[Goku]

Fit as a Nelson, on 28 May 2025 - 06:49 AM, said:

He’ll be on the bench then. Mandeville is an outstanding footballer but he’s just not a winger at this level and certainly isn’t a right back as good of a job as he has done filling in. His second half performance where he basically played centre mid against Bradford was I think the best performance I have seen from any of our players all season. I think he has to play central. He sets the tempo and gets everyone else playing around him, he should be involved as much as possible.

Yep think you’re spot on, mirrors my thoughts. Struggles against pacy/strong direct wingers (not all the time - I remember him getting the better of Barnet’s Kanu last season, but he’s had a couple of stinkers this season defensively, which is completely understandable and fine given he’s not a RB). I’ve enjoyed him playing inverted full back during latter parts of the season when we’re in possession, but yeah, it’s risky defensively. He can do ok in the right wing slot but he can’t beat a man thus is more of an advanced playmaker when he plays there - recycles possession, clever passing round the sides and trying to thread balls… and that’s fine to a point, but probably not what we need starting in that position every week. I think the time has come to commit to him in central midfield whilst obviously knowing he can play all down the right hand side should injuries/suspensions occur.

This post has been edited by Goku: 28 May 2025 - 08:26 AM

[Rodney's Moustache]

gordon_brittas, on 27 May 2025 - 12:04 PM, said:

That's where I'm at. I could only see us reaching the Championship if we become the next club to be purchased by a Middle Eastern billionaire and repeat Brentford and Bournemouth. We just don't have the funds to compete sadly with the likes of Huddersfield, Wycombe, Stockport, Barnsley etc.

What about Yeovil, Scunthorpe, etc?

[monte]

Goku, on 28 May 2025 - 08:26 AM, said:

Yep think you’re spot on, mirrors my thoughts. Struggles against pacy/strong direct wingers (not all the time - I remember him getting the better of Barnet’s Kanu last season, but he’s had a couple of stinkers this season defensively, which is completely understandable and fine given he’s not a RB). I’ve enjoyed him playing inverted full back during latter parts of the season when we’re in possession, but yeah, it’s risky defensively. He can do ok in the right wing slot but he can’t beat a man thus is more of an advanced playmaker when he plays there - recycles possession, clever passing round the sides and trying to thread balls… and that’s fine to a point, but probably not what we need starting in that position every week. I think the time has come to commit to him in central midfield whilst obviously knowing he can play all down the right hand side should injuries/suspensions occur.

I'd like a right back but with Shecks, VDC, Donacien & Jessop (plus Mandy as backup) I can't see it happening. That being said Shecks does a good job there.

I think Many should be in the middle next year, with us getting another centre mid (or two depending on if fleck signs) in to replace Banks/Dj/Jones/Metcalfe. If Fleck signs I'd go for the more attacking variety.

This post has been edited by monte: 28 May 2025 - 08:38 AM

[Phil V 72]

Wooden Spoon, on 28 May 2025 - 08:22 AM, said:

When you say a Morsey type of player, what do you mean?


Morsey was great on the ball, had that knack of turning as he recieved it to “roll his marker” and got from box to box quickly- but supported and enhanced by Ryan as well - also a player who was energetic and got about the pitch.


It’s that energy, movement, forward drive we’ve often lacked especially as Naylor was so often used as a CB - and Tom does like to get forward.

Strong on the ball, sharp in the tackle. Breaks play up as well as being able to carry it forward. Also someone with a bit of an edge to them who knows how to make tactical fouls when we’re in trouble in the middle of the park.

I think the league is different to 10 years ago, especially with how the opposition deploy tactics. I fear Manderville might lack a bit of physicality when coming across a big powerful runner from midfield, or even a big striker dropping deep to pick up the ball. Just my opinion, but I think he’d be targeted as a weak link.

[Nassau_board]

monte, on 28 May 2025 - 08:36 AM, said:

I'd like a right back but with Shecks, VDC, Donacien & Jessop (plus Mandy as backup) I can't see it happening. That being said Shecks does a good job there.

I think Many should be in the middle next year, with us getting another centre mid (or two depending on if fleck signs) in to replace Banks/Dj/Jones/Metcalfe. If Fleck signs I'd go for the more attacking variety.

I really hope Fleck doesn’t stay, but if he does, I hope he makes me eat my words.

The key for next season is players playing in their correct positions, it’s remarkable we did as well as it ended with Naylor, Mandy and others (Aroujo left back) playing out of position.

It shows that we aren’t a million miles off, and with strengthening of the squad, we should have a bright season.

[born in 1866]

Rodney, on 28 May 2025 - 08:36 AM, said:

What about Yeovil, Scunthorpe, etc?

Fine examples of clubs that couldn't compete financially, tried but then paid the price.

