Time to Reduce the Squad?

[TAFKA Castroneves]

Just reading in another topic that we have 30 pros on our books, do some of you guys think its time to cut some players? I know it's a good thing to have more players than less but I think it would do our team good so to speak. Example, Darren Kenton. He impressed in training a while ago so MA gave him a chance - but he wasn't good last night, is it time to release him bearing in mind no offers have come in?

I'd release these guys without a doubt, bearing in mind MA won't be releasing any of his signings like Casino Jimmy etc...

Elvis Hammond - he's not going to get played, let him go off somewhere else.

Darren Kenton - had a shocker last night, time to cut loose.

Rab Douglas - hopefully he's on his way, if not i'd be tempted to keep him as fourth backup but do we really need it? Probably not.

Stephen Hughes - hasn't been mentioned for ages, so let him go.

Alan Maybury - same as Hughes.

[Lord Nibblington]

So.. you're suggesting releasing all players that were transfer listed?

Right?

[TAFKA Castroneves]

Well if no one is going to come in for them by the end of the window then yes I would just release them.

[davieG]

Just reading in another topic that we have 30 pros on our books, do some of you guys think its time to cut some players? I know it's a good thing to have more players than less but I think it would do our team good so to speak. Example, Darren Kenton. He impressed in training a while ago so MA gave him a chance - but he wasn't good last night, is it time to release him bearing in mind no offers have come in?

I'd release these guys without a doubt, bearing in mind MA won't be releasing any of his signings like Casino Jimmy etc...

Elvis Hammond - he's not going to get played, let him go off somewhere else.

Darren Kenton - had a shocker last night, time to cut loose.

Rab Douglas - hopefully he's on his way, if not i'd be tempted to keep him as fourth backup but do we really need it? Probably not.

Stephen Hughes - hasn't been mentioned for ages, so let him go.

Alan Maybury - same as Hughes.

You can't just 'release' them they are on contracts that would need to be paid in full. In effect they cost no more being on the squad than if they were thrown out.

So that pretty much makes this topic redundant unless you want to have theoretical debate about who we should release.

[filbertway]

You can't just 'release' them they are on contracts that would need to be paid in full. In effect they cost no more being on the squad than if they were thrown out.

So that pretty much makes this topic redundant unless you want to have theoretical debate about who we should release.

We could mutually terminate a few contracts of those who actually want to play football and not jsut be money grabbers, if there are any that want to play football

[TAFKA Castroneves]

I know we'd have to pay them off, unless a mutual contract termination was agreed (for a reduced price or free) although that is unlikely. The thing is that I don't see the point in having them on the books particulary after the transfer window, if we had an injury crisis i'd head to the youngsters, people like Odihambo, Beswick etc. We are never going to use these guys again it seems so why not get them to move on.

[BedsFox]

I know we'd have to pay them off, unless a mutual contract termination was agreed (for a reduced price or free) although that is unlikely. The thing is that I don't see the point in having them on the books particulary after the transfer window, if we had an injury crisis i'd head to the youngsters, people like Odihambo, Beswick etc. We are never going to use these guys again it seems so why not get them to move on.

If they don't want to go somewhere for a smaller contract, they'll stay and take the money til the end of their contracts and then be released

they days of professional pride and therefore wanting to play are long gone for a lot of modern pros

We are paying for giving these guys long over-inflated contracts under CL mostly

[Bluefoxtim]

I know we'd have to pay them off, unless a mutual contract termination was agreed (for a reduced price or free) although that is unlikely. The thing is that I don't see the point in having them on the books particulary after the transfer window, if we had an injury crisis i'd head to the youngsters, people like Odihambo, Beswick etc. We are never going to use these guys again it seems so why not get them to move on.

What a ridiculous thought!

If you have to pay them the same whatever you do with them, then obviously you'll keep hold of them.

[davieG]

I know we'd have to pay them off, unless a mutual contract termination was agreed (for a reduced price or free) although that is unlikely. The thing is that I don't see the point in having them on the books particulary after the transfer window, if we had an injury crisis i'd head to the youngsters, people like Odihambo, Beswick etc. We are never going to use these guys again it seems so why not get them to move on.

