Team full of kids, just 6 on the bench in one match. We sell a player (RNL), we let one go (Treacy), 4 loan players return to their parent clubs (Cole, Dudgeon, Trotta and Williams), so to replace them we bring in three loan players (Kiwomya, Pearson and Waring) and three permanent signings (Williams, Scowen and Lalkovic). Six players leave and six come in. But now the squad is miles too big? I really don't follow. We've got 18 pros on the books: Turnbull, Davies, Dibble, Williams, Brown, Nyatanga, Cranie, M'Voto, Berry, Hourihane, Jennings, Scowen, Bailey, Lalkovic, Winnall, Hemminings, Phenix and Lita. Just enough for the match day squad. But Dibble is out on loan, so that's just 17. Phenix has never played a professional game and Williams has just two sub appearances to his name. That's probably the smallest and most inexperienced squad we've had for years. Fortunately, our academy seems to be producing, so we've brought a number of youngsters in to the team. We've had to, there's been no choice because the squad is so small. And we've got 4 players on loan because, as we've shown, it's almost impossible to get through a season when the squad is as small as ours. In the past we've had 30 pros and still brought in loans. That's not the case now.
I'm really excited at what Danny is creating though. If we can keep this young team together for a couple of years we could be in for some good footy. Problem is when they start playing well it will be impossible to keep hold of them all.
According to BFC website we have 23 players in the squad including the young un's, but not including Dibble. Add to that Phenix (who is missing) and now Scowen = 25. Then we have Ramage, Pearson, Waring and Kiwomya on loan. = 29 Building up nicely. May be thin on experience, but not necessarily numbers.
I like the way we are going about business. Id sooner us give a chance to 6 or 7 young or inexperienced players with great potential and see if they shine than plump for a billy big ****** on massive wages that flatters to deceive a la frimpong. It doesnt cost as much, it generates interest, we could strike gold and end up turning a nice profit. We are also a very young side and they can grow together. We just have to be careful not to over egg the youth and end up paying for not having a couple of old heads in there. Looking forward to seeing the new players over the next few weeks. Some exciting players imho... Maybe have a cheeky bet on top 6 if the prices are good. We could be the one coming from the back of the pack. Ya never know! Always someone that does it.
Holgate, Smith, Abbott, Digby & Oates are all full time pros surely? To me we are top heavy on central midfielders but light at left back & could do with another winger.
I wouldn't call Phenix a pro just yet. If he has the same step up as Berry but with goals then he'd be a pro. Just too early for me yet.