Who should we sign?

[JRC]

Pretty sure Walsh replaced Deano.

 

His first couple of seasons he played at fullback. Ultimately replaced Glover.

[The Kalamazoo Kid]

My issue with Crookes is he doesn't look comfortable as a LB and isn't physically dominating enough for a CB.

 

I'd prefer a natural LB at LB.

 

Completely agree. Crookes looks like he's probably more of a centre-back that has been shoved out to left-back and, as you say, doesn't really look suited to it, particularly offensively.

 

As for only 2-3 poor games, I recall saying (in the real world, not on here!) a couple of months or so before the end of the season that I wasn't sure about either of the loan full-backs - Clark subsequently really improved (uncoincidentally around the time that Worrall returned to the team in front of him) whereas Crookes didn't IMO.

 

I can see others' points though that he is certainly young enough to get better and that he will probably be a steady enough option, with his height an asset, when we're on the defensive more.

[Joe B]

If Askey continues with his 433 he'll probably opt for more cautious fullbacks as the wingers in front of them are much higher up the pitch with far less attacking responsibilities than a fullback in a 442.

 

As people have alluded to, its hard enough finding a left footed player, let alone a left back; a lot of teams at this level seem to be making do with centre halves or midfielders. A specialist left back probably commands a higher wedge than a right back purely due to supply and demand.

[JRC]

You make an excellent point, JRC.

 

A lot of teams at our level try and pack their sides with big 'uns because the ball is in the air a lot and many goals come from free kicks and corners. That was exactly the way teams like Lincoln and Colchester played, to name but two. And it's why we often played Kay who was still decent in the air.

 

Getting the right balance of the team is crucial. I'm not having a go at him because he was a great servant for us but Yates got targeted a lot with high balls to the far post because teams knew he was weak in the air, so it's something to ponder, definitely.

 

Yates was often successfully targeted, although being fair he did get a little better towards the end. The only time I remember us having 2 out and full backs in the bottom two divisions and being successful was when we had combinations in midfield of Walker (started life at Villa as a centrehalf) with Earle (converted centreforward) or Taylor (tall man) in midfield. For me I think you probably need 5 players who are reasonable in the air somewhere in the side.

 

We've been blessed with quite a few midfield players who were good under the high ball ... Van der laan, Cummins, Dinning, Sonner, Talbot and Griffiths were also pretty decent defending corners and free kicks.

[fuzzyvalefan]

That's my only reservation, we don't seem to have had an actual proper left back since the much maligned Dicko.

Kiko ,Gunning, Montano ,Crookes have all been tried.

 

A few are maybe a bit harsh on Crookes including myself. Felt he was poor in the opposing half but overall was a steady Eddie.

 

Crookes as a utility player would be a good addition. I'd myself like to see a true left back, not a make do left back.

 

Our last decent left back was Knops and he was probably more of a centre back really. Top player, wish we could have kept him.

[Rampant Zebra]

Our last decent left back was Knops and he was probably more of a centre back really. Top player, wish we could have kept him.

 

Why? He hasn't exactly pulled up any trees since he left.

[JRC]

That's my only reservation, we don't seem to have had an actual proper left back since the much maligned Dicko.

Kiko ,Gunning, Montano ,Crookes have all been tried.

 

A few are maybe a bit harsh on Crookes including myself. Felt he was poor in the opposing half but overall was a steady Eddie.

 

Crookes as a utility player would be a good addition. I'd myself like to see a true left back, not a make do left back.

 

When Dicko signed Adams said he intended to play him in the centre. He was more a solid defender than someone who got up and down the field. I always felt he preferred centrehalf when he was with us, although after his first season he pretty much always played fullback. Be interesting to know what went on at Yeovil as I'm sure he has another 12 months on his contract but ended up training at Vale. Surprised he's still only 32, thought he was a lot older.

[valiant_593]

It’s not that difficult to sign a left footed left back who’s an actual left back not a centre half. Bloody hell. Crookes I wouldn’t mind joining but it would be as cover. An out and out left back needs to be signed.

[Guitar Ray]

Our last decent left back was Knops and he was probably more of a centre back really. Top player, wish we could have kept him.

 

Knops had that bad injury which is why we didn’t retain him, also the most likely reason he isn’t ”pulling any trees up”.

[Rampant Zebra]

He also got 10 yellow cards in 28 appearances for us.

[For Us All]

If he doesn’t get fixed up anywhere, the wage we would offer would be more than dole money.

 

Exactly,Kay,Tonge and Hannant's wages should more than pay for a midfielder who can actually score goals.We need to push the boat out a bit and aim a bit higher,don't you agree?

[Iron Curtain]

Exactly,Kay,Tonge and Hannant's wages should more than pay for a midfielder who can actually score goals.We need to push the boat out a bit and aim a bit higher,don't you agree?

 

Just like Bury?

 

No thanks

[Iron Curtain]

Josh Morris set to sign for Moneybags Salford.

[Guitar Ray]

He also got 10 yellow cards in 28 appearances for us.

 

Not sure what your point is. Search for the “All the best Kjell” topic and you’ll see what the general consensus was. Let’s not forget we’re talking about a converted centre half, playing his first season in England, in a higher league than where we currently find ourselves.

Admittedly this is now all pie in the sky as it’s all in the past.

[Rampant Zebra]

My point is that he was a nice guy but he was slightly out of his depth, hence the multiple yellow cards and the serious injury.