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Post by rhodri on May 7, 2023 18:40:38 GMT
As frustrating as today was (performance and the fans at the end), let's take our mind off today and start thinking towards next season.
As far as I'm aware the only contracted players for next season are:
Glendon (will feel like a new signing)
Weeks
Williams
In terms of the loan players, aside from maybe Whitehouse (if he is released by Scunthorpe), I can't see any of the others back at this level of football next season.
Kurt will surely move on now, he'll be a big loss. I think Coates and Edwards may go up a level too.
In terms of players I'd definitely like to see signed up for next season:
- Coates (a Joel Taylor in the making)
- Heywood (good first full season)
- Kenyon (we need his experience around what is a young squad)
- Roberts (again, we need his experience)
- Burke (his injury problems has probably cost him a move in the summer)
- Earl (the jury is still out for me, he needs more match fitness and experience at this level)
- Hall (good season when fit, but injury prone)
- Stanway (if had been promoted I would have expected him to not stay on, but a full season at this level would be beneficial for him next season, assuming his agent doesn't talk him out of it)
- Dudley (he will always be like marmite for our fans. Apparently he's been playing with an injury for months. Another who probably wouldn't have moved up to the national League with us, but would still do a job for us assuming he's fitter next season)
- Edwards (a bit of an unsung hero this season, but if he's fully fit I would expect him to move up a level)
- Thomas (another who when fit and got a run of games did well for us, unfortunately wingers don't naturally fit into our game. He does offer some aerial threat too)
- Murray (I don't think he'll ever be a guaranteed starter for us, but has had a solid season, and a great option off the bench)
- Clarke (seems to have done very well on loan, surely must be in contention for a place in the match day squad now)
Assuming Waters will be aiming to be fit for next season, Brown is probably surplus to requirements. Morgan has disappointed me a bit tbh, definitely made more of an impact in his first spell here. Stephenson was a bit too inconsistent this season, fades in and out too much for my liking
I don't know enough about the youngsters out on loan, but would expect the likes of Daly and Turner to be offered contracts for next season, but be out on loan.
Thoughts?
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Post by phillippedulait on May 7, 2023 20:12:07 GMT
Too soon.
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Post by Curva Nord on May 7, 2023 20:12:23 GMT
To early to think about this for me
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Post by devachatter on May 7, 2023 20:17:23 GMT
Way to early for this especially as it sounded like Cal was considering his future
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Post by Curva Nord on May 7, 2023 20:32:02 GMT
Way to early for this especially as it sounded like Cal was considering his future I imagine once he has calmed down, recalculated he will be fine, and business as usual. This is obviously almost traumatic for him, let him settle and go again next season |
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Post by boughtonblue on May 8, 2023 9:15:19 GMT
I'd keep most, a bit too early to reflect I suppose. If we can keep Hall fit though i have a feeling he can go places.
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Post by peterkaysock on May 8, 2023 9:41:44 GMT
For me, I would let Dudley go.
Shines in a game every now and then, then drops back to mediocre.
Time to leave in my opinion.
Murry, I like him but a bit to light weight for me.
Can't say I am a fan of Edwards either. I call him the crab as everything goes side ways.
Hall is a must signing as is and also Brown and Coates.
Burke another sold performer.
Whitehouse also = quality
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Post by Frank Owen’s Paintbrush on May 8, 2023 9:43:38 GMT
For me, I would let Dudley go. Shines in a game every now and then, then drops back to mediocre. Time to leave in my opinion. Murry, I like him but a bit to light weight for me. Can't say I am a fan of Edwards either. I call him the crab as everything goes side ways. Hall is a must signing as is and also Brown and Coates. Burke another sold performer. Whitehouse also = quality You don’t like a non league centre half because of his passing range? Jeez. Bit of perspective - Edwards has been class in defence. |
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Post by Deleted on May 8, 2023 9:48:56 GMT
Edwards? Really?