Well if mutual contract termination was a viable option for the club then we'd have done it or will do. At this point i.e. 3 days before the transfer window closes we could still get a fee from a desperate club so there is no need to rush any 'mutual' agreement either from the clubs perspective or the player. If we do it after the window closes the palyer can still sign for another club so there is really no need to panic.

[The Don]

And what if the players in question had a family and were settled, kids going to school. friends etc.

Peiople think that footballers can just move from one club to the next, just cos of the football.

It's a big decision for some people.

[davieG]

And what if the players in question had a family and were settled, kids going to school. friends etc.

Peiople think that footballers can just move from one club to the next, just cos of the football.

It's a big decision for some people.

Not according to Keene

[Thracian]

Just reading in another topic that we have 30 pros on our books, do some of you guys think its time to cut some players? I know it's a good thing to have more players than less but I think it would do our team good so to speak. Example, Darren Kenton. He impressed in training a while ago so MA gave him a chance - but he wasn't good last night, is it time to release him bearing in mind no offers have come in?

I'd release these guys without a doubt, bearing in mind MA won't be releasing any of his signings like Casino Jimmy etc...

Elvis Hammond - he's not going to get played, let him go off somewhere else.

Darren Kenton - had a shocker last night, time to cut loose.

Rab Douglas - hopefully he's on his way, if not i'd be tempted to keep him as fourth backup but do we really need it? Probably not.

Stephen Hughes - hasn't been mentioned for ages, so let him go.

Alan Maybury - same as Hughes.

I'd pick Elvis ahead of Newton any time. Our team is still too slow.

The others you mention will only go when it suits them. They might even get retirement homes here.

But of the squad these are the ones I'd like to see gone:

Douglas, Nielsen, Cort, Newton, Hellings, Kenton, Sappleton, Henderson (Logan to return), Hughes, Maybury.

That's 10 players.

Due to their contracts it won't happen but I'll be amazed if any play a significantly positive role in our future.

That's one third, or thereabouts, of our more senior players and reflects how frightfully money is wasted by football clubs.

In my view and with us having a reserve side now (which the seniors won't generally play in) we don't need a first team squad of more than 22. But 22 good players I'm talking about.

[Stevosevic]

I'd pick Elvis ahead of Newton any time. Our team is still too slow.

The others you mention will only go when it suits them. They might even get retirement homes here.

But of the squad these are the ones I'd like to see gone:

Douglas, Nielsen, Cort, Newton, Hellings, Kenton, Sappleton, Henderson (Logan to return), Hughes, Maybury.

That's 10 players.

Due to their contracts it won't happen but I'll be amazed if any play a significantly positive role in our future.

That's one third, or thereabouts, of our more senior players and reflects how frightfully money is wasted by football clubs.

In my view and with us having a reserve side now (which the seniors won't generally play in) we don't need a first team squad of more than 22. But 22 good players I'm talking about.

Why Sappleton Thracian? I can understand the others, i may not agree, but i can understand why some would want them out. Sappleton is only 17, plenty of time to develop so why get rid already?

[Monk]

Problem is if we did this and then had an injury crisis in February. Screwed. I dont think mandy's going to struggle paying their wages. We need a big squad, albeit a good one, but we should not get discard these players without valid replacements

[Thracian]

Why Sappleton Thracian? I can understand the others, i may not agree, but i can understand why some would want them out. Sappleton is only 17, plenty of time to develop so why get rid already?

Because I've seen enough of him. He's got a shot like a fired cannonball but he doesn't jump, is woefully slow and his contol has all the subtlety of a sledgehammer.

If I just wanted a big man I'd get Nelson off his column. But what I want is a big man who has mobility, can put it about, can score with his head and his feet and can bring others into the game.

He's already a cult figure to LilDave3 and I hope he goes on to increase his following and his impact on our club. I just don't think it will happen. If there's 18,000 think differently I hope it's them that's right.

