5 weeks for him to settle in, have a good look at those here, and what he can get out of them, then identify from his own book of sources who may come in to complement and improve the side going forward.
Many of his Academy players will now be established in senior squads if they made the grade, likewise he will have watched many matches with similar aged players taking part.
He sounds like he would keep tabs on players who can play HIS way.
I think that he and Hutchinson will be having some deep conversations in advance of the opening window date.
I would be amazed if Ben Garrett wasn't one of his first signings.
Was his 'keeper at Crewe, won the player of the year, a couple of times, can play Artell-ball from the back and most importantly is currently a free agent.
I would be amazed if Ben Garrett wasn't one of his first signings.
Was his 'keeper at Crewe, won the player of the year, a couple of times, can play Artell-ball from the back and most importantly is currently a free agent.
Location: Clowns to the left of me, jokers to the right, stuck in the middle...
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Hmm.. am I negative to suggest that signing a keeper that was released by Burton at the end of last season and hasn't got a club by late November may not be the most inspirational move?
I always feel that there's a good reason why a player doesn't have a club in November (unless they were injured, and Garratt wasn't) and that reason is that they're not very good.
He also left Crewe after Artell offered him a new contract (he chose not to take it) - he may not be top of the boss's Christmas card list.
Miss Scunthorpe. Not a beauty pageant, just sound advice.
Charlie McNeill, young Man Utd striker, who we were linked with back in the summer but went to Stevenage is getting recalled due to lack of game time. As we need to kick things off I will say that I have it on good authority from an incredibly reliable source who is ITK and has ties with the club that we are in for him and a deal is looking likely. Unfortunately I cannot reveal my source though, but if you want to PM me please do and I will ignore it. Thanks.
Hmm.. am I negative to suggest that signing a keeper that was released by Burton at the end of last season and hasn't got a club by late November may not be the most inspirational move?
I always feel that there's a good reason why a player doesn't have a club in November (unless they were injured, and Garratt wasn't) and that reason is that they're not very good.
He also left Crewe after Artell offered him a new contract (he chose not to take it) - he may not be top of the boss's Christmas card list.
Whilst I do somewhat agree there's a red flag regarding still having no club, I would argue that could be because a multitude of reasons. With goalkeepers especially , they're not normally a position that moves between windows as clubs already have that position tied down quite early.
By all accounts he's very highly regarded at Crewe for his few years there and then left to move up a level at Burton, very similar to the Crocombe situation this summer, he turned down a contract he felt wasn't right and moved on, ironically replacing Garrat.
I'm by no means stating it'll change our season, but it seems a deal that just seems to fit. How many times do new managers bring in players they've worked with before?
For the record, I do rate Cartwright and feel like he'll get better with every game played.
5 weeks for him to settle in, have a good look at those here, and what he can get out of them, then identify from his own book of sources who may come in to complement and improve the side going forward. Many of his Academy players will now be established in senior squads if they made the grade, likewise he will have watched many matches with similar aged players taking part.
He sounds like he would keep tabs on players who can play HIS way.
I think that he and Hutchinson will be having some deep conversations in (advance of the opening window date.
have a look at his promotion winning squad - astonishing rate of success for the youngsters in it.
currently playing in the Championship - Perry Ng, Harry Pickering, Ryan Wintle currently playing at good League 1 sides - Charlie Kirk (sold for Ā£500,000), Tom lowery, Owen Dale (undisclosed, but had been valued at a million, although it was much less)
have a look at his promotion winning squad - astonishing rate of success for the youngsters in it.
currently playing in the Championship - Perry Ng, Harry Pickering, Ryan Wintle currently playing at good League 1 sides - Charlie Kirk (sold for Ā£500,000), Tom lowery, Owen Dale (undisclosed, but had been valued at a million, although it was much less)
Charlie Kirk absolutely ripped us to pieces one year, was unplayable
Re: the talk of a new goalkeeper on this thread........
Do we need a new goalkeeper?
Cartwright seems to be doing fine for me, and he can certainly play with his feet too so fits that part of Artell-ball.
Not sure his playing directly out to players already under pressure right in front of the box is what I would call good with his feet. Or at least it's not good with his brain.
Cartwright has been loads better than I feared given his lapses in the trophy and is definitely better than Eastwood but to be honest he is still a player were finding an upgrade should not be too difficult. Given he is a loan we need better than Eastwood next year anyway so why not get our own player in now if we can, given out perilous situation it would be prudent.
Not sure his playing directly out to players already under pressure right in front of the box is what I would call good with his feet. Or at least it's not good with his brain.
You'll have to get used to that because that's exactly how we're going to be playing now.
Whoever our GK is will be asked to play into midfield even if there's a player around them. They can still deal with the ball and either protect it, set it back to the GK or a CB, and play around the corner to a full-back or fellow midfielder.
I thought Cartwright's decision making was very good last night. Played short to Maher/Rodgers/Conteh and recognised moments to clip it into full backs or midfielders to get us playing. And knew the moments to just kick long to manage the state/stage of the game.
"The greatest mistake you can make in life is to continually be afraid you will make one."
Re: the talk of a new goalkeeper on this thread........
Do we need a new goalkeeper?
Cartwright seems to be doing fine for me, and he can certainly play with his feet too so fits that part of Artell-ball.
Cartwright is a mixed bag. He's been pretty much fine since coming in at Donny but certainly wasn't fine for Sutton's goal, nor was he fine in any of his cup appearances. Realistically we need a better option than him.
Cartwright is a mixed bag. He's been pretty much fine since coming in at Donny but certainly wasn't fine for Sutton's goal, nor was he fine in any of his cup appearances. Realistically we need a better option than him.
Iād say pretty much fine is a bit harsh, yes he was at fault for the Sutton goal but obviously misjudged it and made a mistake. He also made a couple good saves to rescue us a point and he did the same last night. Heās young and hasnāt had many minutes in menās football, the more he plays the better he gets. Heās good with the ball at his feet and his kicking is pretty spot on, donāt ever really see him shank one into the stand and he started a couple fast breaks against MK with perfectly weighted knocks into Rose. Heās a Grimsby lad, now I donāt know the situation with Hull but I know how much Harvey loves putting on the shirt and I believe he wants to be here full time.
Keep the GK now weāve made our bed Cartwright will get better with every game he plays, remember we are league 2 no keeper is faultless Max wasnāt last year or have people got short term memory loss, and think back to Macca and how many faults he made.
For me sort the protection out in front of him first to give any GK a fighting chance, I would prioritise a new CB & LB i see Amos going and unpopular opinion Waterfall to allow us to sign someone and before you jump on the negativity Waterfall for some seasons has been class but we all know he can not play out like Artell will want him to so sensible option move on and bring someone else in.
Carwrights doing ok for me and an improvement on Eastwood. Eastwood did well for a start but went downhill fast. Whether it was a confidence thing or not I don't know but the 1 thing we should remember is that the ball has to pass 10 men before reaching the goalkeeper.
You can please some of the forumites some of the time but not all the forumites all of the time
We need a better goalkeeper than what we have at the moment. Allowing Cartwright to go back to his parent club, would throw up space for a new goalkeeper. I know I will get hammered for this, but remember my words.
Cartwright reminds me too much of Phil Barnes, who was a good shot stopper, but wouldn't come off his line.
have a look at his promotion winning squad - astonishing rate of success for the youngsters in it.
currently playing in the Championship - Perry Ng, Harry Pickering, Ryan Wintle currently playing at good League 1 sides - Charlie Kirk (sold for Ā£500,000), Tom lowery, Owen Dale (undisclosed, but had been valued at a million, although it was much less)
That was the end of the Dario Gradi conveyor belt. I doubt any lower league club will produce youth of that calibre, consistently, ever again.
We need a better goalkeeper than what we have at the moment. Allowing Cartwright to go back to his parent club, would throw up space for a new goalkeeper. I know I will get hammered for this, but remember my words.
Cartwright reminds me too much of Phil Barnes, who was a good shot stopper, but wouldn't come off his line.
Well that's just not true and a load of crap, Harvey came and collected 2/3 corners and crosses against MK in which he was contested. One of them is at the start of his career and finding his way in the mans game and the other was at the end of his career with no scope for improvement. One has also played for England Youth in a golden generation of talent coming through in which the younger age groups are winning world cups and european championships reguarly. We have a very good goalkeeper coach in Steve and someone who is very good at bringing someone out there shell.. Harvey is only going to improve the more he plays and the older he gets.
That was the end of the Dario Gradi conveyor belt. I doubt any lower league club will produce youth of that calibre, consistently, ever again.
Artell was appointed head of youth ops at Crewe in July 14, so most of those players mentioned were 14,15,16 when he came in ; so i think maybe we could agree that he did have some input their development??
which is why I think 1 of the more interesting aspects of Artell's appointment is what he will make of Conteh, Khouri, Bramwell, Gardner, Tomlinson, Braithwaite plus the 4 or 5 stars of this year's youth team
Artell was appointed head of youth ops at Crewe in July 14, so most of those players mentioned were 14,15,16 when he came in ; so i think maybe we could agree that he did have some input their development??
which is why I think 1 of the more interesting aspects of Artell's appointment is what he will make of Conteh, Khouri, Bramwell, Gardner, Tomlinson, Braithwaite plus the 4 or 5 stars of this year's youth team
While I do hope that Artell has a positive impact in more of our youngsters' prospects, I think it's important to keep in mind the difference in our academy and Crewe's. They're a category two academy versus ours being a three so probably spend a few million a year on theirs. As such the baseline for that crop of youngsters that he brought through was much higher than ours is and has ever been. They'll have been better players to start with and you'd imagine that after the Manchester clubs that Crewe are one of, if not the most appealing prospect in the area given their track record for getting younger players onto the pitch. I know you're not suggesting that all the above Town prospects plus 4 or 5 others will break through, but I do think we need to temper our expectations. Even if one (not counting Conteh or Khouri in that btw) breaks through and becomes a regular then I think we'll have done well. Anything more will be very good. What I do think is apparent though is that if one manager is gonna give that a crack then it'll be Artell.
While I do hope that Artell has a positive impact in more of our youngsters' prospects, I think it's important to keep in mind the difference in our academy and Crewe's. They're a category two academy versus ours being a three so probably spend a few million a year on theirs. As such the baseline for that crop of youngsters that he brought through was much higher than ours is and has ever been. They'll have been better players to start with and you'd imagine that after the Manchester clubs that Crewe are one of, if not the most appealing prospect in the area given their track record for getting younger players onto the pitch. I know you're not suggesting that all the above Town prospects plus 4 or 5 others will break through, but I do think we need to temper our expectations. Even if one (not counting Conteh or Khouri in that btw) breaks through and becomes a regular then I think we'll have done well. Anything more will be very good. What I do think is apparent though is that if one manager is gonna give that a crack then it'll be Artell.
The lads we have right now are probably the best bunch we've had in a very long time. Cameron Gardner already has a pro, Harvey Cribb has already played 15 odd games in L2 for Scunthorpe. Shakeel Brown is a very exciting talent among many others so it's very promising for Artell to be in charge.
The lads we have right now are probably the best bunch we've had in a very long time. Cameron Gardner already has a pro, Harvey Cribb has already played 15 odd games in L2 for Scunthorpe. Shakeel Brown is a very exciting talent among many others so it's very promising for Artell to be in charge.
Am I right in thinking Grayson Giles is the other young lad we've taken on from Scunny, who has been ridiculously prolific at youth level? I think he's a bit younger than those above, but sounded like a very good prospect going off what (relatively little) I've heard about him.
Am I right in thinking Grayson Giles is the other young lad we've taken on from Scunny, who has been ridiculously prolific at youth level? I think he's a bit younger than those above, but sounded like a very good prospect going off what (relatively little) I've heard about him.
Yeah, another very good talent. From what i've been told, is our youth recruitment is much improved and we're casting our net further afield to bring players in.
I think Neil Woods transitioned a few youth team players to the first team in his time at Walsall, and a few when academy manager last time he was in charge of our youth team, and it looks like that is about to bear fruit with us now.
Watching the youth team highlights, aa handful of players look pretty good, and Gradener looks a big strong lad already, and is a good finisher. Think he has a real chance of first team football in the not too distant future.
We do seem to be attracting a better quality of youth player now.
That was the end of the Dario Gradi conveyor belt. I doubt any lower league club will produce youth of that calibre, consistently, ever again.
I donāt think it would be possible nowadays. As soon as a kid looks half decent they end up being taken off the lower league club and shoved into a massive pot in a premier league or championship club and most of them never seen again and a lot of them never get the same opportunity as they would by staying where they are. Unfortunately, the lure of money, even at that age, or parents who canāt see the big picture make it an almost impossible situation for them to refuse.
I thought we'd signed decent players in the summer and we still possibly did. I'm not sure how we went from looking half decent in pre-season to a basket case by the end of September.
have a look at his promotion winning squad - astonishing rate of success for the youngsters in it.
currently playing in the Championship - Perry Ng, Harry Pickering, Ryan Wintle currently playing at good League 1 sides - Charlie Kirk (sold for Ā£500,000), Tom lowery, Owen Dale (undisclosed, but had been valued at a million, although it was much less)
I thought we'd signed decent players in the summer and we still possibly did. I'm not sure how we went from looking half decent in pre-season to a basket case by the end of September.
Yeah, another very good talent. From what i've been told, is our youth recruitment is much improved and we're casting our net further afield to bring players in.
We got Harvey Cribb and Finley Abraham who are 2nd years and Brayson Giles who is a 1st year. Brayson is generally on the bench and is a bit raw at the moment but potentially could be really good next season as struggled this season when up against big strong defenders.
Am I right in thinking Grayson Giles is the other young lad we've taken on from Scunny, who has been ridiculously prolific at youth level? I think he's a bit younger than those above, but sounded like a very good prospect going off what (relatively little) I've heard about him.
Yes Grayson Giles is 16 Iāve seen heās scored 5 in his last 5 games and think heās only started two of them so looks a good prospect.
True. Cartwright is doing fine, and Eastwood might have had his nerves shattered by the poor defence we put up. DA needs time to form an opinion.
In which case, I'm sorry but I would question his mental strength. A three year deal as well I believe. Will end up paying him off and it will be expensive. Hope he proves me wrong.
In which case, I'm sorry but I would question his mental strength. A three year deal as well I believe. Will end up paying him off and it will be expensive. Hope he proves me wrong.
Artell signed center-back who has also played at right-back Omar Beckles (link) when Crewe finished 12th in League One. He then went to Leyton Orient and played every game in their promotion season from League Two. Maybe Beckles will be on Artells radar, as he's not really played any games since September for Orient, only one game in the FL Trophy in November.
Not sure where or what we need to bring in as I feel this squad is good enough to move up the table but I'm sure DA will know exactly what he wants by January. Utm
Near impossible to predict what Artell will want and indeed try to bring in. He's had such little time with this squad to assess and work with. In the space of just over a week our style of play has completely changed. Someone like Hunt has come in and thrown a massive marker down for him to stay in the team. Mullarkey showing something like his very early season form.
It's about confidence rather than ability for a lot of this squad. If Artell can improve those confidence levels the need to bring new faces in completely lessens, certainly in terms of numbers anyway. Difficult to definitively say so after just two games, but this squad seems far more suited to Artell's approach than Hurst's. The previous views of certain players needing to be moved on will completely adjust based on the new style of play.
Equally so a one-in-one-out policy does tie hands a little too. But I think going forward we're going to see very little change. The three strikers are all doing fairly well, Khan and Gnahoua look to suit this approach and there's Ainley who he's worked with before and would be a surprise if he's not involved heavily once fully fit. Then there's Vernam, who can't be far off a return and on paper at least may be someone who really flourishes with open and expansive football.
I can't imagine Artell is someone who will want a set anchor in midfield. We've already seen Conteh and definitely Hunt playing with a bit more freedom going forward. Perhaps it'll be a case of using Green in that role when needed rather than having someone defaulting there.
It's at the back where I think we're going to see any movement. Amos, unless he's injured, is completely out the picture and I can't see him displacing Glennon again. If Glennon is unavailable, Clifton and Khouri can cover there. I think someone like Amos going out might open up the possibility of bringing another centre-back in. I'm keen to see Rodgers and Maher get back to their early season form, but I think we need something a bit more extra in there. Someone a bit more physical but mobile with it too, which Waterfall isn't. Omar Beckles is actually a great shout from Nelly.
Regards Cartwright, unless I'm missing something he's looking absolutely fine. His early cup form was worrying but since coming into the side he's being a huge upgrade. I do get that there's a couple of goals where he might have done better at but that's the nature of a young goalkeeper learning his trade. When Dean Henderson was here he managed to let in at least two soft goals in only seven goals.
Like most managers I'm sure Artell will already have a list of core players that he's worked with before and values what they bring beyond just their footballing ability. The Shaun Pearson types of the world if you like.
Near impossible to predict what Artell will want and indeed try to bring in. He's had such little time with this squad to assess and work with. In the space of just over a week our style of play has completely changed. Someone like Hunt has come in and thrown a massive marker down for him to stay in the team. Mullarkey showing something like his very early season form.
It's about confidence rather than ability for a lot of this squad. If Artell can improve those confidence levels the need to bring new faces in completely lessens, certainly in terms of numbers anyway. Difficult to definitively say so after just two games, but this squad seems far more suited to Artell's approach than Hurst's. The previous views of certain players needing to be moved on will completely adjust based on the new style of play.
Equally so a one-in-one-out policy does tie hands a little too. But I think going forward we're going to see very little change. The three strikers are all doing fairly well, Khan and Gnahoua look to suit this approach and there's Ainley who he's worked with before and would be a surprise if he's not involved heavily once fully fit. Then there's Vernam, who can't be far off a return and on paper at least may be someone who really flourishes with open and expansive football.
I can't imagine Artell is someone who will want a set anchor in midfield. We've already seen Conteh and definitely Hunt playing with a bit more freedom going forward. Perhaps it'll be a case of using Green in that role when needed rather than having someone defaulting there.
It's at the back where I think we're going to see any movement. Amos, unless he's injured, is completely out the picture and I can't see him displacing Glennon again. If Glennon is unavailable, Clifton and Khouri can cover there. I think someone like Amos going out might open up the possibility of bringing another centre-back in. I'm keen to see Rodgers and Maher get back to their early season form, but I think we need something a bit more extra in there. Someone a bit more physical but mobile with it too, which Waterfall isn't. Omar Beckles is actually a great shout from Nelly.
Regards Cartwright, unless I'm missing something he's looking absolutely fine. His early cup form was worrying but since coming into the side he's being a huge upgrade. I do get that there's a couple of goals where he might have done better at but that's the nature of a young goalkeeper learning his trade. When Dean Henderson was here he managed to let in at least two soft goals in only seven goals.
Like most managers I'm sure Artell will already have a list of core players that he's worked with before and values what they bring beyond just their footballing ability. The Shaun Pearson types of the world if you like. I'm sure
Good post.
I think he'll soon work out who he wants to work with and who he can afford to let go. If, as Andrew Pettit suggested, it's one in and one out, then I reckon it might be three or four changes in January.
Artell signed center-back who has also played at right-back Omar Beckles (link) when Crewe finished 12th in League One. He then went to Leyton Orient and played every game in their promotion season from League Two. Maybe Beckles will be on Artells radar, as he's not really played any games since September for Orient, only one game in the FL Trophy in November.
He's a good player, remember him playing against us for Accrington in their promotion season from L2. He was part of that Shrewsbury side that made the L1 playoff final under Hurst as well. He's like Toto from memory, more athletic and better on the ball than your average L2 CB.
I've wasted my life in black and white, a pathetic act for a worthless cause
I wonder where that leaves the work done by Joe Hutchinson over the months since the last window shut?
He would have been looking for players in that time, but DA may have different ideas on who and what he wants.
This is the conundrum isn't it? When one part of the chain breaks you may have to back track a bit.
I think this is why the owners wanted a manager with a definitive style, so that future managers and recruitment people will be singing from the same hymn sheet. At least as far as is practicable.
Far too often in the past the pendulum has swung too far in each direction and hopefully we will be on a more settled path in future.
Toto has left Fleetwood. Have him back in a heartbeat.
Batch, Crombie, Moore K, Wiggington, Cumming, Waters, Bonnyman, Ford, Emson, Drinkell, Whymark. Love you all, You are the reason I'm on here. You've had help from Todd, Handyside, Futcher P, Groves, Mendonca, Macca etc etc etc. Up The Mariners!!!!!!!!!
He's a good player, remember him playing against us for Accrington in their promotion season from L2. He was part of that Shrewsbury side that made the L1 playoff final under Hurst as well. He's like Toto from memory, more athletic and better on the ball than your average L2 CB.
I'm not necessarily suggesting either of Toto or Beckles, but for me the two standout gaps in our current squad is an athletic centre-half, and an athletic (ergo strong and tall) centre forward. I think that much was obvious before the start of the season, even if our subsequent decline in form surprised most of us.
That's not to say either type of player should be starting every week, but in this most horses for courses league of contrasting playing styles, combined height, strength and athleticism are characteristics we sorely lack in those key positions. If we can nail that, anything else would be a bonus in my opinion.
It will certainly be fascinating to see how this window plays out. I think it's fair to say that Hurst frustrated more than he excited in the past two January windows, so it will be interesting to get a better idea as to whether this was truly a case of challenging market conditions or obstinance on Hurst's part.
Near impossible to predict what Artell will want and indeed try to bring in. He's had such little time with this squad to assess and work with. In the space of just over a week our style of play has completely changed. Someone like Hunt has come in and thrown a massive marker down for him to stay in the team. Mullarkey showing something like his very early season form.
It's about confidence rather than ability for a lot of this squad. If Artell can improve those confidence levels the need to bring new faces in completely lessens, certainly in terms of numbers anyway. Difficult to definitively say so after just two games, but this squad seems far more suited to Artell's approach than Hurst's. The previous views of certain players needing to be moved on will completely adjust based on the new style of play.
Equally so a one-in-one-out policy does tie hands a little too. But I think going forward we're going to see very little change. The three strikers are all doing fairly well, Khan and Gnahoua look to suit this approach and there's Ainley who he's worked with before and would be a surprise if he's not involved heavily once fully fit. Then there's Vernam, who can't be far off a return and on paper at least may be someone who really flourishes with open and expansive football.
I can't imagine Artell is someone who will want a set anchor in midfield. We've already seen Conteh and definitely Hunt playing with a bit more freedom going forward. Perhaps it'll be a case of using Green in that role when needed rather than having someone defaulting there.
It's at the back where I think we're going to see any movement. Amos, unless he's injured, is completely out the picture and I can't see him displacing Glennon again. If Glennon is unavailable, Clifton and Khouri can cover there. I think someone like Amos going out might open up the possibility of bringing another centre-back in. I'm keen to see Rodgers and Maher get back to their early season form, but I think we need something a bit more extra in there. Someone a bit more physical but mobile with it too, which Waterfall isn't. Omar Beckles is actually a great shout from Nelly.
Regards Cartwright, unless I'm missing something he's looking absolutely fine. His early cup form was worrying but since coming into the side he's being a huge upgrade. I do get that there's a couple of goals where he might have done better at but that's the nature of a young goalkeeper learning his trade. When Dean Henderson was here he managed to let in at least two soft goals in only seven goals.
Like most managers I'm sure Artell will already have a list of core players that he's worked with before and values what they bring beyond just their footballing ability. The Shaun Pearson types of the world if you like.
The more I think about it, the more I think this "one in, one out" comment is a bit of a bluff to manage our expectations, and to stop agents/clubs holding us to ransom.
I think we will definitely sign a couple of players Artell has had a tune out of before, in the same way Hurst brought Coke, LJL and Pearson in as soon as he could.
Beckles is a great shout as he is a player Artell has had before and plays in a position we definitely need some more depth in.
I wonder where that leaves the work done by Joe Hutchinson over the months since the last window shut?
He would have been looking for players in that time, but DA may have different ideas on who and what he wants.
I suppose that depends on what brief the HoR was working towards, i.e. the pragmatic style favoured by Hurst or the style Stockwood has spoken about.
We will probably never get the answer but I would be interested to know which summer signings were identified by the HoR. Hopefully it was Rodgers and Conteh. Danny Rose doesn't need a HoR to identify him at this level, every manager in L2 should want him.
The more I think about it, the more I think this "one in, one out" comment is a bit of a bluff to manage our expectations, and to stop agents/clubs holding us to ransom.
I think we will definitely sign a couple of players Artell has had a tune out of before, in the same way Hurst brought Coke, LJL and Pearson in as soon as he could.
Beckles is a great shout as he is a player Artell has had before and plays in a position we definitely need some more depth in.
Iām 99.99% confident this is the case. Not to play into the hands of those āwhereās all the cup money goneā bores, but were we genuinely in a position of one out, one in, it would reek of some pretty abject recruitment on Hurstās part and some very poor and naive financial management on behalf of both he and the owners. I donāt believe this will ultimately prove to be the case; Hurst notoriously spent the clubās money as if it were his own and I donāt see a scenario where the owners would have sanctioned a full budget utilisation by the end of the summer.
Add to that the last window ended with a whimper. We tried, but failed, to bring in players towards its close. That budget, at the very minimum, should be there, and more in all likelihood. Yes, gates have been marginally lower than we might have forecast, but most of that money was already in the bank in the form of season ticket sales.
Given the way Artell has spoken about his reasons for taking the job and his reasons for turning down others, I very much doubt heād have taken us on if his hands were tied behind his back in the January window.
In which case, I'm sorry but I would question his mental strength. A three year deal as well I believe. Will end up paying him off and it will be expensive. Hope he proves me wrong.
Well yes but DA might want to approach it by fixing the situation, and not discarding him totally. A GK is in an invidious position in that all goals are blamed on him. However the whole team is attack and defence and not just the GK so allowing the opposition just to run through and take potshots can eventually wear down a GK's resilience. Yes that can be a "mental strength" issue, but to be fair the whole team suffered a "breakdown" of sorts on occasions from what I saw. Since PH left there has been a marked improvement, and yet another since DA came.
The other thing that might affect things (more so in 6 months time) is how the players react to Artell - there will be people who love his approach and equally others who prefer the Doig school of management, plus there will be winners and losers in Artell's assessment of the players. I am told we are interested in an out of contract player & it's rumoured he wants a ball playing centre half (not necessarily this first target)
The other thing that might affect things (more so in 6 months time) is how the players react to Artell - there will be people who love his approach and equally others who prefer the Doig school of management, plus there will be winners and losers in Artell's assessment of the players. I am told we are interested in an out of contract player & it's rumoured he wants a ball playing centre half (not necessarily this first target)
Who wouldnāt enjoy the Doig school of management, tbf.
Any names in the offing for the out of contract player, forza?
No, not even a position. Wouldn't it be lovely if it was Toto, but I think hes quite settled in the north west Wrexham was mentioned as a possibility for him. Youd imagine it's someone that Artell knows
No, not even a position. Wouldn't it be lovely if it was Toto, but I think hes quite settled in the north west Wrexham was mentioned as a possibility for him. Youd imagine it's someone that Artell knows
Would love for Toto to come here but for the life of me can't see him venturing back this way, or indeed here with how it ended.
Wrexham was my first thought when I saw he had left Fleetwood.
Based on nothing more conclusive than looking at who Artell has had relative success with before and is out of contract, I'm going to throw a name out there - Chuma Anene. Had a fairly successful season with Crewe under Artell's promotion winning side in 19/20. Looks an absolute unit.
Based on nothing more conclusive than looking at who Artell has had relative success with before and is out of contract, I'm going to throw a name out there - Chuma Anene. Had a fairly successful season with Crewe under Artell's promotion winning side in 19/20. Looks an absolute unit.
Big lad for sure, but if Wikipedia is correct on his career history, he hasn't had a club for 18 months and his last club was in the Cypriot second division. Would be quite left-field even with the Artell connection.
Big lad for sure, but if Wikipedia is correct on his career history, he hasn't had a club for 18 months and his last club was in the Cypriot second division. Would be quite left-field even with the Artell connection.
Spent those last 18 months brushing up on his NE Lincs dialect in preperation. Changed his name to Chuma Anenes
Aye, it would be a completely unexpected transfer and literally was based on me looking at one list and doing about four seconds Googling.
You were interested in Freddie Draper, 1 of our youngsters, in the Summer - He's been on loan at Walsall so far this season, I wonder if you may revisit that.
You were interested in Freddie Draper, 1 of our youngsters, in the Summer - He's been on loan at Walsall so far this season, I wonder if you may revisit that.
I was impressed with him when we played Walsall , decent hold up player , especially at his age .
I do wonder if Artell will have much to do with signings, his job title is head coach so that indicates that he may not have a lot to do with deciding who to sign, Artell may just instruct Joe Hutchinson what we need and then it us up to Joe to identify and sign these players?
I do wonder if Artell will have much to do with signings, his job title is head coach so that indicates that he may not have a lot to do with deciding who to sign, Artell may just instruct Joe Hutchinson what we need and then it us up to Joe to identify and sign these players?
The whole head coach/manager thing was cleared up by Jason in an interview. He effectively said that he made a mistake in calling it a head coach role. David Artell will have total control over signings.
I do wonder if Artell will have much to do with signings, his job title is head coach so that indicates that he may not have a lot to do with deciding who to sign, Artell may just instruct Joe Hutchinson what we need and then it us up to Joe to identify and sign these players?
I heard DA say in an interview that Holohan has a good future with GTFC.
ā¦ā¦ if he continues to play like he did when he came on. Unfortunately, as we all have witnessed, Gav is just very inconsistent both within a match itself or from game to game. Certainly capable of some very influential performances but they donāt happen often enough and thus I think he will remain a squad player until the end of the season and then move on.
ā¦ā¦ if he continues to play like he did when he came on. Unfortunately, as we all have witnessed, Gav is just very inconsistent both within a match itself or from game to game. Certainly capable of some very influential performances but they donāt happen often enough and thus I think he will remain a squad player until the end of the season and then move on.
yet he's the only midfielder we have who consistently turns up with goals and assists. ( and has done since the day he signed here) He is very underrated
yet he's the only midfielder we have who consistently turns up with goals and assists. ( and has done since the day he signed here) He is very underrated
Hartlepool didn't seem too bothered to let him go.
yet he's the only midfielder we have who consistently turns up with goals and assists. ( and has done since the day he signed here) He is very underrated
Completely agree. Might not always look pretty but I bet his ādataā is very good.
"Falls to Arnold... Arnold! That's it! Thats it! He's sealed it! Grimsby Town are back in the football league!!! Just a minute to go and Nathan Arnold makes it 3-1! Look at the scenes behind the goal! Look at the relief! The agony is finally over!!!"
John Tondeur - Wembley Stadium Sunday 15th May 2016
Even when he's having a bad game, Holohan never shys away. He had a bad one against Sutton recently but never stopped asking for the ball. I have a lot of respect for that.
Agree with others that's he's underrated too. Has that knack of ghosting into the right positions in the final third, although obviously has some technical limitations.
yet he's the only midfielder we have who consistently turns up with goals and assists. ( and has done since the day he signed here) He is very underrated
Has been known to slot in an important penalty now and then too......
One things for sure, Artell's shopping list is a little shorter than we all thought a few weeks ago. One or two of the players really starting to show what they can do.
funny really that there is recent criticism of Harry and Holohan and yet Hunt had a stinker at the weekend and no-one has hardly mentioned it
I think itās more that people realise hunt is a creative player who will more often than not unlock teams if he has a run of games and the managers confidence, and heās done just that in the previous games to Newport, who, basically bullied him and he struggled to have his usual effectiveness. Heāll hopefully learn from the game and improve his decision making in that type of game or the manager will play a different set up.
I was there, the day Bradley Wood scored a 35 yarder!
From the black and white striped shirts To the fish in the sea You'll hear us singing Coz we are Grimsby.
You won't hear us crying But you'll hear us shout Coz we are the Grimsby And this is our chant.......... Grimsby! Grimsby! Grimsby!
I wonder if there's a scenario that means we won't see much movement in January 1) I think January is generally regarded as not the best time to be recruiting players for the long term 2) Artell has only had a limited amount of time to work with the existing players and to work out what he might need 3) He keeps saying about how pleasantly surprised he's been with what he's inherited. 4) he's further said that he's also been very pleased with their willingness to take on board his approach 5) it would appear that we are pretty safe from relegation, so he almost has a 6 month 'free hit', especially with our benign ownership 6) We can see how a number of players have improved within a couple of weeks; how good will those players (& others presumably) look by the end of the season? 7) with Khouri, Efete & Vernham becoming available, that's almost like 3 new signings 8 ) maybe , by keeping his powder dry, and his budget tight, he will get a lot more bang for his buck in the summer
Having said all that he'll probably get rid of 8 and get 7 in
I wonder if there's a scenario that means we won't see much movement in January 1) I think January is generally regarded as not the best time to be recruiting players for the long term 2) Artell has only had a limited amount of time to work with the existing players and to work out what he might need 3) He keeps saying about how pleasantly surprised he's been with what he's inherited. 4) he's further said that he's also been very pleased with their willingness to take on board his approach 5) it would appear that we are pretty safe from relegation, so he almost has a 6 month 'free hit', especially with our benign ownership 6) We can see how a number of players have improved within a couple of weeks; how good will those players (& others presumably) look by the end of the season? 7) with Khouri, Efete & Vernham becoming available, that's almost like 3 new signings 8 ) maybe , by keeping his powder dry, and his budget tight, he will get a lot more bang for his buck in the summer
Having said all that he'll probably get rid of 8 and get 7 in
All good points:- plus
9) No extra cup games this year to stretch resources 10) Stated need for some players to leave to make room for incomers.
9) No extra cup games this year to stretch resources 10) Stated need for some players to leave to make room for incomers.
Possible plus - the way our youth are going could we see some appearances off the bench - at least for Cam?
With the ship steadied Iām expecting a quieter window. But as a minimum we surely need cover for Rose and at CB, which could be half season loans given the recent progress.
Possible plus - the way our youth are going could we see some appearances off the bench - at least for Cam?
With the ship steadied Iām expecting a quieter window. But as a minimum we surely need cover for Rose and at CB, which could be half season loans given the recent progress.
Yeah thats what I think, we've improved in lots of areas, but the need for reinforcements at CB and striker are just as glaring.
9) No extra cup games this year to stretch resources 10) Stated need for some players to leave to make room for incomers.
Much is made of this " one out for one to come in" but this could also include any loan players going back . It could also be any players whose contracts are up at the end of the season and being informed that they will be released, possibly early if they can find a new club.
The Future is Black & White. "The commonest thing on this planet is not water , as some people believe, but stupidity ". Frank Zappa
Much is made of this " one out for one to come in" but this could also include any loan players going back . It could also be any players whose contracts are up at the end of the season and being informed that they will be released, possibly early if they can find a new club.
We only have two loanees though, Cartwright and Andrews.
I agree that I think he's shown some good stuff in fits and starts. His attitude seems decent, he has some ability and isn't worried about a bit of hard work. The problem is that he's 21 and he's barely played any senior football. He'll almost certainly develop into a decent player at this level (or the one above), but it could take a few years for him to play enough games to develop. It wouldn't surprise me to see him getting some more game time, but it wouldn't surprise me if he didn't! Depends on injuries, I expect. We've got a lot of central midfielders on the books at the moment and there are only so many places in the team.
Wouldnāt be surprised to see Andrews go back. Seemed like a bit an end-of-window squad filler and hasnāt really done a great deal for me.
I wouldn't be surprised either. DA needs to build for the future and you can't really do that with a loan player unless there is a chance of that player becoming a permanent signing.We do have signed midfielders who can play that role.
The Future is Black & White. "The commonest thing on this planet is not water , as some people believe, but stupidity ". Frank Zappa
With Andrews, whilst I think he's a decent option and will develop into a good player, he's going to be the easiest for Artell to move on to create abit of room in the squad. He's probably down the pecking order in terms of ability (currently) compared to other options in midfield so won't be surprised to see abit of room freed up there in January.
Also, if you think of it this way, I find it hard to guess who he would move on from our current midfielders that belong to us. Think they all offer something but sense he will want an additional midfielder in anyway, hence Andrews probably moves on. Clifton - workrate and energy, Holohan - experience and goals, Green - a bit of bite and graft, Hunt - quality on the ball, Conteh - just different level. Khouri - potential. Possibly out of those maybe Holohan most at risk..
With Andrews, whilst I think he's a decent option and will develop into a good player, he's going to be the easiest for Artell to move on to create abit of room in the squad. He's probably down the pecking order in terms of ability (currently) compared to other options in midfield so won't be surprised to see abit of room freed up there in January.
Also, if you think of it this way, I find it hard to guess who he would move on from our current midfielders that belong to us. Think they all offer something but sense he will want an additional midfielder in anyway, hence Andrews probably moves on. Clifton - workrate and energy, Holohan - experience and goals, Green - a bit of bite and graft, Hunt - quality on the ball, Conteh - just different level. Khouri - potential. Possibly out of those maybe Holohan most at risk..
To counteract that point, Iād say khouri could be loaned out to a Vauxhall conference/blue square prem (or what itās called these days) til the end of the season with a view of playing more of a role season 24/25. Heās got great potential and was obviously flourishing with PH so am pretty sure that he will progress further with the input from DA.
To counteract that point, Iād say khouri could be loaned out to a Vauxhall conference/blue square prem (or what itās called these days) til the end of the season with a view of playing more of a role season 24/25. Heās got great potential and was obviously flourishing with PH so am pretty sure that he will progress further with the input from DA.
Hoping that's there thinking aswell , they have talked about a pathway into the first team and half a season at Vauxhall Conference level would do him the world of good - he would probably thrive as he's already a very good player - next season I would love to see a midfield 3 of Hunt,Khouri and Conteh it could and should be exceptional at this level with the right style of play IMO.
Disagree with you mate. I think he has looked a level or two above on occasions
He has made a few mistakes but I feel there is a pretty decent player in there with a bit more experience.
Maybe so but when you look at some of the young players weāve had on loan from Champ/Prem clubs - Embleton, Benson, Glennon, Townsend, Smith, even people like Matete and Menayese from L1, I just think we could be utilising a loan space more effectively or bringing on Khouri or Hunt. He does offer us some physicality but so does Green, who wasnāt available at the start of the season.
With Andrews, whilst I think he's a decent option and will develop into a good player, he's going to be the easiest for Artell to move on to create abit of room in the squad. He's probably down the pecking order in terms of ability (currently) compared to other options in midfield so won't be surprised to see abit of room freed up there in January.
Also, if you think of it this way, I find it hard to guess who he would move on from our current midfielders that belong to us. Think they all offer something but sense he will want an additional midfielder in anyway, hence Andrews probably moves on. Clifton - workrate and energy, Holohan - experience and goals, Green - a bit of bite and graft, Hunt - quality on the ball, Conteh - just different level. Khouri - potential. Possibly out of those maybe Holohan most at risk..
I'm not sure I see a world in which Green plays much in an Artell side - seeing how he's set us up already, and listening to him talk about how we want to play, I dont think Green is going to be mobile enough or more importantly, good enough on the ball.
Maybe so but when you look at some of the young players weāve had on loan from Champ/Prem clubs - Embleton, Benson, Glennon, Townsend, Smith, even people like Matete and Menayese from L1, I just think we could be utilising a loan space more effectively or bringing on Khouri or Hunt. He does offer us some physicality but so does Green, who wasnāt available at the start of the season.
When we get an Embleton, Townsend, Smith, Mate, Paterson, the loan system is great. But when we get a Dickson-Peters, Simmonds, People and many others, it's a waste of time and I can't help but think some of our own are better than them.
I feel that Khouri has been held back as someone who is good enough to be around the first team which has prevented him going out on loan, but he is also very inexperienced and needs games. A few months of regular football at the right club, under a good manager, would do him the world of good and really benefit us I think.
With Andrews, whilst I think he's a decent option and will develop into a good player, he's going to be the easiest for Artell to move on to create abit of room in the squad. He's probably down the pecking order in terms of ability (currently) compared to other options in midfield so won't be surprised to see abit of room freed up there in January.
Also, if you think of it this way, I find it hard to guess who he would move on from our current midfielders that belong to us. Think they all offer something but sense he will want an additional midfielder in anyway, hence Andrews probably moves on. Clifton - workrate and energy, Holohan - experience and goals, Green - a bit of bite and graft, Hunt - quality on the ball, Conteh - just different level. Khouri - potential. Possibly out of those maybe Holohan most at risk..
In a recent interview, DA said that Holohan has a future at GTFC..
