The Squad (1 Viewer)

[Fusilier]

With three weeks remaining in the transfer window, the squad remains unbalanced, and both incoming and outgoing transfers are urgently required.

Current squad

Goalkeepers
1. Rushworth
2. Dovin
3. Wilson
4. Collins

Right back
1. MVE
2. Kesler-Hayden

Centre back
1. Thomas
2. Lati

Centre back
1. Kitching
2. ________

Left back
1. Dasilva
2. Brau
3. Bidwell

Centre midfield
1. Torp
2. Sheaf
3. Allen

Centre Midfield
1. Grimes
2. Eccles

Attacking midfield / Number 10.
1. Rudoni
2. Andrews?

Right wing
1. Sakamoto
2. _______

Left wing
1. EMC
2. Raphael

Striker
1. Wright
2. Bassette
3. Simms
4. BTA
5. Obikwu

Squad Balance & Transfer Priorities
Everyone on this forum seems to agree that we need two players for every position. Currently, some positions are lacking competition/cover while others are overloaded. In my opinion, The following transfer activity is needed before the window closes:

Transfers In

1. Centre back.
2. Right back – competition/cover for Kesler-Hayden once MVE is sold.
3. Right winger – competition/cover for Sakamoto.
4. Striker – competition/cover for Wright.

Transfers Out

1. Collins
2. Bidwell
3. MVE
4. Allen
5. BTA
6. Simms

Loans Out

1. Bassette
2. Perry?
3. Raphael?

Squad Analysis

• Goalkeepers: The squad currently has too many goalkeepers, creating unnecessary wage expenditure. Ideally, Collins should be moved on this month, via permanent transfer or loan to any interested club, and Wilson should be sold or loaned in January, following Dovin’s return to fitness
• Centre Backs: The current centre backs lack quality in possession and upgrades are needed. A signing such as Charlie Hughes or Callum Doyle would represent a significant improvement on both Thomas and Kitching. Thomas and Kitching give possession away too easily and lack the pace required for Lampard’s high defensive line.
• Lati: Unlikely to want to remain at the club as a backup player.
• Callum Perry: Has impressed in pre-season and could be a ready-made replacement for Binks as a backup centre back.
• Left Back: Brau is an upgrade on Bidwell, who should be moved on as soon as possible to free up wages for reinvestment. Dasilva improved and played consistently well toward the end of last season. While good in possession, concerns remain over his defensive ability.
• Andrews: Best served by staying until January rather than going out on loan, to benefit from continued coaching under Lampard and Joe Edwards.
• Attacking Midfield Cover: Andrews or Torp could provide cover if Rudoni is injured or suspended.
• Raphael: A decision is needed on whether he can provide effective cover or competition for EMC or Sakamoto. If not, he should be loaned out to aid his development.
• Wingers: The squad lacks strength in depth on the flanks.
• Strikers: There are too many forwards, and both BTA and Simms do not fit Lampard’s system.
  • Wright: Lampard plans to use him as a striker—his strongest position—and with his attributes, he should thrive in a system focused on delivering crosses into the box.
  • Bassette: Needs regular game time; a loan would be best for him and the club.
  • Obikwu: Has similar attributes to Wright and could serve as backup; should remain until January to benefit from high level coaching.
  • Simms: Lacks the technical ability and work rate required to be effective in Lampard`s system. If no buyer is found, a loan to free up wages would be the next best option.
  • BTA: Less effective against teams that play with a low block, and our cross-heavy style does not suit his strengths. He performs better in a counter-attacking system. The club should look to move him on before the window closes, freeing funds for a striker better suited to Lampard’s tactics.

 

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[peteCCFC]

About as balanced as Gemma Collins on a tight rope.

 

[stupot07]

Some interesting insights.

Goalkeeper - why would you get rid of Wilson in January, a) Dovin could break down again or may take longer to get properly match fit, and b) Rushworth is only on loan so could potentially be recalled in Jan if Brighton need him or it not he's unlikely to be here next season

Centre back - Doyle is slower than both Thomas and Kitching

Strikers - Left wing has been Wrights best position for us.

 

[Fusilier]

Some interesting insights.

