The SQUAD so far.................

OK, assuming we sign Whaley how does the current squad look at the various positions......

With recent annoucements many positions have started to become clearer.

Here are my opinions.

Goalkeeper..... Theoklitos, Rudd and Steer

Pretty much set as all 3 are/will be getting minutes in pre-season. This looks like a strong trio of experience and quality young keepers.
I don't expect any moves in this area unless we get injuries.

Centre backs....Doherty , Stefanovic, Nelson, Stephens,(Askou) (Joarder)

A decent array of experience/cover in this position. I havn't included Spillane or Drury who both could play at a push.
I think its interesting we have Askou on trial who did well today by all reports.
This with Dumic playing at RB suggests a shift of thinking.

Right back... Otsemobor, Spillane and Dumic

Big question marks at this position.Its obvious that we are lining up either Dumic or Spillane to be the cover for this position.
It would not surprise me to see Spillane start the year as our number 1 RB.
It was interesting in the Raith Rovers game they moved Otsemobor into right midfield.

Left back Drury, Habergham (Lappin ?)

This is our weakest position by far in terms of squad depth. I would expect us to make some serious moves in this area pretty soon.

Cen Midfield..... OTJ, Gill, Adeyemi

Again we seem to be one short here. The fact we offered Stephen Hughes a contract kind of confirms that Team Gunn knows this.
Spillane or Lappin can fill in at a push if we are hit badly.

Left Midfield Hoolahan, Pattison and Lappin

With Hoolahan confirming he is staying this now looks stronger. The problem is do we have a an out and out left winger?
Oct 24th is the last regular season game for San Jose Earthquakes, They have very little chance of making the play offs.
Maybe they might let one of their players out of their contract early?
Even at his age Hucks IMHO would be a fantastic player to bring from the bench at this level.

Right Midfield Whaley, McVeigh, Corey Smith (Neilson)

If we sign Whaley it looks like a decent improvement in quality at this position. I do expect McVeigh to have done enough to earn a contract
Not sure what team Gunn thinks of the trialist Neilson. People reported he was decent against Dartford.

Another possible option on the right is Chris Martin

Strikers Martin, Cureton, McDonald, Daley, (Maric) (Bridges) (Craig) (Powell)

(I havn't included Renton who probably won't figure at all.)

This is the area we are really looking to improve.
The fact we have had a number of different trialists in (plus bids for Lee and Dickinson) suggest that we are looking to bring in a minimum of 2 strikers maybe 3.
I think this is one area that Team Gunn must be aplauded for effort. (even if we lack signings)
Some people questioned why they have such a large pre-season fixture list. It should be obvious now that Team Gunn wanted to look at as many different players as possible.
I also like the fact that Norwich won't overpay for players that are not worth the outlay.
Sir Alex just recently annouced he isn't prepared to overpay for players no matter how good they are. (a guy with 80 million to spend)

So far the Team Gunn gameplan is obviously to spend the limited budget wisely knowing the we needed to bring in a minimum of 8-10 players.
I like the fact that Bryan Gunn kept his word that we are not going down the mass loan route again. All the players we have either signed or looked to sign were all on permanent deals.

The important fact to realize is that with 7 subs this year, the game will become much more tactical.
Having decent quality on the bench in most positions has never been more important.

I also think once the Clingan and Russell deals are concluded (and their wages freed up) we will have a pretty good idea what our overall transfer budget will be.

I expect us to be MUCH more active in the transfer market. I would be surprised if we don't bring in at least another 4-5 players on permanent deals before the window shuts.

Posted By: usacanary, Jul 16, 19:41:55