Post by gashead1981 on Jul 23, 2019 9:16:47 GMT
Jury will be out on the keepers I will agree with. But let’s remember Bonham wasn’t ours, Smith and Slocombe were, and from what I have seen both are an upgrade on those 2.
Little is much better than Partington and as a complete footballer, better than JC. He can also cross a ball as well as being twice the athlete. He’s been promoted out of this league and has championship experience. JC and JP have gone to L2 and the conference. What does that tell you.
Davies is as competent as Locks was. I’ve seen Davies a good few times before he came to the gas and we have a good reliable centre half on our hands.
Leahy is better than THD because THD is broken, possibly for good. A fit THD is a very handy player for this league, but he can hardly last 70 mins on a good day. Leahy is fit as a butchers dog, has a great left foot on him and if I was JCH I would be licking my lips about having him on the flank. He also has potential to improve the defensive side of his game and be a good prospect. Where I feel THD is more fighting for his career than anything else.
Smith has the potential to be an astute striker and is as good if not better than Jakubiak IMO.
Lines and Sinclair didn’t need replacing. They didn’t play under GC and it was clear neither were in his plans. We had Upson, Clarke, Ogogo, Russe and Sercombe as central midfielders as well as those 2.
Personally I would like to see someone like Jombati come in for Craig. Add another striker and send TN out on loan and maybe add another creative midfielder/winger to the squad.
I'm always slightly pessimistic to be fair.
I was just trying to compare this years team with last years team and the only position I can see that we're likely to be stronger in is right back. Even that is open to debate as James Clarke was many peoples POTY last season.
I know Bonham wasn't our player but he was with us all last season and played a big part in our excellent defensive record. I'm not convinced either of our new keepers are as good.
Davies might be competent but he lacks pace compared to Locks and playing alongside an ageing Craig that is a concern. I think we'll miss Lockyer more than some realise.
I can't help but be concerned about Leahy as a defender. 95% of Walsall fans seem to think he's one of the worst players they've seen. Compare that to when they signed JC of us with 95% of our fans saying that they'd signed a good player. THD only made 21 appearances last season but without him we are weaker in my opinion.
Central midfield is my biggest concern. No pace or creativity. We've got nobody creative, that can pick a pass or run with the ball at speed. Lines could do this at his best. Not any longer it's true but I do think he needed replacing. Upson, Clarke, Ogogo, Russe are all too similar and Sercombe is anonymous when he plays in the middle.
Numbers wise we're okay up front. Much the same as last year with Smith replacing Jakubiak. Whether he's as good remains to be seen but his record to date isn't any better.
I think we're 2 or 3 players short of a mid table side. Preferably midfielders both central and out wide to add a bit of pace and creativity. GC has said he wants at least a couple more. I'm just hoping they're better than what we've got and not just bench warners.
Leahy got relegated in a poor side last year which was mismanaged. He was played mainly in 442 surrounded by defenders who couldnt defend and a midfield that got strolled through. He still came out with the most crosses and attacking plays from a LB/LWB in a whole season. THD is out for 3-4 months i think so its Xmas before we properly see him. We also have Kelly who can sure up and play as a 4 pushing Leahy forward. He has potential for us.
I do agree we need some creativity in the middle. I was hoping that Sercs will be given a chance to rediscover his form and that he steps us. He is capbale of shooting from distance, creating a chance and making a good pass. IMO hes been forced out wide for too long and hes lost the art of what he is really capable of purely from a lack of match practice playing what is his familiar role.
I would love someone like Luke Thomas who was at Coventry last year who was on loan from Derby. He has now signed for Barnsley but someone in that mould. I cant think of anyone who we could afford or is available to fill that role.