Squad Movements - Summer 2018

[Kenneth E End]

So its getting to that time of year when managers will be deciding on who stays and goes ahead of the 2019 season, as well as trying to negotiate new deals and sign new players.

For us, I'd go along with this, depending on us gaining automatic promotion to League One:

Under Contract: Marek Stech, James Justin, Jack Stacey, Olly Lee, Danny Hylton, Harry Cornick, Jake Jervis, Pelly Ruddock, Luke Berry, James Collins, Lloyd Jones, James Shea, Elliot Lee, Akin Famewo (devt)
Offer New Contract: Dan Potts, Alan McCormack (if he only had a 1 year deal), Scott Cuthbert, Glen Rea, Luke Gambin, Jack James (devt), Alan Sheehan, Kavan Cotter (devt)
Release: Johnny Mullins, Jordan Cook, Jack Senior, Lawson D'Ath, Aaron Jarvis (devt), Arthur Read (devt), Harry Isted (devt), Frankie Musonda (devt)
Transfer List: None
End of Loan: Andrew Shinnie (attempt to resign), Flynn Downes (unlikely to be available)

So based on everyone re-signing, that's already 19 'senior' professionals, plus another 3 development players. That may well drop to 18 with James Justin likely to be sold in the summer, but still not a massive amount of room for maneuver, especially in the forward department - not that I think it needs that much. I think our squad and style of play will suit League One more so than League Two.

I think we'd need to sign another centre half, full back (if Justin goes), a couple of midfielders (maybe a loanee to cover Berry) and a wide player and that would be it.

 

[Richard Cranium]

I’d get rid of every single one of the bottling c*** including that tosser in charge.

Of course if we do manage to get into the play offs then ignore my comments.

Fickle till I die...

 

[PaulHaddock]

Under contract: Paul Dixon, Mitch Rose, JJ Hooper, Sam Kelly, Harry Cardwell, Reece Hall-Johnson

Get Rid: Paul Dixon, Sean McAllister, Nathan Clarke, Danny Collins, James Berrett, Sam Kelly, Karleigh Osborne, Luke Summerfield, Scott Vernon, Martyn Woolford

Loan Ends: Easah Suliman, Diallang Jaiyesimi, Jamille Matt, Simeon Jackson, Jake Kean

Offer Deals to: James McKeown, Ben Davies, Gary McSheffrey, Harry Clifton, Andrew Fox, Siriki Dembele, Ben Kilip

First Year Unknowns: Jack Keeble, Tom Sawyer

Our squad is terrible and in need of a complete rebuild. We’ll be starting with about 10 players I’d think. I’d keep the experience of Ben Davies and McSheffrey. Dembele will be unlikely to sign a new deal. If Zak Mills also signed, we’d have some decent fullbacks. McKeown has already said he’d sign a contract if offered, whichever league we’re in.

 

[hellogregory]

I often think fans of teams who’ve been away from League 1 for a good number of years easily forget just how much of a step up in quality it is.

 

[Judge Dredd]

So its getting to that time of year when managers will be deciding on who stays and goes ahead of the 2019 season, as well as trying to negotiate new deals and sign new players.

For us, I'd go along with this, depending on us gaining automatic promotion to League One:

Under Contract: Marek Stech, James Justin, Jack Stacey, Olly Lee, Danny Hylton, Harry Cornick, Jake Jervis, Pelly Ruddock, Luke Berry, James Collins, Lloyd Jones, James Shea, Elliot Lee, Akin Famewo (devt)
Offer New Contract: Dan Potts, Alan McCormack (if he only had a 1 year deal), Scott Cuthbert, Glen Rea, Luke Gambin, Jack James (devt), Alan Sheehan, Kavan Cotter (devt)
Release: Johnny Mullins, Jordan Cook, Jack Senior, Lawson D'Ath, Aaron Jarvis (devt), Arthur Read (devt), Harry Isted (devt), Frankie Musonda (devt)
Transfer List: None
End of Loan: Andrew Shinnie (attempt to resign), Flynn Downes (unlikely to be available)

Gambin has another year left to run on his current contract. Jack Senior signed an extension a couple of months back too so no way he'll be released. When JJ goes he'll move up the pecking order somewhat too as JJ is effectively 2nd choice at both right back and left back, unlikely whoever we sign to replace him will have that utility.

Personally I wouldn't offer McCormack another deal, still good enough to be a key player when fit but he's not fit nearly enough. Would also consider offloading Gambin perhaps as we need some significant restructuring in midfield IMHO, although with the Berry injury Gambin could do a squad player role until January.

I think we should be looking at a right back, a centre half and two or even three experienced and quality central midfielders (one for DM, one to go in ahead of Olly Lee who has improved dramatically but should be a squad player at Lg1. A third to stand in for and then compete with Berry (or even to allow Berry to play as the #10 more often, think he'd offer us a lot more over the course of a season from there than Shinnie has).

 

[dedwardp]

Brennan Dickenson, Cole Kpekawa, Tom Lapslie, Doug Loft, Sean Murray, Luke Prosser, Courtney Senior, Kane Vincent-Young, Sam Walker, Drey Wright are the first team players out of contract for us.

