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Post by Rimmer on Apr 19, 2024 13:03:43 GMT
Good summary of each of the players, the only ones that are questionable for me are: Murray - just concerned that he is too lightweight for this league, has the skills but too easily knocked off the ball. Heywood - would give him another season as he provides a great back up option Glendon - has been a great servant to us and is a quality player. If he did stay then Cal has to find a way to get the best out of Weekes and Glendon when playing together. The squad needs a good shake up and some physicality bringing in. The only thing about Ollie Heywood is that if we were to retain him, then I imagine we’d have played him more throughout the season to reserve judgment. As I said above, it’s probably best for him to join another club where he’d be guaranteed regular football. He’s definitely good enough for this league though. All depends on whether we get rid of Joel Taylor, and decide on whether to start Nathan Woodthorpe, or to bring another quality left-back in. Good retained list Rio, don’t disagree with much if anything really, would love to be able to get Tollitt and Kieran Burton here next year
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Post by yossergolf on Apr 19, 2024 14:03:29 GMT
The only thing about Ollie Heywood is that if we were to retain him, then I imagine we’d have played him more throughout the season to reserve judgment. As I said above, it’s probably best for him to join another club where he’d be guaranteed regular football. He’s definitely good enough for this league though. All depends on whether we get rid of Joel Taylor, and decide on whether to start Nathan Woodthorpe, or to bring another quality left-back in. Good retained list Rio, don’t disagree with much if anything really, would love to be able to get Tollitt and Kieran Burton here next year Tollitt is a luxury player to me and not a player who will scrap, Burton is a definite for me
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Post by yoshimitsu on Apr 19, 2024 14:26:29 GMT
Good retained list Rio, don’t disagree with much if anything really, would love to be able to get Tollitt and Kieran Burton here next year Tollitt is a luxury player to me and not a player who will scrap, Burton is a definite for me Agree about Burton. Seen him in three of the more recent games and think he has been very good. Not sure he’ll come down to our level permanently but hoping so.
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Post by Lobster on Apr 19, 2024 14:40:54 GMT
Would like to see Stanway, Williams, Burke and Woodthorpe here next season. Coates as well if he can stay injury free.
Taylor needs moving on.
Everyone else I'm not really arsed either way about. They're all decent players, but that's not to say I'd be happy if we just kept them all, as we do need to change. Calum will need to make some brave and not universally popular decisions if we're to do better next season, and I trust his judgement more than mine to decide how to reshape the team.
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Post by agl on Apr 19, 2024 14:55:20 GMT
It's a strange one. Normally there are three or four players who you can't wait to see the back of. I don't feel that with this squad. Maybe with the exception of Taylor, who has gone backwards, and Jake Burton who's been out of the picture for ages, they're all capable players. Yet we've finished in 10th or 11th, won 6 games out of 22 since Christmas. Something has to give. Peers and Caton under contract is a problem ..we can't afford another season misfiring up front. Got to bring in some sort of marquee signing up front and get a bit more physicality in the midfield. If Peers wasn't under contract I'd let him go. We have to go to places like Banbury and win the battles, so the likes of Weeks and/or Glendon can dictate the play. Points dropped against bottom 8 teams cost us. We are two quality players from being a top five or six side. I think Whitehouse will be sacrificed, and not sure if Murray offers enough. Taylor needs to move on. Keeping Burke is a priority and hopefully Williams stays too. Not that bothered if Stanway goes..he's done well enough but there are plenty of good keepers out there. Heywood, Norton, Thomas, a bit meh. Coates and Edwards haven't played enough games to warrant new deals but wouldn't be disappointed if they stayed.
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Post by Curva Nord on Apr 19, 2024 15:01:02 GMT
Love to see someone like Matty Rhead in, a nasty bully upfront. I think we do lack a nasty bastard on the pitch
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Post by chesterken on Apr 19, 2024 15:12:44 GMT
I always think that Pryor to the game when the teams line up the opponents always look far bigger than us in every position, as people have said we need more physically in midfield and up top so we can win the first ball.
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Post by yoshimitsu on Apr 19, 2024 15:39:36 GMT
I think if we had a big lump up front you’d see a hell of a different outcome from both Peers and Caton.
I’ve not seen loads of games this season but of those I have, both Peers and Caton have been up against mountain men and haven’t had a look in from any balls played up to them.
Get them feeding off a big lump and it’d be a lot different I think. I’d keep both of them for that reason.
