Milans Foxes Posted 4 October 2007 Posted 4 October 2007 We all know that we've found ourselves with a huge squad that is lacking in real quality! Just wondered, if you were the manager, what would you do with the players we have at our disposal: Assuming everyone is fit, I would pick: Fulop (easy first choice, been massive in all his games) Chambers (the best right back at the club, should not be playing in midfield, would pick ahead of Stearman) N'Gotty (his experience is paramount to the team) Kisnorbo (very difficult to drop Mcauley but feel N'Gotty must play and Kisnorbo edges it) Mattock (with the current squad, between mattock and sheehan but would prefer a fit and healthy Clive Clarke) Kaebi (along with newton, our only real attacking threat on the right side, not seen much of him but his pace alone would cause problems) Clemence (in my opinion, our only player of true quality, captain) Wesolowski (between him and kish, would pick Weso for his work-rate and distribution) Hayes (again, not seen much of him but looked good when coming on, would pick ahead of Levi) Cort (everyone seems to slate him on here but with a bit of width we can play to his strengths by getting crosses in from both sides, he is a player who thrives on attacking crosses and can be very dangerous when fully match fit) Fryatt (tough choice this one, could be any one of fryatt,hume campbell, fryatts finishing puts him in) Bench: Henderson (must be better than Nielsen, Logan and Rab on loan) Hume (not been firing recently, would be a great option if we need a bit of energy in the second half) Campbell (similar to Hume, good bench option, will come good I believe) Newton (can play in centre or on the right, this place would be between him porter and stearman for their relative flexibility) Mcauley (can play at right back or in centre, basically there to cover injuries) Formation: 442 (we have lacked width in recent games so I believe with a couple of wide players and an aerial threat up front, we should concentrate on getting the ball wide and cutting in and getting crosses into cort) Back-up players: Kishishev (runs his socks off, not a bad squad player to cover Clem and Weso) Stearman (imo, not enough quality to be in the starting line-up, always looks like he's going to get beat, cover for Chambers) Sheehan (not bad cover for mattock and Hayes/Porter on the left, dangerous from set-pieces but imo will be at a league one/two club in the near future) Hammond (again, he gets slated on here but dont think he is that bad, use as cover for strikers) Porter (another average player, cover for left wing, not a bad squad player) Kenton (a versatile defender who can play anywhere if needed, another squad player) Maybury (see above) King (looked ok Tuesday night, still needs to improve, use as cover for clem, weso and kish) Sappleton (not seen much of him but seems to be scoring a few and not a bad back-up target man) Get rid: Hellings Djeziri Ferreira Nielsen (why we signed these players I dont know, clearly not good enough for the first team or they would have played, might as well get rid) On loan: Dodds Gradel Odihiambo Logan (depending on performance on loan, maybe incorporate into first team, especially Gradel and Odihiambo who have done relatively well at a high level, Dodds and Logan probably not good enough) I apologise for that, but at least I know where I am with the squad!! Everything is my own personal opinion and would like to hear your views. According to that, we have 32 players plus Clive Clarke (who will probably never play in blue again!). Obviously, Ive not included many academy players such as Mckay and Rowe-Turner etc who are probably not quite ready yet to make the step-up. I may have forgot about a few though. What do you think, apart from how bored I must be!!
Fat Ron Posted 4 October 2007 Posted 4 October 2007 I wouldnt look at it as First Team, reserve etc, I would look at an overall squad. For me, I think we still need a minimum of 4 players but they need to be real quality. Looking at the squad lists, I cant see how any of the other players Cort, Kenton, Maybury, Hellings, Neilson etc would compete with the list below for a first team place. They would merely be there in case of emergancy and I personally would prefer to use the youngsters in that situation. (Over the past few years we have seen Sheehan, Stearman, Mattock, Weso & Logan come through this way so surely couldnt do any harm?!) My City Squad Fulop - Sign him up!!!!! Henderson Logan Mattock Sheehan **Need New Left Cover** Kisnorbo McAuly N'Gotty **Need New Centre Back to push others** Stearman Chambers Kaebi Weslowski Clemence King Hayes Porter **Need Experianced Midfielder** Fryatt Hume Campbell Sappleton **Need another Top experianced Striker** In general you would have a minimum of 3 players to cover per position but you will always get those that can play in other areas (Kisnorbo-left, Hume-Middle, Stearman-Centreback & Middle) so taking this into consideration and also the fact that we would still be paying the "dead wood" until such time as they move on I think this is a realistic list with a few additions.
