The Robins Nest Forum

I'm hearing Yeovil are also chasing our target Craig Alcock, I would imagine we can offer better wages and the security of a two year deal but he started his career down there so geography may swing it in the Glovers favour.

....the good news is that Gary says that a new right back is imminent,so it could be this guy by all accounts.
The less good news is that he seemed to imply that would be it for the time being.
So no new striker on the horizon.
Let's hope Graham can up his game- the ability is there but he's a bit like the tin man,he doesn't show the heart that DW did.

Where did you hear this Paperboy? Would love us to land Alcock before GJ goes on his holidays.

As for striker clear we wanted Williams, I just hope we are not forced to go towards loans now we missed out.

numerically we just HAVE TO sign one if not two strikers/target men, Graham needs competition and what if he gets injured?

We clearly will sign at least one striker Nesty, just whether it will be a loan or permanent.

If GJ says that's it for the time being (if and when Alcock/RB is signed) then you would assume then that's just because we're not in advanced talks with anyone else rather than we're not looking.

I was reading JP's piece on the new signings from people that have played with them or seen them play and quite of few of the midfielders are "versatile" and can play in three or four positions, apparently. I wouldn't be at all surprised to see us play 1 up front with a lot of attacking midfield support, with Nige holding, at least at the start of the season. Overwhelm teams in midfield. Either feed Eisa (if he's here) or use Graham to play the ball off.

Shade wrote:If GJ says that's it for the time being (if and when Alcock/RB is signed) then you would assume then that's just because we're not in advanced talks with anyone else rather than we're not looking.

I was reading JP's piece on the new signings from people that have played with them or seen them play and quite of few of the midfielders are "versatile" and can play in three or four positions, apparently. I wouldn't be at all surprised to see us play 1 up front with a lot of attacking midfield support, with Nige holding, at least at the start of the season. Overwhelm teams in midfield. Either feed Eisa (if he's here) or use Graham to play the ball off.

square pegs ? or utility players ? - either scenario is OK providing we have immediate cover for every position, we dont want to go into a whole season with no specialist right back, but its ok to have a player or two who can cover other positions when needed through injury/suspension

Well, according to those that know the players:
Johnny Mullins: "Comfortable on the ball, Mullins was used at times as a defensive midfielder and he is more than capable of popping up with important goals."
Ryan Broom: "He is an exciting youngster that is quick on the break and is versatile in the midfield positions."
Ben Tozer: "I think I’ve seen him play in at least four different positions, but that shows his ability that he can adapt and still perform in any of them."
Tom Smith: "Tom is not a number 10 or a number 4, I'd say he's somewhere in between as he always wants the ball facing forwards so he can break lines and he is very good tactically."

Ok, not so much Tom Smith but he is more of an attacking mid.

Shade wrote:Tom is not a number 10 or a number 4, I'd say he's somewhere in between

So pretty much anything other than a goalkeeper, a full-back or an out-and-out striker...?

With our current players I would be very surprised if we don't go back to three in central midfield next season ideally with Atangana and Tozer protecting the defence.

asl wrote:

Shade wrote:Tom is not a number 10 or a number 4, I'd say he's somewhere in between

So pretty much anything other than a goalkeeper, a full-back or an out-and-out striker...?

I reckon a No. 7 as it is half way between 4 and 10.

Robin wrote:With our current players I would be very surprised if we don't go back to three in central midfield next season ideally with Atangana and Tozer protecting the defence.

I would like to see Nigel playing in a more advanced role, supporting the strikers. He can break up a counter attack early if our own attacking play breaks down, and he pick a very creative pass.

Red Duke wrote:

asl wrote:

Shade wrote:Tom is not a number 10 or a number 4, I'd say he's somewhere in between

So pretty much anything other than a goalkeeper, a full-back or an out-and-out striker...?

I reckon a No. 7 as it is half way between 4 and 10.

So, traditionally, a right midfielder? Apparently he could, but I think he's happier in the middle

I hope we get him, we need a RB and we need somebody decent enough, Taylor Moore was awful to watch at times. I hope we don't end up with loads of loan players again.

A change of Chairman may mean a change of policy.

I don't think the chairman has influenced policy because it's clear we've been in talks with a number of the new players since the last season was still going. It should at least mean we start the new season with only 2-3 loanees (assuming Alcock signs).