The Defence

[king_congo_red]

...it's look a bit thread-bare to me, with Perch gone.

Players in brackets 'out of position'

Right-back - Gunter, (Chambers)
Centre-back - Wilson, Morgan, Chambers, (Lynch)
Left-back - Bennett, Lynch,

As Perch provided cover across the entire back four, presumably Billy must have a couple of defenders on the way in, otherwise just two injuries/suspensions and we could really be up poo creek?

 

[Mist Rolling In...]

I was just discussing this with a mate and we both said that Billy must have at least one defender lined up, having previously said that he's looking to increase the squad size and depth.

 

[Strummer]

Hopefully the club have someone (or two) lined up?

Chambers is OK cover for the Centre-Backs, but we were lucky with injuries at the back (with the exception of Julian Bennett of course).

Let's hope Jules can come back and give us depth in Defence, but we must replace the departed James Perch, at least?

 

[king_congo_red]

I was just discussing this with a mate and we both said that Billy must have at least one defender lined up, having previously said that he's looking to increase the squad size and depth.

I hope so. It seems odd to me that we've got more than enough strikers, loads of options in midfield but players often having to play out-of-position in defence - that we've off-loaded a defender (whatever your opinion of him). We could end up severly damaging our prospects for this season if the AP lucks out on defenders again...

 

[It's Baggio]

I don't think too much has changed. We've lost a bit of versatility with Perch but not much quality. Bring Moloney back in to the first team fold as Gunter's cover and that just leaves the left back, which is the same boat we've been in for a year...

Two of the academy graduates are highly rated defenders as well; Watson and Freeman.

 

[king_congo_red]

I don't think too much has changed. We've lost a bit of versatility with Perch but not much quality. Bring Moloney back in to the first team fold as Gunter's cover and that just leaves the left back, which is the same boat we've been in for a year...

Two of the academy graduates are highly rated defenders as well; Watson and Freeman.

Moloney, Watson and Freeman won't get anywhere near the team under Billy. For all his positive attributes he's never given a single youngster a first team break in his entire career. In fact he's either got rid of, or marginalized some of our best ones (Heath, Thornhill, McGugan...)

 

[lemonforest]

There's also a desperate need for an experienced head in that defence, not necessarily somebody that would fit straight into the first team, but a player who could at least add some leadership skills and influence over the defence, which was definately lacking towards the end of last season, particurlaly after the departure of shorey.

As for the youth players, i've always been dissapointed in Davies handling of the fantastic youth system we have here, take for example his treatment of Mcgugan and Thornhill, two quality players who will become successful footballer's however i dont' see it being with us. It would be a great shame to see Moloney go out on loan to County, as i'm not sure there's much more for him to learn fro League One, judging from his performances when i last saw him play Championship football, a real quality player for the future, or even now, but unfortunately for him Gunter will always be our first choice right-back for some time.

 

[marshal99]

I think Moloney will likely be involved more (as backup) this season hence why he wasn't allowed to go to Notts. McGugan is a showpony , will always be a showpony , think like Perch , he's better off having a fresh start somewhere else.