Summer 2020 transfers

[Dave Sutton's barnet]

I frankly am not too worried about experience - especially in a wing back. The key attribute is getting up and down and youthful energy is key to that imo over perhaps more experience in positioning - I think the role is far less about positioning that a traditional full back and far more about recovery. Ricardo Gardner was IMO not the best reader of a game or the most alert in terms of taking up a defensive position but he made a GREAT left back because he was quick and very good at getting round on the cover. I suspect that you ask someone like Simon Charlton who was a supreme positional defender and reader of the game in front of him to play LWB and its a big problem.

I understand what you're saying and agree to an extent - pace and energy are definitely important to Evatt and the position. However, football is often about the space players can attack, and if a player is covering an entire flank it's vital that he (or she) doesn't tend to get caught out of position, or we're gifting the opposition a free punch.

It sounds like Evatt will have his two central midfielders fairly disciplined in protecting the back three, so I'm not worried we'll be as porous as some examples of the back three - think England in Norway 1993 or in Croatia 2006; even so, I don't think we can make-do-and-mend with someone who's constantly watching on from somewhere up front. Presumably Evatt will be closely watching for this; when he describes his wide players as "hybrids", he means a bit of both, not merely a winger asked to track back occasionally. No, Simon Charlton was no more of a wing-back than Andy Taylor was, but Gardner was much better under Allardyce's drilling than in Todd's more laissez-faire system.
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Great info DSB. Another "who dis?" when I saw Akeem's name name pop up. We are all excited about the squad, 75% of whom I have never heard about before or seen play apart from youtube, I just hope that if we get battered in a couple of early games, we remain behind them, because how they are being asked to play by the boss will take time. Unbeaten for the season?? No way. Top 2.. I hope. Top 6 - definitely.

I know what you mean. Although I've researched them either before or after signing, the only names among the 14 new signings I knew before research were Doyle (because Parky nearly signed him), Baptiste (who I thought might have retired), Gilks (who I thought MUST have retired) and Delfouneso (who I'd heard of back when Gordon Brown was prime minister but hadn't considered since). And like you I'm genuinely excited as to how they all do.

[Dave Sutton's barnet]

Politic's injury might leave us short in the No10 role (he had once again replaced Crawford there as a sub in today's game).

I wonder if the injury might reignite thoughts of Evatt's old Chesterfield team-mate Jamie Devitt, who looks to be on the way out of the remodelled Blackpool; Carlisle are after him but Nixon says Blackpool "would have to help out there to bridge the wage gap".

Knowing Evatt's taste for flowing attacking football, it wouldn't surprise me if he prioritises a replacement option - perhaps on loan, perhaps a mutual contract termination a la Delfouneso.

It might sound horribly soon to consider such things but neither Carlisle nor Blackpool will hang about waiting for us outside Interflora. Phoenix could register an interest this afternoon, if he hasn't already done so earlier in the summer. And here's where we played a blinder getting players contracted before the cap came down...

[officer_dibble]

That central attacking mid / behind the strikers role was probably the one position we had cover for actually. Darcy, Sarcevic and Crawford could all play it.

I wonder if we can get someone in from one of the decent local academies on loan.

[officer_dibble]

Presumably, likely pratley a few years ago, politic will be “de-registered” if he is out for the foreseeable and not count towards our squad limit.

[BWFC_Insane]

Presumably, likely pratley a few years ago, politic will be “de-registered” if he is out for the foreseeable and not count towards our squad limit.

Don't think you can 'de-register' players. Think Harvey bent the rules for Anderson - how ironic. But its not a champions league squad...the limit is on the number of professional contracts - doesn't matter if they are walking wounded.

[Dave Sutton's barnet]

Presumably, likely pratley a few years ago, politic will be “de-registered” if he is out for the foreseeable and not count towards our squad limit.

Don't think you can 'de-register' players. Think Harvey bent the rules for Anderson - how ironic. But its not a champions league squad...the limit is on the number of professional contracts - doesn't matter if they are walking wounded.

Aye - see Buckley last season.

