Stickied League 2 Transfer Rumours/Confirmed Transfers 2024/25

[Moomin]

some Exeter fans even though Zanzala was not a bad player

I’m one of those ha ha. Don’t get me wrong, he’s one of those players who can be extremely agricultural but I liked the way he led the line for us and he definitely helped us get over the line.

 

[joethegill]

Every Notts fans has said Wooton's best qualities are work rate, holding it up, unselfish work, allowing others space etc. McCallum is a box striker, he's definitley the better finisher. Madden is more our finisher. Wootton's finishing is apparently hit and miss and something he has to work on.

But stylistically, Wootton is more what we need. I'd be underwhelmed with McCallum if we signed him, he wouldn't suit our game at all.

I think in that case it's fairly clear that we'd both be happy with the respective signings should we get ours over the line. We've had good success with target men in the last few years - Tom Eaves scored 40 in two seasons, and was replaced by Vadaine Oliver who scored something around 35 in his two years with the club as a direct replacement for Eaves. Then of course going back a few years we had the likes of Akinfenwa and Kedwell as centre forwards, so we're not afraid of a big man up top.

I think Harris will look to play a fairly standard 4-4-2 with wingers and a proper strike partnership next season if the players are available. We'll be big, strong and reasonably direct if he gets his way, with an emphasis on crosses into the box both in normal play and set pieces. McCallum fits that style really well.

 

[Stocky]

I think in that case it's fairly clear that we'd both be happy with the respective signings should we get ours over the line. We've had good success with target men in the last few years - Tom Eaves scored 40 in two seasons, and was replaced by Vadaine Oliver who scored something around 35 in his two years with the club as a direct replacement for Eaves. Then of course going back a few years we had the likes of Akinfenwa and Kedwell as centre forwards, so we're not afraid of a big man up top.

I think Harris will look to play a fairly standard 4-4-2 with wingers and a proper strike partnership next season if the players are available. We'll be big, strong and reasonably direct if he gets his way, with an emphasis on crosses into the box both in normal play and set pieces. McCallum fits that style really well.

Yes, McCallum will fit that style well. He knows where the back of the net is and is great in the air. Would be a good signing by the sounds of things.

Our style is more high press, pin the opponents in with possession, move the ball out wide, low crosses etc. We had the highest crossing success rate last season by a mile which actually means we do the opposite of just getting crosses in the box at every opportunity etc. When we start resorting to that I know we're panicking because it's not our game.

Scott Quigley at his best worked his arse off, occupied centre halves by pinning them, turning them, moving them etc. Which allowed Madden to drop and then find space in the box alongside midfielders all breaking into the box. Challinor's style revolves around midfielders coming into the box to score. McCallum wouldn't do the Quigley job or the job we want Wootton to do and Notts say he's good at it.

So it's horses for courses on what will be the "better signing" IMO.

 

[BigDaveCUFC]

Holy got progressively better for us in the 2.5 years he was with us. He needed an arm round him at times and a bit of patience, but he grew into one of the better keepers in League One during his time with us. Became a real fans favourite and you could see his confidence growing as the fans got behind him. Got a good move to Ipswich and kept a lot of clean sheets for them, but suffered from the Ipswich conundrum of thinking they're better than they are and was dropped. Hasn't played regularly enough since, and little loan spells here and there aren't a true indication of his ability. Play him regularly and you'll have one of the best keepers in this league, hands down. Has his faults of course, but is strong aerially and kicks well. Struggles a bit with low shots as it takes a bit longer to get down to them as you'd expect from a huge man. All in all though I think that's a very good signing. Just give him patience, and get behind him.

Going off that post it does make it sound like Holy is a typical type of transfer move we made during simpsons first spell, he rarely ever grabbed players in form.

It was either normally players who had done well elsewhere but had gone wayward at their previous club level Kev Gray, Michael bridges and Karl hawley great examples or else former youth players who never had more than 4-5 previous non productive loan moves and were dumped by parent club.

Then we seemed to strike lucky with stealing 2-3 players who were in form but at clubs in dire financial trouble.

The key was a mix of experience and youth and bringing stability and confidence on the group, whether this can be achieved twice is a big question, but signing a player who was very good 2 seasons ago and has lost his way is something simpson was good as working with before.question is can he do this without his old assistant Dennis booth

 

[F!RTHY]

If he comes in as backup, fine. But if he's a starter I'd be worried. We need some serious quality signings now. The likes of the rumoured Smallwood and Odusina. Then we need similar quality up front and out wide and then I'd probably get a bit excited. Maybe haha.

We’ll see, Cas.

Possible starting XI if those rumours come to fruition.

GK: Harry Lewis

RB: Luke Hendrie
CB: Timi Odusina
CB: Matty Platt
LB: Liam Ridehalgh

CM: Alex Gilliead/Yann Songo’o
CM: Ritchie Smallwood

RW: Dion Pereira
CAM: Jamie Walker
LW: Abo Eisa/Jake Young

CF: Angol/Cook/Harrett

Squad is most definitely stronger than last season, IMO.

