2018/19 contracts

According to Cod Almighty, excluding loans we have just 7 players out of contract in the summer.

JJ Hooper
Alex Whitmore
Danny Collins
Harry Davis
Reece Hall-Johnson
Martin Woolford
Wes Thomas

Looking at the profiles on the OS, we've got options on Whitmore and Davis for extension and assuming JJ leaves, it only leaves four players to decide who gets an offer. When was the last time we didn't have double figures to renew?

Another interesting point is that I don’t think, apart from JJ who seems to be on his way , there’s a player in the squad anyone would want rid of, except possibly on age grounds. Certainly not ability or ‘fit’.
I think we’re really starting to see the effect of MJ’s approach.
Seems a long time since the days of polarising players such as Clarke, JJ himself, Berrett, Summerfield etc.
Anyone beg to differ?

Quoted from AussieMariner

Another interesting point is that I don’t think, apart from JJ who seems to be on his way , there’s a player in the squad anyone would want rid of, except possibly on age grounds. Certainly not ability or ‘fit’.
I think we’re really starting to see the effect of MJ’s approach.
Seems a long time since the days of polarising players such as Clarke, JJ himself, Berrett, Summerfield etc.
Anyone beg to differ?

Ipswin probably.  

I’d keep all by JJ,

Think DC could become a decent coach so wouldn’t be surprised if he is a player/coach next season could be room on the staff wage budget from AF leaving last year and that would mean having a extra emergency defender not on the player wage budget available.

Woolford has done enough to be given another year and could be a good backup player.

Deffo keep Thomas and RHJ, the other two I'm ambivalent about.

Quoted from ginnywings

Ipswin probably.  

I don't really have any views either way on this, I'll agree with the majority (you get slagged off if you don't) the thing I would take issue with and its too late now would be the release of Mitch Rose

Quoted from Ipswin

I don't really have any views either way on this, I'll agree with the majority (you get slagged off if you don't) the thing I would take issue with and its too late now would be the release of Mitch Rose

People don't slag you off because you have an opposite view, people slag you off because it seems you are determined to be proved right about things (especially Jolley) and don't seem to give him any credit whatsoever.

Would you have given Rose a new contract then?

I'd keep all except for JJ and Collins (he's just getting too old and slow now)

Quoted from The_Laughing_Mariner

Deffo keep Thomas and RHJ, the other two I'm ambivalent about.

On current form, I'd certainly be keeping Woolford - outstanding the last two games.

Quoted from MuddyWaters

On current form, I'd certainly be keeping Woolford - outstanding the last two games.

I think it will depend if Clifton gets back into the team though he might see Woolford as a squad player if he can get another year out of him on similar terms.

Quoted from Youngy

People don't slag you off because you have an opposite view, people slag you off because it seems you are determined to be proved right about things (especially Jolley) and don't seem to give him any credit whatsoever.

Would you have given Rose a new contract then?

One year yes.

And as far as Jolley is concerned I gave him full credit for last season's escape.(look back and check if you want) but this season is a new start, he's had two transfer windows, it can't be Slade's fault much longer (that excuse is getting as hairy around the edges as the ITV digital money)  so he's got it all to prove and I still don't think he's the right man (I think I am still entitle to an opinion on that unless of course the Fishy police have passed a law that says I can't)

My belief that Jolley is not going to be our Messiah who takes us to Div 3 or even Div 2 is every bit as valid as that of the nutters who think he's going to be the best thing ever for GTFC and that Bogle was going to play for England

Don't you like being right? You're a lying fornicator if you say otherwise

Oh, and I'm not convinced about Ring and Dennis either, yes I know it's too soon but again some are already going on about what great signings they are. Truth is we don't know yet

Keep all but JJ. If no coaching/ scouting role for Collins then possibly him too. As for M Rose, we have lots of cover for midfield when Whitehouse and Max Wright return. If Welsh's deal was up in May it may have been him but he has another year.
Mitch will slot in nicely for the right back berth at County. Good luck to him.