Daggers Posted 4 October 2007 Posted 4 October 2007 Keep Fulop Logan Mcauley Chambers N'Gotty Kisnorbo Mattock Sheehan Kaebi Clemence Wesolowski Hayes Kishishev King Dodds Gradel Odihiambo De Vries Fryatt Hume Flog Stearman Campbell Sappleton Henderson Cort Boot out Djeziri Ferreira Douglas Nielsen Hellings Newton Hammond Porter Kenton Maybury
Manwell Pablo Posted 4 October 2007 Posted 4 October 2007 KeepFulop Logan Mcauley Chambers N'Gotty Kisnorbo Mattock Sheehan Kaebi Clemence Wesolowski Hayes Kishishev King Dodds Gradel Odihiambo De Vries Fryatt Hume Flog Stearman Campbell Sappleton Djeziri Ferreira Henderson Cort Boot out Douglas Nielsen Hellings Newton Hammond Porter Kenton Maybury We can't flog Dieziri or Ferreira Dave.
Daggers Posted 4 October 2007 Posted 4 October 2007 We can't flog Dieziri or Ferreira Dave. Oh the joys of youth...you don't remember the glorious days before schools weren't allowed to punish miscreant kids do you.
Manwell Pablo Posted 4 October 2007 Posted 4 October 2007 Oh the joys of youth...you don't remember the glorious days before schools weren't allowed to punish miscreant kids do you. No Dave, I mean we can't flog them, they aren't ours to flog. EDIT: Ah for some reason that picture didn't load, very funny.
Daggers Posted 4 October 2007 Posted 4 October 2007 No Dave, I mean we can't flog them, they aren't ours to flog. I know. Mea culpa
The People's Hero Posted 4 October 2007 Posted 4 October 2007 This really is all I have to add. I'm so sick of these self-righteous LCFC threads.
Smudge Posted 4 October 2007 Posted 4 October 2007 KeepFulop Logan Mcauley Chambers N'Gotty Kisnorbo Mattock Sheehan Kaebi Clemence Wesolowski Hayes Kishishev King Dodds Gradel Odihiambo De Vries Fryatt Hume When you look at those remaining you have to ask how many are real quality, capable of taking us up the table. IMO Definitely Fulop, N'Gotty, Clemence and Hume. Maybe Chambers, Fryatt, McAuley, Kisnorbo and Wesolowski (obviously injury prone so big???) Squaddies only ....the remainder If we could ever get to see what Kaebi is capable of, he might move up.
Master Fox Posted 4 October 2007 Posted 4 October 2007 This really is all I have to add.I'm so sick of these self-righteous LCFC threads.
The Stig Posted 4 October 2007 Posted 4 October 2007 half of these who people are saying flog haven't been given a chance, Sappleton, Ferriera, Hellings etc haven't played
Stevosevic Posted 4 October 2007 Posted 4 October 2007 Can we change the title of the thread to "our massive but crap squad"?
dandannieldanok Posted 4 October 2007 Posted 4 October 2007 Keep: Fulop (buy) Chambers N'Gotty McAuley Clemence Hume Fryatt Kaebi Wesolowski Hayes Sheehan Mattock Stearman Sell (Or release if no offers): Henderson Logan (on his return) Maybury Kenton Hammond Neilsen Douglas (on his return) de Vries (on his return) Dodds (on his return) Kisnorbo (obviously would not sell unless right price) Hellings Campbell Cort Newton Kishishev Porter
Master Fox Posted 4 October 2007 Posted 4 October 2007 What are you lot on about? Our squad is class, just needs to be given time. Most of the players we have could play in the premiership no problem!!!