He is the blueprint of a NLN centre half - look at Brackley’s 3 yesterday, all of them no nonsense.
A bit raw for me to go down a retained list but wish Kurt well as hell take a chance in the NL.
Hoping we keep / make an offer to the nucleus of Coates, Williams, Weeks, Whitehouse, Kenyon (think he’s under contract) and a few others.
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Post by Jack on May 8, 2023 9:56:45 GMT
Can't think of any who I'd be disappointed to see stay. I'm sure 3 or 4 will move on, but I can't see wholesale changes - there's no need.
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Post by Frank Owen’s Paintbrush on May 8, 2023 10:44:36 GMT
Can't think of any who I'd be disappointed to see stay. I'm sure 3 or 4 will move on, but I can't see wholesale changes - there's no need. Spot on. We’ve lost Tyrer, Caton and Willoughby for sure. After that, the onus should be on replacing them and adding to the current squad. Genuinely can’t think of any who I’d be disappointed if we signed on again. |
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Post by peterkaysock on May 8, 2023 11:05:38 GMT
For me, I would let Dudley go. Shines in a game every now and then, then drops back to mediocre. Time to leave in my opinion. Murry, I like him but a bit to light weight for me. Can't say I am a fan of Edwards either. I call him the crab as everything goes side ways. Hall is a must signing as is and also Brown and Coates. Burke another sold performer. Whitehouse also = quality You don’t like a non league centre half because of his passing range? Jeez. Bit of perspective - Edwards has been class in defence. Just my opinion, I personally don't rate him. Won't take the ball forward, lacks in confidence on the ball. Williams are Burke are the better partnership. So yes his passing range is an issue as it's a big part of the game. |
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Post by agl on May 8, 2023 11:43:13 GMT
I think both centre halves are a work in progress. The Brackley pair were more composed yesterday, I thought.
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Post by Frank Owen’s Paintbrush on May 8, 2023 12:07:01 GMT
You don’t like a non league centre half because of his passing range? Jeez. Bit of perspective - Edwards has been class in defence. Just my opinion, I personally don't rate him. Won't take the ball forward, lacks in confidence on the ball. Williams are Burke are the better partnership. So yes his passing range is an issue as it's a big part of the game. Sorry but most successful teams in non league have big strong centre halves who win headers and tackles and that’s their job. Fair enough your opinion but this isn’t the level for tiki taka on the edge of our own box. |
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Post by Curva Nord on May 8, 2023 12:36:50 GMT
He plays short passes to the side because he is told too.
It isn't his job to find the killer pass. Edwards is class.
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Post by Harry Lime on May 8, 2023 15:49:49 GMT
Expect Stephenson and Thomas to go, as they weren't even on the bench yesterday. We've lost Tyrer and Caton. Although think Caton might have been released??
As we're probably signing Waters, I'd expect Brown to go, or maybe Heywood?? Unless Waters play midfield?
I'd certainly try to keep Coates and Edwards. Maybe Kenyon too, depending on wages. Roberts has deserved another contract.
You'd want Willoughby to stay. We may also need a proper target man option. I'd have a look at Sampson at Chorley. He's not prolific, but might be a good partner for Kurt and affordable. Hall and Earl should improve.
We'll need a wide player to work in the 433 option.
As others have said I wouldn't be disappointed with any players staying. But we need to release to improve and freshen the squad.
Cal will have a good idea how he'll play Glendon and Weeks together. The other signings will need to complement them, and do the stuff they can't.
We start from a far better place than 12 months ago. Once Cal clears his head and gets over the disappointment, he'll be excited about finding the new players we need. Keeper and Centre Forward main priorities. That depends on his talks with Kurt.
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Post by devachatter on May 8, 2023 15:52:11 GMT
I heard that Brown wants to stay but his issue is he lives in Sheffield and don't think he car shares with anyone
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Post by eltonblues on May 8, 2023 16:25:55 GMT
Not sure why we would want whole sale changes when this squad got us in to third place, the loanees are gone. I agree that maybe some of the fringe players need to find their happiness elsewhere but keep the core, so many successful teams keep the team together for a few seasons.
