Squad Season 2021/22

[Lee On Solent Saint]

After another shit show of a performance, got me thinking about the squad for next season. I know our hands are tied in respect of transfer funds etc, but who would we like to see still playing for us next season. 

I'd quite happily sell at least two of the three keepers, none of them inspire much confidence. Probably have to keep Forster due to the wages. I always liked Krull at Norwich, so it's a shame that they have been promoted again. Fullbacks, obviously an area of huge weakness. Would only keep KWP, wouldn't renew Betrand's contract and also look to move on both Vokins and Valery. Not sure if Brandon Williams is the answer, really haven't seen enough of him to judge. Henry from Brentford has been mentioned, and it might be that pickings will be made available there if they don't go up this season. Central defenders, I like Bedernek, you don't play international football for Poland if you are shit. Vestergard, think I would look to move him on. Whilst he can ping the play about, I don't think he does the basics of defending that well. For tall guy, he just doesn't have the physical presence and lack of pace is really concerning. Jury is out on Salisu, he will either be amazing or a total flop. Big season for him next. Stephens, not going to get much better for a forth choice defender. 

Central midfielders don't think JWP and Romeou have done too much wrong and are definitely first choice there. Again, Diallo could go either way, needs a big season next year. No idea about Janewitz, seems he is off, but we will obviously need to replace him. Armstrong has been arguably player of the season and his form could see some bids being received for him, thinking the likes of West Ham, Leicester and Leeds would see him as a decent addition to their squads. Redmond, although I agree he has been poor this season, there is still a player in there. Having said that, I think he needs a move, so I think he would be one I would like to see move on. Djenpo is another one that hasn't kicked on from his early promise. Looked a real find early doors, but is far too inconsistent and rarely has an end product. Tella seems to have something about him, but needs to toughen up a bit, goes over in the penalty area far too easily for my liking. Think we should say thanks to Walcott for the season, but that's where it ends. For all the romance about him coming home, he hasn't really delivered. Doesn't look like Minamino has a future here either, I think Liverpool have told us he won't be moving, or at least not for the kind of fee we are looking to pay.

Seems inevitable that Ings is going, even with his injury record he is still going to be worth a punt for the likes of West Ham. He has proved his worth in a struggling team and it's not only his goals but his all round game that counts for so much. Adams, certainly he is a trier and never gives up. What he lacks in quality he makes up in effort, but as we know that's not enough in the Premier League. He's not a natural finisher but for what we paid, not sure we could have got any better. Ofembi has shown that he has an eye for goal, but he seems to be out of favour with Ralph, think he would be worth keeping for another year. Don't think Ndlandu is going to make it here. 

Anyone's guess what will happen to the players out on loan. Have to hope that Lemina and Hoedt find another loan as can't see anyone buying them. Mo Ely might find himself given another chance. 

We need to play the loan market cleverly next season. Two slots there, need to get the best we can within our means. Possibly enquire about Nathan Ake and Tammy Abraham, both probably out of our market though. Free transfers are going to be key as well. Not sure what the situation is with contracts, wouldn't be surprised if we offered Josh King something. 

So many questions posed for next season. 

 

[Saint_lambden]

McCarthy - ?. Back-up but wouldn't be bothered if he left to be honest

FF - Keep 

Lewis - Release. How on earth is he still here at 23? 

 

KWP - Keep. Our best player

Bertrand - Release. Been far too casual for about 3 years now with no competition

Vestergaard - Keep. Important with the diagonal balls out wide to the way we play and when he's aggressive he's a good defender. 

Bednarek - Keep. In a poor run of form and needs to be dropped but has shown he is capable at this level

Salisu - Keep. Erratic at times but will get better

Stephens - ?. Pretty tragic that he's on the money he is and has so long left on his deal. Would sell, but there won't be any takers realistically

 

JWP - Keep, but needs more competition so he's not a shoe-in every week

Romeu - Keep, so important for us

Diallo - Keep. Started off well but has been very poor for a while now. Gives the ball away far too easily but too soon to write-off yet. 

Smallbone - Sell. Still going to be out for a while in to next season but even when fit, I don't think he's good enough

Armstrong - Keep. Instrumental when on form but does have a trait to fade badly in games 

Djenepo - Sell (however unlikely). Another signing that just hasn't worked. He's like a headless chicken and hasn't found a clear role. Dives in way too much and injury prone as well

Walcott - Don't buy. Works hard and I'm sure he's a good influence around the place given his experience but technique wise he's League One level

Minamino - Don't buy. Unless it's a minimal fee, I can't see it being worth it. Don't think he really suits the league 

 

Ings - ?. Clearly our only decent finisher but if we're getting offered £15-20m for someone who doesn't look 100% committed to staying at his age then it'd be best to part ways

Adams - Keep. I do think we're a better team when he's in it, especially alongside Ings. Incredibly streaky with his goalscoring though and needs a proper attacking coach to work on his finishing. Drives me insane when he tries to hammer it as hard as he can every time he has sight of goal rather than placing when it's better to do so (chance v Spurs a classic example)

