadly.

That’s because half our fans are thick as fuck, Jacob, and basically backward morons with a deep suspicion of anything new. God forbid we try something different from the standard approach that has served us so well for the past 20 years, during our descent from the championship to NL

 

[Gladders]

Might be premature for some, but we basically get an extra month plus of preparation on top of conference teams so let's make the most of it.

From the players under contract I'm hoping we release:
Waterfall - might be good enough but we need a fresh start and getting rid of as much dross as possible is the way forward for me, not hoping they are better than the conference.
Morais - already gone, shame I think he would have been good enough
Scannell - poor
Rose - not done enough for me
Williams - same as Rose, might be alright in the conference but rather not take that risk
Gibson - not seen enough and we need better

Those under contract i would keep:
McKeown - but he needs competition, no more guaranteed no. 1 please
Wright - if he is fit, there is a player there, especially at this level, if not he needs to go
Jackson - think good enough for this level
LJL - I'm a fan like Hurst, he does so much for the side, shame he can't score! And disagree with SoC, he is better than Hanson.

Out of contract:
Battersby - neither here or there, we need better competition for Macca
Habergham - I like him, if he has a good pre season and fit, could be good, depends if we take that risk
Hendrie - good enough, but doubt he will stay and won't be that bothered if he left
Hewitt - prior to Christmas wouldn't have been bothered to see go, since Hurst came in, one of our best players sign him back up
Idehen - young, not bothered, don't need passengers
Pollock - could be a player in there, but needs to prove it again after this season, be nice to keep, but won't lose sleep if we let him go
Clifton/Coke - like them both and would keep them both, Clifton can play in multiple positions so if only one, keep him
Lamy - could be good at this level, neither here or there for me, if he goes fine, Hurst offers him something, also fine
Spokes - poor for me, not sure what he offers
Green - less said the better, worst player for us over last two years if not longer.
Hanson - don't rate him like some, yes he can head the ball but that's about it, there's a reason him and Green were our main strikers prior to Hurst and neither scored many and were bottom of the league for two seasons.
Sisay - who?
Payne - goodbye

Loans
Eastwood - would be good, but think he will be loaned to lge 2 or higher
Menayese - proven he is good enough, should be good enough for conference, would like to see him offered a deal
Mizouni - average at best, no thanks
Bennett - no thanks
Matete - if only, will be too good for conference

Been so annoyed with this season and previous for those that we here then, that to be honest it wouldn't bother me if we released everybody and started fresh, however that's not likely to happen!

 

[EnglishRed]

Under Contract til 2022
Jake Bickerstaff -young striker. Doing well out on loan in WPL
Max Cleworth - young defender. Also out on loan in WPL
Jordan Ponticelli - hasnt done as well as his loan spell, seems off pace and injury prone
Jordan Davies - our best player of the second half of this season. Hopefully we can keep hold of him
Dior Angus - handful up front and chips in with goals. Linked up well with Thomas
Ryan Austin - another academy defender

Out of contract
Bobby Grant - finally we will be out of his insane auto renew contract if he decides he wants to stay. Talent wise he is better than this league, hence why he has been out on loan at L1 and L2 clubs, but his attitude stinks - Get Rid
Daniel Jarvis - good player but our current manager doesnt know what to do with him - Renew
Jay Harris - dependable but i would say we can get better - and younger - Get Rid
Rob Lainton - Mr Dependable and on his game probably one of the best in the league, but also becoming more injury prone, which was a lot of fans worries when he first signed. I would keep but we need a better number 2 to challenge his spot - Renew
Luke Young - a consistent 7/10 player. may struggle next season if we sign better players but he is worth keeping - Renew
Devonte Redmond - wasted talent, will probably slip down the leagues now - Get Rid
Shaun Pearson - Conflicted here. still does a job but again injury prone. will probably say he needs another season. if we did let go I imagine Grimsby would snap him up, but he is settled in this area now. - Renew
Jamie Reckord - touted as best LB in this league, as usual we seem to have killed his reputation. funny position to fill, but he is a downgrade from Jennings IMO - Get Rid
Christian Dibble - has done a job when called upon, but more prone to errors than most would like. time to Get Rid
Mark Carrington - another conflicting one. very handy as he is versatile, and is Mr Wrexham. i would say keep but he will probably not feature much - Renew
Paul Rutherford - according to RP - on buttons, works hard, knows the league. will be 34 next season and we can sign better - Get Rid
Reece Hall-Johnson - best right back we have had since Obeng, but that probably says more about how shit we have been as apposed to how good RHJ is. more attacking than defending hence his goal record. Renew
Theo Vassell - been solid for us - Renew
Kwame Thomas - Surprise of the season. his highest ever goalscoring season was cruelly curtailed by an ACL injury. would definitely Renew.
Fiacre Kelleher - Pearson Mk 2 - Renew
James Horsfield - hasnt featured - Get Rid
Dawid Szczepaniak - 3rd Choice Keeper, was lucky to get a contract after initially being released, but i think that was more due to the lack of games in the WPL - Get Rid
Tyler French - been a revalation since signing for us - Renew