Goalkeeper - why would you get rid of Wilson in January, a) Dovin could break down again or may take longer to get properly match fit, and b) Rushworth is only on loan so could potentially be recalled in Jan if Brighton need him or it not he's unlikely to be here next season

Centre back - Doyle is slower than both Thomas and Kitching

Strikers - Left wing has been Wrights best position for us.

Rushworth is unlikely to be recalled if he’s playing regularly, and if that did happen, the club would almost certainly have another Premier League loan keeper lined up. Also, the U21 goalkeepers, Bell and Varney, could step up as third-choice options to replace Wilson.

While Doyle isn’t particularly quick, he surrenders possession far less than Thomas and Kitching, reducing counter attacks against the defensive line. His statistics show he makes significantly fewer mistakes, and his positioning and anticipation help offset his lack of pace.

Wright thrived on the left wing under Robins’ tactics, but Lampard’s approach is very different. In this system, Wright should be more effective as a striker—the role he has played for most of his career.

 

[fatso]

Who is going to take those 6 players off us though???
That's nearly a quarter of the squad! You can't keep adding to the squad, when you have to submit 25 names to the football league when the transfer window closes.

It has to be 1 out 1 in from now on.

 

[Fusilier]

Who is going to take those 6 players off us though???
That's nearly a quarter of the squad! You can't keep adding to the squad, when you have to submit 25 names to the football league when the transfer window closes.

Ot has to be 1 out 1 in from now on.

True, it’s a big chunk of the squad and it seems that it will be a case of one in one out. The reality is we’ve got several players who don’t fit Lampard’s system and are taking up wages that could be better spent. Moving them on—whether through sales or loans - would free up space for players who can actually improve both the starting XI and the squad.
Ideally, Dean Austin or the players’ agents can identify clubs willing to make offers for those Lampard wants to move on, allowing us to raise transfer funds and make better use of the wage budget.

 

[SkyBlueBarmy84]

I also wouldn’t lose Allen; he’s an important squad player who still made an impact last season (MoM vs. Sunderland in the league).

When he came on, on Saturday, he was also one of the few players to carry the ball forward with purpose - he drove past three players at one point - got to keep him, particularly given Sheaf’s fitness issues.

 

[StrettoBoy]

I also wouldn’t lose Allen; he’s an important squad player who still made an impact last season (MoM vs. Sunderland in the league).

When he came on, on Saturday, he was also one of the few players to carry the ball forward with purpose - he drove past three players at one point - got to keep him, particularly given Sheaf’s fitness issues.

I quite like Allen, certainly as a squad player. He has some energy but unlike some of our other energetic players, such as BTA and Bassette, there is some purpose to his play.

 

[CovRes]

I quite like Allen, certainly as a squad player. He has some energy but unlike some of our other energetic players, such as BTA and Bassette, there is some purpose to his play.

The problem with Allen is being able to do it game after game. One match he darts about full of energy. The next he's got lead in his boots.

There was a match towards the end of last season where he came on as a sub and Milan played a ball for him to run onto. Milan ended up overtaking Allen to keep it in play as Allen was so slow.

 

[Mucca Mad Boys]

Some interesting insights.

Goalkeeper - why would you get rid of Wilson in January, a) Dovin could break down again or may take longer to get properly match fit, and b) Rushworth is only on loan so could potentially be recalled in Jan if Brighton need him or it not he's unlikely to be here next season

Centre back - Doyle is slower than both Thomas and Kitching

Strikers - Left wing has been Wrights best position for us.

LW has objectively not been Wright’s best position. The correct question is whether or not he’s better in a 2 striker or 1 striker formation.

 

[Jamesimus]

With three weeks remaining in the transfer window, the squad remains unbalanced, and both incoming and outgoing transfers are urgently required.

Current squad

Goalkeepers
1. Rushworth
2. Dovin
3. Wilson
4. Collins

Right back
1. MVE
2. Kesler-Hayden

Centre back
1. Thomas
2. Lati

Centre back
1. Kitching
2. ________

Left back
1. Dasilva
2. Brau
3. Bidwell

Centre midfield
1. Torp
2. Sheaf
3. Allen

Centre Midfield
1. Grimes
2. Eccles

Attacking midfield / Number 10.
1. Rudoni
2. Andrews?

