The Squad List (2024/25 Edition)

[Boydy]

Yeah, I've never quite fathomed that one. Not complaining mind you...

I remember when we signed him all the Crawley rumours were the every player had been offered a lower deal than they were already on after being promoted. Which was why they lost so many in the summer.

[OOH! SHAUN TAYLOR]

I assume it had sweet FA to do with the level & more so to do with the contract.
You’d take L2 on a longer contract & better wage than L1 on a shorter contract & lower wage.
Particularly when you’re in your mid to late 20s & the dream of rising up the leagues to the top is long gone.

Well yes, that's perfectly logical. But given his previous record and what he's done for us this season season (when have you ever seen a centre back taking corners, free kicks, long throw ins, pens?)... I'm amazed that our offer was the best on the table...

[Pericardinho]

Will Wright is a back 3 centre back.
He’s the luxury ball player with the more defensive defenders either side of him. That his role.
His defending gets exploited when he plays in a 2 or in a 3 with Clarke who is actually a midfielder.

Not too dissimilar to Dion Conroy in that respect. His ball playing abilities outranking his defensive abilities.

That's fine, but that's essentially building a team around a centre back so that he can spray some passes about. A lot of faffing there isn't it?

A Centre back that can only play in a 3 is going to be a bit useless in a Holloway system that will eventually evolve into a permement 4 (you would think)

I don't know. This isn't a Will Wright bashing from me, i just remain sceptical of us defensively if he's ever present again next season. Especially in a 4.

[DV]

That's fine, but that's essentially building a team around a centre back so that he can spray some passes about. A lot of faffing there isn't it?

A Centre back that can only play in a 3 is going to be a bit useless in a Holloway system that will eventually evolve into a permement 4 (you would think)

I don't know. This isn't a Will Wright bashing from me, i just remain sceptical of us defensively if he's ever present again next season. Especially in a 4.

No I see your point - like a lot of players these days he’s a system player.
Very good player in his role in a system that’s plays to his strengths but a weaker player when asked to play outside the system.

If Holloway wants a flat back 4 then maybe Wright is worth shifting to right back. Slightly less defensive responsibilities & high probability of playing further up the pitch.

[tans]

Holloway saying we will be priced out of keeping Tshimanga if we want to keep him

[Nemo]

I wouldn't hate to see Tshimanga back again, but if he's even above averagely salaried in our squad he should not be a priority. Certainly not a budget-stretcher.

[horlock07]

Holloway saying we will be priced out of keeping Tshimanga if we want to keep him

One would assume that behind the scenes budget wrangling has started and Holloways sudden proliferation of budget quotes is party of an offensive to put pressure on to get said budget as high as possible.

[Riddick]

No way should we be considering Tshimanga. His ability to take a penalty means fuck all compared to his affect on most games.

I'm hoping with Holloway rebuilding the squad, that he actually gets some fast/wide forwards in next season. That was the biggest gap in the Kennedy squad, it was so heavily built around 5-3-2 that we had nobody (well maybe longelo) that could play the wide role in a traditional front 3.

[Batch]

No way should we be considering Tshimanga. His ability to take a penalty means fuck all compared to his affect on most games.

Agreed.

I think he's a useful squad player but not worth breaking the bank for.

[Peter Venkman]

Agreed.

I think he's a useful squad player but not worth breaking the bank for.

I fully agree that we shouldnt pay over the "average wage" for him, but, he has scored 12 goals from just 27 starts (40 in total) even if half of those were penalties they still have to be converted.

Hes ended the season better than he started it, but then so has everyone under Holloway TBF.

[jayohaitchenn]

I'd take Tshimanga, price depending

[OOH! SHAUN TAYLOR]

I'd take Tshimanga, price depending

I think that's where I'm at. Yes the price has to be right but for me, the key with this squad is that 'the total is greater than the sum of the parts'...of course skill and ability are important but this squad is built around a work ethic and team spirit i.e players not complaining about being subbed, not starting... senior players taking responsibility etc. Tshimamga clearly buys into this ethos  and there is a lot to be said for that... and as we well know, those pens don't kick themselves into the net

[Nomoreheroes]

I fully agree that we shouldnt pay over the "average wage" for him, but, he has scored 12 goals from just 27 starts (40 in total) even if half of those were penalties they still have to be converted.

Hes ended the season better than he started it, but then so has everyone under Holloway TBF.

Except for Sobowale 😢

[Anonymous77]

Botan Ameen nominated for EFL League Two Apprentice of the Season. Article also mentions he’s received another call up for Iraq U20’s next month.

[Bob's Orange]

Based on the snippets I've seen Ameen looks a tremendous talent. He's got great balance and trickery and he looks to have tremendous potential. If we can get him signed up under a pro contract he could net the club millions if he can become a regular in the side. Best prospect since Twine i guess. (McGregor I guess you can also put in the same talent basket.)

We're these Adam Hart's project players out of interest?