Pre Season Friendlies Thread 19/20

[B2TF]

Has any team down here actually had a good pre-season?

We've had a great one- lost a manager, only got 14 players, cancelled one game coz we couldn't raise a team, switched 2 coz our pitch is fucked again. Seriously, get your money on us to go up, we thrive when it's like this.

 

[AJS]

We've had a great one- lost a manager, only got 14 players, cancelled one game coz we couldn't raise a team, switched 2 coz our pitch is fucked again. Seriously, get your money on us to go up, we thrive when it's like this.

On a positive note, we are unbeaten in pre-season. Dark horses?

 

[Chief Rocka]

Then there's Holohan, Featherstone, Donaldson who won't get a game. The amount of midfielders we have is bizarre, how are they gonna get a game? I can't get why we have so many.

What a lovely goal that was from Williams as well like, no way he should be at this level so keep him fit and most of the others fire and we really could tear a load of sides here a new one. But supporting Pools tells you to never be optimistic. So I'll stop there. Defensively we both know is where it'll go wrong.

The amount of midfielders is mental but Hawkes is gonna miss the start of the season now, Donaldson has missed a lot of pre season, Molyneux is also injured so at least we have plenty of cover across midfield I guess.

Was impressed with Richardson yesterday, seems to of filled out a lot, I can see him being a big part of the defence this season, I'd also sign that left back on loan, looked fairly solid and it keeps Kitching out the team.

I can't wait to have this pre season optimism battered out of me at the first hurdle when Sutton roll up and poke a hole in us.

 

[Shotsfan1993]

Probably one for the tinpot thread but we are now playing Chelmsford at Stanway Rovers (near Colchester somewhere), due to Chelmsford's pitch not being ready

 

[Minstermen central]

We beat Scarborough 2-1 yesterday,only played what I class 4 guaranteed starters,which is pleasing seem to have a lot stronger squad this year.
Lost to them in March this season in county cup.

 

[MWS]

Drew 2-2 with Guiseley on Saturday. Sounded like we were 2 up and comfortable before letting it slip late on.

Next up, Altrincham on Tuesday.

 

[MrGloverLover]

We drew 1-1 at Dorchester in a very uninspiring game. 5 trialists started, none very good.

 

[B2TF]

Drew 2-2 with Guiseley on Saturday. Sounded like we were 2 up and comfortable before letting it slip late on.

Next up, Altrincham on Tuesday.

Do you think Stockport have put their problems of the past few years behind them now? I'd expect them to make the play-offs, minimum, and maybe have a go for the title, if they have. How do you think you'll do?

 

[MWS]

I'd certainly like the think so. Things seem to be moving in the right direction whilst doing things within our means and capabilities. A lot of that is down to Jim Gannon and his ability to improve talented young players.

I think a fair number of the fan base are a little concerned that we haven't managed to replace players that have left since the end of the season.

Jamie Stott's loan ended and we have yet to sign a centre back
Scott Duxbury left for Fylde and we've yet to sign a left back
Matt Warburton left for Northampton and we've brought in a young lad from 3 divisions below.

It's fair to say the squad is weaker so some fans are quite pessimistic about our chances of having a good season.

That being said, we've retained the majority of our squad from last season, a squad which showed we were capable of competing against higher level opposition (Fylde, Maidstone, Harrogate, Barnet & Yeovil). If these were league matches we'd have picked up 11 points from the 6 games played.

A lot may depend on how fit and available the likes of Jake Kirby and Connor Dimaio are but we certainly have a couple of areas which need strengthening.

Any news from your end regarding a replacement for Fullarton?

 

[AJS]

I'd certainly like the think so. Things seem to be moving in the right direction whilst doing things within our means and capabilities. A lot of that is down to Jim Gannon and his ability to improve talented young players.

I think a fair number of the fan base are a little concerned that we haven't managed to replace players that have left since the end of the season.

Jamie Stott's loan ended and we have yet to sign a centre back
Scott Duxbury left for Fylde and we've yet to sign a left back
Matt Warburton left for Northampton and we've brought in a young lad from 3 divisions below.

It's fair to say the squad is weaker so some fans are quite pessimistic about our chances of having a good season.

That being said, we've retained the majority of our squad from last season, a squad which showed we were capable of competing against higher level opposition (Fylde, Maidstone, Harrogate, Barnet & Yeovil). If these were league matches we'd have picked up 11 points from the 6 games played.

A lot may depend on how fit and available the likes of Jake Kirby and Connor Dimaio are but we certainly have a couple of areas which need strengthening.

Any news from your end regarding a replacement for Fullarton?

Think you guys will be fine. You should be around the mid table mark with that squad if I was guessing

Rumours going round that Ronnie Moore has been spotted in the town centre today. Nathan Clarke seems one one of the favourites. Neil Aspin has declared he wants to come back. Very hard to call who it will end up being.

 

[Fyldefan]

Do you think Stockport have put their problems of the past few years behind them now? I'd expect them to make the play-offs, minimum, and maybe have a go for the title, if they have. How do you think you'll do?

Have a go for the title!!!!
Dear God.

 

[MWS]

Have a go for the title!!!!
Dear God.

Yeah B2TF, didn't you know that £ylde have already bought this years title!?!?

 

[Master D]

I’d expect Brother Stockport to be comfortably mid-table.

