Summer planning

[m00nie]

so people keep saying about next season we can do it , just see the signings sven can bring in the summer window rather than the january. When he gets pre season with them etc but who is he actually going to get??

for start lets assume all the loanees go back. so we will need

a right back

a left back

a center back

a striker

thats just to replace what we have now..

being honest about it which of them positions are actually going to be much better players than he got in anyway??

then theres the goal keeper , will he stick with ricardo or have to get yet another?

and the unhappy players, berner, hobbs, dyer/waghorn (by then maybe due to lack of games)..

the squad players that will be needed for subs or a plan b etc

to replace all these how much money is he going to have to need?? seems a lot to me, if its going to be players of a calibre better than what we have..

if you actually think about it is it really going to be as easy as people are making out.....

[Jakemoore]

If we can sign Naughton then that will be a brilliant effort

[m00nie]

If we can sign Naughton then that will be a brilliant effort

But being realistic it's unlikely we wil.. So to get some one of his calibre how much we going ro need again..

And that's just one player

[Alf Bentley]

Agree with this post.

Let's assume that you need a 1st team squad of about 22 (2 for each position with a few who can cover several positions).

Let's also assume that we don't go up (still possible, but looking unlikely).

Current players who'd probably be in next season's 1st team squad (8):

Ricardo, Bamba, Wellens, Abe, King, Dyer, Gallagher, Vassell

Current players who might be in next season's 1st team squad (8):

Weale, Neilson, Berner, Kennedy, Mee, Moreno, Schlupp, Waghorn

Current players who'll probably leave, retire or play no part (A lot!):

Naughton, Bruma, Vitor, Van Aanholt, Logan, Lamey, Hobbs, Tunchev, O'Neill, Oakley, Howard, Yakubu, N'Guessan, Crncic, Parkes, youth team

There's a fair bit of guesswork there, but that could work both ways: some unexpected players might stay and play a big part...but some unexpected players might leave (e.g. King).

Even if we're generous and assume half those in the "might stay" category do stay....8 +4 = a 1st team squad of 12...requiring 10 new players. Some of those newcomers might be cheapish bench material, but there'd have to be a hell of a lot of spending to build a good squad...and I can't see much money coming in for those leaving, except King, if he left (a problem in itself), or maybe a small sum for Hobbs.

There's also the potential disruption of such a turnover...particularly if players or other clubs hold out until 31st August for the best possible deal.

Sven and the Thais might have their work cut out in the summer...

of course, the way to avoid that would be to go on a great run now and get promoted, but I don't feel too optimistic

so people keep saying about next season we can do it , just see the signings sven can bring in the summer window rather than the january. When he gets pre season with them etc but who is he actually going to get??

for start lets assume all the loanees go back. so we will need

a right back

a left back

a center back

a striker

thats just to replace what we have now..

being honest about it which of them positions are actually going to be much better players than he got in anyway??

then theres the goal keeper , will he stick with ricardo or have to get yet another?

and the unhappy players, berner, hobbs, dyer/waghorn (by then maybe due to lack of games)..

the squad players that will be needed for subs or a plan b etc

to replace all these how much money is he going to have to need?? seems a lot to me, if its going to be players of a calibre better than what we have..

if you actually think about it is it really going to be as easy as people are making out.....

[dave_the_fox]

We HAVE to sign Naughton.

The other thread is right though - he will be playing Premiership football next year - without us

[Kitchandro]

IMO we need:

A goalkeeper

Naughton

Mee

2 centre backs

A holding midfielder

A winger (maybe 2)

2 Strikers

That's at least 9. And that's assuming we don't lose anybody.

I normally don't like to go overboard with players we need to sign but I think this is what's necessary to be a promotion team.

[Simmo86]

Centre Midfielder who can grab the game by the scruff of its neck when its not going our way and produce something to turn it our way.

All of ours seem to go missing when they need to show a bit of fight!

[SMX11]

The thing that has annoyed me is that Sven seems to have gone for a very narrow minded approach for his recruitment and has only planned for this season. At the end of the season all the loan players will return to their parent clubs and the likelyhood is that they won't return, certainly on permenant deals anyway.

Here is the remaining first team squad (of the top of my head)

GK:

Weale

Ricardo (out of contract)

Logan (out on loan)

DR:

Neilson (out on loan)

Lamey

DL:

Berner

Kennedy (out on loan)

DC:

Bamba

Hobbs (out of loan)

Parkes

Tunchev (crocked)

Midfield:

Wellens

King

Abe

Moreno

Oakley (out of contract)

Moussa (out on loan)

Wingers:

Dyer

Gallagher

N'Guessan (out on loan)

Strikers:

Vassell (is he out of contract?)

