First Team Squad as it stands

[DonnyBazR0ver]

Lawlor, Marosi

Mason, Anderson, Butler, Andrew
Lewis, Wright, Amos

Whiteman, Kane, Crawford, Rowe, Coppinger,
Blair, Sadlier, Taylor

Marquis, Wilks, May, Smith

Well I'm quite satisfied with that although we've yet to see Sadlier, Smith and Lewis in the flesh we should have sufficient to see us through. There's also some flexibility in the squad too.

I can't see any of the above wanting to leave before the end of January possibly with the exception of Taylor who might want more game time given his stage of career and if he sees his opportunities limited here. I think there's belief in the camp that promotion is a realistic ambition. There may not be a better chance.

With a bit of business done early, McCann can perhaps relax a little whilst continuing keep tabs on potential players of known quality that might come available  now or in the next window. Maybe a windfall in the FA Cup might tip the balance in getting someone now, rather than later.

Are we good enough?

[Campsall rover]

In a word YES

[Bristol Red Rover]

...I think there's belief in the camp that promotion is a realistic ambition. There may not be a better chance.

With a bit of business done early, McCann can perhaps relax a little whilst continuing keep tabs on potential players of known quality that might come available now or in the next window. Maybe a windfall in the FA Cup might tip the balance in getting someone now, rather than later.

Are we good enough?

Yes we are, but for me it's about growth this season not just promotion and in that I think we are on a roll. If we went up this season I think we'd hold our own and be able to stay up with a few additions, and if we don't we'd be one of the favourites next season assuming nothing derails us. I don't see that "there may not be a better chance."

The FA Cup is a mixed blessing. It could bring more cash as well as a feel good factor, but equally will test us with the extra games and the "excitement drain". I'd take beating Preston and leave it at that.

At risk of being premature here, but from the YouTube clips I've seen of Boocock I'd seriously think of adding him to that list. A class act.

[RedJ]

There may not be a better chance because we may not have John Marquis to count on if we don't get promoted this time around.

That's not to say the money received for him wouldn't be able to acquire adequate replacements, but... he's a f**king good player.

[Bristol Red Rover]

Yep, Marquis would likely leave or would need to be offered an improved contract. We'd certainly not have Kane as well as other loanees but I think we are seen as an attractive nursery in that way.

I was more thinking that the younger ones would be a year more mature, a huge plus. Some of them may also leave but I think the majority would stay, and I can see another solid season in Copps at this level.

[DonnyBazR0ver]

That's the concern for me, having a fight on our hands to hold onto Marquis, Whiteman and Mason if we don't make it, as they are Championship standard. It's likely the players know this in the back of their minds with Copps hinting at it too, so they will be giving it everything this season to be successful and keep the group together.

[DonnyBazR0ver]

Appears Taylor was the one who another club enquired about. He may have turned it down but, you do wonder if the right offer came in.

[Woodhead Passer]

GM confirmed Paul Taylor mulling over a loan move to a League One club; Rovers fans not seen the best of him. No phone calls for any #drfc players. GM says Rovers have finished their business in January; won’t be anyone else coming or going.

Would like to have seen another centre half come in for a bit of cover. Personally think 3 is too little if/when we get injuries and suspensions. Nonetheless, on paper we have a strong team with replacements for every other position. Good bit of business by McCann and nice to get it all out of the way in the first few days of the window 

[DonnyBazR0ver]

Confirmed today that both Joe Wright and Niall Mason both fit and available for Sunday.

Sadlier also confirmed he's ready to go if called upon.

I think most would look at the centre half position as one that we need to be looking at however with Mason able to cover too, it's less critical at the mo.

[sedwardsdrfc]

Squads looking really good and it looks like Taylor was the player wanted by a rival Lg1 club which isn't a big worry so all really good. Concentrate on getting everyone to gel now, which will be easy when we're playing so well and all been well we should be looking up the table rather than clinging on at 6th! 

[adamtherover]

Confirmed today that both Joe Wright and Niall Mason both fit and available for Sunday.

Sadlier also confirmed he's ready to go if called upon.

I think most would look at the centre half position as one that we need to be looking at however with Mason able to cover too, it's less critical at the mo.

based on how rowe has not been able to force himself back into the team, Wright is gonna have to wait his turn,  GM is loyal to the lads winning the previous satdi,  and our good run started when Tom Anderson and lawler came Into the side... he won't change the line up till results take a nose dive...

[IDM]

I disagree, about the results sliding point.. players may pick up a knock, get suspended, or we may give a team where Wright may be a better choice than Anderson.. 

[scawsby steve]

I disagree, about the results sliding point.. players may pick up a knock, get suspended, or we may give a team where Wright may be a better choice than Anderson..

Start disrupting winning teams and a manager can soon lose the dressing room; GM's too savvy for that.

[IDM]

That’s not what I meant, I just don’t think we will wait until results turn bad before giving the other players a start..

I can see small changes - and sometimes the manager will choose players more suited to the next opposition..

[keith79]

I feel we need another player like whiteman.

[scawsby steve]

That’s not what I meant, I just don’t think we will wait until results turn bad before giving the other players a start..

I can see small changes - and sometimes the manager will choose players more suited to the next opposition..

I take your point IDM, but I've always been of the opinion that every player has to fight to get back into the team, and when coming back from injury must take his place on the bench.You can't shoehorn top players back into a winning side; injuries and suspensions will always do the job for you.

[IDM]

I can imagine Mason getting back on the team before Wright.. Blair is doing a great job but isn’t a specialist defender.

Otherwise I agree, players in form should mostly keep the shirt.

[drfchound]

I can imagine Mason getting back on the team before Wright.. Blair is doing a great job but isn’t a specialist defender.

Otherwise I agree, players in form should mostly keep the shirt.

Agreed, Mason will probably be back at Preston but Wright May have to wait for an injury or suspension to Anderson or Butler.

[DonnyBazR0ver]

Incidentally, something just occurred to me. All the outfield players who started, or finished Tuesdays game have scored a league goal this season. Can't be many seasons when that has happened. Only Mason of the regulars is yet to score I think.