Daggers Posted 4 October 2007 Posted 4 October 2007 When you look at those remaining you have to ask how many are real quality, capable of taking us up the table. IMO Definitely Fulop, N'Gotty, Clemence and Hume. Those four are the only ones I'd keep if we could replace everyone else, me ole' Smudger. And of those, I'd only keep Fulop and Clem for the Premiership. And Fulop isn't ours. half of these who people are saying flog haven't been given a chance, Sappleton, Ferriera, Hellings etc haven't played And why do you think that is?...
Kilworthfox Posted 4 October 2007 Posted 4 October 2007 Keep Fulop (FFS Sign him up and be quick about it!) :fox: Mcauley (Good enough for championship) Chambers (If he plays at Right Back then fine) N'Gotty (for this season ok but that should be it) Kisnorbo (Just about good enough but He is no Steve Walsh) Mattock (still questions over consistency but still very young) :fox: Sheehan (still questions over consistency and ability) Clemence :fox: Wesolowski :fox: Kishishev (questions over overall stamina levels) King (still very young, a loan move should be considered) Fryatt :fox: Hume :fox: Porter (needs to show more consistency or he should be flogged or booted) Not Ready or not fit enough for 1st Team Hellings Sappleton (Needs to be loaned out, but looks as consistent as Heskey ) Dodds Gradel Odihiambo (out on loan so we may see him soon) Hayes Djeziri (So skillful you dribble when watching but needs to produce more and not get sent off for stupidity) Ferreira (Not fit so can't tell) Kaebi (He is not a defender that is for sure! Att Mid possibly but he is injured) Flog If Possible otherwise Boot out Stearman (Lazy and little commitment for too long now how I wish we had accepted bids from Villa or sunderland) Campbell (Needs to produce something to get off of here) Logan (Na just look at how goof Fullop is in comparison to the rest) De Vries (Never will be good enough even tho he has tried) Boot out Douglas Nielsen Newton Hammond Kenton Henderson Cort Maybury
Smudge Posted 4 October 2007 Posted 4 October 2007 Those four are the only ones I'd keep if we could replace everyone else, me ole' Smudger.And of those, I'd only keep Fulop and Clem for the Premiership. And Fulop isn't ours. And why do you think that is?... Right that's it then..........go tell Milanderic and Meggers toute suite. PS I think your new user name has an added air of quality to it if I may say so.
Thracian Posted 4 October 2007 Posted 4 October 2007 It may surprise you but, were I manager, there are only six squad players, at this time, who I would definitely want to retain into next season, if possible. ================================================================================ ============= DEFINITES: ------------- Fulop (simply an outstanding loan signing for us. Quality in almost every way). Wesolowski (Our best midfielder this season and increasingly influential. One/two-touch passer which I like). Mattock (Natural left-footed left wing-back. A rare breed. Right attitude, first team regular at 17 and lots of further potential. Reasonable passer.). King (Another improving player with the rare ability to be a box-to-box midfielder. Has a two-year contract and having made first team already I would want to give him maximum chance to fulfil his promise. Good one/two-touch passer) Clemence (Capable, influential and has a good attitude. Ought to last a bit longer) Hume (Versatile and perhaps even more so than we've seen so far. Terrific workrate and attitude). =================================================== LIKELY POSSIBLES: ----------------------- Stearman (Quite a creative wing-back at his best. Lots of stamina. Definite centre-back option because of his pace/control. Reasonable passer in a better team). N'Gotty (Reads the game so well. Strong and reassuring. Normally passes simply, quickly and accurately but has his off days. Staying power the only question mark) Fryatt (What an enigma. Needs at least 15 goals this season and no recurrence of old injury problems. Definitely a natural finisher but not from enough places and in enough ways for my liking. Not fast/stong enough either but still talented. Much to work on but worth the effort I'd hope. Sheehan (Most educated left-foot in the club. His specialist free-kicks and genuine ability to make goals are fairly rare qualities for a defender and make working on his loose marking and languid style worth the investment. The extent of his improvement would decide. Excellent wide-range passer when confident and in form and we could use all those qualities but the defensive flaws need to be worked on. I moved him back and forth between likely and less likely before deciding that quality counts if you want to get goals.). =================================================== LESS LIKELY POSSIBLES: ---------------------------- Chambers (Promising right back. His commitment and bravery in defence is not in doubt but I am not convinced about his passing and end product as a wing back. I would need convincing. I would have no non-passers. My compromise attitude on this up to now has not been rewarded) Kisnorbo (Will doubtless get a chance in the Premiership anyway but he would have this season only to convince me he could distribute the ball quickly and simply. There is no point in doing such good work and then giving