JoeCamb
Unattached
Posts: 5
Favourite CUFC player: Scott Rendell
Favourite CUFC match: Cambridge 3 - 0 Stevenage (Playoff Semi Final 2nd Leg 2009)
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Post by JoeCamb on Jul 18, 2024 10:50:08 GMT
In a 3-4-2-1 formation I estimate we need 2 signings. RCB and ST. GK: Reyes, Stevens, Chadwick - RCB: [NEW], Jobe^, Okedina* CB: Morro, Rossi LCB: Watts, (Andrew)- RWB: Bennett, Gibbons CM: Gardner, Digby, Hoddle CM: Smith, Cousins, Thomas^ LWB: Andrew, Brophy - CAM: Kachunga, Richards CAM: Kaikai, McConnell - ST: [NEW], Lavery, Loft, Njoku ^Long term injury *Transfer listed (Secondary position for cover)Agree with the formation you've mentioned for the primary formation we'll be using this season, though think it might be quite fluid with a 3-5-2 depending on the game and opposition. Squad list helps visualisation of the squad depth a lot so very helpful to see and reinforces my belief that we still need 4-5 players still. Really think people have got used to us trying to cover multiple positions with a couple players and having a lack of squad depth, something I think we're trying to move on from this season. In terms of what I think we still need, we for sure need another ST (probably will be Assombalonga) and a CB, with Okedina likely being the delay for recruiting this position, he probably needs to be moved on first. Think the way Monk phrased how Watts was the plan before the Jobe injury hinted that we might recruit in this area. Think the other 2-3 signings are more up for debate, but in my eyes Andrew is LCB cover, while also covering LB if we play a four. This then means we need a WB one either side depending on preference on what's out there or what Gibbons is covering. The next signing I think also depends on where Kachunga is considered to be covering. In my eyes he's either 4th choice striker or CAM, I'm not expecting Njoku to be part of the squad this season. For me I would rather we consider him a CAM and sign a clear target man, but we could also opt for some more pace with a player like Scully who offers more versatility. Then finally I potentially can see a third GK as this seems a recent theme for our squads in that department, signer a younger GK and seeing how they progress with us. Think after Njoku and Okedina are taken out of the squad that will put us on a 25/26 man squad which includes 2 long term injuries, so in reality I would love both a CAM and a target man for example, but that I think I don't expect at all. Think the loan market could be used to fill a few of these positions so may have to wait until later in the window also.
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Post by Andrewlang on Jul 18, 2024 10:55:01 GMT
If I'm worried about anything at the moment then I can't help thinking our defence needs something. Rossi is decent enough but I'm not convinced by his fitness availability. Morro is good but I think Monk likes a high pressing style and Morro doesn't suit that. Jobe is excellent but injured.
My pick (in a 4-3-3) would've been Watts and Jobe so I think we need a first choice defender. I like Jubril but he's on the transfer list for a reason and Jobes injury shouldn't change that for me.
(In a 4-3-3) the midfield looks strong and we have good options in the front 3 too. Really pleased with our window so far.
Andrew
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malotru
Youth team star
Posts: 1,648
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Post by malotru on Jul 18, 2024 11:46:35 GMT
Another CB is a bit of a conundrum. We’ve all seen enough of Jobe to know he looked the real deal at this level and although I doubt we’ll see him this season we don’t want his route back into the 1st XI blocked by another player.
So signing another 30+ CB on a 1 year deal is unlikely and we already have Morrison and Andrew to tick our experience boxes.
Getting in a kid on long term loan from a Prem/Champ academy would probably come with caveats about x amount of appearances etc and besides he would be behind Watts, Rossi Morrison (fitness provided).
Signing another ready made CB like Watts on a 2+year deal would potentially impede Jobe’s way back into the team. And take up a big chunk of wage budget.
Personally I’d keep Okedina as I think he still has something to offer the team and is under contract. I think Digby is also a viable CB albeit last in the pecking order.
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Post by Andrewlang on Jul 18, 2024 12:25:15 GMT
I agree with all that, but I can't help thinking that if you're looking at this season alone then I still we need another central defender. I wouldn't want to block Jobes path for next season but equally I can see issues arising with Rossis potential fitness, with how highly Monk rates Okedina and with Morros suitability to a press and higher line (if that's how we end up playing)
Andrew
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danboyb
Youth team substitute
Posts: 681
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Post by danboyb on Jul 18, 2024 12:59:42 GMT
A lot will probably depend what clubs show interest in Okedina. If the move suits him then I don’t think we would (or should) stand in his way. If nothing comes up that’s suitable then he could yet have a part to play this season.
The one thing in his favour is that he’s generally been available for selection, same can’t be said for Rossi or to a lesser extent Morrison. As Andrew said, it’s not an ideal situation due to him being made available. It’s only human to feel a little demoralised and unwanted in the circumstances.
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Post by duffpaddy on Jul 18, 2024 13:18:47 GMT
I'm a bit torn on Okedina. There's definitely a player there but he seems to have slipped down the order. However, he probably needs to move on and play games for the good of his career. I wouldn't be to upset if he stayed though.
