Two of Diamonds wrote:Here's my list;-
Joe Day - RETAIN - raw, young talent with a lot of potential ;; big guy for a goalie his age, will improve I'm sure
Miller - Release (maybe retain on a monthy contract), he's a great asset in certain situations such as his long throw, but getting OTT
Osano - Release, error prone and liability
Huke - Release, never been impressed, used in wrong position, no left foot
Jamie Day - RETAIN, good potential but bad decisions from time to time, will learn to eradicate these from his game
Oshodi - Sign him up, he has a great touch and will improve given his age
Corcoran - Release, never got any better even though a decent squad player
Johnson - RETAIN, big strong lad, with bags of potential IMO
Power - RETAIN - sometimes he goes missing and is a bit airy fairy & lightweight, but will improve with experience and time
Porter - Release, contraversial I know, but he's never set us on fire and never dominated in midfield for my money, will probably go anyway
Charles - RETAIN, again, a youngster with potential, but needs to affect more games more often
Gary Mills - RETAIN, we need some stabiltiy and someone to sit in front of the back 4, Millsy does this well
O'Connor - RETAIN, never going to net us 20 goals a season, but should be getting 15
Gash - Release, 4-3-3 does not suit this player IMO - he needs service that is badly lacking
Cousins - Release, past sell by date
Farrell - Release, same as Cousins
Keehan - Release, not getting a look in
Smith - RETAIN, best prospect now at the club IMO (put in the best position for him)
Cowan - Hall - sign him up, bags of pace and loads of potential
This current squad is far too young and far too "jack of all trades", we need players who are specialists in their roles - and good at it not all-rounders who make this team so "average"
Great post (although I don't agree with it all!) Nice to have some meaty football debate amidst the depression of the financial predicament.
I would keep Huke & Gash. Huke has impressed me with his attitude and warrior like qualities. I agree he has no left foot, but I think played at right CH alongside an experienced Simon Downer style defender he'd be great. Let Shane attack the ball and have someone sweep behind. Worth another season for me. As for Gash, I think he is a very intelligent footballer. He has good touch, awareness and attitude. Not a 20 goal a season man, but good for 12-15 and worth keeping.
I agree about Oshodi & PCH, but can't see this happening. I guess the challenge for us and similar ciubs is to find loanees at that level each year
Power I can take or leave. Done ok, but not fussed either way. Agree with both Days, Charles, Mills, Smith & Johnson. I'd try for Porter too, but again wouldn't pay over the odds.
Osano is the interesting one. He has always been prone to the odd lapse and players with his raw ability must be fallible to be playing at this level. If he wasn't be in the Championship. Even with the odd error he is a good player in the Conference. Now, there have been problems this year for Curtis but I'm prepared to give him the benefit of the doubt given the Dale tragedy. I understood those two were close. I'd give him one more year (option on a second) and a final chance. JE has proven he is a good man manager and think he could work the oracle on Curtis.