Out now

Retained list on the os

Heartbreak for Max Wright but I think we all saw it coming. Gutted for him.

Quoted from RobDef1

Heartbreak for Max Wright but I think we all saw it coming. Gutted for him.

Yes thought we may have given him 6 months and a intensive summer to try and sort his problem but there’s no sentiment when building a squad

Quoted from crusty ole pie

Yes thought we may have given him 6 months and a intensive summer to try and sort his problem but there’s no sentiment when building a squad

Agreed, glad to see Scannell offered new terms. Can't really argue with the list to be honest.

Tbf Max Wright going makes me a bit sad hopefully he gets a good club and a run of games

Joey Jones returning to Dagenham. Wouldn't mind being a fly on that wall...

Quoted from TwoLeftFeet

Tbf Max Wright going makes me a bit sad hopefully he gets a good club and a run of games

Remember when he came back off loan towards the end of the season a few years back, went past 4 or 5 players and nearly scored a wonder goal? Thought he was gonna go on to do big things, hope he gets a career going still

Feck, six senior players and five youngsters contracted. Hopefully the likes of Waterfall, Fox and Taylor sign up quickly

It's a shame about Wight, hopefully a conference club will take a chance on him

Quoted from TwoLeftFeet

Tbf Max Wright going makes me a bit sad hopefully he gets a good club and a run of games

He was successful during his loan spell at Boston- I wouldn’t be shocked to see him return. If he can stay fit, he’ll play higher than NLN… but sadly, it’s a big ‘if’.

Quoted from RobDef1

Joey Jones returning to Dagenham. Wouldn't mind being a fly on that wall...

He's been released by Dagenham so there won't be much to see.

Shame for Max Wright very good old fashioned winger can whip a good ball in, maybe a move to Boston he can do well and hopefully re build his career.

Quoted from thefish

He was successful during his loan spell at Boston- I wouldn’t be shocked to see him return. If he can stay fit, he’ll play higher than NLN… but sadly, it’s a big ‘if’.

It could just be that the rigours of training and playing football full time is more than his body can take. With a part time club and only training a couple of times a week then maybe his body  could cope with that level of stress. I hope he does get fixed up because when he is fit he is a very good footballer.

Quoted from Barrattstander

He's been released by Dagenham so there won't be much to see.

Hardly surprising… he slagged D&R off in his arrival interview here, then whilst coming here on loan to put himself in the shop window, he played like he didn’t have a care in the world. Absolute dogshîte.

I highly doubt he will get a contract with an EFL club.

No surprises but sad for Max to be honest.

Just need to sign up the ones under offer asap now.

When we got thrashed by Chelsea I was there with a Chelsea season ticket holder who was amazed Wright wasn’t in the starting lineup.

No room for sentiment…sad for Max but in truth, for however good he is, you can’t plan for him to be fit enough…

I don’t think there’s any questioning Wright’s ability, he’s a belter, it’s purely down to his fitness record.

There was a suggestion he’s off to York on another thread, and I think that could be a great move for him.

So we have 11 signed & 10 offered contracts...

CROCOMBE
(BATTERSBY)

(EFETE)
(CROPPER)
(AMOS)

(WATERFALL)
PEARSON
LONGE-KING
GOUNDRY
BRAMWELL

(FOX)
HOLOHAN
(CLIFTON)
BRAITHWAITE

MAGUIRE-DREW
(SCANNELL)
(KHOURI)
TOMLINSON

McATEE
(TAYLOR)
ESSEL

The gaffer obviously doesn't think Max will ever be strong enough for full time football which is a shame. But scannel somehow is? The stats say otherwise, I trust his opinion though.

So we have a good keeper, 3 CBs  one of which is probably homesick. 1 good midfielder and a youth, an unfit winger and youth and one of the best strikers in the league, I really hope most of those offered contracts sign or it is another complete rebuild

Sorry to see Sousa go - rest I had expected

Happy with the list to be honest, would have liked to have seen Sousa given another year and think he can terrify defenders, especially tiring ones. Can see Longe-King and the club coming to terms on a mutual release, signs don’t look good if he struggled to get in the side in the NL but happy to be proven wrong.

No idea why but I’ve got an odd feeling Fox will move on… really really hope I’m wrong!

