Ghost of Clough

Think I will see if some mates will sponsor me to read the whole post, maybe a £1 for every 5 mins 😁 👻

WARNING! This will be a long read.
Summary, for those who don't like to read:
I've assumed Knight and Bielik are sold, with no other first team departures.
We still need to fill the following positions: RCB, RWB, LWB, SS/AM, CF, CF. Suggestions for these roles are...
RCB: Matty Pennington (out of contract, from Shrewsbury)
RWB/LWB: Tom Hamer (Burton)
SS: Andy Moran (loan, from Brighton)
CF: George Hirst (Leicester)
CF: Conor Washington (Rotherham)


I would argue the main reason for our lack of success last season was down to quantity of chances created. We were heavily reliant on crosses from Hourihane and Mendez-Laing and set pieces from Hourihane. Whilst McGoldrick, Sibley, Bird, Knight and Barkhuizen chipped in with a few, we need to be looking at 40-50% more this season.
We have partially improved on that by signing two wing backs who love to get the ball in the box for attackers. Between our full backs last season, we were averaging roughly 2 key pass per game, only slightly better than what Hourihane was achieving by himself. Ward averaged 2.1 per 90 last season, whilst Elder averaged 1.7 in Hull's promotion season. That's almost twice the improvement on what we had last season in the wide areas. This is also before we add depth to these positions - either someone who covers both wing back positions, or with them also covering CB (such as Jaden Brown being a LWB covering CB, or Harding being a CB covering RWB).
Contrary to popular belief, our goal contributions from our midfielders are fine. Bird and Hourihane got a combined 25 in all competitions last season, whereas all of Plymouth's combined got 23 and Ipswich's got 28. With Smith and Thompson (or a new signing) chipping in with a couple as well, we're well set. You could argue we could do with someone else off the bench with more end product. Jensen Weir (Brighton) and Owen Moxon (Carlisle) would be high up my list.
It's no secret that we need more goals from our defenders, but Nelson isn't the answer. Cashin, Forsyth, Nelson and Rooney made a combined 5 goal contributions last season (11789 minutes played).
Plymouth's CBs had 14 contributions (14697 minutes) and Ipswich's also had 14 (13059 minutes). We definitely need to get an aerially dominant CB who is a threat from set pieces to make up some of the difference. Hopefully, Cashin can improve this part of his game too.
We're also desperate for at least 3 additions in the attacking positions. Plymouth got 109 goal contributions from playerss predominantly playing in the front 3 last season (15815 minutes) and Ipswich got 106 (14875 minutes).
Since we only have Collins, Mendez-Laing, Barkhuizen and Sibley left, our remaining forwards got 52 goal contributions from 12394 minutes, although that includes 3 of those players also covering at full back. Remove those games and it's roughly 45 in 10500 minutes.
Whilst Collins and Barkhuizen's contributions per 90 were on the low side, they're perfectly suited for backup roles. Sibley's contribution was also relatively low, but with a consistent run in his best positions, and more creativity in the rest of the team, I would back him to  at least double his output next season if given the same amount of game time (12 goals and 4 assists). He could easily achieve over 20 goal contributions if we get the other additions in the forward area right.
Our two most important signings this summer will be in the attacking area. One CF and one SS/AM capable of getting close to 50 contributions between them. We'll also need a 2nd choice CF, capable of 15  contributions in 1500-2000 minutes (Cosgrove got 14 in 1692 minutes as 3rd choice CF for Plymouth).
The squad size will cater for giving some minutes to promising U21s: such as Moloney (LWB), DRobinson and Hawkins (CM), Davidson (SS) and Brown (CF)
Now back up to the top to see my actual suggestions for each positions needed.

