[Archived] THE BATTLE FOR PROMOTION....WON.

[Angry_Pirate]

I am looking forward to the summer transfer speculation and what if's... yet i feel it it slightly tempting fate until we go out there and finish this off. 

However... whatever we do, we need to ensure we don't have a situation where we have another summer of 11 out 12 in. Promotion "should" allow us to keep almost all of our "good" players - barring premier league pursuit (£££) of our "Stars." We should ensure pick and choose our ins and out carefully AND minimally. 

I think we need to be cautious in not ruining what is a tremendous team spirit. Any player who has participated during the majority of this season (IMO) deserve the chance to stay with the squad next year if they want. Rate them or not, the likes of Smallwood, Samuel, Williams, Raya are all very popular and core to the team unity - judging by what we see online, a main factor in why people like Chapman are desperate to be around the club. Imagine Dack getting upset because we turf Samuel out (i'm not sure he has a crap younger brother we can sign for the U19's).

As much as i'd like to say we could sell/release or easily improve on around 33% of our squad (and coaches), and can think of at least 9/10 players who are not good enough/needed, that sort of turnaround will do more damage. However, wave goodbye to Ward, Caddis, Whittingham and Feeney, that's a given.

[Dreams of 1995]

Just now, Angry_Pirate said:

I am looking forward to the summer transfer speculation and what if's... yet i feel it it slightly tempting fate until we go out there and finish this off. 

However... whatever we do, we need to ensure we don't have a situation where we have another summer of 11 out 12 in. Promotion "should" allow us to keep almost all of our "good" players - barring premier league pursuit (£££) of our "Stars." We should ensure pick and choose our ins and out carefully AND minimally. 

I think we need to be cautious in not ruining what is a tremendous team spirit. Any player who has participated during the majority of this season (IMO) deserve the chance to stay with the squad next year if they want. Rate them or not, the likes of Smallwood, Samuel, Williams, Raya are all very popular and core to the team unity - judging by what we see online, a main factor in why people like Chapman are desperate to be around the club. Imagine Dack getting upset because we turf Samuel out (i'm not sure he has a crap younger brother we can sign for the U19's).

As much as i'd like to say we could sell/release or easily improve on around 33% of our squad (and coaches), and can think of at least 9/10 players who are not good enough/needed, that sort of turnaround will do more damage. However, wave goodbye to Ward, Caddis, Whittingham and Feeney, that's a given.

It's inevitable that we will have a big player turnaround. Armstrong, Payne, Antonson, Chapman (pre-injury) were all first team players and will inevitably need replacing. That's 4 signings off the bat.

Take into account replacements for Whittingham and Feeney - 6 signings.

Additional centre half required after Ward has gone - perhaps if Lenihan and Mulgrew stay fit, along with Downing as back up, you can argue Mowbray may promote from within (Platt, Wharton, Magliore)

Caddis going as RB - maybe Travis steps up as back up to Nyambe, although Travis' future seems as centre midfielder, so perhaps a signing there. That's 7.

Another striker is a must. With Antonson off and the fact that Samuel is way too inconsistent to lead the line should the unthinkable happen and DG gets injured. That's 8.

8 signings is what I'd imagine is the bare minimum. That's only taking into account replacing the departures. Put together the strengthening of the team and you are possibly looking at double figures for both in and out transfers this year.

Unfortunately for Mowbray he was left a cluster@#/? of a squad when Coyle went. It will take possibly 2/3 more windows (including January) to repair what was left. We are well on the way with the permanent signings of "spine" players (Smallwood, Dack) and I can imagine we'll see another 3/4 signings along the same lines as them with the remaining being freebies and loans. I'd suspect Mowbray expected Whittingham to fit into that spine also but not all things work out.

[chaddyrovers]

I wouldn't be looking at signing Cattermole as he is massive wages and I happy with Smallwood has then holding midfielder along with Evans and Travis. If we are looking to sign a midfielder I would be looking at Jon Nolan if Shrewsbury don't go up or Callum Camps at Rochdale who is highly rated. 

I happy with Williams and Bell at left back so wouldn't be interest in signing a new one at this stage. 