Pretty much what I was expecting .. like everyone I’m sad about max but that’s life.

Can’t really argue with any of that myself, and again full trust in the manager. I’d imagine Max might feel slightly hard done by with Scannell being offered something. Shame how it’s worked out for him, there was so much potential there.

Quoted from Mighty_Mariner

Happy with the list to be honest, would have liked to have seen Sousa given another year and think he can terrify defenders, especially tiring ones. Can see Longe-King and the club coming to terms on a mutual release, signs don’t look good if he struggled to get in the side in the NL but happy to be proven wrong.

No idea why but I’ve got an odd feeling Fox will move on… really really hope I’m wrong!

He shone in the play off games with TV coverage, given MoM in the final and is out of contract so will have plenty of interest as will Clifton who has a fantastic attitude and work rate and perhaps might fancy a change while in demand, wouldn’t be surprised to see both leave but hoping they both sign

I'm amazed Scannell has been offered a contract considering his appearance record these past 6 years or so.

Just seems to me we have cash to burn.

Quoted from arryarryarry

I'm amazed Scannell has been offered a contract considering his appearance record these past 6 years or so.

Just seems to me we have cash to burn.

I am sure his contract terms will reflect his situation. He got injured giving his best for us and it’s hard to begrudge us looking after him

I’m surprised the club don’t hold one-year options on contracts of players such as Taylor and Fox, though it was a standard thing we’ve done for years.

What I was expecting tbh apart from Sousa, quite liked him despite lack of end product. Great at moving with the ball.

OK except for Sousa - he did enough for another year. Work rate in the last 3 games was exceptional and I am surprised. I was also hoping that Manny and Tristan would be offered terms, they were game changers off the bench. Would be gutted if we lost Fox or Clifton as they would be hard to replace. Still Hurst knows what he is doing and I have every faith we will be OK utm

Sousa, flattered to deceive . Correct decision in my opinion

Scannell was doing really well before he suffered another injury, he started that game against Maidenhead very brightly and we were on top before he went off. Once he got on a run as a starter we won 5 drew 2 and lost 0 before he was injured. Can see how there could be hope he can recover from this injury and contribute something in L2. Seems to be a player Hurst likes a lot and popular around the club.

Some will argue it's unfair that Max Wright isn't also being given a chance after a couple of injury dogged seasons but would argue Scannell is a much more proven player. Hurst seemed done with him, doesn't think he works hard enough in training and felt he was always complaining something is wrong when nobody can find anything. If he can get himself fit and get a full season of first team football under his belt I'm sure he can resurrect his career, maybe drop down to NLN/S and see what happens, sure he could urine those leagues if he stayed fit.

Sousa had an okay season but can see why he's being let go, sure he can can sorted out elsewhere, what he does offer will be useful to any NL team but his lack of end product was always a sticking point. Can't fault his effort and attitude during the season and hope he does well.

Quoted from Zmariner

OK except for Sousa - he did enough for another year. Work rate in the last 3 games was exceptional and I am surprised. I was also hoping that Manny and Tristan would be offered terms, they were game changers off the bench. Would be gutted if we lost Fox or Clifton as they would be hard to replace. Still Hurst knows what he is doing and I have every faith we will be OK utm

Very similar to my thoughts. Can’t see us losing Clifton, think him being a local lad will be a deciding factor, although wouldn’t be surprised if he had other offers. I’m hoping the team spirit Fox spoke of before the final and the fact we’ve been promoted will see him re-sign also but again can see him having some options away from Town.

I suspect Abrahams and Mani both want to be starting games at this stage of their careers, so it might be the case that they didn't want to stay as backup players. Rumours of Mani going to Oldham sound like a good move for him. Also lengths of contracts on offer, of course.

I'm a little disappointed that Sousa is going but we don't know who else Hurst might have lined up already. I can see a few of those released doing a good job for clubs in the National League though I reckon Abrahams will be looking for a league club down south.

Now just waiting to see who accepts their offers.

I have no real issues with the list. No real surprises for me.

In fact there are a couple who have been offered a deal who I thought were 50/50 decisions.

People have remarked about Max Wright.
Yes it is a shame for the lad. We all want local lads to do well but his injury record speaks for itself no certainly no shock.