The Future is Black & White. "The commonest thing on this planet is not water , as some people believe, but stupidity ". Frank Zappa
When we get an Embleton, Townsend, Smith, Mate, Paterson, the loan system is great. But when we get a Dickson-Peters, Simmonds, People and many others, it's a waste of time and I can't help but think some of our own are better than them.
I feel that Khouri has been held back as someone who is good enough to be around the first team which has prevented him going out on loan, but he is also very inexperienced and needs games. A few months of regular football at the right club, under a good manager, would do him the world of good and really benefit us I think.
But surely the loans that don't work are a reflection on the manager who brought them here?
The Future is Black & White. "The commonest thing on this planet is not water , as some people believe, but stupidity ". Frank Zappa
I find it interesting the midfield is the most discussed area on this thread. To me itās where we have most depth and I like all of the players individually. Think the challenge for Artell will be getting the right combination in there.
If we could merge the strengths each individual has into one player heād be a superstar!
Holohan and Clifton at their best have the gift of scoring goals and making a difference in games. Green wins a lot of the ball and I think is technically better than sometimes made out. Conteh does the stuff Green does and also uses the ball well in tight spaces and is positionally good. Hunt moves the ball well but hasnāt scored the goals/made the assists of Holohan and Clifton (that Barnet game apart). Andrews and Khouri seem to do a bit of everything.
I get the argument that Hunt, Khouri, and Conteh could be the future. Iām uncomfortable with that at the moment though because none of them have changed games when weāve needed it. Back to the old argument of end product and I still value Holohan and Clifton to give us more of that at the moment and would tend to want one of them at the pitch at least this season.
I would expect that Charlie Kirk is already lined up with his next Club - youāre not just going to terminate your contract and force yourself into unemployment without a plan.
Iād put a wager on him being the first through the door!!
I would expect that Charlie Kirk is already lined up with his next Club - youāre not just going to terminate your contract and force yourself into unemployment without a plan.
Iād put a wager on him being the first through the door!!
True, you donāt terminate before a window unless youāve probably already got something lined up.
I would guess though he hasnāt walked a way with nothing. Bet heās got a proportion of the remainder of his deal, works for both parties - Charlton can save some of the contract amount and Kirk can move on elsewhere.
Whether itās here, who knows but we maybe just making the easy connection. Heās been let go by a club in mid (ish) table above, itās not a massive drop tbh.
Itās only 11 days before the window. He probably just fancied Boxing Day snaffling round a tin of Roses rather than running around in the cold. A wise decision.
I would expect that Charlie Kirk is already lined up with his next Club - youāre not just going to terminate your contract and force yourself into unemployment without a plan.
Iād put a wager on him being the first through the door!!
Question 1) half million pound player at big League 1 club - what wages do you think he'd be on? Question 2) how much does a team in 18th-20th place in div 2 pay?
answer - not enough to be able to afford the answer to question 1. Dream on.....
True, you donāt terminate before a window unless youāve probably already got something lined up.
I would guess though he hasnāt walked a way with nothing. Bet heās got a proportion of the remainder of his deal, works for both parties - Charlton can save some of the contract amount and Kirk can move on elsewhere.
Whether itās here, who knows but we maybe just making the easy connection. Heās been let go by a club in mid (ish) table above, itās not a massive drop tbh.
In the corporate world āmutual agreementā generally means a compromise agreement, with only a couple of weeks to go before the window opens why would you pay someone off when they could go at no real cost.
"Crombie you would have got to that if you weren't such a fat ba%$@rd" - George Kerr, inspiration from the dug out 70s styleĀ Ā
It looks like Charlie Kirk needs to kick start his career, where better than at Grimsby with the Manager who made him the prospect he was before he went to Charlton.
Will have a bit in the bank (wage/pay off) so money (wage) may not be a problem.
If the football is bad you can always watch the gulls.
Question 1) half million pound player at big League 1 club - what wages do you think he'd be on? Question 2) how much does a team in 18th-20th place in div 2 pay?
answer - not enough to be able to afford the answer to question 1. Dream on.....
Based on the financial publications for Charlton, the Charlton weekly payroll is somewhere in the region of 90-100k a week. 28 first team players which would average it at around 3-3.5 a week. Some big players in the squad that would be on much higher than Kirk and above the 3.5 average. Given that Kirk came from Crewe as a youngster i'd imagine he wasn't being paid a substantial amount... I'd imagine his wages weren't exactly extreme and probably well within our scope.
If we end up signing that little known French full-back Alain-Louis Picard then we know Artell's on the wind-up!
Charlie Kirk would be a statement signing and half at this level. But for the life of me I can't see it. Didn't work out at Charlton but his stock is surely too high for us still...isn't it? We're also very heavily stocked in wide areas and with Vernam to come back in the fold too. Would definitely require at least one to go I would think.
3 of his last 4 tweets have been retweets of GTFC that have related to Callum Ainley, perhaps desperate to rekindle their partnership under Artell. We can but hope.
Purely a hunch but think Khan will be on his way this January .
I agree. A friend who is a Mansfield fan did say before he signed, thereās all this trickery but not a lot of end product. I feel this is accurate here too. Heās very similar to Erico Sousa regarding the end product and often makes the wrong decision. Iām not totally against this.
I agree. A friend who is a Mansfield fan did say before he signed, thereās all this trickery but not a lot of end product. I feel this is accurate here too. Heās very similar to Erico Sousa regarding the end product and often makes the wrong decision. Iām not totally against this.
Likewise. Looked good for a while last season but didn't make a great start to this season. Don't like to say it but looks a bit of a journeyman.
I get the argument against Khan's end product but for me he's a better footballer than Eisa. Much tidier and more comfortable in possession. Probably the most technically proficient of all our wide attacking players, so on that basis I could see him fitting into an Artell squad. Have mentioned this before recently, but for me he's also a much better partner down that left hand side for Glennon than Eisa as he actually covers him. The lack of end product with Khan is something inexplicable though, he has all the attributes to have better goal/assist stats but he seldom seems to find space in the box to get a key pass or a shot off. One of my favourite things about him is his ability wriggle/pass his way out of tight spots in midfield, but he also finds himself in these same spots in the opposition penalty box. It's like he's a magnet for opposition players at times. I don't think he's a particularly easy player to deploy but I think if we can properly crack how to use him there's a quality L2 player there. I just feel like we've only seen glimpses of that so far.
I get the argument against Khan's end product but for me he's a better footballer than Eisa. Much tidier and more comfortable in possession. Probably the most technically proficient of all our wide attacking players, so on that basis I could see him fitting into an Artell squad. Have mentioned this before recently, but for me he's also a much better partner down that left hand side for Glennon than Eisa as he actually covers him. The lack of end product with Khan is something inexplicable though, he has all the attributes to have better goal/assist stats but he seldom seems to find space in the box to get a key pass or a shot off. One of my favourite things about him is his ability wriggle/pass his way out of tight spots in midfield, but he also finds himself in these same spots in the opposition penalty box. It's like he's a magnet for opposition players at times. I don't think he's a particularly easy player to deploy but I think if we can properly crack how to use him there's a quality L2 player there. I just feel like we've only seen glimpses of that so far.
Donāt get this at all. Khan has been available for less games then Eisa and when heās played heās done less. Never thought of Grimsby as being a hotbed for romantics who think being some kind of undefinable technically good footballer who does nice things is more important than someone who turns up and creates or scores goals. Sure I like pretty football but I value the players making a difference over some form of pretty potential that doesnāt turn into anything tangible. Would far prefer a win than a where weāve looked good and dropped points against crap teams. See Crawley, Colchester, Sutton, Newport, Forest Green etc etc.win those and weāre in the play offs.
Looked good was the wrong wording. More a case of seeing the opposition are poor and a good league 2 team would have got 3 points. Fed up with excuses and finding reasons to see potential.
The problem we have with Khan is his flourishing International career is taking him away far too often than is useful for us. I think at one point this season he had played more times for Pakistan than for Town. And even when he is available for us, he doesnt appear in the starting XI too often.
I would rather have a constant performing starting XI type player in the team than a part-time International bit part player.
I get the argument against Khan's end product but for me he's a better footballer than Eisa. Much tidier and more comfortable in possession. Probably the most technically proficient of all our wide attacking players, so on that basis I could see him fitting into an Artell squad. Have mentioned this before recently, but for me he's also a much better partner down that left hand side for Glennon than Eisa as he actually covers him. The lack of end product with Khan is something inexplicable though, he has all the attributes to have better goal/assist stats but he seldom seems to find space in the box to get a key pass or a shot off. One of my favourite things about him is his ability wriggle/pass his way out of tight spots in midfield, but he also finds himself in these same spots in the opposition penalty box. It's like he's a magnet for opposition players at times. I don't think he's a particularly easy player to deploy but I think if we can properly crack how to use him there's a quality L2 player there. I just feel like we've only seen glimpses of that so far.
You think Khan is a better footballer and wide player than Eisa/Gnahoua/Vernam ? This is Otis Khan that hasnāt contributed an assist for us since October of last year. His last actual contribution was NYD against Stockport.. thatās 11 months ago. Khan very much flatters to deceive and has done in his time here. Eisa is very much a better option out wide purely down to the threat he posses from range and his ability to score goals. Arthur is the best footballer out the lot, you can see by the way he keeps the ball so close to him and the way he glides with it heās got that touch of class. Massively underrated. Charles I think is the best winger at the club and I think will flourish under DA.
Based on the interview DA did with Matt Dean, iād expect 3/4 players to leave the club in January. Seems he doesnāt want to be keeping players round for the sake of it if they arenāt going to be involved and has targets in mind. Says heāll be having discussions with certain players about January which indicates players moving on. I think Amos, Khan, Green? , Waterfall could all potentially leave. When asked about Charlie Kirk he said we have an abundance of wide options but doesnāt want to overload in one area and leave us short in another. I definitely expect to see movement in the wide areas and central midfield and us bringing in another centre half.
Eisa for me has been wholly underwhelming goals apart but still decent. nothing needs to change on the left side , doubt there will be any changes there. right wing needs a top up tho. Arthur been very good for us.
The problem we have with Khan is his flourishing International career is taking him away far too often than is useful for us. I think at one point this season he had played more times for Pakistan than for Town. And even when he is available for us, he doesnt appear in the starting XI too often.
I would rather have a constant performing starting XI type player in the team than a part-time International bit part player.
That would be a problem for any potential buying club aswell though surely as it would be clubs lower down who probably can't carry a player that will be missing for a quarter of league games or whatever it is.
I actually thought Khan did really well in the Morecambe and MK games tbf though .
Charlie Kirk is now available on a free transferā¦
Potential new captain......
......I'll get my coat.
"The socialism I believe in is everybody working for the same goal and everybody having a share in the rewards. Thatās how I see football, thatās how I see life.ā Bill Shankly
Donāt get this at all. Khan has been available for less games then Eisa and when heās played heās done less. Never thought of Grimsby as being a hotbed for romantics who think being some kind of undefinable technically good footballer who does nice things is more important than someone who turns up and creates or scores goals. Sure I like pretty football but I value the players making a difference over some form of pretty potential that doesnāt turn into anything tangible. Would far prefer a win than a where weāve looked good and dropped points against crap teams. See Crawley, Colchester, Sutton, Newport, Forest Green etc etc.win those and weāre in the play offs.
I don't think wanting to see players in your team who are comfortable on the ball when you've just brought a manager in who wants to play the ball on the deck is necessarily an indicator of romanticism. I'd argue that Khan does bring a tangible difference in that he offers an outlet for other players way more than Eisa and brings the best out of those within his immediate vicinity on the pitch in Glennon, Hunt, Conteh and Rose. As I've said, I don't think Khan is perfect by any stretch. Far from it, lots to improve for sure. And you're right goals are massive, but outside of the rocket Eisa brings to the table very three or four matches, I personally don't think he brings enough. Admittedly, he was excellent against Crewe and I'd be delighted if that's the standard we'll be seeing going forward. Perhaps we've just got completely different outlooks on football though, as I can't agree at all with what you've said about not valuing potential. Also those five matches you've mentioned, pretty sure Eisa started three or four of those. Scored against Crawley too actually, so his goals don't always bring about a tangible difference.
You think Khan is a better footballer and wide player than Eisa/Gnahoua/Vernam ? This is Otis Khan that hasnāt contributed an assist for us since October of last year. His last actual contribution was NYD against Stockport.. thatās 11 months ago. Khan very much flatters to deceive and has done in his time here. Eisa is very much a better option out wide purely down to the threat he posses from range and his ability to score goals. Arthur is the best footballer out the lot, you can see by the way he keeps the ball so close to him and the way he glides with it heās got that touch of class. Massively underrated. Charles I think is the best winger at the club and I think will flourish under DA.
No, I didn't say that at all. I said I thought he was probably the most technically proficient of all our wide attacking players. I used the word probably because I think it's tight between him and Gnahoua. That doesn't mean I think those two are the best wingers though. If we see the Vernam of old, he offers us something exciting in that he's more of your traditional get to the byline type winger but I think there are question marks over him, but hopefully his stuttering pre-injury start was down to the system Hurst was trying to implement.
Interesting though that your argument against Khan is lack of contribution, yet you rate Gnahoua highly who has one assist and no goals to his name in seventeen league appearances this season.
Eisa for me has been wholly underwhelming goals apart but still decent. nothing needs to change on the left side , doubt there will be any changes there. right wing needs a top up tho. Arthur been very good for us.
"Goals apart'"? That's the whole point of the game and Eisa makes things happen; whereas Khan doesn't much. It was the same with Sousa: looked easy on the eye but didn't produce.
Listening to DA in his pre match, he definitely sounds like Kirk is on his radar.
"Goals apart'"? That's the whole point of the game and Eisa makes things happen; whereas Khan doesn't much. It was the same with Sousa: looked easy on the eye but didn't produce.
Listening to DA in his pre match, he definitely sounds like Kirk is on his radar.
Agreed. Eisa has brought some great goals and those that have secured points. I always feel that Otis usually makes the choice of a shot on occasions where an assist would likely deliver a certain goal. Very similar to Erico in that manner.
As for Charlie Kirk, DA sounded as though there may be more to it than just someone linking his release and their Crewe connection. He also said in the Full interview that they have āa fewā firm plans in place.
I do think weāll see the exit for Amos, Waterfall, Eastwood, Khan and maybe Efete.
Agreed. Eisa has brought some great goals and those that have secured points. I always feel that Otis usually makes the choice of a shot on occasions where an assist would likely deliver a certain goal. Very similar to Erico in that manner.
As for Charlie Kirk, DA sounded as though there may be more to it than just someone linking his release and their Crewe connection. He also said in the Full interview that they have āa fewā firm plans in place.
I do think weāll see the exit for Amos, Waterfall, Eastwood, Khan and maybe Efete.
Personally would keep efete, i think he's done well when he's played, and was playing until his injury
Personally would keep efete, i think he's done well when he's played, and was playing until his injury
I think heās strongest when he is in the attacking phase, often very weak and often poor positioning with his defending - I think itās an area we could definitely improve on.
"Goals apart'"? That's the whole point of the game and Eisa makes things happen; whereas Khan doesn't much. It was the same with Sousa: looked easy on the eye but didn't produce.
Listening to DA in his pre match, he definitely sounds like Kirk is on his radar.
I suspect Kirk is on the radar, though I don't know much about him from what I understand and people's views he'll have options and probably wouldn't have canned his last club if those options are "probable" where joining Town may be a "possible" finance permitting of course.
Clearly they'll be some honest conversations with some players as we approach January but I'm still not expecting wholesale change but would like to see us strengthen at CB and at least one more striking option. I really like Khan BTW but his injury record is something that gets in the way of me saying he's a must keep.
I thought DAs comment about not waiting to start a conversation with out of contract player until April was interesting and encouraging.
"Crombie you would have got to that if you weren't such a fat ba%$@rd" - George Kerr, inspiration from the dug out 70s styleĀ Ā
Listening to DA in his pre match, he definitely sounds like Kirk is on his radar.
I might be reading a little too much between the lines, but I have a feeling there might already have been a deal done on that front. Players tend to agree to mutual contract terminations once theyāve got something lined-up.
Arguably the position on the pitch weāre least in need of reinforcement, but he looks like he would be a very good signing on paper. 35 appearances in League One last season, and was playing in the Champonship the season before. Only 25. Probably too good an opportunity to turn down, if heās indeed available to us.
Really??!! Always seems to be poor positioning, nervous when he has the ball in the RB position too. I think Toby is far better than him. Far better!
Totally agree. Efete seems to lose concentration and is often caught a yard or two out of position when defending. He is at his best going forward but seems to lack the confidence to take on a defender. I prefer Toby at RB as I think he is a much better defender.
The Future is Black & White. "The commonest thing on this planet is not water , as some people believe, but stupidity ". Frank Zappa
Eisa has a far better end product than Khan but I do get where the argument goes about Khan as the better option.
The frustration with Eisa is that unless he scores, he generally offers nothing at all. I know, football is all about goals etc. etc. Khan is probably one of those players who managers and team-mates love because they see the space he creates for others, the covering he does, the way he makes himself available for easy passes...things we don't tend to see in the stands.
If you're an attack minded full-back with licence to go forward, it's Khan you want in front of you. Eisa isn't helping you out anytime soon whereas Khan will drop back to cover you or cut inside selfishly to create an opening for you. I think Khan's a very, very good footballer who is the end product away from an excellent footballer, alas he hasn't produced that for a year now which is why he's spent his career slumming it at this level.
He's one who I think will be on his way. We're overloaded out wide. Eisa, Gnahoua, Vernam, Ainley and then Wilson and Pyke who I don't really see Artell using centrally much unless really needed. That's six before you even consider this muted move for Charlie Kirk.
If Wilson and Pyke are considered wide players, that only really leaves Rose as a striker so I expect we'll see a genuine back-up to him probably at the expense of someone in central midfield. Can't see Andrews staying here, as others have said I think he's ok (started off better) but unless he's here for the long run I would rather develop one of our own than for someone else. Beggars can't always be choosers but unless it's a loan player who is going to significantly be an improvement on what we've got, I'm not that bothered about bringing them in ahead of our own young players.
Even with Andrews going back there's scope to move someone else on. Conteh, Hunt, Clifton, Khouri, Green and Holohan. Do we really need 6 to cover 3 slots?
If Efete or Amos go it'll be like-for-like as we'll lack cover. Same with Waterfall, but I can't see him going next month if only for a lack of experience in his absence. If he goes it leaves a big gap in the squad experience at this level. Rose has plenty of games under his belt but after him I think it's only Clifton, Rodgers and Gnahoua with more than 100 league appearances.
I might be reading a little too much between the lines, but I have a feeling there might already have been a deal done on that front. Players tend to agree to mutual contract terminations once theyāve got something lined-up.
Arguably the position on the pitch weāre least in need of reinforcement, but he looks like he would be a very good signing on paper. 35 appearances in League One last season, and was playing in the Champonship the season before. Only 25. Probably too good an opportunity to turn down, if heās indeed available to us.
I think Artell will want a couple of players he knows well in January, and Kirk fits that bill. He was under contract at Charlton until next summer on decent money, so if he has negotiated a decent proportion of that outstanding contract as his pay-off, he could quite feasibly think about coming here for less money to get his career back on track under a manager that sold him for a reported Ā£500k.
Eisa has a far better end product than Khan but I do get where the argument goes about Khan as the better option.
The frustration with Eisa is that unless he scores, he generally offers nothing at all. I know, football is all about goals etc. etc. Khan is probably one of those players who managers and team-mates love because they see the space he creates for others, the covering he does, the way he makes himself available for easy passes...things we don't tend to see in the stands.
If you're an attack minded full-back with licence to go forward, it's Khan you want in front of you. Eisa isn't helping you out anytime soon whereas Khan will drop back to cover you or cut inside selfishly to create an opening for you. I think Khan's a very, very good footballer who is the end product away from an excellent footballer, alas he hasn't produced that for a year now which is why he's spent his career slumming it at this level.
He's one who I think will be on his way. We're overloaded out wide. Eisa, Gnahoua, Vernam, Ainley and then Wilson and Pyke who I don't really see Artell using centrally much unless really needed. That's six before you even consider this muted move for Charlie Kirk.
If Wilson and Pyke are considered wide players, that only really leaves Rose as a striker so I expect we'll see a genuine back-up to him probably at the expense of someone in central midfield. Can't see Andrews staying here, as others have said I think he's ok (started off better) but unless he's here for the long run I would rather develop one of our own than for someone else. Beggars can't always be choosers but unless it's a loan player who is going to significantly be an improvement on what we've got, I'm not that bothered about bringing them in ahead of our own young players.
Even with Andrews going back there's scope to move someone else on. Conteh, Hunt, Clifton, Khouri, Green and Holohan. Do we really need 6 to cover 3 slots?
If Efete or Amos go it'll be like-for-like as we'll lack cover. Same with Waterfall, but I can't see him going next month if only for a lack of experience in his absence. If he goes it leaves a big gap in the squad experience at this level. Rose has plenty of games under his belt but after him I think it's only Clifton, Rodgers and Gnahoua with more than 100 league appearances.
It will surely be one of Holahan or Green who go from midfield if we make any changes - Clifton will get a new contract , and the younger 3 have relatively big resale value and fit the model we are following so to make room in there I can't see any other option .
I see Andrews going back and then either Gav or Green leaving in January - I get the sense from yesterdays interview Artell is honest ,knows what he wants and ruthless with what he wants .
"Goals apart'"? That's the whole point of the game and Eisa makes things happen; whereas Khan doesn't much. It was the same with Sousa: looked easy on the eye but didn't produce.
Listening to DA in his pre match, he definitely sounds like Kirk is on his radar.
Do you, or anyone else have a link to that interview please?
I do apologise I don't post as much as I used to anymore but always around to read the fantastic discussions and debates which we've always had on here.
So with the transfer window fast approaching and after yesterday dire performance at Home. Which I personally think has now shown Artell the problems we have within the squad.
So my question is basic what players or positions what you like to be addressed and what players do you think maybe Town should offload this window if possible?
I do apologise I don't post as much as I used to anymore but always around to read the fantastic discussions and debates which we've always had on here.
So with the transfer window fast approaching and after yesterday dire performance at Home. Which I personally think has now shown Artell the problems we have within the squad.
So my question is basic what players or positions what you like to be addressed and what players do you think maybe Town should offload this window if possible?
Merry Xmas
Not a keeper unless it's a back up - Cartwright is into double figures of good games (as good as any keeper in league 2 from what I have seen )
Right back - hmmm very conflicted , is it a priority or one that can wait until the summer? Left back - same as Cartwright ,Glennon has been very impressive the last 10 so we are fine there imo . CB- Difficult to judge we can't keep a clean sheet for toffee so it would suggest a change is needed but for most of Artell"s games Maher & Rodgers have looked okay at playing the ball out from the back barring yesterday .
Holding midfielder- Conteh is fine so no need to look there Central midfield - Hunt seems to be in favour but in the 2 more physical games he has struggled badly ; get the feeling Artell will stick with him and Clifton until the end of the season though trying to coach them .
LM/RM - overloaded , maybe if one goes out this lad he had from Crewe will come in + Vernam should be back in the new year
Up Top - Rose is doing well and will be 1st choice ,maybe room for a back up /plan B ?
I see 3 or 4 coming in maybe the ex Crewe lad , a centre back , another option up top and maybe even a right back .
I do apologise I don't post as much as I used to anymore but always around to read the fantastic discussions and debates which we've always had on here.
So with the transfer window fast approaching and after yesterday dire performance at Home. Which I personally think has now shown Artell the problems we have within the squad.
So my question is basic what players or positions what you like to be addressed and what players do you think maybe Town should offload this window if possible?
Merry Xmas
So how come you missed the already posted thread re David Artels January Transfer Window?
In the summer the owners were praised for giving players 2 and 3 year contracts something which generally doesnāt happen at League 2 level. Looks like a rookie mistake now.
Huge mistake giving long contracts to a players especially Vernham the guys a walking sicknote he was last time he was here they could be a half a million pound mistake for a three year deal. Any new players DA signs need to be taller than the midgets Hurst used to sign.
Huge mistake giving long contracts to a players especially Vernham the guys a walking sicknote he was last time he was here they could be a half a million pound mistake for a three year deal. Any new players DA signs need to be taller than the midgets Hurst used to sign.
Often said that size isnāt important but one of the major differences between the sides yesterday was how much physically stronger Harrogate were and that allowed them to win every one on one challenge. Amazes me, after listening to PHās interviews last season on how we lacked height, that this was not addressed during the summer. It was probably ironic that Alan Pouton was the guest yesterday exactly the type of player we require.
It's amazing isn't it that the only people who have supposedly heard this rumour of JS wanting out are the two posters on here who are most vocally against the new owners?
At the very least reporters should ask this and about one out one in policy muted by AP.
Maybe not liking running the club when the stars donāt align like in years 1&2 when they did just that.
No knowledge on this but heās certainly been tetchy in last few outings fans forum DN35 etc. . The only bouncy one on DN35 was Debbie and she is leaving!
The only way we're getting rid of players is by paying them up. If they're not good enough for us then they're only going to NL and will be paid less.
I've heard rumours that JS wants out, all together, not just as chairman. Can't see any money being put in if that's true.
Youāve done well to keep that quiet considering youāve not managed a post on here concerning the club for a month, and that was to call the managerial recruitment process āholier than thouā ššš
You definitely seem in the loop and certainly not unhinged with a personal vendetta against the owners.
Hope itās not true, Iāve not agreed with everything theyāve done but very much support what theyāre doing. Theyāre obviously a huge step up from their predecessor and have the clubās interests at heart.
Hope itās not true, Iāve not agreed with everything theyāve done but very much support what theyāre doing. Theyāre obviously a huge step up from their predecessor and have the clubās interests at heart.
it's bullshiite. look at the o.p. he's got history. him n fenty are locked at the hip
I seem to recall quite early in their tenure, Stockwood mentioned that he and AP had a 3 year plan, and then aimed to move on. Are we not in that 3rd year now? Is the giraffe starting to show its stripes? Is the zebra beginning to show its spots?
I seem to recall quite early in their tenure, Stockwood mentioned that he and AP had a 3 year plan, and then aimed to move on. Are we not in that 3rd year now? Is the giraffe starting to show its stripes? Is the zebra beginning to show its spots?
Actually what he said was that after 3 years he would give up the Chair, NOT leave or sell the club. Get your facts right! Oh and BTW, they actually said they have a 10 year plan for the club.
So here we are again. Just as in December 2020 we are hovering over the relegation zone with an error prone defence, a team riddled with inconsistent performers all over the pitch, lacking pace, bite and quality in midfield and enough firepower up front. Then as now, we brought in a new manager who's track record indicated that he could build a decent side but who had a huge task on his hands.
Last time round Hurst couldn't keep us up and, but for a rush of blood to the head by a Notts County defender 14 seconds from the end of the play off game in 2022, I am convinced we would still be in the National League.
So let's try and learn from past mistakes. We must sort out the back four. They are collectively hopeless. Clean sheets are a distant memory and we are such a soft touch, so many goals gifted to the opposition. We need it sorting and fast. I can't see any realistic scenario whereby we turn things around without some new personnel at the back.
What happens in the January window will determine our fate one way or the other.
Itās clear to anyone sane that our team needs major surgery in January. Any team that doesnāt keep a clean sheet for virtually half a season is begging to be relegated. Rodgers and Maher should be the first ones to make way.
There seems to be a lot of chatter about there being no money available for transfers??? I recall AP suggesting it would be more of a one in, one out scenario but when DA was asked by Matt Dean a couple of weeks ago, he suggested thatās not necessarily the case!
Other than the Charlie Kirk chatter, there seems to be very few other names being floated around. A lot of men have got one thing is for sure, weāre desperate for some additions and fast!!!
Considering Hurst was the manager when we did our summer recruitment, I would be absolutely amazed if he didn't hold something back for dealings in January like every single season he was here.
There will be movement next month/week, that we're hearing so few names is just down to the fact that the leaks at the club have been addressed. Other than the Charles Vernam transfer, which stretched out over three transfer windows, did anyone have intel of any of the incomings?
JS and AP have always said if they want out then they won't just hand it over to anyone and I feel relatively confident that they'll honour that so I'm not overly worried if there is any substance to these rumours. I also didn't pick up on any significant tetchiness at the fans forum or on the DN35 pod, but if there was any then I don't really blame them after being asked for a training ground update for the 28th time.
There seems to be a lot of chatter about there being no money available for transfers??? I recall AP suggesting it would be more of a one in, one out scenario but when DA was asked by Matt Dean a couple of weeks ago, he suggested thatās not necessarily the case!
Other than the Charlie Kirk chatter, there seems to be very few other names being floated around. A lot of men have got one thing is for sure, weāre desperate for some additions and fast!!!
I think the one in one out thing is a bit of red herring. Absolutely no good can come from advertising that you're in the market for new players.
It doesn't matter what we fans think as regards the players on our books. DA will have had time when the transfer window opens to assess his squad, who he thinks is good enough and who he can work with to play his style of football. Players that we think are great he might assess differently and vice versa. Unlike as in previous regimes, I don't think he will be under any pressure to sell any players just to balance the books or reduce costs. Only time will tell if he gets it right but obviously that is true of any managerial appointment at any club.
The Future is Black & White. "The commonest thing on this planet is not water , as some people believe, but stupidity ". Frank Zappa
We also have no idea of the sort of player that DA has on his spectrum.
Apart from last summers acquisitions which on the whole came out of the blue, we had a basic idea of the type of players that PH wanted.
The only reason Kirk has been mentioned is because he has worked with DA before, and has recently left his last club. Other than that, would we have even mentioned him?
I think this could be a very interesting transfer window for everyone.
Do people think we are in a better or worse position now then we were when Hurst came back in 2020? The new manager inheriting a disjointed and under performing squad on the fringes of the relegation zone?
Do people think we are in a better or worse position now then we were when Hurst came back in 2020? The new manager inheriting a disjointed and under performing squad on the fringes of the relegation zone?
I think we are in a much better position as we were in an absolute mess off the pitch, and in the midst of a potential takeover which could always fall through. Let's not forget that the original takeover did fall through at the last minute too. All of that has a massive impact on recruitment.
Do people think we are in a better or worse position now then we were when Hurst came back in 2020? The new manager inheriting a disjointed and under performing squad on the fringes of the relegation zone?
Unlike then I don't think we will need to change the entire team even if we could, as I am sure DA will coach improvement into the current squad.
I would be happy if we got 3 or 4 players in to bolster each of the sections of the team.
Unlike then I don't think we will need to change the entire team even if we could, as I am sure DA will coach improvement into the current squad.
I would be happy if we got 3 or 4 players in to bolster each of the sections of the team.
As bad as that team was, weāre tracking at a similar rate of PPG. Weāre currently 24 from 24, so a straight 1 PPG, versus 20 from 21 this time 3 years ago - 0.95 PPG. For context though, weāve got that poor run in the dying embers of Hurstās second reign to thank for the dampening of that, while Hurst only took 1 point from his first six games in charge of then 20/21 lot, so their PPG had dropped to 0.77 after 27 games.
If that reads like a dig at Hurst btw, itās not meant to. I just think that that 20/21 side was objectively much worse than the class of 23/24, and our form this season from mid-September to the end of October was anomalously bad. Two defeats on the bounce do give minor cause for concern, and making that a hat-trick tonight would add to that, but as of right now I remain confident that weāll see more of our Crewe performance than our Harrogate one under Artell in the weeks to come.
A pacy, ball playing centre half, a midfield general and a more physical option up top would make the world of difference, imo. All that said, I think those type of players will be on the wish list of most League Two clubs this January, so itās by no means an easy ask.
As bad as that team was, weāre tracking at a similar rate of PPG. Weāre currently 24 from 24, so a straight 1 PPG, versus 20 from 21 this time 3 years ago - 0.95 PPG. For context though, weāve got that poor run in the dying embers of Hurstās second reign to thank for the dampening of that, while Hurst only took 1 point from his first six games in charge of then 20/21 lot, so their PPG had dropped to 0.77 after 27 games.
If that reads like a dig at Hurst btw, itās not meant to. I just think that that 20/21 side was objectively much worse than the class of 23/24, and our form this season from mid-September to the end of October was anomalously bad. Two defeats on the bounce do give minor cause for concern, and making that a hat-trick tonight would add to that, but as of right now I remain confident that weāll see more of our Crewe performance than our Harrogate one under Artell in the weeks to come.
A pacy, ball playing centre half, a midfield general and a more physical option up top would make the world of difference, imo. All that said, I think those type of players will be on the wish list of most League Two clubs this January, so itās by no means an easy ask.
Yes I certainly agree with that last paragraph. I think it also worth noting that Hurst seemed to prefer getting in different players all the time and let them get on with it but I imagine Artell trying to make much more of what he has inherited. Not long to find out anyway.
Weāre in a far better position than 2020, I donāt see the similarities or connection at all if Iām honest. Both on and off the pitch.
Sure itās clear to see the team needs some improvements, in my opinion thatās mainly in defence. The biggest problem being that usually when players are low on confidence or out of form, you can take them out the side to come again - poor form doesnāt equal a poor player. Lots of examples for this but just this season Glennon is a good example of this.
However itās clear we only really have the three options at CB and unfortunately I think Waterfalls time at this level is over. So when Rodgers or Maher are having poor games, thereās no options.
Conteh will be a very very good player above this level, but heās had a few dips which is to be expected having only just turned 21. So we need some support there. Whilst I like all the midfield individually, Iām starting to think as a collective - it needs freshening up.
I honestly think if you add a couple of decent CBās and an experienced holding midfielder in this squad, itād make a big difference. Probably in addition to that a few other options around the pitch but fundamentally I think our issue is in those areas.
Problem is this year, the majority of the new players weāve brought in havenāt been the problem. Itās drop offs from existing players imo. For example Holohan, Clifton, Khan and Maher not been at the same level as last year and jury still out on Green as someone who can play consistently at this level.
From the new recruits we have 3 strikers that have all scored goals, Conteh as above, Eisa abit in and out but has goals and assists, Vernam injured so unfair to judge yet.. Mullarkey and Rodgers only ones of the new lads with question marks for me.
Do people think we are in a better or worse position now then we were when Hurst came back in 2020? The new manager inheriting a disjointed and under performing squad on the fringes of the relegation zone?
Surprised at this from you Ron. After the Newport game you said āI am very confident that he will take us well up the table in the new year.ā
Whatās changed for you in those two weeks? Maybe the score flashes didnāt you the good vibes this time.
Weāll know whether to be concerned by the second game in March. I suspect things will look different by then. It might even look different in four days time.
This reminds me of last January where there was panic from some. Best just to tune it all out and support the team. Simplify it to that and it can be quite good fun.
Surprised at this from you Ron. After the Newport game you said āI am very confident that he will take us well up the table in the new year.ā
Whatās changed for you in those two weeks? Maybe the score flashes didnāt you the good vibes this time.
Weāll know whether to be concerned by the second game in March. I suspect things will look different by then. It might even look different in four days time.
This reminds me of last January where there was panic from some. Best just to tune it all out and support the team. Simplify it to that and it can be quite good fun.
I don't read it as Ron changing his view at all. The post starts with a question on peoples views and not Ron's personal view at all.
The Future is Black & White. "The commonest thing on this planet is not water , as some people believe, but stupidity ". Frank Zappa
Do people think we are in a better or worse position now then we were when Hurst came back in 2020? The new manager inheriting a disjointed and under performing squad on the fringes of the relegation zone?
There is no mileage to be gained on comparing relegation in previous seasons to where we are now. Simple fact is that you could have a better squad now and still slip through the trap door. Or even have a worse squad now and stay up.
Itās about the here and now, whether or not we battle well enough to get sufficient points, and what happens elsewhere with the other struggling teams in our league.
The simple fact is that we are part of the relegation threatened strugglers, and itās time to strap ourselves in and hold onto our hats in hope.
Time to resurrect my Fishy signature again. So here goes.
Hearing we could have someone to announce in the first 3/4 days of the window opening
Any names being rumoured mate?
"They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old, Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn, At the going down of the sun, and in the morning, We WILL remember them"
Well, how much does last night's lineup/performance mess up; with people's thinking of who is leaving.....
It's tough to decide because the performances of individual players (apart from Danny Rose) varies from game to game. So the team looks abject, error prone and leaderless in one game, but can look outstanding a few days later!
Are we the side that had people talking about one of the worst ever performances against Harrogate or the team that bossed Salford out of sight a week later?
The fact is that we are inconsistent at the moment. But while it is possible for a good player to play badly, it is far more unlikely that a really poor player can play well. So despite the inconsistency logic suggest that we do have players with potential and that the task is to get the best out of them on a more consistent basis. Clearly team formation and tactics are key here as square pegs will play better in square holes.
It's also worth remembering that we have several potentially key players out through injury or lacking match fitness right now; Pyke, Wilson, Arthur G, Hunt, Vernham. That's half a team right there.
So maybe Artell will bring in fewer new faces than some of us expect in January but he clearly does intend to do some strengthening.
Isnt it also about the balance? I.e. without waterfall we lack leadership, but hes vulnerable in other aspects. We still have to resolve how to get the best out of rose, hes running round like a nutter every game with v. Little help. The midfield needs sorting as well, that midfield looked really good last night, and that's without conteh , which leads on to the question, how do we best use Cobteh, as in sure were not using him to his full potential. We have sorted out the g.k. situation , which was a conundrum, now we need to sort out the rest of the spine; central defence, midfield balance n support for Rose
Isnt it also about the balance? I.e. without waterfall we lack leadership, but hes vulnerable in other aspects. We still have to resolve how to get the best out of rose, hes running round like a nutter every game with v. Little help. The midfield needs sorting as well, that midfield looked really good last night, and that's without conteh , which leads on to the question, how do we best use Cobteh, as in sure were not using him to his full potential. We have sorted out the g.k. situation , which was a conundrum, now we need to sort out the rest of the spine; central defence, midfield balance n support for Rose
I agree we have sorted out the GK situation, but only for as long as Hull City allow him to be here on loan. I know he is a fair bit down the pecking order there so I think there is a good chance he will stay here till the end of the season. However, not so sure about next season, maybe Hull might want to loan him out to a League 1 side to further his experience, I hope not, but we will see.
My concern with Conteh is that he generally does just about enough in games, but rarely seems to go that extra step which would raise his level just a bit further. Never seems to be busting a gut which is fine if you're winning everything in a game whilst playing within yourself, but he rarely does. I think that the way he is playing was perhaps enough for him to be dominant in games last season but he's a division higher now and a little bit more effort from him would make a big difference to what he could achieve for the club and himself. He certainly has the footballing ability and the physique to become a very good player but he's not made himself indispensable this season as last night showed.
Isnt it also about the balance? I.e. without waterfall we lack leadership, but hes vulnerable in other aspects. We still have to resolve how to get the best out of rose, hes running round like a nutter every game with v. Little help. The midfield needs sorting as well, that midfield looked really good last night, and that's without conteh , which leads on to the question, how do we best use Cobteh, as in sure were not using him to his full potential. We have sorted out the g.k. situation , which was a conundrum, now we need to sort out the rest of the spine; central defence, midfield balance n support for Rose
Think Charles and Harry will be a huge key to getting support to Rose, Eisa on the left likes to hug the touchline and come inside every time. He's quite predictable in what he wants to do and doesn't have that burst of pace that can really make him unplayable. Charles is very capable of going both ways and is willing to go in behind aswell with his pace and the same can be said for Harry. One thing we didn't have with Abo and Arthur out wide is that ability when your penned in to go in behind because neither of them have that pace to challenge the full back and they both want it to feet. One big thing from last night was our patterns from building out, it'd go from Waterfall to Toby then inside to one of the midfielders and it'd be a little clip over there left back for Harry or someone else to get in behind. As technically limited we believe Harry may to be, physically there's not many that can match him in this division and as much as that should be a reason to play him centrally to cover ground. It's a massive plus for him to be out wide and help us stretch teams because like Rose, he won't stop pressing and it really put them under so much pressure. You won't get that from Arthur or Abo. It's no suprise that when he's pushed back out wide that he has his best game of the season. I think he personally wants to play centrally but he's so much more of a threat out wide and can quite easily be one of the best wide players in the division. Reminds me of like a young James Milner.
On my previous post, Artell referred to it at the end of his talk with Matt Dean. I believe we have a player incoming and it's someone well known to him. I listened to what he said about Charlie Kirk and the way he was very sure about the way he worded things made me believe those discussions were more than just a Merry Christmas, this is a bloke with a degree in forensic biology and is very articulate with how he talks. I've seen the name Ben Garrett knocked around but that to me would make no sense due to us having two goalkeepers here already.
