The Squad List (2024/25 Edition)

[Processed Beats]

It's just another poorly built squad, isn't it. Not sure what kind of team we have in that department now but if it's Holloway, Caffrey, Kiely or some other mysterious person, it's clear that they just aren't very good at their job.

For two or three seasons running now, we have recruited players for one system with one game plan. That's not how you build a squad. We should have multiple options, multiple systems, multiple game plans but I suppose when you have a dinosaur in charge (out of football for four years, I wonder why...) and an owner determined to do everything on the cheap, this is always going to be the result. An imbalanced squad full of sick notes (Clarke, Delaney), cast offs (Oldaker, Ball) and players who just aren't very good (Wright I am looking at you).

It's depressing.

[theakston2k]

On a side note, there seems to be a building clamour for Ward to start. Do people honestly not remember how poor he is? His kicking would be even more erratic and aimless than Ripley’s.

[Batch]

I've no idea how the Ward fan club started.

He's a great option to have as backup, but that's it.

[Boydy]

Ward is the new JSW now Jamie's retired.

He's fine if you need someone to step in, like on Saturday, but he absolutely is not a first choice keeper at this level.

[JoeMezz]

I've no idea how the Ward fan club started.

He's a great option to have as backup, but that's it.

More because of the frustration at Ripley. People felt like he could have done better with the freekick at Cardiff, goal at Oldham and the 2nd last night. It's starting to add up

[Nemo]

I don't think it would happen with a youth keeper on the bench, there's a fair chunk of people who genuinely think Lewis Ward is a good L2 keeper. Those people are mad, but they are real.

[Nomoreheroes]

I think the question about Ripley is whether he is fit enough to play?

- Did he not come out to stop the second vs Barnet because his thigh injury means he can't run?
- Did the one against Oldham happen because he couldn't push off his leg to jump?
- Is he carrying too much timber?

If he is not fit enough to play, then Ward is a capable deputy. But he will make mistakes and you wouldn't want to rely on him all season.

[Bob's Orange]

Are people seriously suggesting Ripley was at fault for the Cardiff free kick that rocketed right into the top corner?

[Nomoreheroes]

Are people seriously suggesting Ripley was at fault for the Cardiff free kick that rocketed right into the top corner?

No. I think they mean the one that he saved by palming to the forward's feet.

[Crozzer]

I think the question about Ripley is whether he is fit enough to play?

- Did he not come out to stop the second vs Barnet because his thigh injury means he can't run?
- Did the one against Oldham happen because he couldn't push off his leg to jump?
- Is carrying too much timber?

If he is not fit enough to play, then Ward is a capable deputy. But he will make mistakes and you wouldn't want to rely on him all season.

Smith out adds a different dimension, Ripley's clearances are largely intended to find Smith. So, without Smith, why play a goalie that may be carrying an injury?  The best option is to not aggravate an injury to the starting goalie if one exists. The second goal last night meant nothing in terms of the three points, but Ripley looked injured in not coming out to smother the danger.  He was good on his line all game and made decent saves.  The entire defence needs revamping, especially without Smith being available to head out set pieces.  Team selection for must not lose Saturday will be fascinating.

[iParadise]

I don’t get why people have turned on Ripley. He did nothing wrong yesterday, in fact he kept us in the game with some great saves. Is it really because of the cult of Ward?

[Crozzer]

I don’t get why people have turned on Ripley. He did nothing wrong yesterday, in fact he kept us in the game with some great saves. Is it really because of the cult of Ward?

His second half display at Oldham on Saturday was exemplary.  He made the League Two team of the week.  He kept the Town in the game last night until late on last night with at least two great saves.   He looks to be carrying an injury.  I would rather worry about the alleged defenders in front of him, rather than faulting him for not being Lev Yashin.

[theakston2k]

His second half display at Oldham on Saturday was exemplary.  He made the League Two team of the week.  He kept the Town in the game last night until late on last night with at least two great saves.   He looks to be carrying an injury.  I would rather worry about the alleged defenders in front of him, than faulting him for not being Lev Yashin.

Exactly this. Putting Ward in goal would just add another problem we really don’t need, the players would suddenly start second guessing back passes as we know Ward is calamitous with ball at feet.

[Bob's Orange]

No. I think they mean the one that he saved by palming to the forward's feet.

So from a corner, rather than a free kick then? Personally I don't think he was at fault for either goal at Cardiff but unlike our dinosaur of a manager I respect opinions.

[Kinky Tom]

The one against Oldham, saying he's out of position when the ball comes in from the side it does is clutching at straws, you stay further away to begin with as it's easier to come toward it than back away.  If it goes the other side of him I bet the same people still say he's out of position, so which is it?