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Post by ChesterTrueBlue on May 8, 2023 16:29:23 GMT
So the season is over and I know we are all hurting, but with the end of one season means there is another only a few months away. This squad has been incredible this season, I personally had us top half/mid table so my expectations were completely surpassed. Obviously end of the season means we will lose some players and hopefully keep some on.
Players who I'd keep realistically (Willoughby will be moving on). I know a few of these players are signed up for next season already but I don't know the specifics so all the players I want to keep are here.
- Burke. Would like to see him moved up into a defensive midfielder role personally. Think he can really kick on next season if he can avoid injuries
- Weeks. Think he's still got another year. Been a standout player for me, probably the best midfielder in the league and could easily play higher up.
- Williams. Again signed up. Been an absolute rock at the back for us and will only improve. Could see him staying here long term and becoming a future captain.
- Edwards. Liked him. Big presence at the back which is what we need at this level. Also knows when to just smash it, of course we like pretty football but it is the 6th tier.
- Earl. Another player I reckon is what we need in the side. Not afraid of a challenge and I like his passing ability.
- Glendon. Lot of talk about whether him and Weeks can play together. If we have a midfield that has both Glendon and Weeks, it'll be the best midfield in the league.
- Roberts. Fantastic this season. Getting on a bit but still one of the first names I look for on the team sheet. Versatile player which is exactly what we need.
- Thomas. Good player when he has come on and gave us the attacking width we needed.
- Murray. Yes he's a bit small but he draws fouls and has the skill to get past players. Perfect player to come off the bench.
- Hall. Very unfortunate that he had to compete with Willoughby this season, can see him becoming an important player for us if he stays.
- Waters. I don't think he's on the books but I'd put money on him signing for us if he is fit. Always liked him and thought it was a mistake when we got rid of him.
- Heywood. Probably my least comfortable one. I like him, when he has a good day he is a joy to watch. Would maybe try playing him in a more attacking role.
- Coates. I think we can keep him. He is a brilliant player and makes our defence complete personally.
Players I'd let go/sell.
- Stephenson. Has his moments but that is about it. Inconsistent to say the least. He is a fan favourite and I personally believe that may have played a role in him getting another contract.
- Brown. Like others have said it was a toss up between him and Heywood and personally I prefer Heywood. Good player but no point having three left backs.
- Dudley. Been a stalwart over the last couple of years. Attitude cannot be questioned. I just think unfortunately his time is up.
- Devine. Sounded promising when we signed him but don't think it has really clicked here. Will probably do well at another NLN side or good NPL side.
- Stanway. I know we all raved about him at the start of the season and rightfully so. Just don't think he's the right player anymore. I'd probably try and sell him to Macc and get a league keeper on loan.
- Kenyon. Trickiest one for me this because I could wake up tomorrow and my mind would probably have changed.
- Lynch. Another toss up really but it was either him or Murray and I just prefer Murray
Players I'd try and sign.
- Whitehouse. Without a club after being released by Scunthorpe so it would make sense for us to try and sign him up.
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Post by delamereal on May 8, 2023 16:44:57 GMT
I heard that Brown wants to stay but his issue is he lives in Sheffield and don't think he car shares with anyone I believe Whitehouse lives in Sheffield so that would be handy if we can sign him. |
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Post by Deleted on May 8, 2023 16:53:11 GMT
I think we sometimes get a bit confused or clouded over what under contract means.
It doesn’t mean they’re staying indefinitely, just means we’ll get a fee of sorts.
Depending on the player, I think Matty Williams could get an offer to go somewhere else and maybe Weeks.
Wouldn’t be too fussed to see Daz, Dudley, Lynch and Murray go.
Think we need to get contract out to Coates asap too as he’s a very very good right back at this level and may have higher offers.