WARNING! This will be a long read.
Summary, for those who don't like to read:
I've assumed Knight and Bielik are sold, with no other first team departures.
We still need to fill the following positions: RCB, RWB, LWB, SS/AM, CF, CF. Suggestions for these roles are...
RCB: Matty Pennington (out of contract, from Shrewsbury)
RWB/LWB: Tom Hamer (Burton)
SS: Andy Moran (loan, from Brighton)
CF: George Hirst (Leicester)
CF: Conor Washington (Rotherham)


I would argue the main reason for our lack of success last season was down to quantity of chances created. We were heavily reliant on crosses from Hourihane and Mendez-Laing and set pieces from Hourihane. Whilst McGoldrick, Sibley, Bird, Knight and Barkhuizen chipped in with a few, we need to be looking at 40-50% more this season.
We have partially improved on that by signing two wing backs who love to get the ball in the box for attackers. Between our full backs last season, we were averaging roughly 2 key pass per game, only slightly better than what Hourihane was achieving by himself. Ward averaged 2.1 per 90 last season, whilst Elder averaged 1.7 in Hull's promotion season. That's almost twice the improvement on what we had last season in the wide areas. This is also before we add depth to these positions - either someone who covers both wing back positions, or with them also covering CB (such as Jaden Brown being a LWB covering CB, or Harding being a CB covering RWB).
Contrary to popular belief, our goal contributions from our midfielders are fine. Bird and Hourihane got a combined 25 in all competitions last season, whereas all of Plymouth's combined got 23 and Ipswich's got 28. With Smith and Thompson (or a new signing) chipping in with a couple as well, we're well set. You could argue we could do with someone else off the bench with more end product. Jensen Weir (Brighton) and Owen Moxon (Carlisle) would be high up my list.
It's no secret that we need more goals from our defenders, but Nelson isn't the answer. Cashin, Forsyth, Nelson and Rooney made a combined 5 goal contributions last season (11789 minutes played).
Plymouth's CBs had 14 contributions (14697 minutes) and Ipswich's also had 14 (13059 minutes). We definitely need to get an aerially dominant CB who is a threat from set pieces to make up some of the difference. Hopefully, Cashin can improve this part of his game too.
We're also desperate for at least 3 additions in the attacking positions. Plymouth got 109 goal contributions from playerss predominantly playing in the front 3 last season (15815 minutes) and Ipswich got 106 (14875 minutes).
Since we only have Collins, Mendez-Laing, Barkhuizen and Sibley left, our remaining forwards got 52 goal contributions from 12394 minutes, although that includes 3 of those players also covering at full back. Remove those games and it's roughly 45 in 10500 minutes.
Whilst Collins and Barkhuizen's contributions per 90 were on the low side, they're perfectly suited for backup roles. Sibley's contribution was also relatively low, but with a consistent run in his best positions, and more creativity in the rest of the team, I would back him to  at least double his output next season if given the same amount of game time (12 goals and 4 assists). He could easily achieve over 20 goal contributions if we get the other additions in the forward area right.
Our two most important signings this summer will be in the attacking area. One CF and one SS/AM capable of getting close to 50 contributions between them. We'll also need a 2nd choice CF, capable of 15  contributions in 1500-2000 minutes (Cosgrove got 14 in 1692 minutes as 3rd choice CF for Plymouth).
The squad size will cater for giving some minutes to promising U21s: such as Moloney (LWB), DRobinson and Hawkins (CM), Davidson (SS) and Brown (CF)
Now back up to the top to see my actual suggestions for each positions needed.

WARNING! This will be a long read.
Summary, for those who don't like to read:
I've assumed Knight and Bielik are sold, with no other first team departures.
We still need to fill the following positions: RCB, RWB, LWB, SS/AM, CF, CF. Suggestions for these roles are...
RCB: Matty Pennington (out of contract, from Shrewsbury)
RWB/LWB: Tom Hamer (Burton)
SS: Andy Moran (loan, from Brighton)
CF: George Hirst (Leicester)
CF: Conor Washington (Rotherham)


