http://www.mfc.co.uk/page/squad/senior-index
There it is. Our squad for next season on the mfc site. Seem to have a few players classed as defenders who I wouldn't expect to be in there, but the thing that really jumps out is we're missing a 'keeper.
Having Smith in at the end of last season made a big difference. I'm very pro-Steele, but think we need an established, experienced 'keeper if we're going to push for the play-offs.
At the back we've got a couple of players for each position, though I'd expect/hope that Hoyte moves on. I'd really like to see Rhys Williams played there for a period - it's his natural position, after all, and he excelled there for Burnley (I think) a couple of seasons ago. A slight concern is the strength in depth at CB. TM does like full backs that bomb on and support, and that could suit what looks like a pretty tough midfield.
In the middle, well, if Thommo can stay fit then him, Robson and Bailey are three midfielders with some bite, and I think Zememememema will be our creative spark. Julio may well be gone, and who knows about the enigmatic Frenchman with the glass legs.
Strikers. Strikers, strikers, strikers... will we see McDonald and Lita? Will Boyd move on, or will he flourish with some service? Will Emnes come of age? Will I stop asking unanswerable questions? Who knows...
All-in-all, it's a thin squad with a good team in there somewhere. But we need a 'keeper... or do we?
The hole in goal and next season's squad
posted on 17/6/11
I had thought and hoped that Smith would be back from forest and maybe he yet will but failing that we need another keeper to take the pressure off Steel if he has a bad run of form or to keep him on his toes if he is in good form.
posted on 17/6/11
I always find the Boro website team to be pretty slow when it comes to updating the site! Tavares and Smith have only just disappeared from the page. Hasn't Digard's spell with Nice ended now? And Hass has been offloaded (unless he still gets paid until the end of June perhaps). Plus the injury list is always one step behind the truth.
Anyway, too early to tell what changes will be made. I'm confident that we'll keep the core of the team. Or at least the most important ones. But who we can bring in depends massively on who leaves and when. Other teams have already been alerted to the availability of Hadouir and he is considering other offers, so our financial woes could really cost us there.
http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/sport/football/9091457.Boro_target_has_other_options/?
And any number of players from that list could be gone come the end of the summer. Hopefully the ones that most of us want to see gone, but there are no guarantees. Far from it. Even the ever unpopular Burger Boyd may still be here next season. We can't afford him and the team does better as a unit without him. I just hope that if he does stay that Mowbray has the sense to only play him when he genuinely thinks he will have a positive impact and not just because of the money we're splashing out on him. I'm sure Mowbray will be wise when it comes to this though.
On another note, to prove the budget nature of our official website (even after it has been updated), check out the ladies team page! Apparently we only have 8 players and one of those squishy face Abby Lyle. Although she does pile on the pounds when you click on her photo for her profile!! Bahahahaha. Classic Boro. This is exactly why I love the club so much. Non-league teams show better organisation and know-how then this!
http://www.mfc.co.uk/page/squad/ladies-index
posted on 18/6/11
The boro website is terrible ain't it - it's literally the last place I check for boro news. In fact, it's a mark of pure desperation for news when I do find myself sifting through the many meaningless, boring or just plain old news stories on there.
In terms of the keeper... i'm both shocked & appalled at the fact we haven't sign Paul Smith/aren't planning on replacing him. I have tentative faith in Steele's potential, but we can't afford for him to go off the boil again & be lumbered with Old Man Coyne in goal.
posted on 20/6/11
Yeah, I know it's too early to tell - just trying to get a bit of conversation going. Who would you have in for 'keeper? I'd have Smith back, lots of ppl said Speroni before, but I reckon Maik Taylor from Birmingham would be a good shout - he's just been released...