Squad taking shape very nicely.

[Bluemike]

With confirmation due anytime soon on the signings of Celina & Adeyemi I think the squad is taking shape very nicely indeed, Five potentially good solid signings already in the bag is pleasing and looking at it I think we are just another striker and a versatile defender short from where we need to be, I am actually starting to feel very positive for the coming season, money is clearly being spent with Million pound deals for Garner & Huws, not to mention the obvious hefty wages they and Adeyemi will be wanting, just get these other 2/3 in and play the right way and we will be in a much better place.

Keepers - Bialkowski, Gerken, Crowe

Defenders - Webster, Chambers, Smith, Taylor, Spence, Kenlock, Emmanuel, Knudsen

Wide Midfield - Celina, Rowe, Ward,

Central Midfield - Skuse, Huws, Adeyemi, Bishop, Dozzell, Hyam, Bru

Strikers - McGoldrick, Garner, Sears, Pitman, Moore


With the likliehood of Bru and possibly Pitman departing and Moore going on loan we are a couple light in terms of normal squad size, maybe even another wide player would not go amiss either. Add to that youngsters like Nydam & Downes forging their way into the first team squad and things look promising.

[Ohiotractorboy]

I am waiting for the punch line here...this is way too positive of a post.

[hallamblue]

You're on the wrong forum OB.... this isn't an Ipswich Forum anymore. This is the Deludeds Forum.

[marko69]

The Deludeds? They sound like bad guys in a Star Wars movie.

"The force is strong with these people."
"They're Deludeds, Lord Vader..... they're f**king nuts!"

[Mach_Polish_Blue]

The big question is if this squad would be strong enough to challenge for promotion as this is all about getting out of this poxy, horrible league.

Midfield has been an issue for a long while due to McCarthys defensive mindset.

[derick_ipsw]

TAYLOR? When did he sign?

[Bluemike]

He's training with us atm with a view to a contract if he proves his fitness

[hallamblue]

The Deludeds? They sound like bad guys in a Star Wars movie.

"The force is strong with these people."
"They're Deludeds, Lord Vader..... they're f**king nuts!"

aw shuddauppa yer face x

[Bluemike]

Looking at the squad as it currently stands lends itself to a fair few different options and formations, there is still the chance of at least 1 or 2 more new arrivals but from what we have at present what would everybody line up with against Birmingham on August 5th ? This would probably be my side ;-

........................Bart.........................

Spence.....Chambo....Webster....Kenlock

......................Skuse........................

........Huws......Adeyemi.....Celina........

................Didsy..........Garner..............


SUBS :- Gerken, Smith, Knudsen, Ward, Sears, Rowe, Bishop


It certainly looks so much stronger that last season for sure, especially the Midfield with several decent options unable to get in the team or even the bench.

[marko69]

Hopefully there is at least one strong friendly to give Mick some insight into the line up v Brummers.

[Andym]

Hopefully there is at least one strong friendly to give Mick some insight into the line up v Brummers.

I think it's one of Mick' s failings that he doesn't do strong friendlies.

[derick_ipsw]

Looking at the squad as it currently stands lends itself to a fair few different options and formations, there is still the chance of at least 1 or 2 more new arrivals but from what we have at present what would everybody line up with against Birmingham on August 5th ? This would probably be my side ;-

........................Bart.........................

Spence.....Chambo....Webster....Kenlock

......................Skuse........................

........Huws......Adeyemi.....Celina........

................Didsy..........Garner..............


SUBS :- Gerken, Smith, Knudsen, Ward, Sears, Rowe, Bishop


It certainly looks so much stronger that last season for sure, especially the Midfield with several decent options unable to get in the team or even the bench.

I like the look of that team, unfortunately Mike it is far too attacking for boring MM.

[Bluemike]

I do too Derick, I just cant see MM signing these players and not playing them, I have a feeling we will see a far more attacking approach this time around.

[Andym]

Looking at the squad as it currently stands lends itself to a fair few different options and formations, there is still the chance of at least 1 or 2 more new arrivals but from what we have at present what would everybody line up with against Birmingham on August 5th ? This would probably be my side ;-

........................Bart.........................

Spence.....Chambo....Webster....Kenlock

......................Skuse........................

........Huws......Adeyemi.....Celina........

................Didsy..........Garner..............


SUBS :- Gerken, Smith, Knudsen, Ward, Sears, Rowe, Bishop


It certainly looks so much stronger that last season for sure, especially the Midfield with several decent options unable to get in the team or even the bench.

You may be right about it being stronger. However the back 6 were all here last season although of course Webster missed most of it.

Your front 5 contains 3 I've never seen play so I can't comment. I'm reluctant to think new signings are an improvement until I've seen them. By reputation Garner is physical and energetic but not a regular goal scorer. We might need that attacking midfield if we are to score regularly. I still think it's a shame that Skuse will play for the simple reason that that we don't have or seek a better option.