 

[Salvador]

Tranmere, Northampton, Leyton Orient, Rochdale and Scunthorpe reported to be possible destinations for Niall Maher, out of contract at Halifax.

If you believe the Twitter rumour sites (I don't) then every club in L2 within 100 miles of Halifax are in for him. Would make sense if he ends up at us, Tranmere or Barrow due to location or hooking back up with Wild. I don't recall seeing him play. Though I think he only played once or twice v Dale for Bury. But enough fans from NL say he's good enough to step back into EFL so I'd be happy with him.

 

[saddler78]

He has talent, but has a dreadful attitude. Properly loves himself.

This also very hot and cold.

 

[Salvador]

Scott Quigley at his best worked his arse off, occupied centre halves by pinning them, turning them, moving them etc. Which allowed Madden to drop and then find space in the box alongside midfielders all breaking into the box.

Quigley sounds very much like the sort of player we've missed at Dale since Beesley left for Blackpool in Jan. Height and strength. Hell I'd say we've missed someone like that since Calvin Andrew left. Andrew hardly ever scored but for me his asset was like you describe with Quigley. Keeping the CHs busy and opening up for others to score. Beesley could do that, but also scored a fair few when he became our main attacking focus after Humphreys left for Wigan.
Too little time to judge Tahvon Campbell and Luke Charman but they both seemed a bit light weight in the short run they both had in the team after we signed them in Jan. I can't see either of them working too effectively as a pairing or as a lone striker so we need someone else.

 

[Stocky]

Quigley sounds very much like the sort of player we've missed at Dale since Beesley left for Blackpool in Jan. Height and strength. Hell I'd say we've missed someone like that since Calvin Andrew left. Andrew hardly ever scored but for me his asset was like you describe with Quigley. Keeping the CHs busy and opening up for others to score. Beesley could do that, but also scored a fair few when he became our main attacking focus after Humphreys left for Wigan.
Too little time to judge Tahvon Campbell and Luke Charman but they both seemed a bit light weight in the short run they both had in the team after we signed them in Jan. I can't see either of them working too effectively as a pairing or as a lone striker so we need someone else.

I'm a Quigley fan, our fans have gone cold on him because he does pick up knocks and niggles etc and his goalscoring record isn't great. But he just occupies defenders to the point where others just benefit off his dirty work.

I maintain that if Wootton is as good as a fully fit Quigley, we'll have a cracking player. Bit of talk Quigley may be off, the Wootton signing probably has pushed him out a bit, I want him to stay, Wootton needs to earn his spot. Plus we need depth.

 

[Salvador]

I'm a Quigley fan, our fans have gone cold on him because he does pick up knocks and niggles etc and his goalscoring record isn't great. But he just occupies defenders to the point where others just benefit off his dirty work.

I maintain that if Wootton is as good as a fully fit Quigley, we'll have a cracking player. Bit of talk Quigley may be off, the Wootton signing probably has pushed him out a bit, I want him to stay, Wootton needs to earn his spot. Plus we need depth.

He's looked good on the couple of times I've seen him play. Send him our way if he's surplus. That move worked out well for Le Fondre and Rickie Lambert in the past!

 

[BlackCountrySaddler]

Signed midfielder Emmanuel Osadebe from Walsall for an undisclosed fee, two year deal, I’ve never heard of him.

I must say I’m glad to see the back of him. 1 good game in every 7/8 games. Around March time he put in a string of poor performances, fans were questioning him. He ended up having a bust up with a few Walsall fans during the game, aswell as going on to block every Walsall fan on twitter who questioned him.

As said, he does have the ability but too inconsistent & too arrogant for his own good. He’ll be non-league bound eventually because of his attitude.

 

[chipmunx]

If you believe the Twitter rumour sites (I don't) then every club in L2 within 100 miles of Halifax are in for him. Would make sense if he ends up at us, Tranmere or Barrow due to location or hooking back up with Wild. I don't recall seeing him play. Though I think he only played once or twice v Dale for Bury. But enough fans from NL say he's good enough to step back into EFL so I'd be happy with him.

Wild being his manager last season would help our cause as would the fact that we train in Salford not in Barrow. Whether it will help enough with Maher only time will tell.

 

[chipmunx]

He's looked good on the couple of times I've seen him play. Send him our way if he's surplus. That move worked out well for Le Fondre and Rickie Lambert in the past!

get in the Queue....

 

[chipmunx]

I'm a Quigley fan, our fans have gone cold on him because he does pick up knocks and niggles etc and his goalscoring record isn't great. But he just occupies defenders to the point where others just benefit off his dirty work.

I maintain that if Wootton is as good as a fully fit Quigley, we'll have a cracking player. Bit of talk Quigley may be off, the Wootton signing probably has pushed him out a bit, I want him to stay, Wootton needs to earn his spot. Plus we need depth.

are you guys not looking at Alex Newby? Elliot's identical twin brother who Rochdale released at the end of the season. He's pretty much a carbon copy of Elliot footballing ability wise too.

 

[Stocky]

are you guys not looking at Alex Newby? Elliot's identical twin brother who Rochdale released at the end of the season. He's pretty much a carbon copy of Elliot footballing ability wise too.