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Post by weareblues on Apr 19, 2024 16:08:14 GMT
I think if we had a big lump up front you’d see a hell of a different outcome from both Peers and Caton. I’ve not seen loads of games this season but of those I have, both Peers and Caton have been up against mountain men and haven’t had a look in from any balls played up to them. Get them feeding off a big lump and it’d be a lot different I think. I’d keep both of them for that reason. Shame we shipped Hall out to Scarborough and continued to play Norton who no disrespect is clearly not good enough for this level.
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Post by yoshimitsu on Apr 19, 2024 16:15:22 GMT
I think if we had a big lump up front you’d see a hell of a different outcome from both Peers and Caton. I’ve not seen loads of games this season but of those I have, both Peers and Caton have been up against mountain men and haven’t had a look in from any balls played up to them. Get them feeding off a big lump and it’d be a lot different I think. I’d keep both of them for that reason. Shame we shipped Hall out to Scarborough and continued to play Norton who no disrespect is clearly not good enough for this level. I never really saw Hall do well as a target man. I don’t go many games though so could be mistaken.
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Post by Moltisanti on Apr 19, 2024 16:15:49 GMT
I think if we had a big lump up front you’d see a hell of a different outcome from both Peers and Caton. I’ve not seen loads of games this season but of those I have, both Peers and Caton have been up against mountain men and haven’t had a look in from any balls played up to them. Get them feeding off a big lump and it’d be a lot different I think. I’d keep both of them for that reason. Shame we shipped Hall out to Scarborough and continued to play Norton who no disrespect is clearly not good enough for this level. Hall was/is crap and Norton barely played Awful shout
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Post by agl on Apr 19, 2024 16:20:19 GMT
Shame we shipped Hall out to Scarborough and continued to play Norton who no disrespect is clearly not good enough for this level. Hall was/is crap and Norton barely played Awful shout Two goals for Scarborough and some people think Hall is the answer. Probably one of those players who will get clubs at this level but we've got to be looking for better. His close control is awful.
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Post by Curva Nord on Apr 19, 2024 16:27:18 GMT
Hall isn't the answer for a target man, we need NLNs equivalent of John Parkin or Akinfenwa
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Post by deesideblue1 on Apr 19, 2024 16:58:44 GMT
I’d even say Burke is a priority to sell if anyone is in for him?
A fee for him would cover 3-4 really good players. And this is what we’re built for.
1 of Glendon, Weeks and Whitehouse to go (probably the latter) to free up a wage for a new centre mid.
Peers and Caton to be our starting forwards. Last chance saloon for Caton before he goes to play for his Dad
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Post by highpeakblue on Apr 19, 2024 17:38:49 GMT
I like Hall, but he hasn't shown anything since his injury. He needs to move on to see if he can rediscover some form.
Equally, I haven't seen anthing in Peers that would make me want to keep him. If we could move him on I'd rather we did and look for a decent replacement with the wages freed up. At least Caton is young and you feel there is room for improvement.
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Post by dmcnally on Apr 20, 2024 21:45:40 GMT
A short read turned long read, for those interested in some player suggestions for the summer...
Keep Stanway - obviously
Williams - 78% ground duels won - highest of any NLN CB this season. Enough said
Burke - hopefully nails down a spot at CB now
Weeks - hopefully better utilised with a different profile of midfield
Caton - let's hope pre-season is what he needs for these injury struggles, potential is there
Woodthorpe - surprise package of the season. Solid LCB, LB, LWB. Looks up to it physically, good cross on him, reliable. Wouldn't be opposed to him first choice left back
Murray, Daly, Heywood on the basis they are low-cost, reliable options. All have a part to play, be it impact sub, competition, cover
Release Taylor - obviously
Peers (sell/free) - looks lost, more interested in fighting centre halves
Glendon - we're shoehorning him into that 10 role at the expense of others. Served us well, thanks and good luck to the lad but let's move on. Jonno’s probably already on the phone anyway
Roberts - what a servant for the club but reached his cliff physically. 22/23 superb but never recruited an adequate second DM last summer, huge failure, paid the price 23/24. Vital we get his replacement right
Whitehouse - in his defence too often had to cover at DM owing to our failure to recruit there. We’ve got a hugely experienced NL/Lg2 midfielder who has always put up good numbers yet we’ve ended up using him so deep, a waste. Never doubted his commitment but it’s a significant wage that can be better spent elsewhere
Coates - poor on the rare occasion he's played, can't cross. Think we need to prioritise reliability and be ruthless here
Edwards - great defender, fitness makes him a liability
Thomas - great pro but fitness concerns, system doesn't suit him - he's never been a target man
Norton - those who've seen him in some of the recent away games will see he has ability, bags of it. I really rate him, a tough call but not sure his head is in it this low down the pyramid (relative to his background), no passengers. Invite to pre-season and assess?