I would argue the main reason for our lack of success last season was down to quantity of chances created. We were heavily reliant on crosses from Hourihane and Mendez-Laing and set pieces from Hourihane. Whilst McGoldrick, Sibley, Bird, Knight and Barkhuizen chipped in with a few, we need to be looking at 40-50% more this season.
We have partially improved on that by signing two wing backs who love to get the ball in the box for attackers. Between our full backs last season, we were averaging roughly 2 key pass per game, only slightly better than what Hourihane was achieving by himself. Ward averaged 2.1 per 90 last season, whilst Elder averaged 1.7 in Hull's promotion season. That's almost twice the improvement on what we had last season in the wide areas. This is also before we add depth to these positions - either someone who covers both wing back positions, or with them also covering CB (such as Jaden Brown being a LWB covering CB, or Harding being a CB covering RWB).
Contrary to popular belief, our goal contributions from our midfielders are fine. Bird and Hourihane got a combined 25 in all competitions last season, whereas all of Plymouth's combined got 23 and Ipswich's got 28. With Smith and Thompson (or a new signing) chipping in with a couple as well, we're well set. You could argue we could do with someone else off the bench with more end product. Jensen Weir (Brighton) and Owen Moxon (Carlisle) would be high up my list.
It's no secret that we need more goals from our defenders, but Nelson isn't the answer. Cashin, Forsyth, Nelson and Rooney made a combined 5 goal contributions last season (11789 minutes played).
Plymouth's CBs had 14 contributions (14697 minutes) and Ipswich's also had 14 (13059 minutes). We definitely need to get an aerially dominant CB who is a threat from set pieces to make up some of the difference. Hopefully, Cashin can improve this part of his game too.
We're also desperate for at least 3 additions in the attacking positions. Plymouth got 109 goal contributions from playerss predominantly playing in the front 3 last season (15815 minutes) and Ipswich got 106 (14875 minutes).
Since we only have Collins, Mendez-Laing, Barkhuizen and Sibley left, our remaining forwards got 52 goal contributions from 12394 minutes, although that includes 3 of those players also covering at full back. Remove those games and it's roughly 45 in 10500 minutes.
Whilst Collins and Barkhuizen's contributions per 90 were on the low side, they're perfectly suited for backup roles. Sibley's contribution was also relatively low, but with a consistent run in his best positions, and more creativity in the rest of the team, I would back him to  at least double his output next season if given the same amount of game time (12 goals and 4 assists). He could easily achieve over 20 goal contributions if we get the other additions in the forward area right.
Our two most important signings this summer will be in the attacking area. One CF and one SS/AM capable of getting close to 50 contributions between them. We'll also need a 2nd choice CF, capable of 15  contributions in 1500-2000 minutes (Cosgrove got 14 in 1692 minutes as 3rd choice CF for Plymouth).
The squad size will cater for giving some minutes to promising U21s: such as Moloney (LWB), DRobinson and Hawkins (CM), Davidson (SS) and Brown (CF)
Now back up to the top to see my actual suggestions for each positions needed.

WARNING! This will be a long read.
Summary, for those who don't like to read:
I've assumed Knight and Bielik are sold, with no other first team departures.
We still need to fill the following positions: RCB, RWB, LWB, SS/AM, CF, CF. Suggestions for these roles are...
RCB: Matty Pennington (out of contract, from Shrewsbury)
RWB/LWB: Tom Hamer (Burton)
SS: Andy Moran (loan, from Brighton)
CF: George Hirst (Leicester)
CF: Conor Washington (Rotherham)


