Stickied League 2 Transfer Rumours/Confirmed Transfers 2024/25

[mtfc26]

We heard he was interested in joining us Sunday night but only forum talk as his family are very local to us.

No offence to Exeter fans but its not often Mansfield is considered a geographical advantage to anywhere never mind Devon so hope we make the most of it.

 

[Luke Imp]

Good luck to him. Gary Simpson's good mates with Allen so he's probably had a word.

Can't argue with 40 odd goals (including cup) in two seasons with us. I'm not entirely sure he'll be able to make the step up tbh. Tried with Macclesfield, albeit a 5(?) years ago, and I don't think it went particularly great.

His main attribute is his work-rate, but in my opinion that's not enough in L2. He mainly played on the left or right of a front three here and he wasn't someone who'd take men on like a typical winger and wouldn't really play like you'd expect a striker to do down the middle when he got the chance there. He might be slightly more comfortable up front in a two but certainly not an out and out winger in a 4-4-2 or anything.

Most of his goals come in patches rather than consistently over the course of the season and are generally from in and around the penalty spot/ 6 yard box (in fact, I think last season, and possibly the season before, he had scored the most goals from inside the 6 yard box in the Conference.). In that respect, he was a bit like Kevin Nolan and wait for anything to drop for him from set pieces. He'll never let you down - keeps going and never hides during games.

Hope I'm wrong and he does well, though. We were all disappointed to see him leave here. Did a lot for the mascots/family/community side of things, too.

 

[Urban]

To be honest I think what we need is someone to accomodate Akinde. High workrate will take defenders away him Big John letting him do the business. He'ok always be the main man, just needs a suitable partner to aid him and chip in when needs be.

Not sure where this puts the Lisbie stuff now. Maybe on a player coach deal?

 

[hellogregory]

same reason as a lot of players, it's all about the money.

Our strategy regarding signings has obviously changed, the first three tell you that, whether it turns out to be the right or wrong thing then only time will tell, I think naturally our fans are concerned as we've been down this road before and it didn't end well, I also share those concerns.


KTF

We went down this route last season. Signing players from higher divisions on big money. Billy Paynter, Troy Archibald-Henville, Gary Dicker, Alex Marrow etc.

Trouble is as we found out, when they are motivated by money, it possibly won't work out and they wont produce what they are obviously capable of. Now a year later we're stuck with them in the second years of their luxury 2 year deals. Big wages and poor performances unfortunately don't attract a queue of clubs ready to take them off your hands.

Risky business.

 

[George Reilly's Hairpiece]

Just noticed that the two most recent people that the club have followed are Tom Champion and Ben Tomlinson...

Good spot Hadley.

It's a good thing that I don't run an official Twitter account. I'm not sure I would be able to stop myself following footballers to wind the fans up.

 

[Moomin]

No, just going off your local paper, although Mansfield have been mentioned too.

Did he impress while on loan at your place? ability wise he's more than good enough to be playing regularly in League One imo.

Fair enough. Just hoping he does sign for us as we really lack a live wire like him.

He did impress, especially away from home where we tend to be better. He seemed to play either left or right wing as well as behind the front two which is invaluable. He has two good feet and good balance so very keen to sign him.

 

[Gashead]

MacDonald was released.

I know, but Allen said there may be a place for him if it suits both MacDonald and the club in a few weeks/whenever.

I'm guessing if you lot sign Lisbie too then that'll be your four strikers sorted - decent set too if you ask me.

 

[huddsmoose]

The Luton player that we've had a bid rejected for is Jake Howells, according to an ex-player. Same source mentions Barry Corr as one that we're talking to.

 

[Vanni]

Agree with my fellow U's re. Champion. He put in some poor performances, but then it's hard to put in a decent shift when your team mates aren't playing well. Still, perhaps he'll benefit from this change and be an asset to his new club, who knows. What I sure know is that personally I wish him all the luck in the world. Decent player and a decent chap.

 

[Judge Dredd]

The Luton player that we've had a bid rejected for is Jake Howells, according to an ex-player. Same source mentions Barry Corr as one that we're talking to.

Interesting.

I'd sell Howells in a heartbeat personally, but he's the kind of player managers love as he's versatile, doesn't moan about being on the bench and always puts a shift in. Bang average at football though, he's decent technically but too slow to be much of an attacking threat as a winger at this level.

Wonder what the proposed fee was?

 

[cufc17]

Do Barnet realise they've been promoted from the Conference?

Them signings don't look too exciting, in my opinion, and their team so far looks very midtable.

 

[Chippy]

I'd let Howells go if we received a decent fee. He's good to have around because he can play everywhere but he isn't that great. As JD says too slow and predictable to be a winger and not good enough as a left back. I actually believe he played his best football in centre midfield a few years ago under Brabin.

 

[Vanni]

Hmm, heard a lot about Howells from Luton fans, and can't say I've been impressed. A good number of Hatters believe he's not good enough for league 2, and think he's only an average player, which is worrying if true.

Re. Corr, now that would be an excellent signing, but I very much doubt he'd join us.

 

[Vanni]

Well, like a lot of other promoted sides, I would imagine survival would be their first year target.

