| Topic of the summer - squad quality and areas for new players?? 10:12 - May 3 with 2101 views | unstableblue |
Looking back at how brutal the Premiership campaign was, and the fact that teams such as Brentford, Everton, Brighton, Leeds, have actually improved further. Below is a harsh critique of the current squad (with age) and where we need new players to meet the 25 squad members with enough quality for survival.
Position - starter (in brackets the back up player):
Goalkeeper - Walton 30 (Palmer 29, xx)
Right back - xxx (Furlong 30)
Right CB - OShea 27 (Kipre 29)
Left CB - xxx (Greaves 25)
Left back - xxx (Davis 26)
Defensive mid - xxx (Matusiwa 28)
Progressive mid - xxx (Taylor 27)
Right Attack - xxx (McAteer 24, Egeli 19)
Number 10 - xxx (Nunez 26)
Left Attack - Philogene 24 (Clarke 25)
Striker - xxx (xxx, xxx)
10 players?! And to be honest you have to have continuity so Greaves and Matusiwa probably start the first game.
But 10 new players is pretty unlikely - how many did we bring in this summer? And how many did Sunderland?
Who would you keep from the departing
Button
Young (retired)
Johnson
Townsend
Baggot
Neil
Cajuste
Azon
Hirst
Akpom
Mehmeti |  |
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| Topic of the summer - squad quality and areas for new players?? on 10:17 - May 3 with 1862 views | TRUE_BLUE123 |
Change to a back 3/5
New GK
New RWB
DOS
New CB
Greaves
Leif
New CM
New CM (maybe Azor but not sure)
New RW
New ST
Jaden/Clarke |  |
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| Topic of the summer - squad quality and areas for new players?? on 10:20 - May 3 with 1823 views | DublinBlue84 |
| Topic of the summer - squad quality and areas for new players?? on 10:17 - May 3 by TRUE_BLUE123 |
Change to a back 3/5
New GK
New RWB
DOS
New CB
Greaves
Leif
New CM
New CM (maybe Azor but not sure)
New RW
New ST
Jaden/Clarke |
As much as I love Leif he's a mid table Championship player defensively even if he can do a job at a higher level going forward.
It's noticeable that when Leif plays against the better sides in this division and in the Prem, he's hugely exposed. We need to upgrade. |  |
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| Bellevue Blue also done a good thread on this on 10:27 - May 3 with 1763 views | unstableblue |
26/27 Squad Building Thread by Bellevue_Blue 3 May 10:15Now that the dust has settled, time to speculate on what next season’s squad might look like…
GK: New, Walton, New
RB/RWB: New, Johnson
RCB: O’Shea, New
LCB: New, Greaves
LB/LWB: Davis, New
DM: Matusiwa, New
CM: New, Taylor
RW: New, Burns
CAM: New, Mehmeti, Nunez
LW: New, Clarke, Mehmeti
ST: New, New, Hirst
Maybe I’m being ruthless, but I think we need 13 new signings, 8 new starters with a few being U21 to satisfy the 25 man squad rules. Sunderland made 14 last summer for context.
Sell
Philogene (Not sure it’s ever quite clicked on the left. Think we need a different profile to the out-and-out flair of Philo/Clarke/Mehmeti)
Humphreys (Needs to find a home, lower Champ presumably)
Szmodics (Clearly destined for an exit)
Muric (Presumably heading to Serie A)
Harry Clarke (I think he will want to settle somewhere)
Palmer (Great Champ goalie who deserves to be playing)
Ogbene (Recoup what we can)
Loan
Furlong (Relishes the dark arts, won’t work with VAR)
Baggott (Needs a full season playing before we give up on him)
McAteer (Needs to play regularly, loan to the Championship)
Egeli (Clearly needs minutes at CAM, Championship loan feels like a risk)
Kipré (Great that we signed him so cheap, but we need better)
Slicker (Hopefully gets minutes in L1 or L2)
End of loan
Azon
Neil
Cajuste (Decline the option)
Akpom (If we can get out of it)
Release
Chappers
Townsend
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| Topic of the summer - squad quality and areas for new players?? on 10:29 - May 3 with 1753 views | HighgateBlue |
As to your list at the end, I wouldn't be devastated to lose any of them.
Don't know what to think of Johnson. Probably not good enough for the Prem, but has versatility. If we have 3 genuine squad places for a number 9, Hirst probably stays as third choice. He has the knowledge to help the new recruits understand our system (assuming McKenna stays).
Townsend has never done anything wrong, but I can't see us tackling the Prem with him and Davis as the two LBs. The last year has been harsh on him, but I think we upgrade there.