Kurt has shown what a difference a 20 goal a year man makes, so I’d go use the free’d up wage to TRY Hall from Chorley.
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Post by agl on May 8, 2023 19:06:02 GMT
So the season is over and I know we are all hurting, but with the end of one season means there is another only a few months away. This squad has been incredible this season, I personally had us top half/mid table so my expectations were completely surpassed. Obviously end of the season means we will lose some players and hopefully keep some on. Players who I'd keep realistically (Willoughby will be moving on). I know a few of these players are signed up for next season already but I don't know the specifics so all the players I want to keep are here. - Burke. Would like to see him moved up into a defensive midfielder role personally. Think he can really kick on next season if he can avoid injuries - Weeks. Think he's still got another year. Been a standout player for me, probably the best midfielder in the league and could easily play higher up. - Williams. Again signed up. Been an absolute rock at the back for us and will only improve. Could see him staying here long term and becoming a future captain. - Edwards. Liked him. Big presence at the back which is what we need at this level. Also knows when to just smash it, of course we like pretty football but it is the 6th tier. - Earl. Another player I reckon is what we need in the side. Not afraid of a challenge and I like his passing ability. - Glendon. Lot of talk about whether him and Weeks can play together. If we have a midfield that has both Glendon and Weeks, it'll be the best midfield in the league. - Roberts. Fantastic this season. Getting on a bit but still one of the first names I look for on the team sheet. Versatile player which is exactly what we need. - Thomas. Good player when he has come on and gave us the attacking width we needed. - Murray. Yes he's a bit small but he draws fouls and has the skill to get past players. Perfect player to come off the bench. - Hall. Very unfortunate that he had to compete with Willoughby this season, can see him becoming an important player for us if he stays. - Waters. I don't think he's on the books but I'd put money on him signing for us if he is fit. Always liked him and thought it was a mistake when we got rid of him. - Heywood. Probably my least comfortable one. I like him, when he has a good day he is a joy to watch. Would maybe try playing him in a more attacking role. - Coates. I think we can keep him. He is a brilliant player and makes our defence complete personally. Players I'd let go/sell. - Stephenson. Has his moments but that is about it. Inconsistent to say the least. He is a fan favourite and I personally believe that may have played a role in him getting another contract. - Brown. Like others have said it was a toss up between him and Heywood and personally I prefer Heywood. Good player but no point having three left backs. - Dudley. Been a stalwart over the last couple of years. Attitude cannot be questioned. I just think unfortunately his time is up. - Devine. Sounded promising when we signed him but don't think it has really clicked here. Will probably do well at another NLN side or good NPL side. - Stanway. I know we all raved about him at the start of the season and rightfully so. Just don't think he's the right player anymore. I'd probably try and sell him to Macc and get a league keeper on loan. - Kenyon. Trickiest one for me this because I could wake up tomorrow and my mind would probably have changed. - Lynch. Another toss up really but it was either him or Murray and I just prefer Murray Players I'd try and sign. - Whitehouse. Without a club after being released by Scunthorpe so it would make sense for us to try and sign him up. Can't argue with much of that. You are right about cf. Absolutely worth pushing the boat out and trying for an Asante or Willoughby. It's a gamble though, if you go out on a limb and it doesn't come off. Equally, get a forward on loan and the moment he scores a few goals he's recalled. I'm surprised we kept Caton. Hall will definitely have to step up and, on the plus side, Cal's recruitment has been superb. On Stephenson, pretty sure that he's gone but my only thought is could he be played down the middle? The goal at Kettering was a proper cf finish. I'd keep Kenyon. Not going to play every game but seems like a good character and useful to have a wise head to come in. Toughest position to fill will be gk. What an act to follow so there won't be much of a honeymoon period if the newbie chucks one in. |
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Post by ChesterTrueBlue on May 8, 2023 20:11:08 GMT