[Leicester Lass]

Because I've seen enough of him. He's got a shot like a fired cannonball but he doesn't jump, is woefully slow and his contol has all the subtlety of a sledgehammer.

If I just wanted a big man I'd get Nelson off his column. But what I want is a big man who has mobility, can put it about, can score with his head and his feet and can bring others into the game.

He's already a cult figure to LilDave3 and I hope he goes on to increase his following and his impact on our club. I just don't think it will happen. If there's 18,000 think differently I hope it's them that's right.

Well there's 18,000 that agree about Elvis Hammond and we're right so let's hope we make it 2 from 2.

[Thracian]

Well there's 18,000 that agree about Elvis Hammond and we're right so let's hope we make it 2 from 2.

Far be it for me to argue with a lady but if you and your 17,999 friends think Newton is better than Hammond I look forward to seeing the evidence some time.

[Sir Fynwy]

Because I've seen enough of him. He's got a shot like a fired cannonball but he doesn't jump, is woefully slow and his contol has all the subtlety of a sledgehammer.

If I just wanted a big man I'd get Nelson off his column. But what I want is a big man who has mobility, can put it about, can score with his head and his feet and can bring others into the game.

He's already a cult figure to LilDave3 and I hope he goes on to increase his following and his impact on our club. I just don't think it will happen. If there's 18,000 think differently I hope it's them that's right.

"It also takes a while for young players with Ray's physique to grow into themselves, adapt and find their feet as a player.

I was always convinced that once he got through the teenage years and into his early 20s, he'd be absolutely unstoppable."

Actually a quote about Ray Jones (Sappletons best mate) but it could also apply to Sap. You go on about giving your chosen players time and chances and then do the exact opposite with this one, make you look a bit of a tit.

[Thracian]

"It also takes a while for young players with Ray's physique to grow into themselves, adapt and find their feet as a player.

I was always convinced that once he got through the teenage years and into his early 20s, he'd be absolutely unstoppable."

Actually a quote about Ray Jones (Sappletons best mate) but it could also apply to Sap. You go on about giving your chosen players time and chances and then do the exact opposite with this one, make you look a bit of a tit.

Not really. He's not one of my "chosen" players. He's not one that I would have invested time in.

I willingly concede that I might be wrong. It's all a matter of opinion. And as we've got him of course I think he should be given time and understanding.

It's just that I wouldn't have signed him. And if I was trimming the staff I would want him moved on to someone who did appreciate him.

Don't worry. If he does well, he'll still get credit and I'll still be as pleased as anyone else and perfectly willing to change my view.

[Flynny]

Actually a quote about Ray Jones (Sappletons best mate)

I asked in another thread if they'd known one another, no-one answered.

Oh dear.

[DB11]

We only need to get rid of the guys on the transfer list.

I'd wouldn't be too bothered if we got rid of Levi Porter and Matty Fryatt, though.

[TAFKA Castroneves]

I agree totally with Thracian's reason, the truth is we need a really good squad of 22-23 players and a decent reserve lot as backup. That's why I see it as it would be good to get rid of some players, but also I do agree with a lot of the issues raised. I'm just thinking if we cleared out some deadwood and brought in a couple more players before the end of the window the squad could be nicely balanced and we could have that top notch first team of 22-23.

[Simi]

I'm sure we would love to reduce the numbers in the squad. Evidently with players like Hughes it is proving quite hard when trying to sort out some sort of contract.

[Fez of Mahrez]

I haven't seen Sappleton play yet but I can guarantee he is better than O'Grady.

[Geo V]

The club have been trying to get rid of some of the remaining dead wood but haven't been too successful thus far. I wouldn't just pay to get rid of someone like Hughes or Maybury because if we get an injury crisis, we can call on these lads who week in and week out get paid for doing sod all. In an ideal world we would release them on frees and it wont cost us a penny but players are clued up and realize that we will have to pay to get rid of them so are being stubborn. To be honest its not that big a deal at the moment because it hasn't hindered us bringing in 13 players. If people can remember just 8 months or so ago we couldn't even bring in loanees until we sold Williams to Watford!