Hall - a shame as he's a great watch on form, but few and far between especially following surgery. Good luck to him
J Burton - did nothing in pre-season, signed him anyway, did nothing all season. Wrong profile, poor recruitment
Loanees Tollitt - obviously has quality but too often anonymous, not worth the huge wages it'd require. Plus he's best suited to left wing, if we're not going to play wingers then again it's putting very expensive square pegs in round holes
K Burton - difficult player to define. Not a full back/wing back, doesn't (yet) look comfortable in a back four - done on a cross by 5’9 Connor Hall last weekend, twice. Reminds me of Matty Williams early on - positioning on a cross needs work. Looked impressive left of a back three - strong in ground duels, comfortable in possession - but are we playing that shape enough to justify his signing? Certainly has potential, worth a discussion
Signings The target man Height. Physicality. Experience. Leadership. Know-how. End product. I can't think of a better suited forward option than Lenell John-Lewis in our current system that demands a lot of a striker in build up. Powerful forward able to take it into feet, compete aerially, hugely experienced at 34 (still a NL regular this season), proper leader - captain at York and adored by their fans. 16 goals in 36 apps at this level for Hereford/York. Would be just the right profile to partner Caton. Contract up this summer, York have a huge squad and the new manager will have to make some space with Akinyemi and Chadwick already on deals to 2026. One to watch.. Similar profile: Mike Fondop, Richie Bennett, Jordan Archer, Cedric Main
The Kev replacement If I could sign one player this summer it would be Shepherd Murombedzi. Second highest defensive duels won this season by a NLN midfielder at 72%, hugely reliable playing 98% of minutes this season, massive presence in the middle who covers so much ground, breaks up play, threat on set pieces, capable in possession, another vocal leader and vice-captain at Brackley. If his previous spell was anything to go by, this one may pushing the boundaries of 'ambitious' (add in a possible promotion!..), but he is the blueprint for a midfielder at this level and we should prioritise his profile. Would provide the perfect balance to utilise Weeks more effectively. Similar profile: Nathan Sheron (loan), Louis White, Mike Calveley who beats Shep to first on defensive duels won this season at 74%. A Cestrian who signed an extension at Chorley start of the year so don't expect him to be available
The goal-getter 'Let it go' crowd, look away... I expect two former strikers will be on the market in the summer, and I'm not sure there will be many more reliable options for goals out there. Kurt Willoughby is a long way down a long list of forwards at Oldham. 20 goals in 45 apps for us - a goal per 196 minutes. Contracted to 2025 but surplus to requirements. Scunthorpe will require a clear out regardless of level with budget cuts planned and one likely to depart is Danny Elliott. 22 goals in 44 apps for Boston in 21/22 - a goal per 160 minutes. Somewhat pushed aside to impact sub after Scunthorpe's statement signing of Danny Whitehall, but still chipping in with 11 goals this season - a goal per 174 minutes, well outperforming Peers (7, goal per 283 mins) and Caton (5, goal per 342 mins). Similar profile: Kelsey Mooney, Alex Reid, Marcus Carver, Charlie Jolley likely leaving Tranmere
The imposing centre half As mentioned Matty Williams has the highest CB ground duels success in the league at 78%, though his aerial duels success is just 50%. An imposing centre half, dominant in the air is a must. Billy Sass-Davies has impressed for a number of National League sides on loan from Crewe - a giant at 6’5. A regular this season for Boreham Wood where he’s had rave reviews. Always a threat on set pieces with four goals in 36 apps this season. With their relegation confirmed and his contract up at Crewe this summer, I’d expect him to move on and the location would be ideal for him. Fits the model at 24, still time to improve. Will depend on NL interest but one we should definitely be in for. Ben Hockenhull, 22, could leave Tranmere this summer. Strong background through Brentford and Man Utd at youth level, impressed on loan at Southport, recalled earlier this month and did well in his two apps; two wins to end the season in League Two. Similar profile: Pierce Bird, Festus Arthur
The reliable right back A problem position this season, with two loans and Burke having to spend significant minutes covering there. Dan Pike is expected to leave Tranmere with minutes limited, would expect him to drop, NL interest likely but an attractive offer to remain local for him, as a starter in our side could hold some weight. Still only 22, again the right profile to develop. Won this league with Fylde. Sam Minihan has been there and done it at this level, could Buxton's move to full time work in our favour? Won this league with Stockport. Similar profile: Jordan Richards, Joe Starbuck
Not implying that these names are realistic, who knows, but gives food for thought on profile for the respective positions.