Think Charles and Harry will be a huge key to getting support to Rose, Eisa on the left likes to hug the touchline and come inside every time. He's quite predictable in what he wants to do and doesn't have that burst of pace that can really make him unplayable. Charles is very capable of going both ways and is willing to go in behind aswell with his pace and the same can be said for Harry. One thing we didn't have with Abo and Arthur out wide is that ability when your penned in to go in behind because neither of them have that pace to challenge the full back and they both want it to feet. One big thing from last night was our patterns from building out, it'd go from Waterfall to Toby then inside to one of the midfielders and it'd be a little clip over there left back for Harry or someone else to get in behind. As technically limited we believe Harry may to be, physically there's not many that can match him in this division and as much as that should be a reason to play him centrally to cover ground. It's a massive plus for him to be out wide and help us stretch teams because like Rose, he won't stop pressing and it really put them under so much pressure. You won't get that from Arthur or Abo. It's no suprise that when he's pushed back out wide that he has his best game of the season. I think he personally wants to play centrally but he's so much more of a threat out wide and can quite easily be one of the best wide players in the division. Reminds me of like a young James Milner.
Good points raised, although I would argue that Eisa's turn of pace over 5-10 yards is pretty impressive. Often enough to beat the first man.
"The socialism I believe in is everybody working for the same goal and everybody having a share in the rewards. Thatās how I see football, thatās how I see life.ā Bill Shankly
It will be interesting to see what FGR and Salford do in the January window. They both have pretty wealthy owners and might attempt to buy their way out of danger much as Bradford did in January 2021.
Think Charles and Harry will be a huge key to getting support to Rose, Eisa on the left likes to hug the touchline and come inside every time. He's quite predictable in what he wants to do and doesn't have that burst of pace that can really make him unplayable. Charles is very capable of going both ways and is willing to go in behind aswell with his pace and the same can be said for Harry. One thing we didn't have with Abo and Arthur out wide is that ability when your penned in to go in behind because neither of them have that pace to challenge the full back and they both want it to feet. One big thing from last night was our patterns from building out, it'd go from Waterfall to Toby then inside to one of the midfielders and it'd be a little clip over there left back for Harry or someone else to get in behind. As technically limited we believe Harry may to be, physically there's not many that can match him in this division and as much as that should be a reason to play him centrally to cover ground. It's a massive plus for him to be out wide and help us stretch teams because like Rose, he won't stop pressing and it really put them under so much pressure. You won't get that from Arthur or Abo. It's no suprise that when he's pushed back out wide that he has his best game of the season. I think he personally wants to play centrally but he's so much more of a threat out wide and can quite easily be one of the best wide players in the division. Reminds me of like a young James Milner.
On my previous post, Artell referred to it at the end of his talk with Matt Dean. I believe we have a player incoming and it's someone well known to him. I listened to what he said about Charlie Kirk and the way he was very sure about the way he worded things made me believe those discussions were more than just a Merry Christmas, this is a bloke with a degree in forensic biology and is very articulate with how he talks. I've seen the name Ben Garrett knocked around but that to me would make no sense due to us having two goalkeepers here already.
Harry has great stamina and energy, but pacy? Not so sure about that.
My concern with Conteh is that he generally does just about enough in games, but rarely seems to go that extra step which would raise his level just a bit further. Never seems to be busting a gut which is fine if you're winning everything in a game whilst playing within yourself, but he rarely does. I think that the way he is playing was perhaps enough for him to be dominant in games last season but he's a division higher now and a little bit more effort from him would make a big difference to what he could achieve for the club and himself. He certainly has the footballing ability and the physique to become a very good player but he's not made himself indispensable this season as last night showed.
He turned 21 a few days ago, if he was any of our youth products weād be saying how brilliant he is for his age but there seems to be this mega high expectation of somebody just starting their career. Artell referenced his age as to why heād given him a break last night and that feels like the best approach to me.
Iām convinced weāll sell him for a lot of money in the future.
He turned 21 a few days ago, if he was any of our youth products weād be saying how brilliant he is for his age but there seems to be this mega high expectation of somebody just starting their career. Artell referenced his age as to why heād given him a break last night and that feels like the best approach to me.
Iām convinced weāll sell him for a lot of money in the future.
I don't think he has shown he is brilliant. He's shown he's got ability, but I don't recall too many games where he has particularly stood out. I'd be delighted to see him dominate the middle of the park and prove himself the player we've seen in fits and starts, but I think he needs to put a bit more into games to do this.
Conteh is excellent at his job, which is to sweep in front of the back four, break up attacks, win the ball and give it to others.
Not really sure what more you want from him, especially in a struggling side. If we were sweeping teams aside, he may have more license to get forward, but we are not there yet. He's only played 20 odd league games and he's still learning.
I don't think he has shown he is brilliant. He's shown he's got ability, but I don't recall too many games where he has particularly stood out. I'd be delighted to see him dominate the middle of the park and prove himself the player we've seen in fits and starts, but I think he needs to put a bit more into games to do this.
Have to say I donāt understand your comments re Conteh at all. Sure heās not the stand out player every week but for his age has, IMO, proven to be our best midfielder by a country mile and Iām not sure what extra your expecting him to put in?
Conteh makes the hard stuff look easy . Great player and also a player who is playing strictly to orders wether itās PH or DA. Great player and a shoe in for young player of the year ā¦.
Conteh makes the hard stuff look easy . Great player and also a player who is playing strictly to orders wether itās PH or DA. Great player and a shoe in for young player of the year ā¦.
I think that is the important point. You don't always notice how good he is as he makes it look effortless. Definitely has great potential and we are likely to do well out of him. Occasionally makes a mistake but who doesn't. I'm still surprised he came here on a 3 year deal, I think. That was good business.
I don't think he has shown he is brilliant. He's shown he's got ability, but I don't recall too many games where he has particularly stood out. I'd be delighted to see him dominate the middle of the park and prove himself the player we've seen in fits and starts, but I think he needs to put a bit more into games to do this.
Heās 21 and plays for his full national side, albeit a side ranked 127th in the world rankings. This is his first full season playing at this level and tbh, heās had some very good performances. Like the rest of the squad, nothing has been straight forward so far this season, but with DA at the helm, am sure there will be a more positive approach to his game. I reckon instilling that bit of confidence into his game, just like hunt and eisa, will do the lad wonders.
when is Ska starting his transfer window predictions/educated guess competition?
I'm going to dive in , with 2 guesses. 1) Kirk won't come here - more likely to end up at somewhere like Stockport, Shrewsbury or Lincoln 2) this is me putting 2 and 2 together, and given how useless I am with these predictions, probably making 9! Conor McGrandles. This is on the basis of Artell saying that he'd spoken to kirk about something, which would become clear in the next week or 2. I wonder if the 'something' might be McGrandles, his team mate for 2 seasons at Charlton. McGrandles is ex Lincoln. Joe will have been involve with his recruitment, so will know him well. Tall ,hard working , good all round central midfielder (so ticks the boxes as to what we need), who has only featured in 6 or 7 Charlton games this year, and was loaned out at the same time last season to Cambridge
I take it that a New Player wouldnāt be able to be included in the squad/play tomorrow?
I donāt see why they couldnāt in theory. We announced the signing of Adi Yussuf before the Blackpool game on NYE 2016, and he played and scored in the win away at Carlisle on the 2nd Jan.
It would be a simple case of making sure the paperwork was filed in good time, Iād have thought.
I donāt see why they couldnāt in theory. We announced the signing of Adi Yussuf before the Blackpool game on NYE 2016, and he played and scored in the win away at Carlisle on the 2nd Jan.
It would be a simple case of making sure the paperwork was filed in good time, Iād have thought.
Thatās very similar to a Thursday transfer and player starts on a Saturday. I believe the window doesnāt open until 23.59 tonight - unless a player is unattached and maybe registration could be achieved earlier?
Thatās very similar to a Thursday transfer and player starts on a Saturday. I believe the window doesnāt open until 23.59 tonight - unless a player is unattached and maybe registration could be achieved earlier?
Looking a bit further into this, Luke Armstrong, who signed for Carlisle on 18th December, cannot play against Port Vale tomorrow. So, barring the highly unlikely signing of someone who was a free agent before the end of the last window, no sneaky new faces on the team sheet against Walsall.
It's not easy signing players permanently in January, so I'd suggest we will have to hit the loan market. Two Centre backs, a central midfielder and a striker, all from higher leagues, seems to me to be a minimum requirement at this stage unless we want a dire relegation scrap till the end of the season.
Midfield is just as bad. Andrews was within a few yards of his man from the half way line to the edge of our box and failed to put a tackle in (in the build up to their 2nd), and Conteh made no effort whatsover to chase down the player who run past him to score their third, and then gave the penalty away and Eisa is a luxury player who doesn't put enough effort in and just shows glimpses in every game. We're powder puff and so easy to attack against.
Much is made of the success of Artell's Crewe side and their youthfulness.
But it was also quite deliberately laced with significant experience. Nicky Hunt, Paul Green and Chris Dagnell were all key members of that squad, with the first two brought in by Artell.
We lack leadership and experience. Waterfall has lots but I think after he impressed against Salford he showed yesterday his signficant limitations. Clifton has plenty of games under his belt but I'm not sure he's what I would call a natural leader. You've got Rose who has experience, leads by example and is quite rightly one of very few who has credit in the bank at the minute.
You're then really down to the bones of leadership qualities and know-how at this level or above.
Wouldn't surprise me at all if the bulk of the business this window is about bringing in old heads who are probably unspectacular on paper but definitely about improving the make-up and collective strength of the squad.
Much is made of the success of Artell's Crewe side and their youthfulness.
But it was also quite deliberately laced with significant experience. Nicky Hunt, Paul Green and Chris Dagnell were all key members of that squad, with the first two brought in by Artell.
We lack leadership and experience. Waterfall has lots but I think after he impressed against Salford he showed yesterday his signficant limitations. Clifton has plenty of games under his belt but I'm not sure he's what I would call a natural leader. You've got Rose who has experience, leads by example and is quite rightly one of very few who has credit in the bank at the minute.
You're then really down to the bones of leadership qualities and know-how at this level or above.
Wouldn't surprise me at all if the bulk of the business this window is about bringing in old heads who are probably unspectacular on paper but definitely about improving the make-up and collective strength of the squad.
Salford are bottom of the form table, having taken 2 points from the last 6 games, so it was a comfortable night for Waterfall against a side that are heading for non league. Walsall are the exact opposite, and are top of the form guide with 15 points from the last 6 games, and he was brutally exposed.
As much as Luke was our best player for a couple of seasons, especially in getting us back to the EFL, he's not good enough now. He was dreadful against Accrington, giving away a goal, and then getting skinned, bringing down the player and getting sent off. I thought then his time was up and he has rightly been left on the bench until Friday. Yesterday confirmed that.
We desperately need recruitment in this area. Three recognized centre backs at the club, and none of them inspire solidity and confidence.
Salford were both awful and also played to into Waterfall's hands. Yesterday's display from him reminded me a lot of his performances in the 20/21 relegation season. OK at the start of games but always had an error in him, once that was made he went to pieces.
If we can get a version of him from 21/22 in this window, we'll be laughing.
Much is made of the success of Artell's Crewe side and their youthfulness.
But it was also quite deliberately laced with significant experience. Nicky Hunt, Paul Green and Chris Dagnell were all key members of that squad, with the first two brought in by Artell.
We lack leadership and experience. Waterfall has lots but I think after he impressed against Salford he showed yesterday his signficant limitations. Clifton has plenty of games under his belt but I'm not sure he's what I would call a natural leader. You've got Rose who has experience, leads by example and is quite rightly one of very few who has credit in the bank at the minute.
You're then really down to the bones of leadership qualities and know-how at this level or above.
Wouldn't surprise me at all if the bulk of the business this window is about bringing in old heads who are probably unspectacular on paper but definitely about improving the make-up and collective strength of the squad.
Bizarrely despite yesterday's mauling I think we have enough quality in the squad as the manager alluded to when he arrived and as shown in some matches, and indeed yesterday until they equalised.
It's the blend which is completely wrong, no grit or determination to combine the skill with a will to win and get back in a game that goes against us. I think you are right what we need more than anything is mentally strong seasoned pros,if we can attract them.
The good football with a ruthless streak is what we need.
Much is made of the success of Artell's Crewe side and their youthfulness.
But it was also quite deliberately laced with significant experience. Nicky Hunt, Paul Green and Chris Dagnell were all key members of that squad, with the first two brought in by Artell.
We lack leadership and experience. Waterfall has lots but I think after he impressed against Salford he showed yesterday his signficant limitations. Clifton has plenty of games under his belt but I'm not sure he's what I would call a natural leader. You've got Rose who has experience, leads by example and is quite rightly one of very few who has credit in the bank at the minute.
You're then really down to the bones of leadership qualities and know-how at this level or above.
Wouldn't surprise me at all if the bulk of the business this window is about bringing in old heads who are probably unspectacular on paper but definitely about improving the make-up and collective strength of the squad.
Been saying for a while we lack leadership, especially when we concede and just start finger pointing.
"Crombie you would have got to that if you weren't such a fat ba%$@rd" - George Kerr, inspiration from the dug out 70s styleĀ Ā
Salford were both awful and also played to into Waterfall's hands. Yesterday's display from him reminded me a lot of his performances in the 20/21 relegation season. OK at the start of games but always had an error in him, once that was made he went to pieces.
If we can get a version of him from 21/22 in this window, we'll be laughing.
All of the above is right about Luke, good lad for sure, think Mullarkey could have done a bit more to help him on the first goal yesterday though.
"Crombie you would have got to that if you weren't such a fat ba%$@rd" - George Kerr, inspiration from the dug out 70s styleĀ Ā
Desperate for a strike partner (that can stay fit) for rose
3 defenders , as I think glennon has looked decent. I think mullarkey has been blowing hot and cold at right back, which is a shame as he came with a lot of promise same could be said about Rodgerās.
It was also mentioned on the DN35 podcast last night, that there is a keeper either due to be signed or being looked at to be brought in.
Bizarrely despite yesterday's mauling I think we have enough quality in the squad as the manager alluded to when he arrived and as shown in some matches, and indeed yesterday until they equalised.
It's the blend which is completely wrong, no grit or determination to combine the skill with a will to win and get back in a game that goes against us. I think you are right what we need more than anything is mentally strong seasoned pros,if we can attract them.
The good football with a ruthless streak is what we need.
Desperate for a strike partner (that can stay fit) for rose
3 defenders , as I think glennon has looked decent. I think mullarkey has been blowing hot and cold at right back, which is a shame as he came with a lot of promise same could be said about Rodgerās.
It was also mentioned on the DN35 podcast last night, that there is a keeper either due to be signed or being looked at to be brought in.
That will be where the Ben Garratt rumour comes from then. Presumably Eastwood is being paid up or Harvey is being recalled by Ull
Would genuinely be surprised to see Cartwright recalled. Made himself first choice here and there's at least two experienced and capable 'keepers ahead of him in the Hull line-up.
Equally so think we'll do well to find anyone who is willing to take Eastwood's contract up, which would make paying him off fairly expensive.
Should always look to strengthen in all areas, but unless it's with a distinct eye on the future goalkeeper would be well down the list of areas I think we need to improve on this month.
Would genuinely be surprised to see Cartwright recalled. Made himself first choice here and there's at least two experienced and capable 'keepers ahead of him in the Hull line-up.
Equally so think we'll do well to find anyone who is willing to take Eastwood's contract up, which would make paying him off fairly expensive.
Should always look to strengthen in all areas, but unless it's with a distinct eye on the future goalkeeper would be well down the list of areas I think we need to improve on this month.
that was my thought, but it seems a repeated rumour, although could be just an echo chamber of course
As I commented last month, we're desperately short of league experience in central midfield. Andrews, Conteh, Green and Holohan have only played league football with us and their previous experience has always been in non-league football. Hunt made a handful of appearances for Sheffield Wednesday and a few more for Oldham during their relegation season, but otherwise he's very inexperienced at this level. I think Hurst realised this, which is why Ainley was brought in well after the start of the season, but then he's barely featured, either. Has he been injured? Not heard much about him. Clifton has played plenty of games since our return to the league due to his fitness and work ethic (and I thought he played OK yesterday), but isn't generally trusted in the middle.
Their midfield two yesterday, Comley and Hutchinson have hardly played loads of league football between them compared to some, but I think they've both had more league starts than all of our central midfielders combined. A vast difference in experience levels.
I think anybody hoping for big changes in the squad is going to be disappointed as Artell was pretty clear in his interview after the game that there wouldn't be big changes, perhaps just a few loanees. As he said, it's not a proper transfer window as so few decent players are available for moves.
That lack of experience in midfield was quite evident yesterday too. Quite a few occasions it was just crying out for someone to get the ball, calm things down and really take the fizz out the game, especially when they got back into the game. Instead we just persisted with running around a bit headless.
Regards Ainley, I think he's more of a winger isn't he? But he's completely fallen off the radar, he might be injured but I really expected him to feature a bit more under a manager who knows what he can offer and how to get the best out of him. It's limited what I've seen of him in a Town shirt but he looks to have something we seem to lack and that's a bit of guile in those attacking areas. Eisa is a shot and little else. Arthur and Khan might as well be the same player, both industrious and with good close control but very little end product, Clifton works his heart out be it in the middle or out wide but isn't the same player as last season and when both Pyke and Wilson operate out wide they're looking to get in behind rather than drift inside and influence play - which is fine and has it's role, but just a bit much about muchness if they both play.
Really hoping Vernam hits the ground running because we really look ineffective in and around Rose. How the hell he's managed 11 so far is a bloody miracle. In all seriousness we probably should be fearing someone coming in with a decent offer for him!
I hope Vernam hits the ground running a bit faster than he did yesterday. I seem to remember that he was completely outpaced by their No.10 who had been on from the start right near the end of the game (can't remember if it was the move that led to their sixth goal). Vernam tried to chase after him to get back to defend, but couldn't catch up with him. For one of our supposedly quicker players, it wasn't encouraging, though I'm obviously aware he's been out injured a long time.
I hope Vernam hits the ground running a bit faster than he did yesterday. I seem to remember that he was completely outpaced by their No.10 who had been on from the start right near the end of the game (can't remember if it was the move that led to their sixth goal). Vernam tried to chase after him to get back to defend, but couldn't catch up with him. For one of our supposedly quicker players, it wasn't encouraging, though I'm obviously aware he's been out injured a long time.
Just a couple of weeks ago, Artell said that he was training with the youth team and had told him how he found it all a bit too quick for him.
First time back in action, coming off a lengthy and quite serious injury, I think you can cut him some slack on that one. The nature of the operation he's had means he won't be back at it straight away, far from it.
It'll take time to recover those muscle fibres that he's lost. You can do all the gym work and the rehab work on and off the grass in the world, but the only way you really recover that sharpness is in a competitive game environment.
To be honest I don't think Vernam's that quick, which is a further concern because he's also one of our quicker players. He's capable of running with the ball at relative speed because of good close control rather than blistering pace that allows him to knock it past someone and then chase.
First time back in action, coming off a lengthy and quite serious injury, I think you can cut him some slack on that one. The nature of the operation he's had means he won't be back at it straight away, far from it.
It'll take time to recover those muscle fibres that he's lost. You can do all the gym work and the rehab work on and off the grass in the world, but the only way you really recover that sharpness is in a competitive game environment.
To be honest I don't think Vernam's that quick, which is a further concern because he's also one of our quicker players. He's capable of running with the ball at relative speed because of good close control rather than blistering pace that allows him to knock it past someone and then chase.
Yesterdays first 3 pieces of control were straight to an opposing player (inc one trapped ball that went over 5 yards) but I get what you are saying. Time will tell when he is fully fit whether he's still a 1 in 5 player or can grab a game by the scruff of the neck on a consistent basis.
[quote=43]I think Hurst realised this, which is why Ainley was brought in well after the start of the season, but then he's barely featured, either. Has he been injured? Not heard much about him. Clifton has played plenty of games since our return to the league due to his fitness and work ethic (and I thought he played OK yesterday), but isn't generally trusted in the middle.
Reference Ainley I listened to DAās interview where he commented on his telephone discussion with Charlie Kirk and the reason for the discussion would become more clear in two weeks time. Straightaway I thought that might be related to Ainley. Donāt know why and Iām either a good detective or a complete male private, time might determine which but those who know me will no doubt suggest the latter is the most accurate!!
Looking at the squad at the moment we lack pace in the wide areas and full backs, a bruising centre half, a leader or leaders in centre midfield and help for rose up top. Essentially 6 to 7 players short of a good team but can see some departures to accommodate these.
Something like Eastwood, Efete, Amos, Waterfall, Ainsley, Pyke, Khan. Loans out for Khouri, Braithwaite, Gardner, Hunt
This might not be possible in a January window but as many changes as we can please
Looking at the squad at the moment we lack pace in the wide areas and full backs, a bruising centre half, a leader or leaders in centre midfield and help for rose up top. Essentially 6 to 7 players short of a good team but can see some departures to accommodate these.
Something like Eastwood, Efete, Amos, Waterfall, Ainsley, Pyke, Khan. Loans out for Khouri, Braithwaite, Gardner, Hunt
This might not be possible in a January window but as many changes as we can please
There is absolutely zero chance that Hunt leaves in the window.
signing someone to can't get into a team of similar ability doesn't fill me with excitement ,I have to say. 1 name in there, although he's playing regularly, is Brad Walker. He's a defensive midfielder who played under Artell for 2-3 years at Crewe
Barry Fry is saying Gillingham have bid for Johnson Clarke-Harris. I think anything he says has to be taken with a pinch of salt but if true that would be some signing for this level and another indicator of what we're up against.
Luke Williams odds slashed for the Swansea job too. Fingers crossed that one comes off before Notts roll into Town a week on Sat.
Barry Fry is saying Gillingham have bid for Johnson Clarke-Harris. I think anything he says has to be taken with a pinch of salt but if true that would be some signing for this level and another indicator of what we're up against.
I often bump into Fry in my local Lidl, will ask him
Interesting one. Obviously not worked at Tranmere but that can happen at some clubs with players, seems to have had some injuries also. Spent 7 years and 6 years respectively in Manchester United and Sheffield United youth set up until recently, so obviously has some potential.
Interesting one. Obviously not worked at Tranmere but that can happen at some clubs with players, seems to have had some injuries also. Spent 7 years and 6 years respectively in Manchester United and Sheffield United youth set up until recently, so obviously has some potential.
He had a couple of very nasty head injuries on loan at Boston. He's left footed, athletic, young, been based local-ish in the recent past and had a good football upbringing.
On another note, Coventry have apparently tabled a Ā£2m bid for Macauley Langstaff which might help spare our blushes a week on Saturday.
Signing anyone who cannot get into the Tranmere squad would be bordering on lunacy. NB: Adkins has done sterling stuff there in a vey short time.
I remember people saying something similar when we signed an old guy from Halifax reserves a few years ago when they were at least one division below us.
I remember people saying something similar when we signed an old guy from Halifax reserves a few years ago when they were at least one division below us.
To be fair, for every Paul Futcher, there are about 100 Matthew Heywoods.
Paul Futcher was a sublime centre back would of fitted perfectly into DA team. Not many of his calibre knocking about know unfortunately hard to believe he died in 2016.
Not convinced we are going to see much activity at all this window!! Maybe the odd loan but nothing much more!!
Better not be the case , this is arguably one of the most important transfer windows in years for us.
We are so short of quality in certain areas and if we don't bring some better quality in than what we have right now then it's a nail In a coffin that's gradually being lowered into the ground.
Let's be honest IF we make no changes in personnel with investment then we will only have ourselves to blame, Artell needs a chance to bring a few in to at least give him a chance in being safe from relegation ASAP as I know a few don't think we can be relegated but this team has shown that's very possible.
Starbuck's deal at Tranmere runs out at the end of the month apparently. Could there have been something lost in translation and it's a Tranmere full back that is a possibility?
Starbuck's deal at Tranmere runs out at the end of the month apparently. Could there have been something lost in translation and it's a Tranmere full back that is a possibility?
There are always good players out there who need to move on. Could be a loss of form, or return from injury. Maybe some younger players at the same club have displaced an older good player.
The challenge is to chose the right player who has the right skills, attitude and application
I think it's always a dangerous one, judging players that many of us haven't ever seen, that are still relatively young. As I say he's been in one very good academy for a long time at Manchester United before Sheffield United so must have something about him.
Seen it so many times, seemingly poor players going elsewhere and becoming very good, especially at a younger age. I've always been careful with it since the Rob Jones situation, terrible one year - fantastic the next. Personally, whoever we sign, I shall wait until I've seen them play to draw too much of a conclusion.
Minimum of two/three players needed in before the Notts County game, in my opinion.
However, we could do with 5-6 players coming in during January, which is not what you should be saying going into that window.
Centre Back Rodgers not good enough and Waterfall, although commanding, is losing his legs. Both of them should be nothing but backups.
Centre Mid Need someone to partner Conteh in a 4-4-2 formation. Andrews does ok and on some occasions plays some good stuff, but generally he is quiet the majority of time. Gav and Harry both blowing hot and cold more than my wife. Green, although tough tackler, gets caught too many times.
Left Winger Abo Eisa has contributed 1 goal and 1 assist in his last 15 games - Not good enough. Khan and Vernam injured more than Darren Anderton.
Right Winger Ghanoua has contributed 1 assist in the whole season (League games) - Not good enough.
Striker Glaring obvious that Danny Rose needs support up top - This surely has to be no1 target for Artell. Pyke not good enough and Wilson plays one game and misses 9 through injury.
What is worrying is that in the summer, we need nearly a completly new squad, as I personally wouldn't be bothered about any of them leaving, probably excluding Conteh and maybe Rose.
Or in more recent times Danny Collins who in his first season at least showed his class in terms of organising & reading the game, 2nd season age caught up with him sadly.
"Crombie you would have got to that if you weren't such a fat ba%$@rd" - George Kerr, inspiration from the dug out 70s styleĀ Ā
There are always good players out there who need to move on. Could be a loss of form, or return from injury. Maybe some younger players at the same club have displaced an older good player.
The challenge is to chose the right player who has the right skills, attitude and application
This! When we signed Craig Disley we got a gem of a player, especially for a club relegated to non- league. He was approaching the twilight of his career but still had a lot to offer and the move suited him and us perfectly.
The Future is Black & White. "The commonest thing on this planet is not water , as some people believe, but stupidity ". Frank Zappa
Pyke not good enough and Wilson plays one game and misses 9 through injury.
Bit harsh to say Pyke isn't good enough, I don't really see any evidence to support that. He has 8 goals in all comps - working out at 1 goal roughly every 1.5 games when accounting for minutes played. He's played a total combined time of about 13 games -alot of sub appearances.
Bit harsh to say Pyke isn't good enough, I don't really see any evidence to support that. He has 8 goals in all comps - working out at 1 goal roughly every 1.5 games when accounting for minutes played. He's played a total combined time of about 13 games -alot of sub appearances.
Take away the goals in the pointless cup and the two goals against lower opposition in the FA cup, hes scored 4 league goals in 670 minutes of league football.
I appreciate that in theory this is 1 in every 2 games and some may say im being unfair, which I could be, but I also go on my own opinion that i've not been impressed with his performances, in terms of what hes contributed.
I guess some would also say as long as hes putting it in the net, he doesnt need to do much more, which is a fair point, so it will be interesting to see what Artell does with him, when hes fit.
Unfortunately, the problem is that neither Pyke or Wilson has really been fit to play often enough this season. We can thank our lucky stars for Rose so far. I'd be staggered if Artell didn't bring in another striker during the transfer window.
Take away the goals in the pointless cup and the two goals against lower opposition in the FA cup, hes scored 4 league goals in 670 minutes of league football.
I appreciate that in theory this is 1 in every 2 games and some may say im being unfair, which I could be, but I also go on my own opinion that i've not been impressed with his performances, in terms of what hes contributed.
I guess some would also say as long as hes putting it in the net, he doesnt need to do much more, which is a fair point, so it will be interesting to see what Artell does with him, when hes fit.
Your point is a valid one mate.
Think it is only fair to judge on what he's done - as you say. Can only score when he's playing - which by and large he has done. Not saying by any means he's a world beater or has even proved himself, just that he's done alright and probably deserves abit of slack. Get your point though about just the feel you have from watching though, that's totally fair.
However it's worrying the amount of game time we've been able to get out of both Pyke and Wilson. Think a Striker is definitley needed as an injury to Rose could leave us with a big problem.
Take away the goals in the pointless cup and the two goals against lower opposition in the FA cup, hes scored 4 league goals in 670 minutes of league football.
I appreciate that in theory this is 1 in every 2 games and some may say im being unfair, which I could be, but I also go on my own opinion that i've not been impressed with his performances, in terms of what hes contributed.
I guess some would also say as long as hes putting it in the net, he doesnt need to do much more, which is a fair point, so it will be interesting to see what Artell does with him, when hes fit.
Your point is a valid one mate.
He's decent Pyke, is pacy, clever with his runs and can finish. He just can't stay fit, it's the same with Wilson. We need another pacy forward that can get in behind to stop us being squeezed into our half of the pitch. Love Danny Rose, nobody is worried about his pace though.
This! When we signed Craig Disley we got a gem of a player, especially for a club relegated to non- league. He was approaching the twilight of his career but still had a lot to offer and the move suited him and us perfectly.
I'm not sure Dis needed to drop out of the League when he signed for us.
How we could do with him now. We really lack players who want to roll their sleeves up and get stuck in.
I've wasted my life in black and white, a pathetic act for a worthless cause
I'm not sure Dis needed to drop out of the League when he signed for us.
How we could do with him now. We really lack players who want to roll their sleeves up and get stuck in.
Maybe he didn't need to but obviously the move suited him and to our benefit. The point is that if the circumstances are right for both parties then we can attract a quality player in the twilight of his career.
The Future is Black & White. "The commonest thing on this planet is not water , as some people believe, but stupidity ". Frank Zappa
Charlie Mcneil has returned to United after his loan spell at Stevenage. I know we was one of the clubs interested in the summer and wonder if he'll be a target for this window.
Bit harsh to say Pyke isn't good enough, I don't really see any evidence to support that. He has 8 goals in all comps - working out at 1 goal roughly every 1.5 games when accounting for minutes played. He's played a total combined time of about 13 games -alot of sub appearances.
He looked a lot better starting out wide. He's certainly not an out and out striker but there is a decent enough player there when played on the right of a central striker.
Cartwright is a mixed bag. He's been pretty much fine since coming in at Donny but certainly wasn't fine for Sutton's goal, nor was he fine in any of his cup appearances. Realistically we need a better option than him.
This is his first season as a senior pro, give the kid a yard, no keeper gets it right all the time especially with a defense and midfield like ours.
Keeper isn't a priority for me it's what's not happening in front of him that's the issue.
"Crombie you would have got to that if you weren't such a fat ba%$@rd" - George Kerr, inspiration from the dug out 70s styleĀ Ā
Take away the goals in the pointless cup and the two goals against lower opposition in the FA cup, hes scored 4 league goals in 670 minutes of league football.
I appreciate that in theory this is 1 in every 2 games and some may say im being unfair, which I could be, but I also go on my own opinion that i've not been impressed with his performances, in terms of what hes contributed.
I guess some would also say as long as hes putting it in the net, he doesnt need to do much more, which is a fair point, so it will be interesting to see what Artell does with him, when hes fit.
Your point is a valid one mate.
With the exception of Slough, why should his goals scored in cup games be discounted?
He has scored fewer league goals than Rose, but he has started 7 league games compared to Rose's 23. His league goals per minutes played ratio is significantly better.
I agree, though, that strengthening our options up front has to be a priority, especially if we can add pace.
Minimum of two/three players needed in before the Notts County game, in my opinion.
However, we could do with 5-6 players coming in during January, which is not what you should be saying going into that window.
Centre Back Rodgers not good enough and Waterfall, although commanding, is losing his legs. Both of them should be nothing but backups.
Centre Mid Need someone to partner Conteh in a 4-4-2 formation. Andrews does ok and on some occasions plays some good stuff, but generally he is quiet the majority of time. Gav and Harry both blowing hot and cold more than my wife. Green, although tough tackler, gets caught too many times.
Left Winger Abo Eisa has contributed 1 goal and 1 assist in his last 15 games - Not good enough. Khan and Vernam injured more than Darren Anderton.
Right Winger Ghanoua has contributed 1 assist in the whole season (League games) - Not good enough.
Striker Glaring obvious that Danny Rose needs support up top - This surely has to be no1 target for Artell. Pyke not good enough and Wilson plays one game and misses 9 through injury.
What is worrying is that in the summer, we need nearly a completly new squad, as I personally wouldn't be bothered about any of them leaving, probably excluding Conteh and maybe Rose.
Mikey the Imp on twitter, who claims to be a journo, says we are after Kyran Lofthouse, a right back/ wing back, on loan from Barnsley. Just been recalled from his loan at Gateshead
Mikey the Imp on twitter, who claims to be a journo, says we are after Kyran Lofthouse, a right back/ wing back, on loan from Barnsley. Just been recalled from his loan at Gateshead
Wonder if this is a touch too lazy an assumption but seen as Mike Williamson has moved to MK Dons, maybe that's a likely destination? On the face of it though, wouldn't surprise me as the sort of player we are in for, especially if Efete is leaving. Seems to have done well at Gateshead who are towards the top of the NL and have played some decent stuff this year - League 2 probably the next challenge for him.
Know it's been mentioned before and it's one of these ex player links that some hate, so apologies.... however Andy Smith only played once this season - might be worth an ask of Hull? Given he's been here before and we were apparently interested in the summer, it'd be surprised if we haven't/don't at least ask the question of Hull.
Wonder if this is a touch too lazy an assumption but seen as Mike Williamson has moved to MK Dons, maybe that's a likely destination? On the face of it though, wouldn't surprise me as the sort of player we are in for, especially if Efete is leaving. Seems to have done well at Gateshead who are towards the top of the NL and have played some decent stuff this year - League 2 probably the next challenge for him.
Know it's been mentioned before and it's one of these ex player links that some hate, so apologies.... however Andy Smith only played once this season - might be worth an ask of Hull? Given he's been here before and we were apparently interested in the summer, it'd be surprised if we haven't/don't at least ask the question of Hull.
Smith is around the first team at Hull, but not playing. He's in that predicament Khouri has been in for some time. If Smith goes out on loan this month, I think it will be to League One.
I don't think Smith will end up here, but Rosenior is a huge advocate of the kind of style Artell wants to implement here, so it does make sense for us more of their players to spend some time here if they are good enough.
The memorable thing about Smith wasn't that he was particularly quick, particularly good in the air or particularly good on the ball. It was that he was decent at all three and didn't make many mistakes.
Given some of the catastrophic defending we've seen for many of the goals conceded this season, having a defender who doesn't tend to make many errors would certainly be a good thing!
Absolute top priority is a striker. An injury to Rose now could be catastrophic - we are talking about season defining. PH biggest crime of the summer - leaving us so reliant on one player.
Close behind is a quality CB with pace, ideally with leadership skills as well. Sadly Luke can no longer lead by exampleā¦
TBH if we just got those two I think that would be enough to keep us safe and then have a more comprehensive reset in the summer.
Call me impatient but I seriously thought we may have a couple through the door at the start which would also mean a good 10 days of training with the Squad before Notts County at Home.
I know we all get a little pessimistic but I seriously thought weād have something wrapped up by now.
1 or preferably 2 CB are the number one priority imo, ours are just simply not good enough. Two clean sheets this season isn't it - that is unsustainable. On top of that a striker to cover and a central midfielder probably pretty high up the list as well.
Call me impatient but I seriously thought we may have a couple through the door at the start which would also mean a good 10 days of training with the Squad before Notts County at Home.
I know we all get a little pessimistic but I seriously thought weād have something wrapped up by now.
We probably haven't signed anyone...but...if we had, keeping it quiet so our next opposition don't know wouldn't be unusual.
We probably haven't signed anyone...but...if we had, keeping it quiet so our next opposition don't know wouldn't be unusual.
Surely the idea of an announcement would be better and likely add a few more on the gate for the Notts game.
I hope Iām wrong but I have a hunch that weāll not get much business done and likely miss out on any targets due to our current situation. Time will tellā¦..
We probably haven't signed anyone...but...if we had, keeping it quiet so our next opposition don't know wouldn't be unusual.
Given that there are so many conversations going on with agents, players (and their teammates), selling clubs, other interested clubs, and club staff, the idea that signings arenāt known on the grapevine before theyāre officially announced is realistically not the case.
Close behind is a quality CB with pace, ideally with leadership skills as well. Sadly Luke can no longer lead by exampleā¦
Change the record mate ! He's only played half a handful of games. Centre- backs don't need to be super fast but able to hold and be solid. Scrap the wingback system and return to proper full backs, then we might see progress.
Close behind is a quality CB with pace, ideally with leadership skills as well. Sadly Luke can no longer lead by exampleā¦
Change the record mate ! He's only played half a handful of games. Centre- backs don't need to be super fast but able to hold and be solid. Scrap the wingback system and return to proper full backs, then we might see progress.
Surely we can all relate to the notion that a signing or two early doors would have bolstered morale and belief and offset some of the anger/disappointment. Guess weāve all got to be realistic and patient.
In a way Iām disappointed we donāt have a game tomorrow, but, on the other hand, if we were to be on the receiving end of another defeat with that number of hapless individual displays, then the general feeling wouldāve been more depressing and potentially toxic. Fingers crossed for some recruitment next week. Reality is - longer it goes on with no new players, the more the fan base will be anxious and disgruntled. Tough time for everyone, and weāve got to keep the faith.
Close behind is a quality CB with pace, ideally with leadership skills as well. Sadly Luke can no longer lead by exampleā¦
Change the record mate ! He's only played half a handful of games. Centre- backs don't need to be super fast but able to hold and be solid. Scrap the wingback system and return to proper full backs, then we might see progress.
I can only assume you havenāt watched the last eight games.
Close behind is a quality CB with pace, ideally with leadership skills as well. Sadly Luke can no longer lead by exampleā¦
Change the record mate ! He's only played half a handful of games. Centre- backs don't need to be super fast but able to hold and be solid. Scrap the wingback system and return to proper full backs, then we might see progress.
You just might get away with a slow back if you always play low line defence, but as soon you go high line, the gaps behind are ripe for fast attackers. Luke runs as if he has the handbrake on all the time. Its a shame but there it is (see Walsall first goal) Rodgers is quicker, but his positioning is atrocious, especially defending corners, leaves attackers with free headers. We have struggled defensively from the first match.
You just might get away with a slow back if you always play low line defence, but as soon you go high line, the gaps behind are ripe for fast attackers. Luke runs as if he has the handbrake on all the time. Its a shame but there it is (see Walsall first goal) Rodgers is quicker, but his positioning is atrocious, especially defending corners, leaves attackers with free headers. We have struggled defensively from the first match.
Two of the finest CBs Iāve seen wear the stripes were not even nearly quick. But they did read the game better than anyone else on the pitch, they also had players alongside them that complimented them perfectly. Pace isnāt everything. Being Paul Futcher or Chris Nicholl is enough.
Batch, Crombie, Moore K, Wiggington, Cumming, Waters, Bonnyman, Ford, Emson, Drinkell, Whymark. Love you all, You are the reason I'm on here. You've had help from Todd, Handyside, Futcher P, Groves, Mendonca, Macca etc etc etc. Up The Mariners!!!!!!!!!
Two of the finest CBs Iāve seen wear the stripes were not even nearly quick. But they did read the game better than anyone else on the pitch, they also had players alongside them that complimented them perfectly. Pace isnāt everything. Being Paul Futcher or Chris Nicholl is enough.
Yes but in those days the only high block was in platform shoes
Wouldnāt mind us taking a punt on Fabio Tavares from Coventry. Just come back from a year out but theyāre looking to loan him out this month. Has absolute pace to burn and was in and around the first team before his injury. Whether they would see us a good fit for him is a different story.
Two of the finest CBs Iāve seen wear the stripes were not even nearly quick. But they did read the game better than anyone else on the pitch, they also had players alongside them that complimented them perfectly. Pace isnāt everything. Being Paul Futcher or Chris Nicholl is enough.
We best keep Waterfall and Rodgers and teach them reading the game better. Mean while.................
We best keep Waterfall and Rodgers and teach them reading the game better. Mean while.................