Tella - Keep. Used correctly, he could have a really good season in 21/22

Redmond - Sell. Had about 20 good games in 150+ appearances for us

Obafemi - Sell. More injuries than goals

 

On loan:

Gunn - Sell

Vokins - Sell. How the hell he got a 4 year deal last summer is beyond me. Even Sunderland don't rate him

Valery - Sell. Not good enough

Hoedt - Sell. To literally anyone

Lemina - Sell. Billy big bollocks 

Slattery - Sell

Sims - Release. Never going to make it

Hesketh - Release. See above

Elyounoussi - Sell. Sounds like Ralph wants to give him another chance but he's far too lightweight for English football. Like Tadic without the talent

 

So we need at least - 2 full-backs, CM, winger, striker (maybe 2 depending on Ings)

 

 

 

[Lighthouse]

KWP, Romeu, JWP and Armstrong. They're the only four players I genuinely give a sh*t whether they're here or not next season.

[S-Clarke]

Being honest, I think we need a rebuild of the lot. But I know we can't do that, so we have to try and polish the turd a bit.

GK:

McCarthy - Keep - decent backup, but pretty average truth be told. I think we will sign a new goal keeper next summer, not something for this window.

Forster - Keep - no one is going to buy him, so we might as well use him given what he's being paid.

Lewis - Leave. Not good enough, needs to leave for his sake.

RB:

KWP - Keep, no questions there.

Valery - Sell/release/free - whatever it is, no where near to the level required.

LB:

Bertrand - Release. Thank him for his service, he's been a great long-standing player for us. It's clear his legs have gone though and this is one position we 110% need to add to and improve on.

Vokins - Loan. I don't think he'll ever be good enough for us, but another loan won't do him any harm. He's not yet good enough to be backup for the PL though.

CB:

Bednarek - Keep. Solid, average PL defender. No more, no less

Vestergaard - Keep. Solid, decent ball playing PL defender. If a big bid comes in, upwards of £25m, then I'd be tempted. Otherwise, keep.

Salisu - Keep. Certainly has ability, needs to grow into the team. I just hope we don't try and shoehorn him in at LB just so he gets game time

Stephens - Keep - Squad player, decent to keep around. CB is probably our most covered area, so I'd be reluctant to reduce that.

RM:

Moussa - Sell. Not great, he's been here 2 seasons now and hasn't ever done anything. Looks too lightweight and we need better than him IMO. 

Armstrong - Keep. One of our best players, just needs to work on his fitness. He can't seem to last more than 40mins.

LM:

Redmond - Keep, but as a squad player. I'd be keen to either give Tella the birth or buy better in this position.

Tella - Keep - more game time I hope, I think he's one of the better 'winger' options we have to be honest.

Minamino - Let go. Doesn't look suited to this league, certainly wouldn't pay any fee for him.

CM:

JWP - Keep, nothing more to say there.

Diallo - Keep, again pretty decent young player

Romeu - Keep, no arguments. 

Jankewitz - Keep - I'd keep him, but I think we'll see him sold to be honest.

Smallbone - Loan. I like him, but after a bad injury I think he needs football so a loan will make sense.

ST:

Adams - Keep, good player. Handful for CB's. Needs to work on his finishing though, it lets the rest of his game down massively.

Ings - Keep, no question. The best attacker we have, when on song, we are on song. If we lose him and try to be clever with a replacement we are pretty much gone. He's our only source of goals really.

Theo - Keep. It's a tough one, if you look at his performances overall I think he's been no more than average. But when you think of what you're getting for free (plus wages)...it kind of feels like a no brainer in terms of adding some experienced depth to the squad.

N'Lundulu - Loan. Needs some regular games in my opinion in a lower league

Obafemi - Loan. See how he does with a season on loan, see if he can overcome these injuries and get a run of games.

Players on loan:

Elyonoussi - Keep/potential to sell if the money is right. I think the club will keep him as a squad player, adds another option in those front 3 positions and wide areas. I don't think he's particularly suited to the league, but we might as well keep him as we're not going to be buying anyone else, as we'd only be able to loan him out again.

Lemina - Sell - to anyone.

Hoedt - Sell - to anyone

Gunn - Sell - if we get a bid, but continue the loan at Stoke otherwise.

What we need:

For me, the priorities are clear. A new starting left back and a new squad full back, someone who can cover both left and right. An additional striker up top, if we loan out Obafemi and N'Lundulu I feel we need another 'powerful' option to play through the middle. I'd also be tempted to buy a new central midfielder, someone who is a different profile to what we have at the moment - a box to box style all action CM, we don't really have that. Lots of nice pivot players, but no one powerful who can go box to box. We need another attacking wide player too, Elyounoussi may well come back and provide more depth but we need a better winger than Moussa imo.

So, 4 or 5 additions (whilst retaining the core players of what we have) ..can we do that?