[brommers95]

Ethan Hamilton signs with Peterborough, nice move for him and good luck to the lad.

Thought he was a decent player from the little I saw of him and wouldn't have minded him coming back here.

[officer_dibble]

I don’t see him playing much there if I’m honest.

[brommers95]

Following the Loughborough University game, Evatt was asked about any more incomings, specifically as a result of the Politic injury, his words were “it’s something to think about”. I think it's pretty certain that some of our young lads will go out on loan which points to two or three more coming in over the next four weeks.

So over the course of the past two days I have done my best DSB impression and looked at the players released by League 1 and 2 clubs who are still, at present, free agents. There are still 2/3 holes in the squad, namely in the shape of a backup LWB, a backup CM (I am assuming Graham will join Thomason out on loan) and another striker to compete with Faal, so I've looked at players in those positions. I stripped out any players who are either too old (33+) or too young (i.e youth players who never played a senior game for the first team) or players or are courting interest from Championship/top end LG1 clubs so would seem out of our reach.

LWB

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Callum McFadzean - as mentioned previously on this forum, he is quite clearly the pick of the bunch. There appear to be no recent rumours of his signing destination but Burton are a name that consistently crop up. Us signing him would be contingent on whether Evatt thinks Gordon is the starter at LWB, as McFadzean wouldn't be coming here to sit on the bench.

Adam Henley - someone who was tipped to be the next big thing when he burst onto the scene with Blackburn in 2011. Still only 26, he appears to have lost his way somewhat. Predominantly a right sided full back but he can also play on the left side (5 apps there this past season) - this sort of versatility will be key this season with limited squad sizes and a packed fixture list.

Kgosi Ntlhe - Left footed but can play on the right as well which could be handy if injuries strike. More of a traditional full back but has the energy and athleticism to play wing back.

Adam Chicksen - was solid for us and thought his departure was slightly harsh. Weirdly he hasn't signed popped up anywhere else, would be surprised if he turned up with us but I think we could do worse. Seems like the type of pro you'd want around.

Jack Iredale - has just signed with Cambridge whilst typing this so you can cross him off the list.

Bradley Garmston - released by Gillingham in January, he made 5 appearances for Grimsby before the curtailment of the season. A solid if unspectacular player, he would be a more than capable backup. However probably looking for a starting gig.

CM

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Jake Hessenthaler - Defensive midfielder in a similar mould to Brandon Comley. Grimsby fans were disappointed to see this guy released, and for good reason. Had a stellar season with 78% pass accuracy and 2.8 tackles per game, fourth highest in the league. Rumour is he wants to move back down south, sure to get a decent offer.

Moving on to some more realistic targets:

Andrew Tutte - has been training with us in recent weeks, although as with Bunney he didn't seem to get invited to the Loughborough training camp. Has had injury issues in the past couple of seasons but seems to have quality with an 82% pass completion rate.

Ben Kennedy - touted as a million pound player when he was an 18 year old, has talent but needs a new environment it would seem. Best role is as an attacking midfielder. Can hit them, scored some good goals in his career.

Reggie Lamb - Spent the past two seasons at Cambridge, has good experience and a handy scoring record at this level. Can play CM or AMC. Seems tidy on the ball with an 80% pass completion rate which we know Evatt likes.

Will Atkinson - rumoured to be attracting interest from Rochdale and Barrow if Twitter is to be believed. Didn't play a lot of football last season but is a solid, physical player that can also stand in at RWB if needs be.

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ST

Arthur Gnahoua - chipped in with four goals and an assist last season for a poor Macclesfield side. Can't imagine he would demand big wages having played the majority of his football in non-league.

Theo Robinson - mentioned before on here by DSB I believe. Officially released by Southend, he spent last season on loan at Colchester helping them to the playoffs with 11 goals in 30 appearances. Would be a very capable option from the bench.

Joe Mason - Didn't play a lot of football last season due to a couple of injuries but still scored 3 goals in only 909 minutes of football for MK Dons. Still got quality and if he's not asked to play all game, every game, he could still contribute.