Howard

Waghorn

Schlupp (out on loan)

As you can probably tell the squad isn't in great shape if you take out the loan players. Being very cynical I will say that the likes of Hobbs and Weale will leave (no doubt to Hull) and I just hope we will get good money for them (1.5 mil for Hobbs, 750k-1 mil for Weale) . Both will think Sven has no belief in their ability as they have been consistantly replaced and thus seek a new start.

The out of contract players hopefully will leave. Unsure of Vassell's contract situation, but he is worthy of one more year. Fringe players like N'Guessan, Lamey, Kennedy etc will no doubt be sold on, leaving us with another situation of requiring about 10 players again.

The goalkeeping situation needs to be sorted out, if my prediction of Weale leaving and Ricardo not gaining another contract (maybe wishful thinking) we require at least one keeper. Keiren Westwood is certainly my first choice as he is out of contract at the end of the season. Thomas Sorenson is also out of contract and first team football may be too much to turn down. Logan may stay as back up.

The right back situation isn't great, I would think Naughton would go to QPR if we don't go up and the prospect of Neilson or Lamey is enough to induce people to jump off the top of the Walkers. Can't think of any targets for this position if I am honest.

Left back situation is equally bleak as Bruno is on his last legs and Tom Kennedy seems to lack the ability to play at this level and I wouldn't be suprised to see him leave. Greg Cunnigham may come back into the picture on a season long loan which may be the best option for now.

If Hobbs does leave then we are left we next to no centre halfs. I hope Tunch can come back but it seems unlikely. We will clearly need at least two signings in this position, one being left sided.

The midfield options look ok on paper but we do need a Olofinjana esque destroyer in midfield as at least an option because we are too lightweight there.

The wide men certainly need improving, Gallagher is a key player imo and should start every game. Dyer blows hot and cold as does N'Guessan. Kebe would be a great signing but it depends on the money they want and what position Reading are.

We certainly need a front man or two. Danny Graham would be my prime target, Diomansi Kamara maybe is worth a look at as he is a free agent in the summer.

[Foxybeaver]

i would rather us buy the best player in every postion from the championship, yes it would be expensive but worth it.

[muzzy1981]

If you look at QPR and Swansea's squads nearly all their players with the highest appearances this season, have played a minumum of one previous season for club or have experience playing for another Championship side last year.

If you compare this to Leicestersfirst 11 on sat which only had, Wellens, King and Gally who played for us or another champ side last season.

Solid championship experience, consistant team selection and strenght in depth (QPR) is key to getting out this league.

Sven has basically had bash at trying to do it through the loan market because he hasn't had a pre-season, which could still pay off. Next year we will have more players like QPR and Swansea with a good season under their belt, Abe, Vassel, Bamba, Ricardo (getting on a bit though).

lt remainds to be seen whether King stays, so I think/hope Sven looks at some Championship experieced players also this summer. He hasn't showed many signs of this yet, but hopefully he will have spotted some talent this season.

[MikeyT]

The thing that has annoyed me is that Sven seems to have gone for a very narrow minded approach for his recruitment and has only planned for this season. At the end of the season all the loan players will return to their parent clubs and the likelyhood is that they won't return, certainly on permenant deals anyway.

Here is the remaining first team squad (of the top of my head)

GK:

Weale

Ricardo (out of contract)

Logan (out on loan)

DR:

Neilson (out on loan)

Lamey

DL:

Berner

Kennedy (out on loan)

DC:

Bamba

Hobbs (out of loan)

Parkes

Tunchev (crocked)

Midfield:

Wellens

King

Abe

Moreno

Oakley (out of contract)

Moussa (out on loan)

Wingers:

Dyer

Gallagher

N'Guessan (out on loan)

Strikers:

Vassell (is he out of contract?)

Howard

Waghorn

Schlupp (out on loan)

Get rid.

[Bellend Sebastian]

I've said it before and I'll say it again, in fact I'll say it so often your eyes and ears will probably start bleeding, but I think we need to sign a captain more than anything. On field leadership has been an issue ever since the O'Neill era, and I just cannot see that any of the current squad have a strong enough personality to do the job effectively.

I'm guessing that the reason that Oakley has remained captain and been picked on a regular basis by every manager since he's been here (or at least has been picked more often than a large section of the support would have expected him to have been) is that he's the only one that has any sort of leadership qualities, although I don't get the impression even he's one to give everyone a rollicking when needed as he doesn't seem that vocal. When things aren't going too well, I struggle to see where the inspiration is coming from.

