Robins has already completed some shrewd business so far and its not even June. Clearly he does not want to follow on from Mowbray's misgivings last season which saw no signings until the beginning of July if i remember rightly. (Marvin Sordell and Kwame Thomas). Now although patience is key in the transfer market, hesitancy is also costly. I think that the reasoning behind this early business is because of the scale of the job on Robins' hands.
It's clear from the targets already signed that Robins is attempting to implement a solid spine into the starting 11; something we significantly lacked over the course of last season. However, whilst this is significantly promising, it also arises an important question that most fans will be speculating on. How many more players we need to sign in order for our squad to be competitive?
In terms of strikers, currently we have K. Thomas and M. McNulty securely in the 2017/18 squad. G. Thomas is yet to sign a new contract and Beavon has a clause in his that suggests he has an option to leave the club before 31st July if he so chooses. Therefore, assuming that Beavon decides to stay which i'm assuming he will and Thomas signs a new contract then I believe no more additions are needed. Jordan Ponticelli could also feature sporadically next season considering his success in the Under 18s.
In relation to our midfield, it's clear that this will lie at the heart of Robins recruitment plans. Assuming my knowledge is up to date, the only reputable players in our midfield under contract are Ben Stevenson, Kyel Reid, Jodi Jones and Michael Doyle. Gael Bigirimana should also sign fresh terms for next season. However, with Kyel Reid most likely considered to be surplus to requirements and Stevenson most likely to be sold for revenue, this brings our midfield number down to a total of 2 (hopefully 3). Therefore, Robins should be looking to sign a minimum of 4/5 midfielders if our first 11 is to remain competitive next season. This estimation also depends on the involvement of Jordan Shipley and Callum Maycock in next seasons fixtures.
Our defence currently is stretched to 5 players. Cian Harries, Jordan Willis, Jordan Turnbull, Rod McDonald and Darragh Leahy. However, it can only be presumed that Willis and Harries will be sold alongside Ben Stevenson. It should also be noted that CCFC are waiting on Stokes, Haynes, DKE to sign fresh terms and Turnbull to decide whether he wishes to remain at the club. Therefore, realistically 2/3 more defenders will need to be bought in; depending on who stays/goes in the next coming months.
With RCC and Addai our goalkeepers under contract, I would like one more goalkeeper to come in. Especially as Burge is yet to sign fresh terms. The consistency between the sticks was an issue last season therefore I believe Robins would be mistaken if he did not look to bring in another solid keeper.
Whilst a solid spine has already been acquired, if 8/9 more players are not bought in, i personally cannot see CCFC having a successful season. Discuss your thoughts....