Kwesi Appiah - Was a backup for Wimbledon last season but still chipped in with four goals and an assist.

Conor McAleny - Has definite pedigree, coming through the Everton youth setup. Goals record isn't the best over his career but can play in the Crawford role as well. Can strike them.

Tom Nichols - Stock was high a couple of seasons ago but has fallen by the wayside. Scored two goals and chipped in with two assists in the first half of the season for Bristol Rovers before being loaned out to Cheltenham in January. Might not be the personality type Evatt is looking, I'm led to believe he's a bit of a prima donna.

Shaun Miller - solid pro who came through the Crewe academy, has spent his career bouncing around League 2. Not prolific by any stretch of the imagination but will work hard for the cause and chip in with the odd goal. In the twilight of his career at 32, maybe we need a bit more youth up front though?

Ben Stephens - has been on trial with us recently. Started out as a midfielder in the Leicester City academy, fell into non-league and was converted into a front man whilst at Stratford Town in the Southern League Premier Division. Scored 25 goals in 46 starts before being signed by Macclesfield in 2018. Hasn't scored a lot since. Can play as an attacking mid.

[officer_dibble]

Not sure Chicksen is a wing back to be honest. Not saying he wouldn’t be a bad player to have round though. Can’t see him being after big wages.

[Dave Sutton's barnet]

Some interesting names there Brommers (and thank you for the flattery of saying it’s an imitation...)

I’m still not convinced we will be after a central midfielder - Evatt’s quote on 9 Aug was “I still think we’re two or three light. I’d like to see another couple at the top end of the pitch and possibly some competition at left wing-back. Other than that, we’re not far away I don’t think.”

Of course, Politic’s injury might change that but IMO only if he pushes Sarce further forward instead, which would open up a slot. I think he might use Darcy (at 8 or 10) unless a very good option presents itself - and if it’s a *very* good option, he then has to drop (or juggle) one of Comley/Sarce/Crawford.

LWB is definitely a priority IMO, unless he has an alternative plan from within the group. Plus one young striker, two if he doesn’t fancy Faal. And the young strikers have to have been released rather than refusing a contract, or we would have to pay a development fee ruled out by embargo.

[brommers95]

Not sure Chicksen is a wing back to be honest. Not saying he wouldn’t be a bad player to have round though. Can’t see him being after big wages.

Agreed, just thought it’d be an interesting name to throw out there. Out and out wing backs are in short supply and he’d be a cheap, steady-eddy type option.

[brommers95]

Some interesting names there Brommers (and thank you for the flattery of saying it’s an imitation...)

I’m still not convinced we will be after a central midfielder - Evatt’s quote on 9 Aug was “I still think we’re two or three light. I’d like to see another couple at the top end of the pitch and possibly some competition at left wing-back. Other than that, we’re not far away I don’t think.”

Of course, Politic’s injury might change that but IMO only if he pushes Sarce further forward instead, which would open up a slot. I think he might use Darcy (at 8 or 10) unless a very good option presents itself - and if it’s a *very* good option, he then has to drop (or juggle) one of Comley/Sarce/Crawford.

LWB is definitely a priority IMO, unless he has an alternative plan from within the group. Plus one young striker, two if he doesn’t fancy Faal. And the young strikers have to have been released rather than refusing a contract, or we would have to pay a development fee ruled out by embargo.

Cheers, I don’t remember him saying that, certainly an interesting snippet of info.

Was thinking along the lines of Politic’s injury throwing a (smallish) spanner in the works, as well as the amount of Tue-Sat-Tue fixtures meaning we might need an extra body in midfield to get us through a long winter slog of games.

In terms of up front, curiously Bright Amoateng was at Loughborough this week unlike fellow trialists Bunney and Tutte. Evatt must like what he sees and it must only be a matter of time before he’s announced. There’s certainly a lot of buzz around him with the goals he’s scored in these friendlies.

Past that, who knows what direction IE and TP are thinking of heading. So much comes down to who Evatt is thinking of loaning out and who he thinks could do a job in the squad.