I would argue the main reason for our lack of success last season was down to quantity of chances created. We were heavily reliant on crosses from Hourihane and Mendez-Laing and set pieces from Hourihane. Whilst McGoldrick, Sibley, Bird, Knight and Barkhuizen chipped in with a few, we need to be looking at 40-50% more this season.
We have partially improved on that by signing two wing backs who love to get the ball in the box for attackers. Between our full backs last season, we were averaging roughly 2 key pass per game, only slightly better than what Hourihane was achieving by himself. Ward averaged 2.1 per 90 last season, whilst Elder averaged 1.7 in Hull's promotion season. That's almost twice the improvement on what we had last season in the wide areas. This is also before we add depth to these positions - either someone who covers both wing back positions, or with them also covering CB (such as Jaden Brown being a LWB covering CB, or Harding being a CB covering RWB).
Contrary to popular belief, our goal contributions from our midfielders are fine. Bird and Hourihane got a combined 25 in all competitions last season, whereas all of Plymouth's combined got 23 and Ipswich's got 28. With Smith and Thompson (or a new signing) chipping in with a couple as well, we're well set. You could argue we could do with someone else off the bench with more end product. Jensen Weir (Brighton) and Owen Moxon (Carlisle) would be high up my list.
It's no secret that we need more goals from our defenders, but Nelson isn't the answer. Cashin, Forsyth, Nelson and Rooney made a combined 5 goal contributions last season (11789 minutes played).
Plymouth's CBs had 14 contributions (14697 minutes) and Ipswich's also had 14 (13059 minutes). We definitely need to get an aerially dominant CB who is a threat from set pieces to make up some of the difference. Hopefully, Cashin can improve this part of his game too.
We're also desperate for at least 3 additions in the attacking positions. Plymouth got 109 goal contributions from playerss predominantly playing in the front 3 last season (15815 minutes) and Ipswich got 106 (14875 minutes).
Since we only have Collins, Mendez-Laing, Barkhuizen and Sibley left, our remaining forwards got 52 goal contributions from 12394 minutes, although that includes 3 of those players also covering at full back. Remove those games and it's roughly 45 in 10500 minutes.
Whilst Collins and Barkhuizen's contributions per 90 were on the low side, they're perfectly suited for backup roles. Sibley's contribution was also relatively low, but with a consistent run in his best positions, and more creativity in the rest of the team, I would back him to  at least double his output next season if given the same amount of game time (12 goals and 4 assists). He could easily achieve over 20 goal contributions if we get the other additions in the forward area right.
Our two most important signings this summer will be in the attacking area. One CF and one SS/AM capable of getting close to 50 contributions between them. We'll also need a 2nd choice CF, capable of 15  contributions in 1500-2000 minutes (Cosgrove got 14 in 1692 minutes as 3rd choice CF for Plymouth).
The squad size will cater for giving some minutes to promising U21s: such as Moloney (LWB), DRobinson and Hawkins (CM), Davidson (SS) and Brown (CF)
Now back up to the top to see my actual suggestions for each positions needed.

WARNING! This will be a long read.
Summary, for those who don't like to read:
I've assumed Knight and Bielik are sold, with no other first team departures.
We still need to fill the following positions: RCB, RWB, LWB, SS/AM, CF, CF. Suggestions for these roles are...
RCB: Matty Pennington (out of contract, from Shrewsbury)
RWB/LWB: Tom Hamer (Burton)
SS: Andy Moran (loan, from Brighton)
CF: George Hirst (Leicester)
CF: Conor Washington (Rotherham)


