If we are mathematically out of it early, I would like to see some of the young lads given more of a runout (thinking Christie Ward here), especially as we are unlikely to "do a Scunthorpe" and affect the promotion or relegation races (I think Cheltenham are safe).
Thank you @Malone, personally, although they have been part of our recent history, I would let Thompson and Freeman go to allow space for new signings. I love Tommo but his injury record is terrible and although Nick has performed well in some games, he is very inconsistent.
I probably wouldn’t lose any sleep if Taf went, with his injury record. Taf going would also be a big wage off the budget.
Matt B - please sign Max - our best keeper since Martin Taylor!!!
Freeman is just the sort of player we should keep - lower wages compared to others, versatile, and a great attitude to being benched constantly.
I know he is a little divisive on here, but it is amazing how other players get long runs in the team, even when off form, with the faith that they will "come good" whereas Nick has to deal with short bursts and cameos and is overrated if he does not score a hattrick every game.
It is really hard to be a world beater in fits and (lack of) starts.
I can't see how we can justify both Gape and Thommo. I know Gape is signed up for next season already, but it's very concerning that he's disappeared again after a brief appearance over the easter weekend.
Agreed. I don't think he'll ever be "that" regular a starter, but he seems to fit the culture, puts in silky smooth periods in games, and is a good squaddie.
I assume we have room for a couple of new game changers if we keep all of the out of contract players. If we don't is when we need to make calls about a turnover. But with all the players we shipped in Jan, there must be room.
No one knows how long Gape and Wing have signed for. They were just announced as having signed a new deal last summer at the same time as JJ, but after we stopped announced the lengths of new contracts. People just assumed due to their ages it would be a 2 year deal minimum whilst JJ would be a 1 year deal, but no official confirmation of that anywhere.
I am really gutted for Gape - he could have a great career from now on out, but there would still basically be a three year hold where his prime should have been.
Thompson too, though he seems to have played more overall.
Another vote for @ReturnToSenda here. His contributions are invaluable, particularly in the area of stats (and fascinating 'other football' stuff that those of us who aren't all over social media can easily miss)
Don’t we have to reduce squad size next season after two years out of the championship? Or have I made that up?
anyway signing all these players up doesn’t leave much more room for others coming in, so some have to depart if MB wants some fresh faces through the door
I'm stunned that we have extended Vokes' stay with us before this season is even over. Also, the announcement that Scowen fancies another year with us, despite knowing that he may not be plying his trade at the level his obvious talent merits, seems premature to me. And giving the likes of JJ more time at our club is hardly changing the script. It stinks of forward planning and reeks of preparation for next season. Broomfield has only been in charge for five minutes and he's already outlining a strategy for the next campaign. If the Pole in the goal commits to the cause then serious praise will need to be heaped onto Matty B.
I don't think it's Bloomfield outlining his strategy. It's probably more of a club ploy that now the club have realised that we will be in League 1 next season - "let's keep the fans happy with these announcements, after promising to challenge for the autos - and hopefully they will renew their season tickets early before any backlash". Maybe I'm wrong?
I wouldn't be surprised if these deals were done a long time ago, or they may have even had extension clauses triggered. Who knows?
Are clubs still allowed to sign deals with players within 6 months of their contract expiring without the permission of the club these days?
Comments
Definitely awaiting news on the below
Max
Taf
McCleary
Freeman
Thompson
De Barr
All other regulars are believed to be signed up for next year (assuming just next year bar Young who is 2025)
If we are mathematically out of it early, I would like to see some of the young lads given more of a runout (thinking Christie Ward here), especially as we are unlikely to "do a Scunthorpe" and affect the promotion or relegation races (I think Cheltenham are safe).
Thank you @Malone, personally, although they have been part of our recent history, I would let Thompson and Freeman go to allow space for new signings. I love Tommo but his injury record is terrible and although Nick has performed well in some games, he is very inconsistent.
I probably wouldn’t lose any sleep if Taf went, with his injury record. Taf going would also be a big wage off the budget.
Matt B - please sign Max - our best keeper since Martin Taylor!!!
GMac would also be a very good signing for us.
Freeman is just the sort of player we should keep - lower wages compared to others, versatile, and a great attitude to being benched constantly.
