Originally Posted by
bigroof
I've seen a fair bit of Udoh in the under 23 games. He's only been here a year, and is still contracted for another season. It's been a steep learning curve considering the previous levels at which he's played. I'd say he's not far off. He rarely fails to keep possession when they're using him for hold-up play. He doesn't head well. He's a powerful and quite skilful runner with the ball, with a strong shot, either foot. How would Crewe use him, and in what forward combination, are the key questions.
Ng could naturally replace Turton I think.
Ray, alongside someone a bit like Artell, might help both team, and Ray. I wouldn't offer Nugent fresh terms.
Despite the apparent efforts to persuade Guthrie to re-sign, if we're looking for improvement, I can only see him as a third centre back, should they wish to play that system.
Bakayogo's so erratic! Young Pickering might come through, but would reduce our average height for set-pieces.
Dale, Ainley, Wintle, Kirk all offer something different to each other, but it never helps a young player's development coming into a struggling side, so, it becomes a bit like a 'chicken and egg' situation. Can one or other of them begin to take games by the scruff of the neck, and impose themselves?
I wouldn't bother with Bingham. Jones alongside a natural holder would be good if playing 4-4-2. Hollands is ok, but I'm pretty sure he'd still be hankering for a more southerly club, with his young family based near Portsmouth still. In a midfield three, Cooke's been great. Someone similar is needed to replace him as he'll probably be used by Middlesbrough in the Championship.
I like Bowery, but think he's run out of steam a bit after impressively chasing around initially. Since he can't play against Orient it'll be a good chance for Udoh perhaps, even if they're not 'like for like' players. Regardless of Udoh's progress, the squad surely needs someone like Bowery. I think he'd be fine, but with the complexity of his parent club's situation, who knows if it's going to be possible to sign him?
Saunders? I rate him more highly than most, having watched so much under 23 stuff, but it's time for him to be in someone's 1st team; he's only going to be Dagnall's replacement now, and next season.