Of those, would let Kpekawa, Loft and Murray go, but will be very tough to keep hold of Dickenson and Walker too I would think. Defensively we have been decent enough this year, but need more of a cutting edge attacking. We're slow in our build up and nowhere near clinical enough with the chances that do come our way. Having Dickenson fit this season would have gone some way to helping with that, though, but we really need a forward who is more capable of putting the ball away. Mandron works hard but will never be a ruthless goalscorer and Szmodics floats around in the number ten role without being an out and out striker.

 

[JJ1532]

Think the Alex need big changes in the summer, we can hope for natural development of some of the breakthrough players this season, but some of the big names haven't performed and need to be shipped out. Also think some of the more talented players will leave.

Under Contract: Ben Garratt(GK), Michael Raynes, Eddie Nolan, George Ray, Brad Walker, Ryan Wintle, Tommy Lowery, Chris Porter, Jordan Bowery
Offer New Contract: Perry Ng*, Lewis Reilly*, Will Jaaskelainen(GK), Harry Pickering, James Jones**, Callum Ainley**, Charlie Kirk, Chris Dagnall, Lewis Reilly
Release: Dave Richards, Zoumana Bakayogo, Oli Finney, Josh Lundstram, Daniel Udoh, Owen Dale
Transfer List: Michael Raynes, Brad Walker, Chris Porter
End of Loan: Shaun Miller(possibly re-sign, depends on what Dagnall does), Paul Green(Definitely re-sign), Jamie Sterry(Won't be back, not overly fussed if he isn't), Harry McKirdy(talented but a loose cannon at times, no thanks), Dan Barlaser(didn't even start a game, he won't be back).

*has an option of 12 months extension
** Out of contract and refusing to sign new deals

Yeah, we face an interesting summer. Two of our most talented players in Jones and Ainley are out of contract and won't sign new ones. They might well be sold on the cheap, but that could drag on for months. We need to get of Porter(too slow), Raynes(too inconsistent and error prone) and Walker(not good enough to play midfield), taking up a big chunk of the budget and none have been missed or are first teamers at the moment.

Dagnall might well find a new home paying better than what we can, fair play if he does, gave us 24 goals in 2 seasons, not a bad return given how he's been mismanaged by 2 different managers. Paul Green needs to be our first summer signing, he's made a huge difference in midfield. Should have no issues keeping the other out of contract players. Who knows what will happen with Miller, that depends on Dagnall, but we need someone to partner Bowery upfront.

If all that shook out like that(which it won't), we'd need a LB, RB, 2 wingers and a striker. Got what should be a solid core for next season, but some tough decisions need to be made and some serious quality added if we want to avoid another season in the bottom 8.

 

[That Fat Centre Half]

So its getting to that time of year when managers will be deciding on who stays and goes ahead of the 2019 season, as well as trying to negotiate new deals and sign new players.

For us, I'd go along with this, depending on us gaining automatic promotion to League One:

Under Contract: Marek Stech, James Justin, Jack Stacey, Olly Lee, Danny Hylton, Harry Cornick, Jake Jervis, Pelly Ruddock, Luke Berry, James Collins, Lloyd Jones, James Shea, Elliot Lee, Akin Famewo (devt)
Offer New Contract: Dan Potts, Alan McCormack (if he only had a 1 year deal), Scott Cuthbert, Glen Rea, Luke Gambin, Jack James (devt), Alan Sheehan, Kavan Cotter (devt)
Release: Johnny Mullins, Jordan Cook, Jack Senior, Lawson D'Ath, Aaron Jarvis (devt), Arthur Read (devt), Harry Isted (devt), Frankie Musonda (devt)
Transfer List: None
End of Loan: Andrew Shinnie (attempt to resign), Flynn Downes (unlikely to be available)

So based on everyone re-signing, that's already 19 'senior' professionals, plus another 3 development players. That may well drop to 18 with James Justin likely to be sold in the summer, but still not a massive amount of room for maneuver, especially in the forward department - not that I think it needs that much. I think our squad and style of play will suit League One more so than League Two.

I think we'd need to sign another centre half, full back (if Justin goes), a couple of midfielders (maybe a loanee to cover Berry) and a wide player and that would be it.

I dont think we will re-sign all of those players to be honest. Got a feeling Cuthbert wont be offered one, not sure id offer Mccormack one given how fragile he seems to be either. Didnt realise Gambin was out of contract, not sure if they will offer him one given he doesnt really feature a great deal at this level let alone the one above.

Centre half will therefore need to be brought in, not sure what to make of that Jones signing to be honest given he hasnt played bar one sub appearance and cant even make the bench so might need more than 1 centre half.

Id like to see us get someone at defensive midfield who can be a bit more reliably fit than Mccormack too. Good player of that there is no doubt but he hasn't been reliably fit for a little while, even before he signed here. A new box to box midfield player to cover Berry and challenge Lee when Berry is back would be useful too i think.

