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Post by agl on May 11, 2021 8:33:52 GMT
Well, one of them anyway. Need fresh blood at centre back. I think you’re right about needing fresh blood at Centre half, but I don’t think it’d do any harm to keep Grand and Livesey to bring on Burke and hopefully another youngster. Heart says keep the pair, but head says it's time to rebuild the centre of defence in the same way as midfield was overhauled. Love Livesey but being brutally honest Grand makes too many mistakes. One thing is for sure ...we need to defend better than this season if we are to be serious about promotion. whether that is a recruitment issue, or tactical I'm not sure. Defending of set pieces and second ball was pretty poor generally. We can't rely on scoring three or four goals to win games, especially against the top sides. No reason why we can't play attractive football and be tighter at the back (look at how Guardiola has focused on that at City). Personally I'd like to see an experienced defensive coach or ex player working with Bern and Jonno. Definitely our Achilles Heel.
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Post by avfo on May 12, 2021 13:03:28 GMT
'Danny Livesey, Simon Grand, Kevin Roberts, George Waring and Brad Jackson have all been offered deals as Johnson and fellow boss Bernard Morley try to build on finishing third when the National League North season was cut short in February. What’s more, the managers are also hopeful of keeping Luke Clark, Brad Bauress and potentially Paddy Lacey. Josh Askew, who was also playing for free last season, has decided to move on.' www.cheshire-live.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/chester-fc-contract-offers-johnson-20579133
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Post by chesterken on May 12, 2021 20:53:31 GMT
A bit heart and head with the news most of the squad from last season have been offered deals we have some good players amongst the squad but without some real quality being added to that squad I cannot see us winning the league or winning the playoffs, if the trial weekend didn’t unearth any players that are good enough to improve the team not just the squad then it will have been a Total waste of time. This might upset a few on here but it’s just my gut feeling.
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Post by eyeswideopen on May 13, 2021 7:11:21 GMT
A bit heart and head with the news most of the squad from last season have been offered deals we have some good players amongst the squad but without some real quality being added to that squad I cannot see us winning the league or winning the playoffs, if the trial weekend didn’t unearth any players that are good enough to improve the team not just the squad then it will have been a Total waste of time. This might upset a few on here but it’s just my gut feeling. I dont think eliminating players who are not good enough from our plans in a trial weekend is a complete waste of time, at least it shows the Managers are looking. Rather that than sign anyone and everyone as a last minute panic as in previous seasons with other Managers at the wheel.
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Post by agl on May 13, 2021 7:46:32 GMT
A bit heart and head with the news most of the squad from last season have been offered deals we have some good players amongst the squad but without some real quality being added to that squad I cannot see us winning the league or winning the playoffs, if the trial weekend didn’t unearth any players that are good enough to improve the team not just the squad then it will have been a Total waste of time. This might upset a few on here but it’s just my gut feeling. You may have jumped the gun there Ken. My understanding is that they are signing existing players first then adding a few new ones later. It's only May! Could well see one or two from the scouting session, or at least they are on the radar. I can also see why they are sticking with what they know and lads they trust, given that we are still not out of the woods on Covid. It would be a brave man who would predict a full season with full attendances at this stage. Again the priority must be safeguarding the long term future of the club.
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Post by chesterken on May 13, 2021 7:54:05 GMT
A bit heart and head with the news most of the squad from last season have been offered deals we have some good players amongst the squad but without some real quality being added to that squad I cannot see us winning the league or winning the playoffs, if the trial weekend didn’t unearth any players that are good enough to improve the team not just the squad then it will have been a Total waste of time. This might upset a few on here but it’s just my gut feeling. You may have jumped the gun there Ken. My understanding is that they are signing existing players first then adding a few new ones later. It's only May! Could well see one or two from the scouting session, or at least they are on the radar. I can also see why they are sticking with what they know and lads they trust, given that we are still not out of the woods on Covid. It would be a brave man who would predict a full season with full attendances at this stage. Again the priority must be safeguarding the long term future of the club. Wouldn’t be the first time I’ve done that agl I think the bottle of red may have helped😉
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Post by dc2cfc on May 13, 2021 8:07:59 GMT
I can see it being the case of improving the squad gradually throughout the season as each month passes based on crowds/attendances etc. A very measured approach from the club but one that is vital as we all do not know what might happen as last season proved !
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Post by jb on May 14, 2021 12:54:26 GMT
Bit gutted to see Bradley Jackson leave. When on form he's one of the best wingers in non-league. Maybe that will benefit Johnston who seems to be predominantly right footed.
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Post by yossergolf on May 14, 2021 13:00:27 GMT
All the best to Brad Jackson and thanks for the memories of speeding down the flanks. Can’t blame him wanting to try himself at a higher level. This just opens the door for fresh blood and new talent.
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Post by Wortleyblue on May 14, 2021 13:09:27 GMT
Danny Livesey signed for next year
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Post by chesterken on May 14, 2021 13:15:49 GMT
Best wishes to Brad Jackson on his new adventure he has had a very stop start year due to a few persistent injuries but we all know that when he’s fit he is a fabulous player, a move to Alty might be just the thing to get his career back on track. Really pleased that Danny has resigned he is a very steady performer and never seems to have a bad game.
