This squad in League One

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FY5_Seasider

Well-known member
So which players in this squad do you build your team around next season. I guess our back 4 and GK looks decent enough with Maxwell/ Grimshaw, Gabriel/ Lyons, Nelson, Thompson/ Husband (is he in contract?).

Past the back 5 we are struggling and face a huge rebuild job thanks to the short sightedness of loans, freebies, crocks.

I suppose Dougall could do a job but he is pretty average. Carey looks to be a League One midfielder but we need better than him to get us out of the division. After that we are looking at crocks.

No wingers of our own except for CJ. Aptor could come back into the reckoning but I would have him down as a number 10 rather than a winger.

Yates up top and Madine is leaving.

That is only off the top of my head but the board have a huuuuuuuge job this summer. If by some miracle we stay up it will be 10 times bigger.

Although it would be a disaster to get relegated, I fear we would go down with a record low points total next season if we escaped the trap door.
 
Our defence is good for league one. Gabriell, Lyons. Eki, Connolly, Nelson, Husband, Thornily and Thompson are more than fine. No additions needed. Keshi, Carey, CJ will cause issues for the opposition. Yates and Lavery will be good. I would go minimal and buy only about 4 new players. But I would be looking at quality. So sign 4 top players instead of 10 squad. Two centre midfielders, a striker and winger..
 
Currently we'd be mid table in L1 at best.

Best case scenario is getting a new manager appointed ASAP and start planning who is staying and who isn't.

If we plan soon enough we have the core of a decent squad and with the right additions can be a force in the division. But Mansford and the recruitment team really need to be well ahead of the game. And this is what worries me. Because they haven't been yet.
 
I doubt Nelson will stay, Thornley will leave, Yates will be sold. Dougall and Carey aren't good enough to get us out, CJ I'm not sure is even League 1 standard, Keshi out of contract so could go, Lavery ain't good enough, Beesley certainly isn't. All in all not looking good at all.
 
We’ve got a few players certainly that would be fine for us.

As has been said, back 4 and the goalkeepers are probably top level league one. Midfield, wingers and someone up top along with Jerry would be where new players are required. Big job on in the summer either way but with the right recruitment if we go down, I would feel confident of us bouncing back up.

We’ve not covered ourselves in glory recruitment wise over the last 12 months so that is a worry.
 
Agree, this squad is no better than low to mid table league one. Jerry will more than likely be sold and it is doubtful that we could attract the better players we need so unless we appoint a decent manager with ambition I don't hold out much hope of a quick return.
 
If Maxwell stays Grimshaw, I’m pretty sure won’t. Please don’t talk about our deficiencies in midfield, this has been our achilles heel for over 2 years and the main reason for our almost certain relegation. Hamilton, Lavery, Garbutt, Stewart, Anderson, Bridcutt , Mansford and a few more will be gone. As has been said a major overhaul is needed, but don’t hold your breath. The board have made very little effort to keep us in the Championship, so don’t expect much spending to get us back up. Which by the way won’t be as easy as some seem to think, ask Sunderland, Ipswich, Sheff Wednesday and many more.
 
This is what I fear. We could be in for another very long stint back in the lower leagues. We don't have a squad of 18 core players that aren't quite good enough for the championship but are too good for League One like Rotherham have had for the past few years.

This is a rebuilding job and I'm not sure if the ambition is there to do that judging by the past 18 months.
 
I think a few on here were not there last night, Maxwell was as bad last night as he was good on Saturday.
And although I like Dougal and Carey's work rate, we need a big injection of quality and know how.
Thompson has no positional scence whatsoever and is touch is questionable.
The front three were non existent, no suprise with the midfield on show.
 
There are bigger clubs with bigger budgets in League One than in the Champiosnhip
We got lucky .. if we go down this season we're in League One for at least a decade.
 
TonyParrsDodgyMic said:
There are bigger clubs with bigger budgets in League One than in the Champiosnhip
We got lucky .. if we go down this season we're in League One for at least a decade.
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Don't be so portentous. There is potential in our squad, especially with those brought in during the January window. Yes, we may lose Yates and Grimshaw but they can be replaced. Others need to be let go and work around a new squad needs to begin in earnest as soon as the season is over. But, we'll come again. I have no doubt about that.
 
Next season I’d expect to stay:
Maxwell
Lyons
Connolly
Husband
Anderson
Beesley
Ekpiteta
Thompson
Apter

Gabriel will have interest if he proves his fitness. Yates will go. I’d expect Dougall to move abroad. Carey seems to be rated by managers and is a young prospect (regardless of form and mismanagement), so could have some interest. Hamilton I’d expect to move to Scotland now he’s an Irish international, Grimshaw will have interest again.
 
