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[TheSage]

It's ironic that this season we were told by Brown and his team that we were signing experience to prevent last year's fiasco from happening when we had too many inexperienced players. But if anything it's been even worse.

 

One thing that has struck me is that even in this division now players generally are fit, athletic, quick and have decent movement. Years ago it was usually long ball football we saw every week, and lots of physical battles. But now a number of teams try to pass the ball around and try and keep possession of the ball. Accrington, Carlisle, Luton, even Crewe.

 

We have to have a fitter, more mobile, faster squad of players. We don't move the ball quickly enough and we don't have a lot of pace in the team. That has to change. Football has moved on in Division Four and even tactically teams are a lot cuter.

 

The $64,000 question is: do we have the resources to pay off those we don't need and to attract the quality of players that we want. Recent history tells us no, but let's cross everything and wait and see. It's unfair, very unfair, but I guess we are all hoping that Sir John has a few names in his notebook that we can get here.

[Danish Valiant]

I know it's still just talk.

But Aspin sounds a lot more prepared and focused, when speaking about the summer, than what we have seen or heard the last two summers.

 

I'm sure Aspin and Rudge has a shortlist written up, and now the hard work is getting people to come and having the financial backing. Aspin has to know by now, what his budget is. And not that he's going to put Norman down in public, but he hasn't insinuated in his normal fashion, about not having the backing.

 

I have faith in every bone in my body, that Aspin and his team, will work day and night to bring in the right players! And that we will be better for it, come August 4th.

[PV1993]

He may be a bit too old and had problems with a few injuries over the last two year, but Mike Williamson has been released by Oxford. Very experienced centre half who could help the young lads - plus he's local too.

[CAVALIER]

I googled Tonge. He signed a one year deal according to the Sentinel

[Santa]

I googled Tonge. He signed a one year deal according to the Sentinel

The only question is what the terms of the 'option' of the second year are. He's supposed to have played enough games to trigger another contract.

 

I'd be disappointed if he was still here next season. Him and Pugh both and I'd be jumping in the Ship Canal.

[PV1973]

The only question is what the terms of the 'option' of the second year are. He's supposed to have played enough games to trigger another contract.

 

I'd be disappointed if he was still here next season. Him and Pugh both and I'd be jumping in the Ship Canal.

I heard if they both played 20 games each that it triggered another year. I guess that would put them in the same boat as the other players who are under contract til 2019, in that if the club want to get rid of them that they will have to pay them up to move.

 

He may be a bit too old and had problems with a few injuries over the last two year, but Mike Williamson has been released by Oxford. Very experienced centre half who could help the young lads - plus he's local too.

I think Clint Hill looked quality for Carlisle on Saturday and he must be pushing 40.

[SFBT]

Wycombe were featured on Football Focus on Saturday.

The theme was how old their squad is, with plenty over 30.

It really isn't age alone that determines whether a player is any use.

[Danish Valiant]

Wycombe were featured on Football Focus on Saturday.

The theme was how old their squad is, with plenty over 30.

It really isn't age alone that determines whether a player is any use.

Agree. I think position and football mind is also crutial. You can play CM at age 35, if you read the game well and are wise enough to know, where to position yourself in any given situation. You have to accept you can’t out run a 22 year old, and play to your strenght and get the game over on your conditions.

And playing a CM, where both players legs have gone, with noone to protect them, is putting unneccesary preasure on our defence at times.

[Santa]

You can play CM at age 35, if you read the game well and are wise enough to know, where to position yourself in any given situation.

This is part of the problem. Pugh was a left sided utility player, Tonge an attacking midfielder who has retreated into centre mid as he's aged. Neither is a CM by trade.

[davehartshill]

He may be a bit too old and had problems with a few injuries over the last two year, but Mike Williamson has been released by Oxford. Very experienced centre half who could help the young lads - plus he's local too.

 

Exactly the sort of player we should be looking at. Not too old for a centre back at this level.

 

I think he’s a Vale fan as well actually.

[valefan16]

Williamson would be decent at this level but if he is fit! Can we afford more sicknotes

[For Us All]

The only question is what the terms of the 'option' of the second year are. He's supposed to have played enough games to trigger another contract.

 

I'd be disappointed if he was still here next season. Him and Pugh both and I'd be jumping in the Ship Canal.

 

Pughy had a lengthy conversation with his old team mate Clint Hill on Saturday down the Bycars End.

I wonder if Clint will be bringing some valuable experience and organisation to our defence next season,especially now that his mate Keith Curle has left?

[SourceOfTheTrent]

Williamson is a Vale fan but that shouldn't have much bearing on any decision to recruit a player. Popey would have been a good signing if he supported Timbuktu United, the fact he's a Vale fan just gives him that extra edge as I do think it helps his game. However, although Williamson has been a very good player his career is coming to an end largely, I think, due to his body not being robust enough any more. I may well be wrong but I'd be real careful about approaching him in case he's not able to do the business any more. That said a consistently fit Mike Williamson would be great for the team and for Nathan Smith who benefited from having Bikey's experience alongside him last season.

[SourceOfTheTrent]

Forgot to add that Clint Hill isn't for us IMO as he's too old and not mobile enough, about 37 I think?

[Danish Valiant]

Forgot to add that Clint Hill isn't for us IMO as he's too old and not mobile enough, about 37 I think?

 

Born 1978, so that would make him 39/40...