Non Contract players - basically on trial
Gold Omatayo - different to what we currently have - worth another look in the summer
Keanu Marsh-Brown - so far, so underwhelming - let go
Chris Sang - only brief cameos so far - worth another look in the summer
Cameron Green - dont think he has even been on the bench, but has Prem U23 pedigree - worth another look in the summer

Pretty much agree with all of that, apart from Carrington. Thank him for his efforts over the years but time to move on.

 

[Soup Ladle]

It's massive amounts of pre cum from the Codheads but I'll do a bit on us as I reckon we'll try and keep most of our squad together.

Keepers

Ben Killip - much maligned and rightly so in previous years but he's been really good this season. Whether that's because our defence is much better I'm not sure, but really improved regardless. Shame he's out for the rest of season as I'm not sure his deputy, Ravas, is up to much. Keep.

Brad Young - rookie keeper hopefully off to Leicester in the summer so we can get mugged off with 50k transfer fee.

Defence

Ryan Johnson - slaughtered by Kidderminster fans. You'd think he went round raping losds of old women in Worcestershire. Signed as backup on fuck all money but been really good. No nonsense and left footed which is useful in our 3 centre half setup. Not sure he's L2 standard but if we're still here, keep.

Gary Liddle - the 34 year old oozes class and composure and is a vital member of the team bringing the ball out from the back and organising Johnson and Cass/Odusina. Keep for another year.

Timi Odusina - very promising centre half, really quick and good in the challenge but prone to losing his head and the odd error. He could be sold for a decent wedge in the future and he'll certainly have a good FL career. Keep.

David Ferguson - left back from York. Great going forward, excellent delivery a real threat. Question marks against him defensively against good wingers but obviously we'll keep him regardless of the division.

Zaine Angol - just signed him, left back. I rate him and he'll be on a 18 month deal at least so he'll be around.

Jamie Sterry - right back signed from South Shields. He's quality but I doubt we'll keep hold of him if we're still down here. If we go up I think he'd sign as he's happy here but fed up of facing you tinpotters so don't blame him.

Midfield

Nicky Featherstone - has really grown under Challinor and is technically and positionally very good. Heartbeat of the team. One of the best midfielders in non league and easily L2 level if used right. Keep.

Mark Shelton - a bit of an all rounder, can do the donkey work and get forward. Important player. Keep.

Gav Holohan - frustrates a lot but gets into great positions and knows where the net is. Seems a decent lad and functions well in our midfield 3. Keep.

Tom Crawford - not arsed on him either way. Been difficult for him to nail down a place. He'd have been better off choosing Chesterfield in the summer rather than us, although he might've been furloughed by now. Not against another year but if we're in L2 we'll need better.

Luke Molyneux - probably our best attacking player but can't get in the side as we don't play wingers. I think he's definitely L2 standard and would want to keep him.

Luke Williams - quality player but always injured. Shame as he'd be nowhere near us if he could keep fit. Will get released in the summer you'd think. Good luck to him.

Claudio Ofuso - winger that's just evaporated in a bath of hydrochloric acid. No I didn't run it. He's not that bad. Won't be kept on.

Josh Mcdonald- played about 10 minutes after signing from minnows AFC Halifax. Too big a move for him. Will be gone.

Forwards

Rhys Oates - when he re-signed everyone was underwhelmed but I knew at this level he'd be useful and so it's proved. His pace and strength is a big threat. He's done enough to get a new deal from Soup Ladle.

Mason Broomfield - big lanky target man of sorts. Decent hold up game but never had a full crack here though never looked like a goalscorer. Release.

Loans

Henrich Ravas - keeper from Derby. Has only played a few games but he's in for the rest of the season, probably, so big test of his credentials good luck to him.

Lewis Cass - defender from Newcastle . Done excellent to be honest and too good for NL. If we go up we might get another year off him. He'll be loaned out at least L1 or top end L2 level. Expect him to have a decent career.

Tom White - Blackburn midfielder. I like him but he's nicky Featherstone mk2. And they can't play together as we saw in the dreadful draw at Kings Lynn. I'd sign him if we could mind, he's good.

Luke Armstrong - Well he was the missing piece of the jigsaw. We were pissing points up the wall until he came in and scored the goals we didn't before. If we had him in August we'd be winning the league. A poacher, nowt else to his game, but I'd love us to get him on a perm and from what I know, he's up for it. Let's see.