Quoted from Ipswin

One year yes.

And as far as Jolley is concerned I gave him full credit for last season's escape.(look back and check if you want) but this season is a new start, he's had two transfer windows, it can't be Slade's fault much longer (that excuse is getting as hairy around the edges as the ITV digital money)  so he's got it all to prove and I still don't think he's the right man (I think I am still entitle to an opinion on that unless of course the Fishy police have passed a law that says I can't)

My belief that Jolley is not going to be our Messiah who takes us to Div 3 or even Div 2 is every bit as valid as that of the nutters who think he's going to be the best thing ever for GTFC and that Bogle was going to play for England

Don't you like being right? You're a lying fornicator if you say otherwise

Oh, and I'm not convinced about Ring and Dennis either, yes I know it's too soon but again some are already going on about what great signings they are. Truth is we don't know yet

Ring looked really comfortable on Sat remember he's only 23 and settling in in a new country. Personally I think he needs to improve his defensive play but he offers so much when attacking, he takes set pieces and never flunked one of them.

Quoted from scott_gtfc_89

I’d keep all by JJ,

Think DC could become a decent coach so wouldn’t be surprised if he is a player/coach next season could be room on the staff wage budget from AF leaving last year and that would mean having a extra emergency defender not on the player wage budget available.

Woolford has done enough to be given another year and could be a good backup player.

I can't see the point in keeping DC if it's just on the premise that he might make a decent coach. As far as as a defender is concerned then I'm sure he can be replaced with a young centre back with potential that MJ can develop.

Ipswin do you think with this increasing awareness of mental health problems to refer to people as nutters?

Quoted from friskneymariner

Ipswin do you think with this increasing awareness of mental health problems to refer to people as nutters?

Do I think what? Your question doesn't make sense

We do have a very young up and coming team it would 100% be a good thing to offer Collins a coach/emergency player contract he has so much valuable experience at the highest levels barring maybe welsh wooly there’s not that much experience in the squad (excuse me if I’ve missed anyone else out) we do need those type of role models etc to help the likes of Clifton wright ring rhj cardwell etc etc

I would be surprised to see Woolford, Collins or Hooper playing for Town next season. Davis, RHJ and Whitmore will hopefully be staying.

Quoted from friskneymariner

Ipswin do you think with this increasing awareness of mental health problems to refer to people as nutters?

If they're nutters then yes. Let's not go all PC on the Fishy as well. The world has gone mad (pardon the pun).

In answer to the first posters question, I would release JJ Hooper, Whackmore and Woolford. Hooper isn't a league player, Whackmore is decent and aggressive but not great on the floor and I'd look to improve on him.

Danny Collins is a daft age really, but he is classy and a leader through the spine. I'd monitor him towards the end of the season and see how he's feeling. Harry Davis looks a good player but I'd still like to see more from him, RHJ is a no brainer and should be offered a new deal. Wes Thomas is quality but at 32 I would monitor his form. Right now, I'd be offering RHJ terms before other clubs show interest.

We are in a much better position than we have been in recent seasons. It would be easy to offer all the out of contract players deals now, but we should always be looking to improve what we have.

Quoted from fishboyUTM

If they're nutters then yes. Let's not go all PC on the Fishy as well. The world has gone mad (pardon the pun).

Nothing about  being P.C. just affording people with a differing opinion to you with respect.No wonder really why people are deserting this board in droves.

I think this bodes well for next season.

The players are beginning to understand what the manager wants of them. It will make a change to not have a summer of total wholesale change and about a dozen new guys to fit in. Having the continuity should be a big benefit. You have to give the board some credit for once for backing the manager and having some foresight to get players under contract for more than 1 year deals.

3 or 4 quality additions (and by that I mean players pushing to start not just to fill up the squad numbers) and we should be looking to push on and have a right go. The nucleus is there already.

