The Rest of League One 23/24

[Dave Sutton's barnet]

The Blackett-Taylor deal has gone through. An initial loan, guaranteed fee in the summer. Which might back up all those rumours of a cashflow crisis at Derby holding up their deals.

Regardless, they've just added one of the best wingers in the division to an already good squad.

And he might have a big target to hit, given the increasing noise is that Derby will reach some compromise with Wednesday for Smith to rejoin Warne. That would not be good news for us.

By the way, saw some stat (too briefly to check) that Barkuizen is now statistically one of the most productive players in the division (think it was in terms of his xG and xA).

[GhostoftheBok]

And he might have a big target to hit, given the increasing noise is that Derby will reach some compromise with Wednesday for Smith to rejoin Warne. That would not be good news for us.

By the way, saw some stat (too briefly to check) that Barkuizen is now statistically one of the most productive players in the division (think it was in terms of his xG and xA).

Doesn't surprise me - on either point.

Warne is an excellent paint-by-numbers manager in the Parky mould. Give him his kinds of lads and he'll get a tune out of them. On Derby's budgets that gives you very good players for the level and a manager who can organise them. Good combo.

Tom is better than the level. I don't think Smith is, but he's about the best you'll find for that role in League One.

Biggest strategic issue is that we now clearly have the worst bench of the top sides.

[Dave Sutton's barnet]

Biggest strategic issue is that we now clearly have the worst bench of the top sides.

That’s something that can only be improved by recruitment or intensive coaching.

We have lads out at the minute but of them, only Gethin and possibly Johnston are first-team shoo-ins. It’s possible CMG could become a key player for us but he hasn’t yet. Dan and to an extent Forrester are projects - hence “intensive coaching”.

In midfield we have some good players but I don’t currently feel we have reserves knocking on the door. If we switch out Demps for Maghoma or vice-versa it’s usually because the incumbent had a quieter game rather than because a sub scorched the pitch. We need more pitch-scorchers both in terms of “finishers” finding us ways to win games but also to have true competition for places. Barring the brief and now subsided “Bod should start” campaign, have any subs been so impressive they’ve been causing genuine selection headaches?

[GhostoftheBok]

That’s something that can only be improved by recruitment or intensive coaching.

All on recruitment right now.

It's Markham and his team's job now to give Evatt the help he needs.

[Dave Sutton's barnet]

Appleton potted. Is Duff available?

[GhostoftheBok]

Appleton potted. Is Duff available?

They may have finally sold Jones on a return to the Valley. He worked there a good 10 years ago and they've tried to get him back since.

Will be an interesting one. Think your man Duff is the early favourite.

[Dave Sutton's barnet]

Jones said to be the early front runner but many of the fans want Bowyer.

[GhostoftheBok]

Jones said to be the early front runner but many of the fans want Bowyer.

We all dream of appointing the Monserrat manager...

Things must be grim if their options are "Soldier for Christ" Jones and Colombia's best customer.

[Dave Sutton's barnet]

[Dave Sutton's barnet]

Vale fan doing Vale fan things.

[Dave Sutton's barnet]

Where’s yon Pompey fan who was raging in midweek about our ref’s decisions?

[GhostoftheBok]

Where’s yon Pompey fan who was raging in midweek about our ref’s decisions?

Bloody stupid from the defender.

[Dave Sutton's barnet]

[Dave Sutton's barnet]

[GhostoftheBok]

That's annoying.

Biggest thing keeping Posh from being a sure thing for a top 2 slot is quality depth.

The kid has quality.

Maybe we'll get lucky and they'll shed one.

[Dave Sutton's barnet]

That's annoying.

Biggest thing keeping Posh from being a sure thing for a top 2 slot is quality depth.

The kid has quality.

Maybe we'll get lucky and they'll shed one.

They still demanding a ransom for JCH?

[GhostoftheBok]

They still demanding a ransom for JCH?

Not a clue. They were last week. Past that

[GhostoftheBok]

Joe Morrell with a potential ACL for Pompey, to add to their dropped points.

I like the lad and hate to see him injured, if it's as bad as it seems; but certainly helps their rivals.

[Dave Sutton's barnet]

Joe Morrell with a potential ACL for Pompey, to add to their dropped points.

I like the lad and hate to see him injured, if it's as bad as it seems; but certainly helps their rivals.

Oof. They've had some tough luck.

[GhostoftheBok]

Oof. They've had some tough luck.

They've been fairly strongly linked with Moxon since the Carlisle manager hung him out to dry.

Their fans now seem to think that's a necessity and not a "want", so we'll see.

Derby and Posh must be licking their lips at the news coming out of us and Pompey at the minute.