Which proves all we need to know about how little you understand of this beautiful game. Rodgers and even Waterfall are both perfectly capable defenders. Plenty good enough for this league, as long as they are used correctly. Futcher for example had Handyside to do the hard yards next to him and it worked a treat. Balance is everything in a team and at the moment weāve not got it quite right, hence Waterfall being out in the RB position and being expected to keep up with a whippet. Futch would not have been out there because the defensive unit complimented each other. We donāt have that right now, but Iām sure we will get better at it, with these players or others. Meanwhile you snipe at LW for his lack of pace. Look at the bigger picture.
Batch, Crombie, Moore K, Wiggington, Cumming, Waters, Bonnyman, Ford, Emson, Drinkell, Whymark. Love you all, You are the reason I'm on here. You've had help from Todd, Handyside, Futcher P, Groves, Mendonca, Macca etc etc etc. Up The Mariners!!!!!!!!!
Which proves all we need to know about how little you understand of this beautiful game. Rodgers and even Waterfall are both perfectly capable defenders. Plenty good enough for this league, as long as they are used correctly. Futcher for example had Handyside to do the hard yards next to him and it worked a treat. Balance is everything in a team and at the moment weāve not got it quite right, hence Waterfall being out in the RB position and being expected to keep up with a whippet. Futch would not have been out there because the defensive unit complimented each other. We donāt have that right now, but Iām sure we will get better at it, with these players or others. Meanwhile you snipe at LW for his lack of pace. Look at the bigger picture.
Well said. No one has seemed to pick up on the fact that Waterfall was covering for an out of position Mullarkey, with the conceded throw in prior to the goal coming because Mullarkey had failed to move up the pitch to receive a pass as Waterfall was moving forward with the ball.
Seems like Artell runs some sort of tax recuperation company on the side for sports people for many years . Maybe he has some decent contacts from this ?
Well said. No one has seemed to pick up on the fact that Waterfall was covering for an out of position Mullarkey, with the conceded throw in prior to the goal coming because Mullarkey had failed to move up the pitch to receive a pass as Waterfall was moving forward with the ball.
No. Waterfall punted a simple 5 yard pass straight into touch. The goal came from a combination of that needless error and his lack of pace. I'm not overly impressed with Mullarkey, but let's not rewrite history here.
Waterfall used the ball OK in general during that game, but he's just one of many players we have who are prone to errors in possession, needlessly giving it away when under little or no pressure. Just 4th division footballers, I suppose.
No. Waterfall punted a simple 5 yard pass straight into touch. The goal came from a combination of that needless error and his lack of pace. I'm not overly impressed with Mullarkey, but let's not rewrite history here.
Waterfall used the ball OK in general during that game, but he's just one of many players we have who are prone to errors in possession, needlessly giving it away when under little or no pressure. Just 4th division footballers, I suppose.
Agree re the pass, poor concentration for an experienced player, happens a bit with this group.
I think Luke has run his race at this level but if you look at the first Walsall goal when the scorer entered the box thereās only one other opposition player in shot and 5 outfield Town players,
- Waterfall getting skinned - Maher backing off looking like he didnāt know what position to takeā - Mullarkey coming back but doesnāt look like heās busting a gut - Andrews just jogging. - Glennon running back into the box but into a position far too late to have a defensive impact.
Goal gets scored & Maher does his standard post goal finger point routine.
We canāt defend as a unit & need better CBs and arguably better FBs.
"Crombie you would have got to that if you weren't such a fat ba%$@rd" - George Kerr, inspiration from the dug out 70s styleĀ Ā
A Tranmere CB is the only one I've seen so far. I can't see that they have sold/loaned any out yet so can only assume that potential deal is still live.
If league players are any good they wont be released in this window unless a fee is involved and how many would want to come here . We should be scouring non league where there are quite a few good players who would be eager to move up a league if the rewards are worth it.
Seems like Artell runs some sort of tax recuperation company on the side for sports people for many years. Maybe he has some decent contacts from this ?
Fingers crossed that over the years of being a Director of the company, every single T has been crossed and every I has been dotted, so there are no discrepancies with any figures. I certainly hope he and his wife are top banana Directors and have done every thing above board, unlike other unmentionables associated with the club in the last 20 years (minus the last two years).
Before anyone has a pop, I am not accusing anyone of doing anything wrong, I'm just hoping for everyone's sake that all the company's business has been done above board.
Fingers crossed that over the years of being a Director of the company, every single T has been crossed and every I has been dotted, so there are no discrepancies with any figures. I certainly hope he and his wife are top banana Directors and have done every thing above board, unlike other unmentionables associated with the club in the last 20 years (minus the last two years).
Before anyone has a pop, I am not accusing anyone of doing anything wrong, I'm just hoping for everyone's sake that all the company's business has been done above board.
The thing is, why would you even think that, and then post it on the Forum?
Fingers crossed that over the years of being a Director of the company, every single T has been crossed and every I has been dotted, so there are no discrepancies with any figures. I certainly hope he and his wife are top banana Directors and have done every thing above board, unlike other unmentionables associated with the club in the last 20 years (minus the last two years).
Before anyone has a pop, I am not accusing anyone of doing anything wrong, I'm just hoping for everyone's sake that all the company's business has been done above board.
I'm sure Herve has been through all of his accounts.
Hull City have proven to be an excellent loan player source which has benefitted both teams.
Townsend made Hull good money going to West Brom, and Smith was a great signing, who is now regularly in their 18 team sheet.
I would be happy to see other up and coming loan players proving themseleves at League 2 standard for a season.
Gets us eager to please players and gives youngsters a chance in a real men's football level situation to enhance their progress.
Home advantage, with no home sickness, easy take up of Hull medical needs if injured, ease of scout / management assessment at our home games for loanees, all good reasons to have a good relationship with Rosenior.
Forget local rivalries,and just make use of a resource that has worked well for both sides in the recent past.
Obvious that they attract better younger players with their payscales and Allam's inherited infrastructure, so use them for our advantage !!
Well i think paying off Hurst and Doig have wiped out a lot of the funds that pretty much scuppered any shopping after Christmas.
Im hearing no permanent signings in the pipeline as yet but some loans on the cards.
One from Hull im hearing but not who you would be hoping for.
I donāt believe that for one minute.
I canāt imagine Stockwood telling Artell that thereās no money because weāre skint because weāre paying off the previous manager. Hardly selling him the job, is it?
No money is highly unlikely in my opinion. Everything about the owners shows they will invest in the right way when its the right time to do so. They of course aren't just going to write blank cheques, but I don't think we'd want them to do that anyway.
Most of this seems to have come from AP's statement at the fans forum where he said we need to get players out to get them in, however I think that's more they've maybe learnt from advertising they have funds from the FA Cup and realising agents listen to that. If I'm an agent, I do my research and if I can get myself and my client an extra 5/10%, because Grimsby have said they have some money, I will do.
His basic point maybe correct and we are close to the budget, however I'd be amazed if they didn't allow him to bring players in before letting people go.
Having to get players out to free up funds before bringing new players in and bringing new players in then trying to trim the budget back afterwards with outgoings are two entirely different circumstances. One is restrictive, one isn't and is just sound business sense - why would you keep players you don't need?!
Anyone got binoculars out at cheapside would not be surprised if there was not a couple of new faces going through the motions but holding cards close to our chests to not give away any advantages Just my thoughts
Probably not ground breaking news that there will, generally, be less money in the club after having to pay off two of our most important members of staff to be fair.
I canāt imagine Stockwood telling Artell that thereās no money because weāre skint because weāre paying off the previous manager. Hardly selling him the job, is it?
Im not saying there wont be any, just none in the pipeline as yet. money is tight and like they said one in one out. Shipping out players can also be an expensive subject.
Besides a couple of good loans would most likely get us thru the season, were not really at this current time looking at challenging so if we don't offload the idea would be to consolidate until the end of the season.
My source has been 100% in the past as my record shows but please dont shoot the messenger.
Think male private neale ,or whatever his name is, might be right re Amos Efete n Khan being told to look for pastures new. Also a couple of the young pros have been told they eont be offered new contracts
I know it's early in the piece but how will we compete budget wise next season ? It's seemed a struggle even with the cup money and nigh on 6k season ticket sales back to back ; unless we have a barnstorming 2nd half of the season I can't see us shifting 6k again , there has been no cup run and no immediate high value assets to sell ( we hope there will be in another year or 2 ) .
Stockwood said they have had to put another million in this season even with the cup money , so no doubt there will be an even more substantial shortfall to make up this close season -- there is the Main Stand / Upper works to factor in also .
Slightly concerned , we have to hope league 2 empties of the bigger / bankrolled clubs and hope less teams go bonkers on wages maybe ?
It's surely going to be a big turnover of players this January/summer aswell with loads out of contract again and Artell wanting to shape the squad in his image you would have thought .
Agree re the pass, poor concentration for an experienced player, happens a bit with this group.
I think Luke has run his race at this level but if you look at the first Walsall goal when the scorer entered the box thereās only one other opposition player in shot and 5 outfield Town players,
- Waterfall getting skinned - Maher backing off looking like he didnāt know what position to takeā - Mullarkey coming back but doesnāt look like heās busting a gut - Andrews just jogging. - Glennon running back into the box but into a position far too late to have a defensive impact.
Goal gets scored & Maher does his standard post goal finger point routine.
We canāt defend as a unit & need better CBs and arguably better FBs.
Yep that's how it happened, and even if Maher had stepped up a few yards to block that into the roof shot, the Wallsal player to the right was an easy pass and open goal, with Mullarkey nowhere near. However many times you watch it for some glimmer of hope, there is none. I hope Town are using this 14-day "break" to good use. Drove past Cheapside this am @t 11, I've never seen it as full of players.
In theory it should be a more level playing field next season. Of the top four, who are creating a bit of a mini-league, Barrow are the one we would want to stay down really. Stockport, Mansfield and Wrexham all have big spending power and are comfortable at flexing it.
Of the play-off lurking sides, Notts County aren't shy about spending a bit more money than most and have the gates to back it up. I'd normally say MK Dons but it doesn't look to be quite the same there anymore.
Bradford, Gillingham, Colchester...all seem to have the ability to spend when needed but not to the levels of the others mentioned. Salford can and will spend, I suspect this season of struggle will see a loosening of the purse strings from Lim for next season. But the rest are pretty much paupers or staring into some sort of abyss. Chesterfield from the Conference will have a bit of spending power but there's no-one else in there who I could see coming up and blowing the field away. Coming down from League One there's an argument that both Wigan and Reading could, if they got their acts together, be a beast. But neither have done so. Not convinced Reading will survive the drop (think they might get their better young players picked off this month) but unless they change owner their drop will continue.
This season is very much about who's got the best budget. I imagine next season will be very much about stability and continuity. Crewe will go well again, if they don't sneak in this season. Tranmere will be the one I fancy that everyone will be trying to catch.
Not worried about next season. I understand your point about season ticket sales and the costs of the ground upkeep. Just have to be a bit more prudent I guess...possibly a smaller squad.
In theory it should be a more level playing field next season. Of the top four, who are creating a bit of a mini-league, Barrow are the one we would want to stay down really. Stockport, Mansfield and Wrexham all have big spending power and are comfortable at flexing it.
Of the play-off lurking sides, Notts County aren't shy about spending a bit more money than most and have the gates to back it up. I'd normally say MK Dons but it doesn't look to be quite the same there anymore.
Bradford, Gillingham, Colchester...all seem to have the ability to spend when needed but not to the levels of the others mentioned. Salford can and will spend, I suspect this season of struggle will see a loosening of the purse strings from Lim for next season. But the rest are pretty much paupers or staring into some sort of abyss. Chesterfield from the Conference will have a bit of spending power but there's no-one else in there who I could see coming up and blowing the field away. Coming down from League One there's an argument that both Wigan and Reading could, if they got their acts together, be a beast. But neither have done so. Not convinced Reading will survive the drop (think they might get their better young players picked off this month) but unless they change owner their drop will continue.
This season is very much about who's got the best budget. I imagine next season will be very much about stability and continuity. Crewe will go well again, if they don't sneak in this season. Tranmere will be the one I fancy that everyone will be trying to catch.
Not worried about next season. I understand your point about season ticket sales and the costs of the ground upkeep. Just have to be a bit more prudent I guess...possibly a smaller squad.
Not very encouraging tbf. Looks like no cash and content to finish just above relegation - a massive disappointment if true.
Really thought DA would have a couple lined up from his contacts to walk straight through the doors at the start of January. Clearly not the caseā¦ā¦.Time will tell.
Both FGR and Sutton are picking up less than a point a game, .72 to be precise. If that were to continue for their remaining 21 games it would give them another 15 points each, totaling 33 overall.
That means we would only need to pick up a further 7 points to finish above both.
Over the course of the season we've picked up just over a point a game, 1.03. If we continued that for our remaining 20 games we get 20.76 (should always round up at this point but just to be cautious I'll round down). That's 46 points we finish the season with. For either FGR or Sutton to even equal they would need to average 1.33 points per game, not far off doubling their efforts so far this season.
We've had 7 games since Artell took over (league). 2 wins, 2 draws and 3 defeats. 8 points. 1.14 points per game. That continued rate would see us finish the season with just under 50 points (49.85).
In the last 7 games Sutton have picked up 6 points, which averages 0.85 per game. That continued form only takes them to 38 for the whole season. Same scenario for FGR but just 3 points returned, 0.42 points per game. Continued form here takes them to a dismal 29 points after 46 games.
I personally think we'll continue with a bit of a bust and boom approach for the rest of the season, in both results and performances. That 1.14 points per game is something I honestly wouldn't be shocked to see and we end the season around the 50 point mark. That's 30 points for Sutton and FGR to both make up, not even taking into account their goal differences. That's averaging 1.42 points a game. Considering how excrement they've been all season, I don't see either of them suddenly hitting mid-table form for the rest of the season.
We had this last season with many (and I have to be honest, I include myself in that) thought we would get dragged into a scrap but the odd win here and there and even a run of going undefeated (March for example), soon sees you pick up more than enough points.
We're not great at the minute, certainly not every week. But then we're not horrendous every week either. Certainly not as consistently bad as the likes of Sutton and FGR.
Salford and Colchester look capable of getting out of just on their spending power/managerial appointments. But that's not a guarantee. I'm in the camp that the Cowley's could be a busted flush now but I think with a half decent budget they'll bring in what's needed to move them away from the bottom two. I detest Karl Robinson but he's probably the type of bully-boy manager you want to get a tune out of a excrement squad. He'll also be granted a massive war chest to bring in whoever and whatever it takes to make sure they're safe. But again, not guaranteed. Salford were by far the worst team I've seen at this level for a long, long time. It'll take more than a couple of marquee signings to transform them.
Can Sutton and FGR turn it round? Mathematically, of course they can. It's not an unachievable ask for them to reign someone else in. I just can't see it.
NO, We can't have rumours without any PROOF!!!!! this is what you demand, or at least you do when it suits.
Consistently inconsistent, love it.
What a sharp object you are, did Mom take your toys away again? Awwww, poor little boy! But carry on, I love watching you making a fool of yourself.......AGAIN!
Both FGR and Sutton are picking up less than a point a game, .72 to be precise. If that were to continue for their remaining 21 games it would give them another 15 points each, totaling 33 overall.
You want to be careful using data to back up your point, youāre at risk of being called a Snake Oil salesman š
What a sharp object you are, did Mom take your toys away again? Awwww, poor little boy! But carry on, I love watching you making a fool of yourself.......AGAIN!
Now now Bear lets not start a filthy worded slanging match, just caught you out... AGAIN!
We all wait with bated breath for your fully substantiated transfer scoop.
What a sharp object you are, did Mom take your toys away again? Awwww, poor little boy! But carry on, I love watching you making a fool of yourself.......AGAIN!
You 2 sound like a bickering couple - FFS get a divorce.
Both FGR and Sutton are picking up less than a point a game, .72 to be precise. If that were to continue for their remaining 21 games it would give them another 15 points each, totaling 33 overall.
That means we would only need to pick up a further 7 points to finish above both.
Over the course of the season we've picked up just over a point a game, 1.03. If we continued that for our remaining 20 games we get 20.76 (should always round up at this point but just to be cautious I'll round down). That's 46 points we finish the season with. For either FGR or Sutton to even equal they would need to average 1.33 points per game, not far off doubling their efforts so far this season.
We've had 7 games since Artell took over (league). 2 wins, 2 draws and 3 defeats. 8 points. 1.14 points per game. That continued rate would see us finish the season with just under 50 points (49.85).
In the last 7 games Sutton have picked up 6 points, which averages 0.85 per game. That continued form only takes them to 38 for the whole season. Same scenario for FGR but just 3 points returned, 0.42 points per game. Continued form here takes them to a dismal 29 points after 46 games.
I personally think we'll continue with a bit of a bust and boom approach for the rest of the season, in both results and performances. That 1.14 points per game is something I honestly wouldn't be shocked to see and we end the season around the 50 point mark. That's 30 points for Sutton and FGR to both make up, not even taking into account their goal differences. That's averaging 1.42 points a game. Considering how excrement they've been all season, I don't see either of them suddenly hitting mid-table form for the rest of the season.
We had this last season with many (and I have to be honest, I include myself in that) thought we would get dragged into a scrap but the odd win here and there and even a run of going undefeated (March for example), soon sees you pick up more than enough points.
We're not great at the minute, certainly not every week. But then we're not horrendous every week either. Certainly not as consistently bad as the likes of Sutton and FGR.
Salford and Colchester look capable of getting out of just on their spending power/managerial appointments. But that's not a guarantee. I'm in the camp that the Cowley's could be a busted flush now but I think with a half decent budget they'll bring in what's needed to move them away from the bottom two. I detest Karl Robinson but he's probably the type of bully-boy manager you want to get a tune out of a excrement squad. He'll also be granted a massive war chest to bring in whoever and whatever it takes to make sure they're safe. But again, not guaranteed. Salford were by far the worst team I've seen at this level for a long, long time. It'll take more than a couple of marquee signings to transform them.
Can Sutton and FGR turn it round? Mathematically, of course they can. It's not an unachievable ask for them to reign someone else in. I just can't see it.
Donny have only taken 4 points from the last 6 games as well.
One of the interesting stats is that of our remaining 20 games, 10 at home and 10 away, the average points per game total of the home teams in the away fixtures is 1.59, but the average for the away teams in our home fixtures is only 1.01, suggesting we should have an easier time of it in home fixtures, and this is where we can get some points on the board and stay away from the bottom. Hopefully anyway...
As for incoming transfers, I think the board must be looking at bringing in at least a couple of players, despite the cost, because if we do go down again, it will cost a hell of a lot more in lost revenue.
Have u signed anybody yet ? We have done great business so far got in today our 3rd striker ,Taylor from Luton Town who i believe scored against you at your blunders park for Colchester? I guess you should begin to realise how "far down the food chain( loan market) you are"
Anyway good luck for the rest of january .Sadly you wont go down this year!
Have u signed anybody yet ? We have done great business so far got in today our 3rd striker ,Taylor from Luton Town who i believe scored against you at your blunders park for Colchester? I guess you should begin to realise how "far down the food chain( loan market) you are"
Anyway good luck for the rest of january .Sadly you wont go down this year!
Uti
As much as it pains me to say it, he was excellent and scored a cracking goal against us.
Might not be for a while, but our paths will cross again at some point. Remember saying the same thing to a gloating Scunt a few seasons back.
Noticed that MKD signed their third new player today.
Is it better organisation, more money or just a better prospect as a club? I canāt answer that but it opens a divide between ourselves and club with no history or appeal
I dont know what it is and i would guess no one else does but no matter who the owners are or who the manager / coach what ever fancy name they want to be known as, We just seem to be stuck down here becoming a yo yo club between bottom feeders in league two and non league. How the hell do clubs not heared of 15 yrs ago with half the fans we have seem to do a lot better than we do .. Money wise last season must be close if not the best income we have ever had and still end up with sub standard or sick note players . and only just at the moent hold our heads up above the bottom two.. Any one who thinks we are safe needs their bumps feeling . As they say bad things come in 3`s
Noticed that MKD signed their third new player today.
Is it better organisation, more money or just a better prospect as a club? I canāt answer that but it opens a divide between ourselves and club with no history or appeal
It has to be concerning. Iād rather hoped that our days of being one of the least attractive options in the league were coming to an end but the vibes still remain strong that we canāt attract players who might improve us.
Have u signed anybody yet ? We have done great business so far got in today our 3rd striker ,Taylor from Luton Town who i believe scored against you at your blunders park for Colchester? I guess you should begin to realise how "far down the food chain( loan market) you are"
Anyway good luck for the rest of january .Sadly you wont go down this year!
Uti
Sad girl private
Bigger things have happened at the club this week that show football to be of insignificance. Kindly intercourse off and have some respect
I dont think there are many fast defenders out there, unless we look at our 2nd team, they are doing really well under Neil Woods, and not many are coming through to the first team, perhaps we should take a look at them, they surely must be faster than the ones in the first team we have now. Even if we keep a stalwart in the middle, we could put a couple of the young fast lads alongside, after all, i doubt they could do worse.
I dont think there are many fast defenders out there, unless we look at our 2nd team, they are doing really well under Neil Woods, and not many are coming through to the first team, perhaps we should take a look at them, they surely must be faster than the ones in the first team we have now. Even if we keep a stalwart in the middle, we could put a couple of the young fast lads alongside, after all, i doubt they could do worse.
Really? You think putting 2 Youth team centre backs in our back line will sort out our defensive problems? Pleased you aren't the manager.
Must admit Iām getting a little bored with all the ālack of fundsā ālow budgetā stuff and the undertones of it, because it just doesnāt bare scrutiny when you just look at the facts.
You might not rate some of the signings we have made now weāre half way through the season but before a ball was kicked I think the vast majority thought weād had a very good window. Obviously the performances havenāt reflected that and weāve had to make a managerial change and have brought in a new man, it may take abit longer than 9 days of a window. Football is a funny business where the most integral and influential aspect of the business is largely out of an owner or CEOās control to a large extent.
If we just look at some of our signings, Vernam, Rose, Rodgers, Conteh - all multi year deals and fees paid on a couple. All four had significant interest so would have commanded a decent wage. Mullarkey also cost a fee..
There used to be a time weād all be crying out for fees been paid and decent contracts given out. So not sure what leads us to say with any confidence that investment isnāt made.
Then if you look outside of on the field stuff, just look at the investment at Blundell Park, drainage system, more staff within the offices, additional sports science within the whole set up, decent numbers of coaches and support staff and commitments to new training facilities - thereās investment everywhere.
The thing the owners wonāt do though, which I for one am thankful for, is open a cheque book to sign whoever we want for whatever they want. That model works for a while but quite often fails spectacularly. Just look at the huge number of clubs in financial trouble - what price did Scunny pay for a few years of championship football. Theyāve probably also learned advertising you have funds like we did with FA Cup money is not a great idea.
What they have done is increase the budget, invest on and off the field but also recognise sustainability is achieved through incremental improvement. This year May or may not be abit of a hiccup but we had it best finish since I donāt know when last year and a promotion the year before, so there is evidence to support the above ascertain.
Theyāre on record of saying we are a million quid short this year and they will happily meet that obligation. Firstly when has any owner of Grimsby Town made that commitment (for investment and not to cover his own intercourse ups) and secondly if money isnāt going in, why are they forking out a million quid this year alone? Just for a laugh?
Get people are frustrated, I am with the season - we should be better than we are. We obviously want to see improvement on the field but signing 4 players early doesnāt mean youāve improved - it just means youāve signed 4 players quickly.
Must admit Iām getting a little bored with all the ālack of fundsā ālow budgetā stuff and the undertones of it, because it just doesnāt bare scrutiny when you just look at the facts.
You might not rate some of the signings we have made now weāre half way through the season but before a ball was kicked I think the vast majority thought weād had a very good window. Obviously the performances havenāt reflected that and weāve had to make a managerial change and have brought in a new man, it may take abit longer than 9 days of a window. Football is a funny business where the most integral and influential aspect of the business is largely out of an owner or CEOās control to a large extent.
If we just look at some of our signings, Vernam, Rose, Rodgers, Conteh - all multi year deals and fees paid on a couple. All four had significant interest so would have commanded a decent wage. Mullarkey also cost a fee..
There used to be a time weād all be crying out for fees been paid and decent contracts given out. So not sure what leads us to say with any confidence that investment isnāt made.
Then if you look outside of on the field stuff, just look at the investment at Blundell Park, drainage system, more staff within the offices, additional sports science within the whole set up, decent numbers of coaches and support staff and commitments to new training facilities - thereās investment everywhere.
The thing the owners wonāt do though, which I for one am thankful for, is open a cheque book to sign whoever we want for whatever they want. That model works for a while but quite often fails spectacularly. Just look at the huge number of clubs in financial trouble - what price did Scunny pay for a few years of championship football. Theyāve probably also learned advertising you have funds like we did with FA Cup money is not a great idea.
What they have done is increase the budget, invest on and off the field but also recognise sustainability is achieved through incremental improvement. This year May or may not be abit of a hiccup but we had it best finish since I donāt know when last year and a promotion the year before, so there is evidence to support the above ascertain.
Theyāre on record of saying we are a million quid short this year and they will happily meet that obligation. Firstly when has any owner of Grimsby Town made that commitment (for investment and not to cover his own intercourse ups) and secondly if money isnāt going in, why are they forking out a million quid this year alone? Just for a laugh?
Get people are frustrated, I am with the season - we should be better than we are. We obviously want to see improvement on the field but signing 4 players early doesnāt mean youāve improved - it just means youāve signed 4 players quickly.
I get what youāre saying, as long as we retain League status. The manager seems unconcerned but I canāt say Iām 100% convinced. If we are going to improve, I think thereās 6 or 7 that need to be replaced and the sooner it starts, the better.
Looking at the released list in June 24 I presume the club and artell have decided to limp through the rest of the season and have a rebuild in the summer. A couple of loaners , the hopeful return of vernam injury free for the rest of the season will just about see us safe . Not said with any real conviction though .
Looking at the released list in June 24 I presume the club and artell have decided to limp through the rest of the season and have a rebuild in the summer. A couple of loaners , the hopeful return of vernam injury free for the rest of the season will just about see us safe . Not said with any real conviction though .
The fa cup money has been spent what is very concerning is record revenues last season and the owners are still a million short this season.!!!! WTF how can that be we must have players on mega money, Hurst signed some poor players this year i bet Vernham is close to half a million for a three year deal with his total salary package.
The fa cup money has been spent what is very concerning is record revenues last season and the owners are still a million short this season.!!!! WTF how can that be we must have players on mega money, Hurst signed some poor players this year i bet Vernham is close to half a million for a three year deal with his total salary package.
You do realise that there other pressing matters other than the squad that require funds don't you?
Ā£350,000 just to keep one stand open for a start, not to mention all the other demands on the purse strings.
They would have had to put even more of their own money into the coffers if we hadn't had that run last season, and as far as I can tell, we have our best ever budget for players this season, but it isn't a bottomless pit.
The fa cup money has been spent what is very concerning is record revenues last season and the owners are still a million short this season.!!!! WTF how can that be we must have players on mega money, Hurst signed some poor players this year i bet Vernham is close to half a million for a three year deal with his total salary package.
Paying off PH and CD wouldnāt have been budgeted for. The same can be said about having to pay out for remedial work on any work needing done at BP. Weāve also got to go out and find a new CEO
The fa cup money has been spent what is very concerning is record revenues last season and the owners are still a million short this season.!!!! WTF how can that be we must have players on mega money,
I literally listed about 6/7 things - but then again I suspect you probably know the answer anyway..
The problem is that here some people are understandably trying to rationalise our situation as we've now had a week to reflect. While others are still little traumatised after watching Harrogate outfight and outplay us on our home patch and then Walsall just take us apart in such a way that many supporters have now lost faith in the whole "project". I've watched Town since the 60's and never before been home before the last goal went in. I have no faith in the manager or the team to do any better against Notts County. And it appears the best we can hope for is perhaps a couple of loans and muddle through to the end of the season hoping that the bottom 2 keep losing.
I wonder if someone can pull up the equiva6thread from last January. I'm certain we were saying the same things then. And remember the meltdown on 31 jan coz of the lack of signings? Didnt turn out too badly in the end did it?
My Dad , who surprisingly, is a voice of reason and has studied football for 70 years had a very stark warning when I visited on Saturday He said ā your new manager had a system at Crewe that had taken years to build , heās out of work for a while then comes into a team struggling for confidence and tryās immediately to get Town playing to that system with disastrous consequences against Walsall , 2nd half Mansfield and Harrogateā
He said heāll be gone by February if he doesnāt abandon the project and just concentrate on results for this season
Depending on their contracts sacking Hurst and Doig could have cost us the best part of Ā£1/2million which couldn't have been accounted for in the budget.
Depending on their contracts sacking Hurst and Doig could have cost us the best part of Ā£1/2million which couldn't have been accounted for in the budget.
If you take the cost of sacking a manager out of every playing budget at every club then no one would ever sack the manager.
Can't imagine for a minute that JS told DA that he would have no money for the January window when DA clearly knew that there were fundamental issues with the existing squad. I'm not accusing Stockwood and Pettit of being the narcissist that their predecessor was but I'm pretty sure they don't want a relegation on their CV.
My Dad , who surprisingly, is a voice of reason and has studied football for 70 years had a very stark warning when I visited on Saturday He said ā your new manager had a system at Crewe that had taken years to build , heās out of work for a while then comes into a team struggling for confidence and tryās immediately to get Town playing to that system with disastrous consequences against Walsall , 2nd half Mansfield and Harrogateā
He said heāll be gone by February if he doesnāt abandon the project and just concentrate on results for this season
If he thinks DA will be sacked based on 2 months of work where there's been more positives than negatives then maybe football isn't for him. The fact you put 2nd half Mansfield and not 2nd half Walsall after we completely dominated the game for 35/40 minutes despite being beaten 6-1. The more shocking thing about the performance is that we looked so much better than them and was opening them up with ease. Mansfield we could and should of scored 2/3 in the first half. Goals change games and even more so when confidence is low. Let me paraphrase it like this, if you know you're going into a job and you know you'll get time to implement a project, why sacrifice the long term for players that are only here for the short term? Whether you like it or not, every footballer wants to play in a team that plays good football and has a manager that's willing to work with you. Look over the other side of the bridge at Ull and you'll see the perfect example of that. LR has the exact same philosphy as DA and had the exact same complaints from Hull fans about the playing out from the back from there fans at the start. Look at the quality of player wanting to play for Hull purely down to LR and the way they play, a lot of the players joining them have openly stated that the faith LR is putting them is a big reason why they want to join and why the loaning club chooses them as it fits the philosphy the top clubs want to play. Football is a results business but like Jason stated last season when we was going through the spell with PH, long term is always the focus. If you want to ignore the positives then fair enough but to say he'll be sacked by Febuary is just plain stupidity. We have a squad of players that even El General couldn't get working hard for him and they got him sacked.
We all want some activity and sitting on the outside itās hard not to question the benefits of having the recruitment team and manager in place. Whilst we were positive in response to the signings in the summer how much of that is actually based on knowledge of the new players ability? Most of those who come in I might have seen play a couple of times and unless they had an outstanding game I doubt they would have made an impact on my thoughts. Might see a striker or keeper regularly on tv highlights but I just go on what the Manager says and hope for the best.
The summer signings, to date, have not lived up to their hype and how influential the recruitment team were in selection is obviously a subject of debate but if they werenāt significantly influential why have them? Similarly I would have hoped that since the last window closed the recruitment team would have identified a number of suitable players for consideration and when Artell arrived that would be tweaked and availability revisited with an emphasis on being with us as early in the window as possible. To date the lack of incoming players is disappointing.
Much may change very quickly so this is just a general observation, as I am someone who supports having a recruitment team, and I hope it does but it does make you think about how much additional value some of these roles provide?
If he thinks DA will be sacked based on 2 months of work where there's been more positives than negatives then maybe football isn't for him. The fact you put 2nd half Mansfield and not 2nd half Walsall after we completely dominated the game for 35/40 minutes despite being beaten 6-1. The more shocking thing about the performance is that we looked so much better than them and was opening them up with ease. Mansfield we could and should of scored 2/3 in the first half. Goals change games and even more so when confidence is low. Let me paraphrase it like this, if you know you're going into a job and you know you'll get time to implement a project, why sacrifice the long term for players that are only here for the short term? Whether you like it or not, every footballer wants to play in a team that plays good football and has a manager that's willing to work with you. Look over the other side of the bridge at Ull and you'll see the perfect example of that. LR has the exact same philosphy as DA and had the exact same complaints from Hull fans about the playing out from the back from there fans at the start. Look at the quality of player wanting to play for Hull purely down to LR and the way they play, a lot of the players joining them have openly stated that the faith LR is putting them is a big reason why they want to join and why the loaning club chooses them as it fits the philosphy the top clubs want to play. Football is a results business but like Jason stated last season when we was going through the spell with PH, long term is always the focus. If you want to ignore the positives then fair enough but to say he'll be sacked by Febuary is just plain stupidity. We have a squad of players that even El General couldn't get working hard for him and they got him sacked.
What if going straight in for the long-term method results in relegation in the short-term? I don't think he will be sacked this month, but we do need to ensure we survive with whatever players we have at our disposal this season.
What if going straight in for the long-term method results in relegation in the short-term? I don't think he will be sacked this month, but we do need to ensure we survive with whatever players we have at our disposal this season.
Did you watch the Salford game? I can't believe i'm saying this really as I really thought we could make the playoffs before the season started but there's 3 teams much worse than us despite what some people think. ' Oh but Salford and Forest Green will throw money at it ' Money doesn't guarantee success. Forest Green have a major discipline issue and are lead by someone that has history of having issues with falling in line. Salford and Sutton are both just copulated and realistically need a miracle. Colchester have appointed the Cowleys and probably have the best squad out the 4 but have an owner unwilling to spend. Of the teams above us Swindon are sleep walking into a relegation dogfight, same with Morecambe. Given how well they both started, they're in touching distance and both have major off field issues. We're 9 points clear of Forest Green and have yet to play them at home. They are yet to play Mansfield this season and have a horrid run in to end the season. I suspect it'll be the bottom two to go down as I believe like the season we went down the damage is already done and the gap is just too big. DA doesn't strike me as someone that sits with the mentality that just because he thinks we're safe that'll do. He constantly talks about the want to improve, he'll have seen enough of this squad now to know what we need. Based off the matchday squads you can see who he fancies and who he doesn't and I expect we'll see movement in both directions very soon.
If he thinks DA will be sacked based on 2 months of work where there's been more positives than negatives then maybe football isn't for him. The fact you put 2nd half Mansfield and not 2nd half Walsall after we completely dominated the game for 35/40 minutes despite being beaten 6-1. The more shocking thing about the performance is that we looked so much better than them and was opening them up with ease. Mansfield we could and should of scored 2/3 in the first half. Goals change games and even more so when confidence is low. Let me paraphrase it like this, if you know you're going into a job and you know you'll get time to implement a project, why sacrifice the long term for players that are only here for the short term? Whether you like it or not, every footballer wants to play in a team that plays good football and has a manager that's willing to work with you. Look over the other side of the bridge at Ull and you'll see the perfect example of that. LR has the exact same philosphy as DA and had the exact same complaints from Hull fans about the playing out from the back from there fans at the start. Look at the quality of player wanting to play for Hull purely down to LR and the way they play, a lot of the players joining them have openly stated that the faith LR is putting them is a big reason why they want to join and why the loaning club chooses them as it fits the philosphy the top clubs want to play. Football is a results business but like Jason stated last season when we was going through the spell with PH, long term is always the focus. If you want to ignore the positives then fair enough but to say he'll be sacked by Febuary is just plain stupidity. We have a squad of players that even El General couldn't get working hard for him and they got him sacked.
I donāt think itās been mentioned but the game v Walsall was the fourth game in a short period of time. I understand that it was the 4th for Walsall too, but itās interesting that our performances seem to dip in the second half of games whilst trying to adjust to a higher pressing game played from the back. Just sayingā¦.
I donāt think itās been mentioned but the game v Walsall was the fourth game in a short period of time. I understand that it was the 4th for Walsall too, but itās interesting that our performances seem to dip in the second half of games whilst trying to adjust to a higher pressing game played from the back. Just sayingā¦.
I'd love to know what went wrong during the summer. Hurst's sides were always very fit, it was a defining feature of winning those play off games. We were always resilient, and able to come through periods of pressure in games, never being out of them completely. Therefore we often found a way back into games, coming from behind a lot, even last season.
All that has evaporated this season.
I've wasted my life in black and white, a pathetic act for a worthless cause
Did you watch the Salford game? I can't believe i'm saying this really as I really thought we could make the playoffs before the season started but there's 3 teams much worse than us despite what some people think. ' Oh but Salford and Forest Green will throw money at it ' Money doesn't guarantee success. Forest Green have a major discipline issue and are lead by someone that has history of having issues with falling in line. Salford and Sutton are both just copulated and realistically need a miracle. Colchester have appointed the Cowleys and probably have the best squad out the 4 but have an owner unwilling to spend. Of the teams above us Swindon are sleep walking into a relegation dogfight, same with Morecambe. Given how well they both started, they're in touching distance and both have major off field issues. We're 9 points clear of Forest Green and have yet to play them at home. They are yet to play Mansfield this season and have a horrid run in to end the season. I suspect it'll be the bottom two to go down as I believe like the season we went down the damage is already done and the gap is just too big. DA doesn't strike me as someone that sits with the mentality that just because he thinks we're safe that'll do. He constantly talks about the want to improve, he'll have seen enough of this squad now to know what we need. Based off the matchday squads you can see who he fancies and who he doesn't and I expect we'll see movement in both directions very soon.
I think it's sad that reeling off a number of excrement teams is the reason we won't go down. Is that what it has come to?
You do realise that there other pressing matters other than the squad that require funds don't you?
Ā£350,000 just to keep one stand open for a start, not to mention all the other demands on the purse strings.
They would have had to put even more of their own money into the coffers if we hadn't had that run last season, and as far as I can tell, we have our best ever budget for players this season, but it isn't a bottomless pit.
Not totally accurate as they never actually did the proposed work costing 350k in the end on the main stand, they only installed wooden plates to reinforce the pillars at a fraction of the cost to ripping it all out and putting the steal beams in. think that work is now on hold.
I think it's sad that reeling off a number of excrement teams is the reason we won't go down. Is that what it has come to?
Oh trust me mate, i'm in the exact same boat. Especially after most of us at the start of the season predicted us to finish top half. Even like the lower league experts had us top half, I think we are in safe hands now however and there's been enough in the performances for me to be positive about the future for when DA gets his players.
Not totally accurate as they never actually did the proposed work costing 350k in the end on the main stand, they only installed wooden plates to reinforce the pillars at a fraction of the cost to ripping it all out and putting the steal beams in. think that work is now on hold.
Correct me if I'm wrong but I think they delayed it because there's some funding available for EFL clubs, given by the Premier League, that has to be spent on infrastructure rather than on transfer fees and player wages. Seems sensible if that is true.
I've wasted my life in black and white, a pathetic act for a worthless cause
For those who are concerned about relegation, can I ask if it's our collective performances under Artell (including points picked up) or some foresight into the future that's the worry?
Second half against Mansfield was a shocker - but we won't play Mansfield every week and they are the best side at this level for ages. Second half against Walsall was just awful, we went to pieces. But that wasn't the system that cost us, it was players not doing the basics.
Salford, Crewe, MK Dons....all good solid performances with points picked up. Are we discounting those outputs when we look at what we'll pick up for the rest of the season?
My Dad , who surprisingly, is a voice of reason and has studied football for 70 years had a very stark warning when I visited on Saturday He said ā your new manager had a system at Crewe that had taken years to build , heās out of work for a while then comes into a team struggling for confidence and tryās immediately to get Town playing to that system with disastrous consequences against Walsall , 2nd half Mansfield and Harrogateā
He said heāll be gone by February if he doesnāt abandon the project and just concentrate on results for this season
So, DA "abandons the project" and reverts to, well to what? The brand of football that PH was practising, which by the way was also failing?
My question is, how then can the ability of the current squad to function under his preferred system be properly tested?
We may well have our own opinions about which players should be replaced in the summer, but it's Artell who has the responsibility to make those decisions, and make them on a sound basis. I know we are in a precarious position at the moment, but imo it's too early to panic, and we should allow the manager to get on with managing the team in as professional a manner as possible.
For those who are concerned about relegation, can I ask if it's our collective performances under Artell (including points picked up) or some foresight into the future that's the worry?