I would be looking at centre back signing tho. Maybe Sheffield United Ben Heneghan who we try to sign last summer might be Mowbray shortlist. I don't a lot about this lad McKenna from Aberdeen so cant comment.

on the keeper situation I would like see Fisher integrated to be the back up keeper if we were looking at a keeper I would look at George Long who on loan at AFC Wimbledon from Sheffield United.

on the wide position, I would keep Conway next season for his experience and knowledge of the Championship plus maybe give his a part time coaching role with the academy. But we do need another 2 wingers in with one being with pace. Chapman could be this player but I can understand people concerns with his injuries. maybe Josh Morris for the left wide player slot. would I keep/buy Antonsson next season? I'm undecided at the minute

the 10 role, would I look to sign Jack Payne permanently? Yes I would cos his talent and ability is there, just need learning the game more and playing the right pass at the right time., But someone under Mowbray who would be improve a lot. 

Strikers- Keep Graham on for 12 months but look to sign a younger striker to replace him. Maybe Sam Gallagher, and I'm sure other people will have suggestions. But we deffo need to be looking to bring back Adam Armstrong from Newcastle whether its a loan or permanent move but it is MUST. I would keep Samuel and Nuttall

Players I would be looking to get rid of are Ward, Feeney, Whittingham, Caddis, maybe Luetwiler

[Mike E]

I must qualify my original Hanley suggestion:

I thought he was still put of favour at Newcastle, so scrap that suggestion.

[Bigdoggsteel]

7 minutes ago, Dreams of 1995 said:

It's inevitable that we will have a big player turnaround. Armstrong, Payne, Antonson, Chapman (pre-injury) were all first team players and will inevitably need replacing. That's 4 signings off the bat.

Take into account replacements for Whittingham and Feeney - 6 signings.

Additional centre half required after Ward has gone - perhaps if Lenihan and Mulgrew stay fit, along with Downing as back up, you can argue Mowbray may promote from within (Platt, Wharton, Magliore)

Caddis going as RB - maybe Travis steps up as back up to Nyambe, although Travis' future seems as centre midfielder, so perhaps a signing there. That's 7.

Another striker is a must. With Antonson off and the fact that Samuel is way too inconsistent to lead the line should the unthinkable happen and DG gets injured. That's 8.

8 signings is what I'd imagine is the bare minimum. That's only taking into account replacing the departures. Put together the strengthening of the team and you are possibly looking at double figures for both in and out transfers this year.

Unfortunately for Mowbray he was left a cluster@#/? of a squad when Coyle went. It will take possibly 2/3 more windows (including January) to repair what was left. We are well on the way with the permanent signings of "spine" players (Smallwood, Dack) and I can imagine we'll see another 3/4 signings along the same lines as them with the remaining being freebies and loans. I'd suspect Mowbray expected Whittingham to fit into that spine also but not all things work out.

Calm down, we won't need 8 signings, 3-4 permanents and the same in loans will leave us in good stead. Armstrong, Payne and Antonnsson will all need replacing,yes. Chapman was a bit-part player and has been out of the squad for ages, so I wouldn't even include him. Whittingham will still be here I would imagine, good squad player. We can add 3-4 loans to beef up the squad, but with regards permanent signings I believe the priorities are

• 1 quality striker to give competition to Graham. Armstrong on loan or permanent would be a good start, but I would like another more physical striker.
• Either a right back or centre mid, depending on where Mowbray sees Travis playing. 
• 2 wingers, with pace. Pains me to say it, but I would let Conway leave. Chapman and another quick winger are badly needed. We basically play a way that would require 2 quick wingers, yet we don't actually have them at the moment. 

We have a great under 23 squad, maybe 3-4 of them will make the break though. 

Were you not saying that Mowbray needs to introduce our own young players? To then suggest we need up to double figures in terms of incoming transfers is a bit at odds with that, no? 

 

[Fraserkirky]

Conway, as much as I respect the guy, should have no business being in a championship squad.