I'm still certain that Sven is a very able manager, but he's not really one to get excited either so a big presence (I don't mean someone who's fat) on the pitch is more important than ever

[Houdini Logic]

Centre Midfielder who can grab the game by the scruff of its neck when its not going our way and produce something to turn it our way.

All of ours seem to go missing when they need to show a bit of fight!

Completely.

We need someone with balls and we need to give them the arm band

[Fox92]

In my opinion, we need to look at:

A Goalkeeper

Weale is a good back up goalkeeper at this level. A good team needs to have a good, solid goalkeeper. I'd definetly go for someone young like Scott Loach or Keiran Westwood. If we're looking abit older than that, Joe Murphy from Scunthorpe is also a good shout.

A Right Back

Its only our hope that we sign Naughton. Looking realistic, it won't happen. I don't think Champtionship football will attract him again even if any kind of bid is accepted by Tottenham. Given his performences this season for us, I could see a boring side like Stoke City enquiring about him.

A Left Back

Berner now lacks pace. Kennedy isn't good enough. I'd love us to sign Cunningham but I don't think Manchester City will let him go, its not like they need any money either. Like the right back though, he needs to be attacking but also has the ability to defend just as well.

A Consistant, Expirienced Holding Midfielder That Will Mop Everything Up

I'm pretty happy with our midfield than any other position. Wellens is a great footballer with a fantastic footballing brain, Abe's hard work is good and although Andy King's inconsistancy and his attitude not to get stuck in does my head in, his goals from midfield are vital. Most good sides have an expierienced holding midfielder, such as, Shaun Derry and Paul McKenna (both with good teams). I'm trying to look back at the Izzet -- Lennon -- Savage midfield and build our current midfield around that idea with Abe's hard work and Wellens' creativity.

A Winger

Lets face it, N'Guessan is not good enough for any team at Championship level, and Dyer (although dangerous at times with his pace) comes inside too much and is far too inconsistant to even indicate that he is good enough for a team that are pushing for promotion. Therefore, I'd like us to have a winger that can play on the left or right side of midfield and is strong using both feet. Matt Jarvis is a good example, obviously he is an unrealistic target, but a player built like him would be good. Although he is 29/30 years of age now, I like James Coppinger at Doncaster, and also, Paul Anderson at Nottingham Forest. Maybe if we offer Forest an offer they can't refuse, Anderson may be interested seeing as he is from Leicestershire. Adam Hamill would have been an excellent addition to the squad for 500k, but obviously he has moved to Wolves now. Currently, Gallagher is not a bad winger but he has no pace so thats why I think we need a new one.

A Natural Goalscorer

In my opinion, something that we have missed at this level since Paul Dickov is a natural goalscorer. We have the creative ability via Richie Wellens, so a goalscorer is vital for any team looking for promotion from any division in the World, and, even last year when we made the play offs, everyone could see that we don't score enough goals. Danny Graham is a name that is mentioned all the time, and rightly so. We have the money to offer to Watford who arn't rich that much are they? Waghorn isn't good enough and Howard isn't that type of player.

A Big Striker To Add Another Dimension

Steve Howard has been excellent throughout his career, but thats coming to the later stages now and his legs are obviously not up to 90/95 minutes a match. His initial work is fantastic, holding the ball up and then giving it to another player, but he's never in the area when the ball is played in. And thats why we could do with a new big striker to give us another dimension, just like Andy Carroll has given Liverpool another dimension. The service needs to be good as well though (see "winger"). Targets? I'm not to sure.

[shiv]

The thing that has annoyed me is that Sven seems to have gone for a very narrow minded approach for his recruitment and has only planned for this season. At the end of the season all the loan players will return to their parent clubs and the likelyhood is that they won't return, certainly on permenant deals anyway.

Here is the remaining first team squad (of the top of my head)

GK:

Weale

Ricardo (out of contract)

Logan (out on loan)

DR:

Neilson (out on loan)

Lamey

DL:

Berner

Kennedy (out on loan)

DC:

Bamba

Hobbs (out of loan)

Parkes

Tunchev (crocked)

Midfield:

Wellens

King

Abe

Moreno

Oakley (out of contract)

Moussa (out on loan)

Wingers:

Dyer

Gallagher

N'Guessan (out on loan)

Strikers:

Vassell (is he out of contract?)

