Imo he is our ‘best’ player (could translate best to a higher level), but he would’ve been my sixth ‘most important’. We can win in different ways without him because our depth is good in forward areas.
I agree with everything you've said there. Sadlier has learned to not shoot every. single. time. he. gets. the. ball, and improved in the start to the season. However, perhaps unjustifiably, I'm unconvinced. GMac is a frustrating watch, and is too inconsistent for me.
The post about Udoh being electric whilst with Kone is great too. In one game recently I saw, forget which, he was absolute trash in the number 10 spot on his own.
As someone who's been very critical of Vokes in the past, the way he started the season surely shows how we'd use him when fit - a totally different style forward to come on as a finisher and give the oppo defence something new to think about. It's such a shame he got injured when he did, I think he'd thrive in that role with the way we play now.
(my biggest complaint with him was always that he dropped too deep leaving us with nobody up top in the middle if we managed to get the ball forward, the way we play now there's absolutely no reason to drop deep)
With so many other options now, it'd mean we didn't have to patch him up and have the clearly not anywhere near fully fit Vokes we had last season too.
20-25min periods in games we're getting no change out of bully boy centre backs could be a superb use of him.
Like I said, I believe he still has plenty to offer. The question is, if he comes back into the squad, who misses out? Of course, the likelihood of us having a fully fit squad available for the second half of the season is slim.
I think there are the following big questions to answer in January:
What is our goalkeeping policy? If Ravizolli is going to undisputed No.1 I expect Bishop to go back. If not does Bishop stay and become No.1, will George be given a chance or do we go for a new keeper?
Will Taylor, Morley and Humphreys stay? If not I would have thought like for like replacements will come in.
I think we need a back up central striker to Kone. Udoh, Lubala and Hanlan have also performed that role but are arguably better suited elsewhere.
Does Kodua stay or will his departure free up a loan place?
I would expect any or several of McCarthy, Tafazolli, Hartridge, Butcher, Wheeler, Vokes and Hanlan to leave to free up wages and squad spaces. If they do this could mean additions in other areas.
Presumably if we decide that none are good enough for a side challenging for promotion. The keeper position has arguably been a weak link so far (November aside).
I think replacing Morley is going to end up being the #1 question, as Bolton would be psychotic to help us get promoted over themselves. Can you imagine if we had lent him to them instead and were fine with leaving him there?
Of the other outfield loanees, I expect Humphreys and Taylor to stay, and I am hoping Kodua too - one of the most galling things about his injury as he seemed to be just finding his feet at that point.
I would keep Ravs as #1 - we have had an insane calendar year with him between the posts, and that seems too large of a sample size to be blind luck. If we can get to the top position with him in goal, we can get promoted with him in goal.
For possible leavers of the permanent players, McCarthy and Hanlan would be my choices to go, with thanks ringing in their ears for their service. Wheeler I am on the fence on owing to the versatility. Hartridge and Taff are for depth (for now) though I would understand if either left, especially Hartridge. I would keep Vokes and Butcher for sure.
I think you've got a better memory than a lot of gasroomers.
Kodua had tucked away a couple of very nice finishes just before he got injured and made me change from wondering why on earth we'd brought him back to thinking that Bloomfield fella is a genius.
Vokesy I suspect will retire at the end of this season, so definitely can't see him moving anywhere in Jan. It'd be an absolute thankless task as any new club would expect a proper impact and for him to start every week.
Whereas we'll know exactly when to pick and choose his minutes. And a few people seem to have forgotten he started the season in good form himself, after a season of struggling for fitness and no doubt playing when semi fit because we needed him.
I don’t think Bishop has a future at Sunderland. His departure was greeted with no fanfare suggesting development and their fans were not surprised or disappointed. Since Southend he’s had one season at Mansfield and a lot of bench sitting.
Kudoa will definitely play. He’s a big upgrade on Hanlan and would have been a key player for us bar injury. The (current) poor record at West Ham for the youth development also suggests he won’t be close to the first team back there either.
I’m absolutely certain that a fully match fit Gideon Kodua will be challenging for that right sided front three position. Fred was uninspiring there (to put it mildly) against Reading and Garath McCleary has also looked below par in recent games.
Ironically, @Malone, you were one of the people who couldn’t see enough quality in McCleary when he joined to justify the contract he was awarded. How long ago was that?
He can challenge, but it was the assertion of being a "key" player I can't agree with on the evidence so far.
When McCleary first came in he was rotated quite a bit. He then started playing more games in his next season here. I can't remember ever doubting his quality though. He shouldn't be starting every game, but with Udoh et al there, he doesn't have to.
As long as we have strength in depth we don't have to worry too much about who starts each game and subs are very important. If Kodua gets fit, plays semi-regularly and scores often he'll be well valued.
Think Jasper is doing a nice job of cementing himself as a first choice though now and Jack is no mean reserve.
Comments
No Humphreys?
Imo he is our ‘best’ player (could translate best to a higher level), but he would’ve been my sixth ‘most important’. We can win in different ways without him because our depth is good in forward areas.
If McCarthy is "humble" there's a job waiting for him! I assume that wouldn't stop him from playing non league for another club like say Chesham.
I can't believe McCarthy is only 29 ! Seems like he's been here forever !
