STFC Transfer Rumours

[OOH! SHAUN TAYLOR]

I feel like there is enough of the core returning next year for us to already have an affinity with the squad, especially considering we aren’t rebuilding yet again, which is a complete novelty as of late. I’m feeling confident, and it’s nice to know (at least somewhat) where our strengths and weaknesses lie

Completely agree. I really can't remember when the squad was so settled going into the pre season programme and it's a question of 'tweeks' and a few additions here and there rather than major surgery being required...the key for me was keeping the nucleus together and we've done/are doing that...

[Crozzer]

Most players in the squad weren't originally signed ny Oliie, as a famous BBC commentator would say - "quite remarkable".

[OOH! SHAUN TAYLOR]

Most players in the squad weren't originally signed ny Oliie, as a famous BBC commentator would say - "quite remarkable".

It is indeed. What we achieved in the second half of last season was mainly due to great coaching and management. Makes me think of Ossie's fantastic promotion winning side, renowned for their silky, free flowing football. Of the XI who trounced Sunderland at Wembley, only Kerslake was signed by Ossie. All the others were signed by 'Long Ball Lou' (who I loved, don't get me wrong)

[Ƭ̵̬̊: The Artist Formerly Known as CWIG]

Lewis Ward training with the club

People will laugh at this but for a league two number 2 keeper he is a great fit.

[No Longer Posh Red]

People will laugh at this but for a league two number 2 keeper he is a great fit.

Agreed, just don't want to rely on him for a full season

[Anonymous77]

People will laugh at this but for a league two number 2 keeper he is a great fit.

Good cup goalie aswell, hopefully not needed in the league.

[iParadise]

Im happy with Ward being number 2. He's much more reliable than Bycroft.

[Peter Venkman]

Ward is indeed a decent backup option but I wouldn't want to rely on him too many times in the league though but hes free, local and would probably be cheap and a bit more consistant than Bycroft. Ticks all the boxes.

[fuzzy]

Just had a keeper who is on the books at a Prem team in the shop looking for a bike for his nipper. Got talking about football due to certain colours being an obstacle before he said who he was. He asked about a few players at the club including Bycroft.

I explained that I had heard he was exploring other options as a result of Ripley signing a contract. We were both of the opinion that he could do well staying at Swindon and learning from Ripley but that looking for a slot with game time a better prospect made sense.

[horlock07]

If Ripley signs and Bycroft goes I can see him rolling up here as no.2 again....

I hope not, hes a bang average keeper who had 1 good game for us and several poor ones.

Ward is indeed a decent backup option but I wouldn't want to rely on him too many times in the league though but hes free, local and would probably be cheap and a bit more consistant than Bycroft. Ticks all the boxes.

Make yer mind up fella.... 

[Peter Venkman]

Make yer mind up fella....  

I did, bang average is good enough for a backup, Bycroft is not up to it and TBH hes cheap and on a free so I changed my mind on signing him as long as hes not 1st choice hes ok

Also as an aside....

I have come to the conclusion we wont be able to afford anyone better as a back up keeper because we pay shit wages.

[horlock07]

I did, bang average is good enough for a backup, Bycroft is not up to it and TBH hes cheap and on a free so I changed my mind on signing him as long as hes not 1st choice hes ok

Also as an aside....

I have come to the conclusion we wont be able to afford anyone better as a back up keeper because we pay shit wages.

Oh I agree, I was only being mischievous...

FWIW at this level I'm not sure you are ever going to get anyone above bang average to sign on as a no.2, even a youngster who is half decent could probably get a start elsewhere!

Ward is experienced, seems well liked, seems to like the club, seems happy to bench warm and is likely cheap, probably as good as we can expect to get without spaffing money which would seem to be a waste if its limited - a lower league modern day Tom Heaton....

[Peter Venkman]

FWIW at this level I'm not sure you are ever going to get anyone above bang average to sign on as a no.2, even a youngster who is half decent could probably get a start elsewhere!

Absolutely spot on there.

[Nemo]

Nothing wrong with Ward as a backup, will just cause a few of the usual suspects online to get carried away!

[Peter Venkman]

Nothing wrong with Ward as a backup, will just cause a few of the usual suspects online to get carried away!

Some of our fans especially on FB and Twatter have always rated Ward very very highly.

Hes always been adequate but he wont be challenging Connor the Ripper for a starting slot IMO.

I would put Ripley at the top of our keeper list for quality that we have had recently and certainly only bettered by the BFG under Wellens in recent years IMO.

We had a few pretty decent loan keepers in the last few seasons but they all had something missing, distribution, catching crosses, coming off their line or just shot stopping. Ripley seems pretty confident in all of those areas and he gives the defence a confidence that has been missing.