He has the ability and when he has been fit he is an exciting player. But he can't stay fit.Ssdly I see this upcoming season as a make or break for him to save his professional career.

I heard York City may be an option. That would be good for him. But if he continues with his injury issues I don't see anyone committing a contract to him and he will end up part time. I wish him all the best

Quoted from Maringer

I suspect Abrahams and Mani both want to be starting games at this stage of their careers, so it might be the case that they didn't want to stay as backup players. Rumours of Mani going to Oldham sound like a good move for him. Also lengths of contracts on offer, of course.

I'm a little disappointed that Sousa is going but we don't know who else Hurst might have lined up already. I can see a few of those released doing a good job for clubs in the National League though I reckon Abrahams will be looking for a league club down south.

Now just waiting to see who accepts their offers.

Abrahams and mani are not our players. They were on loan

Disappointed that Sousa is going. Good enough to play in playoffs, instrumental in our promotion. For me a strange decision.

Thought Cropper was 50/50, but he's young and PH thinks he's worth a contract, so fair do's.

Apart from that, no surprises really.

Looking forward to see who we bring in. Expecting some quality signings with the better budget we will have.

Quoted from arryarryarry

I'm amazed Scannell has been offered a contract considering his appearance record these past 6 years or so.

Just seems to me we have cash to burn.

12 red crosses, my god. Statement of fact

Quoted from arryarryarry

I'm amazed Scannell has been offered a contract considering his appearance record these past 6 years or so.

Just seems to me we have cash to burn.

It's the done thing to offer someone a short deal while they recover from a bad injury.

Quoted from heppy88

Disappointed that Sousa is going. Good enough to play in playoffs, instrumental in our promotion. For me a strange decision.

Me too, 90% there,  good attacker and worked back well, coached better in his final pass/ finishing he would have been an asset

Sorry to sound boring but we need Cropper just for his long throws, Sousa impresses with his runs but has no end product. Feel sorry for Max and hope someone takes him on. Harry will be with us next season  I’m sure about that and I’m sure Hursty has various players that he would like to sign for next season and with the new shirt sponsorship and increase in season tickets I don’t think he will have too many financial restrictions.

Can't really argue with much of that. I wouldn't have been bothered if Cropper didn't get a deal and I've had like to have seen Sousa stay.

I must admit, it's sad to see players with a genuine connection to the club leave, Max has been so unlucky. Mckeown has been a fantastic servant. I'll miss Lenny as well.

Usually I'm glad to see the back of players. Wish them all the best.

As echoed, no real surprises here barring maybe Sousa. I think Paul would of thought long and hard and already had some targets in mind that he thinks can improve the current 11 and those who will add to the squad. Think it will be a signing of intent if he can make the first contract renewal to be Ben Fox as that will set the statement of us this season.

Let’s just think where we was 12 months ago and what Paul has managed to build in that time. Now we are in a much better position for players to be retained and more of an attractive proposition for players to want to be part of. There are always gems that just haven’t clicked at one club for one reason or another ala McAtee.

I’m looking forward to seeing who we can get through the door and knowing that Jason and Andrew will support Paul, exciting times ahead for us Mariners.

Hurst said about halfway through the season that Max declared himself injured when the medics could find nothing wrong.  He seemed to look for reasons not to be playing.  A great shame as he talented even without a run of games.  His run and goal from the halfway line against Wrexham was a joy to see.

He had better luck with injuries at Boston and Scarborough.  I hope he finds the right club and level to continue his career.  

Quoted from codcheeky

I am sure his contract terms will reflect his situation. He got injured giving his best for us and it’s hard to begrudge us looking after him

He was just about permanently injured here and at many of his previous clubs.

Quoted from supertown

Sousa, flattered to deceive . Correct decision in my opinion

Completely agree, very pretty on the ball, but absolutely no end product whatsoever.
Frustrating final ball decisions too,not just me, mcatee and Taylor must have sore throats from all the screaming they've done because of a Sousa wrong pass option.
Bizarrely,Sousa would probably be a great player higher up the league's where you've got more time on the ball,and more protection from refs.

https://twitter.com/lukew30/status/1535689556481146883?t=vBN4F1h0XzdjtZtE6novww&s=19

Sounds pretty positive re Waterfall signing a new contract.