Shinnie im a bit ambivalent about, good player but too easily moved off the ball and goes missing away from home. Maybe the level above might suit his game more. Id try and get him back wouldnt be all that upset if we didnt, I think we could better for the money it will likely cost us in that position I think.

 

[Chief Rocka]

Walker(not good enough to play midfield)

Best of luck to ya Brad but you might be in for a shock if you plan to use him as a centre mid, he's been awful for us there, far too slow and just a big stiff body who does nowt

My verdict on him 9 months ago when he left us for yourselves, the lad has talent but is too bone idle to realise it.

 

[JJ1532]

My verdict on him 9 months ago when he left us for yourselves, the lad has talent but is too bone idle to realise it.

Yeah, I also blame our management on this one though. Didn't scout him properly, as they barely even played him in midfield before realising they didn't fancy him. Ended up playing most of his games in defence. Do you guys want him back?

 

[Soup Ladle]

No thanks we need a big culture change at the club and Walker was part of that.

 

[TommoCUFC]

Under contract: Brad Halliday, Jake Carroll, Gary Deegan, Dimi Mitov, Emmanuel Osadebe, Liam O'Neil, George Maris, Jevani Brown, Paul Lewis, Leon Davies, Harry Darling, Matt Foy

Out of contract: David Forde, Greg Taylor, Leon Legge, Piero Mingoia, Uche Ikpeazu, Harrison Dunk, Jabo Ibehre, Dave Amoo, Medy Elito, Barry Corr

End of loan: Billy Waters, George Taft, Adam Phillips

Offer new deal to: Greg Taylor, Leon Legge, Piero Mingoia, Uche Ikpeazu, Harrison Dunk, Dave Amoo

Release: David Forde, Jabo Ibehre, Medy Elito, Barry Corr

Transfer list: Emmanuel Osadebe

Loan list: Harry Darling, Matt Foy (would say Leon Davies but I'm fairly sure he'll get a move anyway, plenty of clubs been looking at him)

Leaves us with quite a lot to do, even if all the players I've suggested we should offer deals to sign them (they won't). We still don't know who our manager will be next season, 95% of our fans would be happy if Joe Dunne got the job, but rumours circulating he doesn't really want it, and sorting that should be top priority.

I expect Ikpeazu and Halliday to get moves higher up, and possibly the likes of Jevani and Maris too if they keep their form up, I've heard whisperings that Greg might be signing a new deal though which would be a huge bonus but I'll hold my breath on that one. That would mean we're looking for first choice signings at GK, LB, CB, RB, LM, CM, CAM, ST

 

[kieran_vale]

Of those out of contract at Vale I'd get rid of Anton Forrester (constantly injured and not that good anyway), Danny Pugh and Michael Tonge, Harry Middleton, Graham Kelly, Ryan Boot.

Would offer deals to Dan Turner and Kjell Knopps a 6 month contract to prove his fitness after being out the last year. Other than that the rest of the out of contract lot are first or second year pro's.

If can get rid of Rob Lainton, Tyrone Barnett and Joe Davis who are still contracted for next year then that is a bonus.

We then need to set about recruiting a good solid keeper as a matter of the highest priority, another decent forward alongside Pope preferably one with a bit of pace and a new central midfield (or at least one which doesn't have a comined age of 70+ would be a start). Someone experienced to help out at centreback would be good also, Nathan Smith has really lost his way this year and needs some help.

I'm going on a limb Ben Whitfield and Kyle Howkins who we've had on loan will be destined for better things next year so won't be back either. Harness has done ok occasionally but wouldn't bust a gut to bring him back.

 

[jacobncfc]

Shaun Brisley, Dan Jones, Noor Husin, Terry Hawkridge, Lewis Alessandra, Liam Noble and Elliott Hewitt are our only players under contract and i’m pretty happy with all of those whichever division we’re in.

Matt Tootle is the only under contract player we have who will definitely be offered a new deal. Think he’s gone under the radar a bit with fans of other clubs but is as good of a full back as you’ll find at this level and a bit of a cult hero with the fans as well.

Otherwise I think there’s a feeling that a lot of players (Duffy, Collin, Stead, Milsom, Forte, O’Connor etc) have had their cycle at Notts and will probably move on whether we go up or not. We need to make the squad younger for sure, particularly in attack.

 

[TrinidadsNumberOne]

Think the Alex need big changes in the summer, we can hope for natural development of some of the breakthrough players this season, but some of the big names haven't performed and need to be shipped out. Also think some of the more talented players will leave.

Under Contract: Ben Garratt(GK), Michael Raynes, Eddie Nolan, George Ray, Brad Walker, Ryan Wintle, Tommy Lowery, Chris Porter, Jordan Bowery
Offer New Contract: Perry Ng*, Lewis Reilly*, Will Jaaskelainen(GK), Harry Pickering, James Jones**, Callum Ainley**, Charlie Kirk, Chris Dagnall, Lewis Reilly
Release: Dave Richards, Zoumana Bakayogo, Oli Finney, Josh Lundstram, Daniel Udoh, Owen Dale
Transfer List: Michael Raynes, Brad Walker, Chris Porter
End of Loan: Shaun Miller(possibly re-sign, depends on what Dagnall does), Paul Green(Definitely re-sign), Jamie Sterry(Won't be back, not overly fussed if he isn't), Harry McKirdy(talented but a loose cannon at times, no thanks), Dan Barlaser(didn't even start a game, he won't be back).