We hopefully wont be biting our finger nails at the end of this season as things look. Personally I think the play offs are out of reach though not impossible but lets finish the season strong and really have some self belief over the summer that next season will be a successful one.

Quoted from Ipswin

One year yes.

And as far as Jolley is concerned I gave him full credit for last season's escape.(look back and check if you want) but this season is a new start, he's had two transfer windows, it can't be Slade's fault much longer (that excuse is getting as hairy around the edges as the ITV digital money)  so he's got it all to prove and I still don't think he's the right man (I think I am still entitle to an opinion on that unless of course the Fishy police have passed a law that says I can't)

My belief that Jolley is not going to be our Messiah who takes us to Div 3 or even Div 2 is every bit as valid as that of the nutters who think he's going to be the best thing ever for GTFC and that Bogle was going to play for England

Don't you like being right? You're a lying fornicator if you say otherwise

Oh, and I'm not convinced about Ring and Dennis either, yes I know it's too soon but again some are already going on about what great signings they are. Truth is we don't know yet

Who is saying anything is Slades fault now? We have scored more points after 31 games then we did after 41 last season and slowly starting to play nice football. Don't think anybody is blaming Slade anymore.

Being right or watching my team do well? I'll get far more happiness from the latter.

So from 10 minutes on Saturday your convinced Dennis is a poor signing? Brilliant. Wish you were chief scout.

Quoted from friskneymariner

Ipswin do you think with this increasing awareness of mental health problems to refer to people as nutters?

If you are someone who regards those with mental health problems as 'nutters' then yes, my use of the term is probably out of order in your opinion.

I however do not subscribe to that way of thinking so my use of the term is in no way incorrect.

Quoted from Youngy

Who is saying anything is Slades fault now?  Don't think anybody is blaming Slade anymore.


So from 10 minutes on Saturday your convinced Dennis is a poor signing? Brilliant. Wish you were chief scout.

There are still constant references on here to Slade and his awful tenure, it will be like the ITV money and Fenty's time at the helm, it will be brought up forever whenever things go mammaries up

I have checked and I can't find where I said Dennis was a poor signing. I said I wasn't convinced about him (being a good signing) As you point out after just 10 minutes no one can be sure whether its a good signing or a poor one, perhaps those getting all excited about it last week should take note too

Quoted from Ipswin

If you are someone who regards those with mental health problems as 'nutters' then yes, my use of the term is probably out of order in your opinion.

I however do not subscribe to that way of thinking so my use of the term is in no way incorrect.

When I was working I adopted a rule not get into arguments with stupid people,think I will adopt that principle now.

Quoted from friskneymariner

When I was working I adopted a rule not get into arguments with stupid people,think I will adopt that principle now.

You had a job?

Quoted from Ipswin

One year yes.

And as far as Jolley is concerned I gave him full credit for last season's escape.(look back and check if you want) but this season is a new start, he's had two transfer windows, it can't be Slade's fault much longer (that excuse is getting as hairy around the edges as the ITV digital money)  so he's got it all to prove and I still don't think he's the right man (I think I am still entitle to an opinion on that unless of course the Fishy police have passed a law that says I can't)

My belief that Jolley is not going to be our Messiah who takes us to Div 3 or even Div 2 is every bit as valid as that of the nutters who think he's going to be the best thing ever for GTFC and that Bogle was going to play for England

Don't you like being right? You're a lying fornicator if you say otherwise

Oh, and I'm not convinced about Ring and Dennis either, yes I know it's too soon but again some are already going on about what great signings they are. Truth is we don't know yet

I had my doubts about Ring but, based on the improvement in just three weeks, then he'll be better than Fox or Dixon. Regarding Dennis, 15 minutes isn't long enough to judge anybody but he was right on the spot to tap in Wooly's cross if Demetriou hadn't done it for him.

What puzzles me is how you don't see the improvement that MJ is making. I was very worried post-Morecambe I admit. But I'm also happy to admit that I was wrong - we look a different side now - how many times have you seen us since then?