I know he is a little divisive on here, but it is amazing how other players get long runs in the team, even when off form, with the faith that they will "come good" whereas Nick has to deal with short bursts and cameos and is overrated if he does not score a hattrick every game.
It is really hard to be a world beater in fits and (lack of) starts.
I can't see how we can justify both Gape and Thommo. I know Gape is signed up for next season already, but it's very concerning that he's disappeared again after a brief appearance over the easter weekend.
Scowen and Vokes would have hands down been my top 2 to renew.
Out of the 6 remaining, i'd probably rank them
Max, McCleary, Taf and the rest.
Having said that if Taf did go, and we got a more robust defender fitness wise for a lower wage, then that wouldn't be a disaster.
Agreed. I don't think he'll ever be "that" regular a starter, but he seems to fit the culture, puts in silky smooth periods in games, and is a good squaddie.
I assume we have room for a couple of new game changers if we keep all of the out of contract players. If we don't is when we need to make calls about a turnover. But with all the players we shipped in Jan, there must be room.
Blooms has been most complimentary about Nick in interviews. Not expensive, squad versatility, club man. He’ll stay imo.
Nick Freeman!
I have been surprised that he has not replaced Chem Campbell (who seems to fade after 60 minutes) more often.
Did he say he's not expensive? Or was that your comment after.
Would chuckle if a manager listed that as a player's plus point.
I believe that Christie Ward will be our surprise package for next season. "You heard it here 1st"!
No one knows how long Gape and Wing have signed for. They were just announced as having signed a new deal last summer at the same time as JJ, but after we stopped announced the lengths of new contracts. People just assumed due to their ages it would be a 2 year deal minimum whilst JJ would be a 1 year deal, but no official confirmation of that anywhere.
https://www.wwfc.com/news/2022/june/22/key-trio-sign-new-deals/
"I'd get rid, but he's as cheap as chips, so why not keep 'im?"
I am really gutted for Gape - he could have a great career from now on out, but there would still basically be a three year hold where his prime should have been.
Thompson too, though he seems to have played more overall.
Isnt Obita as well ?
Another vote for @ReturnToSenda here. His contributions are invaluable, particularly in the area of stats (and fascinating 'other football' stuff that those of us who aren't all over social media can easily miss)
Great news! Think it reflects well on the job Matt Bloomfield and his team are doing behind the scenes too,
Really?!
That is a very good point as Vokes did say “since the gaffer came in things are going really well etc”, or something along those lines.
No it doesn’t.
Ah yes, good point. Missed him.
It's to @ReturnToSenda 's credit that his policy is he's on 23 hours a day call for anyone on the gasroom to request any particular stats or analysis.
Don’t we have to reduce squad size next season after two years out of the championship? Or have I made that up?
anyway signing all these players up doesn’t leave much more room for others coming in, so some have to depart if MB wants some fresh faces through the door
I'm stunned that we have extended Vokes' stay with us before this season is even over. Also, the announcement that Scowen fancies another year with us, despite knowing that he may not be plying his trade at the level his obvious talent merits, seems premature to me. And giving the likes of JJ more time at our club is hardly changing the script. It stinks of forward planning and reeks of preparation for next season. Broomfield has only been in charge for five minutes and he's already outlining a strategy for the next campaign. If the Pole in the goal commits to the cause then serious praise will need to be heaped onto Matty B.
I read this a few times and am now sure it was witty satire.
First couple of reads wasn't actually sure 😂
I don't think it's Bloomfield outlining his strategy. It's probably more of a club ploy that now the club have realised that we will be in League 1 next season - "let's keep the fans happy with these announcements, after promising to challenge for the autos - and hopefully they will renew their season tickets early before any backlash". Maybe I'm wrong?
I wouldn't be surprised if these deals were done a long time ago, or they may have even had extension clauses triggered. Who knows?
Are clubs still allowed to sign deals with players within 6 months of their contract expiring without the permission of the club these days?
Pre contract? It's only for moves abroad you can properly sign a deal isn't it?
In the same country no doubt you can "arrange" it, but don't think you can actually sign a pre contract as such?
More likely to get Lionel Ritchie performing in The Woodlands!
I think you're wrong @thecatwwfc