Howard

Waghorn

Schlupp (out on loan)

As you can probably tell the squad isn't in great shape if you take out the loan players. Being very cynical I will say that the likes of Hobbs and Weale will leave (no doubt to Hull) and I just hope we will get good money for them (1.5 mil for Hobbs, 750k-1 mil for Weale) . Both will think Sven has no belief in their ability as they have been consistantly replaced and thus seek a new start.

The out of contract players hopefully will leave. Unsure of Vassell's contract situation, but he is worthy of one more year. Fringe players like N'Guessan, Lamey, Kennedy etc will no doubt be sold on, leaving us with another situation of requiring about 10 players again.

The goalkeeping situation needs to be sorted out, if my prediction of Weale leaving and Ricardo not gaining another contract (maybe wishful thinking) we require at least one keeper. Keiren Westwood is certainly my first choice as he is out of contract at the end of the season. Thomas Sorenson is also out of contract and first team football may be too much to turn down. Logan may stay as back up.

The right back situation isn't great, I would think Naughton would go to QPR if we don't go up and the prospect of Neilson or Lamey is enough to induce people to jump off the top of the Walkers. Can't think of any targets for this position if I am honest.

Left back situation is equally bleak as Bruno is on his last legs and Tom Kennedy seems to lack the ability to play at this level and I wouldn't be suprised to see him leave. Greg Cunnigham may come back into the picture on a season long loan which may be the best option for now.

If Hobbs does leave then we are left we next to no centre halfs. I hope Tunch can come back but it seems unlikely. We will clearly need at least two signings in this position, one being left sided.

The midfield options look ok on paper but we do need a Olofinjana esque destroyer in midfield as at least an option because we are too lightweight there.

The wide men certainly need improving, Gallagher is a key player imo and should start every game. Dyer blows hot and cold as does N'Guessan. Kebe would be a great signing but it depends on the money they want and what position Reading are.

We certainly need a front man or two. Danny Graham would be my prime target, Diomansi Kamara maybe is worth a look at as he is a free agent in the summer.

On a two year contract so he has another year left I think.

[zubi]

I was just watching the highlights of the Swansea Forest game.

We really need to sign or loan a player like sinclair. Really quick feet and not afraid to run at players. Borini also looked good for them, wish we got him!

[Trav Le Bleu]

I've said it before and I'll say it again, in fact I'll say it so often your eyes and ears will probably start bleeding, but I think we need to sign a captain more than anything. On field leadership has been an issue ever since the O'Neill era, and I just cannot see that any of the current squad have a strong enough personality to do the job effectively.

I'm guessing that the reason that Oakley has remained captain and been picked on a regular basis by every manager since he's been here (or at least has been picked more often than a large section of the support would have expected him to have been) is that he's the only one that has any sort of leadership qualities, although I don't get the impression even he's one to give everyone a rollicking when needed as he doesn't seem that vocal. When things aren't going too well, I struggle to see where the inspiration is coming from.

I'm still certain that Sven is a very able manager, but he's not really one to get excited either so a big presence (I don't mean someone who's fat) on the pitch is more important than ever

I agree (and not just to keep my foot in the door come the new world order!)

We don't lack for skill or pace anymore, but we lack direction and order. I'm sure we'll need players come next season, I feel we might even keep Naughton if we can stump up the money - he strikes me as the kind of player who'd rather be a crowd hero playing every game for a good wage, than a benchwarmer wannabe for a great wage.

[Babylon]

Sven seems to know where the problems are as he knows we struggle to score (why would he try to get Kamara if he thought otherwise). He has said we don't have the players for a battle and he's said we don't have a game changer.

I think a striker who can put the ball in the net but is mobile, a real battler/proper captain in the middle and someone with real flair and pace (the Sinclair/Tarrabat type) to play the Vassell position would set us on our way.... easier said than done.

[Corky]

Would love to sign Danny Graham.

[Libertine]

I imagine Sven will try and build a team for a 4-4-2 formation next season. Despite the new contracts etc, I'm not really sure how players like Gallagher, King, Wellens are all going to fit in, taking Yuki/another DM into account.

[Gazza M]

This summer is going to be very tough and I hope that Sven can mould together a squad with some sort of a permenant look to it!

I think Sven has tried to get premier players in from big clubs to do the business for us and it has worked to some extent but not fully as its very unlikely that we get in the top 6 now.

Weale and Hobbs will be saying goodbye in this summer I feel. Sven doesn't rate them that much is clear. I wouldn't want to play for a manager who deep down doesn't rate you. I think Hobbs will definitly be going to Hull and maybe Weale too.