Right wing
1. Sakamoto
2. _______

Left wing
1. EMC
2. Raphael

Striker
1. Wright
2. Bassette
3. Simms
4. BTA
5. Obikwu

Squad Balance & Transfer Priorities
Everyone on this forum seems to agree that we need two players for every position. Currently, some positions are lacking competition/cover while others are overloaded. In my opinion, The following transfer activity is needed before the window closes:

Transfers In

1. Centre back.
2. Right back – competition/cover for Kesler-Hayden once MVE is sold.
3. Right winger – competition/cover for Sakamoto.
4. Striker – competition/cover for Wright.

Transfers Out

1. Collins
2. Bidwell
3. MVE
4. Allen
5. BTA
6. Simms

Loans Out

1. Bassette
2. Perry?
3. Raphael?

Squad Analysis

• Goalkeepers: The squad currently has too many goalkeepers, creating unnecessary wage expenditure. Ideally, Collins should be moved on this month, via permanent transfer or loan to any interested club, and Wilson should be sold or loaned in January, following Dovin’s return to fitness
• Centre Backs: The current centre backs lack quality in possession and upgrades are needed. A signing such as Charlie Hughes or Callum Doyle would represent a significant improvement on both Thomas and Kitching. Thomas and Kitching give possession away too easily and lack the pace required for Lampard’s high defensive line.
• Lati: Unlikely to want to remain at the club as a backup player.
• Callum Perry: Has impressed in pre-season and could be a ready-made replacement for Binks as a backup centre back.
• Left Back: Brau is an upgrade on Bidwell, who should be moved on as soon as possible to free up wages for reinvestment. Dasilva improved and played consistently well toward the end of last season. While good in possession, concerns remain over his defensive ability.
• Andrews: Best served by staying until January rather than going out on loan, to benefit from continued coaching under Lampard and Joe Edwards.
• Attacking Midfield Cover: Andrews or Torp could provide cover if Rudoni is injured or suspended.
• Raphael: A decision is needed on whether he can provide effective cover or competition for EMC or Sakamoto. If not, he should be loaned out to aid his development.
• Wingers: The squad lacks strength in depth on the flanks.
• Strikers: There are too many forwards, and both BTA and Simms do not fit Lampard’s system.
  • Wright: Lampard plans to use him as a striker—his strongest position—and with his attributes, he should thrive in a system focused on delivering crosses into the box.
  • Bassette: Needs regular game time; a loan would be best for him and the club.
  • Obikwu: Has similar attributes to Wright and could serve as backup; should remain until January to benefit from high level coaching.
  • Simms: Lacks the technical ability and work rate required to be effective in Lampard`s system. If no buyer is found, a loan to free up wages would be the next best option.
  • BTA: Less effective against teams that play with a low block, and our cross-heavy style does not suit his strengths. He performs better in a counter-attacking system. The club should look to move him on before the window closes, freeing funds for a striker better suited to Lampard’s tactics.

Beautifully formatted; non-paragraph users take note!

 

[Ccfcisparks]

Raphael is a RW not a LW.

Wright should be LW and we should sign a new quality 9 with either Simms or BTA covering

 

[StrettoBoy]

The problem with Allen is being able to do it game after game. One match he darts about full of energy. The next he's got lead in his boots.

There was a match towards the end of last season where he came on as a sub and Milan played a ball for him to run onto. Milan ended up overtaking Allen to keep it in play as Allen was so slow.

I accept that he can't keep it up for a run of games - which is the main reason I suggested keeping him as a squad player - but I think it is stretching it to say he can't do successive games, especially if we don't play midweek. He gives us something different in midfield, where none of our players bar possibly Rudoni seem to have his energy.

 

[shmmeee]

I think if we’re playing “aimlessly lump it into the box” we need a big ugly striker to get on the end cos it’s not any of our current lot. We also need some wingers who can cross.

If Lampard has been told to work with what he’s got I’ve got no idea why we’re insisting on tactics we don’t have the squad for.

 

[Sky_Blue_Dreamer]

With three weeks remaining in the transfer window, the squad remains unbalanced, and both incoming and outgoing transfers are urgently required.