Azon I'm afraid hasn't shown Prem quality, despite his strengths and likeability. I think we just have to take our chances in the Prem, and he is sadly the opposite of clinical. Think of how we would have fared last time if Delap had missed the target more often.
Mehmeti I'm confused by. Hot then cold. Kieran will know the answer.
The others can go.
Burns has probably been decided on already, and he's earned the right to do what he wants. He was our best RW this season, in a sea of cash spent trying to replace him. |  | | |
| Topic of the summer - squad quality and areas for new players?? on 10:34 - May 3 with 1710 views | TRUE_BLUE123 |
| Topic of the summer - squad quality and areas for new players?? on 10:20 - May 3 by DublinBlue84 |
As much as I love Leif he's a mid table Championship player defensively even if he can do a job at a higher level going forward.
It's noticeable that when Leif plays against the better sides in this division and in the Prem, he's hugely exposed. We need to upgrade. |
Leif Davis was top 5 I think in the premier league for chances created last time he was there. He played left back in a flat back 4 which had absolutely 0 cover from midfield and had largely terrible centre back play.
Move him to a more traditional wing back and let him do what he does best. It also should be noted that in the premier league you need athletes. Our squad lacks athletes, Leif is a superb athlete with an elite engine and top speed. | |
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| Topic of the summer - squad quality and areas for new players?? on 10:38 - May 3 with 1681 views | DublinBlue84 |
| Topic of the summer - squad quality and areas for new players?? on 10:34 - May 3 by TRUE_BLUE123 |
Leif Davis was top 5 I think in the premier league for chances created last time he was there. He played left back in a flat back 4 which had absolutely 0 cover from midfield and had largely terrible centre back play.
Move him to a more traditional wing back and let him do what he does best. It also should be noted that in the premier league you need athletes. Our squad lacks athletes, Leif is a superb athlete with an elite engine and top speed. |
Yet he was exposed time and time again defensively and so many goals came down his side. People are blinded by his attacking strengths which are clearly good enough for a higher level that they don't see he's nowhere near up to Premier League standard defensively.
In a team that is at the upper echelons of a league, you can get away with it, but at a time who is likely to be fighting relegation Davis' weaknesses are going to be exposed like they were on a regular basis last season. | |
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| Topic of the summer - squad quality and areas for new players?? on 10:39 - May 3 with 1692 views | StockholmBlue |
Similar to my thougts. Here is my summary:
GOALKEEPERS
Walton – keep
Palmer – maybe keep
Walton have been great this year and deserves to be kept for another go in the PL. Palmer is a stable alternative and of similar quality. If we can´t find a clear number one we can just as well keep the two of them. If we can find a clear number one that would possibly have to be instead of Palmer– but there are other areas that possibly is more important to invest.
DEFENDERS
Furlong – keep
B Johnson – would prefer an upgrade. Someone that is better defensively, stronger, more physical. But don´t mind if he is kept on as a third option on both right and left side.
O-Shea – keep
Greaves-keep
Kipre – need an upgrade, I think he will struggle with the pace in the PL. To undecisive and slow in decision making. His passing not good enough. Preferably someone that goes in as our number one at left side CB.
Baggot – send out on loan and buy someone that gives O´Shea a fight for the shirt.
Davies- in my eyes he is a liability in the PL defensively and has not contributed enough in attack the last two years. Either keep and buy someone that can fight with Leif for the shirt, or sell and buy two new leftbacks; one in the mould of Leif and one more defensively stable. Personally I want us to go for Elliot Stroud in Mjällby (Sweden) that I think is an upgrade on Leif, better defensively and probably also in attack. He is in the Swedish national team and has a great future. Would be able to buy for a bargain about 3m pounds.
Townsend- feel sorry for him. Thought he was decent and did well when given the chance. Think that it is a big questionmark what level he can come back to given his age and long injury.
Young- retiring.
So to sum up the defence. 4-5 out; Kipre, Baggot, Young and Townsend out, and perhaps also Johnson out. 4-5 new in; right back, righsided CB, leftsided CB (first choice) and 1-2 leftbacks.
MIDFIELDERS
Matusiwa – keep (as second choice)
Neil- not to be offered any contract
Taylor- sell, not good enough defensively nor in attack. Championship is his ceiling, we need better.
Cajuste, big disappointment this year. Don´t mind if he leaves, but is ok if he remaines as cover/third choice in his position (number 8) if he can be bought cheaply.
Summary, 2-3 out; we say goodbye to Taylor, Neil and perhaps Cajuste. 3 new in; we need a new first choice number 6 and two new number 8s. Perhaps Hackney could be one of the 8s, if he wants to come and if the price is right. One player that I like that maybe can come quite cheap is Malick Yalcouye at Brighton (loaned to Swansea this year) and used to play for IFK Gothenburg 2 years ago. Young (21 years), with great ability and big engine. Think he can really develop into something special. He would be the other number 8 together with Hackney – he is probably to unexperienced to be bought as our first choice number 8. Another alternative as the second number 8 is Otto Rosengren at Malmö FF. Good movement, covers a lot of space. Great age.