[Dreams of 1995]

Just now, Bigdoggsteel said:

Calm down, we won't need 8 signings, 3-4 permanents and the same in loans will leave us in good stead. Armstrong, Payne and Antonnsson will all need replacing,yes. Chapman was a bit-part player and has been out of the squad for ages, so I wouldn't even include him. Whittingham will still be here I would imagine, good squad player. We can add 3-4 loans to beef up the squad, but with regards permanent signings I believe the priorities are

• 1 quality striker to give competition to Graham. Armstrong on loan or permanent would be a good start, but I would like another more physical striker.
• Either a right back or centre mid, depending on where Mowbray sees Travis playing. 
• 2 wingers, with pace. Pains me to say it, but I would let Conway leave. Chapman and another quick winger are badly needed. We basically play a way that would require 2 quick wingers, yet we don't actually have them at the moment. 

We have a great under 23 squad, maybe 3-4 of them will make the break though. 

Were you not saying that Mowbray needs to introduce our own young players? To then suggest we need up to double figures in terms of incoming transfers is a bit at odds with that, no? 

 

Quote from me: can imagine we'll see another 3/4 signings along the same lines as them with the remaining being freebies and loans. I'd suspect Mowbray expected Whittingham to fit into that spine also but not all things work out.

Read it all next time BDS before saying calm down. 

It is my belief that we will have double figures in and out this season yet again. It's inevitable in my eyes. I do think we should be introducing young players but I also believe the squad needs strengthening in order to be in the position to play youth and for us to retain comfortable Championship status. 

[Admiral Nelsen]

3 minutes ago, Fraserkirky said:

Conway, as much as I respect the guy, should have no business being in a championship squad.

I'd be concerned if he's likely to be starting, but no problem with him being in the squad.

Thing with Conway is that he's always gone on long spells of good and bad form, even in hist first couple of years. His best days are behind him now, but I think the last few weeks have shown that hopefully he's still got a few more miles left in the tank. 

[Al]

Nyambe is the one to go. Has nobody realised how much our defence has improved since he has been injured? 

[roversfan99]

2 hours ago, OJRovers said:

Nolan at Shrewsbury would be a good signing if we could get him. I can’t believe anyone is seriously suggesting Catermole after our experience with Murphy, Etuhu, Whittingham. Plenty of better midfielders out there!

Dont think its fair to compare Whittingham to them at all, have to judge players on their individual merits.

1 hour ago, Angry_Pirate said:

I am looking forward to the summer transfer speculation and what if's... yet i feel it it slightly tempting fate until we go out there and finish this off. 

However... whatever we do, we need to ensure we don't have a situation where we have another summer of 11 out 12 in. Promotion "should" allow us to keep almost all of our "good" players - barring premier league pursuit (£££) of our "Stars." We should ensure pick and choose our ins and out carefully AND minimally. 

I think we need to be cautious in not ruining what is a tremendous team spirit. Any player who has participated during the majority of this season (IMO) deserve the chance to stay with the squad next year if they want. Rate them or not, the likes of Smallwood, Samuel, Williams, Raya are all very popular and core to the team unity - judging by what we see online, a main factor in why people like Chapman are desperate to be around the club. Imagine Dack getting upset because we turf Samuel out (i'm not sure he has a crap younger brother we can sign for the U19's).

As much as i'd like to say we could sell/release or easily improve on around 33% of our squad (and coaches), and can think of at least 9/10 players who are not good enough/needed, that sort of turnaround will do more damage. However, wave goodbye to Ward, Caddis, Whittingham and Feeney, that's a given.

I get that, but the team ethic seems strong across the board, and I wouldnt want to hold on to crap like Samuel for cheerleading purposes.

1 hour ago, chaddyrovers said:

I wouldn't be looking at signing Cattermole as he is massive wages and I happy with Smallwood has then holding midfielder along with Evans and Travis. If we are looking to sign a midfielder I would be looking at Jon Nolan if Shrewsbury don't go up or Callum Camps at Rochdale who is highly rated. 

I happy with Williams and Bell at left back so wouldn't be interest in signing a new one at this stage. 

I would be looking at centre back signing tho. Maybe Sheffield United Ben Heneghan who we try to sign last summer might be Mowbray shortlist. I don't a lot about this lad McKenna from Aberdeen so cant comment.

on the keeper situation I would like see Fisher integrated to be the back up keeper if we were looking at a keeper I would look at George Long who on loan at AFC Wimbledon from Sheffield United.

on the wide position, I would keep Conway next season for his experience and knowledge of the Championship plus maybe give his a part time coaching role with the academy. But we do need another 2 wingers in with one being with pace. Chapman could be this player but I can understand people concerns with his injuries. maybe Josh Morris for the left wide player slot. would I keep/buy Antonsson next season? I'm undecided at the minute

the 10 role, would I look to sign Jack Payne permanently? Yes I would cos his talent and ability is there, just need learning the game more and playing the right pass at the right time., But someone under Mowbray who would be improve a lot. 

