As threatened a continuation of the defender’s post. The object is to pick players who will be willing to come and are of good L2 standard. I tried to pick players who are 20-24 or so and who will improve and hopefully go on and become L1 standard. Loan players are included. If we loan a Southampton player for exam[le and he will only get to L1 standard, he’s no real use to them. If he’s in our building we have first crack at picking him up for free.
Players like Lee Evans suggested by Frank would be an excellent signing, I just don’t think he’d come; or if he did he’d be so expensive he would restrict money for other areas of the squad. Sadly, I think the same is true of Helm and Powell from Burton who would be excellent signings and are both out of contract.
In principle no defensive midfielders because we already have 3.
Left Mids
Alex Gilbert Middlesborough Bench player at the Riverside, getting minutes here and there. Could do with a full season of 1st team football if Boro could be persuaded to let him go.
Dara Costelloe Burnley Dundee No review would be complete without looking at the herd of players Dundee accumulated. Dara got mixed reviews in Scotland, from utter shite at St Johnston to great flying winger in Dundee first team. Worth a scout in what is a problem position.
Charlie Reilly Dundee Arbroath A couple of seasons ago Charlie was the great white hope, his goals almost single handedly keeping Albion in the Scottish league. Scouted by the Old Firm he opted for Dundee where it all went wrong. A niggle kept him out, couldn’t get his game and another niggle stopped a loan to Arbroath from taking off. He would definitely be worth a scout and a trial, if we could get him going, he would be very good.
Centre Mids
Alex Lowry Rangers Hearts Great hopes for Alex at Ibrox but never really fired off at Tynecastle. Dropping down to L2 could be what he needs to show he can cut it as a full time first teamer.
Aaron Lyall Airdrie Rangers Another Alex Lowry except that he has proved that he can play very well in the Jamie Devitt role. L2 would be a step up for Aaron, good move for all.
Conn Clarke Altringham A dozen people have mentioned him. A dozen clubs are looking at him. At 22 he looks a great prospect, very good stats, not just goals but ground covered, pass accuracy etc. I just fear he’ll have better offers and his agent is getting the auction started.
Josh Sims Ross C A player who was one of the standout performers for Doncaster when they were in the 3rd division Josh headed north. A quick creative attacking midfielder he was always going to struggle in a team designed to have 11 players behind the ball at all times. Stated his aim to move back to England, would be far beyond L2 if he hits the highs again.
Charlie McCann FGR I said no defensive mids but apparently I lied. Very good stats, looking to move closer to home to escape Mince’s experiment. Would be better than the defensive midfielders we have.
Olley, Sbarra 28/26 years old. Both have been getting great stats for years in the conference. We could afford both for the cost of Conn Clarke.
Right Mids
Megwa Hibs Airdrie Another better going forward than back but quick, strong, can beat a man and cross with either foot. Has really impressed at Airdrie this season.
Hakeeb Adelakun Lincoln Doncaster Joined on loan at Christmas and immediately won L2 player of the month. 27 so little development opportunity but an excellent L2 player.
Apter Blackpool Tranmere Had a great season at Tranmere on loan, dribbles, goals, very good. Not sure if he would join us if he can stay at Tranmere, money maybe, but one to watch.
Kyle McAllister FGR Put this guy in because someone recommended him. Stats are a wee bit average to be honest, but playing in a struggling team. Scottish so obviously an intelligent player. Could be a decent squad player.
I guess before we make decisions on players we need to decide on tactics and roles. Are we going to have attacking midfielders or will the wide players attack? Or the dreaded wing backs that failed so spectacularly last year?