That's why I figured someone like Sean Cooke would be quite good - seems to chip in with plenty of goals/assists and could possibly be played alongside Poole with one holding midfielder in a 433 most games.
We're all assuming Poole gets back to his absolute best, which is obviously a question we haven't had properly answered yet.
I still think Hancock coming in off the left in a front three could work - it gets him closer to everything in a way the same sort of role in a 4231 wouldn't (if that makes sense).
Everyone has the right to an opinion but there is no way Poole can play midfield in this league. He is quality but hasn't got the engine.
We will have to see but I would only play the fittest and best James Poole otherwise we aren't as solid.
Poole is only a nmber 10 for me and until he gets fit then it is Hancock all day long for me. Hancock plays closer to Hulme, both those two will score more goals together than Poole and Hulme. Really hard decision but Poole needs to be match fit and remain fit.
I think will be a big season for Harrop who has all the attributes to be a box to box player but it is discipline in positioning and temperament that needs developing.
Wide players are priority as when our wingers are playing well we open teams up. I am a fan of JJ but his crossing, especially from dead ball situations is really poor. On that note we need someone else on set pieces next year.
TT had a tremendous end to the season but I still feel he is too weighty and his kicking is rubbish. I just see more quality in both Drench and Wynne
Need another no.9 but as PP said it will be hard to find anyone who would want to come and sit on the bench. Hulme will always play and rightly so it will be hard to find a player for that position.
I think James would be the first to admit that he needs to get match fit and remain fit...hardly rocket science lad and I’m sure the pre-season will go a long way to help him achieve this. He didn’t do too badly at Salford in this league so I wouldn’t right him off yet. I’ve said on here before that I’d like to see him alongside Jordan in a front three, which would work if we can’t get a decent left winger in and also allows us to accommodate Josh.
I really fail to understand your problem with Tony Thompson. In my memory he hasn’t made that many howlers over the last couple of seasons, Brackley mis-kick accepted, and to be honest, to me, his kicking isn’t a problem. I gauge you’ve been an Alty fan for a number of years so therefore witnessed Stu Coburn’s career? Although we all accept Stu was the greatest keeper we’ve had, his kicking was dreadful (except Runcorn away that day) and I recall our last seasons in the National league, his kicks weren’t making the halfway line and put us immediately under pressure when some meathead centre back headed it into our penalty area! I’ve no problem if some of Tony’s kicks end up in the popular side, the opposition don’t normally score from there!
For me we keep Thommo and Wynne and release Drench, who for the money I’ve heard he’s on, we can get another decent outfield player in.
