Nwakali isn't combative enough for the holding roll. He can make a key pass though, so I wouldn't write him off in a balanced 3 in midfield. He's not Ray McHale, but neither is Connell. Bland could be, but has not been given the time or support in that role. With Conor in charge that might be an option, sooner or later. We need to blood some of these talented youngsters, rather than getting crap loan players, otherwise the academy is a waste of time.
I think Connell has been OK last couple of seasons. Steady away. Decentish League 1 player. But worth nowhere near £1.2 million. With that kind of money we could get 2 midfielders who can put a tackle in to complement DKD, Phillips and Russell, both better than Connell, and buy a forward. It's a no brainier as far as I'm concerned. Season before he looked a bit better but I always thought he was overhyped. I wouldn't have minded playing with Kane and Phillips in front of me, while Kitching, Mads and Bobby Thomas were watching my back.
You think that we could get two midfielders and a forward of the quality we want for a measly £1.2 million? I'd be interested to know who these three players are.
Whilst I dispute that, let’s say it’s true. Some could in theory sign three for .million. Would they all come to us for a third each of Connell’s current weekly wage?
Not very good. Yet we’ve got a rival bidding that amount for him, other clubs with interest, and every game he didn’t play in last season we looked soft through the middle with teams essentially walking right through us. Did he have a good season? No. Does that mean he isn’t very good? No. We will sell him I imagine and he isn’t irreplaceable - but he will be a bigger miss, and harder to replace, than many would make out.
I won’t miss his shooting! Won’t it be ironic though if he comes back next season with Wycombe and scores one from 30 yards at the Ponty End.
He puts the tackle in, when needed does the dirty stuff, sometimes when not needed, gaining daft bookings. Will fit right in at Wycombe.
I especially love it when he just randomly kicks it nowhere and often straight out of play for no reason. It’s quite an art form for a cultured midfielder that some people reckon is worth 2m
You clearly don't share my view, but what about, for example, his sublime dummy to set up an excellent early goal for DKD?
It was getting to the point where Conor was hooking him, which rarely happened prior. Whenever the ball came to him he either hoofed it 50ft in the air, lost it, or put it straight out into touch. Whatever happened to him, the Connell in that first season no longer exists, certainly not in a red shirt, and doubly certain not Captain material. Best for both Club and player if he were to leave and we get a decent fee.