ATTACKERS
Philogene – keep
Clarke – keep
Nunez – has not showed enough to think he will be good enough for the PL. There is some talent, so can be kept as a second choice number 10.
Mehmeti – has not showed enough to think he will be good enough for the PL. There is some talent, so can be kept as a second choice number 10.
McAteer - keep
Burns – thank you for everything, wonderful player and person. Time to go separate ways though, big questionmark about his fitness next year in PL, so he deserves to go elsewhere and get a good contract somewhere.
Egeli -loan out to championship club (where he is likely to play)
Hirst – keep
Azon – if we can avoid buying him (depending on contract situation) we should, If we have to buy him from obligation – we need to sell him asap. Not good enough for the championship, PL will be an embarrassment. Great attitude, lacking in ability. We need to score goals, so need a proper first choice striker through the doors.
Akpom – same as Azon – not good enough for the PL.
Summary; 5 out; Burns time is up, Azon and Akpom not good enough, Egeli out on loan and one of Mehmeti and Nunez need to be sold. 4-5 new players required; new first choice striker the most important one. We also need a a first choice right sided winger (with McAteer second choice), and a first choice number 10 (with one of Nunez or Mehmeti second choice). On top of those it would be good with a more physical and fast winger that can play on the left as alternative to Clarke and Philogene, and a second or third choice striker – perhaps a loan from one of the top clubs – to compete with Hirst for the second striker role.
I understand that is a lot of ins and outs, which might not be possible regarding budget or preferable as it might be too many new players to settle in once again, but ultimately that is what I would like to see.
I am happy to hear we have invested in international scouts which I think will be handy this time around. We can´t depend on mostly recruiting from the championship. [Post edited 3 May 10:55]
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| Ipswich Town FC since 1981 |
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| To the point of moving to a back 5 - think of the SPURS set-up on 10:46 - May 3 with 1624 views | unstableblue |
| Topic of the summer - squad quality and areas for new players?? on 10:17 - May 3 by TRUE_BLUE123 |
Change to a back 3/5
New GK
New RWB
DOS
New CB
Greaves
Leif
New CM
New CM (maybe Azor but not sure)
New RW
New ST
Jaden/Clarke |
————————-Palmer
———Tuanzebe-OShea-Burgess
Johnson—Morsy——-Cajuste——-Davis
—-Hutchinson——Delap——Szmodics
This really worked - and had a lot to do with Tuanzebe and Johnson. | |
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| Topic of the summer - squad quality and areas for new players?? on 10:51 - May 3 with 1584 views | TRUE_BLUE123 |
| Topic of the summer - squad quality and areas for new players?? on 10:38 - May 3 by DublinBlue84 |
Yet he was exposed time and time again defensively and so many goals came down his side. People are blinded by his attacking strengths which are clearly good enough for a higher level that they don't see he's nowhere near up to Premier League standard defensively.
In a team that is at the upper echelons of a league, you can get away with it, but at a time who is likely to be fighting relegation Davis' weaknesses are going to be exposed like they were on a regular basis last season. |
Leif created 25% of our chances last season. He was 3rd in the league for fullbacks in accurate crosses. His top speed was the 4th highest in the whole league.
I’m not disagreeing he has some defensive deficiencies but I also want to give him some leeway given his midfield cover was
Cajuste (can’t run)
Phillips (can’t run)
Morsy (love him but couldn’t really run)
You aren’t going to be able to change your whole team it’s just not possible but Leif has premier league qualities that not many in our squad have and it’s up to the coaches to find a way to utilise those and try and mask the defensive issues. That’s why I think a back 3 is better it leaves him less 1v1 defending to do near the box. | |
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| Topic of the summer - squad quality and areas for new players?? on 10:55 - May 3 with 1533 views | unstableblue |
| Topic of the summer - squad quality and areas for new players?? on 10:51 - May 3 by TRUE_BLUE123 |
Leif created 25% of our chances last season. He was 3rd in the league for fullbacks in accurate crosses. His top speed was the 4th highest in the whole league.
I’m not disagreeing he has some defensive deficiencies but I also want to give him some leeway given his midfield cover was
Cajuste (can’t run)
Phillips (can’t run)
Morsy (love him but couldn’t really run)
You aren’t going to be able to change your whole team it’s just not possible but Leif has premier league qualities that not many in our squad have and it’s up to the coaches to find a way to utilise those and try and mask the defensive issues. That’s why I think a back 3 is better it leaves him less 1v1 defending to do near the box. |
I’m on the fence with Leif starting in Prem.