Second half against Mansfield was a shocker - but we won't play Mansfield every week and they are the best side at this level for ages. Second half against Walsall was just awful, we went to pieces. But that wasn't the system that cost us, it was players not doing the basics.
Salford, Crewe, MK Dons....all good solid performances with points picked up. Are we discounting those outputs when we look at what we'll pick up for the rest of the season?
Let's not forget that we were outside the relegation zone when Hurst returned and still got relegated. Admittedly, we were in an absolute state and seemingly heading down, but we were outside the relegation zone when Hurst came in.
Mansfield are a very good team, but the manner of that defeat and the second half collapse against Walsall is a cause for concern. Relegation isn't impossible and our festive form has been absolutely shambolic, there is no getting away from that.
My main fear of relegation is foresight, and I think we need to work on this lot being more effective at getting something from games, rather than playing a style that they can't regularly sustain for 90 minutes. January is never the best for recruitment, so whilst I do expect some improvements, a lot of this squad which he slated after the Walsall game will be needed to ensure we are still a League 2 team next season.
I think it's naĆÆve to assume that all of Colchester, FGR, Salford and Sutton won't improve. I would expect at least 3 of them to start making a fight of it and getting a few results as the season draws to a close. Whether the bottom 2 start doing that when it's too late like we did in 2021 is another debate.
I don't think that Artell should abandon the project, I just think he should ensure we survive and really look to kick on with his style in the summer.
The complaint about not signing player A, B or C may not even be down to the club. The parent club may believe there are better options (financially and/or level) , the players agent may have a better idea of clubs after āhisā player and the play himself may not want the move. The behind the scenes work is unfortunately what we are not privy to and thereās good reasons why. So, without lambasting the club/DA for not getting players in or out, letās just go with the process and wait.
In fact, we all know what sort of players we all feel that we need, but DA may think the squad that he has inherited is better than what we all think.
Correct me if I'm wrong but I think they delayed it because there's some funding available for EFL clubs, given by the Premier League, that has to be spent on infrastructure rather than on transfer fees and player wages. Seems sensible if that is true.
No I think it was a logistical issue with the Steals not being available in time for the closed season so they went for a plan B for now, not sure if other factors like possible funding opportunities may have also influenced it,
Ryan Woods recalled by Hull from his loan at Bristol Rovers. Unlikely heāll be getting a game at Hull, so Iād imagine heāll be going back out again. Probably a long shot, but just the type of player we need in midfield imo.
Ryan Woods recalled by Hull from his loan at Bristol Rovers. Unlikely heāll be getting a game at Hull, so Iād imagine heāll be going back out again. Probably a long shot, but just the type of player we need in midfield imo.
That would be some signing, played mostly at Championship level.
Ryan Woods recalled by Hull from his loan at Bristol Rovers. Unlikely heāll be getting a game at Hull, so Iād imagine heāll be going back out again. Probably a long shot, but just the type of player we need in midfield imo.
Agree must be a long shot. If heās played at Championship level, and been on loan in L1 and then recalled, how likely is it that theyāll be sending him on loan to bottom end L2?
Rovers fans suggesting his form had dropped and he does seem to have fallen out of favour and involvement has been limited recently. Not inconceivable as can't see him playing for Hull. No idea if it's likely though.
Ryan Woods recalled by Hull from his loan at Bristol Rovers. Unlikely heāll be getting a game at Hull, so Iād imagine heāll be going back out again. Probably a long shot, but just the type of player we need in midfield imo.
Let's not forget that we were outside the relegation zone when Hurst returned and still got relegated. Admittedly, we were in an absolute state and seemingly heading down, but we were outside the relegation zone when Hurst came in.
Mansfield are a very good team, but the manner of that defeat and the second half collapse against Walsall is a cause for concern. Relegation isn't impossible and our festive form has been absolutely shambolic, there is no getting away from that.
My main fear of relegation is foresight, and I think we need to work on this lot being more effective at getting something from games, rather than playing a style that they can't regularly sustain for 90 minutes. January is never the best for recruitment, so whilst I do expect some improvements, a lot of this squad which he slated after the Walsall game will be needed to ensure we are still a League 2 team next season.
I think it's naĆÆve to assume that all of Colchester, FGR, Salford and Sutton won't improve. I would expect at least 3 of them to start making a fight of it and getting a few results as the season draws to a close. Whether the bottom 2 start doing that when it's too late like we did in 2021 is another debate.
I don't think that Artell should abandon the project, I just think he should ensure we survive and really look to kick on with his style in the summer.
So you think Colchester, FGR, Salford and Sutton will improve, but we wont? That's just fear talking.
We had a terrible Christmas, but guess what, so did the teams below us. None of them made any significant ground on us and other teams are starting to drop like a stone too. Swindon and Morecambe have fallen off a cliff form wise.
If you look at the league 2 form guide, we have ranged from 14th to 19th over the last 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 games, with anywhere from 5 to 10 teams doing worse than us depending on what time scale you care to look at. if you look at the last 10 games since PH left, we are 14th.
Agree must be a long shot. If heās played at Championship level, and been on loan in L1 and then recalled, how likely is it that theyāll be sending him on loan to bottom end L2?
Ryan Woods recalled by Hull from his loan at Bristol Rovers. Unlikely heāll be getting a game at Hull, so Iād imagine heāll be going back out again. Probably a long shot, but just the type of player we need in midfield imo.
He'll be used at Hull as Seri and Traore are going away to AFCON.
How the hell they manage that by the way! Some signing!
Yep ridiculous signing. He played a full 90 in the Champions League less than a month ago. Hull and Liverpool have done some good business among themselves over recent years, I reckon that coupled with Rosenior playing decent footy has helped that move.
So you think Colchester, FGR, Salford and Sutton will improve, but we wont? That's just fear talking.
We had a terrible Christmas, but guess what, so did the teams below us. None of them made any significant ground on us and other teams are starting to drop like a stone too. Swindon and Morecambe have fallen off a cliff form wise.
If you look at the league 2 form guide, we have ranged from 14th to 19th over the last 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 games, with anywhere from 5 to 10 teams doing worse than us depending on what time scale you care to look at. if you look at the last 10 games since PH left, we are 14th.
I can't help but be fearful because a third relegation would be absolutely devastating and we need to stay up above all else. Risking getting absolutely hammered every week has the potential to absolutely destroy the confidence of our players.
I know there was the Kirk rumour after he left Crewe by mutual consent, but so far no more heard about it. And tonight Regan Griffiths has left Crewe by mutual consent too. Im not adding 2 and 2 together just yet.
Batch, Crombie, Moore K, Wiggington, Cumming, Waters, Bonnyman, Ford, Emson, Drinkell, Whymark. Love you all, You are the reason I'm on here. You've had help from Todd, Handyside, Futcher P, Groves, Mendonca, Macca etc etc etc. Up The Mariners!!!!!!!!!
I can't help but be fearful because a third relegation would be absolutely devastating and we need to stay up above all else. Risking getting absolutely hammered every week has the potential to absolutely destroy the confidence of our players.
We've only taken a hammering once. As disappointing as the Xmas period was we picked up 3 points still, that level of form for the rest of the season is a further 15 points and would see us finish on 42 points. It's not where I want to be but I actually think that'll be more than enough to stay up this season.
But I think we'll pick up more than that, there's nothing to suggest the wheels are going to fall off altogether. A bad second half against the stellar side at this level and a second half moment against the in-form side where literally everyone in a Black & White shirt forgot how to play football.
Some teams below us will improve their form probably, but then some above us will see their form get even worse.
I would be worried if we weren't seeing positives since Artell took over. But we have done so and we've picked up a comfortable number of points to suggest a mid-table and safe, yet still disappointing, finish. Unfortunately at this stage the highs are matched by the low moments too, but it's not catastrophic and I really, really don't think it will by the end of the season either.
Just had a quick browse on the Coventry forum, and merging two quotes regarding Justin Obikwu(s) - he's built like a "brick sh1t-house" and has "real pace".
More red crosses incoming but ā¦ I donāt think heās all that, heās not a patch on Crocombe and if we get the chance for an experienced keeper before the end of Jan we should jump at the chance
More red crosses incoming but ā¦ I donāt think heās all that, heās not a patch on Crocombe and if we get the chance for an experienced keeper before the end of Jan we should jump at the chance
I was a fan of Crocombe and wouldn't have been disappointed if he had stayed but his form did drop towards the end of the season, but after a nervous start I'm quite impressed with Cartwright and he has saved quite a few goals being add to our goals against column.
I suppose the key question, with apologies to Craig Shakespeare, is
Toby or not Toby? That is the question. Whether tis a no brainier to stop wingers slinging arrows into the box Causing a sea of troubles or sign someone who can get to the opposition and defend them.
I suppose the key question, with apologies to Craig Shakespeare, is
Toby or not Toby? That is the question. Whether tis a no brainier to stop wingers slinging arrows into the box Causing a sea of troubles or sign someone who can get to the opposition and defend them.
I appreciated this mate - even if no-one else does
He's been linked with us too - He good enough for L1?
Itās hard to say definitively, since heās never played at that level, but you have to consider his recent history. He arrived at BP in the January of our most recent our non-league season, parachuted into a side that was in the throes of a retched run of form, aged just 20 and having never played a senior league match in his career.
To say he carried himself well would be an understatement. Our form improved markedly with him in the side - not purely down to him of course, but he played his part - and then he played every minute of that incredible and brutally intense play-off campaign. He made a very smart block to let Waterfall in for the last minute winner against Wrexham (probably a foul, but who gives a fĆŗck?), and then played the perfect through ball to McAtee for our crucial equaliser against Solihull in the final. Those three games were stressful as fĆŗck to watch as a fan, so for him to get through them on the pitch as fantastically as he did says a lot about his mental chops.
He then joined up with us again in League Two last season and stepped up well, not completely without error, but looked easily capable of the level for the most part. He was also present during those big cup wins against Luton and Southampton, and of course that quarter final against Brighton. No disgrace that we conceded 5 against that lot - that was one hell of a Brighton side.
Heās still only 22, so a baby in centre-half terms really. Heās passed every test asked of him so far, and looks comfortable in both a 2 and a 3 at the back. In my personal opinion, heāll have a good career in the Championship, so a loan in League One now would seem like a logical step in his development. I think heād do just fine, as an absolute minimum.
Nice that he came to watch us at the weekend, but I find it highly unlikely either he or Hull would consider a return here an option. Heās better than what and where we are in the immediate term.
Itās hard to say definitively, since heās never played at that level, but you have to consider his recent history. He arrived at BP in the January of our most recent our non-league season, parachuted into a side that was in the throes of a retched run of forum, aged just 20 and having never played a senior league match in his career.
To say he carried himself well would be an understatement. Our form improved markedly with him in the side - not purely down to him of course, but he played his part - and then he played every minute of that incredible and brutally intense play-off campaign. He made a very smart block to let Waterfall in for the last minute winner against Wrexham (probably a foul, but who gives a fĆŗck?), and then played the perfect through ball to McAtee for our crucial equaliser against Solihull in the final. Those three games were stressful as fĆŗck to watch as a fan, so for him to get through them on the pitch as fantastically as he did says a lot about his mental chops.
He then joined up with us again in League Two last season and stepped up well, not completely without error, but looked easily capable of the level for the most part. He was also present during those big cup wins against Luton and Southampton, and of course that quarter final against Brighton. No disgrace that we conceded 5 against that lot - that was one hell of a Brighton side.
Heās still only 22, so a baby in centre-half terms really. Heās passed every test asked of him so far, and looks comfortable in both a 2 and a 3 at the back. In my personal opinion, heāll have a good career in the Championship, so a loan in League One now would seem like a logical step in his development. I think heād do just fine, as an absolute minimum.
Nice that he came to watch us at the weekend, but I find it highly unlikely either he or Hull would consider a return here an option. Heās better than what and were we are in the immediate term.
You forgot to mention that he managed to ātake outā Solihullās biggest threat to us that day. Iām sure it was accidental š
You forgot to mention that he managed to ātake outā Solihullās biggest threat to us that day. Iām sure it was accidental š
How could I forget? Things could have been very different had that not happened.
Incidentally, I hadnāt realised Hudlin had played 9 times in the Championship for Huddersfield this season. Predictably, he hasnāt scored; in fact that goal on half-time in the play-off final was the last goal heās notched. Weāve had our fair share of kryptonite players over the years; Tommy Mooney and Lee Hughes spring to mind, but rarely someone who seemingly could only do it against Town.
I think he probably needs the right sort of partner alongside him, ie. someone with a bit of League 1 experience, but I see no reason why he's not ready. Had a few stinkers here and there across the two seasons he played for us but then so does pretty much every CB. These games were by and large the minority and never declined into poor runs of form. He reads the game well, he's strong, good in the air, quick, doesn't get bullied...it's hard to find a weakness really. If I wasn't a Town fan and watched us last season and someone told me he was a 28 year old CB with 150-200 L2 games under his belt I wouldn't have batted an eyelid. Would be a good signing for Lincoln in my opinion.
Seem to remember that Smith's first forays into the team were at right back, and he was terrible. Soon settled in at centre back though with the guidance of Waterfall and they complemented each other superbly.
Seem to remember that Smith's first forays into the team were at right back, and he was terrible. Soon settled in at centre back though with the guidance of Waterfall and they complemented each other superbly.
Indeed, Think he came on Against Solihull for 20 minutes at right back and they ripped him apart.
Moved to Centre half and he alongside Waterfall were superb
Seem to remember that Smith's first forays into the team were at right back, and he was terrible. Soon settled in at centre back though with the guidance of Waterfall and they complemented each other superbly.
I remember him being steady at right back to begin with. After a couple of games he was no longer an unknown quantity and got torn to shreds. He then had to wait for an opportunity at CB and didn't look back when he got it.
Smith's Town debut was at right-back against Altrincham and he looked quality. Solid in defence but bombing forward at every opportunity.
Just turns out that Alty were really excrement that day, especially down their left hand side. Every other time he played there he was destroyed, as others have pointed out.
Never a right-back, put him in the centre and he's a different beast altogether. He wasn't as impressive last season but it was a step-up and I don't think our back line collectively was impressive either. If his first spell with us was about him getting some experience, last season was as much about him making mistakes to learn from. Still very, very good for us and I think we badly miss what he brought. Just that the bar he set in his first loan spell was so high.
Lincoln as a move makes perfect sense. Still commutable from home, just. But also continues his progression and development. As much as I would welcome him back here, I would actually be disappointed for him if he had another season in League Two.
Smith isnāt coming back to GTFC. Surely we all know that right??!!
Thatās not relevant to this thread though; surely you know by now that discussions about highly improbable transfer targets, are interspersed with speculation about returning ex-players, especially if seen at Blundell Park. Weāve got all of those in one with Smith, so perfectly on-topicā¦
Smith isnāt coming back to GTFC. Surely we all know that right??!!
He was sat Infront of me enjoying the game on Saturday.
In his three stints as Grimsby Town manager spanning over 10 years the club was never relegated and he also guided them to three promotions. Only 14 managers have reached 1,000 matches in charge of a Football League team by 1998 and Buckley is one of them. GOD
Just learned, via Talksport, that Andre Wisdom is currently playing for Warrington Town in the National League North. He'd been at Derby prior to that, who paid Ā£4.5m for him.
Warrington's a fairly easy stop off for DA to bring him along to a couple of training sessions to see the cut of his jib, innit?
Just learned, via Talksport, that Andre Wisdom is currently playing for Warrington Town in the National League North. He'd been at Derby prior to that, who paid Ā£4.5m for him.
Warrington's a fairly easy stop off for DA to bring him along to a couple of training sessions to see the cut of his jib, innit?
Not sure that would be wise. DA would soon be sick to the back teeth of him.
Not sure that would be wise. DA would soon be sick to the back teeth of him.
Very good.
I was half-joking, obviously, but the below is quite an interesting read about his story. He's only 30; I suspect there's still a player in there if he could get his head straight. Lives in Leeds. I've now convinced myself that it actually might not be such a bad idea...
I was half-joking, obviously, but the below is quite an interesting read about his story. He's only 30; I suspect there's still a player in there if he could get his head straight. Lives in Leeds. I've now convinced myself that it actually might not be such a bad idea...
Great article there poojah. Unfortunately I think he is the exception to the rule. Iād love to see players of his obvious calibre playing for town in the twilight of their careers but how many times do you think to yourself that they are just after one last football payday. Prime example being mr P Beagrie
I read on another teams forum (maybe Accrington) that former England under 18 and Ghana international tarique fosu is training with them in the hope of getting a contract. Thereās obviously talent out there but they need that desire too
Just learned, via Talksport, that Andre Wisdom is currently playing for Warrington Town in the National League North. He'd been at Derby prior to that, who paid Ā£4.5m for him.
Warrington's a fairly easy stop off for DA to bring him along to a couple of training sessions to see the cut of his jib, innit?
I just read the article you posted above. Obviously, he's not match fit by any means but he has the desire, experiance and a football brain. He could be worth a punt on a pay as you play basis.
You can please some of the forumites some of the time but not all the forumites all of the time
Batch, Crombie, Moore K, Wiggington, Cumming, Waters, Bonnyman, Ford, Emson, Drinkell, Whymark. Love you all, You are the reason I'm on here. You've had help from Todd, Handyside, Futcher P, Groves, Mendonca, Macca etc etc etc. Up The Mariners!!!!!!!!!
I think so too, but I think the chances of us getting Cartwright permanently are quite slim as he's obviously highly rated by Hull. If there's a chance to sign Garrett now then i'd jump at the chance but it'd mean one of them would have to leave, be one of the best keepers at this level and clearly knows how Artell works.
I think so too, but I think the chances of us getting Cartwright permanently are quite slim as he's obviously highly rated by Hull. If there's a chance to sign Garrett now then i'd jump at the chance but it'd mean one of them would have to leave, be one of the best keepers at this level and clearly knows how Artell works.
Yes, Garrett is a proven experienced keeper that might command the area and marshal the defence better than a young keeper still learning his trade. Artell will certainly know his strength and potential value to the team.
To think we had a keeper who took garrets place and let him go
Let him go? He wouldn't sign the contract in time and wanted assurances he'd be number 1. He probably already knew of interest and had an offer on the tables so he was probably just seeing what he could get. You don't own a player, and when they're virtually out of contract, you have very little say. You either spaff cash up the wall and hope for the best or make other plans. Unfortunately those other plans didn't go as smoothly as we'd like.
Not to mention, most on the Fishy thought he wasn't cutting it a league 2 level...
Let him go? He wouldn't sign the contract in time and wanted assurances he'd be number 1. He probably already knew of interest and had an offer on the tables so he was probably just seeing what he could get. You don't own a player, and when they're virtually out of contract, you have very little say. You either spaff cash up the wall and hope for the best or make other plans. Unfortunately those other plans didn't go as smoothly as we'd like.
Not to mention, most on the Fishy thought he wasn't cutting it a league 2 level...
Also his form dipped in the 2nd half of last season.
You can please some of the forumites some of the time but not all the forumites all of the time
Let him go? He wouldn't sign the contract in time and wanted assurances he'd be number 1. He probably already knew of interest and had an offer on the tables so he was probably just seeing what he could get. You don't own a player, and when they're virtually out of contract, you have very little say. You either spaff cash up the wall and hope for the best or make other plans. Unfortunately those other plans didn't go as smoothly as we'd like.
Not to mention, most on the Fishy thought he wasn't cutting it a league 2 level...
He was offered a 2 year deal by Burton, we only offered him a 1 year deal. From his point of view, it was an absolute no-brainer.
Reading between the lines of Crocombe's exit interview and what Hurst said about it, if we'd have offered him two years he'd have stayed, so I think it's fair to say we let him go. Hurst thought he could get better and ultimately it turned out to be one of the nails in his coffin.
Reading between the lines of Crocombe's exit interview and what Hurst said about it, if we'd have offered him two years he'd have stayed, so I think it's fair to say we let him go. Hurst thought he could get better and ultimately it turned out to be one of the nails in his coffin.
Said it before, will say it again, the keeper situation cost Hurst his job. He replaced Crocombe with Eastwood, I was no big fan of Crocombe but Eastwood's nervousness and sketchiness transmitted through the whole team and made the whole defence nervy and low on confidence. If your keeper is struggling, it undermines everything else you're trying to do.
I've wasted my life in black and white, a pathetic act for a worthless cause
Said it before, will say it again, the keeper situation cost Hurst his job. He replaced Crocombe with Eastwood, I was no big fan of Crocombe but Eastwood's nervousness and sketchiness transmitted through the whole team and made the whole defence nervy and low on confidence. If your keeper is struggling, it undermines everything else you're trying to do.
It wasn't the only factor but it was a major one, I'd agree. Equally starting the season with only three recognised strikers is madness which cost him as two of them were injured so much. I think for the first ten league games there was only one where we had more than one fit and available striker. No chance of freshening things up, no ability to change formation, you've snookered yourself. Hurst's summer planning this season will always bemuse me, he was usually pretty good at building a balanced and functional squad but this year got it so wrong.
It wasn't the only factor but it was a major one, I'd agree. Equally starting the season with only three recognised strikers is madness which cost him as two of them were injured so much. I think for the first ten league games there was only one where we had more than one fit and available striker. No chance of freshening things up, no ability to change formation, you've snookered yourself. Hurst's summer planning this season will always bemuse me, he was usually pretty good at building a balanced and functional squad but this year got it so wrong.
By all accounts we missed out on up to 4 signings on deadline day, I'm assuming there was a centre half and striker in there. Honestly think if he'd signed a better keeper, and had another striker option, he'd still be here. Unlike him to get a situation so badly wrong, but he did.
I've wasted my life in black and white, a pathetic act for a worthless cause
He wasn't an option, he wanted to leave, nothing to with the club, he just couldn't settle here.
That wasn't how it was reported at the time, but fair enough if that was the case. I seem to recall Hurst saying he let him go because Danilo wanted to play and Hurst couldn't guarantee he'd be part of his first team plans and wanted to be fair.
Said it before, will say it again, the keeper situation cost Hurst his job. He replaced Crocombe with Eastwood, I was no big fan of Crocombe but Eastwood's nervousness and sketchiness transmitted through the whole team and made the whole defence nervy and low on confidence. If your keeper is struggling, it undermines everything else you're trying to do.
It wasn't just letting Crocombe go that cost him his job, it was the other poor players he signed and the crap performances that led us to head towards the dreaded drop.
Said it before, will say it again, the keeper situation cost Hurst his job. He replaced Crocombe with Eastwood, I was no big fan of Crocombe but Eastwood's nervousness and sketchiness transmitted through the whole team and made the whole defence nervy and low on confidence. If your keeper is struggling, it undermines everything else you're trying to do.
Though I don't agree with your assessment of Crocombe, who I thought was pretty good, I'll agree that Eastwood doesn't inspire confidence in the defence.
However, I'm not sure it is really fair to put too much of the blame onto Eastwood, given that we've conceded 11 goals in our last 2 games with him sitting on the bench...
Nobody settles well when they are only picked for 4 starts in the league all season unless they like sitting in their backside
I think Orsi leaving was a product of PHās rather rigid thinking on the preferred tactical system - 1 up front with midfield and wide players getting forward and contributing assists and goal. Wilson and Vernam got injured, Eisa scored some crackers but contributed little else. Orsi would be good partner for Rose with two up. He also works hard and is a handy poacher. I didnāt get why we would let him leave at the time and assumed someone impressive would be coming in.
Heās no world beater for this level but heās very decent and he has gone on to prove what Hurst himself said - heās the best finisher we had on the books (at that time). Bad decision - like Crocombe.
I met one of Orsi's mates on the train back from Southampton. Admittedly this was several beers deep, off the back of a historic win and back in whatever month that was (Feb?) but what he said doesn't tally up with this narrative of him wanting out. Said he was very happy at Town, loved the club, well liked and had mates in the squad, liked Hursty, loved the fans and was very much looking forward to cracking and getting in the team. Obviously, things change with time but going off that interaction alone, but I'm not convinced he wanted out.
I met one of Orsi's mates on the train back from Southampton. Admittedly this was several beers deep, off the back of a historic win and back in whatever month that was (Feb?) but what he said doesn't tally up with this narrative of him wanting out. Said he was very happy at Town, loved the club, well liked and had mates in the squad, liked Hursty, loved the fans and was very much looking forward to cracking and getting in the team. Obviously, things change with time but going off that interaction alone, but I'm not convinced he wanted out.
If Iād met one of Orsiās mates on the train after I would probably have snogged himā¦was his friend a bit worried about his serious back injury thoughā¦?
If Orsi was in any doubt about how Hurst rated him (or didn't) the end of last season would have hammered it home.
Donny away - Taylor and McAtee absolutely ineffective all game. Orsi and Lloyd come on for last five minutes and turn a 1-0 defeat into a 2-1 win.
Orsi back on the bench for the next two games.
Gets a start against Tranmere. Everyone crap. Hooked after 66 minutes.
Starts next game against Crewe. Scores. Back on the bench the next week.
Didn't matter what he did, he was always the fall guy...even if there was no fall to take.
The biggest frustration for me was that Hurst persisted and persisted with Taylor who had been ineffective for a good six months. Yet Orsi was getting scraps of opportunities and doing far more with them.
If Orsi was in any doubt about how Hurst rated him (or didn't) the end of last season would have hammered it home.
Donny away - Taylor and McAtee absolutely ineffective all game. Orsi and Lloyd come on for last five minutes and turn a 1-0 defeat into a 2-1 win.
Orsi back on the bench for the next two games.
Gets a start against Tranmere. Everyone crap. Hooked after 66 minutes.
Starts next game against Crewe. Scores. Back on the bench the next week.
Didn't matter what he did, he was always the fall guy...even if there was no fall to take.
The biggest frustration for me was that Hurst persisted and persisted with Taylor who had been ineffective for a good six months. Yet Orsi was getting scraps of opportunities and doing far more with them.
Ryan Taylor: 21(1) for NLN Alfreton. Danilo Orsi: 27(15) for L2 Crawley.
Ryan Taylor: 21(1) for NLN Alfreton. Danilo Orsi: 27(15) for L2 Crawley.
Completely different types of players so really not sure what your point is. Taylor was never and has never been a goalscorer. But his strengths lay elsewhere
Completely different types of players so really not sure what your point is. Taylor was never and has never been a goalscorer. But his strengths lay elsewhere
Iād take Danny Rose every day of the week. Scored a couple leads than Orsi but that was playing half the season on his own up top as a target man!! His work ethic canāt be faulted!
If Orsi was in any doubt about how Hurst rated him (or didn't) the end of last season would have hammered it home.
Donny away - Taylor and McAtee absolutely ineffective all game. Orsi and Lloyd come on for last five minutes and turn a 1-0 defeat into a 2-1 win.
Orsi back on the bench for the next two games.
Gets a start against Tranmere. Everyone crap. Hooked after 66 minutes.
Starts next game against Crewe. Scores. Back on the bench the next week.
Didn't matter what he did, he was always the fall guy...even if there was no fall to take.
The biggest frustration for me was that Hurst persisted and persisted with Taylor who had been ineffective for a good six months. Yet Orsi was getting scraps of opportunities and doing far more with them.
For the way he played in those two Luton matches alone, Orsi shouldve been given an extended run in the league.
Iād take Danny Rose every day of the week. Scored a couple leads than Orsi but that was playing half the season on his own up top as a target man!! His work ethic canāt be faulted!
What we should have had his Rose and Orsi playing together that would have given us a real goal threat but we chose other options unfortunately.
Completely different types of players so really not sure what your point is. Taylor was never and has never been a goalscorer. But his strengths lay elsewhere
But Taylor wasn't offering anything at all. I say that as someone who absolutely loved what he offered the season before too.
Orsi was offering something. Even in that Taylor type role as the main striker he was more effective.
Would Oris displace Danny Rose? I don't think so. Similar number of goals scored this season but Rose offers far more than Orsi ever could. But would I liked to have had the option of Orsi either playing with Rose or providing a bit of respite for him at times? Absolutely!
But Taylor wasn't offering anything at all. I say that as someone who absolutely loved what he offered the season before too.
Orsi was offering something. Even in that Taylor type role as the main striker he was more effective.
Would Oris displace Danny Rose? I don't think so. Similar number of goals scored this season but Rose offers far more than Orsi ever could. But would I liked to have had the option of Orsi either playing with Rose or providing a bit of respite for him at times? Absolutely!
Remind me, did Orsi do as much pressing/running as Rose? Maybe we have a different style now which suits Rose more.
Completely different types of players so really not sure what your point is. Taylor was never and has never been a goalscorer. But his strengths lay elsewhere
I've seen Alfreton a couple of times this season, and he's offered very, very little.
Iām not sure why for so long our fans gleefully accepted that strikers werenāt supposed to score goals under Hurst. We chugged along with Taylor for so long whilst he contributed absolutely sod all last season and in turn we lost Orsi. Not the first time itās happened either.
Rose has shown us strikers can, and should, do both.
We got Taylor at end/towards latter part of career - he was a great āteamā player, took the knocks, clever..a bit like Gary Jones. Played a huge part in our promotion. And that goal in the play offs at Wrexham worth including in any team goal of season montage.
We got Taylor at end/towards latter part of career - he was a great āteamā player, took the knocks, clever..a bit like Gary Jones. Played a huge part in our promotion. And that goal in the play offs at Wrexham worth including in any team goal of season montage.
Said it before his goal at home to Wrexham in the league is massively under appreciated. One of the best of the season and never gets mentioned. Sousa's run, Hunt's pass, Sousa's cross and Taylor's finish are all executed perfectly. Absolute banger.
Said it before his goal at home to Wrexham in the league is massively under appreciated. One of the best of the season and never gets mentioned. Sousa's run, Hunt's pass, Sousa's cross and Taylor's finish are all executed perfectly. Absolute banger.
His diving header against Barnet was also superb. 6:05.
We got Taylor at end/towards latter part of career - he was a great āteamā player, took the knocks, clever..a bit like Gary Jones. Played a huge part in our promotion. And that goal in the play offs at Wrexham worth including in any team goal of season montage.
Taylor was absolutely fantastic in our promotion season, but last season was beyond him, and yet Hurst still persisted. I seem to remember him getting injured during pre-season and maybe that impacted him. Him and McAtee seemed to have a telepathic understanding from day one.
Taylor was absolutely fantastic in our promotion season, but last season was beyond him, and yet Hurst still persisted. I seem to remember him getting injured during pre-season and maybe that impacted him. Him and McAtee seemed to have a telepathic understanding from day one.
Agree ,thought he was brilliant at Sutton away last season aswell as a 1 off ,we played really well that night .
That's a great signing for Cheltenham. Darrell Clarke has done an incredible job there. Nearly the first quarter of the season without scoring a single goal yet now within a real fighting chance of avoiding the drop, also now only the joint lowest scorers in the division.
I fully expect that he'll get them to safety before the end of the season. If anyone else wins Manger of the Year for League One it'll be nothing short of a disgrace.
That's a great signing for Cheltenham. Darrell Clarke has done an incredible job there. Nearly the first quarter of the season without scoring a single goal yet now within a real fighting chance of avoiding the drop, also now only the joint lowest scorers in the division.
I fully expect that he'll get them to safety before the end of the season. If anyone else wins Manger of the Year for League One it'll be nothing short of a disgrace.
Lost 1-0 away at Bolton last night. 17 shots to Boltonās 6. Still not quite cracked their own unique brand of profligacy, it would seem.
Wife we are talking about good goals against Wrexham (and why not) then I like Max Wrightās long, solo run from the halfway line. The anticipation of him scoring seemed to go on forever.
Great footage. Ever so slightly before my time watching Town; I donāt think Iāve seen that before. In fact I think thatās the only footage Iāve seen of Birtles and Cunnington in Town shirts.
What a fantastic job Bruce does with that Twitter account. A proper GTFC treasure trove.
Great footage. Ever so slightly before my time watching Town; I donāt think Iāve seen that before. In fact I think thatās the only footage Iāve seen of Birtles and Cunnington in Town shirts.
What a fantastic job Bruce does with that Twitter account. A proper GTFC treasure trove.
Birtles was a Rolls-Royce of a player, who I definitely didn't appreciate at the time. I posted something a few months back that the equivalent of a player of his relative achievement, career timeline and quality dropping down to little old Grimsby was akin to Karim Benzema signing for us now. Staggering really. Can you imagine a Champions League winner dropping to this level? 8 years after going for Ā£1.25million (less than 250k than the British record at the time) he was in the bottom division. Working on that 20% lower than the record and 8 years down the line....it's not far off Kevin De Bruyne rocking up here in the final stages of his career. Birtles had just turned 34 too.
But using the car analogy, Cunnington was a Toyota Land Cruiser. Not really pretty, bit unfancied but literally takes everything you throw at it and then keeps coming back for more and more. That Buckley team is known for how delicate the football was, but in Cunnington and Cockerill at the heart of it were two genuinely hard blokes who didn't know the meaning of the word half-paced.
Cunnington had this brilliant knack of timing runs from deep to absolute perfection beyond the frontman to leave him in on goal. The only problem was his finishing was usually pretty wayward but when it came off it looked great. To this date though, we've yet to replicate that level of a quality pairing. It wasn't just the qualities of them, it was the way they worked so well together. As a pair they never really got time to do it any higher than the third tier. Cockers got a career ending injury not longer after we reached the second tier and Cunnington left after one season at that level (was actually his best in a Town shirt). We went on and brought Paul Groves in and the likes of Craig Shakespeare and Jim Dobbin were fantastic players in their own right, working well as pairs too. But never could replicate that magic Cunnington/Cockers had together.
Birtles was a Rolls-Royce of a player, who I definitely didn't appreciate at the time. But using the car analogy, Cunnington was a Toyota Land Cruiser. Not really pretty, bit unfancied but literally takes everything you throw at it and then keeps coming back for more and more. That Buckley team is known for how delicate the football was, but in Cunnington and Cockerill at the heart of it were two genuinely hard blokes who didn't know the meaning of the word half-paced.
Cunnington had this brilliant knack of timing runs from deep to absolute perfection beyond the frontman to leave him in on goal. The only problem was his finishing was usually pretty wayward but when it came off it looked great. To this date though, we've yet to replicate that level of a quality pairing. It wasn't just the qualities of them, it was the way they worked so well together. As a pair they never really got time to do it any higher than the third tier. Cockers got a career ending injury not longer after we reached the second tier and Cunnington left after one season at that level (was actually his best in a Town shirt). We went on and brought Paul Groves in and the likes of Craig Shakespeare and Jim Dobbin were fantastic players in their own right, working well as pairs too. But never could replicate that magic Cunnington/Cockers had together.
Couldnāt agree more. Been a town fan since 1980 and that was my all time favourite midfield combo with Childs and diddy either side. We really were spoilt at the time.
Made my day that has-cheers! I have it on dvd, recorded from a video but itās in the attic somewhere and havenāt seen it for ages. Get goosebumps watching it and the commentary is ace! Thanks
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Now i remember going to most of the home games and i could have sworn we beat Huddersfield by 4 goals, but they played in Blue/white strips. Mark Smith played for them and it was not long after he then he signed for us.
Cunnington had this brilliant knack of timing runs from deep to absolute perfection beyond the frontman to leave him in on goal. The only problem was his finishing was usually pretty wayward but when it came off it looked great.
Absolutely spot on. We always thought that the opposition were sometimes better letting him have the one on one than forcing him into acting on instinct. Still amazed he scored at Villa Park as we definitely werenāt expecting that one. I used to duck when he was through on goal in case he hit me with his shotā¦ I stood level with the centre circle, Osmond half, in the lower!
Made my day that has-cheers! I have it on dvd, recorded from a video but itās in the attic somewhere and havenāt seen it for ages. Get goosebumps watching it and the commentary is ace! Thanks
No problem mate. It's Bruce Fenwick that deserves the praise - get on that Twitter page and he posts there's content virtually every day and loads of it is brilliant.
Did think there might be a queue of players waiting to join DA but it really doesnāt seem the case? Could be waiting for outgoings first but not convinced the queue is that bigā¦..
Did think there might be a queue of players waiting to join DA but it really doesnāt seem the case? Could be waiting for outgoings first but not convinced the queue is that bigā¦..
I remember when a certain someone had a phone burning his ear with the likes of Bilel Mohsni, Ira Jackson and Montel Gibson begging to join.
My first season watching town, and I was at that game. We were so good back then. I was truly spoilt - my first two seasons were promotions!
My first 2 seasons were promotions too. 78-79 & 79-80. I was lucky enough to see them win the Div 3, a quarter final of the league cup & Liverpool away in the FA Cup.
Baldrick ! The only impression you can do is that of a man with no talent !! GTFC team 09/10 - Baldrick, Baldrick, Baldrick, Baldrick, Baldrick, Baldrick, Baldrick, Baldrick, Baldrick, Baldrick, Baldrick.
That first Buckley team really did play some brilliant football at times, but games were wide open in those days in comparison to the modern day. I'm always baffled how we didn't really get close to winning the title during any of our promotion seasons, even though we played so much good stuff. We rarely met a team who could outplay us footballing-wise. Good to think that Artell is trying to get the team to pass the ball in a similar style, so hopefully, we'll get the players who are capable of it!
That first Buckley team really did play some brilliant football at times, but games were wide open in those days in comparison to the modern day. I'm always baffled how we didn't really get close to winning the title during any of our promotion seasons, even though we played so much good stuff. We rarely met a team who could outplay us footballing-wise. Good to think that Artell is trying to get the team to pass the ball in a similar style, so hopefully, we'll get the players who are capable of it!
That 97/98 season was a case in point. We were excellent, but in truth we were miles off (and Iām going off memory here) Watford and Bristol City, in 1st and 2nd place?
I do seem to remember that we werenāt far off top spot during Buckleyās 2nd promotion season. My memory also tells me that the top 3 went up in consecutive seasons - not just us, but Cambridge and Southend too, right?
If I do have that right, think how incredible a feat that was for all 3 teams. Just unreal. Less real if Iāve got it wrong, though!
That 97/98 season was a case in point. We were excellent, but in truth we were miles off (and Iām going off memory here) Watford and Bristol City, in 1st and 2nd place?
I do seem to remember that we werenāt far off top spot during Buckleyās 2nd promotion season. My memory also tells me that the top 3 went up in consecutive seasons - not just us, but Cambridge and Southend too, right?
If I do have that right, think how incredible a feat that was for all 3 teams. Just unreal. Less real if Iāve got it wrong, though!
Didn't realise just how good we were defensively those years - best defensive record in 89/90 and only bettered by 1 goal 90/91. It's not something that springs to mind from Buckley MK1 but we gave very little away in terms of conceding, whilst also being very entertaining.
Yep, us and Southend automatic with Cambridge going up via the play offs from Div 4. All 3 went up automatic the next year from Div 3. A weird irony in that our promotion was sealed with a win over Exeter, the Div 4 Champions the year before.
Cambridge nearly made a clean run of it the following year in Div. 2, six points off automatic promotion and losing in the play-off semis.
Yep, us and Southend automatic with Cambridge going up via the play offs from Div 4. All 3 went up automatic the next year from Div 3. A weird irony in that our promotion was sealed with a win over Exeter, the Div 4 Champions the year before.
Cambridge nearly made a clean run of it the following year in Div. 2, six points off automatic promotion and losing in the play-off semis.
Dion Dublin, Steve Claridge and a great player called Lee Philpott - a fantastic forward line.
I remember that like it was yesterday me and my mate were in the Pontoon just in absolute awe - it was like watching Brazil and with the exuberance of youth I thought it would always be like that.
I remember that like it was yesterday me and my mate were in the Pontoon just in absolute awe - it was like watching Brazil and with the exuberance of youth I thought it would always be like that.
Lever was with Town quite a long time , didn't quite realise back then .some years though that spell , spent most of it in that standing corner beteeen the Ponny and Main stand . Brilliant
Iāve got a good idea, why donāt we have a dedicated thread for new transfers and rumours! That way when someone has news of a possible new transfer we could just look at the thread without having to trawl through irrelevant posts about nothing to do with transfers and transfer rumoursā¦. FFS!!
Iāve got a good idea, why donāt we have a dedicated thread for new transfers and rumours! That way when someone has news of a possible new transfer we could just look at the thread without having to trawl through irrelevant posts about nothing to do with transfers and transfer rumoursā¦. FFS!!
It's a good idea, but for some reason, we always seem to go off thread most times.
You can please some of the forumites some of the time but not all the forumites all of the time
Iāve got a good idea, why donāt we have a dedicated thread for new transfers and rumours! That way when someone has news of a possible new transfer we could just look at the thread without having to trawl through irrelevant posts about nothing to do with transfers and transfer rumoursā¦. FFS!!
