What do we still need to seal the deal?

[SouthLondonExile]

Originally Posted by Philcounty1883

I've not seen much of you apart from the one game and some highlights but based on our experiences, I'd say the key is signing versatile players that allow you to change systems during the game and find different ways to win. It will also stand you in good stead for L1. A Leyton Orient fan who posts on our messageboard said the biggest difference up there is that managers react quickly changing formations and tactics during the game.

We were overly reliant on one way of playing last season which was our undoing when we suffered injuries to the key components. Even if you're going well now, the final third of the season is very different for the form teams. It's only November now so the lower teams are more likely to have a go but later in the season you'll play against teams who are happy to play for a draw and they're very good at it. We've signed pace and ball carriers (Olaofe, Barry and Bailey) who can find their way through teams who sit in very deep but still have Wootton who we can go long to and use for his brilliant hold up play. I think we'll be looking to add more ball carriers in January particularly as it's unlikely we'll have Barry next season.

With my limited knowledge of your team, I'd say you need more pace throughout the team and some tricky ball carriers.

I think this is where we struggle.

Our plan B is a midfield diamond, apart from that we've tried little else.

If we make it to L1, that is where we may see a new manager.

[EnglishRed]

If you look at our squad the obvious players to upgrade are Liam MacAlinden, Jake Bickerstaff and Luke Young. We could also bring in U21 players from Prem or Championship teams on loan who wouldn't take up a squad place like Stockport have done.
with Louis Barry.

Defence and another striker probably the priority. Maybe cover for Evans in midfield.

I also think we should be exercising our right to buy McNicholas.

If we want to look to build a squad for next season, and are planning to be in L1 then players like Tozer and Palmer probably need younger replacements but that can probably wait till the summer.

[the_holt_dragon]

To me the obvious positions to upgrade are McAllinden and Bickerstaff. The Fletcher place could be up for grabs if he makes a slow recovery, if we have to look beyond them the likes of Boyle and Young may be at risk, you could easily see the former looking for first team football.

What we then need is an upgrade at centre back and up front and some much needed pace. I would also look for a utility player under 21 who won’t take up
A squad place.

[davewilly0]

Pacy striker, Mullin aside our other strikers have score 3 league goals between them, not good enough, and pacy centre half, could play a higher line if we had one and not panic when a pacy striker plays against us i.e. Stockport, MKD etc. also Hayden too injury prone, do we shift him on or take the risk, question for Parky i suppose

[wonderboy]

Same question was asked this time last season and we had 111 points and our furthest FA cup run since 2000.

Parkys knows best. Trust his judgement

[pricey]

A little early to write off Paul Mullin just yet.

[Hightown Brymbo Red]

Originally Posted by wonderboy

Same question was asked this time last season and we had 111 points and our furthest FA cup run since 2000.

Parkys knows best. Trust his judgement

Agree he has done an excellent job so far

[MJ6987]

Originally Posted by pricey

A little early to write off Paul Mullin just yet.

It may be but I’m being realistic. I know someone who played at a lower level who had the same injury and whilst he carried on playing, he was never quite the same by his own admission and ended up drifting down the leagues.

[WV1]

I get the need for a pacy striker, but where would he fit in?

Parkinson football requires a target man, proved by his first 6 months in charge. They don’t tend to have pace. Therefore you would have to drop Mullin and he won’t and shouldn’t do that.