The Squad Picture

So How Have We Fared So Far?

Pretty well would be the immediate analysis. Three games at the Vetch have yielded a maximum of 9 points with 11 goals for and just the three against. Away games have yielded an average of one point per game – 3 goals for and 8 against is a slightly worrying figure but the average is close on what we want it to be surely?

Injuries have hit us hard at this point of the season. Martinez and Johnrose have been out as has Maylett through a suspension. But the likes of Andy Robinson have shone in their absence which have helped. So let’s take a look at the squad and see where, if anywhere, we need some strengthening.

Goalkeepers – Brian Murphy started the first four games of the season only to be replaced then by Roger Freestone. Murphy made some mistakes but some good saves as well, particularly against Boston. However, he didn’t seem to command his box enough and we conceded sloppy goals. Roger is the man for this position at the moment as we need experience at the back. His command of the area is second to none and whilst he too will make mistakes he will more than make up for these with the rest of his game.

Defenders – Without a doubt the weakest part of our team at this moment in time. We have plenty of them but many of them come in for criticism. Kristian O’Leary is the most experienced one that we have but he comes in for the most criticism. In fairness (as fair as I can be at the moment) most of this came in the opening games where we he didn’t have Roger to back him up. Izzy I don’t believe is the finished player at the moment and has the tendency to leave his position which exposes us any more. Hylton and Howard have little to choose between them and Lee Jenkins is reasonably dependable at right back. Stuart Jones has played well this season – the question on him is where do we play him – in the centre or on the right? To me we need two new faces here to shore up a defence that doesn’t look like keeping a clean sheet.

Midfielders – If defence is our weakest area I would say this is our strongest. With Martinez running things when he is fit we look a strong side in midfield. Sadly without him we do look lacking. Against Mansfield we seemed to lack a midfield when the attack broke down as all were upfield – something that doesn’t seem to happen when Robbie is around. We were unlucky to lose Lenny straight after him as he can make a difference but the form of Andy Robinson is a real plus. Britton is a marked man this season and we need to work on this to give him the space to create as we know he can. Maylett is outstanding and could possibly be the signing of the summer as he provides the ammunition for the strikers. I remain to be convinced on Coates (as ever) and Durkan. Connolly impressed pre-season but with his early injury it’s too early to judge him in league games. As with last season Martinez is the key to this working and we have to hope that he can keep injury free when he returns.

Strikers. – Well, well, well we have a striker that is capable of scoring 20 goals a season in Trundle and we have another one in Thomas. Nugent is capable of a dozen or so. We will see goals this season. Trundle was a fantastic signing and has proved it so far although it does worry how he drifts out of games. If you look at the two games he has done it – Oxford and Yeovil and it makes you wonder as if the magic daps somedays just don’t work. That is when you wonder if a change could do the trick on the day but he has to start every game. Nugent has deserved his place in the side but in the same way he changed some games for us as a substitute some days it can change things by taking him off – especially if he is getting little change in the air. Thomas is still there for us and should be used more than he is at moment in my opinion.

So that is the look at the squad and it is a good picture we have built. We are vastly improved on last season which is the main thing and are probably a couple of pieces short of having the completed jigsaw. We have a championship in us this season – I am convinced of that – but with the squad at the moment I think a play off is the best we can possibly hope for.

You don’t have to agree – it’s my opinion – voice your thoughts on the Message Board or via e-mail if you disagree.

What are your thoughts? Share them on the Message Board