Current squad

Goalkeepers
1. Rushworth
2. Dovin
3. Wilson
4. Collins

Right back
1. MVE
2. Kesler-Hayden

Centre back
1. Thomas
2. Lati

Centre back
1. Kitching
2. ________

Left back
1. Dasilva
2. Brau
3. Bidwell

Centre midfield
1. Torp
2. Sheaf
3. Allen

Centre Midfield
1. Grimes
2. Eccles

Attacking midfield / Number 10.
1. Rudoni
2. Andrews?

Right wing
1. Sakamoto
2. _______

Left wing
1. EMC
2. Raphael

Striker
1. Wright
2. Bassette
3. Simms
4. BTA
5. Obikwu

Squad Balance & Transfer Priorities
Everyone on this forum seems to agree that we need two players for every position. Currently, some positions are lacking competition/cover while others are overloaded. In my opinion, The following transfer activity is needed before the window closes:

Transfers In

1. Centre back.
2. Right back – competition/cover for Kesler-Hayden once MVE is sold.
3. Right winger – competition/cover for Sakamoto.
4. Striker – competition/cover for Wright.

Transfers Out

1. Collins
2. Bidwell
3. MVE
4. Allen
5. BTA
6. Simms

Loans Out

1. Bassette
2. Perry?
3. Raphael?

Squad Analysis

• Goalkeepers: The squad currently has too many goalkeepers, creating unnecessary wage expenditure. Ideally, Collins should be moved on this month, via permanent transfer or loan to any interested club, and Wilson should be sold or loaned in January, following Dovin’s return to fitness
• Centre Backs: The current centre backs lack quality in possession and upgrades are needed. A signing such as Charlie Hughes or Callum Doyle would represent a significant improvement on both Thomas and Kitching. Thomas and Kitching give possession away too easily and lack the pace required for Lampard’s high defensive line.
• Lati: Unlikely to want to remain at the club as a backup player.
• Callum Perry: Has impressed in pre-season and could be a ready-made replacement for Binks as a backup centre back.
• Left Back: Brau is an upgrade on Bidwell, who should be moved on as soon as possible to free up wages for reinvestment. Dasilva improved and played consistently well toward the end of last season. While good in possession, concerns remain over his defensive ability.
• Andrews: Best served by staying until January rather than going out on loan, to benefit from continued coaching under Lampard and Joe Edwards.
• Attacking Midfield Cover: Andrews or Torp could provide cover if Rudoni is injured or suspended.
• Raphael: A decision is needed on whether he can provide effective cover or competition for EMC or Sakamoto. If not, he should be loaned out to aid his development.
• Wingers: The squad lacks strength in depth on the flanks.
• Strikers: There are too many forwards, and both BTA and Simms do not fit Lampard’s system.
  • Wright: Lampard plans to use him as a striker—his strongest position—and with his attributes, he should thrive in a system focused on delivering crosses into the box.
  • Bassette: Needs regular game time; a loan would be best for him and the club.
  • Obikwu: Has similar attributes to Wright and could serve as backup; should remain until January to benefit from high level coaching.
  • Simms: Lacks the technical ability and work rate required to be effective in Lampard`s system. If no buyer is found, a loan to free up wages would be the next best option.
  • BTA: Less effective against teams that play with a low block, and our cross-heavy style does not suit his strengths. He performs better in a counter-attacking system. The club should look to move him on before the window closes, freeing funds for a striker better suited to Lampard’s tactics.

I would put Sheaf in with Grimes and Eccles rather than Torp and Allen.

 

[Mucca Mad Boys]

I think if we’re playing “aimlessly lump it into the box” we need a big ugly striker to get on the end cos it’s not any of our current lot. We also need some wingers who can cross.

If Lampard has been told to work with what he’s got I’ve got no idea why we’re insisting on tactics we don’t have the squad for.

This mindset is rooted in the 90s and 00s. We don’t need a Keiffer Moore or a Carlton Morris.

We tried to put the ball in behind for BTA and nearly worked a few times. Likewise, our best chance of the game was arguably when Haji and BTA interchanged and unfortunately Haji passed up on what looked like a simple squared ball to BTA.

