Control - RedPassion.co.uk

Congy Red · 30th July 2017, 20.27:38

I've noticed a very important difference between this squad and last seasons, and its the ability to exert control. Last year our horrible weakness was the midfield. Looking at the players we've signed and watching them play we can have periods in matches when we can now keep and recover the ball.

I haven't had my socks knocked off by any of the new signings when watching them, but I think they are all very good (not convinced with Hurst yet). Last season Barry was a shocking disappointment and Rooney was just annoying. Kelly looks like a passer with some life left in him.

I think everyone whose watched pre-season will feel a bit rueful about the loss of White, but in the Chorley game a mobile front two started to make sense. They drop deep, spin, and Kelly, Jennings, Mackreth, L.Smith and Rutherford have the ability to find them again. It hasn't worked much yet, it's very difficult to pull off, but...it might just work.

I've given up hope after Keates's last interview that we will sign a striker whose better than anything we've got already, but I'm hoping we'll make the new-size playoffs with what we've got.

89Leader · 30th July 2017, 21.39:18

What I like about the new squad is there is some proper footballers in there. Kelly looks quality on the ball

Hometown Unicorn · 31st July 2017, 10.15:56

Our midfield is amongst the best in the league. Our defence is the best in the league. Squad depth doesn't matter too much when you have a lot of versatility within the squad like we have, so now it's all about getting that top striker. We won't mount a title challenge without one but we should finish comfortably within the play offs.

mjc82 · 31st July 2017, 11.40:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by owain94

Our midfield is amongst the best in the league. Our defence is the best in the league. Squad depth doesn't matter too much when you have a lot of versatility within the squad like we have, so now it's all about getting that top striker. We won't mount a title challenge without one but we should finish comfortably within the play offs.

I'm sorry but it does.. If you pick up 4/5 injuries esp to key players and you are replacing them with players that "can do a job" in that position, you will soon realise strength in depth for each position is vital in this league & any league.

With a squad of 18 players plus kids, you are playing a dangerous game.. esp when you got to teams with big bruisers throughout their team and try & kick you off the park.

Lincoln managed to do it last season with a fairly small squad but replaced injured players with good loan signings from Peterborough (x2) & Gillingham.. I'm pretty sure there isn't money to replicate such signings here.

Todd Sweeney · 31st July 2017, 11.47:10

Quote:

Originally Posted by mjc82

I'm sorry but it does.. If you pick up 4/5 injuries esp to key players and you are replacing them with players that "can do a job" in that position, you will soon realise strength in depth for each position is vital in this league & any league.

With a squad of 18 players plus kids, you are playing a dangerous game.. esp when you got to teams with big bruisers throughout their team and try & kick you off the park.

Lincoln managed to do it last season with a fairly small squad but replaced injured players with good loan signings from Peterborough (x2) & Gillingham.. I'm pretty sure there isn't money to replicate such signings here.

When you say "here" do you mean at Wrexham or at Tranmere - you're a Tranmere supporter aren't you?

StattoWrexham · 31st July 2017, 12.41:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by Todd Sweeney

When you say "here" do you mean at Wrexham or at Tranmere - you're a Tranmere supporter aren't you?

That's what I thought!
There is scope to bring in loan signings as always.

Plus with Build the Budget it's not a one off, there will be things coming in over the next few weeks and months with possibility of another boost around January time.

Teifi Red · 31st July 2017, 12.50:55

The implementation of the gps system will hopefully assist in preventing injuries this season. But, we can always dip into the loan system and as mentioned already, some of the squad can slot into different positions. I'd rather money spent on quality as opposed to quantity.

smiffysarmy · 31st July 2017, 14.45:09

Quote:

Originally Posted by mjc82

Lincoln managed to do it last season with a fairly small squad but replaced injured players with good loan signings from Peterborough (x2) & Gillingham.. I'm pretty sure there isn't money to replicate such signings here.

To be fair, Keates has impressed me with his contacts and I trust he will be able to bring in a couple of replacements if the worst happens

Hometown Unicorn · 31st July 2017, 14.53:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by mjc82

Lincoln managed to do it last season with a fairly small squad but replaced injured players with good loan signings from Peterborough (x2) & Gillingham.. I'm pretty sure there isn't money to replicate such signings here.

Build the budget is ongoing and if we need to loan players in, we'll be able to. We recently had a bid turned down for a striker so we're not exactly skint.

30th July 2017, 20.27:38	#1-0 (permalink)
Congy Red Cult Hero Joined: Apr 2007 Racecourse Spot: Pigeon Loft Real Name: Twitter: @	Control I've noticed a very important difference between this squad and last seasons, and its the ability to exert control. Last year our horrible weakness was the midfield. Looking at the players we've signed and watching them play we can have periods in matches when we can now keep and recover the ball. I haven't had my socks knocked off by any of the new signings when watching them, but I think they are all very good (not convinced with Hurst yet). Last season Barry was a shocking disappointment and Rooney was just annoying. Kelly looks like a passer with some life left in him. I think everyone whose watched pre-season will feel a bit rueful about the loss of White, but in the Chorley game a mobile front two started to make sense. They drop deep, spin, and Kelly, Jennings, Mackreth, L.Smith and Rutherford have the ability to find them again. It hasn't worked much yet, it's very difficult to pull off, but...it might just work. I've given up hope after Keates's last interview that we will sign a striker whose better than anything we've got already, but I'm hoping we'll make the new-size playoffs with what we've got.

30th July 2017, 21.39:18	#2-0 (permalink)
89Leader Legend Joined: Jun 2011 Racecourse Spot: Mold road or behind goal Real Name: Twitter: @	Re: Control What I like about the new squad is there is some proper footballers in there. Kelly looks quality on the ball

31st July 2017, 10.15:56	#3-0 (permalink)
Hometown Unicorn Tipped As Manager Joined: Aug 2010 Racecourse Spot: Real Name: Ronald McDonald Twitter: @	Re: Control Our midfield is amongst the best in the league. Our defence is the best in the league. Squad depth doesn't matter too much when you have a lot of versatility within the squad like we have, so now it's all about getting that top striker. We won't mount a title challenge without one but we should finish comfortably within the play offs.

31st July 2017, 12.50:55	#7-0 (permalink)
Teifi Red Cult Hero (info) Joined: Apr 2012 Racecourse Spot: Yale Real Name: Twitter: @	Re: Control The implementation of the gps system will hopefully assist in preventing injuries this season. But, we can always dip into the loan system and as mentioned already, some of the squad can slot into different positions. I'd rather money spent on quality as opposed to quantity.