So the season is over and I know we are all hurting, but with the end of one season means there is another only a few months away. This squad has been incredible this season, I personally had us top half/mid table so my expectations were completely surpassed. Obviously end of the season means we will lose some players and hopefully keep some on. Players who I'd keep realistically (Willoughby will be moving on). I know a few of these players are signed up for next season already but I don't know the specifics so all the players I want to keep are here. - Burke. Would like to see him moved up into a defensive midfielder role personally. Think he can really kick on next season if he can avoid injuries - Weeks. Think he's still got another year. Been a standout player for me, probably the best midfielder in the league and could easily play higher up. - Williams. Again signed up. Been an absolute rock at the back for us and will only improve. Could see him staying here long term and becoming a future captain. - Edwards. Liked him. Big presence at the back which is what we need at this level. Also knows when to just smash it, of course we like pretty football but it is the 6th tier. - Earl. Another player I reckon is what we need in the side. Not afraid of a challenge and I like his passing ability. - Glendon. Lot of talk about whether him and Weeks can play together. If we have a midfield that has both Glendon and Weeks, it'll be the best midfield in the league. - Roberts. Fantastic this season. Getting on a bit but still one of the first names I look for on the team sheet. Versatile player which is exactly what we need. - Thomas. Good player when he has come on and gave us the attacking width we needed. - Murray. Yes he's a bit small but he draws fouls and has the skill to get past players. Perfect player to come off the bench. - Hall. Very unfortunate that he had to compete with Willoughby this season, can see him becoming an important player for us if he stays. - Waters. I don't think he's on the books but I'd put money on him signing for us if he is fit. Always liked him and thought it was a mistake when we got rid of him. - Heywood. Probably my least comfortable one. I like him, when he has a good day he is a joy to watch. Would maybe try playing him in a more attacking role. - Coates. I think we can keep him. He is a brilliant player and makes our defence complete personally. Players I'd let go/sell. - Stephenson. Has his moments but that is about it. Inconsistent to say the least. He is a fan favourite and I personally believe that may have played a role in him getting another contract. - Brown. Like others have said it was a toss up between him and Heywood and personally I prefer Heywood. Good player but no point having three left backs. - Dudley. Been a stalwart over the last couple of years. Attitude cannot be questioned. I just think unfortunately his time is up. - Devine. Sounded promising when we signed him but don't think it has really clicked here. Will probably do well at another NLN side or good NPL side. - Stanway. I know we all raved about him at the start of the season and rightfully so. Just don't think he's the right player anymore. I'd probably try and sell him to Macc and get a league keeper on loan. - Kenyon. Trickiest one for me this because I could wake up tomorrow and my mind would probably have changed. - Lynch. Another toss up really but it was either him or Murray and I just prefer Murray Players I'd try and sign. - Whitehouse. Without a club after being released by Scunthorpe so it would make sense for us to try and sign him up. Can't argue with much of that. You are right about cf. Absolutely worth pushing the boat out and trying for an Asante or Willoughby. It's a gamble though, if you go out on a limb and it doesn't come off. Equally, get a forward on loan and the moment he scores a few goals he's recalled. I'm surprised we kept Caton. Hall will definitely have to step up and, on the plus side, Cal's recruitment has been superb. On Stephenson, pretty sure that he's gone but my only thought is could he be played down the middle? The goal at Kettering was a proper cf finish. I'd keep Kenyon. Not going to play every game but seems like a good character and useful to have a wise head to come in. Toughest position to fill will be gk. What an act to follow so there won't be much of a honeymoon period if the newbie chucks one in. Kenyon is one that I wouldn't be surprised at if we kept in. The experience is there so could be of good use for the younger players. But like you said does he get into the midfield/defence next season especially with Burke and Glendon hopefully back with fit. |
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Post by Gandalf on May 8, 2023 21:34:36 GMT
After seeing Kenyon on the line warming up yesterday, he looks pretty much suited for a role in the dug out be it with us or someone else but I’d certainly offer him another year as well.
In his winding up of the opposition, cheering on the players and encouraging the crowd to get behind the lads he’s got my respect plus he’s looked solid and consistent when he’s played.
