PH post match

interesting interview.As usual, excellent dispassionate summing up of the game.
Couple of points - think today has crystallised a few thoughts ; a few players will be shown the door or will become bit part players.
He knows we need a goal scorer and I think he will be ruthless with his incomings and outgoings.
Suspect Khouri is quite an important part of his plans for next season (especially if Harry departs) . From what I've seen he's a  ready made replacement, but imho I think he might be quicker all round and technically more capable. But a midfield of right footed hard working, hard tackling clifton (should he stay) , left footed hard working,hard tackling Khouri plus a play maker and a wide man (Khan?) looks an enticing prospect

I do worry that Khouri is being bigged up way too much by many on the forum. He's done OK in a few games this season, but the idea he's suddenly going to become the lynchpin of our midfield seems fanciful to me at the moment.

He does look like a central midfielder to me in the way that Clifton hasn't always appeared to and Hurst appears to think he has a future with us so let's see how he gets on. To be honest, the idea of Clifton and Khouri anchoring the midfield worries me at present. One player, Clifton, who has been very good for us but mostly in wide positions, and another inexperienced player with just a handful of appearances over the past couple of seasons? In a midfield 3, possibly, but I think we would be underpowered with just those two alongside each other.

Seeing that Wrexham and probably Notts county coming up from the national League, both who have quality 30+ a season strikers, it's even more imperative we get our forward line right in the summer. (77 goals in 94 games from Mullin.)

Think we've a solid back 4 contracted for next season, sprinkle some goals and creativity in midfield and the wide areas and focus the majority of our budget on a completely new forward line and we can be competitive.

Today just reaffirmed that the current strikers with the exception of Lloyd shouldn't be here next term and quality needed in key areas to maintain progress. Just hope Hurst and his recruitment guy have some irons in the fire.

Utm

I like the look of Khouri but wonder whether he might be worth trying at left back for a run of games. As I don't think Amos or Glennon are good enough to take us further.

Targets will already be in the minds of all.of the back room staff, we all hope !!

As brilliant as promotion was, and much needed, this is by far a harder, more physical Division, and several teams have shown this side how to play to succeed.

The Cup run - magnificent, but we now see how drained ALL of the team now are, with all of the extra quick turn round games, not forgetting the distances travelled.

So, some to go, some to stay, care with new signings needed, especially up front to get the blend required.

The fans obviously want playing success in the league next season, Town need bodies in the stands to keep financing progress, so home games need to change to bring more attacking formations to draw more people to come to Blundell Park consistently.

Bore draws and lack lustre performances have disappointed this season.

In times of austerity, Town need to give value for hard earned money to keep 6,000 through the gates.

Very good luck for a sustainable, economically successful, and footballing fruitful 2023 / 4 season.

Khouri looks more like a holding midfield player to me sitting in front of the back four/ five rather then a replacement for Clifton . Stll some way off a regular starter but eventually an upgrade on Green.

I think Khouri will be a good player for town but he does need time.

Hurst will know who’s being offered a deal and he’ll know where our key areas are. Interesting isn’t it, football and the opinions we all have. I don’t dislike Green or Maher but for me they take us no further than tenth. They have a part to play I’m sure but I just don’t think they’re players that can elevate us to the next level.

Khouri will feature more next season, instead of Clifton? I doubt it as early glimpses suggest he’s different to Harry and unless we get an offer we can’t refuse I don’t see Harry leaving in this close season.

Clearly PH us knackered, he admitted it mid week and needs a break like many others in the footballing side of the club.

Sometimes you listen for what you want to hear but I’m getting a vibe that PH thought some players would have kicked on a bit and this would mean less surgery in the summer.

I don’t think it’s just the players that are out of contract that are his concern I think he may be looking to tell a couple that they won’t be guaranteed game time next season hence the comment about stretching the budget.

Quoted from aldi_01

I think Khouri will be a good player for town but he does need time.

Hurst will know who’s being offered a deal and he’ll know where our key areas are. Interesting isn’t it, football and the opinions we all have. I don’t dislike Green or Maher but for me they take us no further than tenth. They have a part to play I’m sure but I just don’t think they’re players that can elevate us to the next level.

I agree. I don’t see Holohan as a starter in a playoff challenging team either.

From Hurst's interview today, I think he's going to be quite ruthless and there may be some surprises. Realistically, we need to improve in every area of the pitch if we're to compete at the top end of the table.