 

[Chief Rocka]

Pretty much agree Soup, although I'd keep Claudio, he is incredibly raw but showed something at the start of the season, he'll probably be on buttons anyway and worth another look for me and 100% keep Johnson regardless of which league.

Angol is also only here till the end of this season season according to the mail journo

 

[#Beebot]

Right here goes

GKs
Scott Loach - furloughed, not going to stay, not treated with respect by the club

Aymen Azaze - looks an OK prospect but can't see him as a starter next season, suffered a pretty nasty facial injury on Tuesday night which will see him out for the season

DFs
Ben Richards-Everton - bizarrely signed a 2.5 year deal in January thanks to Flowers, to me he looks like a limited tackle and hoof CB and not the most disciplined, and isn't starting under Bassey, but probably an OK squad player at this level. Contracted

Liam Daly - experienced and professional CB who generally looks solid. Slow at his age and not the most technical, but he is apparently contracted for next year and he seems like the kind of leader we need around the place. Contracted

Matt Preston - has been out injured much of the time, and we haven't seen the best of him. He's been starting under Bassey and getting better. I think he should stay. Keep

Ben Nugent - one of the most incompetent CBs I've seen in a long time, has a languid style and likes to push forward out of position, but has no pace or positional intelligence. Cannot believe the number of games he has played at a higher level. Also likes to kick off at teammates when we concede, even when it's clearly his fault. Takes no responsibility. Release

Alex McQueen - allegedly a right back, but completely hopeless in that position and has no plan for defending against pace other than to just continually back off. Decent crosser, but lacks any real guile or dribbling ability in an advanced role. Release

Lee Vaughan - was highly sceptical about Flowers signing him and looked like a very desperate roll of the dice, but he's been excellent. My only concern is his age (35 in the summer) but doesn't look to be lacking in fitness and isn't slow either. Pushes forward well and positionally aware. Keep

Dwight Pascal - ex-academy right back re-signed for buttons at the start of the season, not preferred under Beadle and Flowers jettisoned him very quickly. Appears to be furloughed. Release

Sam Beard (loan) - has been outstanding since Bassey signed him on loan from Dorking. Real find. Hope Bassey can persuade him to stay. Keep

Jerome Binnom-Williams - a desperate Beadle signing when we were short on numbers in the last week or so of pre-season. Looks about two stone overweight, just here to pick up a cheque really. Release

Jack Connors - always looks better than JBW at LB to me, but never preferred to him for some reason. Probably on furlough and won't be retained. Release

Loic Hernandez - perennial 3rd/4th choice left back who we hardly ever see. Has played the equivalent of 3 whole games in 3 years. Expect us to release him, but I've expected that for the past 3 years. Release

CMs
Harry Taylor - feel sorry for the lad, good defensive midfielder at this level but we haven't helped him at all this year. I'd keep him, but I doubt he wants to stay. Keep

James Dunne - got off to a good start a couple of years ago but then got injured and has looked hopeless ever since. Was furloughed after a petulant red card a few weeks back. Won't play for us again. Release

Themis Kefalas (loan) - on loan from QPR, got off to a poor start at CB but has been excellent since being moved to CM. Bright and tenacious holding midfielder. Keep if possible

Sam Skeffington (loan) - brought in seemingly with a view to next season. Not spectacular but he has helped to bring some stability to our midfield. Keep

Wesley Fonguck - been injured most of the season but was one of the few putting in OK performances before he was ruled out. Generally he's frustrating and inconsistent, but I think he's a useful option at this level. Scores quite a few arriving into the box. Keep if fit.

Anthony Wordsworth - clearly has ability and bags of experience at a higher level, but looks to be past his best and injury prone. Release

Eliot Richards - signed by Beadle having managed him previously at Hereford. Looked good early on before tearing his ACL and meniscus, potential career ending injuries. Very unlucky, having already missed 18 months earlier in his career after being diagnosed with cancer. The decent thing to do would be to keep him around the place and work on getting him fit if possible, but I'm not sure that's how we operate anymore. Keep until fit then make a decision.

Xander McBurnie - Out of his depth at this level, seems he was signed based on his goalscoring record from midfield in the Swedish lower leagues. Not NL standard, very lightweight. I'm not sure I believe Oli when he says Xander is the better footballer. Release.

Tyrone Duffus - signed as a squad player by Beadle, now miles down the pecking order. Looked out of his depth when he played. Believe he's on furlough, won't be kept. Release.

Jack Tompkins - academy graduate given a 3 year pro deal by John Still 3 years ago. Nobody other than Still seems to rate him, and I don't think he's ever made a matchday squad outside of an injury crisis. Release

Wingers
Michael Petrasso (loan) - probably our player of the season, injury prone but when he plays his head never drops. I doubt he'll stay though as we were only able to get him due to the Canadian season being cancelled due to COVID. Keep if possible.