Batch, Crombie, Moore K, Wiggington, Cumming, Waters, Bonnyman, Ford, Emson, Drinkell, Whymark. Love you all, You are the reason I'm on here. You've had help from Todd, Handyside, Futcher P, Groves, Mendonca, Macca etc etc etc. Up The Mariners!!!!!!!!!
Club's Facebook page seven minutes ago "We can confirm that Otis Khan has joined Hartlepool United on loan until the end of the season. Everyone at the Club would like to wish Otis well during his time at Victoria Park."
I thought it was a make or break season for him as a league player after his many clubs , a bits and pieces player with good technical ability .
Will probably have a decent career in NL and with Pakistan , thought he was good against Morecambe and MK Dons but struggle with any other notable performances mainly through absence .
Khan's gone now though so we need to stop talking about it and only talk about immediate transfers, right?
Can't have come to a shock to anyone that he's the first out of the door. Clear that Artell didn't fancy him. Vernam leapfrogged him in his plans almost as soon as he was back on the grass after a fairly lengthy injury.
He had that run midway through last season where he looked to be a quality player, scored in 3 back-to-back games but then got injured and never quite looked the same again.
Started the first few games under Artell didn't he? I always thought he was a very tidy player, good on the ball but lacking any end product. When Artell's style was obvious from the off I thought Khan might play a part as he looked to be one very few who were/are capable of creating space through movement alone. Raft of options in his position though so if he's not kicking the door down for the first team it's a wasted wage really, one we can use to strengthen elsewhere.
Good luck to Otis. A player who had his moments here but struggled with end product. He should do really well in the national league with how good he is on the ball. League 2 defending is definitely a noticeable step up from the national league.
From a Hartlepool point of view, I think thatās two very smart pieces of business. Hard to pinpoint why itās not quite worked out for Khan, but I canāt help but feel that heās above National League level.
Pools have probably left it a bit late for a play-off charge, but you never know, Khan might prove to be a bit of a reverse-Holohan. For all that shĆthousery a few years ago, I wouldnāt mind seeing them back in the league. One of the underrated northern away days.
From a Hartlepool point of view, I think thatās two very smart pieces of business. Hard to pinpoint why itās not quite worked out for Khan, but I canāt help but feel that heās above National League level.
Pools have probably left it a bit late for a play-off charge, but you never know, Khan might prove to be a bit of a reverse-Holohan. For all that shĆthousery a few years ago, I wouldnāt mind seeing them back in the league. One of the underrated northern away days.
Looks like the defence that's their biggest problem. If the Waterfall talk is true then that could well be just the trick for them. Didn't realise Luke Hendrie was there too.
Looks like the defence that's their biggest problem. If the Waterfall talk is true then that could well be just the trick for them. Didn't realise Luke Hendrie was there too.
Nicky Featherstone still there, too. He must be at least 45 now.
Didnāt work out here, thanks for his efforts - no hard feelings and all the best for the future but we move on. If the three outgoings rumoured today happen that will have freed up a fair bit imo - be interesting to see what we do with incomings.
Youād like to think bud letting players go means we have replacements. So many times weāve missed out on players late on as higher teams havenāt brought in replacements and donāt want to let players go - hoping thatās the case here.
I wondered about this. He's still a free agent so might be getting desperate...
Don't think it'd mean he's desperate, didn't work out at Charlton but a few of there fans say he asked to be released due to wanting to play more football.. under the man that you played the best football under is a good place to start right?
Really hope thereās some good news inbound!! I think we all need a āpick me upā. Donāt think it will be Kirk, or a new Keeper or a Central Midfielder either. Time will tell!!
Really hope thereās some good news inbound!! I think we all need a āpick me upā. Donāt think it will be Kirk, or a new Keeper or a Central Midfielder either. Time will tell!!
There will almost certainly be another centre-half coming in between now and next Thursday, you would think.
I don't think Khan leaving points towards another wide player coming in, but I would like to think that Waterfall leaving points towards another CB.
It seems obvious that Amos and Efete are surplus to requirements, so I wouldn't be surprised to see full backs arriving, which Surrey has confidently claimed is happening today. We currently have 4 loanees, and I hope we don't run with more than 5 loanees as that would be quite restrictive. Looking forward to what the next few days have in store.
Mattie Pollock leaving Watford to sign for Derby, more income for the club.
Possibly, but it will be based on profit.
Watford bought him for Ā£250k and I dont expect him to be going to Derby for much more than that and would suggest Watford will just want to break even.
I wouldn't get excited about us making much money, even if any at all.
Dont expect to see another centre back, Doug Tharme for Waterfall is a straight swap and in an emergency Mullarkey can cover if needed. I expect Amos to move on, maybe Efete also with 2 new full backs coming in before the window shuts
I agree about there not being another inbound CB. Iād also like to see Gav stay and play sometimes. The potential departure of Danny Amos saddens me a bit. Really like Danny Amos, even though it is arguably the best thing for both parties that he goes.
Personally Iād like another CB coming in as only having 3 senior CBās has been a huge issue for us so far this season. We got to a point where we couldnāt rotate out or rest defenders who were massively out of form and just further destroyed their confidence. I can get why people would prioritise other positions over a 4th CB but ideally Iād like another one coming in.
So Bristol Rovers have not hit the sell on clause , Reach media crap from the outset ?
Does that mean rumours of amount are just pure speculation ?
I think Bristol Rovers do a lot of their business via media leaks, and it was probably their way of unsettling Conteh which appears to have worked with the comment by Artell today that "Kam is a human being."
It may be the case that Bristol Rovers have offered us an amount that meets the clause, but not at the express terms, and that is why we are saying nobody has met the clause.
With the negotiation playing out in public, I feel it's less likely that Conteh will end up at Bristol Rovers, but I do think he will move on before the window closes.
There's interest in Holohan from a few clubs, journalist from Hartlepool says they aren't in for him though
But with the faux rivalry a few years back and some of their fans claiming we were their feeder club, wouldn't it just add to this wonderful twist of irony?
Can't see us not bringing a fourth centre-back in. Mullarkey hasn't looked like a centre-half when he's played there in the three so would give me kittens if he was in a two. Unless Artell rates young Bramwell enough to be outright fourth choice.
But with the faux rivalry a few years back and some of their fans claiming we were their feeder club, wouldn't it just add to this wonderful twist of irony?
Can't see us not bringing a fourth centre-back in. Mullarkey hasn't looked like a centre-half when he's played there in the three so would give me kittens if he was in a two. Unless Artell rates young Bramwell enough to be outright fourth choice.
Mullarkey's barely looked like a RB to me!
I've wasted my life in black and white, a pathetic act for a worthless cause
Apparently the right back is Cameron Norman... not sure if that's entirely correct. Would be very impressed if so.
Canāt see that..but never say never.
Stood out like a sore thumb for Newport. Not done much at MK. Would fit into the Artell method though. IF thereās any element of truth in that itād be a good, and surprising, acquisition
Apparently the right back is Cameron Norman... not sure if that's entirely correct. Would be very impressed if so.
Started nearly every game for BFS but went off with a bad injury the other night against Wimbledon. I'm wrong on a regular basis, but that would be a strange one on several counts.
Sergino Dest? At PSV Eindhoven and previously Barcelona, among others. But perhaps thru another wobbly like he did with the US national team recently and has fallen out of favour?
This statement led me to discover that a defender named Walker Zimmerman currently plays for the US national team. I thought I'd mention that for no other reason than I found it mildly amusing.
This statement led me to discover that a defender named Walker Zimmerman currently plays for the US national team. I thought I'd mention that for no other reason than I found it mildly amusing.
Just a gut feeling tbh....with Khan and Waterfall going to Hartlepool we must have some sort of relationship, and Hendrie was certainly more capable than the NL...
Just a gut feeling tbh....with Khan and Waterfall going to Hartlepool we must have some sort of relationship, and Hendrie was certainly more capable than the NL...
They have the joint worst defence in the national league, there is no way we'd be taking a player from them.
Just a gut feeling tbh....with Khan and Waterfall going to Hartlepool we must have some sort of relationship, and Hendrie was certainly more capable than the NL...
They have the joint worst defence in the national league, there is no way we'd be taking a player from them.
Iāve seen Hartlepool a couple of times this year. Both games Hendrie was the best player on the pitch, Mani the opposite. Small sample size I know but made me rethink my views on the two of them.
Hope so. He was the best player on the pitch when Newport came to BP last season. I remember thinking that I would love him in our side, and he's hardly had a kick at MK.
Hope so. He was the best player on the pitch when Newport came to BP last season. I remember thinking that I would love him in our side, and he's hardly had a kick at MK.
He's played 25 games this season mate, been there first choice right wing back but also played on the right of a back 3. They've just signed Kynan Lofthouse on loan though, so maybe a case of Williamson doesn't fancy him as much? I'd be very suprised if it's him but would be a very good signing if so.
Hope so. He was the best player on the pitch when Newport came to BP last season. I remember thinking that I would love him in our side, and he's hardly had a kick at MK.
Hardly had a kick? He's been almost ever present this season
If weāre now seemingly one of the more flush clubs in League Two, it would be nice to see us reinvest at least some of that in another up and coming prospect. Armed with nothing more than the National League top scorers chart and YouTube, how about Altrinchamās Chris Conn-Clarke. 22 year-old number 10; 19 goals in his last 33 league appearances.
Strikes me as a bit like a shorter, stockier McAtee. Certainly not lacking in confidence.
Matthew Olusunde is the right back signed, air of Josh Emmanuel about it that he's far too good for the level.. only reason he's here is injury problems.
If weāre now seemingly one of the more flush clubs in League Two, it would be nice to see us reinvest at least some of that in another up and coming prospect. Armed with nothing more than the National League top scorers chart and YouTube, how about Altrinchamās Chris Conn-Clarke. 22 year-old number 10; 19 goals in his last 33 league appearances.
Strikes me as a bit like a shorter, stockier McAtee. Certainly not lacking in confidence.
Recently linked with numerous Championship clubs. Although a decent mention, I dont think we stand a chance and personally wouldn't expect us to pay a large sum for a striker in January.
Matthew Olusunde is the right back signed, air of Josh Emmanuel about it that he's far too good for the level.. only reason he's here is injury problems.
Recently linked with numerous Championship clubs. Although a decent mention, I dont think we stand a chance and personally wouldn't expect us to pay a large sum for a striker in January.
Love to be proven wrong.
Thread on the Alty forum below. Was linked to Swansea, but seems that turned out to be bĆ³llocks. Someone on there reckons ~Ā£200k. Iāve no idea how realistic it might be really, but in broad terms this feels like ostensibly the kind of business we ought to be doing with the Conteh money supposedly in our pocket.
If weāre now seemingly one of the more flush clubs in League Two, it would be nice to see us reinvest at least some of that in another up and coming prospect. Armed with nothing more than the National League top scorers chart and YouTube, how about Altrinchamās Chris Conn-Clarke. 22 year-old number 10; 19 goals in his last 33 league appearances.
Strikes me as a bit like a shorter, stockier McAtee. Certainly not lacking in confidence.
Josh Stokes at Aldershot has got 13 goals already this season and is only 20. Might be worth a look at.
If weāre now seemingly one of the more flush clubs in League Two, it would be nice to see us reinvest at least some of that in another up and coming prospect. Armed with nothing more than the National League top scorers chart and YouTube, how about Altrinchamās Chris Conn-Clarke. 22 year-old number 10; 19 goals in his last 33 league appearances.
Strikes me as a bit like a shorter, stockier McAtee. Certainly not lacking in confidence.
Think we might end up in a bidding war with Real Madrid looking at that video.
If weāre now seemingly one of the more flush clubs in League Two, it would be nice to see us reinvest at least some of that in another up and coming prospect. Armed with nothing more than the National League top scorers chart and YouTube, how about Altrinchamās Chris Conn-Clarke. 22 year-old number 10; 19 goals in his last 33 league appearances.
Strikes me as a bit like a shorter, stockier McAtee. Certainly not lacking in confidence.
I'd be inclined to give him a miss, simply on account of the terrible music choice for his highlights reel.
Heād give me a heart attack with that penalty technique š³ looks a cracking little player though
"Falls to Arnold... Arnold! That's it! Thats it! He's sealed it! Grimsby Town are back in the football league!!! Just a minute to go and Nathan Arnold makes it 3-1! Look at the scenes behind the goal! Look at the relief! The agony is finally over!!!"
John Tondeur - Wembley Stadium Sunday 15th May 2016
Thread on the Alty forum below. Was linked to Swansea, but seems that turned out to be bĆ³llocks. Someone on there reckons ~Ā£200k. Iāve no idea how realistic it might be really, but in broad terms this feels like ostensibly the kind of business we ought to be doing with the Conteh money supposedly in our pocket.
Matthew Olusunde is the right back signed, air of Josh Emmanuel about it that he's far too good for the level.. only reason he's here is injury problems.
Serious Achilles injury, but if recovered could be good. Played for Rotherham as well as being on the books of Man U and Preston.
The Kemar Lawrence who played for New York Red Bulls, Anderlecht and Toronto and is currently at Minnesota? The Kemar Lawrence who has 70+ caps for Jamaica?
Hmm, chinny reckon.
Miss Scunthorpe. Not a beauty pageant, just sound advice.
The Kemar Lawrence who played for New York Red Bulls, Anderlecht and Toronto and is currently at Minnesota? The Kemar Lawrence who has 70+ caps for Jamaica?
The Kemar Lawrence who played for New York Red Bulls, Anderlecht and Toronto and is currently at Minnesota? The Kemar Lawrence who has 70+ caps for Jamaica?
Hmm, chinny reckon.
Left Minnesota in August . Free agent never played in U.K.
The Kemar Lawrence who played for New York Red Bulls, Anderlecht and Toronto and is currently at Minnesota? The Kemar Lawrence who has 70+ caps for Jamaica?
Hmm, chinny reckon.
Hahaha jeez I havenāt heard āchinny reckonā since I was in school at Whitgift nearly 25 years ago!!! Bloody brilliant throwback reference!! ššš
"They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old, Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn, At the going down of the sun, and in the morning, We WILL remember them"
The Kemar Lawrence who played for New York Red Bulls, Anderlecht and Toronto and is currently at Minnesota? The Kemar Lawrence who has 70+ caps for Jamaica?
Hmm, chinny reckon.
He currently isnt anywhere
Get out the 20th century, no idea what that means.
Hahaha jeez I havenāt heard āchinny reckonā since I was in school at Whitgift nearly 25 years ago!!! Bloody brilliant throwback reference!! ššš
The Kemar Lawrence who played for New York Red Bulls, Anderlecht and Toronto and is currently at Minnesota? The Kemar Lawrence who has 70+ caps for Jamaica?
Iāve seen him play twice before in New York for Red Bulls. On the same pitch as David Villa, Jack Harrison , Schweinsteiger and Pirlo. He might be good for us!
Iāve seen him play twice before in New York for Red Bulls. On the same pitch as David Villa, Jack Harrison , Schweinsteiger and Pirlo. He might be good for us!
After New York, Brussels and Toronto he might find Humberstone beach a bit dullā¦..
Iāve seen him play twice before in New York for Red Bulls. On the same pitch as David Villa, Jack Harrison , Schweinsteiger and Pirlo. He might be good for us!
Presumambly he was earning a bit more then a grand a week then
Town have a problem in do you sign players now or end of Season? The GA column suggests an experienced commanding Keeper and a RB should be priority. I would like a striker to pair with Rose with the same workrate and we will charge up the table. This Season the league seems harder than the last and if the teams that go up are the ones with money that will suit us next year.I will watch next week with interest because I don't think we're done yet with Ins or Outs?
It really does surprise me that we dont hear of many league two teams signing foreign players since the FA changed their remit to allow lower league teams to sign upto two without having to get the visas or whatever they are called. In this day and age with all this data led info, and access to the internet, that having to send a scout out across Europe, is not really needed now. Back in the 90s and 00s I think half of Scandinavia played in the English leagues
It really does surprise me that we dont hear of many league two teams signing foreign players since the FA changed their remit to allow lower league teams to sign upto two without having to get the visas or whatever they are called. In this day and age with all this data led info, and access to the internet, that having to send a scout out across Europe, is not really needed now. Back in the 90s and 00s I think half of Scandinavia played in the English leagues
have you got any link or details on that Wayne? hadn't heard that before
re sule - is a cracking player at that level, but he's getting on a bit now to make such a big move up and that really is his level
So I read somewhere on one of these threads that we have signed a new full back? Do we have conformation of that, as I haven't seen any yet?
Artell said on RH weād had a lad on trial, but I sensed that the trial had finished and no decision had been made. I canāt recall the players name but clearly heās unattached so the chances of him coming straight in and making an impact youād imagine.
We have a big issue at FB, Artell has 2 other FBs in the squad who arenāt world beaters but would give everything they have, something Iām not seeing from Glennon and Iām not sure what Mullarkey actually has.
"Crombie you would have got to that if you weren't such a fat ba%$@rd" - George Kerr, inspiration from the dug out 70s styleĀ Ā
Artell said on RH weād had a lad on trial, but I sensed that the trial had finished and no decision had been made. I canāt recall the players name but clearly heās unattached so the chances of him coming straight in and making an impact youād imagine.
We have a big issue at FB, Artell has 2 other FBs in the squad who arenāt world beaters but would give everything they have, something Iām not seeing from Glennon and Iām not sure what Mullarkey actually has.
Kemar Lawrence Jamaican International who has never played in England, Artell implied there were complications ,quess they would be registration and work permit implications.
Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day,teach a man to fish and you give him an excuse for him to escape from the wife and kids for the weekend and drink lots of beer.
As someone mentioned Hunt was showing 2 young lads about,whilst the players were warming up they walked onto pitch and shook hands with the players,read into that what you will.
Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day,teach a man to fish and you give him an excuse for him to escape from the wife and kids for the weekend and drink lots of beer.
We plainly have enormous problems at FB. I would imagine Artell has chosen to freeze out Amos and efette as a way to try and encourage them to move in order to facilitate improvements coming in. I wonder if at least 1 leaving is required financially in order for us to bring something in?
It's a risky tactic as both our first choice FB could be dropped. However although Glennon was defensively awful yesterday hes probably the only one comfortable with and able to play out from the back the way Artell wants. Any attempt to do that on the right through mullarkey usually founders quickly or just gets passed back to a CB to be booted forward anyway. At least on the left we are sometimes able to progress through teams a bit from the back. But Glennon is terribly vulnerable defensively.
Is Amos better defensively, yes a bit I think. Is he as able to play out from the back, nope, is he as good in attack as Glennon, absolutely not in a million years.
Is efete a better one on one defender than mullarkey - yes plenty better. Is his defensive positioning as any good apart from when he's directly facing a player, no I think he's poor. Is he as good in the air, probably, but his concentration at set pieces is poor. Can he play out from the back the way Artell wants - never in a million years! He can't control the ball, he's passing is abysmal and he panics/lacks confidence.
Personally I think Glennon pushed forward to LM and Amos in at LB might help, Glennon helps with the playing out a d we still get his benefit in attack, Amos shores up the defending. Glennon will still offer more defensively than eisa.
However on the right if you change it to efete to stop the crosses coming in, which he probably would, you have to accept he can't play the Artell way. Has Artell already told the players he won't change the way he plays, its possible as a way of stressing they have to do it. He's going to lose face if he then does change, but relegation loses him a lot more and we are in that battle I'm sorry to say.
The thing is even with mullarkey the Artell way doesn't work down that right, yeah when it was new it caught teams out or when we play an open team it may work. But if teams press us right we are just looking lost, passing to right FB, being pressed, passing back the the CB and the crowd gets angry and frustrated and we lose confidence even more.
Ultimately we either get fbs in who can play the Artell way and defend, which is what he's trying to do I guess by freezing out Amos and efete. Or we need to change the way we play and probably change the personnel a bit using the players we already have. Obviously hes going for the former, Only a few more days of the transfer window for it to work I guess, fingers crossed.
Kemar Lawrence Jamaican International who has never played in England, Artell implied there were complications ,quess they would be registration and work permit implications.
Really struggling to believe this guy would accept a trial with us. He has 70 odd caps with Jamaica and has played 200+ games in the MLS and for Anderlecht.
I still think our biggest problem is lack of height and physicality. Every single game whden the teams line up for the handshake the opposition has at least 6 or 7 six footer with legs like tree trunks, and we look like a bunch of thin lightweight midgets. Our biggest problem imho is that we get bullied by most teams.
I still think our biggest problem is lack of height and physicality. Every single game whden the teams line up for the handshake the opposition has at least 6 or 7 six footer with legs like tree trunks, and we look like a bunch of thin lightweight midgets. Our biggest problem imho is that we get bullied by most teams.
Definitely agree, Green is meant to be a midfield enforcer that is good at the dirty work but he was bullied and battered yesterday.
Really struggling to believe this guy would accept a trial with us. He has 70 odd caps with Jamaica and has played 200+ games in the MLS and for Anderlecht.
And is currently without a club.
"Crombie you would have got to that if you weren't such a fat ba%$@rd" - George Kerr, inspiration from the dug out 70s styleĀ Ā
I still think our biggest problem is lack of height and physicality. Every single game whden the teams line up for the handshake the opposition has at least 6 or 7 six footer with legs like tree trunks, and we look like a bunch of thin lightweight midgets. Our biggest problem imho is that we get bullied by most teams.
Yeah Iād agree with that. You can get away with it if youāre quick and good on the ball but weāre slow and shite with it.
I still think our biggest problem is lack of height and physicality. Every single game whden the teams line up for the handshake the opposition has at least 6 or 7 six footer with legs like tree trunks, and we look like a bunch of thin lightweight midgets. Our biggest problem imho is that we get bullied by most teams.
Rodgers is well over 6ft but was constantly beaten in the air by the huge Jennings ffs.The only defender who could head the ball we've binned off.
If itās true that we had a bid for Conteh from FGR in the opening days of the window, then we shouldāve been looking at a direct replacement for him for going on 3 weeks now as a priority. The management/recruitment team wouldāve known that Conteh was heading out the door for at least a week - the first bid from BRFC was 11 days ago at least - we cannot be going out of the window with the midfield we put out yesterday. Even if you end up having to spend the full Ā£300k on a replacement, thatāll look like a drop in the ocean compared to a couple of years (at best) in non-league.
On top of a CDM, two full-backs and a centre half are a must. You could probably fudge your way through the rest of the season with the attacking options we have, but not conceding 2 (or 5) every week.
If itās true that we had a bid for Conteh from FGR in the opening days of the window, then we shouldāve been looking at a direct replacement for him for going on 3 weeks now as a priority. The management/recruitment team wouldāve known that Conteh was heading out the door for at least a week - the first bid from BRFC was 11 days ago at least - we cannot be going out of the window with the midfield we put out yesterday. Even if you end up having to spend the full Ā£300k on a replacement, thatāll look like a drop in the ocean compared to a couple of years (at best) in non-league.
On top of a CDM, two full-backs and a centre half are a must. You could probably fudge your way through the rest of the season with the attacking options we have, but not conceding 2 (or 5) every week.
It doesnāt sound as though the lad on trial is staying does it?! Especially if thereās been massive unrest with the squad - as has been suggested on here.
It doesnāt sound as though the lad on trial is staying does it?! Especially if thereās been massive unrest with the squad - as has been suggested on here.
Yeah itās only been a matter of hours since someone on here suggested the owners were worth a billion quid. Soā¦ye knowā¦
It doesnāt sound as though the lad on trial is staying does it?! Especially if thereās been massive unrest with the squad - as has been suggested on here.
Maybe why Conteh wanted to leave so badly!!
Based on the Artell interview, it sounded like they'd made a decision on him. Given there was a couple of the very reliable people on here say we was set to announce a signing Thursday/Friday i'd expect that he's signed.
We need another 5 players through the door during this window, which is a right back, left back, centre back, centre mid and striker.
Thats shocking for this stage in the season and its just not going to happen.
Ultimatley our league status depends on us having just enough quality to pick up a few wins and that three of the bottom four dont bring in better players than ours and starting picking up a flurry of wins.
Based on the Artell interview, it sounded like they'd made a decision on him. Given there was a couple of the very reliable people on here say we was set to announce a signing Thursday/Friday i'd expect that he's signed.
If it's Kemar Lawrence, I hope I end up eating my words but I don't think he is the full back we need.
He's been a free agent since August, and been absent from the squad for the last 7 Jamaica games which may impact any work permit required. We need someone who is ready to go and knows this level. Lawrence has never played in England and we can't afford to carry any new signings.
It doesnāt sound as though the lad on trial is staying does it?! Especially if thereās been massive unrest with the squad - as has been suggested on here.
Maybe why Conteh wanted to leave so badly!!
What 'massive unrest' is this, and where did you get that from?
What 'massive unrest' is this, and where did you get that from?
Just reading the Artell out thread on here - lots of different suggestions - could be rubbish, could be some truths but thereās never smoke without fire!!
Based on the Artell interview, it sounded like they'd made a decision on him. Given there was a couple of the very reliable people on here say we was set to announce a signing Thursday/Friday i'd expect that he's signed.
He definitely wonāt be signing. And up to now no right back has signed but potentially a league one one on loan this week.
Just reading the Artell out thread on here - lots of different suggestions - could be rubbish, could be some truths but thereās never smoke without fire!!
Just reading the Artell out thread on here - lots of different suggestions - could be rubbish, could be some truths but thereās never smoke without fire!!
But on the fishy there is often a fishy smell without fish.
It survives as a group counselling/therapy session when things don't go smoothly on a match day.
Baseless speculation does nothing but make us all dumber after consuming it.
Bit like alcohol really,but it takes the edge of temporarily .
Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day,teach a man to fish and you give him an excuse for him to escape from the wife and kids for the weekend and drink lots of beer.
Everybodyās taking āAlan Buckleyā word as gospel but all he appears to have done is say Conteh has a release clause which is hardly inside info
Iād suggest absolutely nobody knows anything, pretty much all the clubs leaks have gone now, even Surrey canāt hit a barn door at the minute
Nobody, bar those in the meetings and discussions with the players, the agents and those involved have the full knowledge of what's happening, and if someone is leaking out all the inner workings to a member of the public, they need weeding out and sacking on the spot!!..
I donāt think weāre looking at a meltdown of January 2022 proportions with the Dallas saga, but the recruitment bods are going to have to earn their money this week.
Incomings are an absolute must, that much is clear to everyone. One issue is we are already close to matchday squad loanees and January is usually predominately loan business with a few permanent additions at our level. We might see some loans going back.
I'm quite confident, based on nothing but sheer optimism, that we will do some decent business. Despite some criticism I think Joe Hutchinson has shown he knows what he's doing and moving on some players you'd expect are earning a fair amount will have released some funds.
What is for sure is we cannot think we can just limp on til the end of the season and leave it for the summer window - that way danger lurks.
We've lost two experienced players in Waterfall and Khan and have signed Obikwu (no League experience before he joined us), Wood (1 League appearance for Hull at the end of last season and played on loan for Scunny as they plummeted into the National League) and Tharme, who has made 30-odd League appearances at the age of 24 and is now injured.
Hardly blowing the bloody doors off, are we? With Pyke out injured for over a month and Wilson yet to really prove himself (where does he fit in with the current formation?), we're still pretty much entirely reliant on Rose to do all the forward play.
An āEgyptian Kingā rumoured as a Conteh replacement on Friday, now not joining as of Saturday night.
If he read some of the posts on here Iām not surprised he didnāt join
Baldrick ! The only impression you can do is that of a man with no talent !! GTFC team 09/10 - Baldrick, Baldrick, Baldrick, Baldrick, Baldrick, Baldrick, Baldrick, Baldrick, Baldrick, Baldrick, Baldrick.
Weāve signed a new RB šÆ Heās turned into a LB Then on Trial for a week No longer joining
DA said for Conteh replacement āHold your breathā (Iām starting to suffocate here!!) New Egyptian King š not joining CM watching the game on Saturday
Now Hunt is allowed to go? Khouri to Barnet on loan?!
What I find worrying is that Artell would have looked at videos of a few of Town's games before taking the job; in other words, he knew what he was getting into before signing his contract.
If he is as good as alleged then he should have realised that he would not be able to enforce his preferred style on the existing players, looking at the weaknesses they have and the positives they have. He would also have been told his transfer budget and as AP put you'll have to get rid before you have incoming.
It would appear that man management is not his forte as telling someone you're fired before the end of the season is not going to motivate them. Let's face it if any of us went to work and were told we're out the door come summer, we wouldn't be very productive; it did happen to me so I do know what I'm talking about.
Then we come to the plan of staying up and what to do about it, only to be told one of your better players wants out, down the road to Bristol. It would not have been an overnight decision, but knowing that the thick end of Ā£300 K was coming in then some bodies could been lined up to replace him. This may have been the case, but we will never know.
Finally, you have what, I believe, Neil Warnock is alleged to have said, " You play to your player's strengths, not weaknesses.
That said I'm not a football manager and never will be, but what I do know is that Artell has to make survival his priority even if it means he has to drop his preferred style of playing.
You can please some of the forumites some of the time but not all the forumites all of the time
Valid points but I think we need to not go fully down the itās clear they canāt do it road.
Decent performances playing his way against MK Dons, Crewe, Notts County and Salford would suggest they are capable - just not consistently. Therein lies the issue, what other way can they play - not sure we can answer that question.
I also think Conteh is a massive factor in that and now heās gone we have a real issue.
What I find worrying is that Artell would have looked at videos of a few of Town's games before taking the job; in other words, he knew what he was getting into before signing his contract.
If he is as good as alleged then he should have realised that he would not be able to enforce his preferred style on the existing players, looking at the weaknesses they have and the positives they have. He would also have been told his transfer budget and as AP put you'll have to get rid before you have incoming.
It would appear that man management is not his forte as telling someone you're fired before the end of the season is not going to motivate them. Let's face it if any of us went to work and were told we're out the door come summer, we wouldn't be very productive; it did happen to me so I do know what I'm talking about.
Then we come to the plan of staying up and what to do about it, only to be told one of your better players wants out, down the road to Bristol. It would not have been an overnight decision, but knowing that the thick end of Ā£300 K was coming in then some bodies could been lined up to replace him. This may have been the case, but we will never know.
Finally, you have what, I believe, Neil Warnock is alleged to have said, " You play to your player's strengths, not weaknesses.
That said I'm not a football manager and never will be, but what I do know is that Artell has to make survival his priority even if it means he has to drop his preferred style of playing.
There's this narrative that the current squad simply isn't capable of playing Artell's style. However, in his first game against MK Dons they actually did play exciting, pass and move football. Clearly some of them do have that ability. I honestly think that the real issue is solidifying our defence with some new signings - that will provide the platform for our attacking players to play the style that they've already demonstrated they're capable of, without having to worry about what's going on behind them.
I'm quite confident, based on nothing but sheer optimism, that we will do some decent business. Despite some criticism I think Joe Hutchinson has shown he knows what he's doing and moving on some players you'd expect are earning a fair amount will have released some funds.
What is for sure is we cannot think we can just limp on til the end of the season and leave it for the summer window - that way danger lurks.
Has Joe really demonstrated that so far? Conteh was a good signing, Danny Rose was pretty much well known to most fans never mind the Manager and other than those two who would we be desperate to hang on to? Of the three January signings, all look lightweight for L2 football, previously Andrews is similar in not being ready to play regularly plus he was heavily involved in DAās appointment for which the jury is still well and truly out so not sure just yet that heās done anything to improve the first team an observation supported by our results.
Experienced, quality players for this level are required by the deadline and itās very disappointing that we have had to wait until the last few days to bring these players in ( and thatās if any actually arrive).
There's this narrative that the current squad simply isn't capable of playing Artell's style. However, in his first game against MK Dons they actually did play exciting, pass and move football. Clearly some of them do have that ability. I honestly think that the real issue is solidifying our defence with some new signings - that will provide the platform for our attacking players to play the style that they've already demonstrated they're capable of, without having to worry about what's going on behind them.
So why was just about every player excrement last Saturday?
There's this narrative that the current squad simply isn't capable of playing Artell's style. However, in his first game against MK Dons they actually did play exciting, pass and move football. Clearly some of them do have that ability. I honestly think that the real issue is solidifying our defence with some new signings - that will provide the platform for our attacking players to play the style that they've already demonstrated they're capable of, without having to worry about what's going on behind them.
Absolutely.
Can we please stop this suggestion that we're losing games because of the style of play? We're conceding goals for fun and dropping points because the defenders can't do the flipping basics like heading the ball clear, cutting out crosses or getting the wrong side of their man.
I can absolutely guarantee you that there won't be a single part of David Artell's training, pre-game talk, half-time chat, post-game debrief that goes along the lines of "just be really excrement at basic defending".
So why was just about every player excrement last Saturday?
Because they massively underperformed as individuals. Fair enough, Artell should have hooked more off than he did. But he can't really control the performances of individuals once they cross that line.
What he can do now though is drop them, which would be deserved.
There's this narrative that the current squad simply isn't capable of playing Artell's style. However, in his first game against MK Dons they actually did play exciting, pass and move football. Clearly some of them do have that ability. I honestly think that the real issue is solidifying our defence with some new signings - that will provide the platform for our attacking players to play the style that they've already demonstrated they're capable of, without having to worry about what's going on behind them.
Totally this - unless we sort defence out we are heading for a dire relegation battle; you can't keep conceding and expect to win matches on a consistent basis
Did I just see we have allowed hunt To go? This is getting so depressing dont think I have ever felt so low about the team after the. High of signing world beaters in the summer now to the point we canāt sign anyone apart from untried kids and the better players being frozen out or allowed to leave
Did I just see we have allowed hunt To go? This is getting so depressing dont think I have ever felt so low about the team after the. High of signing world beaters in the summer now to the point we canāt sign anyone apart from untried kids and the better players being frozen out or allowed to leave
That would be Hunt who 2 different managers didn't fancy, sounds ok to me.
Did I just see we have allowed hunt To go? This is getting so depressing dont think I have ever felt so low about the team after the. High of signing world beaters in the summer now to the point we canāt sign anyone apart from untried kids and the better players being frozen out or allowed to leave
Yes. The same Hunt who Artell described as pivotal 4, 5 or 6 weeks ago.
The kid clearly has talent. Why would Artell change his mind out of nowhere, and why did he suddenly come to the same conclusion as Hurst before him? I don't really like to say this on forums, but sometimes it just doesn't seem to go in, and it isn't something Artell can say.
If someone has talent, but aren't cutting it, it's likely their application in training. The road is littered with players with bags of potential that didn't put in the required effort to make it.
I dunno. Depends how badly he wants to put himself in the window/play/have a wage. That he's agreed his release would suggest he's got something lined up. It would also allow us to sign him beyond the window if we didn't meet the Thursday deadline.
Iāve probably done the same as a few others on here and gone onto transfrmarkt and had a look at all the players out of contract and am curious to know if weād even made at least an enquiry about some of them. Certainly a few on there with good enough and far better experience at higher levels.
A few rumours at the back end of last week, with suggested names that have signed and now nothing whatsoever!! Either there is absolutely no news/business or someone has had their wings clipped with leaking info.
Remember the massive disappointment last January? Letās hope History doesnāt repeat itself with the Window and more importantly, the seasonās end!
Artell told us āHold your breathā regarding a Conteh replacement!! Iām not convinced!!
Appreciate some players only become available last minute, but really feel as though last day transfers generally scream of desperation and are normally unsuccessful.
These are the last 10 signings made on transfer deadline day (or the next day if a loan or free) and theres only 2 in bold, who i would of been happy to stay or tried to sign permanently.
Thomas Dickson-Peters - Waste of time. George Lloyd - Had an impact on the season. Josh Emmanuel - Started well but then just went downwards. Lennell John Lewis (2nd time around) - Never tore any trees up. Jake Eastwood - Forgetable. Joe Bunney - Forgetable. Joe Adams - Forgetable (That good hes now playing for Warrington Rylands FC). Brad Garmston - Forgetable. Elliot Grandin - Good player. Kristian Dennis - 1 goal in 13 games. Forgetable
We need 5 through the door and appreciate it wont happen, but it might of calmed the nerves if we had brought in a couple of faces before tomorrow.
Appreciate some players only become available last minute, but really feel as though last day transfers generally scream of desperation and are normally unsuccessful.
These are the last 10 signings made on transfer deadline day (or the next day if a loan or free) and theres only 2 in bold, who i would of been happy to stay or tried to sign permanently.
Thomas Dickson-Peters - Waste of time. George Lloyd - Had an impact on the season. Josh Emmanuel - Started well but then just went downwards. Lennell John Lewis (2nd time around) - Never tore any trees up. Jake Eastwood - Forgetable. Joe Bunney - Forgetable. Joe Adams - Forgetable (That good hes now playing for Warrington Rylands FC). Brad Garmston - Forgetable. Elliot Grandin - Good player. Kristian Dennis - 1 goal in 13 games. Forgetable
We need 5 through the door and appreciate it wont happen, but it might of calmed the nerves if we had brought in a couple of faces before tomorrow.
I wouldnāt call Joe Bunney forgettable, in fact Iād probably label him as unforgettable for all the wrong reasons
According to a carlisle mate I have Alex Hunt is signing for them, bid accepted and medical tomorrow apparently
Who has a āCarlisle mateā? š
"Falls to Arnold... Arnold! That's it! Thats it! He's sealed it! Grimsby Town are back in the football league!!! Just a minute to go and Nathan Arnold makes it 3-1! Look at the scenes behind the goal! Look at the relief! The agony is finally over!!!"
John Tondeur - Wembley Stadium Sunday 15th May 2016
Batch, Crombie, Moore K, Wiggington, Cumming, Waters, Bonnyman, Ford, Emson, Drinkell, Whymark. Love you all, You are the reason I'm on here. You've had help from Todd, Handyside, Futcher P, Groves, Mendonca, Macca etc etc etc. Up The Mariners!!!!!!!!!
Donāt think itās out of the question, Carlisle have made some slightly odd signings that seem geared towards them building a decent squad for next season at this level.
I keep saying I like Hunt, but I feel like I actually like the thought of him doing well. He so often flatters to deceive and itās becoming harder and harder to make a case for him.
Khan,Waterfall,Conteh and Hunt gone, four players,well three, who we would choose for the first team on this forum, and nothing yet to show as replacements, he,s tearing the team apart. The roses dont smell good this side of the fence.
Khan,Waterfall,Conteh and Hunt gone, four players,well three, who we would choose for the first team on this forum, and nothing yet to show as replacements, he,s tearing the team apart. The roses dont smell good this side of the fence.
Three of the most technically gifted players plus the only natural leader.
Iām prepared to be underwhelmed by the replacements.
Khan,Waterfall,Conteh and Hunt gone, four players,well three, who we would choose for the first team on this forum, and nothing yet to show as replacements, he,s tearing the team apart. The roses dont smell good this side of the fence.
Khan was never fit for more than 3 games at a time.
Waterfall was absolutely terrorised by anybody playing at more than walking pace this season.
Conteh had a release clause.
Hunt has never strung together more than 1 good performance in a row.
Not sure how you can reach that conclusion, especially when weāve still got 2 more days of the window left.
Itās widely rumoured heās been told he can leave, if the specifics of this particular rumour arenāt proven - itās not beyond possibility he leaves in the next few days.
Now.. I could quite easily be wrong.. but if this is true coupled with the players weāve moved out. I tend to only think we let these happen if we have better coming in.
We hear all the time in windows āwaiting on clubs to find replacements before they will let outā.
We seem to have freed up a fair bit of funds so far so fingers crossed for some decent business over the coming days.
That falls squarely into the ridiculous category š
Oh absolutely, but one of the great things about football is that occasionally such mental things do actually happen. Itās old news now, but Reynolds and to a lesser extent McElhenney taking on Wrexham was completely out of left-field. Gazza rocking up at Boston. Faustino Asprilla very nearly ended up at Darlington, and then at the opposite end of the spectrum, Ali Dia playing in the Prem for Southampton.
Hunt to Carlisle would look strange on the face of it, but itās not quite up there with some of those.
Itās widely rumoured heās been told he can leave, if the specifics of this particular rumour arenāt proven - itās not beyond possibility he leaves in the next few days.
Now.. I could quite easily be wrong.. but if this is true coupled with the players weāve moved out. I tend to only think we let these happen if we have better coming in.
We hear all the time in windows āwaiting on clubs to find replacements before they will let outā.
We seem to have freed up a fair bit of funds so far so fingers crossed for some decent business over the coming days.