I would argue the main reason for our lack of success last season was down to quantity of chances created. We were heavily reliant on crosses from Hourihane and Mendez-Laing and set pieces from Hourihane. Whilst McGoldrick, Sibley, Bird, Knight and Barkhuizen chipped in with a few, we need to be looking at 40-50% more this season.
We have partially improved on that by signing two wing backs who love to get the ball in the box for attackers. Between our full backs last season, we were averaging roughly 2 key pass per game, only slightly better than what Hourihane was achieving by himself. Ward averaged 2.1 per 90 last season, whilst Elder averaged 1.7 in Hull's promotion season. That's almost twice the improvement on what we had last season in the wide areas. This is also before we add depth to these positions - either someone who covers both wing back positions, or with them also covering CB (such as Jaden Brown being a LWB covering CB, or Harding being a CB covering RWB).
Contrary to popular belief, our goal contributions from our midfielders are fine. Bird and Hourihane got a combined 25 in all competitions last season, whereas all of Plymouth's combined got 23 and Ipswich's got 28. With Smith and Thompson (or a new signing) chipping in with a couple as well, we're well set. You could argue we could do with someone else off the bench with more end product. Jensen Weir (Brighton) and Owen Moxon (Carlisle) would be high up my list.
It's no secret that we need more goals from our defenders, but Nelson isn't the answer. Cashin, Forsyth, Nelson and Rooney made a combined 5 goal contributions last season (11789 minutes played).
Plymouth's CBs had 14 contributions (14697 minutes) and Ipswich's also had 14 (13059 minutes). We definitely need to get an aerially dominant CB who is a threat from set pieces to make up some of the difference. Hopefully, Cashin can improve this part of his game too.
We're also desperate for at least 3 additions in the attacking positions. Plymouth got 109 goal contributions from playerss predominantly playing in the front 3 last season (15815 minutes) and Ipswich got 106 (14875 minutes).
Since we only have Collins, Mendez-Laing, Barkhuizen and Sibley left, our remaining forwards got 52 goal contributions from 12394 minutes, although that includes 3 of those players also covering at full back. Remove those games and it's roughly 45 in 10500 minutes.
Whilst Collins and Barkhuizen's contributions per 90 were on the low side, they're perfectly suited for backup roles. Sibley's contribution was also relatively low, but with a consistent run in his best positions, and more creativity in the rest of the team, I would back him to  at least double his output next season if given the same amount of game time (12 goals and 4 assists). He could easily achieve over 20 goal contributions if we get the other additions in the forward area right.
Our two most important signings this summer will be in the attacking area. One CF and one SS/AM capable of getting close to 50 contributions between them. We'll also need a 2nd choice CF, capable of 15  contributions in 1500-2000 minutes (Cosgrove got 14 in 1692 minutes as 3rd choice CF for Plymouth).
The squad size will cater for giving some minutes to promising U21s: such as Moloney (LWB), DRobinson and Hawkins (CM), Davidson (SS) and Brown (CF)
Now back up to the top to see my actual suggestions for each positions needed.

Let's not forget the inportance of corners to Warne. Hourihane will now be sharing corner duty with Ward - one left footer and one right footer.
CBs and CFs needed to give them someone to aim at now.

Barnsley - lost their manager but no notable changes to playing squad, except for 6/7 fringe players leaving, most of them were on loan.
Bolton - lost 2 squad players. Made 1 loan permanent. 2 of their best players returned to Liverpool and Man City, with Bradley being their 3rd top scorer and 2md in assists.
Peterborough - lost their top assister from last season, trying to sell their top scorer (their only palyer to score more than 10), lost another squad player. Released one of their most used defenders and also trying to sell 5 or 6 other regulars in their team. They dont even have a keeper as the two they had were only on loan. They made 1 loan forward permanant. They're essentially starting from scratch.
Portsmouth - finished below us last season. Lost 5 squad players and replaced them with 3 squad players from Burton, Forest Green and Shrewsbury (loan from Bournemouth), and a winger who barely played for Lincoln last season. Lost 6 further squad player who were on loan.
 
On the other hand, we've lost our 9th, 11th, 14th and 15th most used players. We've already replaced two of them and strengthened in our weakest position from last season. Whislt our sqyad isnt close to being complete, no one else is either. The nature of being a L1 club is a high turnover of players each season. We're rightfully the current favourites due to what our squads should look like by the end of the window.

That was never the case based on the points system. However, from this season on, L1 and L2 clubs can sign 2 overseas players who don't meet work permit rules, whilst PL and Championship clubs are allowed up to 4.

That was never the case based on the points system. However, from this season on, L1 and L2 clubs can sign 2 overseas players who don't meet work permit rules, whilst PL and Championship clubs are allowed up to 4.