One thing that frustrates me is that our wingers get to the byline and don’t cross or take on their man to get behind defences often enough.

 

[stupot07]

LW has objectively not been Wright’s best position. The correct question is whether or not he’s better in a 2 striker or 1 striker formation.

I think most fans would say that when considering the last two seasons in their entirety, that Wright has been most effective for us playing off the left.

Even when he's played through the middle he has spent a lot of time drifting in from the left.

 

[Bigelvesy]

I think most fans would say that when considering the last two seasons in their entirety, that Wright has been most effective for us playing off the left.

Even when he's played through the middle he has spent a lot of time drifting in from the left.

Most fans dont understand what effective is.
Has he got on the ball more? Yes

I think we all need to get over Haji on the left. He’s a fucking centre forward play him in the centre

 

[Liquid Gold]

What’s a squad? Are we talking about the deck?

 

[Mucca Mad Boys]

I think most fans would say that when considering the last two seasons in their entirety, that Wright has been most effective for us playing off the left.

Even when he's played through the middle he has spent a lot of time drifting in from the left.

What are you basing that on? One 2-3 month stretch nearly 2 season ago.

Last season he definitely wasn’t more effective off the left. He scored 4 goals from that position compared to 8 upfront. He had a goal drought, Robins changed to 5-3-2 and almost instantly Wright scores 4-5 goals in about 6-7 games.

My point is that anyone parroting the opinion that Haji is better off the LW is not grounded in fact but a perception of when we first

People point to Sunderland in the playoffs but Plymouth, Hull and Derby away were pretty bad performances for Haji. To be consistent, you can’t read too much into his performances post-injury last year because he wasn’t fully fit and had underlying issues.

Th bottom line is that Haji wants to play striker, mentioned it publically numerous times that he considers it to be his best position when playing LW. It’s also clear that Lampard wants Haji to play upfront too - that was immediate from the get go.

Facts are friendly and ultimately the opinion that Haji’s best position is LW is objectively a dated one.

 

[pusbccfc]

Wright is far better on the left.

 

[Mucca Mad Boys]

Wright is far better on the left.

The goals tell a different story and this has been true since the turn of 2024.

 

[ceetee]

I think most fans would say that when considering the last two seasons in their entirety, that Wright has been most effective for us playing off the left.

Even when he's played through the middle he has spent a lot of time drifting in from the left.

So did Gyokeres but nobody suggested he was a winger

 

[Ccfcisparks]

So did Gyokeres but nobody suggested he was a winger

Was that because we didnt play with wingers?

 

[stupot07]

So did Gyokeres but nobody suggested he was a winger

We played with wing backs and the box midfield. We didn't have a winger and certainly didn't play with a flat front 5 in attack stifling the space he wanted to play in.

 

[ceetee]

The point was not what the formation was, but that Gyokeres often drifted to, and attacked down, the flanks

 

[stupot07]

The point was not what the formation was, but that Gyokeres often drifted to, and attacked down, the flanks

But the formation does count, as the lone striker in this formation and way of playing is asked to stay central, and with the flat five in attack of having EMC and Dasilva out wide means he couldn't drift out anyway.

And the other difference is, We never played Gyokeres there so have no reference point, where we have seen Wright play LW and continue to score goals and be effective.

If we had another decent striker, no one would have an issue with Wright playing more off the left.

 

[Captain Dart]

One game in and people have decided the manager's tactical nous is lacking, the squad is unbalanced and the strikers are not up to it.

Is this world.

 

[stupot07]

Rushworth is unlikely to be recalled if he’s playing regularly, and if that did happen, the club would almost certainly have another Premier League loan keeper lined up. Also, the U21 goalkeepers, Bell and Varney, could step up as third-choice options to replace Wilson.

While Doyle isn’t particularly quick, he surrenders possession far less than Thomas and Kitching, reducing counter attacks against the defensive line. His statistics show he makes significantly fewer mistakes, and his positioning and anticipation help offset his lack of pace.

Wright thrived on the left wing under Robins’ tactics, but Lampard’s approach is very different. In this system, Wright should be more effective as a striker—the role he has played for most of his career.

