Current squad

[Sammy Chung was King]

We need two experienced centre backs, then either one of the younger guys at the side of an experienced player or you put both older players in and use them as back ups.
If you have pace in front of them you can get away with it. Like you say if you have centre halves with little pace, your full backs must be able to tuck in and cover that. I would like to think we are going to be higher up the pitch and not dropping too deep, unless we plan on playing counter attacking football.

Don’t think we need two more experienced CBs, one yes.

Yes sorry meant including guy we’ve already got, so one more.

[DonnyBazR0ver]

We're just about ready to rock n roll with TLT's arrival.

Any further quality additions will be a bonus really.

Bring on League One.

[Sven Vath]

We're just about ready to rock n roll with TLT's arrival.

Any further quality additions will be a bonus really.

Bring on League One.

We still need another CB

[DonnyOsmond]

I'd love a playmaker for that left midfield spot too.

[Danmckay456]

We're just about ready to rock n roll with TLT's arrival.

Any further quality additions will be a bonus really.

Bring on League One.

We still need another CB

Think both of them will be addressed this week ^^

[Danmckay456]

Then you’d imagine when Grant gets a look at the players in pre season and in the friendlies he will assess his squad and see who needs games elsewhere and if guess 2/3 loans before the season starts in positions we need extra depth and competition

[Jonathan]

I don’t think we should underestimate the impact that having a central midfielder capable of dictating the play has had in the last two seasons. Both of those were temporary spells (Craig and Crew) and we were nowhere near as convincing when they weren’t there. My own view is that it surely has to be a priority this summer. Hopefully McCann’s lack of mention is just a case of downplaying it.

[Danmckay456]

Someone might become available later in the window who he’s kept tabs on , Young Flint might force an experienced cm out elsewhere , eg Close Westbrooke

[Reg of the Rovers]

I don’t think we should underestimate the impact that having a central midfielder capable of dictating the play has had in the last two seasons. Both of those were temporary spells (Craig and Crew) and we were nowhere near as convincing when they weren’t there. My own view is that it surely has to be a priority this summer. Hopefully McCann’s lack of mention is just a case of downplaying it.

I agree Jonathan, I think midfield is our biggest weakness - Craig, and to a lesser extent Crew, filled a gap there but that would have been my first priority in the window. Grant must be thinking another loan there to fill the gap, I'm praying he isn't putting his faith in the current midfielders as they are not good enough to boss League 1 (Bailey excluded - but I expect he'll be centre half cover at least some of the time).

Pearson and TLT are great business and much needed quality in key areas. Middleton and Gotts look decent but are adding competition to areas where we're already decent. Hanlan has a lot on his shoulders as without Street last year we'd still be in League 2, so he's got to have an impact here but he looks hungry and ready to go. Next business has to be a decent baller in midfield, someone mobile and creative. We're crying out for that.

[Chris Black come back]

McCann doesn’t operate a system that requires a playmaker in central midfield. Hence Close and Westbrooke gathering dust in the cupboard.

[Alan Southstand]

Going on what Grant has already told us, there will be another CB (Premiership young lad bid accepted) and that’s imminent. The next one will be a wide player and there’s been hints on the internet who that could be.

Then there’s another CB we would have to wait a while longer for?

The only area that hasn’t been mentioned is central midfield, but I’m in agreement that we havn’t got that physical player in the middle who can start attacks off. I heard weeks ago that Leeds were up for sending Crew back to us, as they were more than pleased with his development. Whether that happens remains to be seen, but we do need to add that missing link.

[DonnyOsmond]

McCann doesn’t operate a system that requires a playmaker in central midfield. Hence Close and Westbrooke gathering dust in the cupboard.

The role Broadbent played at the end of the season? Being an option to recycle possession and playing them direct long passes forward.

[Danmckay456]

Going on what Grant has already told us, there will be another CB (Premiership young lad bid accepted) and that’s imminent. The next one will be a wide player and there’s been hints on the internet who that could be.

Then there’s another CB we would have to wait a while longer for?

The only area that hasn’t been mentioned is central midfield, but I’m in agreement that we havn’t got that physical player in the middle who can start attacks off. I heard weeks ago that Leeds were up for sending Crew back to us, as they were more than pleased with his development. Whether that happens remains to be seen, but we do need to add that missing link.

I think we might hear some news tomorrow regarding the defender or winger

[DonnyBazR0ver]

Going on what Grant has already told us, there will be another CB (Premiership young lad bid accepted) and that’s imminent. The next one will be a wide player and there’s been hints on the internet who that could be.

Then there’s another CB we would have to wait a while longer for?

The only area that hasn’t been mentioned is central midfield, but I’m in agreement that we havn’t got that physical player in the middle who can start attacks off. I heard weeks ago that Leeds were up for sending Crew back to us, as they were more than pleased with his development. Whether that happens remains to be seen, but we do need to add that missing link.

Would love to see Crew back who's a great prospect anywhere in midfield.

I think McCann might disagree with you and suggest Broadbent is a player who can start attacks off and he does possess some physicality, although in our game, moving the ball quickly is key to our success, keeping it as simple os possible.

