A lot of good questions. I think it will be interesting to assess at the end of the window but my hunch is we will see more turnover in the summer.
I think it might be Molloy and Tobers. I wouldn’t be shocked to see a new left back, Jensen move to the right and Devlin perhaps play a reduced role.
Centre midfield seems like it needs more energy. I’d be surprised if all four of those lads are still here next season.
In general I think it’s a big few months for some of these lads eg Clarkson and Polvara. Also feels like pre-season might be make or break for Bavidge. I’d really like to see him be given a chance next year and hopefully Boyd too.
I do think there’s a big conversation to be had on the youth academy and how it fits in to the bigger plan, especially as talented youngsters appear to be getting scooped up by English clubs.
Group stage football would be big for the budget I think and likely to impact how ambitious the club will be.
It's great to see some forensic analysis of what is (a) intended and (b) how it is working out in practice. The other dynamic in the background is that there is clearly a squad (re)building process going on and that flags two other questions that it would be great to hear some reflections on Gavin. First, given recent arrivals and potential future arrivals ... what does a first 11 look like by the start of the new season? Is Jensen or McGarry at left back? Is Molloy or a.n.other as yet unsigned player the left centre back paired with Tobers? From Ante, Dante, Nilsen and Shinnier ... which two start? Who plays 10 and who plays wide? etc. And a second question is how, over this season and next, do youth players find their place in the team? Is Milne seen as a future central defender, right back or midfielder? Do either of Boyd or Bavidge get meaningful minutes and what is that telling us about the blend of moneyball signings and youth development?
Would love to hear your thoughts on these longer term issues and thanks for great pieces thus far. Keep up the good work
Thanks Robert!
A lot of good questions. I think it will be interesting to assess at the end of the window but my hunch is we will see more turnover in the summer.
I think it might be Molloy and Tobers. I wouldn’t be shocked to see a new left back, Jensen move to the right and Devlin perhaps play a reduced role.
Centre midfield seems like it needs more energy. I’d be surprised if all four of those lads are still here next season.
In general I think it’s a big few months for some of these lads eg Clarkson and Polvara. Also feels like pre-season might be make or break for Bavidge. I’d really like to see him be given a chance next year and hopefully Boyd too.
I do think there’s a big conversation to be had on the youth academy and how it fits in to the bigger plan, especially as talented youngsters appear to be getting scooped up by English clubs.
Group stage football would be big for the budget I think and likely to impact how ambitious the club will be.
Will try explore more and put something together!
It's great to see some forensic analysis of what is (a) intended and (b) how it is working out in practice. The other dynamic in the background is that there is clearly a squad (re)building process going on and that flags two other questions that it would be great to hear some reflections on Gavin. First, given recent arrivals and potential future arrivals ... what does a first 11 look like by the start of the new season? Is Jensen or McGarry at left back? Is Molloy or a.n.other as yet unsigned player the left centre back paired with Tobers? From Ante, Dante, Nilsen and Shinnier ... which two start? Who plays 10 and who plays wide? etc. And a second question is how, over this season and next, do youth players find their place in the team? Is Milne seen as a future central defender, right back or midfielder? Do either of Boyd or Bavidge get meaningful minutes and what is that telling us about the blend of moneyball signings and youth development?
Would love to hear your thoughts on these longer term issues and thanks for great pieces thus far. Keep up the good work