Don't panic

[bobby93]

Definitely not time to panic just yet but I am concerned. I think what we have is the basis of a squad beginning to take shape. My worry, like others, is that everything seems to have gone quiet on the transfer front. As long as Ling has still got his fingers in pies then I'm happy, but the buzz that accompanied last week's activity appears to have subsided and I hope this doesn't mean that all possible avenues have been exhausted, because if we attempt to start the season with the squad we now have, I think it'll be a struggle.

Just my opinion but I think we need a backup keeper, one or two wingers and one or two strikers. Possibly even a backup defender (especially given the Robertson rumours). I hope the budget allows for that, although of course loan options are also a possibility.

[Fonda]

We desperately need:
2 strikers
1 winger (left-footed)
1 back-up keeper

These are players we need in the squad now. There is a month until the start of the season, but in order that the team are not introduced to each other in the tunnel against Burton, we must act quickly on these.

Supplementary to these, i'd like to see:
1 more winger (which would mean we're not forced to start Stevens or Macklin)
1 Central midfielder to add to the competition in the engine room

These are not so pressing, they represent 'wants' not 'needs', but our prospects would be greatly improved with their introduction.

In an ideal world, we'd bring in these 6, and the likes of Palmer, Yeoman and Spear could be loaned out. As it is, we need them as cover and they simply can't be ready for League football.

For me, of the four areas of the pitch, only the defence is complete. That £30k + wages from Zebs departure will be stretched...

[AustrianAndyGull]

Fonda that is spot on mate. Exactly the view i have on our squad. I would like to see a 'hardman' enforcer type of player in midfield though and i don't know if there is anyone out there that fits the bill. Heres hoping.

[Richinns]

Fonda that is spot on mate. Exactly the view i have on our squad. I would like to see a 'hardman' enforcer type of player in midfield though and i don't know if there is anyone out there that fits the bill. Heres hoping.

Very much looks like we will not being having anymore additions in central mid (and definetly not Easton)
http://www.thisissouthdevon.co.uk/CAPTA ... story.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Shame as IMO we are lacking here and Easton would have fit the bill.

[Fonda]

I suggested a few days ago whilst our budget has been described as 'competetive', if you allocate reasonable sums in specific areas, it naturally means being thrifty elsewhere. I have no idea how much Olejnik is being paid obviously, but i don't imagine he came cheap. Perhaps his capture means 'essentials' are all that will be targetted now? With Manse, Eunan, Lathrope, Oastler and Mcphee, i guess midfield isn't priority.

[SteveDeckchair]

I think Lathrope will come to the fore this season as well. He is young and fit and put in some good performances adding bite when Stanley was out. So much so that we didn't miss him in the playoff semi's.

I'll forgive him the Old Trafford mistake (losing his marker) that led to a goal as I felt Branston got pulled out of position a touch too easy for that one.

[Richinns]

I think Lathrope will come to the fore this season as well. He is young and fit and put in some good performances adding bite when Stanley was out. So much so that we didn't miss him in the playoff semi's.

I'll forgive him the Old Trafford mistake (losing his marker) that led to a goal as I felt Branston got pulled out of position a touch too easy for that one.

I am worried about Lathrope. I don't see too much in him if I am honest. A Matt Hockley type for me. Hope he proves me wrong.

[SteveDeckchair]

I am worried about Lathrope. I don't see too much in him if I am honest. A Matt Hockley type for me. Hope he proves me wrong.

Yes, a Matt Hockley type if you like, but he played next to and allowed Sir Alex Russell to do his thing didn't he? Swap Eunan O'Kane for Sir Alex and you get where i'm coming from.

To be fair to Lathrope though, I think he can actually pass a ball whereas Hockers was straight out of the Branstonbauer school of football.

[leetufc]

I am worried about Lathrope. I don't see too much in him if I am honest. A Matt Hockley type for me. Hope he proves me wrong.

We need players like this in the midfield though to allow Eunan the space to thrive. One creative player and another to sit back and guard the defence. If we had two attacking central midfield players our defence would be under the cosh. Although not the prettiest players to watch they do a very important job for the team and are often the least appreciated, which is why I believe someone like Lathrope or Oastler could be the right partner to allow Eunan to flourish next season. Hockley wasn't the greatest footballer but when we went up under Leroy it was his role to allow the likes of Russell and Fowler to go forward. As much as I like Manse, I don't think he's as good a midfielder as people have been saying. Lets remember he played that role in the season we went down and hasn't played it regularly for a fair while now. I would keep him at right back for now and try one of the other in alongside Eunan.

I definitely wouldn't panic yet. Defence is the key area to sort, which Ling has done. Then comes the midfield which seems pretty settled. Last of all you add the strikers which he's doing now. I also think he's had to wait til now to see the outcome of the Zebs talks. If Zebs had stayed he'd have been looking at different types of players so he's had to wait to see what he needs and how much money is available.

[Richinns]

Yes, a Matt Hockley type if you like, but he played next to and allowed Sir Alex Russell to do his thing didn't he? Swap Eunan O'Kane for Sir Alex and you get where i'm coming from.

To be fair to Lathrope though, I think he can actually pass a ball whereas Hockers was straight out of the Branstonbauer school of football.

I have not noticed this yet, if he possess this then he will go up in my estimations.

[Fonda]

I think Lathrope has far more to his game than Hockers ever had. For me, as much of a 'cult hero' as Hockley became, has was no more than a water carrier (thanks to Eric Cantona for that description). His sole purpose was to make tackles - and he more frequently took the players legs than the ball. Lathrope is more mobile, has better timing in the challenge and can pass a bit too.

Having said that, as i mentioned elsewhere previously, i do not see a midfield of Eunan and Lathrope working. If Eunan is to play in the middle of the pitch (where he'll do most damage), it should be alongside an experienced player, happy to play that disruptive role. It has to be Manse for me.

[royalgull]

I agree, Mansell and O Kane for me as well. My interest is where abouts he plays McPhee if he is a 4-4-2 man then I suppose it's either on the flank or up front. Unless he plays him slightly deeper with 1 out and out striker.

[Richinns]

I agree, Mansell and O Kane for me as well. My interest is where abouts he plays McPhee if he is a 4-4-2 man then I suppose it's either on the flank or up front. Unless he plays him slightly deeper with 1 out and out striker.

Which is the plan at the moment

[Bigman]

What a difference a fortnight and a few signings make! Not long ago uncertainty over who was going to be here was causing a general state of alarm but now the uncertainty is over what system we might play and I for one am getting a wee bit excited by it

To my mind we're a goalscorer and possibly a winger light of a decent first 11, but wouldn't be surprised if these additions came through the loan market a little nearer the start of the season. From what he's saying the gaffer seems to know this is where we've got gaps and is looking to address them, so I'm reasonably comfortable with the situation.

[royalgull]

Which is the plan at the moment

Whilst i know that's a pop that we only have Kee at current state of play, i don't think it would be the worst ploy. Said Mcphee likes to get involved in the middle of the pitch these days, arrive late to the box to score some goals. he could play that slightly deeper role make it a 5 in midfield when defending, then do the arriving late when we're going forward. If we do go that route you need decent wingers who put good crosses in too meet those runs. At the moment we are lacking those in all honesty. Oh for a fit 10 year younger Wayne Carlisle.