Edited 21 April, 2021 by S-Clarke

[Saint Garrett]

Got to say that's a very sensible approach SC, and the majority I probably agree with.  We're not going to be replacing 15 players like some are suggesting, we already have a relatively small squad.

I wouldn't be against losing one of the keepers and bringing in someone who is more suited, but that would cost money and we have to prioritise.

It's a really tough one, because when everyone is fit and on song, we are bloody brilliant, so we know we are capable.  Last night first half we were excellent, proper aggressive and at it, then we fell to pieces with one change.

I'd like Salisu to be starting next season, think he has the attributes to be an excellent player, and given he'll have a full pre season under his belt, I think that's a massive positive.  Wouldn't surprise me to see Vestergaard sold to raise funds, and Salisu to take his place alongside Bednarek.

I'd like to see an older head brought in in the middle of the park, which I'm not normally a fan of, but feel we need a bit more experience in the squad. Maybe not to play every week, but an alternative to Romeu assuming Jankewitz isn't going to be nurtured into that position.

It's a really difficult one, I don't think the players are "that bad", but the results suggest otherwise.

Palace have this lot out of contract, not sure if any of them could offer us anything...
Full list of expiring contracts here:
https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/premier-league/endendevertraege/wettbewerb/GB1


 

Edited 22 April, 2021 by Saint Garrett

[Toussaint]

10 hours ago, S-Clarke said:

Being honest, I think we need a rebuild of the lot. But I know we can't do that, so we have to try and polish the turd a bit.

GK:

McCarthy - Keep - decent backup, but pretty average truth be told. I think we will sign a new goal keeper next summer, not something for this window.

Forster - Keep - no one is going to buy him, so we might as well use him given what he's being paid.

Lewis - Leave. Not good enough, needs to leave for his sake.

RB:

KWP - Keep, no questions there.

Valery - Sell/release/free - whatever it is, no where near to the level required.

LB:

Bertrand - Release. Thank him for his service, he's been a great long-standing player for us. It's clear his legs have gone though and this is one position we 110% need to add to and improve on.

Vokins - Loan. I don't think he'll ever be good enough for us, but another loan won't do him any harm. He's not yet good enough to be backup for the PL though.

CB:

Bednarek - Keep. Solid, average PL defender. No more, no less

Vestergaard - Keep. Solid, decent ball playing PL defender. If a big bid comes in, upwards of £25m, then I'd be tempted. Otherwise, keep.

Salisu - Keep. Certainly has ability, needs to grow into the team. I just hope we don't try and shoehorn him in at LB just so he gets game time

Stephens - Keep - Squad player, decent to keep around. CB is probably our most covered area, so I'd be reluctant to reduce that.

RM:

Moussa - Sell. Not great, he's been here 2 seasons now and hasn't ever done anything. Looks too lightweight and we need better than him IMO. 

Armstrong - Keep. One of our best players, just needs to work on his fitness. He can't seem to last more than 40mins.

LM:

Redmond - Keep, but as a squad player. I'd be keen to either give Tella the birth or buy better in this position.

Tella - Keep - more game time I hope, I think he's one of the better 'winger' options we have to be honest.

Minamino - Let go. Doesn't look suited to this league, certainly wouldn't pay any fee for him.

CM:

JWP - Keep, nothing more to say there.

Diallo - Keep, again pretty decent young player

Romeu - Keep, no arguments. 

Jankewitz - Keep - I'd keep him, but I think we'll see him sold to be honest.

Smallbone - Loan. I like him, but after a bad injury I think he needs football so a loan will make sense.

ST:

Adams - Keep, good player. Handful for CB's. Needs to work on his finishing though, it lets the rest of his game down massively.

Ings - Keep, no question. The best attacker we have, when on song, we are on song. If we lose him and try to be clever with a replacement we are pretty much gone. He's our only source of goals really.

Theo - Keep. It's a tough one, if you look at his performances overall I think he's been no more than average. But when you think of what you're getting for free (plus wages)...it kind of feels like a no brainer in terms of adding some experienced depth to the squad.

N'Lundulu - Loan. Needs some regular games in my opinion in a lower league

Obafemi - Loan. See how he does with a season on loan, see if he can overcome these injuries and get a run of games.

Players on loan:

Elyonoussi - Keep/potential to sell if the money is right. I think the club will keep him as a squad player, adds another option in those front 3 positions and wide areas. I don't think he's particularly suited to the league, but we might as well keep him as we're not going to be buying anyone else, as we'd only be able to loan him out again.

Lemina - Sell - to anyone.

Hoedt - Sell - to anyone

Gunn - Sell - if we get a bid, but continue the loan at Stoke otherwise.

What we need:

For me, the priorities are clear. A new starting left back and a new squad full back, someone who can cover both left and right. An additional striker up top, if we loan out Obafemi and N'Lundulu I feel we need another 'powerful' option to play through the middle. I'd also be tempted to buy a new central midfielder, someone who is a different profile to what we have at the moment - a box to box style all action CM, we don't really have that. Lots of nice pivot players, but no one powerful who can go box to box. We need another attacking wide player too, Elyounoussi may well come back and provide more depth but we need a better winger than Moussa imo.