I was thinking the same. If he goes (and still seems a big if to me) then we must have pretty concrete incomings in centre mid. flipping hope so anyway!
What changed between Artell saying Hunt was the most gifted player we had 2-3 games in to his tenure and sending him to Carlisle?
With Khan, Conteh and Hunt gone the next 2 days really need to be specialā¦
Iāve always thought that was aimed as a question or a challenge to Hunt..
Wasnāt it something along the lines of āwhy arenāt you playing more you have the abilityā. To me that sounds like - why arenāt you using it, applying yourself better etc.
Artell has obviously over the last few weeks seen why heās not playing more..
Oh absolutely, but one of the great things about football is that occasionally such mental things do actually happen. Itās old news now, but Reynolds and to a lesser extent McElhenney taking on Wrexham was completely out of left-field. Gazza rocking up at Boston. Faustino Asprilla very nearly ended up at Darlington, and then at the opposite end of the spectrum, Ali Dia playing in the Prem for Southampton.
Hunt to Carlisle would look strange on the face of it, but itās not quite up there with some of those.
Oh very true. Maybe I should have articulated myself abit better. My meaning was itās such an obscurely random link to make. Itās like throwing a dart at a map sort of stuff.
All those above arenāt unknown players - Iād be surprised if many outside of Grimsby and Sheffield know of Alex Hunt.
Oh absolutely, but one of the great things about football is that occasionally such mental things do actually happen. Itās old news now, but Reynolds and to a lesser extent McElhenney taking on Wrexham was completely out of left-field. Gazza rocking up at Boston. Faustino Asprilla very nearly ended up at Darlington, and then at the opposite end of the spectrum, Ali Dia playing in the Prem for Southampton.
Hunt to Carlisle would look strange on the face of it, but itās not quite up there with some of those.
Donāt think itās out of the question, Carlisle have made some slightly odd signings that seem geared towards them building a decent squad for next season at this level.
I keep saying I like Hunt, but I feel like I actually like the thought of him doing well. He so often flatters to deceive and itās becoming harder and harder to make a case for him.
I also liked the thought of Hunt - because if he is consistently in the team that would mean we are playing open, attractive, sexy football and probably well up the league, not conceding silly goals every week and not having to scratch around for every point. That was my fantasy before the start of the season.
He's the only one in the squad capable of taking the ball off the back 4 and the keeper. We must have a replacement lined up if we are to let him go. There's a player in there, he just needs things to fall right for him.
He's the only one in the squad capable of taking the ball off the back 4 and the keeper. We must have a replacement lined up if we are to let him go. There's a player in there, he just needs things to fall right for him.
Exactly. Seems a strange player to leave if Artell is serious about playing the way he wants to. You'd think he'd offload Green before someone who can actually play a bit. Perhaps it's to free up funds for a replacement.
He's the only one in the squad capable of taking the ball off the back 4 and the keeper. We must have a replacement lined up if we are to let him go. There's a player in there, he just needs things to fall right for him.
There is and I really hope he gets a break, somewhere.
Perplexed?? This squad has won 6 games all season. I personally don't have any affirmation to any of the players barring Danny Rose and have no quarms about him gutting the squad as 99% of it is useless. My worry will start after the deadline if he hasn't replaced them.
If it's true, I'm assuming Hunt is on a few quid. We paid a fee for him. Do you pay a first team salary for someone not nailing down a first team spot, or do you use it to bring in someone who can? We can not afford passengers right now. 2 average wages become a good wage and with a transfer fee or 2 in the kitty, it could have an impact.
If it's true, I'm assuming Hunt is on a few quid. We paid a fee for him. Do you pay a first team salary for someone not nailing down a first team spot, or do you use it to bring in someone who can? We can not afford passengers right now. 2 average wages become a good wage and with a transfer fee or 2 in the kitty, it could have an impact.
Back to sustainability again. We seem to be sustainable in non league but not in the 4th Division. Quite depressing.
Back to sustainability again. We seem to be sustainable in non league but not in the 4th Division. Quite depressing.
I hope not. But if extra money is found, it's probably going to have to come from somewhere (in a future budget). I don't make the decisions, but this is the way Petit said it was going to be, so I'm simply highlighting that and what it means. I think people still think there is a bottomless cash bucket that is going to be raided...
If we want change, and most do, we need to free up budget...
Sorry to be the first to mention it on signings but I'm assuming free players can sign after Thursday still? So players like Kemal and Charlie Kirk could sign AFTER Thursday......Just saying (we've all been here before)
Sorry to be the first to mention it on signings but I'm assuming free players can sign after Thursday still? So players like Kemal and Charlie Kirk could sign AFTER Thursday......Just saying (we've all been here before)
As long as they were a free agent before the window closes they are still free to join a club outside the window. This is why a lot of contracts get terminated on deadline day aswell..
DA said after last Sat that the team had no plans as to how to go about scoring.
The midfield he picked was very inexperienced and ineffective. This was clear to many fans after 10 mins. No sub changes to try and rectify this until 87 mins. Far too late. (Bar 1 enforced sub for injury).
The defence was very poor. We lost at home to another mid-table team.
DA said that it was vey far the worst performance since he came here. (These are not my favourite words).
He said that the performance was even worse that the 6-1 home defeat.
In his view then, does this latest defeat equate to say a 9-1 home defeat?
We could āexpectā Stockport to beat us maybe 12-1 using this convoluted logic.
DA said after last Sat that the team had no plans as to how to go about scoring.
The midfield he picked was very inexperienced and ineffective. This was clear to many fans after 10 mins. No sub changes to try and rectify this until 87 mins. Far too late. (Bar 1 enforced sub for injury).
The defence was very poor. We lost at home to another mid-table team.
DA said that it was vey far the worst performance since he came here. (These are not my favourite words).
He said that the performance was even worse that the 6-1 home defeat.
In his view then, does this latest defeat equate to say a 9-1 home defeat?
We could āexpectā Stockport to beat us maybe 12-1 using this convoluted logic.
DA said after last Sat that the team had no plans as to how to go about scoring.
The midfield he picked was very inexperienced and ineffective. This was clear to many fans after 10 mins. No sub changes to try and rectify this until 87 mins. Far too late. (Bar 1 enforced sub for injury).
The defence was very poor. We lost at home to another mid-table team.
DA said that it was vey far the worst performance since he came here. (These are not my favourite words).
He said that the performance was even worse that the 6-1 home defeat.
In his view then, does this latest defeat equate to say a 9-1 home defeat?
We could āexpectā Stockport to beat us maybe 12-1 using this convoluted logic.
Wood came off in the 66th minute. He was replaced by Vernam. Not sure if Clifton was swapped with him or not, but to suggest it didn't change until minute 87 is just plain false.
We could do a hell of a lot worse than signing Toto Nsiala. Still only 31 and certainly an upgrade on anything else weāve got. Not had a club since end of November though, is he injured?
Wood came off in the 66th minute. He was replaced by Vernam. Not sure if Clifton was swapped with him or not, but to suggest it didn't change until minute 87 is just plain false.
I thought Vernam did well when he came on tbf , hoping we get a good run in from him as he's capable of winning you games by himself on his day we just need to find a way to keep them out .
Balderdash!!! Clubs donāt give 3 year contracts at our level with a paultry one sided sell on clause.
Good bad business? Time will tell!!!
You obviously don't read all the posts on the Fishy, if you did, you would indeed see that Conteh had a release clause. So why don't you try doing some research before making up excrement!
You obviously don't read all the posts on the Fishy, if you did, you would indeed see that Conteh had a release clause. So why don't you try doing some research before making up excrement!
You think that's aggressive, lol. You haven't lived mate.
This threads getting a little wayward as it is, please Ignore this and avoid the army stories, I just want some confirmation today, Hunt staying/going, incomings etc. A transfer thread, basically.
Surprised to just work out we still have 24 players at the club (this doesn't include the YT's).
Before the out goings last week we had almost 30 players - which surprised me as seems quite alot these days. I won't be surprised to see more out goings over the next two days.
Oh yeah . Just checked - suprised not used as always seems good for a goal
The problem with Wilson is that I'm not quite sure what he offers. He's nicked the odd goal here and there when fit, but he's not strong in possession, is only quickish and doesn't appear to be either particularly skilful or good at linking up play.
A guy we know who is a big Sutton fan rated Wilson, but he also said he was strong in possession and I've never seen that aspect when he's played!
Might be a case that he could play his way into form if given a run, but I'm not sure we could make that gamble and, of course, we are only playing with the one forward at the moment. Rose is undroppable as long as he remains fit.
Wilson has one of the best goals per minute ratios in the league, yet found himself sat on the bench for the whole game on Saturday despite us needing a goal. If only we were ādata ledā eh?
"Falls to Arnold... Arnold! That's it! Thats it! He's sealed it! Grimsby Town are back in the football league!!! Just a minute to go and Nathan Arnold makes it 3-1! Look at the scenes behind the goal! Look at the relief! The agony is finally over!!!"
John Tondeur - Wembley Stadium Sunday 15th May 2016
Hearing Khouri gone out on loan. Not sure how true.
Leaves us very light in the middle - Especially if Hunt gone aswell.
Barnet seems to be the rumour - if so, good move for him that.
Only worry I have is his deal is up in the summer. Think the lads got a lot of potential, could do without him going there, doing really well and then weāre struggling to renew his deal.
Barnet seems to be the rumour - if so, good move for him that.
Only worry I have is his deal is up in the summer. Think the lads got a lot of potential, could do without him going there, doing really well and then weāre struggling to renew his deal.
We could do a hell of a lot worse than signing Toto Nsiala. Still only 31 and certainly an upgrade on anything else weāve got. Not had a club since end of November though, is he injured?
Hearing Khouri gone out on loan. Not sure how true.
Leaves us very light in the middle - Especially if Hunt gone aswell.
One of footballās mysteries to me. This lad always looks decent when heās played but hasnāt had a decent run in the side ever. An injury at the start of this season didnāt help up but I donāt understand how Andrews is considered a better option on our left side of midfield nor why Khouri has hardly ever even made the bench this season. (Await B&W Bears response that 2 Managers didnāt rate him good enough!!!).
One of footballās mysteries to me. This lad always looks decent when heās played but hasnāt had a decent run in the side ever. An injury at the start of this season didnāt help up but I donāt understand how Andrews is considered a better option on our left side of midfield nor why Khouri has hardly ever even made the bench this season. (Await B&W Bears response that 2 Managers didnāt rate him good enough!!!).
Khouri had a great cameo at Soton. Weāve dismantled / discarded the majority of the side that won that game. I canāt fully get my head round what has gone so wrong - but I think Iāll stick with - weāve chucked the bairn out wiāthe bath waterā¦
Khouri has been woefully mismanaged in my opinion. Looked good when he's played, not been loaned out as "he's been so close to the first team" and he now finds himself at the age of 21 with 37 professional appearances under his belt (1675 minutes).
By contrast, Conteh has 1960 minutes from 25 League One and League Two games under his belt this season, plus another 33 games in the National League last season. Mattie Pollock is 22, and has 126 games (9355 minutes) under his belt.
Harry Clifton is 25, but over his first 3 seasons (17/18, 18/19, 19/20) he amassed 85 appearances and 6018 minutes for us. He also had a loan at Grantham before that.
I really do feel for Khouri, he desperately needs games and has done for 2+ years.
One of footballās mysteries to me. This lad always looks decent when heās played but hasnāt had a decent run in the side ever. An injury at the start of this season didnāt help up but I donāt understand how Andrews is considered a better option on our left side of midfield nor why Khouri has hardly ever even made the bench this season. (Await B&W Bears response that 2 Managers didnāt rate him good enough!!!).
Iāve been giving the situation some thought this morning, having found myself quickly turning from underwhelmed but unconcerned to overwhelmed with concern that we might actually go out of the league for a third time (it hurts just to write those words).
Iāve narrowed down the crux of my worries to 5 basic things, in order of concern.
1. Weāre getting routinely skullfĆŗcked down both flanks.
2. Having lost Conteh, weāve now lost what little solidity we had in the midfield, and remain incredibly limited there in terms of distribution, leadership and experience.
3. Our level defensive of organisation is currently akin to Polandās in 1939.
4. We have a steady yet inexperienced goalkeeper whose confidence canāt have been helped by our form and sheer number of goals conceded in recent weeks.
5. We appear to have no adequate replacement for Rose should he, god forbid, get injured (the only reason this isnāt higher up the list is because he isnāt currently injured, I say whilst touching every inch off wood currently within my peripheral vision).
Thatās not a complete summary of the entire limitations of our squad, I havenāt got all day, but these are the things that I think if we donāt address, by hook or by crook, over the coming weeks risk relegating us. Relying on Sutton and Forest Green to be even shĆtter than us really isnāt a strategy Iām comfortable with at this juncture.
The long and the short of it is I donāt think weāre going to bring in loads of players, at least not without supplementing numbers with more unproven kids. And kids certainly aināt what we need right now, unless they are exceptional, and by exceptional Iām talking Jamie Devitt mkI, Conor Townsend mkII, Dean Henderson and Jay Matete.
I donāt want to dig Mullarkey and Glennon out, but theyāve been the source of so many goals lately the situation there canāt be ignored, especially with Artell seemingly not fancying their understudies. We need at least 1 new full-back, ideally proven at this level, and by proven, Iām talking at least a couple of hundred appearances at this level or above. Expecting our Jamaican friend who has spent the last 6 or 7 years living in New York City, Brussels and Toronto to acclimatise to North East Lincs in short order feels like too much of a wildcard.
Then midfield is a big one. Itās just been powderpuff in there of late, in both directions. We somehow need to find someone who can provide some defensive rigidity, keep the ball ticking over and offer some much needed guidance and leadership to his younger midfield teammates (especially if we get shot of Holohan, which I feel would be a mistake right now, personally). Thatās a really big ask given the pickle weāve got ourselves into. The only player that springs to mind is Ryan Woods at Hull, freshly back from loan at Bristol Rovers, but Iāve no idea if thatās realistic or not. Heāll be on some bunce there.
I do feel, if we can adequately solve points 1 and 2, point 3 may take care of itself between Maher, Rodgers and Tharme. If itās an option, replenishing a bit of experience at centre-half with the exit of Waterfall wouldnāt go amiss, but my possibly unpopular opinion is that central defence hasnāt been the epicentre of our problems in recent weeks, but rather a victim of the aftershock stemming from elsewhere.
Likewise, I donāt think Cartwright has done much wrong of late, despite the many goals flying past him (Notts Countyās 4th or 5th, the possible exception). My nervousness is of his head goes, or he gets injured, and weāre left having to go back to Eastwood. Thatās giving me sweaty palms just thinking about it. I just canāt see us doing any business here, given priorities elsewhere.
As for a Rose backup, as big a risk as it is, itās a bit of an irrelevance as thereās simply no way weāre going to find someone capable of giving us even 50% of what he does between now and midnight tomorrow night. Weāll just have to hope and pray that he stays injury-free. Touch that wood againā¦
Ultimately, what I want / feel we need and what weāll get are likely to be different things, but at least 1 or 2 signings in key areas of a standard palpably better than what weāve currently is absolutely imperative imo.
I do feel, if we can adequately solve points 1 and 2, point 3 may take care of itself between Maher, Rodgers and Tharme. If itās an option, replenishing a bit of experience at centre-half with the exit of Waterfall wouldnāt go amiss, but my possibly unpopular opinion is that central defence hasnāt been the epicentre of our problems in recent weeks, but rather a victim of the aftershock stemming from elsewhere.
Likewise, I donāt think Cartwright has done much wrong of late, despite the many goals flying past him (Notts Countyās 4th or 5th, the possible exception). My nervousness is of his head goes, or he gets injured, and weāre left having to go back to Eastwood. Thatās giving me sweaty palms just thinking about it. I just canāt see us doing any business here, given priorities elsewhere.
I've not seen much call for this, but wingbacks and 3 CBs strike me as a solution here. We've struggled all season to find a central defensive pair that works, so surely three together will shore us up a bit and give Mullarkey and Glennon much needed additional cover. It also means we're not necessarily hamstrung by having to choose 3 CMs from a fairly weak pot. If I was picking the team, I'd go something like this. Clifton can play that dual wide forward/CM role tucking back in as and when required allowing us to switch between a midfield three and an attacking three.
We have to hit a point soon whereby Mullarkey is sacked off as a legit flat back four right back option.
I've not seen much call for this, but wingbacks and 3 CBs strike me as a solution here. We've struggled all season to find a central defensive pair that works, so surely three together will shore us up a bit and give Mullarkey and Glennon much needed additional cover. It also means we're not necessarily hamstrung by having to choose 3 CMs from a fairly weak pot. If I was picking the team, I'd go something like this. Clifton can play that dual wide forward/CM role tucking back in as and when required allowing us to switch between a midfield three and an attacking three.
We have to hit a point soon whereby Mullarkey is sacked off as a legit flat back four right back option.
The thing I see weird about Grimsby is we don't have enough numbers back at times. Arsenal have attacking fullbacks, but they'll keep a DM back, and when I say back, goal side of the attacker and ready to fall into the pocket of space. Other times, they'll keep a more defensively minded defender, Tomiyasu back while they attack on the other side. We seem to attack with both fullbacks, and have no DM in sight to cover the pockets as people get pulled out of position.
I'd have personally just stuck Efete in as a defensive fullback and give Glennon more freedom. Attack down the left and centre.
On Saturday, Glennon rather than sticking in line, went to attack the ball, failed, and both CB's got pulled out of line. Then the ball fell to Mullarkey of all people, who didn't really look like he tried to deal with it, and it just kind of rolled off him. I'd also not go with that pair in the middle, as it'll just get bypassed. I'd have Clifton in the middle.
I've not seen much call for this, but wingbacks and 3 CBs strike me as a solution here. We've struggled all season to find a central defensive pair that works, so surely three together will shore us up a bit and give Mullarkey and Glennon much needed additional cover. It also means we're not necessarily hamstrung by having to choose 3 CMs from a fairly weak pot. If I was picking the team, I'd go something like this. Clifton can play that dual wide forward/CM role tucking back in as and when required allowing us to switch between a midfield three and an attacking three.
We have to hit a point soon whereby Mullarkey is sacked off as a legit flat back four right back option.
Replace Clifton with Eisa, and this team shouldn't be relegated. I'm not saying for 1 minute its a good enough team for this league, but their are worst teams than that starting 11 IMO.
Attacking: Rose, Vernam & Eisa are good enough Midfield Holohan - I like him, is he good enough for league 2? On his day yes, but can go anonymous at times. Andrews - I rate him a lot, i can see him being a very solid player with better players around him. Defence: This is the problem Glennon - Isn't poor, but has too many off games. Rodgers - Come with huge expectation and reputation, but for some reason, it isn't happening at the moment. Maher - Yes, he's good enough IMO. Tharme - Obviously way too early. Mullarkey - Has had good games, but far too many poor/anonymous games.
Goalkeeper: Cartwright - Taking away the local factor, i'm not convinced.
I've not seen much call for this, but wingbacks and 3 CBs strike me as a solution here. We've struggled all season to find a central defensive pair that works, so surely three together will shore us up a bit and give Mullarkey and Glennon much needed additional cover. It also means we're not necessarily hamstrung by having to choose 3 CMs from a fairly weak pot. If I was picking the team, I'd go something like this. Clifton can play that dual wide forward/CM role tucking back in as and when required allowing us to switch between a midfield three and an attacking three.
We have to hit a point soon whereby Mullarkey is sacked off as a legit flat back four right back option.
You rarely see a back 3 + wingbacks with a 2 man-central midfield, for the obvious reason that you risk getting overrun. I can see why you've suggested a set-up like this, because a 3-man centre mid means you have to go with 2 up front while losing your attacking wide players, who currently represent the squad's greatest strength. I can't help but feel the players we've currently got at our disposal leave us a little tactically inflexible.
You rarely see a back 3 + wingbacks with a 2 man-central midfield, for the obvious reason that you risk getting overrun. I can see why you've suggested a set-up like this, because a 3-man centre mid means you have to go with 2 up front while losing your attacking wide players, who currently represent the squad's greatest strength. I can't help but feel the players we've currently got at our disposal leave us a little tactically inflexible.
A little tactically inflexible? Thatās really polite šš¤
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I'm sure we all have our own preferred formation. I prefer 4-2-3-1 to try and get players in positions to affect the game but using the right players, playing Greeny in Kams role was a risk, as its not his type of game, Holohan would have been a better choice. Our problem i could see on Saturday was no options in midfield when trying to pass it out, the defenders hesitant because they know Greeny is not Kam (first touch is important in this role) and Greeny's wasn't great.
However the full backs (mainly Glennon) need to be behind the player not in front which was when he got outmuscled and caught out.
It was just a bad day, even the atmosphere was flat.
I'm sure we all have our own preferred formation. I prefer 4-2-3-1 to try and get players in positions to affect the game but using the right players, playing Greeny in Kams role was a risk, as its not his type of game, Holohan would have been a better choice. Our problem i could see on Saturday was no options in midfield when trying to pass it out, the defenders hesitant because they know Greeny is not Kam (first touch is important in this role) and Greeny's wasn't great.
However the full backs (mainly Glennon) need to be behind the player not in front which was when he got outmuscled and caught out.
It was just a bad day, even the atmosphere was flat.
Still old school 4-4-2 for me , sure 1 of our posters will agree.
BREAKING NEWS: I've just found out the JANUARY transfer window closes tomorrow night??? Not tonight.... I'm not worried as much as i was 10 minutes ago.
Still old school 4-4-2 for me , sure 1 of our posters will agree.
One ānewā formation that I really like the idea of and occasionally see adopted by an increasing number of teams in the EFL (if the BBC can be trusted) is 3-4-1-2. You really need wide men with lungs of steel to both defend and attack, but the use of a No.10 behind a front two is exciting.
There is no way that this season is the time to revert to this as Iām sure youād need a quite specialist squad who you can trust to āget itā, but if we stay up (?!!) Iād love us to build around something like this, but with the emphasis on it being more of a 3 at the back, not 5.
Maybe itās too advanced for L2 players, but Iād like to think not.
One ānewā formation that I really like the idea of and occasionally see adopted by an increasing number of teams in the EFL (if the BBC can be trusted) is 3-4-1-2. You really need wide men with lungs of steel to both defend and attack, but the use of a No.10 behind a front two is exciting.
There is no way that this season is the time to revert to this as Iām sure youād need a quite specialist squad who you can trust to āget itā, but if we stay up (?!!) Iād love us to build around something like this, but with the emphasis on it being more of a 3 at the back, not 5.
Maybe itās too advanced for L2 players, but Iād like to think not.
Barnsley play this formation and it works really well. I saw them against Posh and Posh really struggled to play against it, particularly early on. The front 2 + 1 were very aggressive in their pressing and the midfield four pushed up to support and cover this. Posh kept having to go long but Barnsley's three man defence were very comfortable with this. I think it works really well with the right players but we definitely do not have the players capable right now.
Replace Clifton with Eisa, and this team shouldn't be relegated. I'm not saying for 1 minute its a good enough team for this league, but their are worst teams than that starting 11 IMO.
Attacking: Rose, Vernam & Eisa are good enough Midfield Holohan - I like him, is he good enough for league 2? On his day yes, but can go anonymous at times. Andrews - I rate him a lot, i can see him being a very solid player with better players around him. Defence: This is the problem Glennon - Isn't poor, but has too many off games. Rodgers - Come with huge expectation and reputation, but for some reason, it isn't happening at the moment. Maher - Yes, he's good enough IMO. Tharme - Obviously way too early. Mullarkey - Has had good games, but far too many poor/anonymous games.
Goalkeeper: Cartwright - Taking away the local factor, i'm not convinced.
Andrews is excrement, the worst and least effective of our midfielders. No way he can play in a 2, he can barely get involved in a 3.
Khouri had a great cameo at Soton. Weāve dismantled / discarded the majority of the side that won that game. I canāt fully get my head round what has gone so wrong - but I think Iāll stick with - weāve chucked the bairn out wiāthe bath waterā¦
Not sure why you've been red crossed but i thought Khouri did great in his cameo. He was clearly brought on as fresh legs to rough a tiring Southampton up a bit and see the game safely out by breaking it up, He was extremely effective at this and it was nice to see town do what so many teams do to us and what we so often fail to do in seeing games out.
Not sure why you've been red crossed but i thought Khouri did great in his cameo. He was clearly brought on as fresh legs to rough a tiring Southampton up a bit and see the game safely out by breaking it up, He was extremely effective at this and it was nice to see town do what so many teams do to us and what we so often fail to do in seeing games out.
Iād love to see Khouri in the side. I really hope Artell puts trust in him.
Andrews is excrement, the worst and least effective of our midfielders. No way he can play in a 2, he can barely get involved in a 3.
I dont think he is excrement, but he certainly isn't consistant enough. I think he needs two ball winning players next to him though, to maybe give him the freedom to roam abit, which is when he seems to have better games.
Although it does ultimatley come down to 'would I want to sign him at the end of the season', and based on his performances so far, it would be a no.
You rarely see a back 3 + wingbacks with a 2 man-central midfield, for the obvious reason that you risk getting overrun. I can see why you've suggested a set-up like this, because a 3-man centre mid means you have to go with 2 up front while losing your attacking wide players, who currently represent the squad's greatest strength. I can't help but feel the players we've currently got at our disposal leave us a little tactically inflexible.
Yeah, I did think that was a bit of a gung ho Football Manager formation as I was doing it but went with it due to Clifton being able to switch around between the roles. Could quite have easily put Clifton in the middle and stuck Wilson up top with Rose but I'd rather see Vernam in the starting lineup.
Evan Khouri joins Spennymoor Town on loan for a month.
On one hand playing at Sunny's level seems a bit disappointing. On the other, if he it gets him some much needed game time and he comes back match sharp then it could be a good move. Wish him well
I dont think he is excrement, but he certainly isn't consistant enough. I think he needs two ball winning players next to him though, to maybe give him the freedom to roam abit, which is when he seems to have better games.
Although it does ultimatley come down to 'would I want to sign him at the end of the season', and based on his performances so far, it would be a no.
That's probably a fairer assessment. He's not ready to play consistently at this level and he doesn't influence games enough.
He's lacking mobility and isn't competive enough. He isn't good enough with the ball to justify playing with what he's lacking. Even with Hunt's up and down form he's a better player, Holohan is currently a much better option than him.
Denver Hume at Pompey is weird. Cowley obviously fancied him enough to pay a fee but he's barely had a look in. Him and Penney both look a decent pedigree just how quickly we can get them up to speed as neither had a lot of football.
Denver Hume at Pompey is weird. Cowley obviously fancied him enough to pay a fee but he's barely had a look in. Him and Penney both look a decent pedigree just how quickly we can get them up to speed as neither had a lot of football.
Yes, but as Hume is still contracted he will have still been training regularly, so fingers crossed his fitness is pretty good. Penney, who knows!
Denver Hume at Pompey is weird. Cowley obviously fancied him enough to pay a fee but he's barely had a look in. Him and Penney both look a decent pedigree just how quickly we can get them up to speed as neither had a lot of football.
Penney was a TransferMarkt rumour and putting 2&2 together from someone I know, not sure if he's actually signed. The guy is normally quite good with Wednesday related info however so we'll see.
My friend who has a guest house on Isaacs Hill has a booking from GTFC. She has no name as the booking is GTFC, lol. I hope to find out later when booked in, but it may be out by then who it is. So i can definately say we have one signing tonight.
My friend who has a guest house on Isaacs Hill has a booking from GTFC. She has no name as the booking is GTFC, lol. I hope to find out later when booked in, but it may be out by then who it is. So i can definately say we have one signing tonight.
BREAKING NEWS: I've just found out the JANUARY transfer window closes tomorrow night??? Not tonight.... I'm not worried as much as i was 10 minutes ago.
I read on the Portsmouth forum that League One and Two clubs are interested in signing Denver Hume. Says here Swindon and Wrexham were looking at him in the summer >> https://www.portsmouth.co.uk/s.....don-interest-4266985
My friend who has a guest house on Isaacs Hill has a booking from GTFC. She has no name as the booking is GTFC, lol. I hope to find out later when booked in, but it may be out by then who it is. So i can definately say we have one signing tonight.
A booking for when though, mate?
"They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old, Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn, At the going down of the sun, and in the morning, We WILL remember them"
Anybody familiar with these two? Are they similar in attributes? Can they defend as well as get forward well? Some strong competition for Glennon isnāt a bad thing! If heās the player most of us think he is/capable of being, then he will rise to it and win his place!
Who is the better fit for us?
"They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old, Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn, At the going down of the sun, and in the morning, We WILL remember them"
My friend who has a guest house on Isaacs Hill has a booking from GTFC. She has no name as the booking is GTFC, lol. I hope to find out later when booked in, but it may be out by then who it is. So i can definately say we have one signing tonight.
Almost a year to the day since our man at the Oaklands confirmed a booking under the name of Dallas.
My friend ... So i can definately say we have one signing tonight.
Seriously. I wouldn't post that sort of stuff in a public forum. People from the club read this forum, and will be thinking where they spend their money in future...
Seriously. I wouldn't post that sort of stuff in a public forum. People from the club read this forum, and will be thinking where they spend their money in future...
Not worth it.
Fair play to them if theyāve stuck with all 101 pages of this thread š
My friend who has a guest house on Isaacs Hill has a booking from GTFC. She has no name as the booking is GTFC, lol. I hope to find out later when booked in, but it may be out by then who it is. So i can definately say we have one signing tonight.
No it's me mate booked in as GTFC, Gainsborough Trinity Ferret Club
Fk me, i offer info, and as usual on this forum, you get excrement. Wait for an announcement then from the Club. Lots of you offer bullshit and surmise a story. Waste of fking time giving info on here. Such a excrement forum with members wanting to slag off others and give these infantile red crosses. FFS, grow up.
Fk me, i offer info, and as usual on this forum, you get excrement. Wait for an announcement then from the Club. Lots of you offer bullshit and surmise a story. Waste of fking time giving info on here. Such a excrement forum with members wanting to slag off others and give these infantile red crosses. FFS, grow up.
Whoa there shep, chill out, put the kettle on, relax, I can feel the glow off your cheeks from here, you'll have an embolism if you ain't careful me old mate.
Fk me, i offer info, and as usual on this forum, you get excrement. Wait for an announcement then from the Club. Lots of you offer bullshit and surmise a story. Waste of fking time giving info on here. Such a excrement forum with members wanting to slag off others and give these infantile red crosses. FFS, grow up.
For what itās worth, Iām not into all the name calling and slagging off that seems so prevalent on here nowadays, and I was interested in hearing what you had to say about a new signingā¦ā¦
Is it just possible that DA and the Board have decided to just get on with recruiting in a professional manner, ignore the cry for minute by minute updates and surprise us all with the announcement of 3-4 top class signings which will amaze us and secure our safetyā¦..
Fk me, i offer info, and as usual on this forum, you get excrement. Wait for an announcement then from the Club. Lots of you offer bullshit and surmise a story. Waste of fking time giving info on here. Such a excrement forum with members wanting to slag off others and give these infantile red crosses. FFS, grow up.
Is it just possible that DA and the Board have decided to just get on with recruiting in a professional manner, ignore the cry for minute by minute updates and surprise us all with the announcement of 3-4 top class signings which will amaze us and secure our safetyā¦..
We should have the answer to that in less than 26 hours.
this epitomises my concern over the names mentioned - Lawrence, Garrett, Hume, Penney plus the 3 signings already made - they all tick 1 of 2 boxes.Either haven't played all season, or have no first team experience. And none of them (apart from the keeper) are experienced L2 players. No real leaders in there either from what I can make out.
Hopefully Artell knows what he's doing. Going to be a very interesting 12 hours or so tomorrow
[quote=130]Denver Hume would become the first GTFC player to have appeared in hit Spanish drama Money Heist.[/quote
He was actually named after the time American folk singer John played alongside Joy Division at the original Factory Club in Manchester.
Batch, Crombie, Moore K, Wiggington, Cumming, Waters, Bonnyman, Ford, Emson, Drinkell, Whymark. Love you all, You are the reason I'm on here. You've had help from Todd, Handyside, Futcher P, Groves, Mendonca, Macca etc etc etc. Up The Mariners!!!!!!!!!
At least it would be a solid acquisition and could be used to block up the goal behind our defence.
I am all for this wouldnāt have to listen to Efete and Conteh balling out the contractors outside the properties adjacent to the Kingsway on my walk every afternoon . Oh sorry they have gone anyway.
this epitomises my concern over the names mentioned - Lawrence, Garrett, Hume, Penney plus the 3 signings already made - they all tick 1 of 2 boxes.Either haven't played all season, or have no first team experience. And none of them (apart from the keeper) are experienced L2 players. No real leaders in there either from what I can make out.
Hopefully Artell knows what he's doing. Going to be a very interesting 12 hours or so tomorrow
I mean, how many clubs are letting their first teamers go? They're either going for promotion, going for play-offs, avoiding relegation and cannot afford to take many risks. Some teams in mid table won't want to be dragged into things. What you can sign in January is what is available...
Of course, many of what are available are still an improvement on what we have...
this epitomises my concern over the names mentioned - Lawrence, Garrett, Hume, Penney plus the 3 signings already made - they all tick 1 of 2 boxes.Either haven't played all season, or have no first team experience. And none of them (apart from the keeper) are experienced L2 players. No real leaders in there either from what I can make out.
Hopefully Artell knows what he's doing. Going to be a very interesting 12 hours or so tomorrow
Was signed for 200k by a club looking to win promotion to the champ a couple years ago, had a major injury and fell out of favour. If we get him permanently then it's an outstanding signing as on ability he is far far too good for L2.
Was signed for 200k by a club looking to win promotion to the champ a couple years ago, had a major injury and fell out of favour. If we get him permanently then it's an outstanding signing as on ability he is far far too good for L2.
Thatās if you ignore the fact he hasnāt played for 12 months and our next 4 games will probably decide where we are going
Thatās if you ignore the fact he hasnāt played for 12 months and our next 4 games will probably decide where we are going
All well and good saying he hadn't played for 12 months, but he's been training and probably keeps himself fit. Josh Emmanuel hadn't played for 2 years and did perfectly fine.
Surely we've got 4 or 5 key signings lined up if we are letting so many go. I expect it to be a busy day. If not it's a massive gamble with our season.
Thatās if you ignore the fact he hasnāt played for 12 months and our next 4 games will probably decide where we are going
Iām prepared to ignore said fact on the basis that he made 9 appearances in 2023, the most recent of which was the 19th December. Right now, we are crying out for players with a better pedigree than what weāve got and a decent amount of experience at this level or above. Any player of that description who is prepared to join us at this moment in time will inevitably come with some kind of drawback. In some respects, his profile is not too dissimilar to Danny Andrew, who wouldnāt have been here either with a full service history.
In the case of Hume, whilst he has had historic injury problems, if I understand correctly his recent lack of game time has been mostly due to not being in Pompeyās plans, and given theyāre currently top of League One, is no major slight. Presumably heās been on decent money having been signed for Ā£200k, which may go some way to explaining the lack of suitors in the interim.
On the balance of what probable options are likely to be open to us right now, Iād be reasonably pleased with Hume on the basis weāve done all the necessary due diligence.
Tbf most of the players going out are right on the peripheral of the squad: Kahn, Waterfall and Efete have hardly featured this season so can't exactly be missed. I'm not concerned with any of those names leaving (provided we get some replacements)
Fk me, i offer info, and as usual on this forum, you get excrement. Wait for an announcement then from the Club. Lots of you offer bullshit and surmise a story. Waste of fking time giving info on here. Such a excrement forum with members wanting to slag off others and give these infantile red crosses. FFS, grow up.
Quite a few people getting rattled at people not taking their intel seriously in this window but this one pips the rest for me. Infantile red crosses actually made me LOL, thank you for that. Thoroughly enjoyable rant.
Says the club are keen to get Amos out, York monitoring, but heās holding on for a league club. I like the lad but think thatās a bit fųcking hopeful. Pyke also potentially looking at heading out.
Iām prepared to ignore said fact on the basis that he made 9 appearances in 2023, the most recent of which was the 19th December. Right now, we are crying out for players with a better pedigree than what weāve got and a decent amount of experience at this level or above. Any player of that description who is prepared to join us at this moment in time will inevitably come with some kind of drawback. In some respects, his profile is not too dissimilar to Danny Andrew, who wouldnāt have been here either with a full service history.
In the case of Hume, whilst he has had historic injury problems, if I understand correctly his recent lack of game time has been mostly due to not being in Pompeyās plans, and given theyāre currently top of League One, is no major slight. Presumably heās been on decent money having been signed for Ā£200k, which may go some way to explaining the lack of suitors in the interim.
On the balance of what probable options are likely to be open to us right now, Iād be reasonably pleased with Hume on the basis weāve done all the necessary due diligence.
Apologies I missed Denver had had .2 appearances this season one in November one in December
Says the club are keen to get Amos out, York monitoring, but heās holding on for a league club. I like the lad but think thatās a bit fųcking hopeful. Pyke also potentially looking at heading out.
It all depends who is replacing him. We don't have a player we can't better. At the moment we're only seeing one side of the business Town are doing. None of our targets can be worried about getting a game though, the players are falling like flies.
'Tis better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all.Ā Ā ~ Alfred Lord Tennyson
I mean, how many clubs are letting their first teamers go? They're either going for promotion, going for play-offs, avoiding relegation and cannot afford to take many risks. Some teams in mid table won't want to be dragged into things. What you can sign in January is what is available...
Of course, many of what are available are still an improvement on what we have...
I get that, but we now have a squad with v.little L2 experience or who are fully fit, plus we dont have any leaders. We are in a dogfight, and I wouldve thought that leaders n experienced L2 players are what we desperately need
I get that, but we now have a squad with v.little L2 experience or who are fully fit, plus we dont have any leaders. We are in a dogfight, and I wouldve thought that leaders n experienced L2 players are what we desperately need
Good experienced league 2 players are wanted by top league 2 clubs, and lower league 1 teams. Youngers ones maybe higher up.
I understand we have little L2 experience and distinct lack of leadership, and I honesty think it's unlikely to be addressed unless there is a L1/Championship released player who's been out of contract long enough that they'd consider us.
My standards are a bit lower than yours. Someone who can pass a ball and when they see a defensive gap, drop back and sit in it. Maybe someone with a little composure who ain't going to get a rush of blood to the head, attack the ball, miss and leave us exposed. I think football intelligence right now will have to do. Not someone that leads the team, but at least owns their area of the pitch will do.
By that description, they'd push Green, Mullarkey, Glennon out of the first team and on to the bench.
Says the club are keen to get Amos out, York monitoring, but heās holding on for a league club. I like the lad but think thatās a bit fųcking hopeful. Pyke also potentially looking at heading out.
To be fair we did have a bloated squad size, needed some fat trimming. I remember seeing our squad list on the program for I think it was the Harrogate game. We had about 50 percent more players than them but their 11 on the pitch played ours off the park.
To be fair we did have a bloated squad size, needed some fat trimming. I remember seeing our squad list on the program for I think it was the Harrogate game. We had about 50 percent more players than them but their 11 on the pitch played ours off the park.
If Pyke , Hunt and Amos go we would be down to 17 or 18 senior players (2 are keepers ) that would be too light surely , hoping we have 5 or 6 fixed up ready to be announced tomorrow !
heard there could be 4/5 permanent signings in tomorrow and a possible loan deal. Hume is being pursued as a permanent signing.. very good business from Town if we get him over the line.
heard there could be 4/5 permanent signings in tomorrow and a possible loan deal. Hume is being pursued as a permanent signing.. very good business from Town if we get him over the line.
Assuming we havenāt got anyone sorted already, in fairness I think thatās a big assumption as Iād imagine we do, then I hope we have back up options ready to work through..
Donāt think the squad needs massive improvement necessarily - like Hursts first window from taking over, just some sound and decent additions to help us kick on. However numbers/options open to us is an issue at the moment.
Last thing we want is similar to the summer window and things donāt fall right on the day (though I have every confidence we know what weāre doing).
Assuming we havenāt got anyone sorted already, in fairness I think thatās a big assumption as Iād imagine we do, then I hope we have back up options ready to work through..
Donāt think the squad needs massive improvement necessarily - like Hursts first window from taking over, just some sound and decent additions to help us kick on. However numbers/options open to us is an issue at the moment.
Last thing we want is similar to the summer window and things donāt fall right on the day (though I have every confidence we know what weāre doing).