I think PH and CD have got the list right to be honest.

Appreciate Sousa looked dangerous and was brilliant in the play-offs but in the most part his end product has been disappointing. He’ll get a Conf club.

I hope Max Wright gets his injury problems under control and fulfils his potential. It’s really unfortunate for him but we can’t be over sentimental at this level.

If we can secure 3/4s of the contracts we’ve offered out we’ll have a good base of a squad. I really hope Fox re-signs the most but there are 5/6 players on that list that are key to maintain good continuity season to season. Of the contracted players you’d expect DLK to leave mutually.

Scannell is being looked after to get over an injury sustained while in our employ.

I assume that some form of liability insurance comes into force, which partway assists with paying for time during recuperation.

Are we just making a moral good decision here, or looking to inject quality once established?

At some point towards a return to full fitness, a decision will be made as to him being able to play again.

Could be a January "new" signing light bulb moment..... or another bad glitch.

Let's hope for the former, because there is some class that sees a run or a pass above our level, even this new League.

Hoping Sean Scannell makes a full recovery - well liked by players here, and possibly feared by opponents?

Actually think it’s good for Wright. At his age now being a fourth option at a club won’t help him, if he can get regular match time at a NL or NLN team it’ll only be good for his career. Could see him somewhere like Boston

Quoted from PoutonStepover

Hardly surprising… he slagged D&R off in his arrival interview here, then whilst coming here on loan to put himself in the shop window, he played like he didn’t have a care in the world. Absolute dogshîte.

I highly doubt he will get a contract with an EFL club.

Was excellent at Notts County in league match. Not sure what happened after that

We gave him a chance. He didn’t take it. End of.

[quote=140821]

Was excellent at Chesterfielld not sure what happened after that]

Sousa is the one I'm most surprised at. Thought he did well enough and was always a threat. Obviously needed to step up for league football and perhaps Hurst thought he couldn't make that step. As always, I trust in the process. We are no longer a season to season club focused just on survival. We have long term targets, aims and ambitions. Love it. UTM.

Quoted from SheepGTFC

Sousa is the one I'm most surprised at. Thought he did well enough and was always a threat. Obviously needed to step up for league football and perhaps Hurst thought he couldn't make that step. As always, I trust in the process. We are no longer a season to season club focused just on survival. We have long term targets, aims and ambitions. Love it. UTM.

Not in anyway surprised. You only have to be at the final to see he wasn't doing the business,

Quoted from Plankton

Not in anyway surprised. You only have to be at the final to see he wasn't doing the business,

He was excellent in the previous two games but the final was a struggle for him. I like Sousa but I’ve said this season, there were times when he looked like a prize winner. He’ll probably get a decent deal at a conference club and good on him.

I don’t think he’d be as effective in the league and hurst seemingly agrees.

No surprises for me and shows that were thinking forward and there’s seemingly a plan, unlike before…

Football is a tough old industry to be involved in. You help your team get promoted but you're deemed not good enough to operate at the level above
Like many others I feel sympathy for Erico, Max etc. and wish them well in the future. Would assume that PH has targets lined up, he's made this leap before and knows what's needed

Quoted from RobDef1

Joey Jones returning to Dagenham. Wouldn't mind being a fly on that wall...

Think he's out of contract.

Quoted from fishboyUTM

Think he's out of contract.

Yes Daggers released him, I know he wasn't great for us after his debut but the fact is, he is an experienced national League CM so I don't think he will struggle to find another national League club.

I assume that it’s possible some of the loan players may return but their contracts will run until 30/6 and so strictly they’re still under contract. It’s perfectly possible we have offered a contract to Mani but won’t announce until 1 July.  Any new signings will also be delayed until then

Whilst most of the replies on here have covered the same players  my main surprise was Khouri .
Whilst he is young admittedly,  he  hasn't really made an impression on the first team squad at all and several loanees coming in ahead of him would suggest the management team didn't think he was ready.
Not sure where he sits positionally now as I was sure he first appeared in central midfield with Hurst then playing him more left back/left side.
Maybe a cheap enough signing to see if he develops this season and kicks on I suppose.