Ephron Mason-Clark - looked like he would fly up the leagues after his performance in the FA Cup against Brentford over 2 years ago now. Hasn't reached that level since. Capable of some great stuff, but hasn't found the extra gears he should have done. Needs a different environment elsewhere, I think. Release

Antonis Vasiliou - Bassey doesn't seem to like him but he's a quick and explosive winger out of the academy. Very raw, but deserves more time. Keep.

Forwards
JJ Hooper - reasonable finisher but very frequently looks like he'd rather be anywhere else. His attitude has been typical of much of our squad this season. Release

Alfie Pavey - Poor Alfie, things have gone from bad to worse for him during his time here. Was signed as a long term #9, but looked low on confidence, then suffered a serious injury and came back looking even more low on confidence. Now appears to be on furlough. I feel for the lad, but it's not going to work out for him here. Release

Muhammadu Faal (loan) - gangly, awkward forward who runs around a lot but seems to have very little technical ability. Bolton have it written into his loan that we could have had him permanently in January, the fact that we didn't exercise that speaks volumes. I refuse to believe that he scored nearly a goal a game at step 3, even though there is video evidence of that on Youtube. Release

Josh Walker - god knows what's going on with him, was excellent last season, has barely played this year amid rumours that he's not as injured as he claims to be. Seems like he does not want to stay, if he applies himself he should do well elsewhere. Release.

Courtney Baker-Richardson (loan) - I like him, textbook target man, holds the ball up well. Keep.

Tomi Adeloye - looked like another very questionable Flowers signing as his career history is awful on paper, but he hasn't looked too bad, though there should be better options available even as backup. Release

Phew - did I miss anyone?

 

[Stoney Ground]

Chesterfield will do theirs once the government announces an extension to the furlough scheme.

 

[Soup Ladle]

Pretty much agree Soup, although I'd keep Claudio, he is incredibly raw but showed something at the start of the season, he'll probably be on buttons anyway and worth another look for me and 100% keep Johnson regardless of which league.

Angol is also only here till the end of this season season according to the mail journo

I would as well but don't think DC will keep him. He hasn't featured enough to indicate the club rate him and Challinor is ruthless with players he doesn't rate, even if he signed them. He's binned off a number this season.

Surprised Angol is only here until the end of the season like.

 

[OneDecentLester]

.

 

[chief]

Pretty much agree with all of that, apart from Carrington. Thank him for his efforts over the years but time to move on.

Yeah, same here. We need better players in the squad than Carrington if we are to progress. He'd be a solid signing for a number of teams at this level still.

 

[OneDecentLester]

Well, as I’ve woken up far too early for a Saturday I’ll have a crack at ours. We’ve that many players I may lose track so bare with...

Under Contract:

Goalkeepers:
Grant Smith (2022) - Has been excellent since becoming the #1 following his first game away at Notts. He’s kept 10 clean sheets in 16 games for us which emphasis how well he’s done, and I would say he’s definitely up there as one of the top keepers in this league. Keep

Defenders:
George Carline (2022) - James Rowe’s best signing by a country mile in my opinion. Quite simply been our most consistent player throughout, and very versatile having filled in across every position in the back 4. Also scored a vital goal down at Bromley midweek! Keep

Joel Taylor (2022) - Starting to come into form now after a tricky start with having to have two separate covid isolation periods! Very good going forward from left back and his crossing is as good as I’ve seen from a player in our team since Dan Jones in our league 1 play off year. Keep

Alex Whittle (2022) - Another one who is very consistent. Heathy head to head competition with Taylor for the left back position. Keep

Hayden Hollis (2022) - Like a new man under James Rowe and has aptly became known as Virgil Van Hollis for a reason! Huge factor behind our clean sheet record under Rowe. Has unfortunately picked up a horrific achilles tear keeping him out for 9 months, so will be interesting to see how he comes back from that. Keep

Laurence Maguire (2023) - Brother of Harry... if you didn’t already know!? Has gone from strength to strength under Rowe and an absolute main stay in the starting XI. Keep

Midfielders:
Curtis Weston (2022) - Another who’s improved ten fold under Rowe. I’d go as far as saying he’s Rowe’s favourite player behind Carline, as his energy/fitness levels are imperative in midfield for the way Rowe wants us to play. Keep

Jak McCourt (2022) - Been missing in recent weeks as a result of an injury, but when he’s played he’s tended to be one of the better performers. Keep

Martin Smith (2022) - Has played quite a bit recently due to injuries to key men and done okay. Can’t see him playing much when everyone’s fit though. Get Rid

Joe Rowley (2022) - Been on the books now for a good 5 years since coming through the academy. When he first broke through in league 1 it appeared he was going to be a star. Since then, he’s declined rapidly and I can’t see anywhere he fits into the team now. Get Rid