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Post by avfo on May 14, 2021 13:31:35 GMT
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Post by yossergolf on May 14, 2021 13:31:55 GMT
Danny Livesey and Simon Grand as a central partnership have served us well, just hope the years do not cost them and us. Pace in the defensive midfield and full back positions is an absolute must. DL is one of the best at meeting the ball but when turned can be exposed. SG has a good left foot and on his day very good, consistency will be the key.
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Post by Si on May 14, 2021 13:41:30 GMT
Disappointed to see Jacko go but he didn't contribute anything last season as even when he managed some game time he was way short of fitness. The quality is there, so hopefully he can stay clear of injury and show what he's capable of at Alty. Wonder if we'll end up with the 4-3-3 that a lot of Premier league teams go with these days.....midfield trio of Glendon, Weeks and Lacey if proves fitness, JJ playing that right side of a front 3, Marsh Hughes central and then someone who can operate on the left of that.
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Post by Deleted on May 14, 2021 14:00:33 GMT
Happy both Grandy and Livesey have signed back but really would like to see one of them next to a younger, quicker centre half and one of them covering off the bench.
Perhaps that’s in the pipeline as the managers will know we’ll get targeted for pace and round the back play.
Wouldn’t mind seeing a striker through the door too, struggling to see where the goals may come from.
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Post by Frank Owen’s Paintbrush on May 14, 2021 14:38:28 GMT
In Brad Jackson we have lost one of our top three players (Glendon and Weeks the other two) - he’s been absolutely outstanding for us and deserves his move to the league above, great move for him and a great coup for Altrincham. I just hope, given his age, we are compensated somehow.
Let’s hope John Johnston can finally step out of the shadows now and kick on next season.
As for Grand and Livesey, they clearly come as a pair and I don’t think we were ever only going to keep one of them. Livesey was falling apart at times last season, hopefully the enforced longer rest will have done him good, whilst Grand had planned to retire last summer, but of course both are massively experienced players and still have a lot to offer us. Hopefully we can blood in the lad Burke to support them and then also perhaps use the loan market once the season is underway.
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Post by muffinthemule on May 14, 2021 15:37:39 GMT
I know that I'm going to get crucified on here but I would have said to both Livesey and Grand 'thanks for your wonderful performances over the years but the time has come for change'. Both good at defending balls coming down the centre of the pitch but either can defend a cross ball. Hence the number of goals we concede from corners and free kicks from wide areas. Both are a year older and a year slower but also a year wiser. As fans have said, a younger centre half could learn a lot from them. But it's two places in a very limited squad size. Sentiment is a fine thing but it doesn't win championships.
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Post by cityboy5705 on May 14, 2021 16:31:50 GMT
I know that I'm going to get crucified on here but I would have said to both Livesey and Grand 'thanks for your wonderful performances over the years but the time has come for change'. Both good at defending balls coming down the centre of the pitch but either can defend a cross ball. Hence the number of goals we concede from corners and free kicks from wide areas. Both are a year older and a year slower but also a year wiser. As fans have said, a younger centre half could learn a lot from them. But it's two places in a very limited squad size. Sentiment is a fine thing but it doesn't win championships. I take your point but we should deffo have kept one and keep the other in a coaching role that way best for both parties
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Post by Anders on May 14, 2021 16:35:15 GMT
Shame about Jackson, he's been great for us but started to struggle with injuries. Good luck to him.
Looks like we're just waiting on Kev Roberts and Waring before moving on to sorting out proper deals for Bauress, Clark & Lacey (maybe) before moving on to 'new' signings.
Not sure what will happen with Elliott, he's only on a deal until the end of the season with Hartlepool and hasn't been featuring much, albeit he did come off the bench to score last week. Regarding strikers, noticed that Fylde have released Kurt Willoughby who will no doubt be sought after, York might be interested in him after his successful loan spell there the season before last. Did notice that Jason Gilchrist has left South Shields to move closer back to his home here in the North West as well. Scored 30 goals in the past two seasons for them and had a good record for Southport before that, albeit seemed to go off the boil when Watson came back and the style of play didn't suit him. Was briefly on loan with us years ago when he was a teenager.
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Post by avfo on May 14, 2021 19:03:24 GMT
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Post by Rio Doherty on May 14, 2021 23:35:40 GMT
Made up that Danny Livesey is staying on. Danny was top notch once again last campaign, because he was like a brick wall at the back while he also bagged a healthy amount of goals at the other end too. The fact that he is still going strong into his fourth season here at the age of 36 is testament to his exemplary commitment, dedication, and never-say-die attitude, and I really can’t wait to witness him putting his body on the line even more next season. This is a very important piece of business and I’m really glad we’ll get to watch more of Danny, so let’s just make the most of it while it lasts! All the best Danny!
