So how many players do we want, lads?

The problem with resigning players

based on last seasons performances is that some are unable to recapture that form. If we're looking to push on, we need to focus on those that have the determination and desire to improve and you never know for sure until we're back in the thick of it. Its a wait and see job really, and maybe Flitcroft has worked out which ones arent willing or able to push on and havent responded to being 'treated like Championship players'. Lets see how many are moved on once the window opens.

 

Re: I think

Yes, I'd be sitting down a.s.a.p with Wiseman and Perkins, play a wait and see game for a couple of the others to see how they play this year, whilst a few of them should be shipped out at the next opportunity.

 

The interesting thing is

That in May there were a number of posts on here complaining that we had only eleven players under contract at the club. The fact that we had the Summer months ahead of us allowing recruitment to take place didn't stop some folk worrying. A number of those players entering the last year of their contract will still be part of the manager's longer term vision for the club. Others won't. Then there'll also be other players looking to move on no matter what.

 

Re: The interesting thing is

It's a very big squad, for us at least. Not since the Premier League campaign can I recall such strength in depth.

I'm pretty sure we're able to afford it, though. We're a tightly run ship.

But I agree with Dyson in the main.

I didn't think we needed any more players. Certainly not another defender when the likes of Nyatanga, Cranie, McNulty and Hassell have hardly featured so far for various reasons. But, it's Peter Ramage we've brought in. Two recent promotions on his CV, and universally adored wherever he's played his football. The kind of solid, no nonsense centre half we've lacked (since Bobby was excluded again).

So I welcome him, and the idea.


But I do wonder what this now means for squad harmony. When players say "I like competition" I can tell you now that they're spouting club rhetoric. They hate the idea of a new player in their position. And you'd have to imagine that Cranie is our first choice centre half. I'd then put Ramage next in line. And then we've Nyatanga. They'd be the three for me (remember, I'm no longer - especially now - considering Bobby because he may as well have left).

So I can only assume that Wisey will be moved to full/wing back, and that M'Voto will be used in certain games. I'd agree with both decisions.

But then, that removes Kennedy, and we all know how regular he's played since Flicker took over. Played more games than anyone else.


I'm one of those boring farts that likes to see a regular eleven, week in week out, fitness and availability allowing. But to keep so many players happy, he'd have to rotate.


I'm waffling now. Time for bed I think.


I'll end by welcoming Ramage to Oakwell, and by wishing Flicker the best of luck in whatever it is he's attempting.


You Reds.

 

First few weeks have shown the weakness in depth.

Dibble, Cofie, Knight, Patterson, Rose, Digby - all to be properly blooded.

M'voto, McCourt and Jennings all relatively new to this level so need to be eased in - I'm not convinced M'voto would have played every game had Crainie and Nyatanga both been fit and available from the off.

Golbourne and Alnwick off the wage bill.

That leaves Ramage and Pedersen as 'plug in' newcomers

Then you basically have last seasons squad which needed strengthening and quality adding. It's an evolving process and one that will see our squad change this season to give a nucleus of Championship experience with youngsters and 'projects'.

 

Re: First few weeks have shown the weakness in depth.

I meant to say this. Honest.

 

Re: I think

You can add Andrai Jones to that list.

 

Re: I think

I'd expect to see a few loaned out in due course

 

Re: I think

I think one of the reasons we have such a large squad is because catering for two different formations, 3-5-2 and 4-4-2. They will both be used throughout the season depending on the opposition.

We have several players that can play in a 3-5-2 but not in a 4-4-2 and vice versa.

Mellis isn't trusted to play in a flat midfield 4-4-2 but should excel behind the strikers in a 3-5-2.
Jennings and McCourt should provide enough creativity in a 4-4-2 for us to play two defensive midfielders but you wouldn't trust them to play as wing backs.
Kennedy is isn't physical enough to play in a centre back 2 but can be played in a 3.
Similarly M'Voto is suited to a 3 but is he reliable enough to play in a 2 where any mistakes are more likely to be punished?
O'Brien and RNL can play as wing backs but not as full backs.

I still think the squad is perhaps slightly too large and I don't think we'll see the likes of Hassell all season but after we loan a couple out it should be about right. If we get a couple of injuries we should have the cover so that it won't effect us. Of the fit players we had before Ramage signed, how many would you have trusted to play in a centre back two? The answer might possibly be none. We have M'Voto who is prone to mistakes and two full backs playing there.

 

Re: I think

Also, it sounds as though there are a lot more 'behind closed doors' games going on this season. Perhaps these games will allow players to maintain 'some' type of match fitness so that they can be used in first team games as/when needed.
Taking away the issue of money, for me it's more about consistency and understanding on the pitch and of course keeping the squad players happy. It's a bit of a luxury having a choice and competition for places. Can't remember the last time we had so many possible back 4 / midfield / striking combinations!

 

Lots by the looks of it.

18 experienced pros used in the 96-97 promotion season and that includes old man Regis with just 7 sub appearances. 5 of those 18 were home grown players. 6 if you include Bullock who was signed when just a youngster from a non-league side.

We then had a further 3 development squad type players (Ten Heuvel, Van Der Velden and Hurst) who made three starts and a handful of sub appearances between them.

21 players used in total. We've already used that many in our first 7 games this season. Hassell, Nyatanga, Cofie, McCourt, Ramage and Jones are still yet to feature and we've seen nothing of promising youngsters like Rose, Clark and Patterson.

I would imagine in the next few weeks we'll see the amount of players used reach 25 and if we're going to give our youngsters a go it has the potential to reach 30. That's before the loan window re-opens and before the new year transfer window.

Is that too many? I think so, but I doubt I'll complain if we secure a top half finish. If we're battling relegation again all season it seems to me that it's a massive waste of resources to pay a number of players to stay at home on a Saturday afternoon.

 

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