| If the season started this Saturday... 08:33 - Jul 22 with 2499 views | OriginalMarkyP |
and no more players came in. And no more players went out (with the exception of Bishop as will surely be gone by Saturday).
How'd do think we'd do? Where'd we finish?
Hypothetically. [Post edited 22 Jul 2021 8:34]
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| If the season started this Saturday... on 08:43 - Jul 22 with 2195 views | saffers12 |
7th |  | | |
| If the season started this Saturday... on 08:45 - Jul 22 with 2176 views | The_Flashing_Smile |
I don't know. |  |
| Trust the process. Trust Phil. |
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| If the season started this Saturday... on 08:46 - Jul 22 with 2186 views | jayessess |
If we got very lucky with injuries and Cook's got his system working like he did at Wigan, I think there's already enough in the first XI to win promotion.
If things don't click or we get more than 1 or 2 injuries then it's quite quickly a mid-table side. |  |
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| If the season started this Saturday... on 08:56 - Jul 22 with 2147 views | Guthrum |
I, personally, think Nsiala and Woolfenden would do fine at CB, especially if we can become a team that's better at retaining the ball up the pitch. If Hladky is a better goalkeeper than Holy, then we stand a good chance of keeping lots of clean sheets, which is half the battle.
Don't know enough about all our new players, but they are highly regarded and it will be nice to have a designed midfield and attack, rather than one cobbled together from whoever is available. also a more positive attitude (particularly in regard to the pace of the game and going forward).
Overall, I'd pitch us at challenging for the top two places. Not much of a stretch, given we were doing that for large parts of the last two seasons, even despite all the problems. |  |
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| If the season started this Saturday... on 09:01 - Jul 22 with 2130 views | Kropotkin123 |
We'd need to promote players from the U23s like Downes.
Not considering injuries, then I think we'd be top six.
But that may quickly change if we got an injury to a CB or an AM.
Hypothetically speaking, we'd need a lot of luck and would probably be too fatigued to put in a decent performance in the playoffs.
I'd fully expect us to be in the top six when the next window opened and I'd be very surprised if we didn't get in some quality to prevent us falling away. |  |
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| If the season started this Saturday... on 09:02 - Jul 22 with 2122 views | WD19 |
I'm still a bit worried about out goals output. We need to create more chances to be serious promotion favourites. |  | | |
| If the season started this Saturday... on 09:04 - Jul 22 with 2114 views | chicoazul |
| If the season started this Saturday... on 08:56 - Jul 22 by Guthrum |
I, personally, think Nsiala and Woolfenden would do fine at CB, especially if we can become a team that's better at retaining the ball up the pitch. If Hladky is a better goalkeeper than Holy, then we stand a good chance of keeping lots of clean sheets, which is half the battle.
Don't know enough about all our new players, but they are highly regarded and it will be nice to have a designed midfield and attack, rather than one cobbled together from whoever is available. also a more positive attitude (particularly in regard to the pace of the game and going forward).
Overall, I'd pitch us at challenging for the top two places. Not much of a stretch, given we were doing that for large parts of the last two seasons, even despite all the problems. |
Defence wasn’t really our problem last season which is why it is becoming ever more concerning that we haven’t replaced our defensive lynchpin captain. Athleticism in general was though which alludes to the point yoi made about winning and keeping it higher up the pitch. Trouble with a system like that is it tires players out and I believe you need a deep squad to play that way. So to answer OP I think we might scrape the play offs. |  |
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| If the season started this Saturday... on 09:05 - Jul 22 with 2104 views | Parky |
Top. |  | | |
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| If the season started this Saturday... on 09:06 - Jul 22 with 2089 views | Kropotkin123 |
| If the season started this Saturday... on 09:05 - Jul 22 by Parky |
Top. |
Dependent on a lot of people crossing a lot of fingers. | |
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| If the season started this Saturday... on 09:14 - Jul 22 with 2057 views | Guthrum |
| If the season started this Saturday... on 09:04 - Jul 22 by chicoazul |
Defence wasn’t really our problem last season which is why it is becoming ever more concerning that we haven’t replaced our defensive lynchpin captain. Athleticism in general was though which alludes to the point yoi made about winning and keeping it higher up the pitch. Trouble with a system like that is it tires players out and I believe you need a deep squad to play that way. So to answer OP I think we might scrape the play offs. |
People wil laugh, but I can see Nsiala stepping up into that role. If Cook also feels that way, it would explain why an anchor CB has not been one of his priorities. Or he doesn't care and is just working on outscoring the opposition.
