After a pretty good pre-season there seems to be much doom and gloom surrounding the club. We have released a few players ( most of whom didn't feature a great deal last term ) but essentially what has changed ? Clearly we need a couple of strikers but the release of Smith on loan very much suggests that at least one or two are probably on their way in. Rumours abound of Marvin Sordell coming in and he'll do for me. I do hope that one or both of Fuller and Obika sign up soon.
Button has left but he clearly wasn't happy at not securing a more lengthy go when he came in for Hamer but he didn't cover himself in glory and can't really have too many arguments on that. Obviously he wants first team football on a regular basis as evidenced by his decision to drop a division for the second consecutive season and his release has made some room on the wage bill. Should Hamer get injured or suffer a dip in form then we can always dip into the loan market. Keepers are the easiest to merge into the team.
We have managed to keep ( so far ) the nucleus of the side that served us so well last season. I wouldn't lose any sleep if Stephens left but that aside it's not a lot different to the one we finished with.
Sir Chris has said we may need a couple of seasons to consolidate and without any great financial input that's got to be the aim. The impact of FFP and the current financial climate has seen very few clubs spend a lot of money so we are not alone in that although God knows how Millwall are able to finance their signings especially on such poor attendances !
What of Saturday then ? Firstly, I hope the weather is good for all those travelling down especially if you're down there the weekend. I envisage a tough game, Bournemouth have been on an upward trend and in Eddie Howe they have, like us, a manager who is seemingly comfortable and content in his current environment and doing a good job. Ideally you don't want to face a new promoted club early on and they'll be keen to start well at home.
Bournemouth have some injury concerns up front and with our defence it's hard to envisage there being many goals in this one. A scoreless draw or a win one nil either way is the most likely outcome.
I assume that we'll be starting with a 4-5-1 formation. I'd like to see the midfield comprised of Harriott, Gower, Jackson, Pritchard and Green but assume we'll see Stephens in with Pritch out wide right. A shame for many reasons..........Pritchard is better in a central position, Green has seemingly had a good pre-season is keen to impress and offers more in attack, Jackson is able to get forward more and in my view, Stephens offers very little.
Yann is in for a long, hot and testing afternoon but as we know if anyone can, Yann can ! He'll battle all day.
Good luck to you if you're going to Dean Court, I hope you are rewarded with a win and good performance to lighten the mood.
Come On You Reds !
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