So as in previous summers we are going to be putting together a new squad with maybe as many as 10 new additions. This for me doesn't normally work and hasn't worked for us in the past. Think Micky Adams when we were promoted and then the same when we were relegated. Martin Allen added about 12 players and that was a disaster.

The spirit seems to have gone from the Pearson days and so have most of the players. So Sven it's time to get your permenant squad together this summer, stamp your mark on it and generate a new spirit and hopefully you will buy better than Adams and Allen!

I would let go: Lamey, Nielson, Oakley, Logan, Weale, Hobbs, N'Guessen, Moreno, Howard, Berner, Kennedy

Then when all of the loanees go back start from a blank canvas:

I would go for:

Westwood (cov) Free

Ricardo (new one year deal as backup.)

Cunningham (Man City) Season long loan.

Mee (Man City) Season long loan.

Shaun Barker (Derby) 750K

Lee Peltier (Huddersfield) 500k to £1m

Also have Tunchev and Parkes waiting as back up defenders.

We don't necessarily need a new midfielder in the middle as I would go back to 4-4-2 next year. We need wide players! Dyer and Gallagher are fine, but we need another option. Moussa is someone I would like to see back involved more.

Then we have to sort out the front men.

I would move heaven and earth to sign Danny Graham. 2 to 3 million maybe.

I would also add Kamara as he is a free agent in the summer and we then have Waghorn also and re-sign Vassell.

Last but not least we need a leader. Make Wellens the skipper and Gallagher/King as back up.

[Bugg]

Steve Morison anyone?

I'd also like us to sign James Henry from Millwall too

[sphericalfox]

This summer is going to be very tough and I hope that Sven can mould together a squad with some sort of a permenant look to it!

I think Sven has tried to get premier players in from big clubs to do the business for us and it has worked to some extent but not fully as its very unlikely that we get in the top 6 now.

Weale and Hobbs will be saying goodbye in this summer I feel. Sven doesn't rate them that much is clear. I wouldn't want to play for a manager who deep down doesn't rate you. I think Hobbs will definitly be going to Hull and maybe Weale too.

So as in previous summers we are going to be putting together a new squad with maybe as many as 10 new additions. This for me doesn't normally work and hasn't worked for us in the past. Think Micky Adams when we were promoted and then the same when we were relegated. Martin Allen added about 12 players and that was a disaster.

The spirit seems to have gone from the Pearson days and so have most of the players. So Sven it's time to get your permenant squad together this summer, stamp your mark on it and generate a new spirit and hopefully you will buy better than Adams and Allen!

I would let go: Lamey, Nielson, Oakley, Logan, Weale, Hobbs, N'Guessen, Moreno, Howard, Berner, Kennedy

Then when all of the loanees go back start from a blank canvas:

I would go for:

Westwood (cov) Free

Ricardo (new one year deal as backup.)

Cunningham (Man City) Season long loan.

Mee (Man City) Season long loan.

Shaun Barker (Derby) 750K

Lee Peltier (Huddersfield) 500k to £1m

Also have Tunchev and Parkes waiting as back up defenders.

We don't necessarily need a new midfielder in the middle as I would go back to 4-4-2 next year. We need wide players! Dyer and Gallagher are fine, but we need another option. Moussa is someone I would like to see back involved more.

Then we have to sort out the front men.

I would move heaven and earth to sign Danny Graham. 2 to 3 million maybe.

I would also add Kamara as he is a free agent in the summer and we then have Waghorn also and re-sign Vassell.

Last but not least we need a leader. Make Wellens the skipper and Gallagher/King as back up.

Getting rid of Weale, Howard, and Berner!!!!!! That blasphemy around these parts! They are easily the backbone to build a formidable Premiership standard team to take us to the glorious heights of Europe.

I am surprised that no one has leapt on this already!

[Guest bennytwohats]

Given how he has turned our fortunes this season with only the january transfer window and no pre season i'm not too worried about what would happen even if all the loanees went back.

That said i don't see any reason why signing Mee would be outrageous, even Cunningham (not sure how long he is out for though?).

For me (and i'm sure alot of people) the big one is whether we get Naughton, it seems unlikely tbh so i'm not getting my hopes up but he has been such a good player for us this season that i will be pretty disappointed to see him go if that's how it pans out.

Looking good with Wellens and Gally signing new contracts too, if King signs as well i'll be very happy.

We've every reason to be excited about next season imo.

[Guest Mee-9]

We need to build a team based around a solid defence, and based around players that will be here permenantly.

Not a team full of loanees.