Strikers- Keep Graham on for 12 months but look to sign a younger striker to replace him. Maybe Sam Gallagher, and I'm sure other people will have suggestions. But we deffo need to be looking to bring back Adam Armstrong from Newcastle whether its a loan or permanent move but it is MUST. I would keep Samuel and Nuttall

Players I would be looking to get rid of are Ward, Feeney, Whittingham, Caddis, maybe Luetwiler

Surely the time would be perfect for Conway to go out on a high, hopefully, his legs are almost gone, the injuries are becoming more regularly, I dont see the merit of his new deal,

No one will sign Whittingham with a year left, but hes got a part to play for me anyway. Dont see anyone taking Caddis either.

Antonsson and Chapman both shouldnt be kept, due to lack of ability and injury proneness respectively. Samuel should be moved on, Nuttall loaned out, Graham, Armstrong hopefully again plus another striker would be good, not Sam Gallagher though, found him to be lightweight this year and his record is awful this, no need to always go back to our old players.

Camps and Nolan are good suggestions, but cant see us being able to afford Nolan.

[LDRover]

Graham Carey of Plymouth is a cut above this level and would be a great signing to replace Conway.

[JBiz]

3 minutes ago, roversfan99 said:

Camps and Nolan are good suggestions, but cant see us being able to afford Nolan.

I guess that completely depends on what league Shrewsbury are in next season.

To be honest, id look for someone more of a pace setting midfielder- of all the teams and players we’ve played, I genuinely think Jack Byrne at Oldham is the nearest to someone who can do the leg work, has an edge but most importantly can play in a central position with his head up.

I admit he looked poor the year before with us, but he ran the show against us away at Oldham, and from highlights I’ve been impressed.

[Bbrovers2288]

I guess my expectations and others are at polar opposites if some believe our current squad to be just about championship ready. 

Williams, nyambe, downing, Evans, sorry to some but Smallwood are all lg1 fodder in my opinion. Done a job this year but I don’t want to just survive and be in a relegation battle all year.

team Needs some much needed height and strength, look how poor we have been at corners this year to see why. 

Conway has been a servant but time to wave goodbye, he can’t manage 90 mins and his wage wouldn’t justify a new deal for the odd cameo. 

Of our current squad that I’m confident can step up

mulgrew, lenihan, Bennett, dack, graham , Armstrong if we signed/loaned,

still jury out on raya but deserved chance to step up if he improves certain areas. 

The rest of the squad is open to offers/leave for me.

yes we might have some youngsters to come through but surely this year would’ve been ideal time to bed them in and with the exception of raya and nyambe, Mowbray has not trusted or felt the rest were good enough 

[LDRover]

20 minutes ago, Bbrovers2288 said:

I guess my expectations and others are at polar opposites if some believe our current squad to be just about championship ready. 

Williams, nyambe, downing, Evans, sorry to some but Smallwood are all lg1 fodder in my opinion. Done a job this year but I don’t want to just survive and be in a relegation battle all year.

team Needs some much needed height and strength, look how poor we have been at corners this year to see why. 

Conway has been a servant but time to wave goodbye, he can’t manage 90 mins and his wage wouldn’t justify a new deal for the odd cameo. 

Of our current squad that I’m confident can step up

mulgrew, lenihan, Bennett, dack, graham , Armstrong if we signed/loaned,

still jury out on raya but deserved chance to step up if he improves certain areas. 

The rest of the squad is open to offers/leave for me.

yes we might have some youngsters to come through but surely this year would’ve been ideal time to bed them in and with the exception of raya and nyambe, Mowbray has not trusted or felt the rest were good enough 

I'm with you on the majority of what you say Bb.