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Post by svh on Jul 18, 2024 13:37:51 GMT
Another CB is a bit of a conundrum. We’ve all seen enough of Jobe to know he looked the real deal at this level and although I doubt we’ll see him this season we don’t want his route back into the 1st XI blocked by another player. So signing another 30+ CB on a 1 year deal is unlikely and we already have Morrison and Andrew to tick our experience boxes. Getting in a kid on long term loan from a Prem/Champ academy would probably come with caveats about x amount of appearances etc and besides he would be behind Watts, Rossi Morrison (fitness provided). Signing another ready made CB like Watts on a 2+year deal would potentially impede Jobe’s way back into the team. And take up a big chunk of wage budget. Personally I’d keep Okedina as I think he still has something to offer the team and is under contract. I think Digby is also a viable CB albeit last in the pecking order. I don't think a new signing would block his path back into the team next season with Okedina and Morro out of contract.
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tojo
Reserve team regular
Posts: 3,508
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Post by tojo on Jul 18, 2024 13:44:25 GMT
If he was rated (okedina) he wouldn't be on the T list surely, I hope he moves on, he's not good enough at this level, and always looks the weak link imo. You would hope he finds a club where he can be first choice, rather than a 'make do' when needed
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Post by artvandelay on Jul 18, 2024 14:00:36 GMT
In a 3-4-2-1 formation I estimate we need 2 signings. RCB and ST. GK: Reyes, Stevens, Chadwick - RCB: [NEW], Jobe^, Okedina* CB: Morro, Rossi LCB: Watts, (Andrew)- RWB: Bennett, Gibbons CM: Gardner, Digby, Hoddle CM: Smith, Cousins, Thomas^ LWB: Andrew, Brophy - CAM: Kachunga, Richards CAM: Kaikai, McConnell - ST: [NEW], Lavery, Loft, Njoku ^Long term injury *Transfer listed (Secondary position for cover)Ibsen Rossi says his favoured position is right of a three, but I agree that another centre-half and striker and the squad will look competitive.
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Bendigeidfran
First team star
Posts: 9,517
Favourite CUFC player: Steve Claridge
Favourite CUFC match: CUFC v Gateshead 18/05/14
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Post by Bendigeidfran on Jul 31, 2024 21:07:06 GMT
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Post by svh on Jul 31, 2024 21:09:41 GMT
On paper he would sound like a good signing but as we know first hand, he’s not good enough to start week in, week out.
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Post by Andrewlang on Jul 31, 2024 21:20:09 GMT
In a three I'd probably trust him...only as back up though. He doesn't get in ahead of Watt, Rossi, Morro or Andrew.
In a two it's always felt to me like he needs to play alongside a senior player and/or dominant centre back otherwise he's a bit shaky.
I don't think he'll play much though so if it was me I'd probably push for the transfer and drop down a division where I'm likely to play most weeks.
Andrew
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imp566
Cult hero
Posts: 16,649
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Post by imp566 on Jul 31, 2024 21:38:40 GMT
On paper he would sound like a good signing but as we know first hand, he’s not good enough to start week in, week out. But its a no-brainer to keep him with Jobe out for the long term, rather than spend money on another defender that could be used in other areas of the park, or take a punt on a youngster who is untried in professional football. He has pace (not something that could be said of all his defensive colleagues), which will suit a team that likes to press the ball; if we do play 3 at the back, he could be a player in that system.
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nickpom
Reserve team regular
Posts: 3,199
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Post by nickpom on Aug 1, 2024 8:39:28 GMT
On paper he would sound like a good signing but as we know first hand, he’s not good enough to start week in, week out. But its a no-brainer to keep him with Jobe out for the long term, rather than spend money on another defender that could be used in other areas of the park, or take a punt on a youngster who is untried in professional football. He has pace (not something that could be said of all his defensive colleagues), which will suit a team that likes to press the ball; if we do play 3 at the back, he could be a player in that system. For me Okadina is plenty good enough technically, it's a matter of confidence; a new manager, especially one with a reputation for strong man-management, playing a more possession-based game may be able to tease out regular high quality performances, especially in a back three, that were not forthcoming in a back four under continual pressure. With Jobe in contention I can see why Jubril would be listed, but with Mamadou out for the season I would be happy to retain and trust Okadina.
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markt
Youth team star
Posts: 1,123
Favourite CUFC player: John Vaughan
Favourite CUFC match: Stevenage home play off semi May 09
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Post by markt on Aug 1, 2024 9:36:45 GMT
But its a no-brainer to keep him with Jobe out for the long term, rather than spend money on another defender that could be used in other areas of the park, or take a punt on a youngster who is untried in professional football. He has pace (not something that could be said of all his defensive colleagues), which will suit a team that likes to press the ball; if we do play 3 at the back, he could be a player in that system. For me Okadina is plenty good enough technically, it's a matter of confidence; a new manager, especially one with a reputation for strong man-management, playing a more possession-based game may be able to tease out regular high quality performances, especially in a back three, that were not forthcoming in a back four under continual pressure. With Jobe in contention I can see why Jubril would be listed, but with Mamadou out for the season I would be happy to retain and trust Okadina. Agree with that, I'd have no problem sticking with Jibs, he clearly has impressed GM since returning from preseason so i think it would now be his shirt to lose for opening day...I still think we need another centre half though as were 1 injury from being down to bare bones - that i would guess will come from the loan market...
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