Squad strength - January 2025 transfer window
Given the discussions following recent performances (with the obligatory reminder we're currently on a 16-match unbeaten league run), I thought I'd provide a squad summary for debate ahead of the January transfer window.
Integral performers - first names on the team sheet (9)
Franco Ravizzoli
Caleb Taylor
Dan Harvie
Joe Low
Aaron Morley
Cameron Humphreys
Josh Scowen
Fred Onyedinma
Richard Kone
Inconsistent performers - worthy of remaining in the squad but need to step up to claim a starting place (11)
Shamal George
Declan Skura
Jack Grimmer
Jasper Pattenden
Garath McCleary
Kieran Sadlier
Luke Leahy
Tyreeq Bakinson
Beryly Lubala
Dan Udoh
Gideon Kodua
Disappointing performers - struggling to justify their place in the squad - some with extenuating circumstances (i.e. injury) (8)
Nathan Bishop
Alex Hartridge
jason McCarthy
Ryan Tafazolli
David Wheeler
Matt Butcher
Brandon Hanlan
Sam Vokes
*I've not included development squad players
Comments
I seriously must have been watching a different Kieran Sadlier to everyone else earlier in the season. He was absolute dynamite! Though a smaller sample size, his MOTM votes per start are second only to Josh Scowen.
I don't think we'll see anyone leave bar McCarthy and maybe Wheeler. I believe we've got plenty of squad space anyway.
I'd probably put Sads back in the top list too if he comes back on his previous form, but other than I mostly agree with this assessment.
what you've done to GMac there is tantamount to treason
For shame!
I'd argue it wouldn't be overly harsh to put Fred under 'needs to step up' - still quite inconsistent. Maybe I have unrealistically high expectations given where he's spent the last few seasons, idk.
I agree with the "should be on the match day squad sheet" except I would add Sadlier once fit and the reamining 8 for the match day squad will most likely come from the ones you rather unfairly branded as "inconsistent" depending on tactical requirements, fitness, injuries etc.
Of those you deemed to be "disappointing" I think there is a very high possibility we will keep hold of Wheeler, Vokes, Hanlan (due to contracts, because we are Wycombe etc.); a slightly lower likelihood with Hartridge & expect the others to be surplus to squad/playing requirements.
I think Taf will go, McCarthy to stay but focus till the end of the season on coaching rather than playing, Bishop to be released from his loan & return to Sunderland.
The one player I am really struggling with figuring out what we do with/about is Butcher; he is a solid L1 defensive CM, whose form has taken a total nose dive & looked almost lost on Tuesday, certainly was struggling for match pace etc. I really want him to turn it around and get back to being the contributor we know he can be.
It's testament to Kone that when Dan Udoh plays with him, I see Udoh as belonging in the top tier, but when Udoh plays without him, he is in the second tier. What's that about making players around you better?
Also, a little off topic, but Kone, Lubala and Udoh are three of my favourite personalities we have brought in in recent years. Smiling, gracious, funny. Absolutely love these lads!
I noticed at the Wealdstone game that Udoh's teammates call him by his surname - does Harvie have a monopoly on 'Dan'?
I would argue that Gideon Kodua falls into the latter category, primarily due to injury. I wouldn’t be surprised to see that loan ended in January especially if further loans come in.
On the subject of Harvie has anyone recently gone so quickly on here from ‘waste of space’ in the first few games to ‘essential starter’?
Dan Harvie is arguably our player of the season so far.
I agree with your listings and I feel we will bring in two/three quality players in January. Not sure who will actually leave at that stage owing to contracts etc but if we could simply let players go to get more game time, I would let McCarthy, Butcher, Hartridge and Hanlan go.
Right back is definitely up for grabs.
But not sure I'd put Udoh in the inconsistent category anymore than I would Kone.
I just hope Sadlier comes back as well as Shev remembers him!
Kone should be in the middle category. Kodua should be in the bottom category. Other than that. Agreed.
It feels like Fred is an absolute nailed on starter, then it can easily be any 2 from 3 between Kone, Udoh and McCleary.
Awaiting to see how Sadlier fits in with that.
Also some had put Vokes in tier 3, when he actually started the season well pre injury. He has it all to do to get regular game time though, for all reasons! Could do with having him as an option for the really busy spell ahead though.
Richard Kone has scored 12 goals so far this season whereas Dan Udoh has scored four goals.
Richard Kone is currently the third leading goalscorer in League One with nine goals, level with Jay Stansfield, who cost Birmingham City a fee in excess of £10m.
Whilst recognising this is a subjective exercise, attempting to argue Richard Kone has not been integral to our success so far this season is utterly absurd.
Similar to the response above, I think a good rule of thumb is "how do you feel if they are not in the team/not in the squad"?
We currently have 21 players over the age of 21 who count towards our squad limit of 22 (excludes GKs & U21s inc loanees)
So if we do not shift some players out we can only bring 1 new senior player in plus U21s of course.
I think that, more than anything else will be the driver to get a few senior pros off our books so we can add more depth to the squad (especially in defence ?).
We don’t necessarily need to ship them out but just remove from squad list.
@Midlander - agreed, see my earlier comment re McCarthy, who I think would stay if we offered to support him with his coaching development, especially as has already taken some of his badges.
I am not sure Taf would be happy to not be on the playing roster & I absolutely think it would be an insult to Wheels or Butcher to not register them if we decide to keep them.
Surely at only 29 and seemingly in good fitness, McCarthy would jump at the opportunity to play football?
@flymofrank - perhaps he would but he isnt getting that here is he as he is 3rd/4th choice RB, 4th choice LB & 6th choice CB
Yes unless Erroll just means for the next 6months and then move on, he definitely has many years left ahead of him.
The interesting one for me is Vokes. Clearly a great person to have around the squad but his unfortunate injury couldn’t have come at a worse time for him and I wonder now how he fits in when he returns.
I do believe he still has plenty to offer but just don’t see him getting the minutes he would desire at his age.
Kone will have the 9 shirt next season, I’m certain of it.
Not sure why we'd keep them if they aren't registered?
Not at all GMac is sensational on his A game..... he's not been at his best for quite a few games now imo
Integral, yes. First name on team sheet, no.
In order of importance:
Morley, Scowen, Low, Taylor, Harvie as top five.
I read this and initially said thats bollocks to myself.....
Then almost instantly changed my thinking..... and actually probably agree you are spot on with that
I think Fred is over-rated, he has always had some good games but at least as many indifferent games. He and GMac could be swapped around. However, taking into account age we need to find the successor to GMac, and it is not Hanlan!