Manny Oyeleke (2023) - Weve not seen too much of him yet as only joined recently, but in the last few games I’ve liked what I’ve seen. Calm and composed head in the middle, who technically looks very good. Keep

Tom Whelan (2022) - One of my favourite players. His ability to score goals from midfield is what makes him so important. A great signing really ... Keep

Strikers:
Akwasi Asante (2024) - Nothing else needs saying about this man. Absolute quality. Currently out for roughly 9 months with an ACL injury, so here’s hoping he comes back stronger! Keep

Kairo Mitchell (2023) - Has shown early signs of promise and looks to have potential. Hopefully will form a decent partnership with Danny Rowe moving forward. Keep

Danny Rowe (2023 + 1 year option) - Weve seen early signs of his class in his first two games. His record at this level speaks for itself so don’t need to say much tbf. Keep

OOC (2021):
Luke Coddington (GK) - Get Rid
James Montgomery (GK) - Keep as Smith back up
Dylan Wharton (GK) - Get Rid
Will Evans - Get Rid
Josef Yarney - Get Rid
David Buchanan - Get Rid
Jamie Sharman - Get Rid
Fraser Kerr - Been absolute top quality since signing and a main stay in the defence. Keep
Jonathon Smith - Get Rid
Liam Mandeville - Get Rid
Jack McKay - Get Rid
Milan Butterfield - Get Rid
Scott Boden - Get Rid
Nathan Tyson - I like him but with his age I think we should be looking at younger. Get Rid
Luke Rawson - Get Rid
Tom Denton - If were still in this league next year, I’d keep him 100% as he could be an effective option off the bench. Keep (if in non league)

Current Loans:
Adi Yussuf (Blackpool) - Never wanna see him again.
Jack Clarke (Aston Villa) - Villa are apparently releasing him and if so, I hope we’re right at the front of the que. Excellent player.
Marcus Dinanga (Stevenage) - Not good enough

Wow we’ve got a lot of players... if Rowe thinks the same as me ^^ then that will leave us with a squad of 16, which will give us room to recruit another 4/5 players in key positions which would be ideal.

 

[Chief Rocka]

I would as well but don't think DC will keep him. He hasn't featured enough to indicate the club rate him and Challinor is ruthless with players he doesn't rate, even if he signed them. He's binned off a number this season.

Surprised Angol is only here until the end of the season like.

I was surprised at Angol too, figured the same as you did, I think we have very few players signed up for next season like less than a handful, a lot of these signings must’ve only been on one year deals.

 

[Monkey Tennis]

Might be premature for some, but we basically get an extra month plus of preparation on top of conference teams so let's make the most of it.

From the players under contract I'm hoping we release:
Waterfall - might be good enough but we need a fresh start and getting rid of as much dross as possible is the way forward for me, not hoping they are better than the conference.
Morais - already gone, shame I think he would have been good enough
Scannell - poor
Rose - not done enough for me
Williams - same as Rose, might be alright in the conference but rather not take that risk
Gibson - not seen enough and we need better

Those under contract i would keep:
McKeown - but he needs competition, no more guaranteed no. 1 please
Wright - if he is fit, there is a player there, especially at this level, if not he needs to go
Jackson - think good enough for this level
LJL - I'm a fan like Hurst, he does so much for the side, shame he can't score! And disagree with SoC, he is better than Hanson.

Out of contract:
Battersby - neither here or there, we need better competition for Macca
Habergham - I like him, if he has a good pre season and fit, could be good, depends if we take that risk
Hendrie - good enough, but doubt he will stay and won't be that bothered if he left
Hewitt - prior to Christmas wouldn't have been bothered to see go, since Hurst came in, one of our best players sign him back up
Idehen - young, not bothered, don't need passengers
Pollock - could be a player in there, but needs to prove it again after this season, be nice to keep, but won't lose sleep if we let him go
Clifton/Coke - like them both and would keep them both, Clifton can play in multiple positions so if only one, keep him
Lamy - could be good at this level, neither here or there for me, if he goes fine, Hurst offers him something, also fine
Spokes - poor for me, not sure what he offers
Green - less said the better, worst player for us over last two years if not longer.
Hanson - don't rate him like some, yes he can head the ball but that's about it, there's a reason him and Green were our main strikers prior to Hurst and neither scored many and were bottom of the league for two seasons.
Sisay - who?
Payne - goodbye

Loans
Eastwood - would be good, but think he will be loaned to lge 2 or higher
Menayese - proven he is good enough, should be good enough for conference, would like to see him offered a deal
Mizouni - average at best, no thanks
Bennett - no thanks
Matete - if only, will be too good for conference

Been so annoyed with this season and previous for those that we here then, that to be honest it wouldn't bother me if we released everybody and started fresh, however that's not likely to happen!

