If Carrick is keeping the same basic formation it feels like both a lot and not very much.
Not very much because this season we'll probably end up on around 70 points which is a good return given everything that has happened. A lot because, if our aim is promotion, we need a minimum of 80 points and, ideally, 85+. Our best since relegation is just 76 points under Pulis. Getting those extra 10-15 points is a much bigger step than it sounds.
It also depends on which of our key players insists on leaving in the summer. Ideally, McGree will sign a new contract and Forss an extension plus we'll hang on to Dieng, Rav and Hackney.
Fundamentally, we need two players who are at the level of a Gaston Ramirez, Ramsey, Archer. I doubt we can afford to buy them so we'll have to loan them. We also need two players who are absolutely top level Championship pros. Someone like Calum O'Hare would be great but I think we'll be out-competed for him.
Carrick plays with two #9s (one centre, one right) and two #10s (one left-centre, one right-centre) rather than out and out wingers. The full backs provide the crossing and width. For me, Jones isn't a great fit so needs to be an impact sub or retrain as a right back (except he can't cross to save his life.)
I can see Ayling and Smith seeing out the season on the basis we can get a development player and they can see out the season. We may also think that Engel and Bangura aren't great but providing they're the weakest link in the team, that's just about ok.
Greenwood, Silvera and Gilbert: I don't see any of these being good enough for 1st or 2nd choice for their positions. Admittedly, Gilbert hasn't had a chance. Barlaser hasn't really worked out so I can see him being sold. Depending on what happens with striker recruitment, Coburn may go out on loan.
Using square brackets for where we may need new players. [Major] means a major purchase or loan
GK: Dieng, [Glover], [___]
RB: Ayling, Smith, [development]
CB: RVDB, Fry, Lenihan, Clarke, [development]
LB: Engel, Bangura, [development]
CM: Hackney, Howson, [MAJOR], [O'Brien], [development]
RF: [Forss], Jones, [Finch]
#10: [MAJOR], Azaz, [____]
LF: [McGree], [____]
#9: Latte Lath, [____], [Coburn]
Depending on Forss and McGree, I think the absolutely key signings are a #10 and a replacement for Howson. Azaz generally played on the left for Plymouth and can play there for us. If we re-sign O'Brien he is also familiar with the LF role as well.
Because Forss can play wide or central, he's a good choice for a back-up striker and 1st choice for wide right. That will reduce the pace in the team so we would have to hope that Bangura comes good.
Howson could start off the season so we could go for a Premier league starlet to mentor for the first 1/2 of the season.
The best case scenario is that we're only looking for 1-2 players to come straight into the 1st 11 with the rest being able to start the season as back-ups and make the case for becoming a starter.
I could see us being back in for Ramsey if McGree goes and we feel that he could stay uninjured for a decent time. Seems unlikely though.
We need a #10 who can carry the ball and link play. Azaz is getting better but tends to get knocked off the ball too easily.
We also need to actually use the academy. This probably means Finch playing the wide right/centre role and getting a decent amount of game time.
On the Premier league starlet loan front I like the look of Harvey Vale. He seems to have had a good season for Bristol Rovers and might be ready for a season in the Championship. Chelsea may be up for selling him. He can play anywhere from left back to attacking midfield.
I know Dembele on loan at Blackpool is getting rave reviews but I think he'll be looking at a top tier league.
If Forss goes, I wonder if Anthony Musaba (Sheff Wed) might come into contention. Obviously there's the likes of Sorba Thomas but I think Willock seems the better fit.
Chem Campbell has had a couple of good loans. Another centre/left attacking midfielder. He may be ready for a breakout season at Championship level.
As a possible centre midfielder, I like the looks of Freddie Potts. I can see West Ham loaning him to the Championship next season and he seems like he could play the Howson role.
(See my other thread about the battle at the top which went by the wayside
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