Transfer rumours, targets & new signings

[Joe B]

Bristol Rovers and Bradford have done some very good business.

[robf]

13 minutes ago, Joe B said:

Bristol Rovers and Bradford have done some very good business.

Although, for me, only one of those clubs has got a stable manager.

[Rampant Zebra]

I suppose things will go quiet for a while during the team bonding session this week.

[dishydave]

I suppose things will go quiet for a while during the team bonding session this week.

That's next week when they are away

[Rampant Zebra]

14 minutes ago, dishydave said:

26 minutes ago, Rampant Zebra said:

I suppose things will go quiet for a while during the team bonding session this week.

That's next week when they are away

Is it, I wasn't sure, just remembered reading it somewhere. 

[1]

44 minutes ago, robf said:

Although, for me, only one of those clubs has got a stable manager.

Derek can prove the doubters wrong I’m sure.

[Rampant Zebra]

10 hours ago, LancyTony said:

That sounds like a good appraisal, from someone with no agenda!

Go on then, I'll bite. I spoke to a friend at Stafford Rangers after the match, yes I do have friends. He used to play non league football and watched Rangers almost get relegated last season. He was surprised how easily rangers won. I know we only had half a team of squad members playing but it was an unbiased opinion. 

[hamilboy]

30 minutes ago, Rampant Zebra said:

Go on then, I'll bite. I spoke to a friend at Stafford Rangers after the match, yes I do have friends. He used to play non league football and watched Rangers almost get relegated last season. He was surprised how easily rangers won. I know we only had half a team of squad members playing but it was an unbiased opinion. 

Good old stafford rangers i wish them all the luck in getting another Ray Williams and Mick Cullerton to make them a viable non league team. i only hope we can play them in the fa cup this year if they qualify for it then we might see how easy it is here's hoping you and your mate will attend.

[philmpv]

Go on then, I'll bite. I spoke to a friend at Stafford Rangers after the match, yes I do have friends. He used to play non league football and watched Rangers almost get relegated last season. He was surprised how easily rangers won. I know we only had half a team of squad members playing but it was an unbiased opinion. 

Siri and Alexa don't count as friends

[Rocky]

1 hour ago, Rampant Zebra said:

Go on then, I'll bite. I spoke to a friend at Stafford Rangers after the match, yes I do have friends. He used to play non league football and watched Rangers almost get relegated last season. He was surprised how easily rangers won. I know we only had half a team of squad members playing but it was an unbiased opinion. 

Any friends who support Newcastle Town that watched the game on Saturday? 4-0 up at half time of what will be bar maybe 1 player our starting lineup first game of the season.

Stafford Rangers second half Vale line up was:

Stone
Chibaya
Chale
Sangre
Osman
Illori
Clarke
McDrmott
McFarlane
Bailey
Okenla

Weird how you've chosen to single out the game that had the much weakened side and didn't rebalance it by mentioning the Newcastle game. So weird...So, so weird.

[CambridgeDon]

16 hours ago, Budgie_2260 said:

I messaged Ryan Deeney from the National League Twitter account NLmusings about our new additions, below is his response for those interested :-

Hi, Thanks for the message.

I can't say I've written in depth on either player but did note Ryan Johnson in this piece: https://t.co/KAoxeAukfU

CASS

Lewis Cass grew into the season. He's a young player that hadn't played professionally so understandably took time to mature.

Technical quality for a defender evident but had to prove himself physically. Did so and made himself first choice at RCB of a three or occasionally RB in a four. Comfortable breaking forward, breaking lines with passes and nabbed a couple of assists from open play during the season. Unfortunately, he was ruled out of the final part of the season with injury.

JOHNSON

Ryan Johnson is a really good centre back, IMO. Has a languid nature about him at times which may not go down too well but that shouldn't be mistaken for a lack of care. He wins the vast majority of his duels, not easy in a league full of "target" men. He's relatively quick, strong in the air and not afraid to move forward with the ball. Also scored a few goals from set pieces.

Saw murmurs of Port Vale possibly switching between 3-5-2 and 4-3-3. If that is the case, those two will be fine tactically.

Of course, their success will depend on confidence given to them by Clarke to play their games & hone their talents.

COVOLAN

I think Covolan is ace. Has a real confidence about him too. Type of character I imagine is good for the dressing room.

That's not to say he's a perfect goalkeeper. But he's definitely better than non-league & was ready to make the next step

Thanks for this constructive piece from your mate Ryan. It’s also well worth reading the link on his preferred NL first eleven. It made me think there must be quite a few gems hidden there who could make good EFL players. Hope the Matrix is on to it 🙂

[Birches Head Fred]

Siri and Alexa don't count as friends

Bugger

[Rampant Zebra]

1 hour ago, Rocky said:

Any friends who support Newcastle Town that watched the game on Saturday? 4-0 up at half time of what will be bar maybe 1 player our starting lineup first game of the season.

Stafford Rangers second half Vale line up was:

Stone
Chibaya
Chale
Sangre
Osman
Illori
Clarke
McDrmott
McFarlane
Bailey
Okenla

Weird how you've chosen to single out the game that had the much weakened side and didn't rebalance it by mentioning the Newcastle game. So weird...So, so weird.

I didn't go to Newcastle Town...

[Joe B]

Tranmere also done some good business; Feeney, McManaman, Knight-Percival.

Question is whether their forwards can replace Vaughan's goals; they're largely unproven.

[Rocky]

1 hour ago, Rampant Zebra said:

I didn't go to Newcastle Town...

 

I know, thats why I asked if you knew anyone who went to the Newcastle game... 🙄

And even if you weren't there, it isn't difficult to find out the difference in personnel from the game on Friday evening, to the one less than 24 hours later. I think the only player to feature in both games that has a good chance of being in the squad this coming season was Bailey who impressed me against Kidsgrove, showed a lot of energy, got stuck in and was rewarded with a goal.