Now the transfer window is complete I think we can fairly reflect on our success at board level in assembling a squad capable of competing in league one. This isn't a reflection of our efforts, which I'm sure have been equal to anybody else's, but outcomes are what matters at this stage. As someone who probably falls into the 'happy clapper' segment of fans I'd say it's been a disappointing window. Undoubtedly, we've signed a few players who are likely to make us stronger - namely Edwards, Phillips and Martin. However, we've not signed anybody in the position our manager has clearly highlighted as a weakness. We've also lost Helik, who is arguably one of the best defenders in the Championship, and we've lost Styles...who despite assertions he'd chucked it in has always proven himself very able at LWB. On a positive, we've kept Mads Andersen and he's a top defender. In summary: Excellent manager - just what we needed after a few bad choices. We have two excellent goalkeepers (Collins/Walton) We're well stocked at centre back (Andersen, Cundy, McCarthy, Kitching, Williams). Other than Andersen all have limitations but also have strengths that are vital for this league. We're weak at full-back/wing-back (Williams/Edwards/Cadden/Hondermarck/Martin). We know Duff likes to play 352 so it feels like the board have sold him short here. Especially as Oduor's best games (under Struber I think) were at LWB/LB and he's been allowed out on loan. We're strong in CM (Benson, Kane, Connell, Phillips, Wolfe). We've also got a nice mixture of players with different strengths. However, the best CM need to play every week. Although we can play 3/5 each week it stills means we're a bit over-stocked in the middle. We're strong in AM (Thomas/Martin). I think we're all seeing the real Luke Thomas this season and there won't be many better in that position. Add Martin into the mix (potentially on the left or right) and we should be able to create chances. We're very weak up front (Cole/Norwood/Marsh/Aitchison/Tedic/Jalo). Without someone to hold the ball up front or to finish the chances we'll always be vulnerable to conceding...in addition to not making the most of our possession. Cole is very weak at link up play but gets into the box. Marsh looks like he has something but hasn't looked like scoring (yet). Aitchison can play and his link up is good - not much goal threat so far. Tedic wins a few headers and lay offs, but also weak against big CB. Jalo is 16! Norwood has been a waste so far. I genuinely believe if we'd signed a striker with pace OR genuine strength with back to goal we'd be in a good position. There's still time to make amends with the free transfer market. Clubs may be willing to cancel the contract of a player and that will enable us to sign them...but it's slim pickings. I think our expectations should be tempered by a clear lack of cash within the club and undoubtedly that will have impacted the outcome. However, we should also be a persuasive proposition for any player to join and I feel that the disconnect between the recruitment department/CEO/manager has contributed to us failing to persuade some players to join us over rivals. My disappointment won't stop me from supporting the club, supporting the players we have and supporting the manager. As Barnsley fans we're conditioned to be disappointed to the point of no expectations and then the lads do something special. We all love the misery really...it reminds us how great but fleeting the good times are.
OK, no striker. I do think the 3 we've brought in will improve the squad. Just focusing on the field, we have, I think, the right head coach for the task ahead, and a bunch of players that are responding to him. Some are better than others but those that aren't 'buying in' are being left out. I'm reasonably optimistic that as the season progresses, so will performances and results. It's a team game and if you're light up top then it's the coaches job to get the team play to compensate for that. Duff is very clear that his role is to work with the players he has to get the best outcomes. Let's hope he does.
In the spirit of us being "well stocked" at centre half, I currently find myself well stocked with friends and lovers. Well, there are 3 people who haven't blocked me on Facebook and two people once swiped left on Tinder. The first was a 75 year old man who thought I was a woman and the second apologised for making a mistake.
Disagree about strong in CM - Benson aside none of them are more than average at best or unproven. AM/Forwards - all proven average or potential young uns. If we finish above half way it will be a bloody miracle!
Herbie Kane did very well at Oxford and Doncaster in this league, I think he also did well at Hull (can't remember if that was Championship). He's been injured and certainly not at his best for us but he's far more proven than Benson at any level. Benson has turned it around this season and looks a different player - I hope we can say the same about Kane.
Connell played 57 scored 10.I know some of his goals were scored at Queens Park but so far has been very good for us. H.Kane 126 scored 9 Thomas 164 scored 9 Phillips 115 scored 23 Benson 50 scored 2 Add to these Wolfe and Ackroyd we should have enough for league 1 Strikers Tedic played 104 scored 16 Aitcheson 81 scored 12 Norwood 504 scored 183 Cole 265 scored 58 Another striker is always welcome but we are where we are a League 1 club. Interestingly Martin is down as a striker on the official website and his stats are played 44 scored 7
Exactly.Pre window Duff said if no one came in he would work with what he had.He also said "with respect to Cheltenham we have a better squad of players here"I think Cheltenham came 10 th last season.I would expect 10th would be the bare minimum.I still think we have a top 6 squad.
If the strikers do click the midfield looks pretty decent. Its just getting the moving parts to function cohesively.