So, 4 or 5 additions (whilst retaining the core players of what we have) ..can we do that?

Agree with everything except Theo and Redmond, Theo has been woeful and will not improve next season. Redmond, (worse than Theo because at least Theo has the excuse of being in the twilight of his career), is probably still well regarded out there, so cash out.

Edited 22 April, 2021 by Toussaint

[Toussaint]

wrong thread

Edited 22 April, 2021 by Toussaint

[ErwinK1961]

10 hours ago, S-Clarke said:

Being honest, I think we need a rebuild of the lot. But I know we can't do that, so we have to try and polish the turd a bit.

GK:

McCarthy - Keep - decent backup, but pretty average truth be told. I think we will sign a new goal keeper next summer, not something for this window.

Forster - Keep - no one is going to buy him, so we might as well use him given what he's being paid.

Lewis - Leave. Not good enough, needs to leave for his sake.

RB:

KWP - Keep, no questions there.

Valery - Sell/release/free - whatever it is, no where near to the level required.

LB:

Bertrand - Release. Thank him for his service, he's been a great long-standing player for us. It's clear his legs have gone though and this is one position we 110% need to add to and improve on.

Vokins - Loan. I don't think he'll ever be good enough for us, but another loan won't do him any harm. He's not yet good enough to be backup for the PL though.

CB:

Bednarek - Keep. Solid, average PL defender. No more, no less

Vestergaard - Keep. Solid, decent ball playing PL defender. If a big bid comes in, upwards of £25m, then I'd be tempted. Otherwise, keep.

Salisu - Keep. Certainly has ability, needs to grow into the team. I just hope we don't try and shoehorn him in at LB just so he gets game time

Stephens - Keep - Squad player, decent to keep around. CB is probably our most covered area, so I'd be reluctant to reduce that.

RM:

Moussa - Sell. Not great, he's been here 2 seasons now and hasn't ever done anything. Looks too lightweight and we need better than him IMO. 

Armstrong - Keep. One of our best players, just needs to work on his fitness. He can't seem to last more than 40mins.

LM:

Redmond - Keep, but as a squad player. I'd be keen to either give Tella the birth or buy better in this position.

Tella - Keep - more game time I hope, I think he's one of the better 'winger' options we have to be honest.

Minamino - Let go. Doesn't look suited to this league, certainly wouldn't pay any fee for him.

CM:

JWP - Keep, nothing more to say there.

Diallo - Keep, again pretty decent young player

Romeu - Keep, no arguments. 

Jankewitz - Keep - I'd keep him, but I think we'll see him sold to be honest.

Smallbone - Loan. I like him, but after a bad injury I think he needs football so a loan will make sense.

ST:

Adams - Keep, good player. Handful for CB's. Needs to work on his finishing though, it lets the rest of his game down massively.

Ings - Keep, no question. The best attacker we have, when on song, we are on song. If we lose him and try to be clever with a replacement we are pretty much gone. He's our only source of goals really.

Theo - Keep. It's a tough one, if you look at his performances overall I think he's been no more than average. But when you think of what you're getting for free (plus wages)...it kind of feels like a no brainer in terms of adding some experienced depth to the squad.

N'Lundulu - Loan. Needs some regular games in my opinion in a lower league

Obafemi - Loan. See how he does with a season on loan, see if he can overcome these injuries and get a run of games.

Players on loan:

Elyonoussi - Keep/potential to sell if the money is right. I think the club will keep him as a squad player, adds another option in those front 3 positions and wide areas. I don't think he's particularly suited to the league, but we might as well keep him as we're not going to be buying anyone else, as we'd only be able to loan him out again.

Lemina - Sell - to anyone.

Hoedt - Sell - to anyone

Gunn - Sell - if we get a bid, but continue the loan at Stoke otherwise.

What we need:

For me, the priorities are clear. A new starting left back and a new squad full back, someone who can cover both left and right. An additional striker up top, if we loan out Obafemi and N'Lundulu I feel we need another 'powerful' option to play through the middle. I'd also be tempted to buy a new central midfielder, someone who is a different profile to what we have at the moment - a box to box style all action CM, we don't really have that. Lots of nice pivot players, but no one powerful who can go box to box. We need another attacking wide player too, Elyounoussi may well come back and provide more depth but we need a better winger than Moussa imo.

So, 4 or 5 additions (whilst retaining the core players of what we have) ..can we do that?

A pretty good summary overall there - though for me, one of the key areas we need to strengthen is the Number 10 roles.

Redmond hasnt been good enough for a long time.

Tella is a good prospect, but wouldnt want him starting every week.

Djenepo offers very very little.

Walcott - I was quite keen to retain, but the last few weeks I've flipped on that. If he wasnt an old academy product, then I don't think many people would want to keep him, he's not really done a great deal.

