2018/19 contracts

I also had doubts about Ring, before remembering that I've not actually seen him play yet.

We can't offer Collins a deal just because he might be a good coach/he's a good egg.  It has to be on playing merit.  

He showed on Saturday that he can still perform (as he has done many times this season).  But the real question needs asking, how long can he go on?  He isn't the player he was a year ago and unfortunately you can't out-run father time.
He'll be 39 by the start of next season and another year will probably be one too many in my eyes.  The last year or so he's masked his legs going a bit with his dominance in the air, but that feels less important now we've got Ohman in the side too.  I hope I'm wrong and Collins can go on for another year.  

Even if he stays, we need a left-sided central defender to challenge or replace Collins.  It's essential we have that balance.

Not sure what the deal is on Davis and Whitmore's contract options but I wouldn't be surprised if we only keep one of them.  

Thomas - interesting one.  Drifts in and out of games a bit too much for my liking but his goal return is what he'll be judged on.  When he wants it and starts to get in the faces of sides, he's a right handful.  But other times he just looks uninterested.  I think he's probably one of those where he's doing a job, but if we want to really kick on we need to start to upgrade.  

Be surprised if Woolford isn't given a new deal.  He's only 33 and will still be 34 by the time next season ends!  Jolley clearly rates him and trusts him in a number of positions.  Ideally he would have a yard extra of pace (not that he would be here if he did!) but I wouldn't grumble about him having a squad place.

Interesting comment on Wes Thomas there, I’ve heard this uninterested line a few times. Genuine question, do you not think that it was more frustration rather than anything else through a period of time where we were struggling to create anything and he was so isolated?

Personally I think we might struggle to keep hold of him. I think I’ve heard that his family are southern based and unless he fancies relocating here permanently he may look for a club closer to them. I think we’ve certainly put him in the shop window as he should finish the season on double figures.

Big couple of months for a couple of players who need to prove they can be part of the managers plans for next season, but better that it’s only a couple and not 10-12 players. Should have more continuity and consistency going into next season.

Quoted from Grantley

This means we have a very boring May and June coming up!

Why bring in players just for the sake of it. I don't think there will be a lot of movement but I'm 100% convinced that those that do come in will be better than those that leave. That's how much belief I have in MJ.

I think we will see a number of pairings and formations up front the closer to 50 points we get. Thomas clearly has a distaste for channel running for the sake of it. When we are in front, he does his duty and grafts. When we are struggling, he rations his efforts. Dennis is here to ensure we don't wear Thomas out and to be an option if Wes looks elsewhere.

Quoted from jimgtfc

Interesting comment on Wes Thomas there, I’ve heard this uninterested line a few times. Genuine question, do you not think that it was more frustration rather than anything else through a period of time where we were struggling to create anything and he was so isolated?

Personally I think we might struggle to keep hold of him. I think I’ve heard that his family are southern based and unless he fancies relocating here permanently he may look for a club closer to them. I think we’ve certainly put him in the shop window as he should finish the season on double figures.

Could be frustration, could also argue it was justified frustration too for a period.  I don't think he's lazy, which is something I've heard/read about him but I don't think he's got the up-and-at-'em attitude that someone like Cook or (bar his last few games) Cardwell has.  Definitely doesn't have it over the 90 minutes, something that Cook showed on Saturday he can and will do.  

It could easily be said that we don't need or want two strikers chasing everything down, we want one of them occupying the defence in other ways and preserving their energy for such.  I think Thomas is a good player at this level, has a fantastic first touch which is often overlooked and is a joy to watch when he rolls his defender and leaves them trailing in his wake.  But he doesn't do it often enough for my liking.  

I won't be disappointed if he stays, nor will I be if he goes.  It's one of those for me.  I don't think he's integral to what we're trying to build, possibly more of a stop-gap which if the family situation is correct would make sense.  

thomas is 10X the striker cardwell is. id like to see him stay

I rate Thomas he has pace, strength and technical ability that we haven't seen in a striker since Bogle.

He had a frustrating game against Newport but he's human you can't perform 100% of the time.

He's by far the best striker we've had since Bogle left, given he drives a Porsche 911 Turbo S and lives down in London, he doesn't half put the hard yards in on the pitch. I'd suggest his touch is inconsistent, often the ball goes to his feet it just bounces miles off him. He's a box player, he very rarely misses the target when in shooting distance, he can shoot with both feet and head the ball, his movement in the box is good too and he puts pressure on defenders and occupies them.

Unfortunately I doubt Thomas will be here. We weren't his first choice and he is based in the South. I think his excellent season will see plenty of Southern based takers from league 1 and 2. The club are in constant dialogue but it appears Thomas is keeping his options open. I think the one we missed out on was probably a striker with a view to replacing Wes.