*has an option of 12 months extension
** Out of contract and refusing to sign new deals

Yeah, we face an interesting summer. Two of our most talented players in Jones and Ainley are out of contract and won't sign new ones. They might well be sold on the cheap, but that could drag on for months. We need to get of Porter(too slow), Raynes(too inconsistent and error prone) and Walker(not good enough to play midfield), taking up a big chunk of the budget and none have been missed or are first teamers at the moment.

Dagnall might well find a new home paying better than what we can, fair play if he does, gave us 24 goals in 2 seasons, not a bad return given how he's been mismanaged by 2 different managers. Paul Green needs to be our first summer signing, he's made a huge difference in midfield. Should have no issues keeping the other out of contract players. Who knows what will happen with Miller, that depends on Dagnall, but we need someone to partner Bowery upfront.

If all that shook out like that(which it won't), we'd need a LB, RB, 2 wingers and a striker. Got what should be a solid core for next season, but some tough decisions need to be made and some serious quality added if we want to avoid another season in the bottom 8.

Disagree with getting rid of Porter. He's been inconsistent and missed a chunk of the season but he knows where the goal is. With us investing in a supply line next year, I reckon he could be great for us if fit. Besides, what's to say Bowery's form won't nosedive next season given how much of a confidence player he is? Dagnall I'd release because of his wages and he needs a fresh challenge, he goes with my best wishes though, can't fault his effort at all!

Agree with the vast majority of the rest, Bakayogo's a nice lad but we need a sound LB that's not a liability. Oli Finney's recent drink driving conviction and Owen Dale's arrogance and rumoured poor attitude will see them both shipped off too. Udoh and Lundstram haven't done enough to get anywhere near the first team whilst Richards will probably be offered better money to start for a Conference club next season given he's now made a few appearances at League Two level.

I can see Jones re-signing weirdly. His lack of fitness and the fact his displays since coming back have been slightly disappointing means that I can't see clubs taking a 6 figure punt on him. He'd be better off signing here to see if he's either the real deal or just a crock. Ainley I can see leaving and you know, good riddance. A player who believes far too much in his hype, has one good game then does sod all for 5 or 6, take the money and run with him.

I'm confident Kirk, Ng and Pickering will all sign new deals, the latter two especially, and these will be 3 or 4 year ones given players are shafting us these days after 1 half decent season (Ainley). Reilly might be given a 1 year deal given he's featured a few times but I can't see him being up to the standard. Jaaskelainen may well be our backup next season given the club have farmed him out to the lower divisions so no problem with him staying on.

I like Raynes and I believe Artell will give him a second chance next year. Maybe his problem was playing far too many games because of our defensive injury issues? He started the season very well but then was making shocking mistakes almost every game until he got dropped after the Swindon game. Brad Walker will be off though, very poor signing despite initial flashes of brilliance. I was happy to give him a chance but I said at the time the money would've been better invested in an experienced midfielder given our midfield was full of kids as it was. Although I think Artell expected Jones to be the leader of the midfield (despite his tender age) until his season was ruined with injury.

For that reason, Paul Green must be the first signing made this Summer if possible. If Miller's cheap, I wouldn't mind him as a backup forward, but we need someone in the Dagnall mould with an eye for goal as well which Miller sadly doesn't have. I'm a fan of McKirdy but I can see him being loaned to League One next season anyway. A natural LB and natural RB are absolutely essential too with some loanees for added depth at CB and on the wings. That said, Billy Sass-Davies could be staking a claim at CB next season given his decent displays for the youth teams. Would prefer the fullbacks to be experienced given our appalling defensive record (joint worst in the league, shock, least we're scoring goals under Artell unlike the boring one though.) and this'll be what Artell will be judged on next year, as we played half a season with a severely unbalanced and inexperienced squad.

Thankfully the likes of Ng, Pickering, Wintle, Lowery and Kirk have got the valuable year of experience that they needed from this challenging season, and they'll be the key to our future prospects next season. As long as Artell learns from last year's mistakes with his recruitment, then I'll be happy to back him for another year.

 

[JJ1532]

Disagree with getting rid of Porter. He's been inconsistent and missed a chunk of the season but he knows where the goal is. With us investing in a supply line next year, I reckon he could be great for us if fit. Besides, what's to say Bowery's form won't nosedive next season given how much of a confidence player he is? Dagnall I'd release because of his wages and he needs a fresh challenge, he goes with my best wishes though, can't fault his effort at all!

Agree with the vast majority of the rest, Bakayogo's a nice lad but we need a sound LB that's not a liability. Oli Finney's recent drink driving conviction and Owen Dale's arrogance and rumoured poor attitude will see them both shipped off too. Udoh and Lundstram haven't done enough to get anywhere near the first team whilst Richards will probably be offered better money to start for a Conference club next season given he's now made a few appearances at League Two level.

