The Squad List (2023/24 Edition)

[Wobbly Bob]

Is 2023 tracking to be STFC's worst ever calendar year in terms of worst results at the lowest level? Have we ever had a worse year in the 4th tier...?

In terms of seasons then 2024-25 would equal our longest stint in the bottom tier at 4 years.
We could still nick a play off spot this season & emerge in L1 which could open up a whole new debate about funding.
Failing that we could also emulate 85-86 next season & win the league with over a 100 points.

Too many variables.
Yeah, last season was certainly a low ebb.
The transition from Trollope to Beamish seasons might have been worse.
As it stands we've possibly not hit the low tide mark as yet.

[ThreeDrawsMentality]

In fact, it's very likely we already pulled in any future fees through that factoring deal, otherwise, why do it?

Exactly. Solve cashflow issues in the short term by impacting cashflow issues in the future, rinse and repeat.

Know a lot of other clubs higher up do it, but I wonder if this was another indication Clem was looking to sell. Sort out immediate cashflow issues as the impact will be experienced at the detriment of a future owner.

[tans]

In fact, it's very likely we already pulled in any future fees through that factoring deal, otherwise, why do it?

Agreed, i suspect this has already been paid via a pay day loan

[Mooneyraker]

In terms of seasons then 2024-25 would equal our longest stint in the bottom tier at 4 years.
We could still nick a play off spot this season & emerge in L1 which could open up a whole new debate about funding.
Failing that we could also emulate 85-86 next season & win the league with over a 100 points.

Too many variables.
Yeah, last season was certainly a low ebb.
The transition from Trollope to Beamish seasons might have been worse.
As it stands we've possibly not hit the low tide mark as yet.

I'm not talking seasons. I'm talking Jan-Dec. 2023 has been a stinker.

We've won 12 games in the league from 39 games I think. 10 draws, 17 defeats. A 31% win rate.

1983 saw 47 games, 15 wins, 11 draws, 21 defeats. A 32% win rate.

Our cup record was better in 83, so....

Yes, possibly tracking for our worst calendar year ever. #Competitive

[Wobbly Bob]

I'm not talking seasons. I'm talking Jan-Dec. 2023 has been a stinker.

We've won 12 games in the league from 39 games I think. 10 draws, 17 defeats. A 31% win rate.

1983 saw 47 games, 15 wins, 11 draws, 21 defeats. A 32% win rate.

Our cup record was better in 83, so....

Yes, possibly tracking for our worst calendar year ever. #Competitive

The Jody Morris factor.
However like you I was prepared or should that be resigned to letting him have a crack at the summer window.
Fortunatley promotion or relegation isn't decided in a calendar year at least until the Saudis buy up all of the major international competition hosting rights & the pre season anticipation starts in October / November.

[Mooneyraker]

The Jody Morris factor.
However like you I was prepared or should that be resigned to letting him have a crack at the summer window.
Fortunatley promotion or relegation isn't decided in a calendar year at least until the Saudis buy up all of the major international competition hosting rights & the pre season anticipation starts in October / November.

Flynn's record is now broadly comparable and he had a transfer window.

[Wobbly Bob]

Flynn's record is now broadly comparable and he had a transfer window.

Aye.
Should the club get rid if he has a worse record than say Phil Brown after the same number of games?
The contract extension has made an early exit somewhat problematic should the need arise.

[ChalkyWhiteIsGod]

If Clem and team actually had any intention of doing anything substantial, they'd already have worked a deal for Kemp in August, at worst, they'd have sewn it up in the last few weeks.  The fact we took him and Young on loan said it all about our recruitment budget, and that we left a loan spot on the table.

You mean there were signs the budget wasn't competitive a long long time ago?

Huge, if true.

[Jimmy HaveHave]

Lots of talk about the players being over worked due to lack of depth
1985/86 season, only 19 outfield players used over 46 league games plus 10 cup games, only one sub allowed and no goalie chosen!

[Nemo]

Lots of talk about the players being over worked due to lack of depth
1985/86 season, only 20 outfield players used over 46 league games plus 10 cup games, only one sub allowed and no goalie chosen!

Aye and half the players smoked and almost all of them drank. Not sure 1986 is particularly representative of modern football!

[Jimmy HaveHave]

Aye and half the players smoked and almost all of them drank. Not sure 1986 is particularly representative of modern football!

Maybe not a representative of modern football but it proves they just knuckled down and got on with it and irrespective of them drinking etc they were obviously super fit.

[swindonmaniac]

Aye and half the players smoked and almost all of them drank. Not sure 1986 is particularly representative of modern football!

Ah, yes,  but they were still fitter than what we have at the moment.

[Mooneyraker]

Lots of talk about the players being over worked due to lack of depth
1985/86 season, only 19 outfield players used over 46 league games plus 10 cup games, only one sub allowed and no goalie chosen!

Only 1 sub means that you have almost two full elevens to rotate match to match though…

[Jimmy HaveHave]

Only 1 sub means that you have almost two full elevens to rotate match to match though…

You still could as you don’t have to fill the bench!

[Mooneyraker]

How many outfield players have we used in the League this season? It must be less than 20