the ball away). McAuley (His aerial presence is valuable but he sometimes slows the game and his lack of pace, particularly on the turn, questionable passing and occasional inconsistency leave me hesitant about him). Kaebi (Right now he'd have no chance. But he does have ball control, balance, passing ability and his nippy style is a threat. But no way a full-back. I'd just want to see if he could be an influencial right midfielder. Gifted, no question, but vulnerable). Hammond (Alone no doubt, I still have faith in this guy and believe we have missed his pace, strength and ability to disrupt tight defences no end. I would spend all this season working on his finishing. Rather like a sniper I would try to train him to be ruthless. He gets chances every match he plays against everyone. I would invest in having someone teach him to take them. Despite his age he is very inexperienced and it shows. Whether the crowd will ever help him I doubt.) Hayes (It is urgent this guy gets over the sicknotes and starts to state his case as a winger. Clearly has reasonable pace, directness and ability but the fitness and consistency are missing) Logan (I have faith in the guy as a deputy for Fulop and whether that remains the case depends on his level of improvement after his loan spell) Campbell (Not given up on this guy yet. He has two things. Speed and the ability to get away from defenders in the box. Confidence and a clinical attitude to finishing are required and the discipline to pass and go when he's in non-threatening positions. Being in and around the box is all that matters with this guy. I'd want nothing else fouling his concentration and neutralising his speed off the mark) Dodds (Around one goal in three start to the season, two or three against the woodwork and consistently decent ratings while playing mainly out of position in a faltering Lincoln side. I'd be studying the videos cos I think he's a capable player who's easily underrated. Interested to hear how hard he's been working too and the fact that he's coped well in relatively alien positions.) Gradel (His performances at Bournemouth would decide. But goalscoring wingers are hard to find.) Odhiambo (Loan extended at Southend "because he is obviously good enough for this level". It was hard to decide which category to put Gradel, Dodds and Odhiambo into but I've chosen this one because making the final breakthrough from quality youth/reserve player to first team is a massive test. I still have every faith in all of them. All three make things happen. Porter (Needs to refocus on what's wanted. His passing and willingness to help track back to offer defensive support are a sound basis but Levi needs to get himself in and around the box more and have greater effect. Wingers/attacking midfielders who don't score/make goals will always be under threat). Sappleton (His particular qualities are the exceptional power of his shooting and his willingness to shoot from any angle and distance. Very raw just now but he's improved already and even when he plays badly he somehow gets chances and invariably scores. Reminds me in different ways of Frank Large and Arthur Rowley. He's no thoroughbred greyhound but he's another who's probably worth some investment and if he really wants it he can make it. But it won't be easy and this season will tell. ======================== ================================================================= NOT FOR ME ------------- Nielsen (Leaving in the January window. Enough said) Henderson (Surplus to requirements) Kishishev (I like what he offers in some ways but time is starting to tell. He's needs more than bench warming). Cort (He does have attributes but I'm not convinced I could rely on him) Newton (Not enough impact for me) Hellings (Some ability no question but takes too many touches and seems a bit one paced. Doesn't make enough happen.) DeVries (I was hopeful for MDV but it just hasn't happened) Clarke (Depending on his recovery it may be appropritate, if he and Sunderland want it, to offer him a coaching opportunity) Maybury (We seem to have wasted this guy but he probably wouldn't fit into my vision of the way forward) Kenton (I think we could do better) Ferreira (Not convinced) Djeziri (No thanks) =============================== Obviously with a good part of the season to go, one or two players could force a rethink both one way or the other, but that's how I see it right now. The lists don't indicate in any way that I think some of the likely-to-be-retained players are necessarily better than others less likely to stay. It's just whether I think they could be utilised in the side or would more likely be surplus and therefore a waste of wages. There may be odd exceptions but my general policy would be to retain players who could pass and move, have the potential to get better and who have some special ability to retain possession, help us score goals and win matches. The vast majority would need to be fit enough to support our play comfortably. Some of those players might more likely be substitutes than first choices but all would have a useful role to play. I would want a competitive, through the team passing side and by offloading 12 players and probably at least a third of the Less Likely Possibles I would trim the squad but provide opportunity to strengthen the side in every area.