I can see Jones re-signing weirdly. His lack of fitness and the fact his displays since coming back have been slightly disappointing means that I can't see clubs taking a 6 figure punt on him. He'd be better off signing here to see if he's either the real deal or just a crock. Ainley I can see leaving and you know, good riddance. A player who believes far too much in his hype, has one good game then does sod all for 5 or 6, take the money and run with him.

I'm confident Kirk, Ng and Pickering will all sign new deals, the latter two especially, and these will be 3 or 4 year ones given players are shafting us these days after 1 half decent season (Ainley). Reilly might be given a 1 year deal given he's featured a few times but I can't see him being up to the standard. Jaaskelainen may well be our backup next season given the club have farmed him out to the lower divisions so no problem with him staying on.

I like Raynes and I believe Artell will give him a second chance next year. Maybe his problem was playing far too many games because of our defensive injury issues? He started the season very well but then was making shocking mistakes almost every game until he got dropped after the Swindon game. Brad Walker will be off though, very poor signing despite initial flashes of brilliance. I was happy to give him a chance but I said at the time the money would've been better invested in an experienced midfielder given our midfield was full of kids as it was. Although I think Artell expected Jones to be the leader of the midfield (despite his tender age) until his season was ruined with injury.

For that reason, Paul Green must be the first signing made this Summer if possible. If Miller's cheap, I wouldn't mind him as a backup forward, but we need someone in the Dagnall mould with an eye for goal as well which Miller sadly doesn't have. I'm a fan of McKirdy but I can see him being loaned to League One next season anyway. A natural LB and natural RB are absolutely essential too with some loanees for added depth at CB and on the wings. That said, Billy Sass-Davies could be staking a claim at CB next season given his decent displays for the youth teams. Would prefer the fullbacks to be experienced given our appalling defensive record (joint worst in the league, shock, least we're scoring goals under Artell unlike the boring one though.) and this'll be what Artell will be judged on next year, as we played half a season with a severely unbalanced and inexperienced squad.

Thankfully the likes of Ng, Pickering, Wintle, Lowery and Kirk have got the valuable year of experience that they needed from this challenging season, and they'll be the key to our future prospects next season. As long as Artell learns from last year's mistakes with his recruitment, then I'll be happy to back him for another year.

Several factors against keeping Porter. He's far too slow, doesn't suit our style of play. It's no coincidence that we've looked way better in attack since he got injured. I would much rather Bowery be our big guy who can hold the ball up. Yes, his form might dip, but then I never expected him to be the main guy going into the season, I expected Jones, Dagnall and Cooper to support. The latter 2 struggled for different reasons and Jones only got back on the pitch recently. We need a Dagnall replacement. Is that Miller? Dunno. If not, we need another striker who can score 15. Bowery proved last season that we don't need him to be the guy, but he's had to be because nobody else has consistently stepped up.

Bowery is useful when he's not scoring, Porter isn't, he's a complete waste of space. Also, take out his hot start and he only managed 6 goals in his last 20 starts. When you then factor in one of those was actually an own goal at Chesterfield, 2 were penalties and another was against a 9 man Blackburn and his stats don't look all that good and the in the eye test, he's even worse.

As for Raynes, giving him another chance would be a huge mistake. He's 30, this is what he is. This what Carlisle fans told us he would be. Yes, relying on Ray's fitness is a risk, but a quartet of him, Nolan, Ng and Sass-Davies, who I think will get a professional contract, is fine for our CB group. We made this mistake 2 seasons ago when we had Davis, Guthrie, Ray and Nugent all signed up. It's a waste to have so many CBs, none of whom can really play at full back. Raynes has cost us far too often, I don't buy this 'playing him too often' stuff. He should, like all pros, be capable of playing every league game without issue.

With Jones, I think it's harsh to criticise his performances, he's only returned to first team action after 10 months out.

My worry at keeping Porter and Raynes is not only do they not suit our style of play and you would be leaving yourself very little budget to improve the team. I think if the management want this group to improve, they have to make big changes. Hey ho, we'll have to wait and see I suppose.

 

[gijsbert_bos]

All depends on what division we are in really so quite hard to say at this moment in time. I think whatever level we are playing at we need a bit more up front and to get another permanent Centre Back as I imagine Wharton will go back to Blackburn at the end of his loan. If we can sign him on a permanent deal that would sort the left side of central defence for us.

If we go up I'd also question whether Sam Habergham is good enough at Left Back. It feels awful to say it but after his op (hernia?) last summer he just didn't start on all cylinders and whilst he has improved over the season he's definitely found it tougher than in the National League and a step up might see him really struggle with faster an more skilful players.

Signing Eardley on a longer deal has to be a priority for me. He's regularly been outstanding for us and has a huge number of assists. His experience at a higher level mean he will be fine at L1 I reckon.

 

[valefan16]

Of those out of contract at Vale I'd get rid of Anton Forrester (constantly injured and not that good anyway), Danny Pugh and Michael Tonge, Harry Middleton, Graham Kelly, Ryan Boot.

