Aidy's Best Successes.

I don't know where to start.

This thread has turned into a discussion about every player in the team really.

Doyley - most seem ready to let him go. I am one of those who - as UEA say - love it when players come through the ranks. I don't want us to let him go. But I also realise we need a better right back. I'd keep doyley as backup because I don't feel Mariappa is good enough - at right back.

Lee - again - he's Watford thru'n'thru and I love that. He's also a very decent keeper. I do think we need better but I simply can't see who we could get. Also I don't really see many keepers better than Lee in this division.

Now UAE's run-down of the team -

well, for Mariappa to be untouchable I don't get. He's done nothing to show he's got what it takes at this level. He's young and has some skill but I don't see where he can play as he is too short for a centerback.

Francis CAN be key for our season but he could also end up the disappointment of the season. The issue is whether he'll play much. With Eustace at def. mid and Williams/Willo fighting for the playmaker role - where does Francis fit in? I can't see aidy playing without Eustace so there's really only one midfield position left. Unless Aidy goes for a 4-5-1/4-3-3 with only one out-and-out striker. In that case Francis can play in the hole behind Priskin or who-ever.

In general I think we do have a decent squad but we do need to cut our losses with quite a few.

Poom (0), Kabba (250k), Bangura (0), Hoskins (400k), Rinaldi (0), Jackson (0) (wasn't he released already?) for starters.

750k if we're lucky. Only two I see any value in, Kabba and Hoskins. Why not try to use them as leverage to get Hoolahan and Gorkss for instance.

 

well, for Mariappa to be untouchable I don't get. He's done nothing to show he's got what it takes at this level. He's young and has some skill but I don't see where he can play as he is too short for a centerback.

He actually wins quite alot in the air when playing centre back.

I would keep Mariappa over Doyley any day. Mariappa is still only 21, he can play in several positions. Given a run in the side he will improve, I think he was harshly dropped he had some very good games.
Plus if we change our style of play there is no way Doyley can be part of it he doesnt have any talent on the ball.

As for Richard Lee if he is one of the best goalies in this league the quality must be poor.

Williams wont and doesnt play in a advance role. He has always played deep in midfield.

 

Doyley out, or to be kept in a cupboard somewhere until he's elligible for a testimonial to boost morale.

Mariappa to be kept as a squad player and to compete with a new RB for the first team slot. At times, Aidy looked like a decent player. In fairness to him, his weakest games were when he was chopped in and out of the side. The fact that he can do a job at CH and even in CM means that he is a valuable bench asset at the very least.

Francis - boil him up for stock. We can't afford lazy, luxury players like him. The only way we will accomplish anything as a team is by everyone working their asses off and being disciplined. Francis does not fit into that picture.

Sadler - Too early to judge definitively, but from what I have seen so far, he is not a fantastic player and possibly no better than Stewart (though without the pace).

Bromby - Started out very well when we signed him. Looked like a snip, but against strong fwds he is a liability and was made to look like a mug in several of the latter games of the season. In the long term, he looks a squad player, not first choice, though he seems to be the first name on the sheet because of his long throw.

Overall, apart from Smith, I think we need to improve on 10 first team positions, which is not going to happen this summer. Priority should be buying 2 strikers, a decent attacking midfielder and replacing our centre halves if they are sold. We don't need any more squad players, long odd punts (Aloi/Avinel etc) or troubled souls. We need people brought in to play in the first team and nothing else.

 

Agreed. We should only bring in players who'll improve our starting 11.

I don't think two strikers is necessary. I'd rather we only brought in one and strengthen another position. Also, I disagree that we need 10 players.

I believe - along with Smith - Eustace, MacAnuff, Shittu and even Lee are good enough for us to challenge for promotion. Also, Williams may yet prove to be good enough at center mid.

But that still leaves 5 reinforcements but that won't happen. 5 players that'll improve our starting lineup - well - that won't be cheap. Especially since we don't have money and the only players who'll generate cash are the ones I think we should keep.

I think with dead wood cut out and a few players on the RIGHT CALIBRE brought in - we have a good side. The rest will be up to Aidy. Should he fail - I'll join Moog's "Aidy Out" brigade.

 

I've already bulk ordered badges and flags for an expected influx of new members 3 games into the new season.

Seriously though, I won't be at all surprised after signing a load of shyte, playing the same hoof and hope and losing 5 of the first 7 games, people are still saying "Don't panic, Aidy will sort it out." or "Give him the Jan window to buy new players."

 

I think he need at least untill x-mas. If we're in dire straits then - he should go. If we're still in with a decent shot at the play-offs - he should stay.

Also - I think we should look at the style of play. If we're 6th and still playing hoofball - questions must be asked.

 

He's on his last chance with me but within reason. I think this season we have to come top 6. That's non-negotiable (barring horrific injuries). Other than that I'm not too fussed.

If we're not in the running by December then we'll see. I can't see him staying. From a business point of view though I'd much rather he walked than we sack him.

 

If we aren't in relegation battles than of course he will get that.

If we finish mid/low table with no improvement in play then that is when changes will happen.

As for the players, my good 'uns for this league are:

Lee
Sadler
Davenport (!)
Bromby
Demerit (if he gets back to how he was last year)
Smith
Muff
Ainsworth
Williamson
Hendo
Eustace
Priskin

I don't think Francis or Williams will ever play again, so we need at least one attacking mid, a left winger, a right back or two, and a striker.

 

Are you discounting them simply because they've been seriously injured and relying on them fully seems to be somewhat presumptious or because you actually truly believe they'll never manage 90 minutes again?

 

I truly think they will never play at this level again.

The knee ligament thing is a fatal wound for a footballer. You have to be very lucky to get back to how you were and even then you will be subject to constant problems with it.