[Tangfastic]

Whats the possibility that Mick goes for a back 5 - maybe to accommodate Webster, Chambers and Taylor/Smith/Knudsen at CB?

[Tangfastic]

Whats the possibility that Mick goes for a back 5 - maybe to accommodate Webster, Chambers and Taylor/Smith/Knudsen at CB?

We've used this formation in the latter half of the season. Would really be some competition for places in midfield area.

[charlton837]

were all going to be fuming when we line up with a midfield of Hyam, Skuse, Huws (with Ward and Celina on wings) with Adeyemi on bench. Whilst the wings look OK we do need to make sure we control that middle with the ball rather than just workmanlike play all the time. We now have a squad which can play a bit in the middle in my opinion. I also wouldn't sign Samuel, I don't see much in him, he looked invisible to me in the games I saw him in, but granted that wasn't much. Based on current squad I would actually go 4-4-2 and play the following;

Bart

Kenlock
Webster
Chambers
Spence

Ward/New winger
Huws
Adeyemi
Celina

McGoldrick
Garner

However I think we will certainly fit Skuse into that team so i imagine Adeyemi may not be a starter straight away, if he played all of them he would probably need to drop one or McGoldrick or Garner. At least there are some options i guess, more depth than last season

[Charnwood]

Looking at the squad as it currently stands lends itself to a fair few different options and formations, there is still the chance of at least 1 or 2 more new arrivals but from what we have at present what would everybody line up with against Birmingham on August 5th ? This would probably be my side ;-

........................Bart.........................

Spence.....Chambo....Webster....Kenlock

......................Skuse........................

........Huws......Adeyemi.....Celina........

................Didsy..........Garner..............


SUBS :- Gerken, Smith, Knudsen, Ward, Sears, Rowe, Bishop


It certainly looks so much stronger that last season for sure, especially the Midfield with several decent options unable to get in the team or even the bench.

You may be right about it being stronger. However the back 6 were all here last season although of course Webster missed most of it.

Your front 5 contains 3 I've never seen play so I can't comment. I'm reluctant to think new signings are an improvement until I've seen them. By reputation Garner is physical and energetic but not a regular goal scorer. We might need that attacking midfield if we are to score regularly. I still think it's a shame that Skuse will play for the simple reason that that we don't have or seek a better option.

Emyr Huws has played a lot of his football as a defensive midfield player and scored a few goals whilst in that role. Maybe he will be Skuse's replacement and bring in another wide player or play Ward and hope he makes the grade.?

[jimmyt]

were all going to be fuming when we line up with a midfield of Hyam, Skuse, Huws (with Ward and Celina on wings) with Adeyemi on bench. Whilst the wings look OK we do need to make sure we control that middle with the ball rather than just workmanlike play all the time. We now have a squad which can play a bit in the middle in my opinion. I also wouldn't sign Samuel, I don't see much in him, he looked invisible to me in the games I saw him in, but granted that wasn't much. Based on current squad I would actually go 4-4-2 and play the following;

Bart

Kenlock
Webster
Chambers
Spence

Ward/New winger
Huws
Adeyemi
Celina

McGoldrick
Garner

However I think we will certainly fit Skuse into that team so i imagine Adeyemi may not be a starter straight away, if he played all of them he would probably need to drop one or McGoldrick or Garner. At least there are some options i guess, more depth than last season

Sticking with a 4-4-2 and say we don't get anyone else in then I'd add Bishop into the central 4. I really hope that he puts last seasons difficulties behind him and kicks on this year. I still think there's a chance he could go on to be a very good player - I hope for ITFC and Bish himself, that this is the season! Good luck son.

p.s. The reset button get pressed for every club in August. I'm really looking forward to the coming season - so COYB

p.ps. Oh Ber_sant Ce_lina fits nicely to seven nation army chant....................just sayin'

[number 9]

Looking at the squad as it currently stands lends itself to a fair few different options and formations, there is still the chance of at least 1 or 2 more new arrivals but from what we have at present what would everybody line up with against Birmingham on August 5th ? This would probably be my side ;-

........................Bart.........................

Spence.....Chambo....Webster....Kenlock

......................Skuse........................

........Huws......Adeyemi.....Celina........

................Didsy..........Garner..............


SUBS :- Gerken, Smith, Knudsen, Ward, Sears, Rowe, Bishop


It certainly looks so much stronger that last season for sure, especially the Midfield with several decent options unable to get in the team or even the bench.

You may be right about it being stronger. However the back 6 were all here last season although of course Webster missed most of it.

Your front 5 contains 3 I've never seen play so I can't comment. I'm reluctant to think new signings are an improvement until I've seen them. By reputation Garner is physical and energetic but not a regular goal scorer. We might need that attacking midfield if we are to score regularly. I still think it's a shame that Skuse will play for the simple reason that that we don't have or seek a better option.