Not a name I've heard.

Not sure we need that type of player. Elliott only got games near the back end of the season as makeshift right wing back. We've got Crankshaw, Whitfield etc who are similar dynamic and they struggle to get a starting spot in our 3-5-2.

I like Elliott he's talented but when Southam-Hales is back next season at RWB, I don't see Elliot Newby getting too many starting spots.

 

[Son of Cod]

We've offered Ash Palmer a new contract.

Oh right apologies, my intel was wrong on that then.

 

[joethegill]

We've signed ex Millwall and Pompey midfielder Shaun Williams. Good experience for the squad if nothing else.

 

[F!RTHY]

We've signed ex Millwall and Pompey midfielder Shaun Williams. Good experience for the squad if nothing else.

Decent!

Always rated him!

 

[joethegill]

Decent!

Always rated him!

Yeah I'm happy with the signing. As said previously I think Harris wants to play a 4-4-2 with proper wingers, so our central midfield doesn't need to be THAT pro-active. With O'Keefe and Williams we have really good experience centrally, and both are solid.

In other news looks like McCallum won't be happening after all

https://twitter.com/x/status/1535237081584238592

 

[K-Win]

We've signed ex Millwall and Pompey midfielder Shaun Williams. Good experience for the squad if nothing else.

Should still be ok in League Two. Started well with us last season but injuries to others meant that we overplayed him.

Form seriously dropped off though as the season went on and picked up a nasty back injury in February that ended his season. Bags of experience though, as you say.

 

[SaddlerJonny]

I can't believe we got a fee for Osadebe. Occasionally talented and will put a performance in every one in 6. Shocking attitude but good work rate to be fair to him. Expect half your fanbase to be banned from his Twitter after a couple bad games if they dare criticise him.

 

[loz]

I can't believe we got a fee for Osadebe. Occasionally talented and will put a performance in every one in 6. Shocking attitude but good work rate to be fair to him. Expect half your fanbase to be banned from his Twitter after a couple bad games if they dare criticise him.

Flynny always did know how to work the rules

 

[MWS]

I'm a Quigley fan, our fans have gone cold on him because he does pick up knocks and niggles etc and his goalscoring record isn't great. But he just occupies defenders to the point where others just benefit off his dirty work.

I maintain that if Wootton is as good as a fully fit Quigley, we'll have a cracking player. Bit of talk Quigley may be off, the Wootton signing probably has pushed him out a bit, I want him to stay, Wootton needs to earn his spot. Plus we need depth.

I think the slight frustration with Quigley is that his first touch isn't great made worse by him trying to wrestle the defender rather than concentrate on bringing the ball down.

When the ball is played into his feet either facing up a defender or back to goal, he's very effective and is good with both feet, but as an out right target man the ball doesn't stick to him well enough. Whether this is down to him not being fully fit or simply a part of his game that is lacking, Wootton seems more effective as bringing other into play.

Wootton also seems more capable at attacking the ball off crosses, something I know DC is very keen on.

 

[pontoonlew]

Anthony Glennon released by Burnley, was he as mint for Barrow as he was for us?

 

[chipmunx]

Anthony Glennon released by Burnley, was he as mint for Barrow as he was for us?

he was great 1st game - scored away at Barnsley - but after that was inconsistant. I don't think Cooper liked him too much. I'd be disapointed if we tried to sign him.

 

[The Terminator]

Curtis Davies wants to come back home:

Curtis Davies on Derby County future amid links with Hull and Bristol City

Derby County news from DerbyshireLive as Rams fans anxiously wait on news of the club's takeover ahead of today's 5pm deadline

www.derbytelegraph.co.uk

He's the same school year as me, a few people I know/who have met went to school with him. None have said a bad word against him, always been a decent bloke.

Doubt we'd take him though, we have enough cover at centre half.

 

[northstandexile]

Any player needs to be given a chance, regardless of previous fans’ opinions. We were told a number of our signings last summer were either crap or had poor attitudes but they turned out to be some of the top performers in the league.

On the flip side, we also had Colin Daniel who proved the nay sayers right!

Bristol City fans knighted Colin Daniel after he scored a winner at the Mem.

 

[Sestonpoolie]

Pools apparently in talks with Jake Astie,winger form Rangers who seems to be well thought of over the border.
Also Mohamed Niange,midfielder,done the rounds at Alloa etc.

 

[Chief Rocka]

Pools apparently in talks with Jake Astie,winger form Rangers who seems to be well thought of over the border.
Also Mohamed Niange,midfielder,done the rounds at Alloa etc.

What you reckon, Luke Armstrong back to Pools, happening or not? Heard some talk about it last few days but don't wanna get my hopes up.

 

[Sestonpoolie]

What you reckon, Luke Armstrong back to Pools, happening or not? Heard some talk about it last few days but don't wanna get my hopes up.

I get some info from a lad at work & he's usually spot on.
How he knows,he won't tell me,but he reckons Armstrong & Raj have been meeting,but it depends on the financial situation.