The New Squad

I have not attended any pre season games so could somebody or more give me a run down of the pros, cons and how they think they've done of the new players please?

There will be a difference of opinion on here so I suggest you go to BP on Saturday and see for yourself!

Not the finished article, very much work in progress.

No idea at this stage what this squad is capable of in League 2.

I like the look of the full backs, Ben Davies and Danny Andrew, seem to do the right things at the right time in terms of bombing forward or holding position. Solid enough in the tackle and both look like they have decent engines. Compared to what we had last year in Tait and Robertson, time will tell if they're are an upgrade.

*they're an upgrade

You would have to be flipping superb to be an upgrade on Tait last season, but Davies is undoubtedly a very accomplished footballer and good signing. Andrew definitely a better left back and footballer.

I wouldn't keep the champagne on ice.

A seemingly very 'unHurst' type side from what we've been used to.

Very neat and tidy in possession.
Lack workrate (might be down to preseason, though)
Often look exposed defensively

Lacking a Striker (and seem to be getting desperate in finding one)

If you were to offer me a mid table finish now, I'd bite your hand off.

This is purely based on preseason, though. It's not uncommon for preseason to bear no resemblance to the full season. It is a new squad with many new faces, so they may just need more time to gel.

Hurst has had all his previous teams at the top end of their respective tables and eventually got them all promoted. He is re-building for a new level, so no concerns from me as yet.

Expectations need to be tempered. We have moved up a league and there is no way we will storm it. PH is building a new squad and a mid table finish would be a good achievement, especially looking at how other promoted teams have faired in league 2. Bristol's achievement was the exception not the rule.

In Davies and Andrew, Hurst has brought in 2 very good full backs at his level. Davies is a very clever footballer and Andrew has energy and pace in abundance. Both liking to get forward and overlap the winger and both have a decent delivery into the box.

Mills. Sounds a promising full back but unfortunately missed most of pre season and will start as solely back-up to Davies even if fit in time for Morecombe.

Boycey so far hasn't looked as solid as he was when last here but its only pre-season so hope he picks up in the league.

Dan Jones. Not seen a great deal of him in pre season but envisage him being a cover player anyway

Berrett, on his day can see him being the replacement for Nolan. Very clever on the ball but has not really been played to his strengths in pre season. Very often a wide centre midfielder. However has good vision and can see him popping up with a few goals this season.

Summerfield. Seems a solid enough player and has popped up with 4 goals in pre season. Attacks well from midfield and clearly has an eye for goal and likes to play the ball simple.

McAllister. Think his role would be to sit in front of the defence in a midfield 3. A role he does well. However might leave us a little exposed in a central midfield 2 as is just a 'mop up and play simple' player.

Chambers. Doesn't look like the 'electric' winger I expected. Looks a bit behind fitness wise to the other wingers we have a so far the are others ahead of him in the first 11.

Browne. On the brief viewings of him so far looks like he has potential. Quick, direct and still a lot to learn. Been out injured though so may miss the start of the season.

Bolarinwa. Hursts best signing so far IMO. Despite still a raw talent he is exceptionally quick and direct. Looks a real handful and can see him scoring goals. Plays like a lower league Yannick Bolasie as is physically built and strong too.

Vose. Not sure of him when he first signed but has grown on me with every game in pre season. Very cultured on the ball and offers something completely different to any other squad member. Skilful and unpredictable when it comes off but can also lose possession. not sure what his position is though as been deployed behind the striker(s).

Jackson.  Another one that is still raw but very quick. Can see him causing problems but needs to play next to a target man or on the wing. good additional to the squad.

finally Vernon. Looks like the target man we have been missing. Good in the air and with the ball at his feet. In his 1/2 appearance set up one goal and almost scored his own. Linked well with Bogle but is clearly behind everyone else with fitness so may take a month to get up to speed if we sign him and I hope we do.

Hope this helps and I look forward to an unpredictable season

Cracking post with accurate info there mate, exactly how I see the players.

Formation will be interesting. I think we probably need 2 up top, although Vernon, if he signs, may be able to do the lone role?

The modern formations ( away from 4-4-2) can potentially leave us exposed and PH has shown he believes a solid base is key to everything.

McAllister is an excellent defensive midfielder but cannot do the job on his own, especially if full backs are bombing on.

Do we go with two deeper lying midfielders in a 4-2-3-1 or get 2 up top with a diamond midfield behind them a sort of    4-1-2-1-2.

It certainly would surprise me if we reverted back to 4-4-2 by Oct.

It will be interesting which players make the starting eleven and also in what formation. Are the players 'intelligent' enough to switch effectively between formations during the game?

Quoted from chaos33

You would have to be flipping superb to be an upgrade on Tait last season, but Davies is undoubtedly a very accomplished footballer and good signing. Andrew definitely a better left back and footballer.

Probably fair to say we all thought we would do very well to upgrade on Magnay last summer.  

Assessing the signings, I think Hurst has made us a far more athletic side than than one that got promotion.

Whilst i feel and hope this season's squad is better than last season's, i won't say a bad word about ANY of the players that played their part in getting us promoted

Quoted from Jarmo.Is.God

Whilst i feel and hope this season's squad is better than last season's, i won't say a bad word about ANY of the players that played their part in getting us promoted

What about those that nearly prevented us from being promoted?