S-Clarke

It's simple really, we have no quality in depth. We have depth, but it's not good enough for this level, or the level we're aspiring to be at. Forte and Holmes for e.g are not good enough. So we need to move those on and get players in the squad that are good enough and will push the current first teamers. Our midfield position is great, Chaplow, Morgan, Hammond, Cork - all excellent players who are all pushing to start the game, great competition there and you don't worry if and when you have an injury or suspension because we have very good cover. Same can be said for the full back positions, and centre back to a point, but the area we do not have quality in depth is probably the most important area.....attack. We need another quality goal threat, someone who is genuine quality and good enough to walk into our team. That doesn't mean he will as he'll have to work for it, but it's that sort of competition we need up top otherwise we'll struggle. We've been fortunate up until now, because we've had a pretty fit squad all throughout the season but it's no surprise that our form starts to dip when our key players get injured.

I don't know, I'm quite excited by him to be honest and the views people in asia have of him. Seems to be a pretty decent international striker with a decent scoring record. If the fee is correct, 500k, then we're laughing really. £8m for Jay Rod, who has never played in the premiership or above championship, or £500k for this fella who has played international and scored in a high profile international final against Australia. If it happens It could be a masterstroke. We shall see.

There is intent to redevelop the training ground. The survey and the designs would have cost a decent wedge, the temporary buildings are also in place ready for when the old stuff is knocked down. That's not made up, you can see those in the videos every week. So the intention is there, it seems to just be a case of finding the right time so it doesn't affect the first team. Which is sensible, but then when will be the right time....?

Lambert is key to everything we do, take him out of our side and we really have no punch, no game plan and now attack. Our entire team and how we play is built around Lambert, and has been for the last 3 years. Taking him out would ruin us really, as you can see when he doesn't play... I also don't think anyone will bid silly money for him if I'm honest. The maximum I can see a premiership club bidding is around £4m, which we will laugh out of the building as it's not enough for what we'll loose. So I think we're safe. He seems the sort of player that'll stick with us for the rest of his career if I'm honest.

what a bummer, was hoping we'd get him as he's that goal threat from the middle we lack atm.

There were stories linking us with Driver a month or so back, and in the summer. Possibly some mileage. Decent winger.

Very good young player.

Is anyone getting similar feelings to that of the Jemal deal....? That was done and dusted....until the day he came to sign! This guy looks pretty certain though I must say, slightly different scenario.

Just forget him, he has serious issues quite clearly. Never settled anywhere and cannot stop moving around. He has talent and that's why some fans want him back, but he's destined to be a journeyman footballer in the lower leagues.

I thought it was a great interview from Dean tbh. Driven, passionate and well spoken. What you want to hear from your captain anyway.

If this was from football rumours the OP needs to be hung.

We will, yep. We play better against better teams, always has been the case. I expect us to beat Leicester, and we should beat Forest because of the way they setup and the clueless manager they have... We always see posts like this after we've lost a couple, and 99% of the time they are bounced back up at the end of the month because we've got 9 out of 9 or something. 7/9 points from this month, going into feb. on 54/55, probably wouldn't stay top but we'd still be there or there about's.

Neither Dickson or Holmes are good enough for us anymore in my eyes. Dickson wasn't great in L1 for us either. He'll probably go back there to be honest. Holmes was never the fastest player, but he's lost even more pace with his injuries and for a wide man he is very slow. I'd like to see him go out on loan and see if he can play 10/20 odd games though, would be good for him. Butters is injured afaik, has been carrying niggles most of the season.

To be honest he's stuttered at Arsenal because he's never really had a run in the team. Not a bad player at all though, and I remember when Arsenal signed him from Sevilla thinking that it's quite a good signing for them. Experienced, tall, strong...former international. A bit of a coup if you ask me, esp. when you'd say we're already well stocked at CB.

I'm not sure if this is a wind up post or not, but quite clearly they are suggesting the building work is being postponed due to where we are in the league, and the fact that they want the best possible environment to ensure we give it a good shot. Makes sense to me. Not sure why they didn't start it after we won promotion tbh.

this thread is great. We're not stalkers, honest.

Isn't he a CB? Good cover for CB for sure. You can say he's been gash for Arsenal, but look at the level he's playing at...compared to the level in the championship. He'll do fine at this level, and is awesome cover really.

I'd be surprised if he ever plays for us again.

Didn't Reeves start as a LB anyway? and at best a left midfielder? Interesting that he's being converted and changed into a striker, I think he could do with a loan spell tbh.

Don't disagree going with the squad players. But that attack is embarrasing to be honest....i'd give conners a start, get his fitness and form back for the league.

League games, yeah. We lost to Tranmere, and then Man Utd in the cup back to back in January though. Although that's not a disgrace.

Last league game we conceded 3 goals was Wolves away, April 10th 2009 in the championship. Last game in any comp. was Swindon in the JPT last season. It shows what an amazing few years we've had to be honest. We're not used to this.....let's hope it's not going to be regular!

Great report. Good to read a proper balanced report like that.

****ing hell, what scum. Disgusting.

Nope.