There is some room for optimism as we have decent defenders even without Nelson but we need to be tying Thorniley down to a new contract. If we lose either Maxwell or Grimshaw I would be tempted to go for Toby Savin from Stanley.

Lyons, Gabriel, Connolly, Ekpiteta, Thorniley, Husband and Thompson plus Tharme and Casey seems decent.

Midfield needs work. Dougall is the only decent CM along with Trybull so we need to strengthen there. Carey needs to continue improving. Trusty might also be looking to get a call. Not sure if Anderson will remain.

CJ will remain and don’t forget Dale returning after a very successful spell at Portsmouth. Two more wide men will be needed though and Apter will be looking to breakthrough.

The forward line is very poor and needs the most work. Yates will remain but we are not yet sure about Beesley. We need two proven strikers at League 1 level to supplement our forwards. Lavery needs to convince us he is not just destined to go back to Northern Ireland.

Garbutt, Stewart, Lubala and Bridcutt need to go or be paid off.
 
Seaside Aggro said:
Next season I’d expect to stay:
Maxwell
Lyons
Connolly
Husband
Anderson
Beesley
Ekpiteta
Thompson
Apter

Gabriel will have interest if he proves his fitness. Yates will go. I’d expect Dougall to move abroad. Carey seems to be rated by managers and is a young prospect (regardless of form and mismanagement), so could have some interest. Hamilton I’d expect to move to Scotland now he’s an Irish international, Grimshaw will have interest again.
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Thompson Beesley and Apter have question marks even at league 1 level. Likewise Tharme and Casey and I hope we can do better than them. Lyons Gabriel Marv Connolly and Husband all look ok. I think Grimshaw, Thorniley, Dale, Keshi and Jerry will all be gone but I could see Lavery doing very well in that division with his pace and tenacity. In midfield I guess it will be the enigmatic CJ, Carey who should do well at that level Dougall and Trybal who all should do well.

Madine, Garbutt, Stewart, Lubala and Bridcutt need to go or be paid off.

So for me it would be build a team around

Maxwell
Gabriel Connolly Marv Lyons (Husband and somebody new as back up)
Dougall Carey Trybull and a couple of new midfielders/wingers CJ(as impact sub)
Lavery and 2/3 new strikers

I think Id ditch the rest including Trusty and Apter.
 
Carey at one time was supposed to be the greatest prospect the world has ever known, oh the fickle nature of football.
 
Albert Ross said:
Carey is only just 22 with a total of 38 league appearances. He has time to be a good footballer, give the lad a chance he’s only just learning his trade. Oh the fickle nature of football fans.
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Ditto with Tharme. We haven’t seen him yet but by all accounts he had a good pre season in our friendlies.
 
Albert Ross said:
Carey is only just 22 with a total of 38 league appearances. He has time to be a good footballer, give the lad a chance he’s only just learning his trade. Oh the fickle nature of football fans.
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I'm not having a pop at him, I was just referring to the positive ratings the lad used to have,but thanks for the sarcasm.
 
I see the reality, under current budget, as we’ll become a mid-table L1 side for at least the next few years. A fortunate season will see us pop into the C/ship for an odd year, whilst a bad one will see us dip into L2, hopefully briefly.

Anyone who sees us anywhere else is, in my opinion, deluded. I’m not necessarily pointing fingers totally at the board, although it’s obvious mistakes have been made this season.

With the possibility of the likes of Everton, Leeds, Southampton et al populating the C/ship next year, and/or the usual yo-yo suspects, does anyone really see this squad - or likely recruits - going toe-to-toe with the likes of these clubs?

Sadly, the top two divisions are ruined by £££ way beyond our means & a reality check is needed by those on here who expect us to be knocking on the door of the PL anytime soon.
 
Bluecabinboy said:
I see the reality, under current budget, as we’ll become a mid-table L1 side for at least the next few years. A fortunate season will see us pop into the C/ship for an odd year, whilst a bad one will see us dip into L2, hopefully briefly.

Anyone who sees us anywhere else is, in my opinion, deluded. I’m not necessarily pointing fingers totally at the board, although it’s obvious mistakes have been made this season.

With the possibility of the likes of Everton, Leeds, Southampton et al populating the C/ship next year, and/or the usual yo-yo suspects, does anyone really see this squad - or likely recruits - going toe-to-toe with the likes of these clubs?