Mos counter attacks we face are nothing to do with Thomas and Kitching squandering possession, so Doyles marginally better passing % will make little difference. It's usually when we have over committed and lost the ball on the middle and final third, and we're completely out of position and with our high line, we can't afford to have anyone slower than Thomas and Kitching.

 

[stupot07]

One game in and people have decided the manager's tactical nous is lacking, the squad is unbalanced and the strikers are not up to it.

Is this world.

I don't think it's one game that people are suggesting Simms and BTA and Bassette aren't up to it.

 

[Sky_Blue_Dreamer]

This mindset is rooted in the 90s and 00s. We don’t need a Keiffer Moore or a Carlton Morris.

We tried to put the ball in behind for BTA and nearly worked a few times. Likewise, our best chance of the game was arguably when Haji and BTA interchanged and unfortunately Haji passed up on what looked like a simple squared ball to BTA.

One thing that frustrates me is that our wingers get to the byline and don’t cross or take on their man to get behind defences often enough.

I don't think anyone wants to play a way that revolves around a big lump in the box getting his head on things, but the fact is that is the way Lampard plays and that type of player would be effective.

Would I prefer we play more to feet, cutting inside from the wings to get shots off etc? Of course I would. But Lampard isn't and so the type of strikers we have aren't effective.

 

[Sky_Blue_Dreamer]

What are you basing that on? One 2-3 month stretch nearly 2 season ago.

Last season he definitely wasn’t more effective off the left. He scored 4 goals from that position compared to 8 upfront. He had a goal drought, Robins changed to 5-3-2 and almost instantly Wright scores 4-5 goals in about 6-7 games.

My point is that anyone parroting the opinion that Haji is better off the LW is not grounded in fact but a perception of when we first

People point to Sunderland in the playoffs but Plymouth, Hull and Derby away were pretty bad performances for Haji. To be consistent, you can’t read too much into his performances post-injury last year because he wasn’t fully fit and had underlying issues.

Th bottom line is that Haji wants to play striker, mentioned it publically numerous times that he considers it to be his best position when playing LW. It’s also clear that Lampard wants Haji to play upfront too - that was immediate from the get go.

Facts are friendly and ultimately the opinion that Haji’s best position is LW is objectively a dated one.

So you're admitting that Haji is not better as a striker the way we set up at the moment. Simms and BTA both looked better playing in a 5-3-2 as well.

As I say again, the way FL sets this team up doesn't suit Wright at either LF or CF. On the left he wants to cut in but Lampard plays the wide forwards wider to get crosses in like wingers - doesn't suit him. As a striker he either likes getting played in to feet behind the defence or being able to drift between the LCB and LB to cut inside. With Lampard's 1 up front it needs a physical player to keep possession and lay it off to get in the centre to challenge for headers. Again, doesn't suit him.

We're playing a system that none of our current strikers are suited too and hardly surprising they're not scoring many goals. We're reliant on an attacking midfielder to put the ball in the net.

 

[DT-R]

The goals tell a different story and this has been true since the turn of 2024.

Comparing him on goals scored alone for which position he's better in isn't a true reflection, though, is it?
Playing striker he's scored more than playing on the LW. Well fuck my life, who'd have thought a ST would score more than a LW?!
A strikers job is scoring goals, a wingers primary job is creating and assisting. Just because he scored less at LW doesn't mean he didnt play better there or have more of an effect on the game


I mean, by your logic, let's put Saka up top as he'll score more goals from there than he will on RW! Or Bobby Thomas? Surely he'll score more goals as a ST than he will a CB
Your argument is flawed.

Sent from my SM-S711B using Tapatalk

 

[DT-R]

One game in and people have decided the manager's tactical nous is lacking, the squad is unbalanced and the strikers are not up to it.

Is this world.

It's not 1 game in, though, to decide that our strikers aren't up to the job is it? That's been clear to see for months. The fact it hasn't been addressed yet is the worrying part!

Sent from my SM-S711B using Tapatalk

 

[Cally Fedora]

I think that’s why Torp started on Saturday. He’s more likely to give something different creativity wise than just rolling it out to the winger. He didn’t do it but he is more likely. We’ve got some talent up front but it’s a real mish mash of preferences and styles that has been accumulated with little strategic thought. And that’s on the previous regime.