I do think if we play the spurs game system (see not above), Leif more a RWB and greaves can effectively bolster Leif defensively.
Then Davis could work.
You make a good point that Cajuste or Phillips weren’t mobile enough to protect him.
That box to box left centre mid role will be the key signing of the summer. | |
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| Great post - a few things on 10:59 - May 3 with 1508 views | unstableblue |
| Topic of the summer - squad quality and areas for new players?? on 10:39 - May 3 by StockholmBlue |
Similar to my thougts. Here is my summary:
GOALKEEPERS
Walton – keep
Palmer – maybe keep
Walton have been great this year and deserves to be kept for another go in the PL. Palmer is a stable alternative and of similar quality. If we can´t find a clear number one we can just as well keep the two of them. If we can find a clear number one that would possibly have to be instead of Palmer– but there are other areas that possibly is more important to invest.
DEFENDERS
Furlong – keep
B Johnson – would prefer an upgrade. Someone that is better defensively, stronger, more physical. But don´t mind if he is kept on as a third option on both right and left side.
O-Shea – keep
Greaves-keep
Kipre – need an upgrade, I think he will struggle with the pace in the PL. To undecisive and slow in decision making. His passing not good enough. Preferably someone that goes in as our number one at left side CB.
Baggot – send out on loan and buy someone that gives O´Shea a fight for the shirt.
Davies- in my eyes he is a liability in the PL defensively and has not contributed enough in attack the last two years. Either keep and buy someone that can fight with Leif for the shirt, or sell and buy two new leftbacks; one in the mould of Leif and one more defensively stable. Personally I want us to go for Elliot Stroud in Mjällby (Sweden) that I think is an upgrade on Leif, better defensively and probably also in attack. He is in the Swedish national team and has a great future. Would be able to buy for a bargain about 3m pounds.
Townsend- feel sorry for him. Thought he was decent and did well when given the chance. Think that it is a big questionmark what level he can come back to given his age and long injury.
Young- retiring.
So to sum up the defence. 4-5 out; Kipre, Baggot, Young and Townsend out, and perhaps also Johnson out. 4-5 new in; right back, righsided CB, leftsided CB (first choice) and 1-2 leftbacks.
MIDFIELDERS
Matusiwa – keep (as second choice)
Neil- not to be offered any contract
Taylor- sell, not good enough defensively nor in attack. Championship is his ceiling, we need better.
Cajuste, big disappointment this year. Don´t mind if he leaves, but is ok if he remaines as cover/third choice in his position (number 8) if he can be bought cheaply.
Summary, 2-3 out; we say goodbye to Taylor, Neil and perhaps Cajuste. 3 new in; we need a new first choice number 6 and two new number 8s. Perhaps Hackney could be one of the 8s, if he wants to come and if the price is right. One player that I like that maybe can come quite cheap is Malick Yalcouye at Brighton (loaned to Swansea this year) and used to play for IFK Gothenburg 2 years ago. Young (21 years), with great ability and big engine. Think he can really develop into something special. He would be the other number 8 together with Hackney – he is probably to unexperienced to be bought as our first choice number 8. Another alternative as the second number 8 is Otto Rosengren at Malmö FF. Good movement, covers a lot of space. Great age.
ATTACKERS
Philogene – keep
Clarke – keep
Nunez – has not showed enough to think he will be good enough for the PL. There is some talent, so can be kept as a second choice number 10.
Mehmeti – has not showed enough to think he will be good enough for the PL. There is some talent, so can be kept as a second choice number 10.
McAteer - keep
Burns – thank you for everything, wonderful player and person. Time to go separate ways though, big questionmark about his fitness next year in PL, so he deserves to go elsewhere and get a good contract somewhere.
Egeli -loan out to championship club (where he is likely to play)
Hirst – keep
Azon – if we can avoid buying him (depending on contract situation) we should, If we have to buy him from obligation – we need to sell him asap. Not good enough for the championship, PL will be an embarrassment. Great attitude, lacking in ability. We need to score goals, so need a proper first choice striker through the doors.
Akpom – same as Azon – not good enough for the PL.
Summary; 5 out; Burns time is up, Azon and Akpom not good enough, Egeli out on loan and one of Mehmeti and Nunez need to be sold. 4-5 new players required; new first choice striker the most important one. We also need a a first choice right sided winger (with McAteer second choice), and a first choice number 10 (with one of Nunez or Mehmeti second choice). On top of those it would be good with a more physical and fast winger that can play on the left as alternative to Clarke and Philogene, and a second or third choice striker – perhaps a loan from one of the top clubs – to compete with Hirst for the second striker role.