Minamino - offered very little.

Armstrong has been very good, but we are let down badly by any other source of creativity / goals, which I think has a knock on effect to how we want to play. Because of the serious lack of quality, it feels like we have to commit so many numbers forward to try and look a threat, we leave ourselves badly exposed at the back. When we try and be solid defensively, we offer absolutely nothing going forward because the front 3-4 cannot create anything out of the limited opportunities they would get.

But as mentioned, we don't have a pot to p*** in, so no chance we'll strengthen anywhere like we need to. Can't see anything other than a relegation scrap next year, and we know how good we are in a scrap.

[Ivan Katalinic's 'tache]

1 hour ago, Saint Garrett said:

Got to say that's a very sensible approach SC, and the majority I probably agree with.  We're not going to be replacing 15 players like some are suggesting, we already have a relatively small squad.

I wouldn't be against losing one of the keepers and bringing in someone who is more suited, but that would cost money and we have to prioritise.

It's a really tough one, because when everyone is fit and on song, we are bloody brilliant, so we know we are capable.  Last night first half we were excellent, proper aggressive and at it, then we fell to pieces with one change.

I'd like Salisu to be starting next season, think he has the attributes to be an excellent player, and given he'll have a full pre season under his belt, I think that's a massive positive.  Wouldn't surprise me to see Vestergaard sold to raise funds, and Salisu to take his place alongside Bednarek.

I'd like to see an older head brought in in the middle of the park, which I'm not normally a fan of, but feel we need a bit more experience in the squad. Maybe not to play every week, but an alternative to Romeu assuming Jankewitz isn't going to be nurtured into that position.

It's a really difficult one, I don't think the players are "that bad", but the results suggest otherwise.

Palace have this lot out of contract, not sure if any of them could offer us anything...
Full list of expiring contracts here:
https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/premier-league/endendevertraege/wettbewerb/GB1


 

Be honest now - are you Ian Branfoot? Do you want to make us the new Crystal Palace? 😀

[S-Clarke]

8 hours ago, ErwinK1961 said:

A pretty good summary overall there - though for me, one of the key areas we need to strengthen is the Number 10 roles.

Redmond hasnt been good enough for a long time.

Tella is a good prospect, but wouldnt want him starting every week.

Djenepo offers very very little.

Walcott - I was quite keen to retain, but the last few weeks I've flipped on that. If he wasnt an old academy product, then I don't think many people would want to keep him, he's not really done a great deal.

Minamino - offered very little.

Armstrong has been very good, but we are let down badly by any other source of creativity / goals, which I think has a knock on effect to how we want to play. Because of the serious lack of quality, it feels like we have to commit so many numbers forward to try and look a threat, we leave ourselves badly exposed at the back. When we try and be solid defensively, we offer absolutely nothing going forward because the front 3-4 cannot create anything out of the limited opportunities they would get.

But as mentioned, we don't have a pot to p*** in, so no chance we'll strengthen anywhere like we need to. Can't see anything other than a relegation scrap next year, and we know how good we are in a scrap.

I don't disagree with the views, I probably factored in the '10' role into the wide players to be honest. I think any wide player we sign (I hope we do) needs to be able to operate across the entire front 3  and drop back to a 10 in my opinion. I'd dump Moussa to raise funds, certainly - but i guess you have to weigh up on which one creates more value, Redmond or Moussa? I wouldn't be fussed if either went really.

Theo, not been great, i agree. I'm torn really, I keep flipping. He's a player who can look good in bursts, but overall he has been nothing but average - as well as a big injury thrown into the mix. The only reason for me keeping him is the fact that you'll struggle to find similar PL/CL and International experience for free. For free, it's probably worth the risk to keep him around for 1 year with an option. I'm just thinking from the money point of view, we won't have the money to buy anyone with his equal experience...so we might as well take him.

Edited 22 April, 2021 by S-Clarke

[Forester]

Seems lots of people forgot Long!

For my part the following are the players I would want to retain, including those I would consider loaning out.  For absence of doubt, both inbound loans Theo and Minamino would be sent back to their clubs.  Everyone else would be on the list to release or sell

Forster, McCarthy

KWP, Bednarek, Vest, Salisu, Stephens, Vokins 

Romeu, JWP, Diallo, Smallbone, Jank 

Redmond, Teller, Armstrong

Ings, Adams, Obafemi

 

This means selling, releasing or returning around 13 or 14 players which would free up substantial wage headroom.  Look to bring in  five or six players, specifically two fullbacks (one who can play either side), defensive midfielder, two strikers and a flair/creative ten (ideally someone like Lallana or Tadic five years ago).  

[Baird of the land]

11 hours ago, Saint Garrett said:

Got to say that's a very sensible approach SC, and the majority I probably agree with.  We're not going to be replacing 15 players like some are suggesting, we already have a relatively small squad.

I wouldn't be against losing one of the keepers and bringing in someone who is more suited, but that would cost money and we have to prioritise.