 

[OneDecentLester]

Sheff United at home for us tomorrow evening.

They’d sold 2,800 tickets by Saturday just gone and I’m hearing a horrible rumour that we’ve given them the whole East Stand aswell and now they’re bringing 4,000!

There is gunna be more of them than us!!

 

[GodsGift]

Sheff United at home for us tomorrow evening.

They’d sold 2,800 tickets by Saturday just gone and I’m hearing a horrible rumour that we’ve given them the whole East Stand aswell and now they’re bringing 4,000!

There is gunna be more of them than us!!

Don't really see the issue with that, I think it's fairly common for pre-season. Villa had two sides at Shrewsbury the other night.

Just take the money and run.

 

[OneDecentLester]

Don't really see the issue with that, I think it's fairly common for pre-season. Villa had two sides at Shrewsbury the other night.

Just take the money and run.

I doubt many fans will care tbh and I think even with the original 2,800 they sold there is going to more of them than us anyway!

It’s just a slight kick in the teeth as we were playing each other regularly a couple of seasons ago as rivals in the same league with them being 10 minutes up the road and all that

As you say though, we’d be silly to turn them away if they’ve got demand for it, no point leaving the stand empty in pre season

 

[B2TF]

I’d expect Brother Stockport to be comfortably mid-table.

Nobody was asking you, Brother.

 

[Master D]

Nobody was asking you, Brother.

Are you in this league this season? I can never remember with these yo-yo teams.

 

[EnglishRed]

Are you in this league this season? I can never remember with these yo-yo teams.

Halifax are preparing for their NLN title tilt in 2020/21

 

[Fyldefan]

I’d expect Brother Stockport to be comfortably mid-table.

I agree. Mid table will be a good season for stockport. Theyre a newly promoted side that have lost a few good players. Haven't replaced them as of yet. Still part time and they dont have a rich backer investing. I think it takes a season or two to weigh this division up. Playoffs would be an incredible achievement for them this season.

 

[MrGloverLover]

Taunton Town tonight, expect another uninspiring 1-1 draw featuring 5 trialists none of whom we'll sign.

 

[Like a Glove]

Taunton Town tonight, expect another uninspiring 1-1 draw featuring 5 trialists none of whom we'll sign.

We really need this takeover to happen this week to allow new signings to arrive, I feel that's why there's been a lack of transfer activity in the last week or so. Priestnall has previously said it will happen this week and Hayward told a fan at Dorchester on Saturday that due diligence would be completed today. So fingers crossed we get positive news this week. If not, we are screwed.

 

[chipmunx]

got our next to last friendly tonight away at a Lancaster side featuring a few ex Barrow players in Ginger Ninja (Jason Walker) and Son of God (Niall Cowpethwaite).
I think we are down to 3 trialists now - Byron Harrison, David Fox and Sam Graham (Sheff Utd U-23) who is the son of former boxer Herol "Bomber" Graham

 

[MrGloverLover]

We really need this takeover to happen this week to allow new signings to arrive, I feel that's why there's been a lack of transfer activity in the last week or so. Priestnall has previously said it will happen this week and Hayward told a fan at Dorchester on Saturday that due diligence would be completed today. So fingers crossed we get positive news this week. If not, we are screwed.

Totally agree, it's less than 2 weeks until the season starts and we're in limbo. Unfortunately I don't think I can trust everything Preistnall says. I'll believe it when (if) I see it.

 

[AJS]

got our next to last friendly tonight away at a Lancaster side featuring a few ex Barrow players in Ginger Ninja (Jason Walker) and Son of God (Niall Cowpethwaite).
I think we are down to 3 trialists now - Byron Harrison, David Fox and Sam Graham (Sheff Utd U-23) who is the son of former boxer Herol "Bomber" Graham

Sam Graham was quality on loan for us a couple of seasons ago. Think he was Oldham last season so guessing it mustn’t have worked out for him there

 

[CFC91]

I doubt many fans will care tbh and I think even with the original 2,800 they sold there is going to more of them than us anyway!

It’s just a slight kick in the teeth as we were playing each other regularly a couple of seasons ago as rivals in the same league with them being 10 minutes up the road and all that

As you say though, we’d be silly to turn them away if they’ve got demand for it, no point leaving the stand empty in pre season

Won't be far off 8k there tonight I don't reckon if they are bringing 3k. Lovely evening for it, glad we are cashing in. Hope we sign a winger with it all

 

[chipmunx]

Sam Graham was quality on loan for us a couple of seasons ago. Think he was Oldham last season so guessing it mustn’t have worked out for him there

9 games for Oldham and 8 in Australia for Central Coast Mariners (????) on loan last season

 

[doveranddover]

another win last saturday 2-1 at Welling.
Gillingham at home tonight 7pm kick off for some reason, so won't get there for that.

 

[OneDecentLester]

Won't be far off 8k there tonight I don't reckon if they are bringing 3k. Lovely evening for it, glad we are cashing in. Hope we sign a winger with it all

Their website has confirmed they’ve sold 3,500 tickets. It’d make sense for us to open the full KOP tonight instead of just part of it as like you say, there I scope for it being close to a sell out

 

[DarkSithLord]

Home to Scunthorpe United tonight in our penultimate friendly. Hope to see Ben Tomlinson given a run out but it seems to me he has been signed as part of the coaching staff