As for the other players I’d like to see Edward and Coates offered terms quickly as having a solid back line who’s young and still improving will be crucial especially with the experience of this season, alongside Burke and Williams. One area of concern now which id put above the strikers and goalkeeper position is that of Callum, his post match interview came across on parts that he might not be here, hopefully he just needs a well earned holiday before getting back to it though. I think he’s definitely the man to take us forward though and I’d be gutted if he moved on.
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Post by eltonblues on May 9, 2023 20:23:51 GMT
Is it worth having our own keepers or just using loans from higher leagues? 🤷
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Post by vandycandy on May 9, 2023 20:37:03 GMT
Before I give my retained list I'll say that if you don't agree with it or it angers you then ignore it. I don't want another thread to become a slanging match between fellow Chester fans.
I'm taking into account that the loan players will go back to their parent clubs & am therefore not including them. I'm also not including the players we have loaned out except Devine as he has been part of the first team.
Keep - Stanway, Heywood, Williams, Burke, Edwards, Coates, Roberts, Glendon, Weeks, Earl, Kenyon, Willoughby, Hall, Thomas
Not keep - Dudley, Murray, Stevo, Devine
Undecided - Brown, Morgan, Lynch - I wouldn't be disappointed if they left or stayed.
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Post by agl on May 9, 2023 20:44:22 GMT
Before I give my retained list I'll say that if you don't agree with it or it angers you then ignore it. I don't want another thread to become a slanging match between fellow Chester fans. I'm taking into account that the loan players will go back to their parent clubs & am therefore not including them. I'm also not including the players we have loaned out except Devine as he has been part of the first team. Keep - Stanway, Heywood, Williams, Burke, Edwards, Coates, Roberts, Glendon, Weeks, Earl, Kenyon, Willoughby, Hall, Thomas Not keep - Dudley, Murray, Stevo, Devine Undecided - Brown, Morgan, Lynch - I wouldn't be disappointed if they left or stayed. Murray is a tricky one for me. Instinctively think he's too small but he draws free kicks and does look to get forward. I thought he might have offered us a different dimension on Sunday in what was a very ugly game of football. I think Cal likes him so would be very surprised if he goes. Negative is his lack of goals. |
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Post by noddy on May 9, 2023 20:45:54 GMT
Before I give my retained list I'll say that if you don't agree with it or it angers you then ignore it. I don't want another thread to become a slanging match between fellow Chester fans. I'm taking into account that the loan players will go back to their parent clubs & am therefore not including them. I'm also not including the players we have loaned out except Devine as he has been part of the first team. Keep - Stanway, Heywood, Williams, Burke, Edwards, Coates, Roberts, Glendon, Weeks, Earl, Kenyon, Willoughby, Hall, Thomas Not keep - Dudley, Murray, Stevo, Devine Undecided - Brown, Morgan, Lynch - I wouldn't be disappointed if they left or stayed. Would pretty much agree with that. If we sign Matty Waters I would release Brown. Lynch has done nothing wrong really but hasn't featured much so he can go also for me. No major changed for me necessary, would love more genuine pace in the side though, that's why I was so disappointed Nmai didn't feature against Brackley as genuine pace scares players to death at any level. |
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Post by bluboy79 on May 10, 2023 7:42:09 GMT
If we can retain bulk of squad we should challenge again, main position for me will be getting a goalkeeper as I'm assuming Stanway will go somewhere else.
I would let Morgan, Murray, Stephenson, Lynch and Devine go using these spaces to freshen up squad, unsure about Kenyon and Dudley but wouldnt mind if they stay. I feel we need a big strong targetman this season for games like Alfreton, Brackley etc.
Glendon will be like a new signing and Earl with a full preseason as well.
Be interesting to see who Callum signs as the squad just need minor tweaking than major surgery - a lot hinges on Kurt staying which is possible as he has had his best season here, fans love him and wages are paid on time unlike many clubs !