Would offer deals to Dan Turner and Kjell Knopps a 6 month contract to prove his fitness after being out the last year. Other than that the rest of the out of contract lot are first or second year pro's.

If can get rid of Rob Lainton, Tyrone Barnett and Joe Davis who are still contracted for next year then that is a bonus.

We then need to set about recruiting a good solid keeper as a matter of the highest priority, another decent forward alongside Pope preferably one with a bit of pace and a new central midfield (or at least one which doesn't have a comined age of 70+ would be a start). Someone experienced to help out at centreback would be good also, Nathan Smith has really lost his way this year and needs some help.

I'm going on a limb Ben Whitfield and Kyle Howkins who we've had on loan will be destined for better things next year so won't be back either. Harness has done ok occasionally but wouldn't bust a gut to bring him back.

Both loanees are out of contract so would try but think we'd lose Ben. Howkins looks a real prospect, his injury was a huge blow at the weekend so would look to try and get him tied up.

Agree with the rest, I would try and get rid of Regis who clearly has no future at the club too. Kelly would be worth keeping as he was not signed as a first teamer this year and as one for the future... been well rated out on loan and imagine he is on peanuts anyway.

Pope looks set for around 20 goals this season so if we can add a 10-15 goal player off him we would be in great position.

 

[PiedPiper]

Shaun Brisley, Dan Jones, Noor Husin, Terry Hawkridge, Lewis Alessandra, Liam Noble and Elliott Hewitt are our only players under contract and i’m pretty happy with all of those whichever division we’re in.

Matt Tootle is the only under contract player we have who will definitely be offered a new deal. Think he’s gone under the radar a bit with fans of other clubs but is as good of a full back as you’ll find at this level and a bit of a cult hero with the fans as well.

Otherwise I think there’s a feeling that a lot of players (Duffy, Collin, Stead, Milsom, Forte, O’Connor etc) have had their cycle at Notts and will probably move on whether we go up or not. We need to make the squad younger for sure, particularly in attack.

I personally think Duffy, Collin, O'Connor and Tootle will all be offered new deals. Don't think that Collin will sign though as there is hardly much love either way between him and the fans for whatever reason.

The fact that we really need to replace the whole front line as well as Grant makes me wonder how next year regardless of league will go

 

[rudebwoyben]

Where to start...
I'm not even sure who is contracted for next season or not.

 

[Luke Imp]

We look like we'll have the basis of a half decent squad again next season with room to bring better quality into positions that we already have players for, as opposed to trying to get players in for a position we have no-one in. Feels like we'll just be tweaking the squad rather than major surgery.

Definitely need another CB and ST. Probably another full back and a couple of wingers.

Under Contract
Goalkeepers
Josh Vickers - Keep. Our number one before his injury and better than Farman in most areas of his game.

Paul Farman - Get Rid. As expected, he struggled to make the step up to league football, which is why we brought a loan keeper in to cover Vickers. He might see out the final year of his contract as number two, but I'd be suggesting he finds another Club and enables us to bring in another 'keeper as either number one or two. Be a bit of a shame because he's been with us for 7(?) years now but Cowley doesn't do sentiments.

Defenders
Sam Habergham - Keep. Slow start to the season due to needing two operations in the summer but has steadily got to grips with L2 football. In an ideal world, we probably need a little more pace at LB because he's been done for pace a little more than last season but he's generally good positionally and in one-on-ones.

Luke Waterfall - Keep. As Habergham, a slow start to the season and dropped out the side for a bit but came back stronger. Certainly good enough as a third choice CB if we plan on bringing in someone else so no need to get rid.

James Wilson - Keep. Only been here since January, but not really played firstly due to injury and then the form of Wharton.

Midfielders
Ellis Chapman - Keep. 16 year old who's training with the first team. Signed a three-year deal in January.

Michael Bostwick - Keep. Got stronger as the season has gone on. Incredible signing.

Lee Frecklington - Keep. Will take him a while to get back into the swing of things here but already scored some important goals.

Harry Anderson - Keep. In and out of the side, but there's a reason he got a three-year deal last summer.

Alex Woodyard - Keep. Self explanatory.

Nathan Arnold - Get Rid. He wants to play football, hence leaving on loan to Salford, although he's not playing there at the minute either. Think he might have fallen out with them because of comments made to our local paper about his short stay there - in short, Salford aren't as good as they think they are and aren't professional enough, or words similar.

Tom Pett - Keep. Only just signed him and we've not seen too much of him.

Strikers
Matt Green - Keep. He's on for 20 this season, despite his 14 game or so goalless run, but even then he was still contributing.

Matt Rhead - Keep. Still a focal point of our attacks and has a good understand with Green. We're a little less reliant on him this season because he usually gets subbed around the 60-70 minute mark. Not far off double figures for goals and assists again, though.

Ollie Palmer - Keep. He'll not be more than a third or fourth choice striker wherever he goes I don't think, but he's an ok one to bring off the bench if needed and that's how we've used him to decent effect this season.

Out of Contract
Goalkeepers
Richard Walton - Get Rid. Young 'keeper who's always out on loan and isn't anywhere near being good enough for the first team.