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Post by Anders on Apr 21, 2024 0:13:58 GMT
Some bold calls there and a ruthless view, but I think that’s needed if you want to be successful. I like Weeks, Glendon and Whitehouse as individual players, but not all together. The former is local and popular so gets the nod, although my doubts about him are increasing by the game and he was incredibly lucky to get offered that new deal so early in the season. Whitehouse makes a serious effort for us, which you have to commend, travelling in from Donny, but you get the feeling it isn’t sustainable. Peers will be here next season, he’s contracted, but even then he’s got 7 goals in 24 games this season, stretch that out to a full season and it’s 14 which isn’t a bad return considering he hasn’t been played to his strengths. I’ve been alarmed by how unbelievably arsey and argumentative he’s been in recent months though, frustration maybe, but felt like slapping him myself a few times recently. Daly has disappointed me, he had a good reputation in the youth team but whenever I watched them he felt like a luxury. He made a bright start to the season but has shown next to nothing since. He got a decent assist at Chorley away a few months ago but was otherwise a clear weak link in that game and threw in one of the worst performances I’ve seen from a Chester player at King’s Lynn. He’s young and needs to gain experience and I acknowledge I’m being harsh on an inexperienced young lad, but if he is given a new deal which I expect he will then he has to show a lot more next season. Big call to make on Coates. Not really about injuries as the one he picked up at the end of the Buxton home game was just unlucky. He’s very likeable, pacey, leaps like a salmon and good enough defensively, but his crossing is absolutely dire and a huge flaw. It’s got to a point where you think there’s no point going to all that effort to sprint up the pitch because we all know you won’t do anything when you get there. I’d tell him to work on it himself over the summer and invite him back to pre-season to see if there has been any improvement. I reckon he will fancy himself to get another deal elsewhere rather than go through that rigmarole though. I’d give Kev Roberts another year, maybe not an automatic starter anymore but he can do a very decent job in three positions still, and if you’re going with a smaller squad as Calum suggests then we will need that versatility. Personally I like Norton, he’s done some good things in away games that many haven’t seen. There’s something there with him and I really want him to come good. He hasn’t done enough to earn a new deal but would invite back to pre-season on trial. Could be wrong, but heard Thomas wants to go part time (proper part time, night training). Murray and Heywood have their uses and would be keeps for me if they don’t brake the bank, which they probably don’t. Edwards is the type of defender you want at this level, but it’s whether you can tolerate him being so injury prone. Woodthorpe has shown more than enough. Hall, Taylor & J Burton aren’t really worth discussing.
I like Tollitt but probably not worth the wage demands considering can blow hot and cold. Also like K Burton but lives in York (apparently) and don't know feasible a permanent deal is.
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Post by Harry Lime on Apr 21, 2024 6:58:03 GMT
Excellent thoughts from dcmally and Anders there. Agree with the logic, and some very interesting thoughts on incoming options from dmcnally.
I wonder whether we will play the same formation next seasons though. Surely we'll need to adjust the midfield and striker positions. That should affect retentions and incoming. A lone striker with two floating wide(ish) men floating about, probably isn't the way to go.
We will need to move on some higher earners to allow us to free up sufficient space in the budget to bring in the different profile of player we need. There needs to be casualties in the summer. Might be a busy summer. Might be a few more signings later in the window this time.
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Post by superhans on Apr 21, 2024 7:07:31 GMT
No Glendon in the squad at all yesterday, reckon he's off then? As suggested above could easily imagine him going to Radcliffe, I think a fresh start might be best for all parties with Weeks not leaving.
A target man and few players that can cross and want to run at defenders, be it full backs or wingers, is a must for me. We've over complicated things this season
And more height in the midfield, but as we saw with Lewis Earl it isn't just as easy as putting a big lad in that Kev Roberts role, replacing Robbo will be one of the hardest positions to recruit IMO
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Post by eltonblues on Apr 21, 2024 7:27:48 GMT
We need a captain, a real leader and for me that player should be an experienced centre half to help bring Williams and Burke on (assuming no one comes in for them). As everyone has called for a few seasons now we need a real presence at centre mid, doesn't have to be a player who can be all over the pitch but must be a big unit who can disrupt the oppo and protect the creators. We have been spoilt with the last two keepers, big gloves to fill. Caton needs to be our main forward with another big strong experienced forward to play off. He is my exception for releasing players who have not been available for selection for over 50% of matches. As for fringe players I would say that we can't afford to carry too many of these players so let's not be sentimental about players such as Murray. The loan market is vitally important for clubs like us, hasn't worked so well this season but we still need to tap into the local big clubs.