We could challenge for the title next season if we retain and recruit well.
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Post by borussiachester on May 12, 2023 0:26:16 GMT
Had a while to mull things over, so here’s how I see things right now:
Goalkeepers
Tyrer - Obviously won’t be sticking around. If Everton go down and sell Pickford I reckon he could make a genuine claim for their number 1 shirt, otherwise a loan to a mid-table League 1 or big League 2 side would serve him well.
Stanway - Pretty sure we’ve got an optional 12-month extension on his contract and I’d be happy to welcome him back as our starting goalie next season, but in all honesty I can’t really see him sticking around. He seems to have enjoyed his loan spells more than he enjoyed playing for us, and if he wants to go back to Macclesfield permanently I doubt we’d stand in his way.
Defenders
Morgan - Hasn’t really done anything wrong so I’d be happy to keep him, but I’m not sure whether we could justify giving a new deal to someone who’s featured in less than half our games this season. The more important question might be whether he’d even want to stay at a club where he has to fight to even make the bench, when he could be starting for most sides in this league.
Brown - Assuming we bring Waters back, I don’t think we could really accommodate having three left-backs in the squad; Heywood has youth on his side and has probably been the marginally better performer so unfortunately Brown looks the likely candidate to leave. He hasn’t been bad by any means but possibly hasn’t fully lived up to expectations given the reputation he had when he joined.
Burke - Already under contract for next season and I’d expect him to stay. This time last year I was convinced this would be his last season with us, but I’d imagine his recent injury problems may have put some potential suitors off and so I think his development would be well-served by staying put for another year.
Kenyon - Very solid player for this level, great lad around the dressing room and helps coach the youth team, so I’d be happy to see him stay. The only potential issue is that, while I don’t have anything to back this up, I imagine he’s probably one of our higher earners given his status when we signed him, so his new deal would have to more accurately reflect his role in the team.
Williams - Again, already under contract for next season and will either stay and be brilliant or will net us a king’s ransom in the transfer market. In some regards I wonder whether the latter would actually be more beneficial, if we could negotiate a six-figure fee from an EFL side, but that’s not to say I wouldn’t be delighted to see him lining up for us in August.
Coates - Ought to be one of our main priorities to tie down. Wouldn’t surprise me if there are National League sides interested in him, but he seems to genuinely enjoy playing for us so I’d like to hope that’s enough to convince him to stay.
Heywood - As mentioned earlier, I’d expect him to stay but might find starts more difficult to come by next season. Depending on Waters’ fitness levels we might even look to sign another left-back, and if so I think Heywood would benefit from a loan out to an NPL side. The attacking side of his game needs to improve, but with the right coaching he could become a very good fullback.
Edwards - Our most underrated player this season, been a massive asset with his composure at the back and so a new contract is essential. If it wasn’t for his history of injuries he’d be playing nowhere near this level, but continuing question marks over his fitness will probably put bigger clubs off signing him.
Midfielders
Weeks - Again, already under contract for next season. At 27, he’s probably beyond the age where other clubs would be happy to pay a fee to sign him so I reckon the likelihood is that, thankfully, he’ll be staying where he is. Our hero, our mate.
Glendon - The final senior player under contract for next season, and I’m really looking forward to seeing him back in action. Unlike some of you are speculating, it’s highly unlikely that he won’t return to being a key player for us and I reckon his performances will surprise many of you. Part of me wonders whether we would’ve gone up with him in our current team.
Roberts - Surely he’ll stay after the season he’s had, but we also need to be looking to the future and trying to recruit a successor. His legs are undeniably beginning to go and I’d hate for us to end up in another Simon Grand-style situation, in which we’re continuing to rely on him even after he’s fallen off the proverbial cliff edge, so I wouldn’t be surprised if he begins to scale back his playing commitments and starts to focus more on his physio role.