It's a really tough one, because when everyone is fit and on song, we are bloody brilliant, so we know we are capable.  Last night first half we were excellent, proper aggressive and at it, then we fell to pieces with one change.

I'd like Salisu to be starting next season, think he has the attributes to be an excellent player, and given he'll have a full pre season under his belt, I think that's a massive positive.  Wouldn't surprise me to see Vestergaard sold to raise funds, and Salisu to take his place alongside Bednarek.

I'd like to see an older head brought in in the middle of the park, which I'm not normally a fan of, but feel we need a bit more experience in the squad. Maybe not to play every week, but an alternative to Romeu assuming Jankewitz isn't going to be nurtured into that position.

It's a really difficult one, I don't think the players are "that bad", but the results suggest otherwise.

Palace have this lot out of contract, not sure if any of them could offer us anything...
Full list of expiring contracts here:
https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/premier-league/endendevertraege/wettbewerb/GB1


 

Didn't realise Schlupp was out of contract. Could be a useful addition and act as competition at left back for whoever we sign as our main prospect.

Edited 22 April, 2021 by Baird of the land

[Saint Garrett]

20 hours ago, Ivan Katalinic's 'tache said:

Be honest now - are you Ian Branfoot? Do you want to make us the new Crystal Palace? 😀

More the fact they could offer us a bit of experience and they’d be “free” and we’re skint. 

[Sarnia Cherie]

23 hours ago, Saint Garrett said:

Got to say that's a very sensible approach SC, and the majority I probably agree with.  We're not going to be replacing 15 players like some are suggesting, we already have a relatively small squad.

I wouldn't be against losing one of the keepers and bringing in someone who is more suited, but that would cost money and we have to prioritise.

It's a really tough one, because when everyone is fit and on song, we are bloody brilliant, so we know we are capable.  Last night first half we were excellent, proper aggressive and at it, then we fell to pieces with one change.

I'd like Salisu to be starting next season, think he has the attributes to be an excellent player, and given he'll have a full pre season under his belt, I think that's a massive positive.  Wouldn't surprise me to see Vestergaard sold to raise funds, and Salisu to take his place alongside Bednarek.

I'd like to see an older head brought in in the middle of the park, which I'm not normally a fan of, but feel we need a bit more experience in the squad. Maybe not to play every week, but an alternative to Romeu assuming Jankewitz isn't going to be nurtured into that position.

It's a really difficult one, I don't think the players are "that bad", but the results suggest otherwise.

Palace have this lot out of contract, not sure if any of them could offer us anything...
Full list of expiring contracts here:
https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/premier-league/endendevertraege/wettbewerb/GB1


 

Please not Christian Benteke. He couldn't score in a brothel.

[qwertyell]

40 minutes ago, Sarnia Cherie said:

Please not Christian Benteke. He couldn't score in a brothel.

Scored 6 this season. Che Adams has scored 7 (from more appearances).

[tajjuk]

On 22/04/2021 at 09:40, Saint Garrett said:

It's a really tough one, because when everyone is fit and on song, we are bloody brilliant, so we know we are capable.  Last night first half we were excellent, proper aggressive and at it, then we fell to pieces with one change.
 

This is the problem, we need more quality depth and players suited to playing Ralph's style because we know when we have that we are very good. 

Unfortunately only about 6 or 7 of our starters are actually both of these things, good and able to play his style, and they also obviously get knackered. 

I would say we need -

• Probably a replacement for Ings as I reckon he's going but hopefully not, plus one other striker because Redmond, N'dulu, Long, Obafemi are not good enough, so we need 3 decent strikers for two spots, either Ings and Adams +1, or Adams +2 and one of those needs to be good.

 

• A new no 10, this should be a priority and where the most investment goes IMO, Armstrong is excellent but tends to fade, everyone else here has flattered to deceive Djenepo, Redmond, Minamino, Wallcott, all offer something on their day, but their day is too infrequent. Tella is a good prospect here and should be 4th choice for this position to continue his development and hopefully pushes to start with continued improvement (but we have to wary he could be another Sims who has the odd flash game but never kicks on).  I'd probably look to sell Redmond and Djenepo to raise funds, seems likely Walcott will sign, so I think sign a quality starter, and have Walcott and Tella as the other options is probably the best we can do here given finances (but ideally I'd like to see two new players here to improve the team). 

 

• A new first choice left back. Whether Bertrand goes or not I think he is declining and at 32 and the way we play we need someone with really pace and an engine who gets up and down all day, I don't think Bertrand is this now. 

 

• Brandon Williams to provide quality cover for both sides. He's never going to get into that Man Utd team with the way Shaw is playing and Wan Bissaka, plus they have Telles now as well.  I would imagine he wants out even more seeing as he was denied moving to us on loan (and he would have been really useful) in Jan and then has barely played a minute.  I reckon a loan to buy and he can provide good competition to both sides.  