Quoted from moosey_club

Whilst most of the replies on here have covered the same players  my main surprise was Khouri .
Whilst he is young admittedly,  he  hasn't really made an impression on the first team squad at all and several loanees coming in ahead of him would suggest the management team didn't think he was ready.
Not sure where he sits positionally now as I was sure he first appeared in central midfield with Hurst then playing him more left back/left side.
Maybe a cheap enough signing to see if he develops this season and kicks on I suppose.

I get the impression we are giving young players more time to develop if there is some potential there.

Getting back in the league is not just great for the first team, but for the development as well. PH mentioned it in his interview after the final.

Quoted from moosey_club

Whilst most of the replies on here have covered the same players  my main surprise was Khouri .
Whilst he is young admittedly,  he  hasn't really made an impression on the first team squad at all and several loanees coming in ahead of him would suggest the management team didn't think he was ready.
Not sure where he sits positionally now as I was sure he first appeared in central midfield with Hurst then playing him more left back/left side.
Maybe a cheap enough signing to see if he develops this season and kicks on I suppose.

Clubs always need "squad players" who are cheap but can make up the numbers in training exercises, reserve games etc, the type of player that's only going to be called upon very very last option but may surprise everyone and develop into something. Youth players/first year pros are perfect for this. A friend of mine was part of the Hull City squad that got promoted to the Premier league(Dean Windass worldie) and he said he knew 100 percent he was never going to get a game but the experience of training with some top level pros was excellent and he knew from the outset, even though he may improve, what his role would be that season ie. A cheap option and a relatively small gamble on wages to make up the numbers

Quoted from ginnywings

I get the impression we are giving young players more time to develop if there is some potential there.

Getting back in the league is not just great for the first team, but for the development as well. PH mentioned it in his interview after the final.

isn't there also a FL rule about having home grown or youngsters  on the bench? That may well he part of the consideration

Pretty much as expected in the end, feel sorry for Wright but he needs to play football for his long term career.

Excited to see what happens in the next 6 weeks

Tough one regarding Sousa, he played really well at Notts County.

But then you compare his end product to JMD.  Both goals at County came from excellent delivery into the box from him.  His dummy to let in McAtee lead to our equalizer in the final, and I doubt Sousa would have been at the far post to knock the winner in.

Quoted from RonMariner

Tough one regarding Sousa, he played really well at Notts County.

But then you compare his end product to JMD.  Both goals at County came from excellent delivery into the box from him.  His dummy to let in McAtee lead to our equalizer in the final, and I doubt Sousa would have been at the far post to knock the winner in.

You’ve made your own argument. JMD immediately made us look a greater threat.

Pretty much what I expected, the club are obviously looking after Scannell and I would probably have offered Sousa a year because at the end of the day if his end product was that good he wouldn't be in the lower leagues with the skill that he has, but in Hurst we trust.

Hopefully everyone that has been a offered a deal signs it although some will have other offers, especially Fox I'm guessing.

Sousa was great with the ball at his feet and running at defenders but it was ultimately useless as he would either lose the ball trying to beat three defenders by the corner flag or fall over. It wasn't just his lack of end product. His positioning when he didn't have the ball, the lack of awareness of where to be and what to do when the opposition had the ball. He was a man who could run with the ball but he isn't a footballer. He could be exciting and yet so frustrating in the space of a few minutes. I hope he gets a great deal elsewhere but I think he would have been found out at League 2 level.

Judging from Waterfalls comment to Coke on Twitter, Waterfall is planning to sign a new contract - said he’d miss Coke being around.

Quoted from BlackandWhiteBarmy2

Sousa was great with the ball at his feet and running at defenders but it was ultimately useless as he would either lose the ball trying to beat three defenders by the corner flag or fall over. It wasn't just his lack of end product. His positioning when he didn't have the ball, the lack of awareness of where to be and what to do when the opposition had the ball. He was a man who could run with the ball but he isn't a footballer. He could be exciting and yet so frustrating in the space of a few minutes. I hope he gets a great deal elsewhere but I think he would have been found out at League 2 level.

You make a good point . The difference between a footballer and a good footballer doesn't just depend on skill but the ability to read a game and position yourself accordingly.