We don’t need too many changes

There's some real heart ruling head and short memory stuff on here. I think people have forgotten the gulf in class between the 2nd and 3rd tier. Most of our squad have played Championship football before and struggled. We are hoping a lot of players have improved rather than just finding their level. Let's look at our stand-out players this season. Davies is probably leaving, but had a terrible time between the sticks last time out in the Championship. Mowatt and Woodrow played a lot of Championship games for their original clubs as youngsters and neither kicked on. Moore has had three bites of the cherry in the championship and hasn't really been productive there. Pinnock probably has the most scope to succeed with class to burn and effort to spare, but we'll do well to hang on to him for long.

 

Last time we were in the Championship we had negative Nigel in charge who had chucked his teddy's out of the pram after an away friendly defeat to Rotherham. He had no faith in players he had brought in or patience with them. Mowatt was played on the wing against Bristol City away first game of the season and hung out to dry. Mcgeehan had one poor performance against Cardiff City and was discarded, both were farmed out on loan. Then don't get me started on Mallan. Who was ignored for us and is playing out of his skin for Hibs.

I think under a positive manager who has faith in his young squad and a clear vision of how he wants to play we'll be alright with a few additions to the squad.

 

I think I agree with the sentiment of the OP. Here is my take on the matter at this moment in time.

We do have the nucleus of a decent, championship side. I'd like to see us playing three centre backs using wing backs also. (it didn't do the blunts much harm this year) This would enable the following:

a) Pinnock to play the sweeper role - he has both the ability and vision not to mention the temperament for this.
b) Lindsay then would have the safeguard of this and not feel obliged to take the man out and take a card (or two) for the team.
c) We would be able to play three central midfielders, as do most teams these days.
d) We play with two strikers with the ability to score goals.

All this said it is far too early for any of us to get giddy - there are far too many issues to be resolved:

1. Priority has to be given to make our Head Coach feel secure, in charge and appreciated by the board. A new (improved) contract is a must - he simply cannot be allowed to be easily tempted/poached away. It would be a calamity if he were to leave (either back to his native land or to a 'bigger' club) then I'm sure that cause a lot of dis-satisfaction amongst the playing staff.
2. Key to the issue above would be an appointment of an experienced CEO - someone who can look after the club - acting as a link to the board of directors.
3. There will be issues to be addressed with the playing staff in terms of contract extensions, new recruits etc. Automatic promotion has given the luxury of some time to get things sorted early. If the management are of the opinion that we do not need wholesale changes/additions to the players then good, let's get things done and dusted so that come pre-season we're primed. If we think we're gonna need to freshen things up substantially (not that I think that is required) then ok get on with it.
4. We know which division we are in, we know what to expect in terms of crowd sizes/away followings etc. Let's make sure we have that facilities in place to cater for larger attendances.

We have some momentum - let's use it to our advantage....

When was the last back to back promotions from the third to the first tier of the football pyramid?

By the way this'll be my last post for a few days, the Northern General Hospital has summoned me and a new heart valve awaits. Love to all. COYR

 

Agree totally and best wishes mate.

 

I do like 5-3-2 with wing backs, fond memories. Think it would suit Pinillos. Bahre behind a front two.

 

You know I’ve been thinking the same as well because that’ll put numbers both in defence and central midfield for next season which I think we’ll need in the Championship. But that means likes of Brown, Green and Thiam being converted into wing backs which could be an issue.

New GK ( If Davies goes )

New CB - Pinnock - Lindsay

Cavaré - McGeehan - Dougall - Mowatt - Pinillos

Woodrow - Moore

 

Think Thiam will be on his way, Brown would likely be a forward option.

 

What makes you think Thiam will be leaving ?

 

I share some concerns regarding the current team and would like to see a few additions. I think tactically we have got away with it on occasions this year peppering opponents' goals with shots. I'm not so sure the same will work on championship defences and could see us getting a few good hidings via counter attacks if we aren't careful.

We have plenty of players who are at a similar level and increasing that quality is going to cost a fair amount of money IMO. Will be interesting to see what the owners do- my gut is telling me 3 or 4 overseas or young players. We won't have the luxury of bedding in inexperienced players in a lower league this time round, though.

I think our current best XI would survive, but we need a stronger bench and will not cope with losing Moore or Woodrow for any length of time.

 

I think his end product is not consistent enough, a big reason we have so many shots and so few on target. I think he has some value as a saleable asset, but isn't going to be key to any success.

 

He’s frustrating from a fan perspective but from an analytical point of view taking all subjectivity out of it his numbers are excellent in that he’s constantly creating goal scoring opportunities for others. There’s plenty of room for improvement though, he’s a very exciting talent.