You are definitely right in that fitness and effective squad depth will be crucial to our chances of success.
The fact is that the season does not start on Saturday (interesting thought excercise tho this is) and the window also does not close for nearly a month after the opening game, so this is by no means certainly the finished shape of the team. We're still part-way through an extensive rebuild, whereas other clubs are just tinkering with established squads. So, before the end of the process, we are bound to look more unprepared (and with gaps) than they. | |
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| If the season started this Saturday... on 09:36 - Jul 22 with 1956 views | Wallingford_Boy |
8th. |  |
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| Currently 5th to 8th..... on 09:49 - Jul 22 with 1899 views | Bloots |
...depending on injuries. |  |
| "He's been a really positive influence on my life, I think he's a great man" - TWTD User (May 2025) |
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| If the season started this Saturday... on 09:56 - Jul 22 with 1851 views | Nazemariner |
I think we are going to find it hard going until we sign a couple of new defenders. |  | | |
| If the season started this Saturday... on 09:57 - Jul 22 with 1855 views | Kropotkin123 |
| If the season started this Saturday... on 09:14 - Jul 22 by Guthrum |
People wil laugh, but I can see Nsiala stepping up into that role. If Cook also feels that way, it would explain why an anchor CB has not been one of his priorities. Or he doesn't care and is just working on outscoring the opposition.
You are definitely right in that fitness and effective squad depth will be crucial to our chances of success.
The fact is that the season does not start on Saturday (interesting thought excercise tho this is) and the window also does not close for nearly a month after the opening game, so this is by no means certainly the finished shape of the team. We're still part-way through an extensive rebuild, whereas other clubs are just tinkering with established squads. So, before the end of the process, we are bound to look more unprepared (and with gaps) than they. |
Nsiala and Woolfenden are clearly trusted, else they'd be out of the first team and training with the U23s. That said, we can't go into the new season with them as our CB options.
I fully expect us to bring in a CB who will be first choice, with them all competing to be in the first 11. Else we start the season with KVY at RB and Donacien as our cover across RB and two CB positions.
Given KVY's injury record. It would be naive of us to expect him not to have a rest to decrease the workload. | |
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| If the season started this Saturday... on 10:04 - Jul 22 with 1833 views | clive_baker |
I think as it stands we look short of quality in the wide areas to truly challenge. Dobra has shown promise, but aside from Burns do we really have any proven wide men? The middle looks strong (especially with Downes as an option in your scenario, although I make that unlikely to be the case). Through the middle we've got more about us now with Bonne and Piggott. We've strengthened at LB and a fit KVY would be a gamechanger on the right. And we've got a proper #1 who is seemingly a huge step up on Holy who I really do not rate at all.
The question is depth defensively, and crucially the creativity and pace in the wide areas. We're probably at least 5 short, but it's also quality as well as quantity. If we signed 2 players of Bradley and Celina's ilk it would really kick us on from top 6 to top 2 IMO. I'm still hoping that'll be the case. |  |
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| If the season started this Saturday... on 10:11 - Jul 22 with 1808 views | tractorboy1978 |
| If the season started this Saturday... on 10:04 - Jul 22 by clive_baker |
I think as it stands we look short of quality in the wide areas to truly challenge. Dobra has shown promise, but aside from Burns do we really have any proven wide men? The middle looks strong (especially with Downes as an option in your scenario, although I make that unlikely to be the case). Through the middle we've got more about us now with Bonne and Piggott. We've strengthened at LB and a fit KVY would be a gamechanger on the right. And we've got a proper #1 who is seemingly a huge step up on Holy who I really do not rate at all.