I believe thereās a right back and central midfielder already signed, thereās players that have been shown around today i.e Denver Hume and I believe he wasnāt the only one. Iām told Charlie Kirk is also a very realistic option for the club but as DA has said, itās purely down to the player. Artell wants a keeper but other areas are obviously a priority as youād imagine and Cartwright is good enough imo. Would depend on Eastwood leaving for any movement there.
Keep an eye on the social media platforms every hour, on the hour, tomorrow.
Just make sure someone takes a purple dildo down to BP to Aggie around Matt Deans head.
Batch, Crombie, Moore K, Wiggington, Cumming, Waters, Bonnyman, Ford, Emson, Drinkell, Whymark. Love you all, You are the reason I'm on here. You've had help from Todd, Handyside, Futcher P, Groves, Mendonca, Macca etc etc etc. Up The Mariners!!!!!!!!!
You never know, tomorrow we might announce a new LB, a new RB, Charley Kirk, the forward just released by Gillingham, and the former Crewe goalkeeper.
I'm hoping to discover a pink unicorn hiding in my shed too.
Errā¦ can I ask why youāre hoping for that? š¤·āāļøš
"They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old, Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn, At the going down of the sun, and in the morning, We WILL remember them"
For what itās worth, Iām not into all the name calling and slagging off that seems so prevalent on here nowadays, and I was interested in hearing what you had to say about a new signingā¦ā¦
Ditto! These threads are hard work these days!
"They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old, Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn, At the going down of the sun, and in the morning, We WILL remember them"
Was signed for 200k by a club looking to win promotion to the champ a couple years ago, had a major injury and fell out of favour. If we get him permanently then it's an outstanding signing as on ability he is far far too good for L2.
We did a similar thing with Danny Andrew and that worked out positively for all parties!
"They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old, Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn, At the going down of the sun, and in the morning, We WILL remember them"
heard there could be 4/5 permanent signings in tomorrow and a possible loan deal. Hume is being pursued as a permanent signing.. very good business from Town if we get him over the line.
This is what I kind of expected! The owners and David will want to give the fans something to be positive and excited about, especially after losing Conteh and Iād hazard a guess they are purposely leaving announcements until the last day so the fans perception of the windows is altered somewhat from worry to that of positivity and excitement.
All depends who we sign of course but I am hopeful they are doing what they need to!
"They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old, Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn, At the going down of the sun, and in the morning, We WILL remember them"
Joe Hutchinson will have been working away since the last window, and today we will get to see the fruits of his labours.
No way will we have let all these players leave without replacements lined up.
We are probably also waiting on one or two to make decisions if they have more than one offer. Bit like Amos hanging on for a league club, but may have to accept he might not get one.
Itās only a disgrace if it gets to 11pm and thereās been no signings, which Iām absolutely convinced wonāt be the case.
Iāve got a sneaky feeling weāll be quite impressed by who we bring in, which is no doubt setting me up for massive disappointment
āWe are delighted to announce the signing of 17-year old of Terrence Carmichael-Jenkins from Swansea City on a loan deal until the end of the season. A prolific striker, Terrence has scored 3 goals in 28 appearances this season for the Swans academy in the Cymru Youth Alliance Division 4 South.
Thatās us done for this window, Mariners fans. Good night!ā
Surely we've got 4 or 5 key signings lined up if we are letting so many go. I expect it to be a busy day. If not it's a massive gamble with our season.
It wouldn't be a gamble it would be season suicide .
Confident 5 or 6 are already fixed up though , you wouldn't let this volume of player leave if not would you?
Today is the most important day we've had since the playoff final. Its a massive day. If we recruit right with quality and back artell we will be ok , if we recruit kids on loan then it could well be a swift return to non league.
Itās been a disasppointing season and we do need bodies in but I do get the feeling some people are like coiled springs waiting for a Championship youth loanee to be announced so they can moan about it.
Letās face it we are hardly an attractive proposition for experienced pros to come join right now and maybe be playing non league in 6 months time. So I expect to be disappointed rather than pleasantly surprised by the end of today.
āWe are delighted to announce the signing of 17-year old of Terrence Carmichael-Jenkins from Swansea City on a loan deal until the end of the season. A prolific striker, Terrence has scored 3 goals in 28 appearances this season for the Swans academy in the Cymru Youth Alliance Division 4 South.
Thatās us done for this window, Mariners fans. Good night!ā
Didnāt even complete the Issac Hill fella - typical Town!
Letās face it we are hardly an attractive proposition for experienced pros to come join right now and maybe be playing non league in 6 months time. So I expect to be disappointed rather than pleasantly surprised by the end of today.
You might end up being delighted if the jungle drums are right n Thompson, Hume & Kirk all sign
Itās crazy how many quality players that there are that canāt , apparently, get sorted out with a club. Does it come from players thinking they are too good to drop down divisions or have been paid ludicrous amounts of money and donāt āneedā to play. A simple search on wiki/transfrmarkt has players that have played either at some international level or in the top leagues
Itās crazy how many quality players that there are that canāt , apparently, get sorted out with a club. Does it come from players thinking they are too good to drop down divisions or have been paid ludicrous amounts of money and donāt āneedā to play. A simple search on wiki/transfrmarkt has players that have played either at some international level or in the top leagues
Basically that, I remember watching Troy Deeney on a podcast say the amount of players that won't drop down because they're very narrow minded about L2 football.
Cheltenham reporting that Curtis Thompson set to sign, 30 year old midfielder who has spent most of his career at League 1 level, including a promotion from that level.
There's talking of letting Wilson and Pyke go, both have looked like really decent players and scored goals.
Think you can make a case for Pyke, played very well when moved wide right. Wilson I don't think is good enough, he offers very little. Both have however suffered a few injuries already and I wouldn't be against moving them on.
Cheltenham reporting that Curtis Thompson set to sign, 30 year old midfielder who has spent most of his career at League 1 level, including a promotion from that level.
Looks like a good start
Long career, not loads of games. Suggestion from Cheltenham fans is that he can't stay fit consistently. Hopefully he can here.
There's talking of letting Wilson and Pyke go, both have looked like really decent players and scored goals.
Think that's over-egging them somewhat. Wilson has scored goals at a good rate but offers little in open play. Pyke looked absolutely hopeless as a central striker but was actually decent wide right.
Think you can make a case for Pyke, played very well when moved wide right. Wilson I don't think is good enough, he offers very little. Both have however suffered a few injuries already and I wouldn't be against moving them on.
Wilsonās goals to minutes ratio is very very good, the issue is heās never on the pitch.
Pyke gets stick but I think heās done well after a poor start, however yet again heās always injured.
If they both go then we need another striker in, but i canāt see them both being allowed to go.
Think that's over-egging them somewhat. Wilson has scored goals at a good rate but offers little in open play. Pyke looked absolutely hopeless as a central striker but was actually decent wide right.
A really good rate, he's big strong and quick he just hasn't been fit.
When Pyke had that little run in the side playing wide he looked excellent. Both look like better forward options than we've had in recent years if fit, and the young lad on loan has looked a little lost in his limited minutes.
If Wilson and Pyke leave then you'd assume there's at least one striker incoming. Judge the decision when/if it happens and we see what the alternative is.
If rumours are right and Amos, Hunt, Pyke and Wilson were all to leave before11pm then you'd assume/hope it is going to be an extremely busy day as we'll need a lot of incomings as well.
So in everyones eyes what would be considered a successful deadline day...
New GK......... (maybe seeing the departure of Eastwood, or end of Cartright loan) Another Centre Back...... (Do we need one?) New Right Back....... (A must now Efete gone) New Left Back....... (Anderson / Penney / Hume?) CM destroyer........ (Thompson) CM play maker/allrounder........ (Is Hunt staying or leaving?) Winger or 2....... (Kirk) Target man Striker....... (probably the least likely due to Artell playing style) Quick tricky striker....... (replacement for Pyke and Wilson if rumours true they are free to go)
At a very minimum I would like 2 new FB's, a Conteh replacement and Charlie Kirk please. Think one more too please!
Will there be more departures. Maybe Amos, Hunt, Wilson, Pyke or unnamed?
True. I mean who would sign the Pirlo of League 2 but only 2 games a season. He's probably stuck on the wage budget until his contract runs out with people saying every week how amazing he is, while we don't see much in the way of talking on the field and (I suspect) in training.
Basically that, I remember watching Troy Deeney on a podcast say the amount of players that won't drop down because they're very narrow minded about L2 football.
Of course, it might be possible that they spoke to Deeney about the possibility of a move and then subsequently told him that they didn't want to drop down to L2 level...
Oh, how we could do with another player as good as him. We didn't even bother to play with a left-sided midfielder during that season because he was up and down the line doing the work of two players by himself.
A centre mid with dodgy knees, who has a track record of being injury prone and canāt complete more than 70 mins of football. Sounds like just what we need.
A centre mid with dodgy knees, who has a track record of being injury prone and canāt complete more than 70 mins of football. Sounds like just what we need.
You'd prefer Green on the pitch for that 70 minutes?
A centre mid with dodgy knees, who has a track record of being injury prone and canāt complete more than 70 mins of football. Sounds like just what we need.
He's literally played more times this season than any of our central midfielders except Clifton and Holohan.
Not sure why the club need to āteaseā signings hours before announcing them, surely youād want to avoid the current swarm of negative stuff and just get it out there?
Not sure why the club need to āteaseā signings hours before announcing them, surely youād want to avoid the current swarm of negative stuff and just get it out there?
Media day today isn't it, so be a lot going on aswell as deadline day stuff.
' Lovely day ' ... it's quite clearly Phillip Day is returning !!
Lovely Day - Sang by Bill Withers.
Withers sounds a bit like Wethers, as in 'shall we have a cheap tea in Wethers' (Wetherspoons). Oddly you'll get people refer to Wetherspoons as 'Witherspoons'.
What you'll never hear anyone call it is 'Wotherspoons', unless they're well gone at that point.
Not sure why the club need to āteaseā signings hours before announcing them, surely youād want to avoid the current swarm of negative stuff and just get it out there?
Their prob sat at BP reading all this dross on the Fishy thinking let's wind the moaners up
Anybody heard anything on the rumours about Ollie Palmer coming in on loan?
Just to say, I have no substance to this, just whats been talked about through friends.
Most definitely not saying this is happening.
But Wrexham have just signed Jack Marriott, a guy who had a 1 in 3 strike rate in the Championship 2 years ago. But that gonna push someone down the pecking order in North Wales... Palmer of late has been the one on the bench coming on in games rather than starting.
Not sure why the club need to āteaseā signings hours before announcing them, surely youād want to avoid the current swarm of negative stuff and just get it out there?
World we live in Iām afraid. These days itās all about traffic and interactions on SM, thatās not a dig - as I say itās the way of the world/industry.
Something needs to happen today as the teams below are making notable signings. Forest Green have re-signed their all-time record scorer Christian Doidge from Hibernian and Sutton a defender from Premiership Fulham. Would rather they announce them once their confirmed rather than holding all back till 10.30 tonight
Think youāre right in that itās not Thompson. Hair looks a bit dark for Kirk though, so probably more likely to be Hume.
Look, stop indulging me. Please?
I've got my screen magnified to 750%, have climbed on my desk to get a better look at the super slo-mo video and I'm one step away from having bits of red string attached to potential targets and random post-it-note scribblings on the office wall.
I've got my screen magnified to 750%, have climbed on my desk to get a better look at the super slo-mo video and I'm one step away from having bits of red string attached to potential targets and random post-it-note scribblings on the office wall.
Iāve digitally enhanced the footage using the latest in cutting-edge AI technology.
I was this close š¤ to getting to the end of this window without seeing Fowler mentioned and it would have been the first since the Millfields night. Is this meme rumour finally nearly dead?
Looking at loan and a permanent to try get over the line, also in that video Matt Dean mentions the right back Cheye Alexander, contract terminated by mutual consent at Gillingham.
However the fact Matt Dean asked about Cheye Alexander and Ben seemed to hint at it right at the end seems to suggest we are in for him. As thatās an out of contract player thereās no āwireā to go to.
Hopefully sounds like 2 plus Alexander is the aim. However the window gets abit mental late on as players start to panic/ realise they need to lower expectations.
So far so good, two very solid looking signings in positions we needed to strengthen. With Efete gone youād presume we had a RB lined up so hopefully thatās the case.
Hoping this has gone a long way to silencing some of the ridiculous stuff thatās come out in the past week
However the fact Matt Dean asked about Cheye Alexander and Ben seemed to hint at it right at the end seems to suggest we are in for him. As thatās an out of contract player thereās no āwireā to go to.
Hopefully sounds like 2 plus Alexander is the aim. However the window gets abit mental late on as players start to panic/ realise they need to lower expectations.
There is a " wire" to go to if he wants better terms or another club is interested.
The Future is Black & White. "The commonest thing on this planet is not water , as some people believe, but stupidity ". Frank Zappa
There is a " wire" to go to if he wants better terms or another club is interested.
The wire in this context that Ben is referring to is the deadline is my assumption, which doesnāt apply to Alexander. That was my point - hopefully itās two from other clubs and Alexander.
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I just think BD is talking about Charlie Kirk, we let a few go and got a couple in (exc Wood, Obikwu etc), wouldn't surprise me if we;ve offered slightly more in terms of wages (just purely based on players gone to free up the budget), and waiting last min if anything comes in, but just a hunch.
I just think BD is talking about Charlie Kirk, we let a few go and got a couple in (exc Wood, Obikwu etc), wouldn't surprise me if we;ve offered slightly more in terms of wages (just purely based on players gone to free up the budget), and waiting last min if anything comes in, but just a hunch.
Kirk doesnāt need to sign for anybody tonight though, heās a free agent
Some X talk of Gerald Sithole coming in from Bolton for a fee, young raw quick midfield player. May be more for the future than now but interesting signing. Perhaps another to flip if it works out
"Falls to Arnold... Arnold! That's it! Thats it! He's sealed it! Grimsby Town are back in the football league!!! Just a minute to go and Nathan Arnold makes it 3-1! Look at the scenes behind the goal! Look at the relief! The agony is finally over!!!"
John Tondeur - Wembley Stadium Sunday 15th May 2016
Bryce Hossanah has been released by Wrexham, always seemed a competent attacking right back. Used to play for Leeds and Bradford so may want to move back up north.
Bryce Hossanah has been released by Wrexham, always seemed a competent attacking right back. Used to play for Leeds and Bradford so may want to move back up north.
Ready made song too for those that like that sort of thing
Yep and his price goes up overnight once the window closes.
Or he has to drop his demands because most clubs have filled their squads/used more of their budgets.
Think that one works both ways. Pretty sure we only got Danny Collins in 2016 because he rolled that dice and found himself with fewer offers than expected.
Give me joy in my heart, keep me praising, Give me joy in my heart, I pray, Give me joy in my heart, keep me praising, Keep me praising 'till the break of day.
Sing hosanna, sing hosanna, Sing hosanna to the King of kings! Sing hosanna, sing hosanna, Sing hosanna to the King.
Give me joy in my heart, keep me praising, Give me joy in my heart, I pray, Give me joy in my heart, keep me praising, Keep me praising 'till the break of day.
Sing hosanna, sing hosanna, Sing hosanna to the King of kings! Sing hosanna, sing hosanna, Sing hosanna to the King.
Apparently the floodlights are on and they've a drone in the air. Photo on Praise and Grumble. Looks as though they preparing a signing(s) video. Hopefully Kemar Laurance, Charlie Kirk or the like
Not too sure I agree, Cheltenhams captain and best player is Sean Long who plays RB. Spent a lot of his career playing in the SPL. A Hearts fan in our footy discord says he'll probably be a very good signing for us, describes him as a full back that likes to defend but is good going the other way. He's quick and has a decent delivery on him. Obviously you judge him after he's played for Town but played 12 times for Scotland U21's and came through at Rangers.. obviously a very good pedigree.
Yeah, Liam Smith tallies with all clues given so far. Same name as the boxer, former Scottish u21 international.
Donāt know much about him. 15 apps in League One this season. 30+ apps in the SPL last season, plus a couple in the Europa Conference League (the second of which didnāt go so well).
Sounds alright. Better pedigree than Mullarkey youād have to say, who save for half of this season and half of last season has only played non-league football.
"The socialism I believe in is everybody working for the same goal and everybody having a share in the rewards. Thatās how I see football, thatās how I see life.ā Bill Shankly
Decent move for him, that, if they can stay up. Rangers away in a couple of weeks. Iād say itās a baptism of fire, but he generally copes pretty well in the big games.
So now weāre going to get nothing but Star Trek jokes š¤¦āāļø very enterprising of some of you
Baldrick ! The only impression you can do is that of a man with no talent !! GTFC team 09/10 - Baldrick, Baldrick, Baldrick, Baldrick, Baldrick, Baldrick, Baldrick, Baldrick, Baldrick, Baldrick, Baldrick.
No no no no no no no, have we not learned our lesson about sending our most efficient goalscorer to Crawley from the last transfer window ffs. I'd much rather see Wilson chucked on when we're in need of a goal than Obikwu playing his first ever minutes in league football.
The issue being heās been available for about 14 minutes to date.
He's been in 14 out of 30 matchday squads in the league this season (would have been 15 of 31 if Harrogate had a better groundsman), and he's currently fit. Yes, it's not a brilliant injury record, but it's not disastrous, and it's one i'd be more than happy to put up with for the rest of the season considering the goalscoring return he offers.
Pyke either wants away or we want him gone (going by Matt Deans piece earlier ) So we have Rose and some wonderkid from Coventry for the rest of the season ? Surely not
Take there were late tries for deals that didn;t come off, still can sign free players.
Despite rumours Crawley have not yet announced Wilson, and you'd expect that to be done in conjunction with us, and Crewe haven't announced Kirk, but that can be done tomorrow
If wilson goes and with Khouri out on loan we are left with 20 senior pros - 1 of those is currently battling cancer , 3 have been told they can leave and the sub keeper was unplayable wasn't he ?
3 of the 20 are left backs , you can't play 3 left backs
Hunt is out of favour and not injured ,clear from the Ben Davies interview today
We only have 1 striker the manager wants to play and some kid from Coventry
I have come out of this more worried than I started tbh .
Hoping Artell isn't Bignot MK 2 and these new lads are high quality ,because we need it .
Taking the positives for a change, hopefully thatās the last weāll see of Mullarkey and Glennon. Nice lads Iām sure, but not cut out for this level when it comes to defending.
Not overly impressed with our window unless thereās some free agents yet to sign or be announced. Weāre a couple of injuries away to the 2 of the 3 today from a very light squad in a relegation fight.
Not overly impressed with our window unless thereās some free agents yet to sign or be announced. Weāre a couple of injuries away to the 2 of the 3 today from a very light squad in a relegation fight.
I think we are in big big trouble tbh unless these 3 new guys are very very good
This is such a poor squad to take into a relegation dog fight. I hope his new players are a big improvement on those who have gone but looking at most of their histories they come with heavy baggage and have a lot to.prove.
Iād describe that as a solid window. 4 players who youād describe as likely starters in Tharne, Hume, Smith & Thompson with 2 youngsters to bolster out positions.
1 more in Kirk wouldāve been nice but it wasnāt a position we were desperately in need for. Weāve managed to change 3 of the 4 positions at the back which was far more important IMO.
I think we are in big big trouble tbh unless these 3 new guys are very very good
It's a really badly unbalanced squad as it stands
How is it much different to a week ago?
Efete has gone and been replaced by Liam Smith, a player with a better pedigree than both existing right backs and full back was a major problem area. Denver Hume has come in to replace the left backs who are both still here. Waterfall left and has been replaced by Tharme. It would have been nice to get another centre back but I guess Mullarkey can cover there. Khan has left but wasnāt getting a look in and weāve got plenty who can play in those wide areas. Khouri is only gone for a month. Conteh will be a big miss but Thompson appears to be a good signing and a good age to strengthen the spine significantly. Itās not been confirmed that Wilson has gone and I suspect that was pulled at the last minute.
Weāre still a little short on out and out strikers but have Obikwu so itās better than we were at start of the window. The troublesome full back area seems to have been addressed. Conteh seems to have been adequately replaced. The squad is no worse balanced than at the start of the month but we appear to have added more quality and experience in some key areas. Itās not a perfect window but your reaction is way over the top.
What really concerns me is that out of all the players he has recruited so far, only one (Doug Tharme) has worked with him before. Iām struggling to understand why those previous players arenāt tempted by working with him again.
I really really hope Iām proven wrong but I have a huge suspicion that I wonāt be.
Apologies but I just donāt like the guy and can only see him taking us down.
Iām mesmerised by this window , we have offloaded loads and brought in very little . Wtf is happening
Weāve offloaded 5 and brought in 6. 4 of those are direct replacements for players from higher divisions, and one going out was Khouri whoās played three minutes in the league this year.
What really concerns me is that out of all the players he has recruited so far, only one (Doug Tharme) has worked with him before. Iām struggling to understand why those previous players arenāt tempted by working with him again.
I really really hope Iām proven wrong but I have a huge suspicion that I wonāt be.
Apologies but I just donāt like the guy and can only see him taking us down.
Every manager signs players they face not worked with before, you don't exclusively have to sign players you've worked with before you know? Maybe the players artell have worked with before are unavailable for numerous reasons? It might not be down to the fact they simply all said no to him, also I feel we had very little chance of signing Kirk so you can't blame artell for that
I'd be happier if I hadn't known that Wilson was going to. Crawley as it suggests that he isn't happy here and that we missed out on someone who would have excited us.
If youāre Charlie Kirk and youāve got the choice between a comfortably positioned side in L2 who youāve played for before and is close to where you grew up or a team the other side of the country who are in a relegation battle, who are you going to choose? I know whereād Iād go.
Iād describe that as a solid window. 4 players who youād describe as likely starters in Tharne, Hume, Smith & Thompson with 2 youngsters to bolster out positions.
1 more in Kirk wouldāve been nice but it wasnāt a position we were desperately in need for. Weāve managed to change 3 of the 4 positions at the back which was far more important IMO.
I'm not sure it could be described as solid. We've lost one of our best players. Haven't signed any attacking wide players with pace. Half of the players have injury records that Darren Anderton could look down his nose at.
We've signed 2 lads who've been playing for Cheltenham, but Cheltenham have been doing shite.
Time will tell and we may have signed some quality, but it's a big gamble to not add an experienced striker and to be relying on so many injury prone players.
Anyone else think it quite funny that Hurst used to be criticised for signing too many players he'd worked with in the past and now Artell is being criticised for not signing enough players he's worked with in the past?
I'd be a lot happier if we had signed another striker this window, that's for sure. Hopefully, Pyke will be back soon and Obikwu can show some decent stuff when required.
Anyone else think it quite funny that Hurst used to be criticised for signing too many players he'd worked with in the past and now Artell is being criticised for not signing enough players he's worked with in the past?
I'd be a lot happier if we had signed another striker this window, that's for sure. Hopefully, Pyke will be back soon and Obikwu can show some decent stuff when required.
Yep itās very ironic! You missed Wilson who either decided to stay at the last minute or wasnāt ever going anywhere.
I'm not sure it could be described as solid. We've lost one of our best players. Haven't signed any attacking wide players with pace. Half of the players have injury records that Darren Anderton could look down his nose at.
We've signed 2 lads who've been playing for Cheltenham, but Cheltenham have been doing shite.
Time will tell and we may have signed some quality, but it's a big gamble to not add an experienced striker and to be relying on so many injury prone players.
DA
The window - weāve signed two players from a Team 22nd in League One and 6 wins in 27 (with 1 who couldnāt even get a game). Weāve lost our best player and also our leader. I feel that DA/The Clubās Obsession with recruiting from League above (regardless of position) - rather take winners from the league below us. It seems to be becoming a trend if we look at Rodgers, Mullarkey etc.
Total Football - Canāt afford it as weāre looking for those players with an entire Academy background Knowledge and Experience. But the players that are successful both with the system and the knowledge are much higher up the pyramid - and for a reason.
With Media - Naive with comments such as ādefinitely wonāt go downā and āhold your breathā Contehās replacement. I know some fans may have been naive enough to translate this as confidence but often these things come back to bite you in the bum in Football. Charlie Kirk may come (letās be honest - he was always heading back to Crewe with his mates and DA knew this!).
I donāt like the way he feels that he isnāt accountable; nothing seems to be his fault, itās either Hurst, the players etc etc.
Not warming to him and I really wish weād have recruited a very astute Non-League Manager who knows the Prem and NL to recruit that raw talent in line with what we can afford. I think this is why we did ok in NL because we could draw those players in.
Sorry guys, I know itās a glass half empty but I really think heās going to destroy us and the damage will be a complete rebuild required!
Some entitled comments on here, clubs 5th from bottom of the EFL generally have average transfer windows.
In January weāve added a LB, RB, CH, MF x 2 and Striker.
Though we lost Conteh we got some decent money (TBC) and we may have lost a striker who couldnāt be relied on to be part of the match day squad and I suspect wanted to go back South. The other 3 departures were decent lads but squad players.
Oh yeah & BTW Alex Hunt still plays for GTFC š
"Crombie you would have got to that if you weren't such a fat ba%$@rd" - George Kerr, inspiration from the dug out 70s styleĀ Ā
Problem has been the defence, which is why we have lost almost all our games by one goal and drawn too many. Scoring has been much more consistent this season and hasn't been the main problem.
We have signed almost a new defence in this window, and a solid replacement for Conteh, so job done you would have to say.
January windows are not easy and they have made a decent fist of it.
Efete has gone and been replaced by Liam Smith, a player with a better pedigree than both existing right backs and full back was a major problem area. Denver Hume has come in to replace the left backs who are both still here. Waterfall left and has been replaced by Tharme. It would have been nice to get another centre back but I guess Mullarkey can cover there. Khan has left but wasnāt getting a look in and weāve got plenty who can play in those wide areas. Khouri is only gone for a month. Conteh will be a big miss but Thompson appears to be a good signing and a good age to strengthen the spine significantly. Itās not been confirmed that Wilson has gone and I suspect that was pulled at the last minute.
Weāre still a little short on out and out strikers but have Obikwu so itās better than we were at start of the window. The troublesome full back area seems to have been addressed. Conteh seems to have been adequately replaced. The squad is no worse balanced than at the start of the month but we appear to have added more quality and experience in some key areas. Itās not a perfect window but your reaction is way over the top.
It's not so much the signings for me , they could be quite good . It's more the balance of the squad hasn't really improved and it's become more clear that at least 4 are either not in favour or want to leave (Pyke,Wilson,Amos and Hunt ) if Rose is the only striker he trusts to play apart from the kid , who looks green to say the least ( he didn't even bring Wilson on against Tranmere which would suggest there is an issue there )we are well short up top and in a mess if Rose does get injured . Eastwood is effectively unplayable and Ainley is obviously not available for the short to medium term . So you are down to what 14 or 15 players who Artell trusts to play or don't want to leave with 3 or 4 of those being young kids on loan . Hardly anyone thinks Green or Holahan fit Artells style , yet one of them at least is going to be playing most games you would have thought .
I'd be happier if I hadn't known that Wilson was going to. Crawley as it suggests that he isn't happy here and that we missed out on someone who would have excited us.
The thing is there has been absolutely no confirmation that Wilson is leaving.
Why do we think that Pyke wants to leave? He's been out injured, hasn't he?
Wilson isn't getting starts (and looks a long way from getting one, so it's understandable that he might want to move on to get some games, but I can't really see why an injured player would be desperate to move.
Charlie Kirk was in talks with the club and chose to go to Crewe till the end of the season nothing the club could do about that, told itās not 100% dead in the water and something that may be revisited in the summer. Wilson wanted a move closer to home hence why the club was letting him leave, Kirk falling through meant Wilson wasnāt allowed to leave. NL Interest in Danny Amos but he wanted a FL move.
Charlie Kirk was in talks with the club and chose to go to Crewe till the end of the season nothing the club could do about that, told itās not 100% dead in the water and something that may be revisited in the summer. Wilson wanted a move closer to home hence why the club was letting him leave, Kirk falling through meant Wilson wasnāt allowed to leave. NL Interest in Danny Amos but he wanted a FL move.
I suspect he'll have to massively change his expectations come the summer. Nice lad but not anything like FL standard.
It's not so much the signings for me , they could be quite good . It's more the balance of the squad hasn't really improved and it's become more clear that at least 4 are either not in favour or want to leave (Pyke,Wilson,Amos and Hunt ) if Rose is the only striker he trusts to play apart from the kid , who looks green to say the least ( he didn't even bring Wilson on against Tranmere which would suggest there is an issue there )we are well short up top and in a mess if Rose does get injured . Eastwood is effectively unplayable and Ainley is obviously not available for the short to medium term . So you are down to what 14 or 15 players who Artell trusts to play or don't want to leave with 3 or 4 of those being young kids on loan . Hardly anyone thinks Green or Holahan fit Artells style , yet one of them at least is going to be playing most games you would have thought .
Still worried
Well so what? You think there's always perfect harmony in a squad of 20 players? There's always going to be some who are surplus to requirements and some who want to leave. Amos is third choice left back now so that's not really a problem, just a waste of a wage. All the rumour about Hunt was literally just that, a rumour started by a troll account on Twitter that everyone seems to have run with. Wilson wanted away but is still here and still available should we need him and I'm sure he'll be professional and put in the required effort. And there has been nothing concrete or official about Pyke wanting away or being told he can leave. Again, it's not in his interest to down tools so they're both still here and available when fit.
I would have liked another experienced striker to come in but the priority was the defence and replacing Conteh. We've shown that we can score goals, that isn't the issue. If we now have full backs that actually make a half decent attempt at defending and we stop allowing teams to walk in behind us and put in umpteen crosses then we'll concede fewer goals. That alone should be enough to keep us up. It's not a spectacular window but it's really difficult to get good, experienced players who are fully match fit in January because if they are all these things then they're probably playing and wanted at their current club or you're going to have to pay over the odds for them. We should never have been in a position where we had to completely rebuild our back line in January so thanks for that Hurst.
Also told there was absolutely no intention of letting Alex Hunt leave, not heard anything about Pyke but given the fact heās played and started under Artell when heās been fit iād assume itās player side if thereās any truth to it.
Usual cryarsing from some about Kirk - a player nobody on here had heard of 6 weeks back and who was so good that Charlton just paid him off to get rid.
I wouldāve sooner kept Wilson, a striker, than brought in another winger when weāve got Eisa, Vernam, Gnahoua, Wood and even Glennon at a push who could play out wide.
He would have to be some player if a winger saved your season.
Usual cryarsing from some about Kirk - a player nobody on here had heard of 6 weeks back and who was so good that Charlton just paid him off to get rid.
I wouldāve sooner kept Wilson, a striker, than brought in another winger when weāve got Eisa, Vernam, Gnahoua, Wood and even Glennon at a push who could play out wide.
He would have to be some player if a winger saved your season.
Thing is Kirk has been a free agent for a few weeks, he obviously spoke with Artell some time ago as confirmed by DA, so he clearly doesnāt want to come here and we move on. Would have much preferred a target man be brought in as an alternative option and to reduce the workload on Danny Rose.
Usual cryarsing from some about Kirk - a player nobody on here had heard of 6 weeks back and who was so good that Charlton just paid him off to get rid.
I wouldāve sooner kept Wilson, a striker, than brought in another winger when weāve got Eisa, Vernam, Gnahoua, Wood and even Glennon at a push who could play out wide.
And Clifton. Agree Kirk was far from essential. I'd have rather brought another CM than a winger if we were getting one more.
Usual cryarsing from some about Kirk - a player nobody on here had heard of 6 weeks back and who was so good that Charlton just paid him off to get rid.
I wouldāve sooner kept Wilson, a striker, than brought in another winger when weāve got Eisa, Vernam, Gnahoua, Wood and even Glennon at a push who could play out wide.
He would have to be some player if a winger saved your season.
I don't know if somebody has just made it up, but Wikipedia seems to thin that Gnahoua has played centre-forward in the past. He's certainly not going to be leading the line in the way that Rose can, but he's good at shielding the ball and linking up play. Might need to play him up front in an emergency situation!
I don't know if somebody has just made it up, but Wikipedia seems to thin that Gnahoua has played centre-forward in the past. He's certainly not going to be leading the line in the way that Rose can, but he's good at shielding the ball and linking up play. Might need to play him up front in an emergency situation!
Dunno, but says here from when he signed for Paul Hurst at Shrewsbury, Gnahoua, of French and Ivory Coast descent, can play as a left-sided winger, a central striker or as a deeper attacker. Source: https://www.shropshirestar.com.....m-in-arthur-gnahoua/
By all accounts, the lad from Coventry is going to be a good player. We need to give him a proper go up front rather than 5 or 10 minutes at the end of the game. Otherwise it is a worthless signing.
Can see Danny Amos to York announced imminently then. Admire his confidence in holding out for a league club but I think it was slightly ambitious. Still he's not lost anything biding his time and York will be a good move for him, decent sized club and still local. Wish him all the best.
I compiled some thoughts about what we really needed to address by the end of the window, a couple of days ago. My thoughts were as follows:
Quoted Text
1. Weāre getting routinely skullfĆŗcked down both flanks.
2. Having lost Conteh, weāve now lost what little solidity we had in the midfield, and remain incredibly limited there in terms of distribution, leadership and experience.
3. Our level defensive of organisation is currently akin to Polandās in 1939.
4. We have a steady yet inexperienced goalkeeper whose confidence canāt have been helped by our form and sheer number of goals conceded in recent weeks.
5. We appear to have no adequate replacement for Rose should he, god forbid, get injured (the only reason this isnāt higher up the list is because he isnāt currently injured, I say whilst touching every inch of wood currently within my peripheral vision).
My assertions were essentially that addressing points 1 and 2 were non-negotiable; we needed two new full backs and an experienced, robust central midfielder that can play a bit - and all needed to be of a markedly better pedigree than what we already had. I felt that if we could solve those glaring, fundamental issues, that it would go a long way to solving point #3. I don't deny what we've all been watching in recent weeks, but I believe there's enough on the CVs of Rodgers, Maher and Tharme to suggest that they are capable League Two players provided those around them are doing their job and they can regain a bit of confidence.
In terms of the essential part of the brief, I think we've done a pretty good job. For me, it's a solid 8/10. On paper at least all three deadline day acquisitions appear to be of a much better standard of what we had in the squad, the major question mark being one of fitness / injury proneness over a couple of them. But if we had to take a risk in terms of experience or historic injury record, I feel like we've made the right call. Only time will tell.
Realistically, we were never likely to bring in another goalkeeper, and we were never going to find a striker close to Rose's ability at this moment in time. Another body in that area would have been nice to have, but injury to Rose would have remained a major risk regardless. We just have to hope and pray he stays fit and well between now and May.
On the whole, I certainly feel more confident about avoiding relegation than I did a few days ago. The squad we now have at our disposal should, imo, absolutely keep us clear, and the maths are still favourable. We're currently ticking over at a win and a draw every 6 games, which is poor, but should be maintainable at the very least between now and the end of the season. If we can do that, it takes us to 40 points which is, again, a poor tally over 46 games, however one of Sutton or Forest Green would need to almost double their current PPG run rate over their remaining games to get past us.
I would hope that we can at least do marginally better than that, which would should keep us safe with some degree of comfort, but we really do need to pick up at least 4 points from our forthcoming games against Colchester and Donny.
I think we have now sorted out our defensive problems. The signings are what we have and I hope they gel enough for the Accrington game. I've read some criticism of some of the signings but we have to be fair to them, as we don't know what they will be like till they play.
Give them 3/4 games and then we can tell. As I said we have strengthened the defence we had so we should avoid relegation. It may be a close thing but playing those clubs around us should give us the chance to move up.
UTM
You can please some of the forumites some of the time but not all the forumites all of the time
I reckon that we might see Mullarkey as a centre-back on occasion during the rest of the season, especially if injuries require it. He's certainly big enough, so we'll have to see if he's good enough as well.
I reckon that we might see Mullarkey as a centre-back on occasion during the rest of the season, especially if injuries require it. He's certainly big enough, so we'll have to see if he's good enough as well.
Thereās the slightly problematic aspect that he canāt defend.
Thereās the slightly problematic aspect that he canāt defend.
He can't defend very well as a full-back against nippy wingers. Playing in the centre of defence is an entirely different position and he'd probably be less exposed in that regard. You often find central defenders who can cover as full-back to a point, but not very many successful full-backs who can play centrally anywhere near as effectively.
I suspect that injuries will decide how much we see of him for the rest of the season.
What really concerns me is that out of all the players he has recruited so far, only one (Doug Tharme) has worked with him before. Iām struggling to understand why those previous players arenāt tempted by working with him again.
I really really hope Iām proven wrong but I have a huge suspicion that I wonāt be.
Apologies but I just donāt like the guy and can only see him taking us down.
Looks like you're planning to be to DA, what denni was to Hurst.
You'll just keep complaining, blaming when it's bad, and when it's good, shut up waiting for an opportunity to have a dig. Most probably won't even read your posts as they'll just see the name and assume the post contains negatives.
Looks like you're planning to be to DA, what denni was to Hurst.
You'll just keep complaining, blaming when it's bad, and when it's good, shut up waiting for an opportunity to have a dig. Most probably won't even read your posts as they'll just see the name and assume the post contains negatives.
I would be absolutely over the moon to be proven wrong - always am when itās relating to GTFC. I will also gladly hold my hands up if Iām wrong about my assumptions too. I thought PH was absolutely bang on until about 6-8 weeks before he left too. Just not warming to DA at all
A fair point, though Andy Smith was being played out of position. Mullarkey was brought in to play right back.
It's not exactly his position though, didn't he say he has only played a bit there and usually plays on the right of a central 3. Crookes was usually played on the left of a central 3 wasn't he but Hurst played his as FB until we got Amos in, efete looked better on the right of a 3 but was usually played FB by Hurst.
I think Hurst MK2 had a bit of a penchant for FBs who were a bit taller/better in the air than typical for the position.
I would be absolutely over the moon to be proven wrong - always am when itās relating to GTFC. I will also gladly hold my hands up if Iām wrong about my assumptions too. I thought PH was absolutely bang on until about 6-8 weeks before he left too. Just not warming to DA at all
It's pretty known on here that I supported Paul Hurst long after most here gave up on here. I wasn't a Paul Hurst guy, I just felt he was the right person for the job. By the end, I think most felt change was needed. The club made that decision, and I supported it. They picked DA.
I will support my club and with that, the manager. Did I agree with the Efete decision? No. Will I give him the benefit of the doubt? Yes.
Supporting your club through thick and thin means something... It isn't a phrase we brandish about to boost our own ego.
It's pretty known on here that I supported Paul Hurst long after most here gave up on here. I wasn't a Paul Hurst guy, I just felt he was the right person for the job. By the end, I think most felt change was needed. The club made that decision, and I supported it. They picked DA.
I will support my club and with that, the manager. Did I agree with the Efete decision? No. Will I give him the benefit of the doubt? Yes.
Supporting your club through thick and thin means something... It isn't a phrase we brandish about to boost our own ego.
Iāve supported this Club, through thick and thin and as a ST for 40 years so please donāt question my loyalty or suggest itās an ego trip. Itās an opinion and one that I am entitled too. Do I like DA - Iām not overly enamoured by him. Will I support him - absolutely. Will I be over the moon if he proves me wrong - absolutely!!
This is a Forum where everyone has an opinion, whether we like each others or not, thatās the bottom line. Your opinion is simply a challenge to mine and one that I will respect; not dismiss.
I reckon that we might see Mullarkey as a centre-back on occasion during the rest of the season, especially if injuries require it. He's certainly big enough, so we'll have to see if he's good enough as well.
I think he would fit in nicely playing on the right of midfield, he does have the ability to run at opposing defenders with the ball and has the ability get into their box but struggles to get back to his defensive duties but having someone to cover for him in the right back position I think will make him an asset going forward. Hope he is given a chance in this position as I think he has more to offer than being a wingback.
Dead Eye Dobbin stood motionless waiting, waiting, waiting for the ball to arrive. Back came the right foot, Down came the right foot, Bang ! Headlines around the world as the ball flew into the very top right hand corner of the goal.( Jim Dobbin scoring in the 89th minute for Town against Newcastle United away 24/10/1992 )
Yeah I'm happy previously under Hurst we've never had to really worry about defensive positions most transfer markets under him its been mainly wide and attacking players as defensively we've been sound its scoring goals that's usually been the problem.
Artell has inherited a Hurst squad which for the first time its's not been going forward that's the problem its leaking goals which goes to show hurst got it wrong when he was at the helm and artell had to address it this window which is positive.
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