Barnsley - lost their manager but no notable changes to playing squad, except for 6/7 fringe players leaving, most of them were on loan.
Bolton - lost 2 squad players. Made 1 loan permanent. 2 of their best players returned to Liverpool and Man City, with Bradley being their 3rd top scorer and 2md in assists.
Peterborough - lost their top assister from last season, trying to sell their top scorer (their only palyer to score more than 10), lost another squad player. Released one of their most used defenders and also trying to sell 5 or 6 other regulars in their team. They dont even have a keeper as the two they had were only on loan. They made 1 loan forward permanant. They're essentially starting from scratch.
Portsmouth - finished below us last season. Lost 5 squad players and replaced them with 3 squad players from Burton, Forest Green and Shrewsbury (loan from Bournemouth), and a winger who barely played for Lincoln last season. Lost 6 further squad player who were on loan.
 
On the other hand, we've lost our 9th, 11th, 14th and 15th most used players. We've already replaced two of them and strengthened in our weakest position from last season. Whislt our sqyad isnt close to being complete, no one else is either. The nature of being a L1 club is a high turnover of players each season. We're rightfully the current favourites due to what our squads should look like by the end of the window.

Only 15 goals in the 56 league apps for Cheltenham before those 85 though. Those games were in League 2 as well.

In terms of budget, they'll be about 6th. Given performances last season, it's reasonable to assume they'll be up there challenging. But, they have been very hit and miss with their managers. Hard to see them kicking on from last season.

£20m revenue, but about £15m in operating costs and £10m admin expenses, resulting in a £5m loss. Revenue could be slightly higher due to additional income from cup competitions. Wages could be slightly overestimated. I still expect a loss.

D be very disappointed in those trades, especially with Bird being thrown into the mix. Where's the resale value in that group? If you're lucky, you'll get back what you spend. The value sof Bird and Knight will only increase from this point.
Clarke-Harris - already at his peak, one dimensional, risk at Championship level
May - not suited to the style we'll play, already 29, hit a purple patch in his career, never played above league 1
Brannigan - another in the peak of his career, weaker defensively than Bird, only a little bit more creative, assists less, goals come mostly from penalties
Bonnis - another risk due to onpy ever playing in the N. Ireland leagues.

Statue in honour of Trav incoming...

Statue in honour of Trav incoming...

Statue in honour of Trav incoming...

Born in Kent. Came through Millwall's academy, played non-League football in Kent, Essex and Greater London, with a brief 2 game loan spell in Hampshire.
It was only when he turned 24 that he moved north, to Doncaster, for a 3 year spell and to Cheltenham when 27.
I'd be very surprised if his 3 years in Doncaster convinced him never to return to the London area again. 

Depends, he might like a cheap pint after work and a pea mix from the chippy.

Born in Kent. Came through Millwall's academy, played non-League football in Kent, Essex and Greater London, with a brief 2 game loan spell in Hampshire.
It was only when he turned 24 that he moved north, to Doncaster, for a 3 year spell and to Cheltenham when 27.
I'd be very surprised if his 3 years in Doncaster convinced him never to return to the London area again. 

More likely only 2 in midfield. 1 CF with two supporting players

D be very disappointed in those trades, especially with Bird being thrown into the mix. Where's the resale value in that group? If you're lucky, you'll get back what you spend. The value sof Bird and Knight will only increase from this point.
Clarke-Harris - already at his peak, one dimensional, risk at Championship level
May - not suited to the style we'll play, already 29, hit a purple patch in his career, never played above league 1
Brannigan - another in the peak of his career, weaker defensively than Bird, only a little bit more creative, assists less, goals come mostly from penalties
Bonnis - another risk due to onpy ever playing in the N. Ireland leagues.

D be very disappointed in those trades, especially with Bird being thrown into the mix. Where's the resale value in that group? If you're lucky, you'll get back what you spend. The value sof Bird and Knight will only increase from this point.
Clarke-Harris - already at his peak, one dimensional, risk at Championship level
May - not suited to the style we'll play, already 29, hit a purple patch in his career, never played above league 1
Brannigan - another in the peak of his career, weaker defensively than Bird, only a little bit more creative, assists less, goals come mostly from penalties
Bonnis - another risk due to onpy ever playing in the N. Ireland leagues.