Posh wrote:I thought Jim was a great manager but as I've said all season this is the worst squad we've ever had and I completely agree with Shrimpy that very little thought went into it. Jim was to blame. Some players should never have been signed - some who were here and some new or on their second visit. So many past their sell by date and on the way down and not young and hungry. If I was to cull this squad I'd definitely keep Sam Lavelle, Tom Brewitt, Mark Halstead and Ibrahim Bakare, possibly Mendes Gomez and that would be it.
Agree with every word of that. I think Jim had become quite jaded (who can blame him) and didn't do his usual "magic" with the Summer signings. All a bit lazy for me, i.e. bringing back 3 ex-players who were out of form, and giving new contracts to some existing players who didn't really deserve them. I can't see any real "strategy" re the players retained and brought in - we have gaps in some positions and too many options in others. As Derek rightly says, a very unbalanced squad.
The only new signing who has performed is Lewis - yes, he's not firing on all cylinders with us, but he's our top scorer and is fit enough to last the full 90. Very disappointed with Miller and Stockton, but they were available for a reason!
And yes, can't really see much money, if any, being generated from loaning out any players. Unless, of course, Jim comes in to take one or two over to Fylde (Kenyon, Wildig, Lewis?, Tutte?). Maybe another academy player or two may be loaned out just to save their wage? The only couple that may be in demand would be Gomes and Jagne I'd have thought, but with never seeing any others, it's hard to know, especially with the shock/surprise of Leif Davis who'd never even been on the main team bench.
As you say, there "should be" 4 wages available for the January window. We can't expect miracles, because the wages saved won't be huge, but hopefully it gives Derek something to work with. The pressure is on him to spend it wisely on players who can come straight into the team in and make an immediate difference. If the Board/owners can find a bit more down the back of a sofa, then all the better.