I understand that is a lot of ins and outs, which might not be possible regarding budget or preferable as it might be too many new players to settle in once again, but ultimately that is what I would like to see.
I am happy to hear we have invested in international scouts which I think will be handy this time around. We can´t depend on mostly recruiting from the championship. [Post edited 3 May 10:55]
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You’re right to call out Townsend. He actually was quite effective in the prem as a more orthodox right back. But he won’t be good enough.
I think one of Johnson or Furlong may have a role next season, be interesting to see if McAteer could play deeper. His engine is remarkable.
Like you I’m not sure Matusiwa can do it at the top level. BUT, and it’s a big BUT, we need some continuity from this season… you can’t swap a whole team
And I think Walton, oshea, greaves, and Clarke with possibly Davis and Matusiwa - they can give us a consistent spine | |
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| Topic of the summer - squad quality and areas for new players?? on 11:03 - May 3 with 1480 views | WeWereZombies |
Looking at the players we put on the pitch yesterday, only a handful have never played in the Premier League: Matusiwa, Mehmeti, Azon and Núñez, although McAteer's Premier League experience is a few minutes for Leicester against a well beaten Newcastle.
So the point that I want to make is that a 'rip it up and start again' approach is not for the best. Finally, after months of waiting for the team to gel and things to click, a winning side emerged that were playing for each other and perhaps the less experienced at the highest level like Matusiwa and Mehmeti were some of the most cohesive players.
Every game in the Premier League will test Town to a greater degree than ones this season and we will clearly need more depth in the squad in terms of experience and ability but I would hope that McKenna (hopefully still in post) and Ashton (or whoever) can identify five or six targets, land them and, most importantly, integrate them into, say, two thirds of the season just gone's squad over a full pre-season so that we start the campaign as we mean to go on - with a team that plays for each other from start to finish, that goes out to win each game and that has a reasonable expectation of doing so...and if we can't them we limit the damage enough to survive for another season in the Premier League. |  |
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| To the point of moving to a back 5 - think of the SPURS set-up on 11:06 - May 3 with 1449 views | TRUE_BLUE123 |
| To the point of moving to a back 5 - think of the SPURS set-up on 10:46 - May 3 by unstableblue |
————————-Palmer
———Tuanzebe-OShea-Burgess
Johnson—Morsy——-Cajuste——-Davis
—-Hutchinson——Delap——Szmodics
This really worked - and had a lot to do with Tuanzebe and Johnson. |
Yep, some of our best performances last season (almost all of them) were in this system. It gave us width and bailed out the midfield a lot more. | |
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| Topic of the summer - squad quality and areas for new players?? on 11:08 - May 3 with 1439 views | TRUE_BLUE123 |
| Topic of the summer - squad quality and areas for new players?? on 10:55 - May 3 by unstableblue |
I’m on the fence with Leif starting in Prem.
I do think if we play the spurs game system (see not above), Leif more a RWB and greaves can effectively bolster Leif defensively.
Then Davis could work.
You make a good point that Cajuste or Phillips weren’t mobile enough to protect him.
That box to box left centre mid role will be the key signing of the summer. |
The midfield is absolutely vital. We need more mobility in there and probably a bit more height and physicality.
Ive made the case for Leif above, but to me it is a case of building a solid base around him to mask what he's not good at and boost what he is good at. | |
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| Topic of the summer - squad quality and areas for new players?? on 11:11 - May 3 with 1422 views | Pinewoodblue |
While we haven’t completed celebration yet the demolition squad are eager to start knocking everything down.
Crazy to think that only two of yesterday’s starters are considered good enough to be first choice next season.
Worth remembering that four players who started against Exeter four years ago also started yesterday.
I’m more concerned that Ashton’s time will be too split between planning further developments and getting the squad balance right.
If you try to do two jobs you end up not doing either as well as you could. We need an independent chairman. [Post edited 3 May 11:17]
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| Great post - a few things on 11:13 - May 3 with 1408 views | StockholmBlue |
| Great post - a few things on 10:59 - May 3 by unstableblue |
You’re right to call out Townsend. He actually was quite effective in the prem as a more orthodox right back. But he won’t be good enough.
I think one of Johnson or Furlong may have a role next season, be interesting to see if McAteer could play deeper. His engine is remarkable.
