If you were Peaks...

[Bob's Bitch]

That wasn't my intention. I understand that the players deserve a chance to celebrate, but as fans, can we not have a platform to discuss our opinions on the playing squad for next season? Difficult balance.

Sure, but there's May, June, July and a bit of August to do that. Since we've done so well this season, I don't see why there's any need to start talking in the way you're doing, before the season has even ended. Also TBH I'm guessing there probably won't be much debate about the squad in the summer, as you can see in this thread everyone's happy with the current squad and thinks we'll do relatively well next season.

[Olly]

Would anyone on this forum also suggest any changes to the playing staff?

Well I do feel we need strengthening in certain areas if we are to compete and continue to take the club forward (within our means of course) and some of the current players may not be good enough for that at a higher level, we'll have to see, but like everyone else, I think it would be overly harsh and a bit ridiculous to release players like Lorraine who have done well this season and I feel Ashton in particular should definitely keep his place instead of being relegated to squad player status.

Having said that, I am kind of with you on Berwick, yes as everyone says his work rate is good and his off the ball movement is good, but many on here seem to ignore the fact his finishing has been woeful despite his impressive record prior to coming here.

There will be signings in the summer I imagine, I don't know much about the difference in quality at the level above, but based on the fact most of our current squad have played at that level or higher, I'd like to think even without changes we'd be a top 10 side and maybe a few quality signings for that level could make a squad that could at least be in with a shot of the top 5. Can't wait for pre season to start already!

[paulg]

I'd be more than happy with a top-10 finish in our first season at step 4. New signings will depend on our finances, but we don't want to stretch the playing budget, especially as, for me, in reaching the southern league (or its equivalent) we have already made the level the old R&D would've been demoted to in 2011 (had the money been found), and where Rushden Town were in 92 before the merger.

Lorraine is easily good enough to lead our line of attack next year - tall, quick, can hold the ball up or flick it on, or run on to it. And of course he has experience at that level. Joseph will obviously be a handful too, and the immense Ashton can play up to step 3 in my opinion. Not sure what Berwick will decide to do but I don't think it's a coincidence that we started creating a lot more chances once he joined. His intelligent running has opened up gaps for others to exploit.

For a club that doesn't have a private investor propping it up, I think we need to give the present squad the chance they deserve and enjoy the moment.

[Pigman]

That wasn't my intention. I understand that the players deserve a chance to celebrate, but as fans, can we not have a platform to discuss our opinions on the playing squad for next season? Difficult balance.

Personally you lost me in the first paragraph when you described Quincey as a moron ! Not the best keeper sure, but if you've ever spoken to him you'd know he's a nice fella and certainly not a moron! That was just too personal and insulting for me!

Nowt wrong with debating, but I haven't seen anyone in agreement with you yet.

Re: Berwick, I remember a similar argument about Duane Darby when he was going through a barren patch, he was playing well but couldn't hit a cows arse with a banjo, but he was holding the ball up and creating chances for others - that's what Tommy is doing, we've been far more mobile with him in the side - another 2 assists on Tuesday!! He's opening up the play for others, Duane came through his barren patch, tommy will too!!

Changes to the squad will be made once Peaksy has had a chance to assess things next year. There may be some changes in the summer, but IMO your timing to trash some of the players who haven't even got their hands on the trophy and who still have a cup final to compete is all wrong!

Wreck a potentially double winning team? No! Add to it and adapt/change once we know what our deficiencies are? Yes!

[BartonRaz]

I'f i'm to be serious for a minute - if I were Andy Peaks i'd make 4 changes to the squad for next year. 1 in defence, 1 in midfield and 2 up top, and I stress these are changes to the squad and not necessarily the starting XI. I think the basis is already there for a promotion chasing squad at Step 4. During the season we had no senior side I watched loads of St Neots games both home and away, and whilst they obviously had an exceptional side that year there's some absolute trash in SLD1C.

Wishful thinking but I'd like to see one of either Ben Mackey, Nabil Shariff or Ryan Robbins. And yes, Darren Purse would be a good addition. I see Staines don't have a league game tomorrow so maybe we'll see him again?

[therushden]

I'd be more than happy with a top-10 finish in our first season at step 4. New signings will depend on our finances, but we don't want to stretch the playing budget, especially as, for me, in reaching the southern league (or its equivalent) we have already made the level the old R&D would've been demoted to in 2011 (had the money been found), and where Rushden Town were in 92 before the merger.
For a club that doesn't have a private investor propping it up, I think we need to give the present squad the chance they deserve and enjoy the moment.

^^^ put much better than i could have done.

[SouthRushdenJFC]

Following on from Barton Raz, I would be looking to strengthen the squad rather than make wholesale changes, especially at the back. We lost Parky, Jamal and Joe Henderson during the season and need a bit more cover at the back.

Increased travelling, especially on midweek could mean we need a slightly larger squad as not everyone will have the luxury of being able to take Tuesday afternoon off.

[Trek]

There will be also be a bit of natural wastage with perhaps a couple of existing players not prepared to commit to Step 4 with increased travelling.

[Oundle Diamond #2]

That wasn't my intention. I understand that the players deserve a chance to celebrate, but as fans, can we not have a platform to discuss our opinions on the playing squad for next season? Difficult balance.

Personally you lost me in the first paragraph when you described Quincey as a moron ! Not the best keeper sure, but if you've ever spoken to him you'd know he's a nice fella and certainly not a moron! That was just too personal and insulting for me!

Nowt wrong with debating, but I haven't seen anyone in agreement with you yet.

Re: Berwick, I remember a similar argument about Duane Darby when he was going through a barren patch, he was playing well but couldn't hit a cows arse with a banjo, but he was holding the ball up and creating chances for others - that's what Tommy is doing, we've been far more mobile with him in the side - another 2 assists on Tuesday!! He's opening up the play for others, Duane came through his barren patch, tommy will too!!

Changes to the squad will be made once Peaksy has had a chance to assess things next year. There may be some changes in the summer, but IMO your timing to trash some of the players who haven't even got their hands on the trophy and who still have a cup final to compete is all wrong!

Wreck a potentially double winning team? No! Add to it and adapt/change once we know what our deficiencies are? Yes!

Read me in context Pigman - in the same sentence I say "to have a reliable goalkeeper". It wasn't anything personal, if it was in relation to the many mistakes on the pitch.

[Oundle Diamond #2]

Also I said to keep 13 players and sign 8. I guess it's subjective but in my eyes that's not wrecking. Only 4 more changes than BR wants ;)