 

• A 4th centre-mid would be great, but might be stretching what we have to work with. Diallo I think is a good player and will improve, started very well just gone off form and with Romeu being injured we have little choice to keep playing him.  Jankevitz could be this player, he is highly rated but Ralph doesn't seem to trust him so maybe cash in on him and get someone else in. 

 

• Centre-backs are fine unless Vestergaard goes. Bednerak is solid mid table ish centre-back, Vestergaard is good, and Salisu has potential to be very good I think and Stephens is a solid enough squad option (though may want more game time).

 

• Keepers I'd love to upgrade because I don't think any of them are good enough, but they are not terrible either so I reckon we'll still have McCarthy and Forster battling it out next season and once Forsters contract has run down then we'll get a new keeper I reckon. (or Gunn finds his potential)

 

So priorities IMO - No. 10, Striker, left back, squad right back/left back option. 

If we can push it then - centre-mid, another striker. 

Ideal/dream options - another no. 10 and new no. 1 GK.  

 

Those options are then have to flexible depending on Vestergaard and Ings contract situations.  

I mean if we went into next season with -

Forster/McCarthy

KWP, Vestergaard (with new contract), Salisu/Bednerak, new quality LB (+ Williams to back up both sides)

Armstrong, JWP, Romeu, New quality no.10/winger (+ Tella & Wallcott) 

Ings (with new contract), new striker (+ Adams) 

Then I'd be pretty damn happy and think we'd have a chance of challenging top 8 ish. 

 

Edited 23 April, 2021 by tajjuk

[Lee On Solent Saint]

On 22/04/2021 at 09:40, Saint Garrett said:

Got to say that's a very sensible approach SC, and the majority I probably agree with.  We're not going to be replacing 15 players like some are suggesting, we already have a relatively small squad.

I wouldn't be against losing one of the keepers and bringing in someone who is more suited, but that would cost money and we have to prioritise.

It's a really tough one, because when everyone is fit and on song, we are bloody brilliant, so we know we are capable.  Last night first half we were excellent, proper aggressive and at it, then we fell to pieces with one change.

I'd like Salisu to be starting next season, think he has the attributes to be an excellent player, and given he'll have a full pre season under his belt, I think that's a massive positive.  Wouldn't surprise me to see Vestergaard sold to raise funds, and Salisu to take his place alongside Bednarek.

I'd like to see an older head brought in in the middle of the park, which I'm not normally a fan of, but feel we need a bit more experience in the squad. Maybe not to play every week, but an alternative to Romeu assuming Jankewitz isn't going to be nurtured into that position.

It's a really difficult one, I don't think the players are "that bad", but the results suggest otherwise.

Palace have this lot out of contract, not sure if any of them could offer us anything...
Full list of expiring contracts here:
https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/premier-league/endendevertraege/wettbewerb/GB1


 

Always liked Townsend. He seems to have more end product than either Redmond or Djenpo. Van Aanholt would be a decent addition too, although I would suspect that Ralph is going to pull out all the stops to try again for Brandon Williams.

[Ed Rooney]

GK....McCarthy/New

RB....KWP/New

LB...2 x New (A LB that can play RB also would be good)

CB... Stephens out one in 

Midfield - Attack minded Central Mid (do not sign Walcott) 

Striker - Replacement for Ings and Challenger for Adams 

Get rid:

Redmond 

Djenepo

Forster

Stephens 

Bertrand 

Ings (unless we can stop him) 

All those out on loan 

Oh and a new formation 

 

 

 

Edited 23 April, 2021 by Ed Rooney

[Lighthouse]

11 minutes ago, Lee On Solent Saint said:

Always liked Townsend. He seems to have more end product than either Redmond or Djenpo. Van Aanholt would be a decent addition too, although I would suspect that Ralph is going to pull out all the stops to try again for Brandon Williams.

I was going to suggest PVA too but a quick Google suggests Galatasaray are prepared to offer him a 3 year deal and I wouldn't be offering a 31 year old that length of contract personally. IF we could get someone like Lemina off the wage bill, together with Bertrand, then perhaps we could offer him a reasonable 2 year deal and get Williams. 

[Lee On Solent Saint]

14 minutes ago, Lighthouse said:

I was going to suggest PVA too but a quick Google suggests Galatasaray are prepared to offer him a 3 year deal and I wouldn't be offering a 31 year old that length of contract personally. IF we could get someone like Lemina off the wage bill, together with Bertrand, then perhaps we could offer him a reasonable 2 year deal and get Williams. 

Yeah, think Van A is out of our reach which is a shame. The trouble we have is, that the players we want to shift our so average that we just can't find buyers for them. I hate the idea of further loans for them, but seems we have no choice when it comes to the likes of Hoedt and Lemina. I also find it madness that we have agreed to send Gunn back on another loan to Stoke. I don't rate him that much and, although I know he has been out with an injury, he doesn't seem to have pulled up too many trees there. I appreciate we paid decent money for him, but I would have looked to sell even if it meant taking a hit on the fee.