Emyr Huws has played a lot of his football as a defensive midfield player and scored a few goals whilst in that role. Maybe he will be Skuse's replacement and bring in another wide player or play Ward and hope he makes the grade.?

I may be wrong, but I see Huws more as an attacking midfielder. He's got bags of energy, and judging by his Town performances it seems like he likes to get forward.

[herforder]

More likely to be Tom Adeymi - described by a previous manager as 'a box to box midfielder, who can both attack and defend'. However, I think MM's on record as saying that he doesn't want to use him in a holding midfield role - so unless MM decides to set up without one, and unless we bring in an alternative, Skuse will almost certainly continue. No indication that Skuse wants to leave, or that MM wants him to. Higher priorities for further refinforcements.

[Bluemike]

Skuse will play when fit it's as simple as that, as far as I am concerned so he should too, he is the best defensive midfielder at the club by some distance and if anyone would play a team containing 2 strikers and Huws, Adeyemi and Celina with no defensive holding player they are quite simply nuts.

[Andym]

Skuse will play when fit it's as simple as that, as far as I am concerned so he should too, he is the best defensive midfielder at the club by some distance and if anyone would play a team containing 2 strikers and Huws, Adeyemi and Celina with no defensive holding player they are quite simply nuts.

I agree - but only because Skuse is the ONLY defensive midfielder in the club (apart from Hyam - see below). We desperately need someone who does what he does but also looks for the ball when the back 4 have it. And preferably someone who has a bit of pace.

Hyam does actually move to receive the ball. Unfortunately when he gets it he usually plays a one-two back to the defender, playing him into trouble. And he commits some very nasty tackles. He will never be a Championship player because of these faults. But I never see Skuse as one either as when we are in possession he is invisible. Replacing him would be my top priority now.

[herforder]

I think all recognise Skuse's limitations; perhaps, like others in the squad, more prominent in a struggling team. But there's a danger that, for some, he becomes the lightning rod for poor performances, team selections and tactics. That's probably unfair.

Assuming he retains his place, and with (hopefully) a much improved and effective midfield, and with more quality still to come, his performance and that of the whole team will improve.

[marko69]

Assuming he retains his place, and with (hopefully) a much improved and effective midfield, and with more quality still to come, his performance and that of the whole team will improve.

Or...... or....... he'll be found out as being Shyte.

Not stirring the pot, promise you of that..... but we have two incredibly well respected supporters in Bluemike & Mach Polish Blue, both with footballs for brains and blue blood running through their veins...... yet are close to having opinions that are almost polar opposites regarding Cole Skuse. I actually find that fascinating.

[Bluemike]

Machs wrong lmfao

[marko69]

Seriously though..., debates in the past over certain players at Hibs, (remembering Brian Hamilton vividly) and the general consensus was that he was absolute pap, but there were people who defended him, a cousin of mine being one of them. Remember my buddy once saying to him,....... "Are you always at the pie stall when Hamilton is making a c**t of it?"

[Charnwood]

Skuse will play when fit it's as simple as that, as far as I am concerned so he should too, he is the best defensive midfielder at the club by some distance and if anyone would play a team containing 2 strikers and Huws, Adeyemi and Celina with no defensive holding player they are quite simply nuts.

I agree - but only because Skuse is the ONLY defensive midfielder in the club (apart from Hyam - see below). We desperately need someone who does what he does but also looks for the ball when the back 4 have it. And preferably someone who has a bit of pace.

Hyam does actually move to receive the ball. Unfortunately when he gets it he usually plays a one-two back to the defender, playing him into trouble. And he commits some very nasty tackles. He will never be a Championship player because of these faults. But I never see Skuse as one either as when we are in possession he is invisible. Replacing him would be my top priority now.

I still think Emyr Huws could ultimately be Skuse's replacement, when I read about him he models himself on Barcelona's Sergio Busquets who he considers to be the best defensive midfield player in the world. If he can partly achieve that surely it would be good enough to replace Skuse.

[marko69]

If he plays like Busquets, that'd be "Nice"....., Nice Busquets.

[Andym]

Assuming he retains his place, and with (hopefully) a much improved and effective midfield, and with more quality still to come, his performance and that of the whole team will improve.

Or...... or....... he'll be found out as being Shyte.

Not stirring the pot, promise you of that..... but we have two incredibly well respected supporters in Bluemike & Mach Polish Blue, both with footballs for brains and blue blood running through their veins...... yet are close to having opinions that are almost polar opposites regarding Cole Skuse. I actually find that fascinating.

I think there are two reasons for the different opinions. One is that, in his favour, he does a lot of the unseen, unglsmorous work. But the main reason is, i think, down to your viewpoint; what he does, he does quite well - ntercepting and blocking. But it's what he doesn't do that makes some of us critical.