 

[cufc17]

I dunno, Bristol Rovers look like a half decent side, which possibly could challenge for the Play Offs.

All I'm saying though is that the feedback on their signed players is not too good.

 

[rudebwoyben]

To be honest, I'd be very disappointed with just mere survival. I think we are in a position to make a good go of League 2 next season.
I'd hardly say that Burton Albion's squad was full of League 2 superstars last season but they had an exceptional work ethic, excellent team work and togetherness. That's what's important at League 2 level and that's what we've got in abundance.
Besides, a big part of our squad is still comprised of the team that produced top-half League 2 form in 12/13 after Davids took charge.

 

[Arbury]

We went down this route last season. Signing players from higher divisions on big money. Billy Paynter, Troy Archibald-Henville, Gary Dicker, Alex Marrow etc.

Trouble is as we found out, when they are motivated by money, it possibly won't work out and they wont produce what they are obviously capable of. Now a year later we're stuck with them in the second years of their luxury 2 year deals. Big wages and poor performances unfortunately don't attract a queue of clubs ready to take them off your hands.

Risky business.

Very risky and I hope that we don't end up in the same boat as yourselves, time will tell.

Regarding Howells, I've always liked him when I've seen him but would I pay for him..... Probably not.

 

[Chippy]

Spoke to someone who knows someone who has been right more often than not before. Keane has said that Cambridge will be going all out to sign a proven centre forward and that was part the reason he's gone there, Rochdale and Stevenage were interested but wanted to move south again and chose Cambs as he feels they're being ambitious in market.

Also a few names bouncing around for Luton's next signing. Romain Vincelot, Gwion Edwards and Frank Nouble all been mentioned.

Also the Ogogo deal is apparently "much further along than anything else at the moment" - Dan Potts from WHU is expected to sign for us shortly though. Some interesting movements at KR!

 

[Kenneth E End]

Very interesting developments - Gwion Edwards caught my eye this season when Crawley came to town - think he'd be a cracking signing. Think he scored that night too?

Think we're really going for it this year.

 

[CrazyImp]

Barnet will be alright I feel, nothing too spectacular, but they won't be relegated with Allen in charge.

Tomlinson will be a good foil for Akinde, the best of luck to him.

 

[ShrimpsMeltdown]

Stevenage sign Mark Hughes. Decent enough CB for this level, just don't make him your captain!

 

[cufc17]

Yeah, I honestly don't think they'll be relegated, far from it, but I can't see them replicating Luton last season, instead more Cambridge-esque.
That's just my opinion though, what do I know?

 

[BeesKnees]

Do Barnet realise they've been promoted from the Conference?

Them signings don't look too exciting, in my opinion, and their team so far looks very midtable.

I'd be over the moon with mid table. I really think some of our fans are getting ahead of themselves.
Macdonald wont be back imo. Allen was basically offering him a pre-season if he didnt find a club.
Our front two will be Akinde and Lisbie with Gash and Tomlinson as replacements.

 

[Trapdoor]

akinde and lisbie would be a strong front line on paper

but i'd still rather have jamie cureton

 

[Vanni]

[QUOTE="BeesKnees, post: 151176, member: 288"]I'd be over the moon with mid table. I really think some of our fans are getting ahead of themselves.
Macdonald wont be back imo. Allen was basically offering him a pre-season if he didnt find a club.
Our front two will be Akinde and Lisbie with Gash and Tomlinson as replacements.[/QUOTE]

Agreed. I think Barnet will stay up, but, as we've found out this year, there's a big difference between the top 8/9 League 2 sides and the rest. If I were a Barnet fan, I'd be happy with a comfortable mid-table finish for the forthcoming season, and that's why I said a lot of promoted sides look to establish themselves first before attempting a promotion push. However, I don't think this applies to Rovers, who I reckon will have the play-offs/ top 10 in their sights.

 

[Moomin]

John Akinde......seems to have all the pace and control till he gets within sight of the goal, which is when it goes wrong.

Decent in the conference but not convinced by his league record.

 

[George Reilly's Hairpiece]

Not sure why Bristol Rovers are being seen as a side to push on. Not saying that they won't, but they don't stand out as one of the best sides to come up in recent years. Especially as they are not secure financially.

 

[rudebwoyben]

John Akinde......seems to have all the pace and control till he gets within sight of the goal, which is when it goes wrong.

Decent in the conference but not convinced by his league record.

I think he's developed a bit since he last played in League 2. Certainly last season with us his finishing was pretty cool and assured.

 

[That Fat Centre Half]

I'd sell Howells in a heart beat As well. He'd have been long gone if he wasn't a youth produc. I like to refer to the Jake Howells cycle:

1st choice player gets injured/ suspended/otherwise indisposed --> Howells comes in and has a decent game --> has 2/3 average to poor games --> Howells gets dropped.

Rinse and repeat 3 or 4 times over the course of the season. I always view it that if Howells is playing, we aren't full strength. Not a moaner and is a trier though so I guess that's why he is still here.

 

[huddsmoose]

Money loves a versatile trier. Howells sounds like a left footed Liam Hughes.