[ash_cfc]

Wooden Spoon, on 28 May 2025 - 08:17 AM, said:

You don’t need to do much to stop DJ, he stops the game himself. Mark him tightly maybe so he doesn’t have room and freedom to pass.
Great player for using and passing the ball, but lack energy movement and dynamism
A fault inherent through the whole side really

Which makes the Swindon move more confusing from him on a football perspective. Big CB lumps it to the big CF completely bypassing the midfield.

[dtp]

Goku, on 28 May 2025 - 08:26 AM, said:

Yep think you’re spot on, mirrors my thoughts. Struggles against pacy/strong direct wingers (not all the time - I remember him getting the better of Barnet’s Kanu last season, but he’s had a couple of stinkers this season defensively, which is completely understandable and fine given he’s not a RB). I’ve enjoyed him playing inverted full back during latter parts of the season when we’re in possession, but yeah, it’s risky defensively. He can do ok in the right wing slot but he can’t beat a man thus is more of an advanced playmaker when he plays there - recycles possession, clever passing round the sides and trying to thread balls… and that’s fine to a point, but probably not what we need starting in that position every week. I think the time has come to commit to him in central midfield whilst obviously knowing he can play all down the right hand side should injuries/suspensions occur.

Mandeville might not be a natural winger. Certainly not the type with pace who gets to the by-line and knocks in a cross. But, I am not sure Cook always wants that in his teams. We have seen Banks played out wide on the right and towards the end of the season Naylor seemed to occupy a position out left at times.

However, Mandeville has contributed significantly from his wide position. There is a time for pace and a time for guile. Having both available should help to vary the way we play.

So, depending on whether or not it is considered that Donacien and/or Sheckleford are fit enough to be able to contribute for more than half I still think we need a better quality RB. We must not allow for the problems we have had in this position this last season.

[Phil V 72]

Wooden Spoon, on 28 May 2025 - 08:17 AM, said:

You don’t need to do much to stop DJ, he stops the game himself. Mark him tightly maybe so he doesn’t have room and freedom to pass.
Great player for using and passing the ball, but lack energy movement and dynamism
A fault inherent through the whole side really

Also, DJ’s recurring ability to sometimes give the ball away under absolutely no pressure, giving the opposition a run at our defence.

[Waller is my hero]

Here's a few names to be thrown into the pot Paris Maghoma or Sebastian Berhalter

[metallilad]

born in 1866, on 28 May 2025 - 09:25 AM, said:

Fine examples of clubs that couldn't compete financially, tried but then paid the price.

Burton?

[Hibbo98]

Waller is my hero, on 28 May 2025 - 11:01 AM, said:

Here's a few names to be thrown into the pot Paris Maghoma or Sebastian Berhalter

Not a chance Maghoma drops to L2, was one of Bolton’s standouts the other year and by all accounts on an absolute wedge at Brentford. Made 8 PL apps for them this year as well

[hilly81]

Waller is my hero, on 28 May 2025 - 11:01 AM, said:

Here's a few names to be thrown into the pot Paris Maghoma or Sebastian Berhalter

I'd say there is more chance of me signing than Maghoma.

[Goku]

Hibbo98, on 28 May 2025 - 11:09 AM, said:

Not a chance Maghoma drops to L2, was one of Bolton’s standouts the other year and by all accounts on an absolute wedge at Brentford. Made 8 PL apps for them this year as well

And no chance of Berthalter given he's in the latest USA training camp ahead of matches against Turkey & Switzerland.

[Waller is my hero]

Its throwing in potential names time since the season has ended...few more for you......Ousmane Sow, Daniel Nkrumah, Dylan Scott

[Bluekent]

Waller is my hero, on 28 May 2025 - 11:23 AM, said:

Its throwing in potential names time since the season has ended...few more for you......Ousmane Sow, Daniel Nkrumah, Dylan Scott

De bruyne, sane , messi all out of contract this summer mate. May as well throw their names in as well. 👍🏽

[Phil V 72]

Bluekent, on 28 May 2025 - 11:30 AM, said:

De bruyne, sane , messi all out of contract this summer mate. May as well throw their names in as well. 👍🏽

Garnacho told to find a new club too

[Waller is my hero]

Bluekent, on 28 May 2025 - 11:30 AM, said:

De bruyne, sane , messi all out of contract this summer mate. May as well throw their names in as well. 👍🏽

LOL - come on lads its just a bit of fun throwing names in...just wait on the Scandinavian players i've heard LOL

[Waller is my hero]

Aune Heggebø, Assad Al Hamlawi

[Johnnyspireite7]

Bluekent, on 28 May 2025 - 11:30 AM, said:

De bruyne, sane , messi all out of contract this summer mate. May as well throw their names in as well. 👍🏽

So is Cristiano Ronaldo aparently