What happened to Pollock? You guys were saying he was easily Championship standard and looked decent against us earlier in the season. He did look a bit hefty though...

 

[Gladders]

What happened to Pollock? You guys were saying he was easily Championship standard and looked decent against us earlier in the season. He did look a bit hefty though...

Not sure, once the talk of premier League scouts watching him came around he just turned to shite. Agree with SoC think it's more to do with both him and Waterfall being similar players and so their weaknesses were easily overcome ie lack of pace.

He's had an operation recently so I wouldn't be surprised for him to stay and come back strong next year, I'd rather have him than waterfall but unfortunately waterfall is the one under contract for next season not Pollock.

 

[Luke Imp]

Some throwbacks in this thread.

I didn't think Jake Hyde would still be playing but he's only 30 (I'm assuming he's the ex-Barnet one?).

Waterfall will be solid at this level under Hurst IMO and Habergham is definitely worth persevering with. After so long out, it was always going to take him a little while to get going, especially as a January arrival. Give him a decent pre-season.

I can't believe Michael Doyle is still able to jog, never mind run. He was as slow as a funeral when we played Coventry in L2, three years ago.

Is Jay Harris still a very angry man? Does Shaun Pearson still swan dive at every corner trying to win a penalty?

Marsh-Brown, where's he been hiding since his FGR days?!

People still giving Nathan Tyson contract with his glass hamstrings as well. He was done as a footballer years ago?!

 

[OneDecentLester]

Some throwbacks in this thread.

I didn't think Jake Hyde would still be playing but he's only 30 (I'm assuming he's the ex-Barnet one?).

Waterfall will be solid at this level under Hurst IMO and Habergham is definitely worth persevering with. After so long out, it was always going to take him a little while to get going, especially as a January arrival. Give him a decent pre-season.

I can't believe Michael Doyle is still able to jog, never mind run. He was as slow as a funeral when we played Coventry in L2, three years ago.

Is Jay Harris still a very angry man? Does Shaun Pearson still swan dive at every corner trying to win a penalty?

Marsh-Brown, where's he been hiding since his FGR days?!

People still giving Nathan Tyson contract with his glass hamstrings as well. He was done as a footballer years ago?!

Tyson been good for us in fairness, lacks a clinical edge though and that’s shown in his career. He’s never really been a clinical goalscorer anywhere, even in his championship days.

For a 38 year old he’s still rapid aswell

 

[iesty wfc]

Some throwbacks in this thread.

I didn't think Jake Hyde would still be playing but he's only 30 (I'm assuming he's the ex-Barnet one?).

Waterfall will be solid at this level under Hurst IMO and Habergham is definitely worth persevering with. After so long out, it was always going to take him a little while to get going, especially as a January arrival. Give him a decent pre-season.

I can't believe Michael Doyle is still able to jog, never mind run. He was as slow as a funeral when we played Coventry in L2, three years ago.

Is Jay Harris still a very angry man? Does Shaun Pearson still swan dive at every corner trying to win a penalty?

Marsh-Brown, where's he been hiding since his FGR days?!

People still giving Nathan Tyson contract with his glass hamstrings as well. He was done as a footballer years ago?!

Harris still has a rash tackle in him, although he just gets on with it now it seems.

Pearson - yes. Still prone to a salmon dive in the box at corners, doesn't convert as many as he should do, so maybe if he cuts those out he could score more?

KMB, seems that his mum causes him problems at clubs, we picked him up from Gloucester but he hasn't really featured. As usual, we sign players 5 years later than we should have.

 

[Kim Mitten]

By June this is what I'm hoping the Southend United squad looks like:

Players Under contract:

 

[rudebwoyben]

Right here goes

GKs
Scott Loach - furloughed, not going to stay, not treated with respect by the club

Aymen Azaze - looks an OK prospect but can't see him as a starter next season, suffered a pretty nasty facial injury on Tuesday night which will see him out for the season

DFs
Ben Richards-Everton - bizarrely signed a 2.5 year deal in January thanks to Flowers, to me he looks like a limited tackle and hoof CB and not the most disciplined, and isn't starting under Bassey, but probably an OK squad player at this level. Contracted

Liam Daly - experienced and professional CB who generally looks solid. Slow at his age and not the most technical, but he is apparently contracted for next year and he seems like the kind of leader we need around the place. Contracted

Matt Preston - has been out injured much of the time, and we haven't seen the best of him. He's been starting under Bassey and getting better. I think he should stay. Keep

Ben Nugent - one of the most incompetent CBs I've seen in a long time, has a languid style and likes to push forward out of position, but has no pace or positional intelligence. Cannot believe the number of games he has played at a higher level. Also likes to kick off at teammates when we concede, even when it's clearly his fault. Takes no responsibility. Release

