An update on the 2021/22 Squad (as of 29th June)

[Fred Andrews]

So we've seen a lot of players released and three brought into the squad so far, and it looks like we could see quite a bit more movement over the coming weeks as Jimmy has said he hopes to have most of his squad in place by the time they return to training at the end of June. Let's take a look at how things stand, I'll note what position players can play in so it gives a better view of things.

Goalkeepers:

- O'Hara
- Garratt (has signed a new 2 year contract)
- Balcombe (season long loan)
- Hawkins

Our goalkeeper situation looks OK for now, there are still a few rumours regarding O'Hara's future but if we went into the season with those 2 competing again, it would be fine.

Defenders:

- (RB/CB) Brayford
- (RB/CB/LB) Hamer
- (RB/CB/LB) Oshilaja (New signing, 2 year contract)
- (CB/LB) Borthwick-Jackson (New signing, 2 year contract)
- (LB) Blake-Tracy (New signing, 2 year contract)
- (RB/CB/DM) Mancienne (has signed a new 1 year deal)
- (CB/DM) Bostwick (Contract extended until 2022)
- (CB/LB/CM/UT) Wallace (New 1 year contract)

Defensively we are looking OK, I still think we'll need another quality centre half to attempt to replace Carter as we look a little thin in that area of natural centre halfs.

Midfield/Wingers:

- (DM/CM) Gilligan
- (DM/CM) Taylor
- (DM/CM) Morris (New signing, 2 year contract)
- (LW/RW/AM) Powell
- (RW/LW/ST) Akins
- (RW/LW) Smith
- (RW/LW/ST) Patrick (New signing, 2 year contract)
- (RW/LW/AM) Rowe (New 1 year deal)
- (LB/CB/CM/LM) O'Connor (New signing, 2 year contract)
- (CB/DM/CM) Shaughnessy (New signing, 2 year contract)

Forwards:

(ST) Hemmings
(ST) Moult (New signing, 2 year contract)
(LW/RW/ST) Parker


Released list:

Anderson
Armitage
Daniel
Eardley
Fondop
Fox
Gallacher
Hart
Hutchinson
O'Toole
Quinn
Varney

Left:

Edwards

[bartonyellow]

Oddity when hasselbank came in we did not struggle to score goals, but I agree we need a striker to go with kane.
A non league striker is a gamble, sometimes they pay off others not so.
Kieran agard has been released by mk dons.
Always liked him at Rotherham, looked quick and a good finisher. Not sure how old he is now.

[Fred Andrews]

I've updated our squad list in incorporate the 3 new signings of Morris, Moult and Blake-Tracy.

[Deleted]

Bit more updating to do Fred ! lol

[bancroft]

We’ve got a right good squad assembled here, and thats before any loan players

[jamoboy]

I'm wondering whether there'll be anything doing with Sam Hughes on loan.

Although not a JFH signing I'd imagine him and Dino would have been aware of his form pre injury. With Leicester coming for the friendly theres normally conversations between the clubs around possible loan signings. He's got one year left at Leicester so a 1 year loan to see where he is - good enough to get a new deal at Leicester or released next summer and he signs permanently for us if he impresses JFH.

[annable]

Jun 23, 2021 6:19:54 GMT jamoboy said:

I'm wondering whether there'll be anything doing with Sam Hughes on loan.

Although not a JFH signing I'd imagine him and Dino would have been aware of his form pre injury. With Leicester coming for the friendly theres normally conversations between the clubs around possible loan signings. He's got one year left at Leicester so a 1 year loan to see where he is - good enough to get a new deal at Leicester or released next summer and he signs permanently for us if he impresses JFH.

As much as i'd like to see a fully fit Sam Hughes back with us I think his return will very much depend on where he is with his serious injury rehabilitation. I'm no expert but would think that type of knee injury would be 9 months minimum so having done it in January you are probably looking at September/October minimum for any sort of return and i'm not sure Jimmy will fill up one of the loan slots with somebody returning from injury. Unfortunately, it's a no from me now but maybe look again in January.

[bancroft]

I don't think we'll be in for hughes

we've got Bostwick, Brayford, Hamer, Oshilaja, then at a push Blake-Tracy and Wallace when fit all who can play centre half. Plus a couple of the new kids who have signed pro. we're more likely to sign someone as cover who can play in a couple of positions than take Sam Hughes who probably wouldn't be first choice centre half this season if he was here.