Sadly, the top two divisions are ruined by £££ way beyond our means & a reality check is needed by those on here who expect us to be knocking on the door of the PL anytime soon.
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Agree re. League 1 and Championship but can’t see us going down to L2 again.
 
Pros and cons for lots of those suggestions.

I’m surprised how many want to build a team around what will be a 33 yr old keeper, yet let Grimshaw (25) go.

Also it really rattles me more than most, that some of our better players can still leave the club for nothing.

We need to sort the blunderf.ck in recruitment out and the board before we start contemplating rebuilding.
 
Bandagem said:
Pros and cons for lots of those suggestions.

I’m surprised how many want to build a team around what will be a 33 yr old keeper, yet let Grimshaw (25) go.

Also it really rattles me more than most, that some of our better players can still leave the club for nothing.

We need to sort the blunderf.ck in recruitment out and the board before we start contemplating rebuilding.
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I don’t think anyone ‘wants to’ build a team around Maxwell, it’s just a lot more likely that it is going to happen. The better players will want to go, and the club will want the money to offset the drop in revenue. Grimshaw had interest last summer, is a young prospect who has shown he can perform in the league. Maxwell is cheap, liked at the club, seemingly preferred by the last two managers and lives locally. Keeping him also means not having to bring in another keeper, as Maxwell and Moore is a fine combo at league one level.
 
A lot of these players were too good for league one two seasons ago and good enough for the Championship last season.

Cheer up fellas, you’re watching the League One Champions of 23/24.
 
Err, we are in the Championship, just thought I'd point that out. Until relegation happens why even bother?

You never know, with 10 games to go big Mick's 'stop farting about at the back and let's play in their half' tactics may just click with these desperados. It certainly hasn't yet, they just haven't got what he must be asking them to do. At the moment we just look awful, but I always thought we would struggle this season.

Remember QPR away? Lavery as a left winger who just bundled in to their full back for 90 mins but we scabbed a 1-0. Under Apples we were gash too, and even worse than currently at the back. We have been crap all season, now we are just crap with a long-ball tint.
 
Seaside Aggro said:
I don’t think anyone ‘wants to’ build a team around Maxwell, it’s just a lot more likely that it is going to happen. The better players will want to go, and the club will want the money to offset the drop in revenue. Grimshaw had interest last summer, is a young prospect who has shown he can perform in the league. Maxwell is cheap, liked at the club, seemingly preferred by the last two managers and lives locally. Keeping him also means not having to bring in another keeper, as Maxwell and Moore is a fine combo at league one level. But we’re talking about rebuilding and Maxwell seems to be the choice here.
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I get all that about Maxwell but you missed the bit about his age and will he be good enough.

Cheap, liked, lives locally isn’t a list to get you promoted.
To get out of League One we will also need players who will be better than fine. There are some BIG clubs in League One with far bigger fan bases. Or are we settling for a few steady years in League One?

I guess it’s down to the individual fan and what he wants to achieve.
 
Seaside Aggro said:
Next season I’d expect to stay:
Maxwell
Lyons
Connolly
Husband
Anderson
Beesley
Ekpiteta
Thompson
Apter

Gabriel will have interest if he proves his fitness. Yates will go. I’d expect Dougall to move abroad. Carey seems to be rated by managers and is a young prospect (regardless of form and mismanagement), so could have some interest. Hamilton I’d expect to move to Scotland now he’s an Irish international, Grimshaw will have interest again.
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Who are the players we have our in loan?
Reece James is decent, Tharme ? How's he done at Accy....there's a couple of others too...Casey and Owen Dale....any more?
 
Bandagem said:
I get all that about Maxwell but you missed the bit about his age and will he be good enough.

Cheap, liked, lives locally isn’t a list to get you promoted.
To get out of League One we will also need players who will be better than fine. There are some BIG clubs in League One with far bigger fan bases. Or are we settling for a few steady years in League One?

I guess it’s down to the individual fan and what he wants to achieve.
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We’re not, and I’m not doing ought. The club is, and seeing as we’re in the championship with a bunch of loans and 50 year old Liam Bridcutt, Maxwell being number one next season is a reasonable guess.
 
FY5_Seasider said:
So which players in this squad do you build your team around next season. I guess our back 4 and GK looks decent enough with Maxwell/ Grimshaw, Gabriel/ Lyons, Nelson, Thompson/ Husband (is he in contract?).

Past the back 5 we are struggling and face a huge rebuild job thanks to the short sightedness of loans, freebies, crocks.

I suppose Dougall could do a job but he is pretty average. Carey looks to be a League One midfielder but we need better than him to get us out of the division. After that we are looking at crocks.

