Good signings so far but we are still short in some areas, especially up front. Only two weeks before the season starts. Hopefully a few more through the door before then.
On the attack front I would love to see a nailed on 30 goal striker join. But know we can’t afford one, who can? So it’s my belief that Hanlan and Vokes can’t deliver such a poor return as last season and TJay is more than capable of chipping in a few.
I would hope that Leahy and Breckin can add goals too. We can’t afford a proven goal scorer so it will be a diamond in the rough coming in that we need. Personally I have more hope for Tjay than Hanlan. The latter has technical ability but I’m not sure we can coach his reading of the game enough which is what let’s him down.
Mustard (let’s not forget that) is a one trick pony, if it comes off he looks Prem level, IF. He needs the ball passed at pace close but past him with his back to goal, with the defender tight on him, turn the defender and explode away at pace. One in five he will smack it top bins, other times probably row z, that is if he connects at all. That is his game, can’t head, cant cross, can’t tackle, looks like can’t be coached. An impact sub. Can’t fathom why but I like him.
TJ has the perennial fan appeal of effort. But beyond that huff puff and bluster I see very little. I’d loan him out to free up a loanee striker spot.
@mooneyman: I eschew caffeine like the plague. Giving heads a wobble seems a very recent addition to our rapidly evolving language - I struggle for example to understand whose back is being taken care of in the expression “I have your back” - and I just came out with that nonsensical response.
Me too. I think he’ll benefit from the move to playing two up front that seems to be the order of the day.
Lots to like about what we’ve seen from him so far and a real sense that there’s more to come.
It’s why I wouldn’t necessarily rush to bring in a striker now. I’d start with what we’ve got, see how we get on and then take a view at the back end of August.
If we do play 5-3-2 we’ve got Vokes, Hanlan, McCleary, De Barr and Mellor fighting for two places in the team. That’s not bad at all.
I think we still need someone who can serve as a direct back-up to Vokes. I'd have liked George Hirst a while back, but he seems to have finally settled at Ipswich.
I think TJay could do that job. He’s like Stuart Beavon or Simon Garner in that he doesn’t have the height but has the body strength and close control to successful lead the line. Centre-halves will absolutely hate him.
Watching him play that position in the B&B against Bracknell was a bit of an eye opener for me.
I could imagine a from two of TJay and Garath McCleary working well if Big Sam isn’t fit. And we’d still have Hanlan and Mellor up our sleeves.
Comments
Now I'm paranoid we will have an amazing attack that wins us games, but loses us the league.
Good signings so far but we are still short in some areas, especially up front. Only two weeks before the season starts. Hopefully a few more through the door before then.
2 up fronf
Cut down on the caffeine!
On the attack front I would love to see a nailed on 30 goal striker join. But know we can’t afford one, who can? So it’s my belief that Hanlan and Vokes can’t deliver such a poor return as last season and TJay is more than capable of chipping in a few.
Big Chris took part in yesterday’s sprint speed test at the training ground, coming 3rd.
Awkwardly constructed piece bossman.
For anyone new to the club situations, it leaves all manner of misreads possible about who was top scorer at which club.
Hanlan definitely has the opportunity to step up a bit if nobody else comes in. Seems unlikely we won't add someone with the numbers being discussed.
Unless you get some Star from the division above there are no nailed on 30 goal players are there?
How many 30 goal strikers have we had in our league days? If any.
McGleish, Beavon, Devine, Tyson probably came the closest but did they hit 30?
Edit...McGleish scored 26 one season.
At first I read that as Pierce Brosnan and I was struggling to make any sense.
Hah, me too 🤣
Plus Scott, West and Garner, maybe not 30 but the type of scorers we could do with now.
I would hope that Leahy and Breckin can add goals too. We can’t afford a proven goal scorer so it will be a diamond in the rough coming in that we need. Personally I have more hope for Tjay than Hanlan. The latter has technical ability but I’m not sure we can coach his reading of the game enough which is what let’s him down.
Hanlan just isn't a centre-forward
His quantity of assists would suggest he’s not a winger either.
Mustard (let’s not forget that) is a one trick pony, if it comes off he looks Prem level, IF. He needs the ball passed at pace close but past him with his back to goal, with the defender tight on him, turn the defender and explode away at pace. One in five he will smack it top bins, other times probably row z, that is if he connects at all. That is his game, can’t head, cant cross, can’t tackle, looks like can’t be coached. An impact sub. Can’t fathom why but I like him.
TJ has the perennial fan appeal of effort. But beyond that huff puff and bluster I see very little. I’d loan him out to free up a loanee striker spot.
Neither is TJ!
Joe Piggot has signed for Orient. So much for his Championship dream.
I have to agree, I also like Hanlan but all your points are spot on. As for TJ, I am with you 100%.
I’m positive about Tjay. I think he improves regularly and is a willing improver. Whether this is enough time will tell but I’m optimistic.
Hanlan so often is too slow to react to a pass. And I do t think you can coach speed of thought.
And of course there’s Mellor
Surely you know @micra Is the bossman by now?
Hanlan is exciting, strong and explosive.
Your Initial summary of him is very Trevor.
I agree. Probably one of my late night efforts.
@mooneyman: I eschew caffeine like the plague. Giving heads a wobble seems a very recent addition to our rapidly evolving language - I struggle for example to understand whose back is being taken care of in the expression “I have your back” - and I just came out with that nonsensical response.
Back to Old Trafford now.
I sense Tjay is going to have a very good season indeed
Sincerely hope so. Apart from pace and aggression bordering on the suicidal I’ve not seen anything to write home about.
D’mani Mellor on the other hand…,,,,
Me too. I think he’ll benefit from the move to playing two up front that seems to be the order of the day.
Lots to like about what we’ve seen from him so far and a real sense that there’s more to come.
It’s why I wouldn’t necessarily rush to bring in a striker now. I’d start with what we’ve got, see how we get on and then take a view at the back end of August.
If we do play 5-3-2 we’ve got Vokes, Hanlan, McCleary, De Barr and Mellor fighting for two places in the team. That’s not bad at all.
I think we still need someone who can serve as a direct back-up to Vokes. I'd have liked George Hirst a while back, but he seems to have finally settled at Ipswich.
TJay is my punt for being top scorer this season. I think there is something about him
I think TJay could do that job. He’s like Stuart Beavon or Simon Garner in that he doesn’t have the height but has the body strength and close control to successful lead the line. Centre-halves will absolutely hate him.
Watching him play that position in the B&B against Bracknell was a bit of an eye opener for me.
I could imagine a from two of TJay and Garath McCleary working well if Big Sam isn’t fit. And we’d still have Hanlan and Mellor up our sleeves.