[Fred Andrews]

Our squad is looking pretty good, we are looking a powerful, fit & fast team. We've got some younger players in, and still have the experience of Akins, Brayford, Mancienne and Bostwick.

We have got cover at centre half but I still think we are lacking one player of genuine quality in the middle, Bostwick's fitness is questionable so if we could get Carter back that would be a stunning coup. We can guarantee him 40+ games at League One level which would be fantastic for his development.

I think our biggest issue remaining is in the centre of midfield. I think we need a big man in there, and if we could snare Clare from Oxford again, we are ready and set. I guess a lot depends on Edwards.

[Deleted]

Think that is a fair assessment Fred. I'll trust in Jimmy and Dino to sort it out. Not expecting Edwards to come back myself but you never know. Looking at the squad in terms of physicality we have some big units with only Gilligan under 6 feet and Parker at a modest 5'11 and a half. One thing is for sure by the time the season starts they will be super fit, Jimmy and Dino's training regime takes no prisoners and the players know what is coming.
We were the fittest team in the division when Jimmy was here previously and i expect we will be again.

[bancroft]

I think they start back pre season training next week. we'l probably find out then where Edwards is at, and like you say, need to get one more into central midfield if he's leaving

[jackbrewer]

Signed Tom O’Connor from Southampton

[Fred Andrews]

Connor Shaugnessy signs, 6 foot 2 so the big midfielder we've been looking for.

[insideleft]

I tend not to follow any of the comings and goings during the close season and focus on cricket.
It does seem that Ben R is backing JFH all the way. JFH and Dino certainly going about their business with intent. Surely we can’t go up again?!
Seems like a number of 2 year contracts are in place which is great for stability if we can afford it and JFH/Dino stay 2 years!
I perhaps need to read Fred’s summary again but I do sense the majority of signings seem to be defence/midfield based?
I do hope we can see a little more football now we’re starting a season with a clean slate.
Looking forward to the first friendly late July.

[Deleted]

Just a quick catch up on all for all to keep up to date with all the transfer activity at the Pirelli so far this season :-
New signings all signed on 2 year contracts

Cameron Borthwick-Jackson from Oldham Athletic
Omari Patrick from Carlisle United
Deji Oshilaja from Charlton Athletic
Bryn Morris from Portsmouth
Louis Moult from Preston North End
Frazer Blake-Tracy from Peterborough United
Tom O'Connor from Southampton
Conor Shaungnessy from Rochdale

Players who have either signed new contracts or extension

Ben Garratt
Michael Mancienne
Michael Bostwick
Danny Rowe
Kieran Wallace

All 1 year apart from Garratt who i think was 2 years.

Jimmy and Dino did say they wanted the majority of the squad in prior to pre-season training starting.
They have certainly been true to their word.
I make that 24 players on contract for the season at present plus the four scholars promoted from the academy who will train with the first team squad
Thierry Latty-Fairweather, Luke Redfern, Ben MClean, Daniel Moore.

The squad looks strong with lots of depth and competition.
I have absolutely no idea what our starting line up will be at Shrewsbury but honestly feel we are better equiped at the start of this season than we were at the start or the end of last seson.
Looking forward to seeng these players in action !

[anthony41]

At the moment maybe…

Garratt

Hamer Oshilaja Bostwick/Brayford CBJ/FBT

Mancienne Morris/Shaugnessy

Akins/Smith Taylor/Powell Patrick/Rowe

Moult/Hemmings

Lots of “and/or” options in there. I’d be amazed if Edwards stays at this point considering how many central midfield players have come in unless Gilligan is off out on loan and Powell is to move on. 

[Fred Andrews]

Powell only has one year left on his deal, so dependant on whether we are in talks, now would certainly be the time to cash in. Whatever Harness actually went for, I'd be asking for double, if anyone is interested of course!

I'd like to see Gilligan go out for 6 months and get 20/25 games on loan, maybe at lower League 2/upper Conference level as I doubt he'll get too many here at the moment.

[Fred Andrews]

Updated to show Edwards departure.

[observer]

Tom Hewlett (striker)

And

Callum Hawkins (keeper)

Have both signed new one year deals