I'm not going to bite about Davies. We've seen it all before from Phil with Steele. There is always going to be one person who doesn't see what everyone else sees.
Wildsmith has another year on his contract, and George Long has said he'll be extending his contract when he's back off holiday. None of those three, Bentley included, are as good as Davies anyway.
Agreed. I was thinking about this the other day and I think goalkeeper is the easiest position there is to move up there leagues. By that I mean that their job stays the same and you don't perform any worse just because the opposition is better. The reason you replace your keeper when you move up a league is simply that you can attract a better one. It is desire rather than necessity. With outfield players it's more necessity because a full back who isn't good at tackling but has bags of pace can hide his weakness by always being the first to the ball. Move up a league and the winger is faster too so his weakness becomes a liability. That doesn't really work with keepers as much because basically their job remains to stop the ball going in the same sized goal regardless of league.
Davies is getting better and better he wasn't good under Johnson his confidence was shot but for a young keeper of 23 years age he is only going to get better. Made some vital saves last season in the league and jpt. To let him go anywhere would be madness.
The 3 keepers mentioned and Garbutt probably wouldn't come here. Ben Garrett from Crewe would make a good 2nd choice behind Davies. I'd be happy with G.Smith for back up LB behind White + Williams, otherwise I'd suggest someone like Meredith or Garmston. I would take Mason back. Rotating him & Bree round could work. Chris Burke would be a decent signing although personally I'd be happy with Chapman coming off the bench again. Not sure if we could afford both Moncur & Mantom. I think we'll sign one and then get a CM on loan. Yes Bradshaw seems to be the obvious target. Fits our policy perfectly. Lets hope Payne, Jackson, Tuton or Ash can impress and earn themselves a 1st team call up.
I have a feeling that Davies may be a little busier next season but I think he's good enough to handle the extra pressure he'll be under.
Also I wouldn't have Mason Holgate who hasn't played a competitive football game for over a year in our defence now we're a championship team. He was decent in league 1 don't get me wrong but he often got bullied and made mistakes Preston away and donny away spring to mind it would be a big gamble imo.
Davies is indeed a very good shot stopper,as was Steele. But I see more flaws in Davies that I did with Steele. For me,and this is only what I see every game I go, doesnt command his area. Especially his 6yrd box at crosses/corners. Can't organise his defence & is very rarely vocal,very slow & sloppy in his outlet ball.. All of which I feel. We will need in abundance next season. Not saying he isn't decent but feel championship is a step too far for him
I'd also add Jack Payne & Romaine Sawyers to that list. 80/90% of players mentioned are out of contract. Only wages to compete with & not transfer fees.