Alex McQueen - allegedly a right back, but completely hopeless in that position and has no plan for defending against pace other than to just continually back off. Decent crosser, but lacks any real guile or dribbling ability in an advanced role. Release

Lee Vaughan - was highly sceptical about Flowers signing him and looked like a very desperate roll of the dice, but he's been excellent. My only concern is his age (35 in the summer) but doesn't look to be lacking in fitness and isn't slow either. Pushes forward well and positionally aware. Keep

Dwight Pascal - ex-academy right back re-signed for buttons at the start of the season, not preferred under Beadle and Flowers jettisoned him very quickly. Appears to be furloughed. Release

Sam Beard (loan) - has been outstanding since Bassey signed him on loan from Dorking. Real find. Hope Bassey can persuade him to stay. Keep

Jerome Binnom-Williams - a desperate Beadle signing when we were short on numbers in the last week or so of pre-season. Looks about two stone overweight, just here to pick up a cheque really. Release

Jack Connors - always looks better than JBW at LB to me, but never preferred to him for some reason. Probably on furlough and won't be retained. Release

Loic Hernandez - perennial 3rd/4th choice left back who we hardly ever see. Has played the equivalent of 3 whole games in 3 years. Expect us to release him, but I've expected that for the past 3 years. Release

CMs
Harry Taylor - feel sorry for the lad, good defensive midfielder at this level but we haven't helped him at all this year. I'd keep him, but I doubt he wants to stay. Keep

James Dunne - got off to a good start a couple of years ago but then got injured and has looked hopeless ever since. Was furloughed after a petulant red card a few weeks back. Won't play for us again. Release

Themis Kefalas (loan) - on loan from QPR, got off to a poor start at CB but has been excellent since being moved to CM. Bright and tenacious holding midfielder. Keep if possible

Sam Skeffington (loan) - brought in seemingly with a view to next season. Not spectacular but he has helped to bring some stability to our midfield. Keep

Wesley Fonguck - been injured most of the season but was one of the few putting in OK performances before he was ruled out. Generally he's frustrating and inconsistent, but I think he's a useful option at this level. Scores quite a few arriving into the box. Keep if fit.

Anthony Wordsworth - clearly has ability and bags of experience at a higher level, but looks to be past his best and injury prone. Release

Eliot Richards - signed by Beadle having managed him previously at Hereford. Looked good early on before tearing his ACL and meniscus, potential career ending injuries. Very unlucky, having already missed 18 months earlier in his career after being diagnosed with cancer. The decent thing to do would be to keep him around the place and work on getting him fit if possible, but I'm not sure that's how we operate anymore. Keep until fit then make a decision.

Xander McBurnie - Out of his depth at this level, seems he was signed based on his goalscoring record from midfield in the Swedish lower leagues. Not NL standard, very lightweight. I'm not sure I believe Oli when he says Xander is the better footballer. Release.

Tyrone Duffus - signed as a squad player by Beadle, now miles down the pecking order. Looked out of his depth when he played. Believe he's on furlough, won't be kept. Release.

Jack Tompkins - academy graduate given a 3 year pro deal by John Still 3 years ago. Nobody other than Still seems to rate him, and I don't think he's ever made a matchday squad outside of an injury crisis. Release

Wingers
Michael Petrasso (loan) - probably our player of the season, injury prone but when he plays his head never drops. I doubt he'll stay though as we were only able to get him due to the Canadian season being cancelled due to COVID. Keep if possible.

Ephron Mason-Clark - looked like he would fly up the leagues after his performance in the FA Cup against Brentford over 2 years ago now. Hasn't reached that level since. Capable of some great stuff, but hasn't found the extra gears he should have done. Needs a different environment elsewhere, I think. Release

Antonis Vasiliou - Bassey doesn't seem to like him but he's a quick and explosive winger out of the academy. Very raw, but deserves more time. Keep.

Forwards
JJ Hooper - reasonable finisher but very frequently looks like he'd rather be anywhere else. His attitude has been typical of much of our squad this season. Release

Alfie Pavey - Poor Alfie, things have gone from bad to worse for him during his time here. Was signed as a long term #9, but looked low on confidence, then suffered a serious injury and came back looking even more low on confidence. Now appears to be on furlough. I feel for the lad, but it's not going to work out for him here. Release

Muhammadu Faal (loan) - gangly, awkward forward who runs around a lot but seems to have very little technical ability. Bolton have it written into his loan that we could have had him permanently in January, the fact that we didn't exercise that speaks volumes. I refuse to believe that he scored nearly a goal a game at step 3, even though there is video evidence of that on Youtube. Release

Josh Walker - god knows what's going on with him, was excellent last season, has barely played this year amid rumours that he's not as injured as he claims to be. Seems like he does not want to stay, if he applies himself he should do well elsewhere. Release.