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Post by Rio Doherty on May 14, 2021 23:45:44 GMT
Pleased to hear the news of Simon Grand signing on for another campaign too. Realistically, Simon said at the end of the 2019-20 campaign that it was most likely to be his final one, but the fact he has since committed to a further two seasons is again testament to his enthusiasm and attitude to push on even further, despite being 37. Apart from the odd mistake (with the blooper against Gateshead sticking out), Grandy generally had a very good season last time out, so I’m happy that he is willing to finish this project off in front of (fingers crossed 🤞) full crowds next season, because it would’ve been a huge shame for him to bow out and say farewell in front of nobody. I’m very much looking forward to witnessing the Livesey-Grand partnership in person again next season, although I am of the opinion that we shouldn’t start both of them every week, because despite Grandy being very fit and athletic Livesey isn’t as quick nowadays, so we should alter between the two every so often. Hopefully Bern and Jonno’s plans will come to fruition by bringing in an extra centre back, because we do need more strength in depth in our defensive department and somebody who can slot into that role with ease. Harrison Burke is an extremely exciting prospect for the future, but it is way too early for him to be playing 90 minutes every other week so it is crucial we snap up another centre half who has pace and experience. All the best Simon!
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Post by midfieldgeneral on May 15, 2021 7:04:25 GMT
Pleased to hear the news of Simon Grand signing on for another campaign too. Realistically, Simon said at the end of the 2019-20 campaign that it was most likely to be his final one, but the fact he has since committed to a further two seasons is again testament to his enthusiasm and attitude to push on even further, despite being 37. Apart from the odd mistake (with the blooper against Gateshead sticking out), Grandy generally had a very good season last time out, so I’m happy that he is willing to finish this project off in front of (fingers crossed 🤞) full crowds next season, because it would’ve been a huge shame for him to bow out and say farewell in front of nobody. I’m very much looking forward to witnessing the Livesey-Grand partnership in person again next season, although I am of the opinion that we shouldn’t start both of them every week, because despite Grandy being very fit and athletic Livesey isn’t as quick nowadays, so we should alter between the two every so often. Hopefully Bern and Jonno’s plans will come to fruition by bringing in an extra centre back, because we do need more strength in depth in our defensive department and somebody who can slot into that role with ease. Harrison Burke is an extremely exciting prospect for the future, but it is way too early for him to be playing 90 minutes every other week so it is crucial we snap up another centre half who has pace and experience. All the best Simon! Frankly, at this stage Burke needs game time. If he isnt going to be played. He needs to go out on a 2 month loan, to a Unibond club. You can have all the coaching, in the world but what you need is time on the pitch to put that learning , into practice There is no subsitute for it
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Post by geoff on May 15, 2021 7:11:15 GMT
Midfield general.........did the club accept your offer to help? You would be a great asset!
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Post by midfieldgeneral on May 15, 2021 7:26:28 GMT
Midfield general.........did the club accept your offer to help? You would be a great asset! Yes I have been added to the scouting network for next season.
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Post by Frank Owen’s Paintbrush on May 15, 2021 8:55:12 GMT
That’s brilliant news, well done mate!
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Post by Rio Doherty on May 15, 2021 10:14:46 GMT
Pleased to hear the news of Simon Grand signing on for another campaign too. Realistically, Simon said at the end of the 2019-20 campaign that it was most likely to be his final one, but the fact he has since committed to a further two seasons is again testament to his enthusiasm and attitude to push on even further, despite being 37. Apart from the odd mistake (with the blooper against Gateshead sticking out), Grandy generally had a very good season last time out, so I’m happy that he is willing to finish this project off in front of (fingers crossed 🤞) full crowds next season, because it would’ve been a huge shame for him to bow out and say farewell in front of nobody. I’m very much looking forward to witnessing the Livesey-Grand partnership in person again next season, although I am of the opinion that we shouldn’t start both of them every week, because despite Grandy being very fit and athletic Livesey isn’t as quick nowadays, so we should alter between the two every so often. Hopefully Bern and Jonno’s plans will come to fruition by bringing in an extra centre back, because we do need more strength in depth in our defensive department and somebody who can slot into that role with ease. Harrison Burke is an extremely exciting prospect for the future, but it is way too early for him to be playing 90 minutes every other week so it is crucial we snap up another centre half who has pace and experience. All the best Simon! Frankly, at this stage Burke needs game time. If he isnt going to be played. He needs to go out on a 2 month loan, to a Unibond club. You can have all the coaching, in the world but what you need is time on the pitch to put that learning , into practice There is no subsitute for it Yes I completely agree with you. It’s too early for him to be starting for our first team, but a loan spell elsewhere would do him the world of good. Also, congratulations on being accepted as a member of our scouting team - all the best with it 👏.
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Post by geoff on May 15, 2021 10:27:21 GMT
Midfield general.........did the club accept your offer to help? You would be a great asset! Really great news, we really have faith in you to find the next Ian Rush😀😀😀
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Post by Blockhead on May 15, 2021 11:15:45 GMT
I would have kept Livesey, but not Grand.
How can we progress re-signing the same squad that has already failed to get us promoted?
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Post by Wortleyblue on May 15, 2021 11:18:28 GMT
Kevin Roberts signs new deal
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