1 of 1- dac123
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Tooting vs Palace U21 - thoughts
Notable faces trialing with us:
Adam Thompson was back - we had him a few years ago in a short spell where he had huge impact at CB. I think he then disappeared (to travel?) and our form also tailed off at that time!
Taureen Roberts was back - most of you will know him. Extremely tricky dibbler, quite flare player...jury is out on whether he is consistent enough or has a good enough end product. Sometimes excellent, sometimes flatters to deceive. I wonder whether he is a luxury player in a team like ours where wingers also need to work hard defensively?
Billy Dunn was there - made a huge impact in the 15-20 minutes he was given. Very impressive. I think he is unquestionably a very talented player, but has had trouble with focus and temperament in the past...so I've heard. Would like to see him at the club, can change a game on his own when he feels like it! If Frank can manage him, a very good addition in my eyes...but might have trouble being a bit-part player if Frank prefers Baxter to start.
Assuming (and its a big assumption) we take on some of these players, we look very competitive in central positions:
Up front: Baxter, Dunn, Emmanuel Akokhia (Corinthian Casuals last season, I'm assuming he is a striker), Danny Bassett and Matt Price (who also can play wide midfield)
Central midfield: Bash, Robbo, Kurtis Pykes, Lee Hall,
Centre back: Simmo, Sol PB, Q.Rowe, Adam Thompson,
Obviously unlikely we will sign all of these players, but I guess the point I'm making is that the options are looking good right now! All the trialists i've seen over 2/3 games - Frank and Paul certainly seem to have attracted a lot of decent pedigree players, which is great to see. Whittling that squad down to 15/16 (assuming budget) will be tricky, and keeping everyone in the final squad happy - even trickier!
Looking forward to Dulwich tomorrow. That should be a good test against a team who are always pushing towards the top of the league above.
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Re: Tooting vs Palace U21 - thoughts
I like Taurean Roberts. I was always a bit critical of his decision making after he'd done all his good work to get into promising positions. But, he's been a regular in a very successful Merstham side over the last few seasons, so he must be doing something right. As for Billy Dunn - I've seen him look brilliant at times, yet he seems to have drifted form club to club over the last 5 years - usually at the wrong end of the table. A risk that I don't think we need to take at the moment with the other strikers around. Thommo was tremendous with us but he didn't look that special when he was against us last season. I'm sure he would make us stronger defending set pieces, so maybe worth having. It would allow SPB to play at full back, which would in turn allow Wilson to play in midfield, where I think the manager wants him. But I think we need a bit more pace at the heart of our defence.
We had a couple of Godalming players in the Barnsley friendly, but they haven't shown up since. But they would definitely boost the squad.
- DeePee
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Re: Tooting vs Palace U21 - thoughts
Tenny Adebowale ?? Probably one of the best backs we had last season. Hope he's staying and in Frank's thoughts.
I started out with nothing and I've still got most of it left !
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Re: Tooting vs Palace U21 - thoughts
Tenny has appeared in every game so far, so I would assume he'll be in the team come the 13th.
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Re: Tooting vs Palace U21 - thoughts
DeePee wrote:
Tenny Adebowale ?? Probably one of the best backs we had last season. Hope he's staying and in Frank's thoughts.
Couldn't agree more DeePee. He certainly had a fine game against the 'Young Nigels' on Tuesday.
I'm quite excited about the prospect of Taurean signing, I think he's developed into twice the player he was when he was last with us. He used to drive me potty with his selfishness. I always felt he played better against us than he did for us and I think he'll be the absolutely perfect replacement for Serge Makofo.
Wasn't overly impressed with Billy Dunn but was delighted to see Adam Thompson back.
- DaveM
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Re: Tooting vs Palace U21 - thoughts
Struggling to see where the goal are going to come from, especially if Jake is out for a while.
I hope I'm proved wrong but Billy Dunn is not good enough – never has been / never will be. Bassett looks ok but at Godalming he apparently got into position but didn’t score enough.
- casey
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Re: Tooting vs Palace U21 - thoughts
If the squad is only about 16 ish then is tough to leave some of these out.Hope Thompson stays,we do need a CB.who was the guy who played rb in Tuesday 2nd half?he looks ok.I think Jordan should play midfield.Its even hard to split keepers,both good.Wasnt impressed with Gunn,and don't think there's room in squad.I guess tomorrow is last chance to impress Grand and Paul,as we week away from league match.
- dac123
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Re: Tooting vs Palace U21 - thoughts
I guess I am the only one who thought Billy Dunn did well. Maybe I am blinded by the fact that I've seen what he is capable of before. Definitely runs hot and cold though, can't disagree there.
And yes, Tenny and Jordan have been ever-present at full back. Both very key to our plans and success I think.
I prefer Sol PB as a centre-back to a right back. He is deceptively quick across the ground given his frame and reads the game well.
If we were to sign both Q.Rowe and A.Thompson, I personally feel this would push Simmo down the pecking order in centre backs, I think both are better...maybe marginally. Although I think Frank might still favour Simmo.
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Thread Starter- Edgeoftheb ox
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Re: Tooting vs Palace U21 - thoughts
Who was that great big lump of our No5. That wasn't Thompson was it?
- Wolfie Smith
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Re: Tooting vs Palace U21 - thoughts
Yeah that was Thompson
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Re: Tooting vs Palace U21 - thoughts
I guess I am the only one who thought Billy Dunn did well.
No, you're not alone dac, I spoke to his mum after the game and she thought he was man of the match 