Courtney Baker-Richardson (loan) - I like him, textbook target man, holds the ball up well. Keep.

Tomi Adeloye - looked like another very questionable Flowers signing as his career history is awful on paper, but he hasn't looked too bad, though there should be better options available even as backup. Release

Phew - did I miss anyone?

You must have seen Oli McBurnie play football surely? It can be true that Xander is a better footballer than his brother but they’re both shite.
I agree with your assessment although I’d keep on fewer than you would. There’s no one that you want the club to release who I’d want to keep on.
And Jake Hyde is indeed 30 years old. He was 19 when we signed him from Swindon Town for his first spell at us in 2009.

 

[Shrimper92]

By June this is what I'm hoping the Southend United squad looks like:

Players Under contract:

Keep Clifford though

 

[Kim Mitten]

Keep Clifford though

No, one of the few who is decent, doesn't deserve to be a National league player. Hope he gets a League club in the summer.

 

[Son of Cod]

LJL - I'm a fan like Hurst, he does so much for the side, shame he can't score! And disagree with SoC, he is better than Hanson.


Hanson - don't rate him like some, yes he can head the ball but that's about it, there's a reason him and Green were our main strikers prior to Hurst and neither scored many and were bottom of the league for two seasons.

The only thing LJL has over Hanson is the fact that Hanson can't maintain fitness. There isn't a single thing LJL does better than Hanson for me. Hanson is stronger, reads the game better, works as hard, has a much much better touch, holds it up better, finishes better, brings players in better, far better in the air...I could go on. Really surprised you think LJL is better.

 

[Son of Cod]

Not sure, once the talk of premier League scouts watching him came around he just turned to shite. Agree with SoC think it's more to do with both him and Waterfall being similar players and so their weaknesses were easily overcome ie lack of pace.

He's had an operation recently so I wouldn't be surprised for him to stay and come back strong next year, I'd rather have him than waterfall but unfortunately waterfall is the one under contract for next season not Pollock.

Pollock's drop off has been staggering. Ideal scenario, we release Waterfall and keep Pollock, Hewitt and Menayese but that's very unlikely. Would you be happy keeping all four of this season's CBs. As mad as it sounds, I actually would be.

 

[PaulHaddock]

The only thing LJL has over Hanson is the fact that Hanson can't maintain fitness. There isn't a single thing LJL does better than Hanson for me. Hanson is stronger, reads the game better, works as hard, has a much much better touch, holds it up better, finishes better, brings players in better, far better in the air...I could go on. Really surprised you think LJL is better.

I will also have to disagree! Sure, Hanson is a better finisher and probably better in the air but he’s slower, less mobile and requires the ball played exactly to him or the game passes him by. LJL’s biggest strengths are holding it up and bringing other people in, which Hanson manages to do by lucky flick-ons. Also what’s the point in having Hanson if he can’t maintain fitness? Would rather have LJL for 40 games than Hanson for 20.

 

[Son of Cod]

I will also have to disagree! Sure, Hanson is a better finisher and probably better in the air but he’s slower, less mobile and requires the ball played exactly to him or the game passes him by. LJL’s biggest strengths are holding it up and bringing other people in, which Hanson manages to do by lucky flick-ons. Also what’s the point in having Hanson if he can’t maintain fitness? Would rather have LJL for 40 games than Hanson for 20.

Lucky flick ons? I don't mind LJL but Hanson brings the ball down in ways LJL is incapable of and often distributes it back to midfield or out wide when LJL would have fallen over, been tackled or bundled over. I genuinely don't think Hanson is noticeably slower either? They're both slow. It's a common misconception that Hanson isn't that mobile, he gets about more than he is given credit for.

Definitely got a point on 20 games vs 40 games but I'd probably rather still have 20 games of Hanson and better options elsewhere.

Hanson is much better at holding it up and bringing players in, again very surprised that both of you don't see this. We're probably gonna have to agree to disagree on this!

 

[PaulHaddock]

Lucky flick ons? I don't mind LJL but Hanson brings the ball down in ways LJL is incapable of and often distributes it back to midfield or out wide when LJL would have fallen over, been tackled or bundled over. I genuinely don't think Hanson is noticeably slower either? They're both slow. It's a common misconception that Hanson isn't that mobile, he gets about more than he is given credit for.

Definitely got a point on 20 games vs 40 games but I'd probably rather still have 20 games of Hanson and better options elsewhere.

Hanson is much better at holding it up and bringing players in, again very surprised that both of you don't see this. We're probably gonna have to agree to disagree on this!

Ultimately I think this is another Coke/Clifton debate and only one of them will (likely) be kept on, LJL in this case. We need a goal scorer regardless!