Thought Ring showed excellent technical ability on Saturday and also made some well timed tackles. Looks like he is still a bit short of match practice but I remain optimistic.

I am always of the opinion that I need to see someone have around a dozen games before deciding if they are good or bad signings, then like a Rob Jones they prove you wrong the next season!!!

Early indicators are Swedish lads will be good signings and one touch from Dennis was sublime and he was in the right place to score if need be on Saturday. Too early to tell but if his arrival gets Cook scoring its job done anyway.

Apart from Collins & JJ I’d be talking to the others now.

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

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.

I know it wasn't billed as such, but I can't imagine we've loaned Dennis without a view to a permanent signing.  

It hasn't worked out for him at County and survival or relegation, they'll be keen to offload him as soon as possible.

The noises Jolley has made in the last few weeks suggests he still sees a big role for Jordan Cook, he clearly sees something in Cardwell too.  You've then got Vernam and A.Rose under contract beyond the summer.   I'm not convinced he has ever seen Thomas as anything other than a one-season makeshift.

Players need to be happy and wanted. Location is always important for long distance relationships so there's a lot of juggling to keep players even with contracts in place !

I think that most fans now know that Jolley has a plan and is looking for players who will work with it.

The ship has been righted and is back afloat in Div 2.

Next season will be a good time to see and assess progress with players either being his choice or playing to his system.

The signs are promising - there is no Messiah status.... Yet !

I'm patient and hoping for that wonderful work based bosses phrase - continuous improvement !

At least the ball is skidding along the floor much this year !!

Congratulations to Ipswin on achieving   his 2500 minus rating

Don't forget we wont have Embleton next season either, unless he rejects a contract from Sunderland for first team football here (nope cant see it). I think he is out of contract but would command a fee due to being u24 I think, and\if Sunderland offer him a deal same of greater value.

Woolford I can see being offered a years deal, and Whitmore's contract extended. I agree with what the others have said about DC, see how he goes, it not might not always be in Towns hands, DC himself has to think about DC.

JJ I would release.  We have Akheem  

Quoted from Meza

Don't forget we wont have Embleton next season either, unless he rejects a contract from Sunderland for first team football here (nope cant see it). I think he is out of contract but would command a fee due to being u24 I think, and\if Sunderland offer him a deal same of greater value.

Woolford I can see being offered a years deal, and Whitmore's contract extended. I agree with what the others have said about DC, see how he goes, it not might not always be in Towns hands, DC himself has to think about DC.

JJ I would release.  We have Akheem  

Maybe if they go up they’ll assess him over the summer and if they think he needs more loan time we’d be in with a good chance as they know he’s get the games. If they stay in league 1 I think they’d definately keep him though

I don't think there is much chance at all of Embleton being here next season. If you have a read of the Sunderland forums, there are a lot of them that have high hopes for Embleton. If they don't go up, he'll be in and around their first team I reckon. If they do go up, could see him being loaned to a L1 club.

Wasn't it Jolley who said he want's people to live close to the area?

Thomas has done a great job, and will be delighted for him to get a league 1 club and prove Oxford wrong.

I also think Dennis has a view of a permanant deal, and if Fenty is keen on backing MJ like its being reported, i think we will pay for him.
Hopefully they go down, and the cost will be less as they will want him off the wage list!

People need to appreciate what we get to watch week in, week out with Embo, great player, who no doubt will have a comfortable career at championship level

Let Collins go, Whitmore (23) Davis (27) Ohman (27) and Pollock (18?) coming through, are good enough, and sign another mid 20 centre back

To go up we need better players, to put it brutally.
Would have to be looking at replacing at least one of Collins, Davis and whitmore. Maybe 2 of those 3.
And that goes throughout the team. I imagine woolford will be on a good package so that money might get more value from another player, but depends. Walsh will be on big money, so not great value, but will be very difficult to move on for that reason. We definitely need more creativity, esp given that embleton will be gone, and even with him that is something we have lacked.