Like you I’m not sure Matusiwa can do it at the top level. BUT, and it’s a big BUT, we need some continuity from this season… you can’t swap a whole team
And I think Walton, oshea, greaves, and Clarke with possibly Davis and Matusiwa - they can give us a consistent spine |
I agree, and I think I put it as well, that we can not have a whole new team to settle in at once. That is why I hesitated to put first and second choice when describing the needs. When I put first choice I essentially mean they need to have the quality to be fighting for a starting place emediately. | |
| Ipswich Town FC since 1981 |
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| Topic of the summer - squad quality and areas for new players?? on 11:20 - May 3 with 1335 views | Sugito |
Goalkeepers: Think Walton has deserved a chance to challenge for the starting spot in PL, Palmer is a good Championship level keeper but his xG prevented has been surprisingly low during both seasons here, so prbably would move him on along with Muric. Bring in someone to challenge Walton for starting spot and an experienced head to replace Button to be the third choice. Slicker out on loan again.
CBs: OShea, Greaves and Kipre are solid foundations; bring one more in mainly to challenege Greaves
RB: Keep Furlong, one in to challenge him. Don't really know what to do with Johnson, don't see him playing this position in the Prem also don't fancy him too much as LB or RW at that level, but can we move him on? Clarke will be moved on.
LB: Davis needs a challenger, don't think Townsend will be at that level after a year off.
DM: A challenger for Matusiwa. For the other role we'll need both a starter and a backup. Don't see us taking the option on Cajuste, Taylor will need to move on, hopefully we'll finally find a Championship loan for Humphreys
LW: As we have a number of more urgent priorities to bring in, I'd settle for what we have re LW. Clarke and Philogene are both good enough for now and we also have Mehmeti to play there
AM: Same as LW, Nunez and Mehmeti are good enough for now, although we might bring in a player who could play either AM/ST (not Akpom though) or AM/RW. If we have to purchase Akpom I think we'll need to move him on.
RW: Again we'll need to spend big on this position: Burns seems to be leaving, Ogbene should move on, Walle Egeli needs a loan, McAteer is good enough as a backup: bring in a starter plus maybe another one who is adept playin either as a striker or attacking mid in addition
ST: I think we'll keep Hirst, but Azon will probably return to Como. Need two in here and this can't be let to drag on for too long.
I think there's a lot of enthusiasm to bring new players in but as we saw this season the gelling will take time and we don't have that in the Prem. | | | |
| Topic of the summer - squad quality and areas for new players?? on 11:21 - May 3 with 1321 views | TRUE_BLUE123 |
| Topic of the summer - squad quality and areas for new players?? on 11:20 - May 3 by Sugito |
Goalkeepers: Think Walton has deserved a chance to challenge for the starting spot in PL, Palmer is a good Championship level keeper but his xG prevented has been surprisingly low during both seasons here, so prbably would move him on along with Muric. Bring in someone to challenge Walton for starting spot and an experienced head to replace Button to be the third choice. Slicker out on loan again.
CBs: OShea, Greaves and Kipre are solid foundations; bring one more in mainly to challenege Greaves
RB: Keep Furlong, one in to challenge him. Don't really know what to do with Johnson, don't see him playing this position in the Prem also don't fancy him too much as LB or RW at that level, but can we move him on? Clarke will be moved on.
LB: Davis needs a challenger, don't think Townsend will be at that level after a year off.
DM: A challenger for Matusiwa. For the other role we'll need both a starter and a backup. Don't see us taking the option on Cajuste, Taylor will need to move on, hopefully we'll finally find a Championship loan for Humphreys
LW: As we have a number of more urgent priorities to bring in, I'd settle for what we have re LW. Clarke and Philogene are both good enough for now and we also have Mehmeti to play there
AM: Same as LW, Nunez and Mehmeti are good enough for now, although we might bring in a player who could play either AM/ST (not Akpom though) or AM/RW. If we have to purchase Akpom I think we'll need to move him on.
RW: Again we'll need to spend big on this position: Burns seems to be leaving, Ogbene should move on, Walle Egeli needs a loan, McAteer is good enough as a backup: bring in a starter plus maybe another one who is adept playin either as a striker or attacking mid in addition
ST: I think we'll keep Hirst, but Azon will probably return to Como. Need two in here and this can't be let to drag on for too long.
I think there's a lot of enthusiasm to bring new players in but as we saw this season the gelling will take time and we don't have that in the Prem. |
That's a good summary.
I disagree on the AM. If we stick with the same formation we will need a new starter there I think. | |
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| Great post - a few things on 11:27 - May 3 with 1278 views | StockholmBlue |
| Great post - a few things on 10:59 - May 3 by unstableblue |
You’re right to call out Townsend. He actually was quite effective in the prem as a more orthodox right back. But he won’t be good enough.
I think one of Johnson or Furlong may have a role next season, be interesting to see if McAteer could play deeper. His engine is remarkable.