Defenders
Neal Eardley - Keep. It'll be him or Bostwick for Player of the Season I imagine. Given that he's hardly played because of serious injuries for the two years prior to this, he performance levels and consistency of those levels have been impressive. Bags of assists, and you can tell he's spent most of his career higher than L2 in the Championship. Close to signing a new deal by all accounts.

Sean Long - Unsure. He was more than adequate at NL level but he's had very limited games due to Neal Eardley's form. Not been as sure in his games this season but that's down to lack of much game time more than anything I imagine. Probably need better, but they'll be worse out there.

Midfielders
Elliott Whitehouse - Keep. He's had to be very patient this season but he's taking his chance. Even before his run in the side, I'd have kept him. He's no Woodyard, Frecklington or Bostwick but you'd have no qualms putting him in alongside one or two of those if needed.

Billy Knott - Get Rid. Another Club where it's not worked out for Billy Knott. Technically a good player but his career is just wandering all over the place and he can't settle anywhere. Not because he's a bad egg,

Cameron Stewart - Get Rid. Probably should have left us in January when his short term deal ended.

Strikers
N/A

Loans
Ryan Allsop - Get Rid. He's done far better than the comments from his previous Clubs would have suggested. Is he any better than Vickers? Probably not. Better than Farman, but if we're bringing another 'keeper in, I'd rather him be better than Vickers and that depends on Farman who is already under contract.

Scott Wharton - Keep. Improving rapidly since he joined in January. Shaky first handful of games but he's had a brilliant run of form and has kept James Wilson out the side.

Danny Rowe - Keep. Probably not made the impact we thought he would, but he offers a little bit of something that you play him for, even if he does flit in and out of games.

Jordan Williams - Get Rid. In and out of the side, but I think the Cowleys looked to improve the wide areas in January and he's better than JMD and Ginnelly, but not at an Anderson and Rowe level.

 

[gijsbert_bos]

I'd agree with all of that. Good that we have a settled spine and only need a few additions whatever division we are in, rather than a wholesale rebuild job. Cowley has tended to recruit players this season who are proven at the level above, like Bostwick, Freck, Eardley, Wilson, which has helped.

That said, if we get promoted I wouldn't be surprised if he was more ruthless with some players.

 

[valefan16]

and just to think... we rejected Eardley in the summer after a trial! Michael Brown the Clown really shafted us!

 

[Trapdoor]

I think it's pointless for any side in with a chance of promotion or relegation to be assessing squads at this stage.

For us if we somehow get promoted to L1 we would need at least 5 first team changes (imho), but if we stay down we could quite happily keep exactly the same squad and have another competitive crack at L2 again.

I think I would be worried if I was an Accy fan, that team is going to get raided so hard in the summer break by clubs with more money than them.

 

[Moomin]

I think it's pointless for any side in with a chance of promotion or relegation to be assessing squads at this stage.

For us if we somehow get promoted to L1 we would need at least 5 first team changes (imho), but if we stay down we could quite happily keep exactly the same squad and have another competitive crack at L2 again.

I think I would be worried if I was an Accy fan, that team is going to get raided so hard in the summer break by clubs with more money than them.

Yep, agree, if we went up we’d need some good signings. Our midfield is too weak and needs beefing up and we’d need some pace in the wide areas. Holmes is good but too injury prone to rely on all season.

And up front, I’d expect Stockley to score goals in L1 but he’d need help. I’d like to see a quicker striker brought in to partner him. Someone like Ofolomo who was on loan at Yeovil would be ideal.

If we stay down, I’d still like to see us address the above but recognise we have enough in the squad to be top 7 again.

 

[CTFCfan99]

Under contract (9):
Scott Flinders (GK), Jordon Forster (CB), Matt Bower (CB), Nigel Atangana (CM), Harry Pell (CM), Kevin Dawson (MF), Brian Graham (ST), Mo Eisa (ST), George Lloyd (FW).

Will be shocked if Eisa stays, despite our chairman saying we don't need to sell I'd imagine we'll receive offers too good to turn down. We'll need someone better than Graham to start up front but he'd remain a good squad player. Lloyd and Bower are two development players who should be pushing to be in the squad every week next season. None here that I'd definitely want to get rid of.

Offer new contracts (6):
Rhys Lovett (GK), Will Boyle (CB), Jordan Cranston (LB), Carl Winchester (CM), Jerell Sellars (FW), Sanmi Odelusi (FW).

Must try to keep Winchester at all costs, Eisa has grabbed all the headlines but Winny has been our player of the season for me. Boyle also a rock and great leader at the back. Cranston was playing superbly before his injury and deserves another year. Sellars has some of the best control and natural ability I've seen at this level and will be a special player if he can work on his end product. Odelusi has shown flashes in the few games he's played and I'd keep him as a squad player.

Release:
Aaron Downes (CB), Jamie Grimes (CB), Janaai Gordon (FW), Danny Wright (ST), Dan Holman (ST).

Downes has essentially retired anyway and will probably stay on as a coach. Grimes can be decent enough but is also prone to horrible mistakes quite regularly which have cost us points. Gordon played about five minutes before getting injured. Wrighty and Holman will always be legends for getting us back into the FL but it's not quite happened for them since, and it's time for them to move on.

