Summer changes

[thederbyram]

The dust probably hasn't even settled at the KC yet, but I'd like to offer some thoughts on players I'd like to keep around/let go this summer, and therefore positions I think we need to strengthen.

Goalkeeper: I'm very happy with the season Carson's had, one of our most consistent performers. With Grant as back up I don't think we'd need to change too much. Would Grant stick around to keep the bench warm? If not I'd like to get cover in as I'm not sure I'd be comfortable with Mitchell or Roos (assuming he doesn't sign permanently with Wimbledon) as our number two.

Fullbacks: Do we have good, top-end Championship fullbacks? Yes. Do we have depth? At right back, I think we need a young player in. I'd hope Christie can play 46 games but obviously that wouldn't be wise. I'd get rid of Baird as I'd argue he makes us a significantly worse side wherever he fills in. Jamie Hanson has never been a fullback in my eyes either.

[Rattea]

Good post. Well written and you've thought about it obviously. Let me throw one thing in the mix. We've had a lot of new players in a short space of time. The previous spine of the side worked well together but took 12 months to gel. If we take too much out and put to much in that might unsettle a balance we seem to realise we have. Have you considered that next year the current squad will be more of a "team"?

[ellafella]

[quote="thederbyram"]The dust probably hasn't even settled at the KC yet, but I'd like to offer some thoughts on players I'd like to keep around/let go this summer, and therefore positions I think we need to strengthen.

Goalkeeper: I'm very happy with the season Carson's had, one of our most consistent performers. With Grant as back up I don't think we'd need to change too much. Would Grant stick around to keep the bench warm? If not I'd like to get cover in as I'm not sure I'd be comfortable with Mitchell or Roos (assuming he doesn't sign permanently with Wimbledon) as our number two.

Fullbacks: Do we have good, top-end Championship fullbacks? Yes. Do we have depth? At right back, I think we need a young player in. I'd hope Christie can play 46 games but obviously that wouldn't be wise. I'd get rid of Baird as I'd argue he makes us a significantly worse side wherever he fills in. Jamie Hanson

[roger_ramjet]

This is a rather different analysis to those proposed on Saturday evening! Olsson or Forsyth is an interesting one: I'd keep both as Forsyth can cover CB if needs be.

I guess the rest of it depends on how the new manager wants to set the team up, but we do not want to see the current players shoe horned into a new formation or style that does not suit.

[tamworthram]

Good thread and I agree with most of your points although I also would want to keep Fozzy.
Although only one game . I think Weimann showed last night what he can add that Ince can't.

[ramman]

We need a leader , Grant Hanley has been mentioned and he would fit the bill perfectly if it's at the expense of Keogh or Shakell then so be it. We need a direct winger or two and also we need a pacy poweful striker so not to be so reliant on playing Martin

[paulo570]

So the list , in reality , of players to offload, are the players that have been loaned out already....and Johnson and Ince who are the only 2 who start games.
Last night was great...but don't let it cover over our failings of the season.

1.Russell...will sweat blood and run all day..but lacks finishing and quality as a forward
2.Martin...too many lazy falling over off days
3.weiman...see Russell.

I honestly believe we have a really good midfield and lack upfront...this is where my changes would come....plus a leader and manager!

[minesahartington]

I agree. I like Martin but too slow and not hungry enough for me. Need a clinical hard man up front! Russell and ince too inconsistent and
can be easily brushed off the ball. Johnny great but lacks consistent finishing. Sadly we will I think be almost but not quite with these guys. As we have been for the past 3 years.
Priority 1 though is to get a good manager.

[AdiSalisbury]

Last night shown a lot about our team, and who is really capable when the pressure is on.

Ince... terrible player, just not good enough. Would be handy in League 1 maybe. Predictable, lazy, lightweight, can't cross or finish. Just get him out of here whilst he still has some "value".
Martin... Just doesn't do enough. Yes he makes some nice flicks and has a decent football brain, but doesn't offer anywhere near enough threat on goal. I've been one of his biggest fans, but just think he's been sussed out by opposition now and is easy to deal with.
Johnson... Not needed, not good enough.... can we have a refund please or a credit note?
Hughes... best player on the pitch last night, too good for us, I worry he won't be here next season.

Management... We need a manager, desperately, to inspire our best players to stay and attract good players for our weaknesses, in now. The longer it's left, the weaker our squad will become, regardless of Mel dipping into his pocket to buy expensiv

[AnagRam]

Really good, constructive and very fair post from thederbyram imo.
Agree with a great deal of it although I'm with Ella on the subject of Forsyth.

For me the Ince issue is one that is crucial to sort. There's no doubt that he's a talented player but whether he's a team player seems to be the issue. Last night was a point in case. Hull had been terrified by Weimann running directly at them and putting the ball into danger areas but Ince contributed none of that and just came on to do his usual thing which provided us with nothing. I also don't like the brooding presence of 'Papa' Ince around the place. Can't honestly say why, it just doesn't feel positive somehow.

I'm also not sure about Russell, sorry Triz. He has his moments when he looks really busy and threatening but, imo, there's all too often very little end product and we've been waiting a long time now.

We need, more than anything imo, a good strong experienced manager who knows how to get the side to play to its str