Like you I’m not sure Matusiwa can do it at the top level. BUT, and it’s a big BUT, we need some continuity from this season… you can’t swap a whole team
And I think Walton, oshea, greaves, and Clarke with possibly Davis and Matusiwa - they can give us a consistent spine |
I would have loved to have Burns with us also next year if we knew he would stay injury free. Seems unlikely to happen. I think McAteer has cracked the equation in the last third of the season - and I see a young Burns in him. Speed, physical. Need to work on decisionmaking and maybe confidence in taking people on / to trust his speed.
Matusiwa obviously ran out of energi towards the end. He was not the same player as he was for the first 80% of the season. Think the PL with a lot less games will be a good thing for him. I do have some questionmarks about his lack of speed though, and sometimes (like Kipre) being caught out undecisive under pressure.
I think Furlong gave us better stability compared to Johnson. Since we play with a more attacking left side, our right side need to have a defensively strong player. I think Furlong is OK but would love to find an upgrade for competition. [Post edited 3 May 11:28]
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| Ipswich Town FC since 1981 |
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| Topic of the summer - squad quality and areas for new players?? on 11:32 - May 3 with 1239 views | Sugito |
| Topic of the summer - squad quality and areas for new players?? on 11:21 - May 3 by TRUE_BLUE123 |
That's a good summary.
I disagree on the AM. If we stick with the same formation we will need a new starter there I think. |
Yeah, I think AM would be more urgent position for an upgrade than LW but seeing how much holes we have elsewhere in the team, I would be content with current options.
The formation is also a bit of a problem for me: we're really susceptible defending our left flank although I think McKenna has reined Davis in a bit this season. We'll need a really good left-sided defensive mid to cover for Davis if we continue to play the way we do. | | | |
| Topic of the summer - squad quality and areas for new players?? on 12:16 - May 3 with 1010 views | southnorfolkblue |
| Topic of the summer - squad quality and areas for new players?? on 10:38 - May 3 by DublinBlue84 |
Yet he was exposed time and time again defensively and so many goals came down his side. People are blinded by his attacking strengths which are clearly good enough for a higher level that they don't see he's nowhere near up to Premier League standard defensively.
In a team that is at the upper echelons of a league, you can get away with it, but at a time who is likely to be fighting relegation Davis' weaknesses are going to be exposed like they were on a regular basis last season. |
He was exposed in part due to the quality of the opposition but Cajuste could not give him the defensive cover that Luongo used to provide | |
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| When you rewatch this first goal from yesterday on 12:17 - May 3 with 1004 views | unstableblue |
| Topic of the summer - squad quality and areas for new players?? on 11:11 - May 3 by Pinewoodblue |
While we haven’t completed celebration yet the demolition squad are eager to start knocking everything down.
Crazy to think that only two of yesterday’s starters are considered good enough to be first choice next season.
Worth remembering that four players who started against Exeter four years ago also started yesterday.
I’m more concerned that Ashton’s time will be too split between planning further developments and getting the squad balance right.
If you try to do two jobs you end up not doing either as well as you could. We need an independent chairman. [Post edited 3 May 11:17]
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https://www.instagram.com/reel
You see patterns and players knowing each other -
Perhaps it’s taken all season to get those patterns between new players, perhaps brining Jaden fully into the system.
As I think we’ve stated in the thread - we do need continuity
Greaves, Davis, Philogene on the left for one
And perhaps Hirst has a role, despite all the dissenters. Like Taylor he actually didn’t do too bad in the Prem! | |
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| When you rewatch this first goal from yesterday on 12:40 - May 3 with 893 views | Bellevue_Blue |
| When you rewatch this first goal from yesterday on 12:17 - May 3 by unstableblue |
https://www.instagram.com/reel
You see patterns and players knowing each other -
Perhaps it’s taken all season to get those patterns between new players, perhaps brining Jaden fully into the system.
As I think we’ve stated in the thread - we do need continuity
Greaves, Davis, Philogene on the left for one
And perhaps Hirst has a role, despite all the dissenters. Like Taylor he actually didn’t do too bad in the Prem! |
I'm afraid I don't think continuity counts for too much, it's your ability to gel the new team/ players that really makes the difference.
Sunderland gelled 10+ new signings pretty instantly and thats been the reason they stayed up. They won 5 of their first 9 games and started 8 new players in Gameweek 1. | | | |
| Topic of the summer - squad quality and areas for new players?? on 12:43 - May 3 with 878 views | J2BLUE |
A partner for Matusiwa and a striker are top of my list.
Followed by a CB, LB and another ST for squad depth.