Others:
Adam Page (MF), Josh Thomas (MF).

Two young players who've been around a while now and not looked like getting into the first team. Suspect they'll be released but not sure.

Loans:
Manny Onariase (CB, Rotherham), Ilias Chatzitheodoridis (LB, Brentford), Taylor Moore (RB/CB, Bristol City), Joe Rodon (CB, Swansea), Joe Morrell (CM, Bristol City), Jake Andrews (MF, Bristol City), Elijah Adebayo (ST, Fulham).

Morrell and Ilias have been outstanding and we should be trying hard to keep them. Moore has been solid but feel we need a more natural RB, the rest haven't contributed enough to think we should try to keep them.

 

[Tom_CUFC]

Under contract: Brad Halliday, Jake Carroll, Gary Deegan, Dimi Mitov, Emmanuel Osadebe, Liam O'Neil, George Maris, Jevani Brown, Paul Lewis, Leon Davies, Harry Darling, Matt Foy

Out of contract: David Forde, Greg Taylor, Leon Legge, Piero Mingoia, Uche Ikpeazu, Harrison Dunk, Jabo Ibehre, Dave Amoo, Medy Elito, Barry Corr

End of loan: Billy Waters, George Taft, Adam Phillips

Offer new deal to: Greg Taylor, Leon Legge, Piero Mingoia, Uche Ikpeazu, Harrison Dunk, Dave Amoo

Release: David Forde, Jabo Ibehre, Medy Elito, Barry Corr

Transfer list: Emmanuel Osadebe

Loan list: Harry Darling, Matt Foy (would say Leon Davies but I'm fairly sure he'll get a move anyway, plenty of clubs been looking at him)

Leaves us with quite a lot to do, even if all the players I've suggested we should offer deals to sign them (they won't). We still don't know who our manager will be next season, 95% of our fans would be happy if Joe Dunne got the job, but rumours circulating he doesn't really want it, and sorting that should be top priority.

I expect Ikpeazu and Halliday to get moves higher up, and possibly the likes of Jevani and Maris too if they keep their form up, I've heard whisperings that Greg might be signing a new deal though which would be a huge bonus but I'll hold my breath on that one. That would mean we're looking for first choice signings at GK, LB, CB, RB, LM, CM, CAM, ST

Difficult, because so many of our goods players are out of contract and a lot of the rubbish ones aren't, so I suspect a lot is going to depend on who we shift on.

Ideally I would say:
Keep - Halliday, Deegan, Mitov, Maris, Brown, Davies, Taylor, Legge, Amoo, Uche, Dunk
Release - Forde, Jabo, Elito, Corr, Mingoia, Waters, Phillips
Sign - Taft
Loan - Foy, Darling
List - Carroll, Osadebe, O'Neill, Lewis

Forde is probably the most difficult, and if we'd seen some of Mitov I'd feel more confident about making a decision on that. I really like Mingoia but I don't think we're going to get the best out of him here and with Amoo's emergency it's probably best to move on, I'd like to keep both but with the amount of crap we have under contract he is an unfortunate casualty. Deegan has just about done enough in recent weeks to not be listed, but he's not in my starting XI for August and if someone wants him I'd let him go. I think we'd all obviously keep Uche, but it's beginning to sound unlikely, which means we'd be starting with the square root of fuck all up front going into the summer. If he does go I may keep Jabo for another year, just to give us something to start with.

New GK/Mitov
Halliday/Davies
Legge/Taft
Taylor/Loan
New LB/Dunk
Amoo/Brown
New CM/Deegan
Maris/Loan
New LM/Dunk
Brown/New ST
Uche/New ST

Would give us a squad of 18 with Darling and Foy out on loan and two in to cover those gaps, which seems reasonable although obviously you'd prefer a direct replacement at every position. Lot of work to do to get near that though with what we have to get rid of, and sadly they won't all go.

 

[jacobncfc]

I personally think Duffy, Collin, O'Connor and Tootle will all be offered new deals. Don't think that Collin will sign though as there is hardly much love either way between him and the fans for whatever reason.

The fact that we really need to replace the whole front line as well as Grant makes me wonder how next year regardless of league will go

Maybe. I’d definitely offer Duffy one myself, Grant has to be really for his goals but would have Duffy right up there for player of the season.

I think O’Connor may be offered something short term to prove his fitness, be a big risk to offer a longer term extension to a guy who’ll be one of our highest earners when he’s just had such a serious injury.

Collin I think we’ll let go, he’s been fine this season for me but is on decent wages that we can probably use better elsewhere. Not sure what he’ll do with Fitzsimons who looked a bit of a prospect until kicking his way on to the naughty step.

 

[shoddycollins]

A lot of these decisions will already have been made in principle, or at least sensible clubs will be on top of their contract situations for the summer.

 

[Chris FGR]

A lot of these decisions will already have been made in principle, or at least sensible clubs will be on top of their contract situations for the summer.

We wont be making any decisions on out of contract players until the summer apparently.