Devine - We surely saw his final game for us long ago. Don’t really know how good he’s been for Farsley, if he’s done well you’d imagine they’ll have a permanent deal liked up for him.
Earl - Will probably be offered a new deal, especially considering we still haven’t really seen enough of him to properly judge him. Been a little inconsistent for my liking but clearly a great player on his day, and he’ll hopefully relish the challenge of having to fight for a place in the starting lineup.
Lynch - Decent enough player, but we’re pretty overloaded with central midfielders at the moment and he seems like the most likely candidate to leave and help lessen that load. He shouldn’t be short of suitors and will hopefully go on to have a good career, even if it isn’t with us.
Murray - Gives us a different dimension, causes plenty of issues for opposition defenders and infamously has a great relationship with Cal, so I’d expect him to stay; but he seems to be much more effective coming off the bench than starting. Therefore, I’m in the slightly unusual position of wanting him to stay but not really wanting him to start!
Daly - The standout of our current crop of youth players, although I think it’s somewhat telling that Cal has been reluctant to play him in the first team even when we’ve had injuries and suspensions. He’ll probably be sent out to a step 4 side on loan, but a good pre-season could well help him work his way into our plans.
Whitehouse - Released by Scunthorpe and you’d like to hope we’re fighting tooth and nail to secure his signature permanently, though I reckon we could face some pretty stiff competition from National League sides.
Forwards
Stephenson - Still think he’s got a lot to offer so I’m probably in the minority of fans who want him to stay, but I’ll be very surprised if he does.
Willoughby - I’d do anything to keep him, but realistically it’s highly unlikely to happen. He deserves a move to the EFL, but your Oldhams or Rochdales of the world would probably be a more likely destination.
Dudley - Really not sure, to be honest. We know he’s a complete enigma and he’s absolutely fantastic in about ten games a season, but the question is whether we can continue to carry someone who doesn’t consistently show up. The fact we gave him a new contract after a very poor season last year, though, makes me think we’ll offer him another one after clear signs of improvement this season.
Thomas - Many of you know how highly I rate this fella, and I sincerely hope that his performances in the second half of the season have been enough to convince us to offer him a new deal. Really want him to stick around and become a more consistent starter next season.
Nmai - Hopefully we can try and bring him back next season, unless these rather bizarre Manchester United links amount to anything. I hardly think three games for us will have been enough to convince Salford to throw him in at the deep end in their first team, so if he returns here and becomes a regular starter it could work out to be a good move for all parties.
Hall - Again, I’ve got a few concerns over his injury record and consistency levels but think he’s done more than enough to earn another contract. With Caton and Willoughby both likely to leave, he could well end up featuring more prominently next season.
Turner - In all honesty I’ve never seen the lad play in a competitive game (unless he made any appearances off the bench or in the Cheshire Senior Cup for us that I’ve forgotten about), but he looked very promising last preseason and I noticed he won Hanley’s young player of the year despite not being there for the whole season, so hopefully we give him another chance.
Clarke - Always liked what I’ve seen from him and he’s just had a fantastic loan spell at Flint, but the fact he was nowhere near our first team at any point this season doesn’t bode particularly well. Reckon his future could ultimately depend on how ambitious our summer transfer plans are.
Caton - Highly unlikely he’ll be back. Hopefully his performances for us have been enough to convince Shrewsbury to give him a proper crack in their first team.
Manager
There’s been a fair bit of discussion about Cal’s future, so I may as well weigh in while I’m here. I’d like to think (and hope) that his comments after Sunday’s game were simply borne out of frustration - he wouldn’t be where he is had he not overcome adversity in the past, and on a personal level he’d surely be disappointed to leave what is still an unfinished job behind, so I’d be very surprised if he did decide to quit. Hopefully he manages to give himself a well-earned break for a few weeks, perhaps a holiday to somewhere nice, and comes back feeling refreshed and raring to go. He’s still got another year left on his contract so I think our immediate focus should be on the squad, but if we start next season well we ought to be looking to get him tied down until 2025.
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