Our full backs are undoubtedly our weak link and any team that puts us under pressure always seem to hit the long diagonals into these areas. We need better in there for sure - no idea on names of replacements though!! CM needs strengthening although I believe Smallwood would still be useful at the next level. I'd dispense with Evans but think Lenihan could potentially be the answer in there. However, the retention of Dack is a biggie - the lad is a star.

Graham is good for a year at Champ level and Samuel and Nuttall should be shipped out for me. A cheeky loan for Gestede would work for me and the acquisition of Armstrong would be a good deal too. 

One thing that must not happen though is for the mentality to be one of survival in the Championship. We need to strive for the playoffs - Sheff Utd and Millwall have both shown what positive management and a smattering of quality can achieve.

[dingles staying down 4ever]

Wigan winning

[roversfan99]

1 hour ago, Bbrovers2288 said:

I guess my expectations and others are at polar opposites if some believe our current squad to be just about championship ready. 

Williams, nyambe, downing, Evans, sorry to some but Smallwood are all lg1 fodder in my opinion. Done a job this year but I don’t want to just survive and be in a relegation battle all year.

team Needs some much needed height and strength, look how poor we have been at corners this year to see why. 

Conway has been a servant but time to wave goodbye, he can’t manage 90 mins and his wage wouldn’t justify a new deal for the odd cameo. 

Of our current squad that I’m confident can step up

mulgrew, lenihan, Bennett, dack, graham , Armstrong if we signed/loaned,

still jury out on raya but deserved chance to step up if he improves certain areas. 

The rest of the squad is open to offers/leave for me.

yes we might have some youngsters to come through but surely this year would’ve been ideal time to bed them in and with the exception of raya and nyambe, Mowbray has not trusted or felt the rest were good enough 

Isnt "done a job" a massive understatement though? We are on over 2 points a game, at least some of the players mentioned will be able to step up, as much as I agree on the fact that we do need some reinforcements.

[Bbrovers2288]

Bolton got promoted, more easily than we are, albeit with less points, didn’t reinforce and are in danger of coming straight back down. The warning is there. 

[blueboy3333]

14 minutes ago, Bbrovers2288 said:

Bolton got promoted, more easily than we are, albeit with less points, didn’t reinforce and are in danger of coming straight back down. The warning is there. 

And Millwall are just about to go into the play-off positions and they got ten points less than we've already got.

[RevidgeBlue]

Just now, roversfan99 said:

Isnt "done a job" a massive understatement though? We are on over 2 points a game, at least some of the players mentioned will be able to step up, as much as I agree on the fact that we do need some reinforcements.

They haven't even "done a job" in this division yet let alone start debating whether they're good enough to compete in the Championship........

[RevidgeBlue]

Just now, blueboy3333 said:

And Millwall are just about to go into the play-off positions and they got ten points less than we've already got.

So what?

[blueboy3333]

Just now, RevidgeBlue said:

So what?

Read it in the context of what I was replying to instead of being a little princess with her hands on her hips.

[RevidgeBlue]

Just now, blueboy3333 said:

Read it in the context of what I was replying to instead of being a little princess with her hands on her hips.

Fair enough.

Neither how many points Bolton and Millwall got last season, nor how they're doing this season have any bearing whatsoever on whether our squad is good enough to compete in the Championship next season. They're completely separate issues a d independent of one another.

Hope that is easy enough for you to understand and will cause you to refrain from hurling further gratuitous insults about.

[blueboy3333]

Just now, RevidgeBlue said:

Fair enough.

Neither how many points Bolton and Millwall got last season, nor how they're doing this season have any bearing whatsoever on whether our squad is good enough to compete in the Championship next season. They're completely separate issues a d independent of one another.

Hope that is easy enough for you to understand and will cause you to refrain from hurling further gratuitous insults about.

I wasn't insulting. You'd know if I was insulting you. Now get your hands back on your hips. And in future if you want to make a silly little post that adds nothing you can expect a similar reply.

[Tom]

Still in our hands - just!

The Bristol Rovers game now becomes the biggest of the season......so far 

[Bigdoggsteel]

Hopefully Mowbray holds his nerve. This is huge for him too. A draw away ain't too bad. Pretty much an identical game for Shrewsbury now Thursday. They can't afford to slip up. Bradford can't be embarrassed at home again. Plus they aren't completely out of play off contention. Come on Grayson