I agree with everything you've said there. Sadlier has learned to not shoot every. single. time. he. gets. the. ball, and improved in the start to the season. However, perhaps unjustifiably, I'm unconvinced. GMac is a frustrating watch, and is too inconsistent for me.
The post about Udoh being electric whilst with Kone is great too. In one game recently I saw, forget which, he was absolute trash in the number 10 spot on his own.
🎵We're top of the league, we're top of the leaaaaaaague, don't you remember? we're top of the league!🎵
As someone who's been very critical of Vokes in the past, the way he started the season surely shows how we'd use him when fit - a totally different style forward to come on as a finisher and give the oppo defence something new to think about. It's such a shame he got injured when he did, I think he'd thrive in that role with the way we play now.
(my biggest complaint with him was always that he dropped too deep leaving us with nobody up top in the middle if we managed to get the ball forward, the way we play now there's absolutely no reason to drop deep)
I think @micra has to agree with you @drcongo before they let Vokesy back in.🙂
With so many other options now, it'd mean we didn't have to patch him up and have the clearly not anywhere near fully fit Vokes we had last season too.
20-25min periods in games we're getting no change out of bully boy centre backs could be a superb use of him.
Like I said, I believe he still has plenty to offer. The question is, if he comes back into the squad, who misses out? Of course, the likelihood of us having a fully fit squad available for the second half of the season is slim.
I think there are the following big questions to answer in January:
Why would we go for a new keeper when we already have three @Midlander?
Presumably if we decide that none are good enough for a side challenging for promotion. The keeper position has arguably been a weak link so far (November aside).
I think replacing Morley is going to end up being the #1 question, as Bolton would be psychotic to help us get promoted over themselves. Can you imagine if we had lent him to them instead and were fine with leaving him there?
Of the other outfield loanees, I expect Humphreys and Taylor to stay, and I am hoping Kodua too - one of the most galling things about his injury as he seemed to be just finding his feet at that point.
I would keep Ravs as #1 - we have had an insane calendar year with him between the posts, and that seems too large of a sample size to be blind luck. If we can get to the top position with him in goal, we can get promoted with him in goal.
For possible leavers of the permanent players, McCarthy and Hanlan would be my choices to go, with thanks ringing in their ears for their service. Wheeler I am on the fence on owing to the versatility. Hartridge and Taff are for depth (for now) though I would understand if either left, especially Hartridge. I would keep Vokes and Butcher for sure.
I think you've got a better memory than a lot of gasroomers.
Kodua had tucked away a couple of very nice finishes just before he got injured and made me change from wondering why on earth we'd brought him back to thinking that Bloomfield fella is a genius.
Vokesy I suspect will retire at the end of this season, so definitely can't see him moving anywhere in Jan. It'd be an absolute thankless task as any new club would expect a proper impact and for him to start every week.
Whereas we'll know exactly when to pick and choose his minutes. And a few people seem to have forgotten he started the season in good form himself, after a season of struggling for fitness and no doubt playing when semi fit because we needed him.
Lord GMac’s name has been defamed…he is truly a game changer! Must be in section one.
Funnily enough I’ve just returned to the Gasroom after a brief break and had added my upward thumb before I read your post.
I don’t think Bishop has a future at Sunderland. His departure was greeted with no fanfare suggesting development and their fans were not surprised or disappointed. Since Southend he’s had one season at Mansfield and a lot of bench sitting.
Kudoa will definitely play. He’s a big upgrade on Hanlan and would have been a key player for us bar injury. The (current) poor record at West Ham for the youth development also suggests he won’t be close to the first team back there either.
Not sure I agree with the positivity on Kodua. Seems a solid player to me, but can’t see him starting games for us regularly.
Key player? He'll be a rotation player at absolute best won't he?
He's got to get past McCleary, Fred, Sadlier and Udoh to get a wide berth.
I’m absolutely certain that a fully match fit Gideon Kodua will be challenging for that right sided front three position. Fred was uninspiring there (to put it mildly) against Reading and Garath McCleary has also looked below par in recent games.
Ironically, @Malone, you were one of the people who couldn’t see enough quality in McCleary when he joined to justify the contract he was awarded. How long ago was that?
He can challenge, but it was the assertion of being a "key" player I can't agree with on the evidence so far.
When McCleary first came in he was rotated quite a bit. He then started playing more games in his next season here. I can't remember ever doubting his quality though. He shouldn't be starting every game, but with Udoh et al there, he doesn't have to.
As long as we have strength in depth we don't have to worry too much about who starts each game and subs are very important. If Kodua gets fit, plays semi-regularly and scores often he'll be well valued.
Think Jasper is doing a nice job of cementing himself as a first choice though now and Jack is no mean reserve.
What happened to Brody Peart? On paper and from what I read, there were high hopes for him.
On loan at Basingstoke Town
Press speculation
Three League One Clubs Cast Eyes on League Leaders Wycombe Wanderers Man
All seem viable options on paper. Think he’s suit the style of all three sides. Wouldn’t be surprised if he went. Do wonder if we’re looking at Wingy.
His wouldn't get approval from his wife!
It’s the best chance she has of jogging “off to The Championship” as she predicted
We are almost certainly looking at several midfielders regardless of whether Morley and/or Humphreys stay or go.