[Dave Sutton's barnet]

For the record Brommers, the quote was in a BN interview - https://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/sport/1 ... then-next/

Bright Amoateng seems to be exactly the kind of striker we might be targeting - young, former Big Club Academy (Liverpool), released, presumably not so big for his boots that he'd demand star billing above Doyle & Delfonce. They seem determined to keep his name quiet in case it alerts other clubs but it would hardly take Edward Snowden to work it out. Wonder if the delay is on our side as we calculate whether he's all that?

Having savvily done the majority of our business early - the better to avoid the EFL salary cap but also to bed them in - I wonder whether we're just taking our time with the last two or three - but I'll admit those gaps do worry me. I wouldn't want a square-peg wingback (who? Greenidge? Taft? King's Arms?) if Gordon was unavailable, and we don't want a dearth of options up top.

[Dave Sutton's barnet]

Metodi Shumanov, a Bulgarian football journo of my acquaintance, hath tweeted that

Coventry and Bolton are reportedly interested in CSKA-Sofia attacking midfielder Graham Carey. Scottish side Dundee United are also after him... To me, Carey was among last season’s best players in the Bulgarian league. Would be a big loss for CSKA

Note the "reportedly". He signed a two-year contract when he went there last year, we can't buy him or pay a loan fee, and we seem to have competition. But just in case, y'know....

Just turned 31 (DOB 21/5/89), 6ft, from just outside Dublin; came up through Celtic ranks but didn't make the first team. Loaned to Bohemians, St Mirren and Huddersfield. Bought by top-flighters St Mirren, moved to also-top-flighters Ross County, then in 2015 to Plymouth. Played 200 times for them, half in the fourth tier and half in the third; when they went back down again he left for Sofia.

Described as a set-piece specialist and direct dribbler, best played at No.10; he can also play as a wide attacker, which we don't plan to use, but intriguingly also played left wingback and left-back for St Mirren.

EDIT My man Metodi has expanded: "He’s among CSKA’s best-paid players and the corona crisis hit the club really hard. So there were rumours about him either getting a big pay cut or being let go" – sounds to me like an auction we can't win.

[nicholaldo]

It's not transfer news relating to us specifically, but I read that Sheffield United recently made an offer of £18,500,000 for Adam Ramsdale, and that that offer was "reluctantly" accepted today. We released him from our Academy as a teenager.

Ouch.

[Bijou Bob]

Listening to the LoV podcast the other week, it seems Clough is being made to train with Forest’s under 23’s. He’s on mahoosive money, but Forest want rid quickly, so might pay him off and free him up. The question isn’t would he make a decent number ten in L2, but can he stay fit for a full season ? The lad needs a new start somewhere and I can’t see there being a large queue.

[The_Gun]

Listening to the LoV podcast the other week, it seems Clough is being made to train with Forest’s under 23’s. He’s on mahoosive money, but Forest want rid quickly, so might pay him off and free him up. The question isn’t would he make a decent number ten in L2, but can he stay fit for a full season ? The lad needs a new start somewhere and I can’t see there being a large queue.

I think that particular ship has sailed. Is Clough really going to drop to L2 to play second fiddle to Crawford?

[Bijou Bob]

He’s reputedly on 18 grand a week. If Forest pay him a chunk, he needs a new start somewhere and clubs have not exactly been lining up to take him during the past several loan windows, so I’m not sure. Clough can play wide or as a ten, so would offer options if he can stay fit. He’s exactly the sort of player who might struggle to get a contract anywhere next season I suspect, so surely his agent be looking to move him on early doors? I’m not even certain he’s worth the gamble given his injury issues, but I’d love to see us give him another chance on a ‘Pay as you play’ deal.

That would have sounded like a very stupid sentence just 12 months ago, but the football finance world is shifting rapidly towards sustainability, which means that the previously unthinkable is becoming reality. On another note, what’s Akinfenwa up to these days?

[officer_dibble]

Charlie Adam - Nixon link.

Think that was called on here early doors!