[the saint in winchester]

Thanks for S-Clarke for the template. My take on it.

GK:

McCarthy - Keep - decent backup. Agreed.

Forster - Keep - no one is going to buy him, so we might as well use him given what he's being paid. Agreed.

Lewis - Leave. Not good enough, needs to leave for his sake. Agreed. Replace with (insert name) who has the potential to challenge first choice 2.

RB:

KWP - Keep, no questions there. Agreed.

Valery - Sell/release/free - whatever it is, no where near to the level required. Agreed. We have Ramsay, haven't seen enough of him to make a judgement.

LB:

Bertrand - Release. Thank him for his service, he's been a great long-standing player for us. It's clear his legs have gone though and this is one position we 110% need to add to and improve on. Agreed. Rico Henry ideally. Otherwise a left footed version of KWP - young, determined and expected to improve.

Vokins - Loan. I don't think he'll ever be good enough for us, but another loan won't do him any harm. He's not yet good enough to be backup for the PL though. Agreed. Maybe an old head to cover the young'un when needed.

CB:

Bednarek - Keep. Solid, average PL defender. No more, no less. Agreed.

Vestergaard - Keep. Solid, decent ball playing PL defender. Think the offer will come in and we'll sell. Gary Cahill or Mamadhou Sakho on a free?

Salisu - Keep. Certainly has ability, needs to grow into the team. The future of our club, apparently. Looks good, regular place next season.

Stephens - Keep - Squad player, decent to keep around. Agreed.

RM:

Moussa - Sell. Not great, he's been here 2 seasons now and hasn't ever done anything. Agreed. Not suited to physicality of EPL.

Armstrong - Keep. One of our best players, just needs to work on his fitness. He can't seem to last more than 40mins. Agreed.

LM:

Redmond - SELL to Norwich.

Tella - Keep - more game time I hope, I think he's one of the better 'winger' options we have to be honest. Agreed. 

Minamino - BUY if under £10M. The guy looks quality, terrific work ethic. Criminally underused and could be a bargain buy.

CM:

JWP - Keep, nothing more to say there. Agreed, but he doesn't have to play every game.

Diallo - Keep, again pretty decent young player. Agreed, but he needs to prove himself next season.

Romeu - Keep, no arguments. Agreed.

Jankewitz - Keep - I'd keep him, but I think we'll see him sold to be honest. Agreed, an all respects. Give him another chance, Ralph.

Smallbone - Loan. I like him, but after a bad injury I think he needs football so a loan will make sense. Unsure.

ST:

Adams - Keep, good player. Handful for CB's. Needs to work on his finishing though, it lets the rest of his game down massively. Needs to improve his game.

Ings - SELL, no question. We have to sell to highest bidder. Would love to get Tammy Abraham, but may have to be a cheaper overseas player.

Theo - Keep. It's a tough one, if you look at his performances overall I think he's been no more than average. But when you think of what you're getting for free (plus wages)...it kind of feels like a no brainer in terms of adding some experienced depth to the squad. Agreed.

N'Lundulu -Sell, loan, anything. Not good enough for an EPL side.

Obafemi - Sell, Loan, anything. Think he will always be injured more often than not.

[CB Fry]

If Andros Townsend played for us this forum would be saying he is shit with no end product.

One goal this season, one goal last season (plenty of appearances).

His assist stats no better than Redmond either.

 

[S-Clarke]

22 hours ago, Forester said:

Seems lots of people forgot Long!

For my part the following are the players I would want to retain, including those I would consider loaning out.  For absence of doubt, both inbound loans Theo and Minamino would be sent back to their clubs.  Everyone else would be on the list to release or sell

Forster, McCarthy

KWP, Bednarek, Vest, Salisu, Stephens, Vokins 

Romeu, JWP, Diallo, Smallbone, Jank 

Redmond, Teller, Armstrong

Ings, Adams, Obafemi

 

This means selling, releasing or returning around 13 or 14 players which would free up substantial wage headroom.  Look to bring in  five or six players, specifically two fullbacks (one who can play either side), defensive midfielder, two strikers and a flair/creative ten (ideally someone like Lallana or Tadic five years ago).  

I forgot about Long, I honestly thought he was on loan at Bournemouth to play out his contract. But he's still got a f**ing year left!

Great.

He should have been given a 12 month deal with a 1 year option at the most.

So he's another one I'd let go by whatever means, as he's on a fairly decent wage and taking up a position which could be used for a player who could actually contribute.

[S-Clarke]

6 hours ago, CB Fry said:

If Andros Townsend played for us this forum would be saying he is shit with no end product.

One goal this season, one goal last season (plenty of appearances).

His assist stats no better than Redmond either.

 

I think he was fairly close to joining us at one point, but we chose Redmond instead. I think it was a case of one or the other at the time, but truth be told they're both fairly similar players to be honest. Average with a capital A. Capable of a couple of purple moments but not worth the outlay he'd want.