Kilworthfox Posted 4 October 2007 Posted 4 October 2007 It may surprise you but, were I manager, there are only six squad players, at this time, who I would definitely want to retain into next season, if possible.================================================================================ ============= DEFINITES: ------------- Fulop (simply an outstanding loan signing for us. Quality in almost every way). Wesolowski (Our best midfielder this season and increasingly influential. One/two-touch passer which I like). Mattock (Natural left-sfooted left wing-back. A rare breed. Right attitude, first team regular at 17 and lots of further potential. Reasonable passer.). King (Another improving player with the rare ability to be a box-to-box midfielder. Has a two-year contract and having made first team already I would want to give him maximum chance to fulfil his promise. Good one/two-touch passer) Clemence (Capable, influential and has a good attitude. Ought to last a bit longer) Hume (Versatile and perhaps even more so than we've seen so far. Terrific workrate and attitude). =================================================== LIKELY POSSIBLES: ----------------------- Stearman (Quite a creative wing-back at his best. Lots of stamina. Definite centre-back option because of his pace/control. Reasonable passer in a better team). N'Gotty (Reads the game so well. Strong and reassuring. Normally passes simply, quickly and accurately but has his off days. Staying power the only question mark) Fryatt (What an enigma. Needs at least 15 goals this season and no recurrence of old injury problems. Definitely a natural finisher but not from enough places and in enough ways for my liking. Not fast/stong enough either but still talented. Much to work on but worth the effort I'd hope. Sheehan (Most educated left-foot in the club. His specialist free-kicks and genuine ability to make goals are fairly rare qualities for a defender and make working on his loose marking and languid style worth the investment. The extent of his improvement would decide. Excellent wide-range passer when confident and in form and we could use all those qualities but the defensive flaws need to be worked on. I moved him back and forth between likely and less likely before deciding that quality counts if you want to get goals.). =================================================== LESS LIKELY POSSIBLES: ---------------------------- Chambers (Promising right back. His commitment and bravery in defence is not in doubt but I am not convinced about his passing and end product as a wing back. I would need convincing. I would have no non-passers. My compromise attitude on this up to now has not been rewarded) Kisnorbo (Will doubtless get a chance in the Premiership anyway but he would have this season only to convince me he could distribute the ball quickly and simply. There is no point in doing such good work and then giving the ball away). McAuley (His aerial presence is valuable but he sometimes slows the game and his lack of pace, particularly on the turn, questionable passing and occasional inconsistency leave me hesitant about him). Kaebi (Right now he'd have no chance. But he does have ball control, balance, passing ability and his nippy style is a threat. But no way a full-back. I'd just want to see if he could be an influencial right midfielder. Gifted, no question, but vulnerable). Hammond (Alone no doubt, I still have faith in this guy and believe we have missed his pace, strength and ability to disrupt tight defences no end. I would spend all this season working on his finishing. Rather like a sniper I would try to train him to be ruthless. He gets chances every match against everyone. I would invest in having someone teach him to take them. Despite his age he is very inexperienced and it shows. Whether the crowd will ever help him I doubt.) Hayes (It is urgent this guy gets over the sicknotes and starts to state his case as a winger. Clearly has reasonable pace, directness and ability but the fitness and consistency are missing) Logan (I have faith in the guy as a deputy for Fulop and whether that remains the case depends on his level of improvement after his loan spell) Campbell (Not given up on this guy yet. He has two things. Speed and the ability to get away from defenders in the box. Confidence and a clinical attitude to finishing are required and the discipline to pass and go when he's in non-threatening positions. Being in and around the box is all that matters with this guy. I'd want nothing else fouling his concentration and neutralising his speed off the mark) Dodds (Around one goal in three start to the season, two or three against the woodwork and consistently decent ratings while playing mainly out of position in a faltering Lincoln side. I'd be studying the videos cos I think he's a