Azon, Cajuste, Akpom, Townsend, Neil, Baggott, Button, H Clarke all to leave IMO. Young retiring. |  | | |
| Topic of the summer - squad quality and areas for new players?? on 12:52 - May 3 with 825 views | GeoffSentence |
| Topic of the summer - squad quality and areas for new players?? on 10:39 - May 3 by StockholmBlue |
Similar to my thougts. Here is my summary:
GOALKEEPERS
Walton – keep
Palmer – maybe keep
Walton have been great this year and deserves to be kept for another go in the PL. Palmer is a stable alternative and of similar quality. If we can´t find a clear number one we can just as well keep the two of them. If we can find a clear number one that would possibly have to be instead of Palmer– but there are other areas that possibly is more important to invest.
DEFENDERS
Furlong – keep
B Johnson – would prefer an upgrade. Someone that is better defensively, stronger, more physical. But don´t mind if he is kept on as a third option on both right and left side.
O-Shea – keep
Greaves-keep
Kipre – need an upgrade, I think he will struggle with the pace in the PL. To undecisive and slow in decision making. His passing not good enough. Preferably someone that goes in as our number one at left side CB.
Baggot – send out on loan and buy someone that gives O´Shea a fight for the shirt.
Davies- in my eyes he is a liability in the PL defensively and has not contributed enough in attack the last two years. Either keep and buy someone that can fight with Leif for the shirt, or sell and buy two new leftbacks; one in the mould of Leif and one more defensively stable. Personally I want us to go for Elliot Stroud in Mjällby (Sweden) that I think is an upgrade on Leif, better defensively and probably also in attack. He is in the Swedish national team and has a great future. Would be able to buy for a bargain about 3m pounds.
Townsend- feel sorry for him. Thought he was decent and did well when given the chance. Think that it is a big questionmark what level he can come back to given his age and long injury.
Young- retiring.
So to sum up the defence. 4-5 out; Kipre, Baggot, Young and Townsend out, and perhaps also Johnson out. 4-5 new in; right back, righsided CB, leftsided CB (first choice) and 1-2 leftbacks.
MIDFIELDERS
Matusiwa – keep (as second choice)
Neil- not to be offered any contract
Taylor- sell, not good enough defensively nor in attack. Championship is his ceiling, we need better.
Cajuste, big disappointment this year. Don´t mind if he leaves, but is ok if he remaines as cover/third choice in his position (number 8) if he can be bought cheaply.
Summary, 2-3 out; we say goodbye to Taylor, Neil and perhaps Cajuste. 3 new in; we need a new first choice number 6 and two new number 8s. Perhaps Hackney could be one of the 8s, if he wants to come and if the price is right. One player that I like that maybe can come quite cheap is Malick Yalcouye at Brighton (loaned to Swansea this year) and used to play for IFK Gothenburg 2 years ago. Young (21 years), with great ability and big engine. Think he can really develop into something special. He would be the other number 8 together with Hackney – he is probably to unexperienced to be bought as our first choice number 8. Another alternative as the second number 8 is Otto Rosengren at Malmö FF. Good movement, covers a lot of space. Great age.
ATTACKERS
Philogene – keep
Clarke – keep
Nunez – has not showed enough to think he will be good enough for the PL. There is some talent, so can be kept as a second choice number 10.
Mehmeti – has not showed enough to think he will be good enough for the PL. There is some talent, so can be kept as a second choice number 10.
McAteer - keep
Burns – thank you for everything, wonderful player and person. Time to go separate ways though, big questionmark about his fitness next year in PL, so he deserves to go elsewhere and get a good contract somewhere.
Egeli -loan out to championship club (where he is likely to play)
Hirst – keep
Azon – if we can avoid buying him (depending on contract situation) we should, If we have to buy him from obligation – we need to sell him asap. Not good enough for the championship, PL will be an embarrassment. Great attitude, lacking in ability. We need to score goals, so need a proper first choice striker through the doors.
Akpom – same as Azon – not good enough for the PL.
Summary; 5 out; Burns time is up, Azon and Akpom not good enough, Egeli out on loan and one of Mehmeti and Nunez need to be sold. 4-5 new players required; new first choice striker the most important one. We also need a a first choice right sided winger (with McAteer second choice), and a first choice number 10 (with one of Nunez or Mehmeti second choice). On top of those it would be good with a more physical and fast winger that can play on the left as alternative to Clarke and Philogene, and a second or third choice striker – perhaps a loan from one of the top clubs – to compete with Hirst for the second striker role.
I understand that is a lot of ins and outs, which might not be possible regarding budget or preferable as it might be too many new players to settle in once again, but ultimately that is what I would like to see.
I am happy to hear we have invested in international scouts which I think will be handy this time around. We can´t depend on mostly recruiting from the championship. [Post edited 3 May 10:55]
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I'd be quite happy for Muric to return from loan. I thought he took a lot of blame for our general defensive shortcomings last time round, but he's a decent keeper and apparently shown that this season. |  |
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