Burton Albion trialists (so far)

[adambrewer]

So far then, we have had a few trialists come along and take part in our pre season training and friendlies. Some decent names and experienced players this time round.

In the first week, Youl Mawene got turned down by Rowett. Which is a big move seeing as he was a star name with plenty of experience. Whether it was his attitude or the fact he's become an awful player, no one knows though.
Also we've had Marcus Holness who's now signed a 2 year deal. And Lee Bell who's impressed against Villa and Gresley.

While Carl Martin and Anthony O'Connor played the Villa game, but were nowhere to be seen when we played Gresley.
As Steve Haslam and Robbie Neilson played.
Steve Haslam played a trial game for Burton at Eton Park so many years ago, while Robbie Neilson spent plenty of time on trial with us last season.

Does show there's so many good players available at this part of pre season. And the ones we have could add something to our team IMO.

[robslater017]

Agreed Adam.

After seeing Lee Bell in the games against Villa and Gresley, I think it is clear that he looks like he has improved as an overall player from his last spell with us. In the Gresley game especially, I thought that he and Weir looked very good together and seemed to look on the same wavelength. He seems to look a much more comfortable player on the ball, as well as seeming to have matured as a player. I still think that we could do with a bit more height in the centre of midfield, and overall I think that once Mcgrath is fit, he may struggle to regain his place in the side.

Holness seems to be a pretty solid defender, although I think our first choice pairing will probably be Diamond and Stanno, he looks more like a more than comfortable centre half who could also possibly fill in at the right back position as I believe that he has done during his Rochdale days on a number of occasions.

Also, despite seeing Robbie Neilson in the Centre of Midfield the other day, he has commonly been used as a right back for most of his career and I believe that he could possibly be the man to battle it out with Corbs for that position as he has vast experience and it was clear at Gresley that he has quality and composure on the ball.

[mikeyboy]

I agree about Lee Bell, against Villa I thought he looked real quality and also very committed to continue despite a nasty knock. Defensively and in midfield things look to be shaping up OK - would like to see another goalscorer if possible as cover for Kee and Zola. Personally I can't see many goals coming from Richards this season and Yussuf is still very raw.

[DC]

Richards has looked well of the pace since Christmas unfortunately, as has Cleveland Taylor. I think another striker is a must

[Deleted]

O'Connor has gone back to Blackburn but Rowett still may look for a loan deal. I hope so, I think with Stanno, Diamond and Holness in the midle with O'connor as cover we will be all set. Then Corbs and O'connor at right back and McCrory and Webby on the left things already look better at the back.

Weir and Bell in the middle look good, and Mags on the left (or right or middle), what a pass he made to McCrory to setup the 1st goal vs Gresley. But we still need a another winger and a striker.

[ohwhenthebrewers]

I thought he had a decent game, does anyone know anything about Downing, who played against Aston Villa?

[adambrewer]

He's a young lad who West Brom I think have released.
Played something like 26 games for Barnet on loan in centre back last season. Yet he played his trial game for us in centre mid alongside Robbie Weir.