capable player who's easily underrated. Interested to hear how hard he's been working too and the fact that he's coped well in relatively alien positions.) Gradel (His performances at Bournemouth would decide. But goalscoring wingers are hard to find.) Odhiambo (Loan extended at Southend "because he is obviously good enough for this level". It was hard to decide which category to put Gradel, Dodds and Odhiambo into but I've chosen this one because making the final breakthrough from quality youth/reserve player to first team is a massive test. I still have every faith in all of them. All three make things happen. Porter (Needs to refocus on what's wanted. His passing and willingness to help track for defensive are a sound basis but Levi needs to get himself in and around the box more and have greater effect. Wingers/attacking midfielders who don't score/make goals will always be under threat). Sappleton (His particular qualities are the exceptional power of his shooting and his willingness to shoot from any angle and distance. Very raw just now but he's improved already and even when he plays badly he somehow gets chances and invariably scores. Reminds me in different ways of Frank Large and Arthur Rowley. He's no thoroughbred greyhound but he's another who's probably worth some investment and if he really wants it he can make it. But this season will tell. ======================== ================================================================= NOT FOR ME ------------- Nielsen (Leaving in the January window. Enough said) Henderson (Surplus to requirements) Kishishev (I like what he offers in some ways but time is starting to tell. He's needs more than bench warming). Cort (He does have attributes but I'm not convinced I could rely on him) Newton (Not enough impact for me) Hellings (Some ability no question but takes too many touches and seems a bit one paced. Doesn't make enough happen.) DeVries (I was hopeful for MDV but it just hasn't happened) Clarke (Depending on his recovery it may be appropritate, if he and Sunderland want it, to offer him a coaching opportunity) Maybury (We seem to have wasted this guy but he probably wouldn't fit into my vision of the way forward) Kenton (I think we could do better) Ferreira (Not convinced) Djeziri (No thanks) =============================== Obviously with a good part of the season to go, one or two players could force a rethink both one way or the other, but that's how I see it right now. The lists don't indicate in any way that I think some of the likely-to-be-retained players are necessarily better than others less likely to stay. It's just whether I think they could be utilised in the side or would more likely be surplus and therefore a waste of wages. There may be odd exceptions but my general policy would be to retain players who could pass and move, have the potential to get better and who have some special ability to retain possession, help us score goals and win matches. The vast majority would need to be fit enough to support our play comfortable. Some of those players might more likely be substitutes than first choices but all would have a useful role to play. I would want a competitive, through the team passing side and by offloading 12 players and probably at least a third of the Less Likely Possibles I would trim the squad but provide opportunity to strengthen the side in every area. You and I think along the same lines. Some exceptions as we have spoken about. In short though young players have to be give a chance, and some reputations deserve a chance to play before we get carried away and shout from the roof tops that they are the next best thing since...... A harsh analysis maybe but to be honest look where we are and where we have been over the last few years. Simple explanation that I could have given you in 2005 Leicester City has under invested in the playing staff and its shows big time. Even with 14 new faces some of whom are as shiite as we were just as bad as before it would seem.
filbertway Posted 4 October 2007 Posted 4 October 2007 Those four are the only ones I'd keep if we could replace everyone else, me ole' Smudger.And of those, I'd only keep Fulop and Clem for the Premiership. And Fulop isn't ours. And why do you think that is?... One of them are 17/18 and the top quality management at the club don't rate the other 2?
Smudge Posted 4 October 2007 Posted 4 October 2007 The foregoing seems to highlight how badly the team was assembled by Mandaric and Allen in the summer. Until Megon has made his own list of "definites" and brought in those who can take the team to a higher level, we have no choice but to wait it out. If MM is patient I think we could have a decent team by February, the alternative?............Well more of the same I guess.
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