The question is depth defensively, and crucially the creativity and pace in the wide areas. We're probably at least 5 short, but it's also quality as well as quantity. If we signed 2 players of Bradley and Celina's ilk it would really kick us on from top 6 to top 2 IMO. I'm still hoping that'll be the case. |
I think we are as strong as anyone in the division already. With the exception of Wigan (who started from a base of 20th) I'd argue all of the 10 or so teams you'd expect to be up there are weaker than they were at the end of last season. MK Dons maybe on a par with a couple of decent signings but have lost Fraser and Jerome. Clubs at this level arent blessed with strength in depth. Portsmouth didn't even have enough subs in a friendly the other day!
Clearly we could do with numbers and a touch more quality through the door though. | | | |
| If the season started this Saturday... on 10:24 - Jul 22 with 1768 views | clive_baker |
| If the season started this Saturday... on 10:11 - Jul 22 by tractorboy1978 |
I think we are as strong as anyone in the division already. With the exception of Wigan (who started from a base of 20th) I'd argue all of the 10 or so teams you'd expect to be up there are weaker than they were at the end of last season. MK Dons maybe on a par with a couple of decent signings but have lost Fraser and Jerome. Clubs at this level arent blessed with strength in depth. Portsmouth didn't even have enough subs in a friendly the other day!
Clearly we could do with numbers and a touch more quality through the door though. |
I would agree with that, I also don't think too much depth lends itself to cultivating the right spirit. It was mentioned a few times by management last season that the squad was too big to manage, and I can very well believe that was the case. By the end of the season it was an absolute joke, especially with the 7 loanees or whatever it was. How on earth that was allowed to happen I'll never know.
We don't need 2 players for each position, especially if there's some versatility among the players we do have. I would always favour a fewer but better approach, which is why I'm really keen to see us sign a couple of real quality. We've been linked with them, but as yet haven't managed to land the big tickets. Really would love to see a couple in the Crooks / Celina bracket. | |
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| If the season started this Saturday... on 11:18 - Jul 22 with 1694 views | tractorboy1978 |
| If the season started this Saturday... on 10:24 - Jul 22 by clive_baker |
I would agree with that, I also don't think too much depth lends itself to cultivating the right spirit. It was mentioned a few times by management last season that the squad was too big to manage, and I can very well believe that was the case. By the end of the season it was an absolute joke, especially with the 7 loanees or whatever it was. How on earth that was allowed to happen I'll never know.
We don't need 2 players for each position, especially if there's some versatility among the players we do have. I would always favour a fewer but better approach, which is why I'm really keen to see us sign a couple of real quality. We've been linked with them, but as yet haven't managed to land the big tickets. Really would love to see a couple in the Crooks / Celina bracket. |
Celina really would be a proper coup and a match winner.
Seems like versatility is something Cook wants in players - as you say, lends itself to the smaller, tighter squad you need. Getting the players fit and properly conditioned will be key and we seem in a far better place on that front now.
RB interests me because we cannot rely on KVY to be fit, so will we sign another RB or (as I would prefer) load up with an extra attacking player and use Burns as back up there. I know people are a little concerned defensively at the moment but I really do think with the front front football PC wants to play it'll become less important. A wily, experienced CB is needed though. [Post edited 22 Jul 2021 11:20]
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| If the season started this Saturday... on 11:25 - Jul 22 with 1670 views | TractorCam |
1st with 99 points and 99 goals. |  |
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| If the season started this Saturday... on 11:35 - Jul 22 with 1642 views | jayessess |
| If the season started this Saturday... on 11:18 - Jul 22 by tractorboy1978 |
Celina really would be a proper coup and a match winner.
Seems like versatility is something Cook wants in players - as you say, lends itself to the smaller, tighter squad you need. Getting the players fit and properly conditioned will be key and we seem in a far better place on that front now.