No wingers of our own except for CJ. Aptor could come back into the reckoning but I would have him down as a number 10 rather than a winger.

Yates up top and Madine is leaving.

That is only off the top of my head but the board have a huuuuuuuge job this summer. If by some miracle we stay up it will be 10 times bigger.

Although it would be a disaster to get relegated, I fear we would go down with a record low points total next season if we escaped the trap door.
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Missed Connolly
I would keep Lavery also

We currently have 4 players, playing L1. so maybe they come back into the equation.
Agree big rebuilding job but if we escape by some miracle this year and a newly appointed head coach is in place for start July, he will be able to pick the right players for his system as we will have plenty of room in the squad. To be fair to last 2 head coaches neither had a squad of their choice
 
FY5_Seasider said:
So which players in this squad do you build your team around next season. I guess our back 4 and GK looks decent enough with Maxwell/ Grimshaw, Gabriel/ Lyons, Nelson, Thompson/ Husband (is he in contract?).

Past the back 5 we are struggling and face a huge rebuild job thanks to the short sightedness of loans, freebies, crocks.

I suppose Dougall could do a job but he is pretty average. Carey looks to be a League One midfielder but we need better than him to get us out of the division. After that we are looking at crocks.

No wingers of our own except for CJ. Aptor could come back into the reckoning but I would have him down as a number 10 rather than a winger.

Yates up top and Madine is leaving.

That is only off the top of my head but the board have a huuuuuuuge job this summer. If by some miracle we stay up it will be 10 times bigger.

Although it would be a disaster to get relegated, I fear we would go down with a record low points total next season if we escaped the trap door.
Click to expand...
13 Games to go, never seen a Blackpool fanbase throwing the towel in so early in a season as now.
 
Massive rebuild job needed. We have many players out of contract at the end of the season. Stewart, Bridcutt, Keshi, Nelson.

I'd personally want a taller goalkeeper.

Hopefully we bring in a manager who knows what he wants and the Coventry guys have a long list now of decent players who we can bring in. If we bring in a manager with a certain style of football, Liam Manning for example, then at least they have room in the squad and budget to bring in players who fit their style.
 
Seaside Aggro said:
Next season I’d expect to stay:
Maxwell
Lyons
Connolly
Husband
Anderson
Beesley
Ekpiteta
Thompson
Apter

Gabriel will have interest if he proves his fitness. Yates will go. I’d expect Dougall to move abroad. Carey seems to be rated by managers and is a young prospect (regardless of form and mismanagement), so could have some interest. Hamilton I’d expect to move to Scotland now he’s an Irish international, Grimshaw will have interest again.
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Like 1978 I'd expect nearly all the players to leave, so there is no point in speculating around the line up next season.

To be honest, I haven't a clue about tomorrow's line up, never mind next season.
 
Which players would you release on a free, which would you offer a new contract to and which options would you take up? https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/blackpool-fc/vertragsende/verein/1181/vertragsendeJahr/2023/plus/1
For me, Free: Lavery, Lubala, Anderson, S Moore, Garbutt (unless you activate option to get a transfer fee for him), Stewart, Bridcutt, Virtue.
Activate option: Connolly, Husband, Dougall, Madine, Maxwell.
New contract: Thorniley (1+1), Hamilton (1+1), Nelson (1+1).
Only 1+1 contract offers to Thorniley and Hamilton as you'd hope they'd be squad players only and to Nelson as he's 29.
 
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We should make Grimshaw our no 1 next season. Maxwell's will be 33. Grimshaw isn't going to hang around as the no 2 for long.

I also think he's the better keeper.
 
FY5_Seasider said:
So which players in this squad do you build your team around next season. I guess our back 4 and GK looks decent enough with Maxwell/ Grimshaw, Gabriel/ Lyons, Nelson, Thompson/ Husband (is he in contract?).

Past the back 5 we are struggling and face a huge rebuild job thanks to the short sightedness of loans, freebies, crocks.

I suppose Dougall could do a job but he is pretty average. Carey looks to be a League One midfielder but we need better than him to get us out of the division. After that we are looking at crocks.

No wingers of our own except for CJ. Aptor could come back into the reckoning but I would have him down as a number 10 rather than a winger.

Yates up top and Madine is leaving.

That is only off the top of my head but the board have a huuuuuuuge job this summer. If by some miracle we stay up it will be 10 times bigger.

Although it would be a disaster to get relegated, I fear we would go down with a record low points total next season if we escaped the trap door.
Click to expand...
No chance Yates will stay...
 
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