It will be interesting to see how Gotts and Middleton adapt as GM likes to encourage players to come inside to create overloads.

I think the fog might clear somewhat once we get an idea of the likely futures of Westbrooke and Close but, you'd like to think we need another option in the centre of the park.

[Jonathan]

I reckon Spurs will let Matty Craig go this summer - just a hunch but he’s in the last year of his contract and he isn’t going to play there. Will we be interested?

[Alan Southstand]

It’s a nice thought,  Jon, as he ‘fit’ into our system when we had that great run a couple of seasons ago. His more recent history, however, somewhat dampens his progress (that he certainly made whilst with us). Barnsley rejected him and he didn’t pull many trees up at Mansfield, but he looked a class act with us, albeit at L2 level.

I wouldn’t say no to him returning but has GM got his focus elsewhere?

[Chris Black come back]

Now 25 on professional contracts:

Lawlor
Oram
Bryant

Nixon
Sterry
Williams
McGrath
Faulkner
Maxwell
Senior
Flint

Close
Westbrooke
Gotts
Broadbent
Bailey
Clifton
Straughan-Brown
Sbarra

Gibson
Hurst
Ironside
Sharp
Molyneux
Middleton

Following the latest signings, now a squad of 27 players on professional contracts:

Lawlor
Oram
Bryant

Nixon
Sterry
Williams
McGrath
Pearson
Faulkner
Maxwell
Senior
Flint

Close
Westbrooke
Gotts
Broadbent
Bailey
Clifton
Straughan-Brown
Sbarra

Gibson
Hurst
Ironside
Hanlon
Sharp
Molyneux
Middleton

That's now a squad of 28 players consisting of 27 contracted professional players and 1 player on loan:

Lo-Tutala
Lawlor
Oram
Bryant

Nixon
Sterry
Williams
McGrath
Pearson
Faulkner
Maxwell
Senior
Flint

Close
Westbrooke
Gotts
Broadbent
Bailey
Clifton
Straughan-Brown
Sbarra

Gibson
Hurst
Ironside
Hanlon
Sharp
Molyneux
Middleton

[Sammy Chung was King]

I can see Ethan Ennis coming in on a loan deal, he could be the winger.
As well as the other guy I mentioned a while ago. Both could come in. As both can play up front as well if needed as cover for our main strikers.

[DonnyBazR0ver]

Updated squad list.

Lo-Tutala
Lawlor
Oram
Bryant

Nixon
Sterry
Williams
McGrath
Grehan
Pearson
Faulkner
Maxwell
Senior
Flint

Close
Westbrooke
Gotts
Broadbent
Bailey
Clifton
Straughan-Brown
Sbarra

Gibson
Hurst
Ironside
Hanlon
Sharp
Molyneux
Ajayi
Middleton

In a good starting squad. I'm sure it will be refined as the season progresses.

[In the box]

Updated squad list.

Lo-Tutala
Lawlor
Oram
Bryant

Nixon
Sterry
Williams
McGrath
Grehan
Pearson
Faulkner
Maxwell
Senior
Flint

Close
Westbrooke
Gotts
Broadbent
Bailey
Clifton
Straughan-Brown
Sbarra

Gibson
Hurst
Ironside
Hanlon
Sharp
Molyneux
Ajayi
Middleton

In a good starting squad. I'm sure it will be refined as the season progresses.
[/quote With these new and exciting additions Is the club throwing down a gauntlet to the rest of the others their intentions to push to a higher level .

[steve@dcfd]

                               TLT
                             Lawlor
                              Oram (Loan)
                              Bryant

Sterry.         Grehan.    Pearson.   Maxwell
Nixon.          Faulkner.   McGrath.    Senior
                    Williams ( loan)

                   Bailey.          CM ??
                  Broadbent      Clifton
                  Close.?       Westbrooke ?
                   Flint.(loan).  S Brown (loan)
           
               
       Molyneux.            Gotts.          Middleton
       Ajayi.                   Sbarra.?       Gibson
                                                    Hurst ?
                             
                             Hanlon
                             Sharp
                            Ironside

Possible 8 players to move on loans out etc maybe and extra 1/2 depending what other players we bring in.
 

[Sammy Chung was King]

We do need someone who can control the game in midfield in my opinion. I know some say the way Grant’s teams play we don’t need one, but it gives us another way of playing. We need to have many ways to play. Going up a league makes every game a touch harder to win.
Oram and Bryant will probably go out on loan see Flint, S Brown and Hurst going out. I think he will retain Faulkner a bit longer to have a look at him pre season.

I have a feeling Close could have a part to play this season. Would be nice to see Joe Ironside get back to scoring a few he is still a very good player. With him and Billy we have good experience up there.

[DonnyBazR0ver]

Latest interview with McCann.

https://youtu.be/xKrj1jn8-aQ?si=6cQpNcOkjd_Q2Bzz

I just get the impression, the bar is being raised each season in terms of preparation and attention to detail.

Almost sounds like he's assembling a world Cup squad, then aiming to narrow down to the final squad. Maybe a couple more in, inc a centre back, then as the preseason games progress he'll discuss who might be going out elsewhere to get games.

Fills me with confidence, we will be more than ready for Exeter.