RB interests me because we cannot rely on KVY to be fit, so will we sign another RB or (as I would prefer) load up with an extra attacking player and use Burns as back up there. I know people are a little concerned defensively at the moment but I really do think with the front front football PC wants to play it'll become less important. A wily, experienced CB is needed though. [Post edited 22 Jul 2021 11:20]
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I feel like a new right back is kinda complicated?
Unless we've got a medical reason to believe KVY won't be fit, then we're more or less explicitly recruiting a backup. Are we realistically going to find someone prepared to be second choice who's much better than Donacien? Especially when Burns can play there too. I wonder if we might not just leave it unless an obvious replacement drops in our lap or Donacien forces his way out in search of 1st team football. | |
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| If the season started this Saturday... on 11:42 - Jul 22 with 1605 views | BseaBlue |
| If the season started this Saturday... on 11:35 - Jul 22 by jayessess |
I feel like a new right back is kinda complicated?
Unless we've got a medical reason to believe KVY won't be fit, then we're more or less explicitly recruiting a backup. Are we realistically going to find someone prepared to be second choice who's much better than Donacien? Especially when Burns can play there too. I wonder if we might not just leave it unless an obvious replacement drops in our lap or Donacien forces his way out in search of 1st team football. |
Agreed and Woolfie could even be a third option as cover there even if Donacien is gone. Two centre halves, a left back and further wide options is a must and even then we are light on central midfielders.
Plenty of time to go of course but with the lack of pre season games I think we should be prepared for a slow start to the season. Patience will be needed! |  | | |
| If the season started this Saturday... on 11:45 - Jul 22 with 1593 views | tractorboy1978 |
| If the season started this Saturday... on 11:35 - Jul 22 by jayessess |
I feel like a new right back is kinda complicated?
Unless we've got a medical reason to believe KVY won't be fit, then we're more or less explicitly recruiting a backup. Are we realistically going to find someone prepared to be second choice who's much better than Donacien? Especially when Burns can play there too. I wonder if we might not just leave it unless an obvious replacement drops in our lap or Donacien forces his way out in search of 1st team football. |
You are right, but it doesn't fill you with confidence that KVY wasn't fit for Dartford (did he play at Fulham?) after his injury record over the past 2 years. I think Donacien will go should an offer come in, whether that be permanent or a loan deal - he just doesn't fit what Cook wants from a full back. My preference is for Burns to be back up RB and we bring in another wide player to the squad. If KVY is then fit for most of the season, happy days. | | | |
| If the season started this Saturday... on 12:11 - Jul 22 with 1522 views | Wickets |
| If the season started this Saturday... on 10:04 - Jul 22 by clive_baker |
I think as it stands we look short of quality in the wide areas to truly challenge. Dobra has shown promise, but aside from Burns do we really have any proven wide men? The middle looks strong (especially with Downes as an option in your scenario, although I make that unlikely to be the case). Through the middle we've got more about us now with Bonne and Piggott. We've strengthened at LB and a fit KVY would be a gamechanger on the right. And we've got a proper #1 who is seemingly a huge step up on Holy who I really do not rate at all.
The question is depth defensively, and crucially the creativity and pace in the wide areas. We're probably at least 5 short, but it's also quality as well as quantity. If we signed 2 players of Bradley and Celina's ilk it would really kick us on from top 6 to top 2 IMO. I'm still hoping that'll be the case. |
I get the feeling that not getting Sonny Bradley was a big blow to our plans , i just hope we have other irons in the fire . To start the season with just Woolf and Toto could be a big problem . |  | | |
| If the season started this Saturday... on 12:16 - Jul 22 with 1498 views | SomethingBlue |
Play-off contenders. Still a lot more that we need. | |
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| If the season started this Saturday... on 12:27 - Jul 22 with 1467 views | tractorboy1978 |
| If the season started this Saturday... on 12:16 - Jul 22 by SomethingBlue |
Play-off contenders. Still a lot more that we need. |
Out of interest, and I don't dispute we need a few more in the door, what teams do you think are stronger than us as things stand? | | | |
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