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Post by bomber on Aug 2, 2018 15:14:31 GMT
I'm predicting a real struggle. I would tend to agree and if we are in the bottom four for a while I am not confident this new board would know what to do. Panic and relegation would be on the cards. However, although I think it might be a struggle a similar mid table/bottom half finish is the most likely outcome. Don't think we'll trouble the top half never mind the play offs. The board aren't supposed to know what to do, unless they interfere in player selection. It's down to AH. All they have to do is run things off the pitch surely?
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Post by nigelefc on Aug 2, 2018 15:53:56 GMT
Think the fact the past 2 seasons have been complete failures may be a major positive for the season to come. 14th and 15th despite spending huge amounts. We are no longer 'Moneybags' Eastleigh and this will take a lot of pressure off the players which can only be helpful. The fact we're also not broadcasting our budget publicly can only aid our recruitment and get value for money, I like the fact we're going about our business quietly.
Agree with remarks regarding goalkeeping situation. Not sure Childs would be good enough and no point him sitting on the bench, but agree that with injury/ability concerns surrounding Flitney and Stack that this is an area that needs to be addressed if we are to be around the play offs. Seems odd Stack got a year extension, perhaps that was based on appearances? Lots of odd decisions still hanging over us this season, Reda and Cressy 3 year deals anyone?! But think we can still have a good season nonetheless.
The recruitment this year looks much more promising. Young, hungrier players looking to progress. Think it cannot be underestimated that a settled 11 without any superstars can still be successful, as Macclesfield showed and there are always less fancied teams up in the play offs, why couldn't that be us?
Joey Jones (24) - average of 35 starts a season in National League with Woking over past 4 seasons. Alex Wynter (24) - 40 starts for Maidstone last year. Oscar Gobern (27) - only 7 league starts for Yeovil last year and never got over 20 starts anywhere in his career. Would be a worry and hopefully not any long term injury concerns, but he has looked strong in pre season. Perhaps has been clinging on to being a league footballer too long and NL may be his level? Josh Hare (23) - 26 starts for Maidstone last season.
These lads, along with Dowling may not be stellar names but at least they are likely to be available and fit to play more often than not. We have some very good players already and if we can get settled team I see no reason why we can't be in and around the play offs picture.
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Post by hantslondoner on Aug 2, 2018 18:00:58 GMT
In May I thought we'd finish bottom third - I've been encouraged by some of the new young signings, so I'll go mid-table now. Unless, however, we use the loan market well during the season, I can see a decent start stagnate into what we've seen in the last two seasons, although at least playing the AH way does seem to mean passing the ball around more, and using the wings. Limited by the number of players he can sign due to the number already on contracts, I think AH has improved the team in some areas but I feel the spine of the team is still a little light: Goal - whatever one may think about Stack (a lot has been said recently) we still have one (not young) keeper who will be injured/suspended some of the season, and one deputy who was only fir enough to be an emergency option last season. Central Defence - Wynter will make a big difference, but how often will Cresswell and Johnaon play? Central midfield - I'm not convinced Hollands and Gobern will be able to last all season (yes, there's Miley, too - maybe Jones and/or Dowling will come good) - and no Matthews. Forwards - Will one of them become a 20-goal a season man? I'd still like to see a Macca (of 5-10 years ago)-type player there to help them, too.
And, by the way, I already see the Solihull game on Sat as an important one to see which way we're going. On paper we should beat them, if we don't (and we didn't last season at home) then it won't be a good sign. Some tricky games (especially away) coming up after that.
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Post by michaelefc on Aug 2, 2018 18:12:47 GMT
There's no beating about the bush, we need to beat Solihull. I reckon they will be half way this season or thereabouts and we have to be picking up 3 points, at home against teams like this. What really crucified us last season was the home form, I know we have some stalwarts that attend most, even every away game, but most peoples view of how we are faring comes down to the home performances and last season was woeful, there really is no other word. Of course its only one game and win, lose or draw it won't define a season, but I think the boost which would be gained by victory cannot be overstated, and it really will set down a marker, and head us off to Sutton and Barnet with our heads held high or with our chins on our bootstraps. So a big game. I'm going 2-1 EFC.
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Post by ianjelly on Aug 4, 2018 9:54:28 GMT
last season was the home form, I know we have some stalwarts that attend most, even every away game, but most peoples view of how we are faring comes down to the home performances and last season was woeful, there really is no other word. Of course its only one game and win, lose or draw it won't define a season, but I think the boost which would be gained by victory cannot be overstated, and it really will set down a marker, and head us off to Sutton and Barnet with our heads held high or with our chins on our bootstraps. So a big game. I'm going 2-1 EFC. [/quote]
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Post by ianjelly on Aug 4, 2018 10:10:15 GMT
I think taking into consideration what the so called top teams have been dealing with so far.l really do think 5th or maybe higher with signings we have, remember there is still the possibility of loans to come.
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Post by swb on Aug 4, 2018 10:18:58 GMT
First half performance against Gillingham - top 5 finish
Second half performance bottom half
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