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Post by Jack on Apr 21, 2024 8:01:10 GMT
Wouldn’t touch Tollit with a barge pole, personally.
All the ability required, but no impact. His career is on a downhill trajectory and you have to ask why his clubs have been happy to let him go.
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Post by RonD on Apr 21, 2024 8:17:54 GMT
We are far too powderpuff in all areas. Need to find a few old heads who can put it about, and also play a bit!! A Kenyon-type character . . . or three.
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Post by thetheremin on Apr 21, 2024 8:48:55 GMT
Being honest I don’t think we are progressively building a core squad that if we were to achieve promotion could carry us forward. Building that platform is what we should be expecting Cal to do. If we end up with a rebuild for next season then it’s clear he got it wrong. That said he had one arm tied behind his back because of what the Brackley issues cost us.
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Post by agl on Apr 21, 2024 9:12:54 GMT
Being honest I don’t think we are progressively building a core squad that if we were to achieve promotion could carry us forward. Building that platform is what we should be expecting Cal to do. If we end up with a rebuild for next season then it’s clear he got it wrong. That said he had one arm tied behind his back because of what the Brackley issues cost us. He's honest in accepting his recruitment wasn't good enough. The plan was to build on the core of last season's squad which finished third. Made total sense. Needed three or four improvements but that didn't happen...we lost Willoughby and Tyrer so effectively ended up with a worse squad. Also, the loan signings didn't make any impact. This time round we will see a much bigger upheaval. Cal has spoken about the need for more dynamism, more height, a team which can defend solidly but break quickly and effectively. It will also need the physicality to go and tough it out on shit pitches against teams which will try to out muscle us.
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Post by Suomen Sininen on Apr 21, 2024 9:27:16 GMT
It's all very well saying who to releaee, keep on and sign, but we need to remember our budget restraints and how this affects on wage balance.
Most important at our level once we gave our 'core' team, is the loan market. This year hasn't een the best year for loans - Burton the best of a fogettable bunch.
Think Cal accepted that our loan deals were largely ineffective compared to last seasons.
This is where we need to be stronger and more knowledgeable next season.
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Post by rhodri on Apr 21, 2024 10:47:45 GMT
At least year there won't be a £30k gap with additional policing costs etc because of last season's play off shenanigans, which should be able to go back into the budget
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Post by Curva Nord on Apr 21, 2024 12:25:26 GMT
It's all very well saying who to releaee, keep on and sign, but we need to remember our budget restraints and how this affects on wage balance. Most important at our level once we gave our 'core' team, is the loan market. This year hasn't een the best year for loans - Burton the best of a fogettable bunch. Think Cal accepted that our loan deals were largely ineffective compared to last seasons. This is where we need to be stronger and more knowledgeable next season. Also depends which players want to stay
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Post by weareblues on Apr 21, 2024 12:33:51 GMT
No Glendon in the squad at all yesterday, reckon he's off then? As suggested above could easily imagine him going to Radcliffe, I think a fresh start might be best for all parties with Weeks not leaving.A target man and few players that can cross and want to run at defenders, be it full backs or wingers, is a must for me. We've over complicated things this season And more height in the midfield, but as we saw with Lewis Earl it isn't just as easy as putting a big lad in that Kev Roberts role, replacing Robbo will be one of the hardest positions to recruit IMO Like him but its about time tbh
Been clear as day for awhile now that him and weeks dont work together.
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Post by waggoner on Apr 21, 2024 13:00:11 GMT
Wouldn’t touch Tollit with a barge pole, personally. All the ability required, but no impact. His career is on a downhill trajectory and you have to ask why his clubs have been happy to let him go. He’s the type of player who needs a free role maybe behind the striker/s? He could be the one wide player that we really need he is quite effective as a wide player when he played against us for Oldham he killed us from wide on the left. CM has not played him in his best position so why we haven’t seen the best of him. I would agree that he is not a physical player not much of a tackler but if played as a winger does he need to be?
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Post by eltonblues on Apr 21, 2024 13:12:11 GMT
Wouldn’t touch Tollit with a barge pole, personally. All the ability required, but no impact. His career is on a downhill trajectory and you have to ask why his clubs have been happy to let him go. He’s the type of player who needs a free role maybe behind the striker/s? He could be the one wide player that we really need he is quite effective as a wide player when he played against us for Oldham he killed us from wide on the left. CM has not played him in his best position so why we haven’t seen the best of him. I would agree that he is not a physical player not much of a tackler but if played as a winger does he need to be? Agreed, his goal return for minutes played was okay but his contribution otherwise wasn't great. Question is can we afford the luxury of having this type of player?
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